Change starts with You

by Winerp

And again a very big thank you to Euphonemes, whose help was invaluable more than once when I stalled out in this chapter. Seriously, go check him and his fic Run out.


Chapter 11 - If it's stupid but it works...

This is madness… Nick's brain couldn't help but follow up that assessment with the image of a shouting wolf kicking a camel down a well, which would have been a funny movie reference were it not for what Nick was actually about to attempt.

After getting everything Gordon had given them sorted out the previous day, Nick and Judy had committed to beginning their investigation immediately. The rabbit had made use of their newly assigned patrol route to make a list of potential venues she'd have to check out, and Nick had decided on a way to make himself noticed. That choice had brought him to Tundra Town, where he now sat, alone, in his cruiser trying to pep himself up for what was going to be his first actual hustle in about three years. He was shivering slightly, but Nick wasn't sure if that was due to the cold, or because he was, in all honesty, quite scared. Judy's company would have most certainly helped in that regard, but not only did she need to stay in the dark for mammals to buy his apparent corruption, she would probably be screaming at him if she knew what he was about to do.

We could have done this the easy way, but nooo, Mister Wilde had to go for the fancy-shmancy way into MR's sights. Looking over to the house on his right, he reconsidered his options: he could start acting like a self-indulging prick around the station and on the job, and hope that would make him attractive as a recruit; he could bury himself in debt to Patrick and get pulled in "unwillingly" (and he still planned to do something like that). Those would most likely work, in the long run anyway. But with how little information they had, it was still very much a shot in the dark. Offering his services to a notorious mob boss on the other hand… now that would certainly make some waves.

Taking one last look at the Big mansion a few hundred feet ahead of his cruiser, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He wasn't worried he'd get in trouble just for showing up — heck, he wasn't even that concerned about Mr. Big suspecting something. What had him rattled, however, was the stunt he was going to pull to prove himself all over again. It would all depend on whether or not the mobster had changed his habits and security since he'd last been there, though he would probably be able to talk his way out without too much trouble should his plan fall apart.

Well, here goes nothing. Opening the central console, Nick retrieved the backup taser present in every cruiser and removed its battery and concealed the weapon within his uniform shirt, using the utility belt to keep it from moving about. They pat down civies, not police officers… And why would a cop even carry an extra taser? That's silly. While meant as non-leathal, ZPD tasers had to be able to take down any mammal, so they all had the ability to change their power output. Setting it for a higher level and using it on a smaller mammal, however, could be deadly.

Grabbing and putting on his cap, Nick got out of the car, wincing slightly as his paws made contact with the snow which covered the sidewalks and, straightening out his uniform, he made his way towards the Big's residence.

As he approached the guarded entryway, the polar bear manning the comically small booth noticed him and got out to greet him, raising a paw as big as Nick's whole head. The large predator then spoke, albeit in a heavy siberian accent, skipping the occasional pronoun and heavily enunciating each word with a broad intonation.

"State business, please."

"Good evening, Ivan! I have an appointment with Mr Big for nine o'clock?" Nick made sure to put on his friendliest smile for the guard. He'd gotten to know most of the bears working for the Big family while he did so himself, and had been on friendly terms with the majority. That being said, he knew many had begun despising him after the rug incident, and he was sure not all of them would be so welcoming of his renewed status with their boss. He was in luck with Ivan though.

"Ah, Nikolas. Is good to see you again." The bear's expression visibly softened, the predator almost looking joyful at the fox's visit. "I was very sad to see you go all those years ago. You told good jokes."

Returning the almost-smile of the bear with a grin, Nick began walking through the chain Ivan had just unlatched, giving him entry to the Big Estate. "Why thank you, Ivan." Then, taking a moment to ponder his course of action, he added. "Say, Ivan, is there anything I should look out for?"

"Eh, house is same, bears are mostly same as well. Kevin will meet you in door-step. He'll take you to boss." He answered, once again closing the entryway.

Nodding in agreement, Nick made his way up the driveway, soon arriving at the manor's front door. He went to knock, but just as his knuckles were about to make contact with the solid wooden door, it jerked opened. He would have stumbled forward, but ended up almost falling backwards at the imposing sight of another polar bear blocking the threshold.

Just as Ivan had told him, there stood Kevin, for once without any bandages from the scuffles he frequently got into. Unfortunately, it seemed this bear wasn't quite as pleased with the fox's return as Ivan was, given that the pleasantries Nick shot at the larger predator seemed to bounce off.

"Keeevin, long time no see." Despite his hopeful smile, the only thing Nick managed to get out of the polar bear was an impatient huff which blew his hot – and rancid – breath over Nick's muzzle. Mustering all of his self-control not to gag or show any signs of bother, he tried to get things going.

"So, may I come in?"

Still mute, Kevin simply pivoted on his left paw, allowing Nick entrance into the house proper, all the while keeping a steely gaze on the guest.

"I'll take that as a yes," Nick gingerly said, walking past the towering predator with as much confidence as he could muster.

Once inside the foyer, the fox slowed his pace – albeit not stopping completely – to take in his surroundings. While he may have visited the mansion during the Nighthowler investigation, the threat of icing kept him from truly admiring the place. And he had to agree with Ivan: very little had in fact changed.

His inspection of the interior decorations were, however, interrupted by Kevin's heavy paw on his shoulder. Nick turned around to face him and met the bear's other paw stretched out in front of him.

"Weapons."

Okay, here we go… Unholstering the taser in his utility belt, Nick gently placed it on the large predator's paw, followed by his pepper spray and baton. In the meantime, it appeared as though Kevin was checking the fox's belt, making sure he didn't 'forget' to relinquish anything.

"Radio."

Looking down, Nick realized he had in fact brought his hand-held radio along… even though he hadn't quite planned on it. Guess I'm getting into somepolice habits. That was certainly a curious thought.

"Yep, sorry 'bout that."

Once the walkie-talkie had joined the rest of Nick's standard issue gear on the polar bear's paw, the larger mammal gently closed it and brought it down, all without freeing the fox from his glare. Just as Nick was about to inquire as to what happened next, the bear simply nodded for him to head down the main corridor.

Seeing that Kevin wasn't going to budge until he took the lead, Nick turned on his heels and started heading deeper into the mansion, once again focusing on his surroundings.

Due to a mix of the district's culture and its environmental needs, the interior of most houses in Tundratown was exceedingly comfy, welcoming after a day in the harsh cold outside. The wooden construction both looked and felt warm, and very few people used white or blue fluorescent lights, opting instead for more homey yellows and golds. In the Big Mansion's case, those hues were cast by high-hung chandeliers in the halls and main rooms, while lighting in the corridors was assured by rows of wall-mounted sconces.

As far as decoration went, it varied quite a bit between different areas of the house. For instance, the small office where Judy had first met Mr. Big and where they'd almost been iced was rather spartan – though, then again, that particular venue was intended to instill fear in its occupants – with barely more than the heavy mahogany desk, a few chairs and some select pictures, including of course Mr. Big's grandmother's shrine. By contrast, the office Nick remembered best, where the kingpin conducted business with those who pleased him, was far more welcoming, and certainly more 'full'… though Nick couldn't really say what it would be like now. He could however take in the massive corridors – well, not so massive given the amount of bears who worked there – which were quite varied in their own right: the stretch in which the fox found himself formed a sort of spine along the ground floor of the manor, connecting its various sections, and therefore had a more general decoration to it, with a few still nature paintings and the occasional plant.

Some twenty feet into the corridor, Kevin's paw unceremoniously nudged the fox into a hallway to their right, where the paintings changed into depictions of social occasions: a full bar, a couple enjoying a quiet evening, a dance floor. Nick clearly remembered there were several leisurely sections in the mansion, meant for both family and guests alike, and it was fair to assume this would be one such area.

Eventually, a second right turn brought Nick and Kevin face to face with an otherwise unassuming door, were it not for the polar bear standing guard next to it. Ivan did mention there were some newfaces, the fox thought as the two towering guards exchanged a few hushed words.

Before he could ask if they were talking about him, however, Ivan moved to stand on the side of the door opposite from the new bear and captured Nick's gaze with a heavy stare.

"Boss is inside. Keep distance and no sudden moves, or Koslov squish you like meat for pierogi."

While the threat wasn't particularly welcoming, Nick was expecting some form of attempted intimidation, so it was easy to let his trademark grin slip into place as he made for the door.

"Pierogi sounds lovely right about now, but I'd rather not be a part of it."

Although, jokes aside, one particular detail of Kevin's threat did carry some weight: Koslov. The mention of the hulking enforcer – who also acted as Mr. Big's de facto second in command – meant he was probably with the shrew… Guess I'll have toreally convince them I mean no harm.

Entering the room, Nick quickly took a look around, making sure there would be no further surprises that might complicate his plan. He had been led to what appeared to be a living room, given the lit hearth on the far wall surrounded by a couple of long couches and the home entertainment system occupying the rightmost section of the room. Around said system sat a number of delightful looking sofas. To the left, however, Nick found his mark: on top of a round dining table was Mr. Big, playing carambole – a cousin of pool – with another shrew on a comically small playing table, while Koslov silently spectated, no doubt rooting for his employer.

As he started heading for the small group of mammals, he did notice a couple of glints on opposite corners of the room's ceiling: surveillance cameras. Guess Mr. Big moves with the times after allTheir entire exchange was probably being monitored elsewhere in the house, meaning backup could quickly be dispatched. Fortunately, Nick wasn't planning on a daring escape.

As the tod approached the table, Koslov was the first to notice him, keeping a blank expression but adopting a much less relaxed posture, more akin of the one he bore when Nick and Judy had almost been iced.

This change in demeanor didn't go unnoticed by Mr. Big, who glanced up from the game for a moment, just enough to see the fox approaching, soon returning his attention to the glimmering polymer spheres. Despite the size difference, however, Nick was pretty certain he saw a smile playing about the shrew's lips as he made his play. It might have been because of the successful ricochet he pulled off, though the russet officer was considering a more personal reason.

"Welcome, Nicholas. You caught us during our after-dinner entertainment." Then, turning to face the second shrew who was busy setting up a shot, introduced him. "I believe you've already met my son-in-law?"

The mention made the small predator turn his head towards Nick and give a small nod, which the fox reciprocated. He had, in fact, met Francis Big during his and Fru Fru's wedding, though that was about it. He had inevitably crossed paths with the lightly colored shrew when Judy and Fru Fru met, but Nick had never tried or even considered getting close to him: the less strings between him and the mob boss, the better.

"Yes, sir, I have. How is your daughter, by the way?"

During this initial exchange, Nick had stopped opposite to Koslov, with the large dining table and smaller playing table on it between him and the bear. He held a professional but, above all, respectful stance, with his shoulders held high and his paws clasped behind his back. He didn't expect a negative reception, but there was no reason to risk it over poor manners, after all. Mr. Big, on the other hand – and Francis too, for that matter – continued on playing as if he wasn't there. Sticking to the unflappable mob boss routine to a tee, it seems.

"Mmh, she is well, thankfully. Spends most of her time looking after my two grandchildren, as any good mother should." Letting out a small grunt as the white ball missed the red by a hair, he continued. "She still finds time for herself and her friends, however. In fact, she was the one who procured for you this visitation, was she not?"

After a solemn nod, Nick explained. "That is correct sir, I asked Judy for her number to try and formally arrange a meeting with you specifically, sir." Koslov did raise an eyebrow at the detail, which compelled Nick to expand on his argument. "Plus, I feared my past blunders might… hinder, my chances of speaking with you, sir."

The shrew hummed thoughtfully for a moment, though he might have been assessing the game his son-in-law had given him with the latter's last play.

"And how is my dear Judy?"

The sudden shift in topic did catch Nick off-guard, and, in his already anxious state, he couldn't help but to react with confusion, tilting his head slightly to the side.

"Sir?"

This time the kingpin did lift his gaze from the game and leveled it at Nick through bushy eyebrows, though his expression was neither sour nor sweet.

"How is my granddaughter's godmother? It has been some weeks since I have had the pleasure of her company."

Fighting to regain his composure and, at the same time, find a way to describe their work without compromising anything relevant, Nick gave himself a subtle shake before continuing.

"She's doing great, sir. Our current case has provided her with a chance to see the Nocturnal District."

"Hmmm… little good comes of those caves, even with the beaver chief heading the ZPD down there. I trust this hasn't put either of you in harm's way?"

"No, sir: it's nothing to be concerned over, though, as per ZPD procedure, I cannot divulge details of an ongoing case." Having the notorious mob boss show genuine concern over Judy's safety — let alone his own — never ceased to amaze him, though, perhaps even weirder, he was actually beginning to expect it. And while Nick surprised himself with how level-headed he was managing to be, Mr. Big's hummed laugh suddenly brought him back to the moment.

"Hm, hm, hm… I see the police have finally managed to burrow into that, red head, of yours. Very well, I'm sure if it's relevant I'll… hear, about it. One way or another."

While the elder shrew returned his attention to the game, Nick took the chance to give the younger mammal leaning on his cue. He seemed to have the same build as Big – though with smaller mammals like them, it was always harder to notice differences in height and weight, given their relative size – but his coat was much lighter in color, and he lacked the bushy eyebrows that made Mr. Big instantly recognizable. What he did recognize instantly was the scowl Francis was directing at him. Nick wasn't sure if it was his uniform or just his species – honestly, he wasn't really bothered either way – but it did convey a very open distrust of the fox. In the meantime, Big had finished his turn and was once again looking at the tod.

"So, you went through quite a bit of trouble to get this, personal, interview, Nicholas. Does the ZPD have any specific issues they needed to communicate, directly?"

Well, here goes nothing.

"No, sir: the reason for this meeting is of a personal nature. And while the ZPD may be involved sooner or later, they're not relevant to this at the moment."

Mr. Big had started to look back at the game, but Nick's description had him turning back to him with a raised eyebrow. Clearly, he wanted the fox to expand on his statement, which Nick promptly did. Though this time, he let slip the overly-serious expression he'd worn thus far, replacing it with a resigned, but nonetheless carefree one.

"Allow me to be blunt, Mr. Big. I've been on the Force for the past two years – three, if we count the Academy – and while I've certainly learned and gained a lot from it, I've also come to a rather stark realization, sir."

"And what would that be?" The shrew had fully surrendered his attention to the fox by this point, completely ignoring the game and his frowning relative.

"That a life lived strictly by the rules simply isn't the life for me."

Mr. Big lowered his gaze, becoming pensive for a moment.

"I am, sorry, to hear that, Nicky." Once he returned his gaze towards the fox, Nick could swear he saw some glimmer of sorrow in those black beady eyes. "Mmh, what exactly are your intentions with this visit?"

At this point, Nick had fully slipped into his old hustler persona, shrugging in feigned disinterest, as if the situation was truly unavoidable.

"Apart from the rug incident, I quite liked working for you, sir. So I'd like to once again offer my services to you, Mr. Big."

Taking a moment to gauge the reactions of the mammals in front of him, Nick noted how, on one hand Koslov and Francis were both shocked – though the shrew much more visibly so, not so surprisingly – while on the other Mr. Big simply frowned, looking away from the tod.

"Hmmm… Nicholas, the only reason you weren't iced after that, mistake, is because it was just that: a mistake. I was more, disappointed, than anything, to be honest. But I am conflicted about this offer of yours."

"How so, sir?"

"Mmh, there are two sides to this point, Nicky: one is the matter of family, the other is the matter of business."

Looking away from Nick, Mr. Big started slowly pacing in front of the miniature pool table.

"For the most part, I try to keep them separated, and you know this." Nick nodded. "The business, exists to support the family. But the family is not directly tied to it.

"But, should family wish to help the business, I must consider it, because I am still a businessman. And that, is the case you're presenting here, Nicholas."

Just as he was about to confirm, the shrew raised his hand, silencing the fox and indicating he wasn't finished.

"That being said, this particular proposal brings forth two potential problems."

"What would those be, sir?"

"I was disappointed, Nicky, when you brought me that skunk-butt rug, but I was also relieved, deep down."

"Relieved, sir?" While Nick had expected some form of resistance from the shrew, he couldn't have guessed exactly where it might stem from, which meant he was more than likely going to learn a bit more about Big's views on him than he'd intended.

"I know I'm one of the few people you've ever told your story, my child – your true story – and I honestly did not think you were meant to stay with us. So when I had an excuse to make you leave without too many repercussions, I was glad." The small mammal chuckled. "Mmh, in fact, I was so hostile towards you when you came back with dear Judy because I thought you were still living the same life, and I had wanted to push you away from what I saw as a dead end for you, Nicky."

Nick smiled at the thought, not because it was the believable thing to do, but because he was genuinely happy: even back then, those who truly knew him still hoped for him. And that only steeled his resolve to carry on.

"So I take issue with bringing you back into the fold on family grounds." His expression hardened again and he locked eyes with the fox. "But, in the end you came here for business, so that side of things takes precedence.

"Now, I can see the values of having a trusted mammal in the ZPD." The description caused a reaction in Nick's peripheral vision: a quick glimpse revealed Francis' dumbfounded and somewhat perplexed expression. Apparently that was an odd statement coming from a mob boss… "But, as you yourself said, Nicky, you've been in the Force for three years now, and while I'm sure their, teachings, have proved valuable, they are most certainly not what interests me."

Here we go… Nick knew what the shrew was referring to; in fact, it was the whole point of the hustle he was trying to pull. Nick hadn't lost his touch. And while the fox frowned slightly, as if he was trying to discern Big's reference, the latter turned on his heels and once again looked over the game.

"How do I know that your talents haven't, dulled, in your time on the other side of the law?"

"Well my diet hasn't become ninety percent donuts, sir."

A single chuckle escaped Big's maw as he made his play.

"I understand your point, Mr. Big. And I suppose the best answer to the question you raise would be a practical demonstration. Perhaps I could prove I can still be of use."

The shrew didn't turn, but his voice rose in pitch. Apparently he was amused with Nick's proposition.

"Mmh? And how exactly would you go about doing that, my child?"

At this point, Nick started casually pacing, taking a few steps away from the table and looking up at the ceiling.

"Most things around here don't seem to have changed much, Mr. Big. I recognized most of the bears in the house and some routines are still the same: checkpoint at the gate, checkpoint at the door, a pat-down in the hall."

Turning around, the fox started once again heading for the table, noticing how the shrew was still looking at the game in front of him, while Francis and Koslov were intently following Nick with their gaze.

"Some things have moved on with the times, though." Nick then both pointed and looked at one of the room's surveillance cameras, all the while still heading for the table. And, just as he expected, both the polar bear and the younger shrew immediately followed his gaze. And that's exactly what Nick was waiting for.

With both possible threats distracted and already standing directly behind Mr. Big, Nick quickly removed his second taser from within his shirt and moved it to the smaller mammal's side. The devices electrodes weren't directly on him, but the threat appeared clear nonetheless. And then Nick spoke.

"Of course, being able to see what's happening doesn't mean you can necessarily prevent it…"

Things happened very fast after that: the door burst open and the two polar bears standing guard came charging in, positioning themselves directly behind Nick, Koslov pulled out an actual gun and leveled it at the fox with a snarl and even Big's son-in-law held his cue aggressively. However, and in stark contrast with the rest of the room's occupants, Mr. Big remained surprisingly calm, merely turning his head to the side and eyeing the threatening taser with curiosity. And then he did something even more unexpected: he smiled.

"Mmh, a taser won't do much without its battery."

The comment made Nick chuckle, though he didn't budge – with a gun pointed at him, the last thing he wanted was to make it look like he was about to do something.

"True enough, but you only really need a battery if you actually plan on using the thing."

Nodding, Mr. Big turned to Koslov.

"Koslov, you can put it way, my friend. Nicky didn't come here to hurt me tonight."

While the two polar bears behind the fox exchanged looks, Koslov's gaze bounced between his boss and Nick while a frown formed on his muzzle, and while his gun paw slacked slightly, the weapon remained trained on the officer.

Francis, on the other hand, shared none of the massive bear's indecision, remaining in as threatening a position as he could be, with his toothpick like cue pointed at Nick.

"You can't trust him! He's already messed up before, he's a cop and he's not a part of our deal with them. We can never be sure of his intentions! How –"

The shrew's rant came to a sudden stop when Big leveled a hardened glare at him. No matter how old he got, it seemed the mobster's judgement and decisions were not to be questioned. Although the young mammal's outburst did provide Nick with a very interesting piece of information: Mr. Big did indeed have an arrangement with a group of corrupt cops. It would seem Bogo was right in his reasoning.

Then Koslov chimed in.

"Fine, but then slide taser to me. Slowly…"

Nick knew he had been pushing it as it was, so he quickly complied. Though he kept his smug smile, he carefully moved the weapon away from the old shrew, set it down on the table and pushed it towards the bear. Grabbing it, the latter reholstered his firearm and inspected the taser, confirming that it was in fact missing its battery.

"Kevin, Michael, thank you for your diligence, but you may wait outside."

While the two guards complied with Mr. Big's command, they did so slowly, taking the time to eye the fox who'd apparently just threatened their boss before excusing themselves with small bows.

The shrew then turned to his son-in-law, observing his warrior-like pose with a bemused expression.

"And while I thank you for this show of courage, my son, we're not primitives, so please put the cue down." Though before the younger mammal could oblige, Big's expression hardened and his tone of voice deepened as he added a warning. "And be careful when you speak."

While the now embarrassed shrew slumped and set his makeshift weapon down on the paying table, Mr. Big once again turned to face Nick, who up until then had just been enjoying the results of his stunt.

"Now tell me, Nicholas, how exactly all of this," The shrew gestured around him and then at the taser in Koslov's paw, "proves your worth."

Looking down, the fox grew thoughtful as he began to list the night's accomplishments, tallying them up by counting his fingers.

"Well, sir, first I managed to arrange a meeting with a crime boss who at one time threatened to have me iced, then I smuggled a weapon into said meeting, and finally I threatened said boss."

His counting complete, he once again looked at the shrew.

"And I am still alive and, well, not bathed in sweat or tears. So I'd say I can still pull a hustle."

"Mmh, perhaps… but you canids don't sweat like most of us, now do you?"

Clamping his mouth shut, Nick nodded solemnly.

"Yes, sir, that is true. You've got me there."

The shrew then began slowly shaking his head, while a low chuckle escaped his maw.

"I have to say, Nicky, I did miss these… ideas, of yours." Still looking amused, but now with his gaze locked with Nick's, he added, "But do something like this again, and getting shot will be the least of your concerns."

Nick finally cut short his smile. Big might have accepted his demonstration, but Nick was more than aware of how real his threat was. So he bowed his head in understanding and waited for the shrew's conclusion.

Mr. Big had walked back to the game table and was inspecting one of the polymer spheres. Eventually, he put it down and sighed, turning back to face the fox.

"Okay, Nicholas, I will consider your offer as the businessman that I am, but know that I do not agree with it as a family man. Mmh… and Judy would most certainly not approve of your decision."

She wouldn't have approved of me coming here either if I'd told her… Nick thought with mirth. Though he kept his face hard as he looked away from the shrew.

"I am well aware of that, sir, and I'll keep her out of this as much as possible."

Mr. Big nodded. "Thank you."

At that point, Francis was returning to stand closer to his father-in-law, so Nick took the opportunity to conclude his business with the elder shrew. He'd gotten what he wanted, and some extra information to boot. All in all, it'd been a pretty successful hustle.

"Well, Mr. Big, sir, I must thank you for your hospitality and for hearing – and considering – my proposition. And if there are no other matters you'd wish to discuss with me, then I'll take my leave."

Nodding once again, the shrew dismissed Nick, who, with a bow, turned on his heels and headed for the exit of the room.

#

Once the living room's door had closed behind the fox police officer, Francis wasted no time in voicing his misgivings over Mr. Big's decision.

"Father, you're not seriously considering involving the fox again."

The older shrew was still displeased with his son-in-law's untimely and compromising outburst, and he would make that very clear for him, but first he also wanted to hear his reasoning – as erroneous as it was shaping up to be.

Before anything else, however, he intended for his conversation to be private, so he addressed Koslov.

"Leave us, and please have the boys turn off the video for the time being."

With a curt nod, the polar bear left, and, soon after, the red flashing LEDs on the cameras went dark. Mr. Big could now have his discussion in private.

"And why not, Francis? What about Nicholas makes you so distrustful of him?" Then, just as the younger mammal was about to speak, he added, "And be very careful with the claims you make, child."

That did give the younger mammal pause, though he quickly regained his composure.

"First of all, I've never heard or seen you give second chances, father. And after the consequences of his mistakes, what makes him so deserving of one?"

"Mmh, you've never seen me give second chances because whether I do or do not is a matter between me and the mammal in question. I don't take pleasure in humiliating mammals for making mistakes, especially with how many I've committed myself…

"And as for Nicholas, you've been involved in the family's business for two years now. In that time how many negotiators have we gone through?"

Francis seemed confused by the question, looking at nothing in particular as he tried to remember.

"Um, three, I think? I could be wrong though, since they always seem to run into trouble with any deals and meetings even remotely out of their comfort zone."

Mr. Big nodded at his son in law's description. In fact, that was exactly the point he wanted to make.

"Four, actually. But you're right in your assessment of the problem."

"But how does this concern the fox?"

The derogative tone in which Nick's species was used didn't sit well with the kingpin, who frowned and practically spat out his explanation.

"The fox was our main negotiator for close to ten years, son. There was no mammal or group he couldn't reach an agreement with."

With wide eyes, the younger shrew couldn't help but repeat in whispers after Big.

"…ten years?! How…"

"So I truly hope that's not the only reason for your distrust of him."

Still a bit dumbfounded, Francis tried to collect his thoughts and present his second point. He did stutter for a moment, still reeling from his father in law's revelation.

"Uh… the, um… the other reason, is the fact he's not a part of MR. And if he's not under their umbrella, what assurances do we have he'll do as he's told?"

The mob boss actually chuckled at the question. After all, from where he stood, Nick not being a part of the group was actually a good thing.

"That would imply MR is the only thing keeping any dirty cop from crossing us, and do you truly believe that, my child? You know full well what happens to those who cross our family."

Francis had no reply to that, so he just shut his muzzle and nodded his understanding.

"In fact, it might actually be good for Nichols to be free from them. After all, that way our family becomes the only concern of his. That way, there's no one he could betray us for."

"I understand, father. And I apologize for my outburst."

Mr. Big hummed in acceptance, though he quickly recalled the other issue he'd had with said outburst.

"Good, but there's another thing you need to be careful with, child."

The younger shrew clearly wasn't expecting any more issues, given his confused look and slightly tilted head.

"What's that?"

His father in law then got very close to him, their noses almost touching, and lowered his voice down to a rough croak, speaking through gritted teeth.

"Nicholas had enough tact not to mention it, but I am sure he noticed the 'deal' you mentioned. You were careless, Francis, and this rashness now means we have to waste time making sure no consequences come of it."

#

Having received a very vigorous paw shake from Ivan at the front gate, Nick was now heading back to his cruiser, silently mulling over both what he'd accomplished and what he'd discovered with his little performance.

He'd successfully established his interest in the criminal world, so now it'd be a matter of waiting for an opportunity to present itself, all the while doing everything in his power to cement his position.

One thing he did realize, however, was that more than anything else he just wanted to let Judy know. He wanted to share how he'd been scared, excited and then thrilled with the success. He wanted to let her know he was okay and then listen to her inevitable rant about his carelessness.

And that both amused him and terrified him.

What has that rabbit done to me.


A/N

Not much to say this time around.

It is my first time trying to depict such a tense situation, so please let me know if you liked it or if there were any issues with it.

Also, I tried my best to capture Big's speech and mannerisms, but in the end y'all will be the judges of that.

Regardless I hope you enjoyed, and I'll see you next time, with some reunions and plenty of delicious food.

Cheers!