Instead of the usual rowdiness that was the bullpen, all were quiet as all the patrol officers and several detectives crowded into station's meeting room. While the room was normally reserved for command to have special meetings, it was also used in situations such as this, where the ZBI were to give a briefing.
Standing on a large step ladder at the podium was a rabbit with light grey fur and an unusual tiger stripe pattern to his fur. All in all, he was rather dashing for a bunny and several of the female officers couldn't help but sit up straight and try to show off for the agent. Standing just behind the rabbit to the left was a white-furred Jackal that stood with a solemn expression, a bit of a glare to his features upon closer inspection, his eyes slightly visible through his glasses.
Nick and Judy stood to the left of a large cork-board that held pictures of the crime scenes and photos of the victims before the crimes had happened. Nick could tell Judy was uneasy being so close to Savage and placed a gentle, reassuring paw on her back.
"Thank you all for coming." Jack spoke, his voice had a smooth tone, but still maintained a bit of grit to it. "As you all know, we have a serial killer on the loose here. After myself and my partner Agent Ceptos reviewed the case, we feel we can provide an accurate profile rundown of the killer." Jack shook his head as he glanced around the room. "We're looking for a small to medium sized predator though I'd say no bigger than a coyote. The killer is timid, probably seen as a Beta or even an Omega by those that know him. Given his fascination with Detective Hopps, he's more than likely a preydophile and may be seen around the bars for that in the area. He will most likely work a job that puts him in close to the investigation somehow. He has no clear pattern of victims, we presume him to be an opportunist, striking when it seems best. He's got quite the history of sadism based on these past cases, these deaths were not painless and discrete as other killers we've encountered before, a potential sociopathic killer rather than just a straight psychopath." Jack finished. "Any questions?"
Officer Del Gato stood up. "Yes, how do we know he's a smaller predator? I mean, he was able to get a Gazelle and an Ocelot with what seemed like little struggle."
"The element of surprise, there isn't much more that makes sense other than a weapon or a drug being exposed and the killer essentially forcing them into the van." The jackal replied. "For example," He says quickly pulling out a handgun and aiming it at the Officer before he could react, the Officer only making it to his holster before the Jackal muttered out the words, "Bang, did that surprise you Officer?" He says tilting his head. "More than likely a form of tranquilizer, civilian type weapon that can be concealed and easily accessible without much training."
Del Gato nodded and sat back down, alarmed at the sudden display. "Any other questions?" Jack asked. "Alright, Detective Hopps and Detective Wilde are the leads on this case. For her own safety Hopps is going to be in protective custody and will serve only as an advisory to this case. Agent Ceptos and myself shall be working closely with them until the case is solved. Now let's get this straight and simple, we're here to catch this bastard and at this point and if lethal force is necessary, do not pull your shots down, aim center mass or aim for the head."
As soon as the speech ended, the officers and supporting detectives filed out of the room leaving the two agents and the two detectives by the podium. Jack jumped off the step ladder and smiled at Judy.
"Judith! It's so good to see you again darling!" He said with his charming as ever smile and took her paw in his to kiss the back of it. "I was so worried when I had heard of your accident. I'm so glad it hasn't seemed to slow you down."
Judy froze when he kissed the back of her paw and she couldn't stop the cold shudder as it ran up her spine. "J-Jack, it's been a while."
"Yes it has, hope you've been well!" he says with a grin and looks to Nick. "Forgive my manners sir, you must be the famed Nick Wilde I've heard so much about in recent memory?"
Nick put on that smug smirk of his but Judy could tell he was annoyed, it takes a lot to really steam the Fox, but that kiss came pretty close from the looks of it. "The one and only."
"I hope you've been keeping Judith safe from harm Detective, she's truly an object of affection that needs to be protected."
"Heh, she doesn't need my protection Jack, he's a tough little bunny and I love her for it." Nick replied.
Jack's expression suddenly twisted from a smile to a confused glance. "Love?"
Judy let out an annoyed sigh, figuring this part would come sooner or later. "Jack, Nick and I are together." She says gripping his hand in her own.
It was like the bunny's whole demeanor did a three-sixty. His expression went from happy-go-lucky to cold and unfeeling with his eyes staring daggers at them both. The tension in the air was palpable and even the stern Jackal was getting annoyed at the lack of legitimate action.
Agent Ceptos finally spoke up and broke the anxious air with a soft growl in his tone. "Jack, I believe we had a meeting with Sergeant Catano about the case."
Jack's smile and bright expression returned, "Ah yes, of course! Thank you for the reminder Ceptos, take care you two!" He said and happily walked off with the Jackal following suit, his glasses flickering in the light as his Crimson eyes flash the two Detectives.
'Albino Jackal, but he was far too big of a species to just be that, more than likely crossbred with a Wolf, Timber is the most likely candidate' Judy deduced, tapping her chin, her prosthetic leg thumping rapidly as she lost herself in thought about the duo of agents.
Judy let out a sigh of relief. "They scare me Nick."
He shuddered. "I see what you mean now, Jack seems like a Slimy Rat and Ceptos just seems like a murderer himself."
Judy nodded. "Jack's always been like this, ever since high school he thought I was his girlfriend despite repeatedly telling him I wasn't. He made it impossible to have friends with how jealous he was."
"Don't worry Carrots, once we catch the killer he'll be gone again." He shrugs and lets out a soft sigh in a rapid unison.
"I hope so Nick," she said as she hugged him tight, "He didn't take it well last time."
"What do you mean?"
"My dad had to chase him off the farm with the shotgun a couple of times, he stalked me for a good year before I joined the academy."
He smiled gently and held her close. "Don't worry sweetheart, I won't let him do anything to you. Now come on, let's get everything you're going to want to bring home with you; Bogo said he had your protective detail ready to go."
She nodded and reluctantly pulled herself away from him to make her way to the offices.
When they arrived at their shared apartment, Bogo was there waiting for them along with McHorn and Fangmeyer as well a team of several officers in bullet proof vests whom Judy didn't recognize.
"Hopps, I know this isn't the most ideal circumstances but I hope you understand this is for your own protection." Bogo said, his voice as gruff as ever, though this time it had a hint of worry in it.
"I understand sir." She replied softly and held a soft smile when she felt Nick's reassuring paw on her shoulder.
Bogo nodded, "Officer McHorn and Lieutenant Fangmeyer will oversee your protection detail. Precinct six was also gracious enough to assign a team to assist them so our own force can focus on catching the killer. If you need anything, please give me a call." He finished and headed out, leaving Nick and Judy with the other officers.
"Alright Hopps, the plan is we'll keep two officers posted at your door and one will remain in the apartment with you at all times. We'll have two shifts in 12 hour cycles, I'll oversee the day shift and McHorn will run the night shift." Fangmeyer said and gestured to McHorn who gave a gruff snort in response. "If you need any errands ran, we'll be happy to help you but we can't allow you to leave the apartment for your own safety."
She nodded slowly and set down the box of case-files she had with her. "I understand, thank you, both of you."
The Tiger smiled and gently tousled the fur on top of her head. "Don't worry about it Hopps, we'll get this guy and you'll be back at the precinct in no time."
She let out a cute 'eep' as the tiger's paw engulfed her head but she giggled nonetheless.
"Alright, I'm going to be down in the lobby if you need anything. Officer Bucky will be stationed inside the apartment and Officers Katz and Lobo will at your door." He said as he gestured to a Stag, Lion, and Wolf respectively.
Nick turned to Judy and smiled. "You going to be okay sweetheart?" he asked gently.
"I'll be fine, you go back to work and I'll call you if I think of anything." She says with a smile.
He gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead and followed Fangmeyer out, the fox's tail wagging slightly.
Once they were in the lobby, Nick turned to Fangmeyer. "Hey Fang, you'll be vetting anyone that comes to visit, right?"
The tiger nodded. "Yeah, why?"
"I don't want Savage or Ceptos paying her any visits."
Fang laughed. "Getting jealous Wilde?"
Nick chuckled in response. "Not quite. I just got a bad feeling is all and I'd rather him or that tall fella not be alone with Judy."
The tiger's expression changed from jovial to serious. "Bad feeling how?"
"Apparently, he went to high school with Judy and caused her a bunch of problems. When we met with him this morning, Judy told him that she and I were dating and his expression became, I dunno, dangerous? I can't help but feel like he might be a suspect in this case."
Fang nodded. "Alright, I'll tell Bogo and McHorn. He's not cleared to visit."
"Thanks big guy, beers on me at McCat's after the case."
"Sounds good Wilde, see you later."
As Nick drove to the precinct, his phone rang with a frantic Clawhauser on the line. "Nick! Nick! Get to Zootopia General now! You- we think your Gazelle just staggered in and…oh God it's terrible!"
The intensity and speed in which he made a U-Turn was enough to make the cruiser lift onto two wheels before it slammed down so he could speed to the hospital, sirens screaming. The tires squealed as he parked in the emergency lane and dashed into the ER. He skidded to a halt when he saw that Wolford was already there with a queasy expression on his face.
"They are looking at her now, but they're saying there's probably nothing they can do. Wilde, I've seen some shit but this is a whole new level of fucked up." Wolford said, "I mean, see for yourself…" he said and pointed to an observation window."
Nick walked to the window and his ears folded back against his skull while his eyes went wide. He could feel his stomach churn at the sight. Her arms had been removed at the shoulders and were replaced with arms that were far shorter than they should be. It had only dawned on Nick that they belonged to the weasel victim. What was even more sickening was that she seemed to have a semblance of control over them. She was slowly opening and closing her fist but it was obvious she was in a great deal of pain in doing so.
Part of Nick wanted to turn away and retch, but he forced himself to tap on the glass to get the doctor's attention. The doctor in question was a middle-aged doe with a tired look to her eyes. She perked her ears and turned to the glass to the source of the noise. She nodded and stepped out into the hallway, extending a hoof to him.
"You must be detective Wilde, the officer in the lobby said you'd be coming." The doe said. "Well, she's not going to make it. Her body is rejecting the limbs and she is suffering from a massive infection. At this point, all we can do is make her comfortable and hopefully ease her passing."
Nick sighed and looked up at the doctor. "Can I talk to her? I need to find out what she knows."
"Go ahead, I just gave her a pretty expansive dose of painkillers and it'll be a few minutes before it kicks in. I ask that you be easy with her, she's been through hell."
He nodded and gently pushed into the room and noticed that the gazelle was looking at him intently despite the swelling over one of her eyes.
"Hello, I'm Detective Nick Wilde. What's your name?" He says quaintly, putting his hands on his lap, barely able to speak.
"S-Sarina." She wheezed.
"Sarina, I know this is hard, but I really need any information about who did this to you or the other victim." He said with a soft voice, pulling a chair up by her bed and pulling his notebook out. "Take your time, there's no need to rush."
She took a deep breath and let out a hacking cough before she spoke. "W-we never s-saw his f-face. He always…h-had a mask on and a s-suit to h-hide his body."
Nick's pen flew across the page as she spoke, "Did he ever say what he was hoping to accomplish or if he had a plan?"
She shook her head. "All h-he s-said was th-that he n-needed us f-for a project. P-Please, y-you got to save Sh-Shophan…He said she w-was most important."
It was getting obvious that she was struggling as the sedatives started to take hold on her. He desperately needed more but he couldn't bring himself to deny her at least some peace before she passed. Instead, he smiled and brushed a golden lock of her hair from her face. "Thank you, you've been a tremendous help. Get some rest, okay?"
She nodded and gave him a weak smile before she closed her eyes. He breathed a small sigh and left the room to be greeted by the doctor. "Detective. Since you seemed to know of her, does she have any family?"
"I don't know, but I was able to get her name and I'm going to run it through Missing Mammals to see if we can locate any family or next of kin. How much time does she have?"
"Hard to say. Between her body rejecting the limbs and the infection, I don't think she'll make it till the morning. Detective, whoever did this knew what he was doing. When she staggered in here, she had full control of those arms."
He nodded. "When we were examining our first victim, we had the same conclusion. I need to get back the precinct, I'm going to call ahead and get her running through the database. Here's my card also, in case she says anything else."
"Goodbye detective." The doe said and started walking down the hallway on her rounds.
Nick gave a glum nod to Wolford and headed to where he parked his squad car. As he got in, he pulled out his cell phone and placed the call to have Sarina run through the database.
It was shortly after 7PM that Nick arrived at the precinct, giving a polite wave to Clawhauser as he headed up the stairs to the Sergeant's office. She was in the midst of a phone call with someone and it didn't seem to be going well.
"Tell your agents to ease up. They're here as a provision, not to take command. I don't give a flying fuck if you're the Goddamned president of the fucking country, this is my case and your agents need to back off! Goodbye!" she shouted and slammed the phone into the receiver. "Yes Wilde?"
"Ma'am. I have an update on the case." He said with his ears folded back. He proceeded to bring her up to date on the new victim and she pinched the bridge of her muzzle.
"Wilde. This is the very definition of shit hitting the fan. The ZBI is looking for an excuse to take over this case and this might be the very one they need. This is three victims in a week."
"I know ma'am, but I have a good feeling on-" Nick started but was interrupted by the office door opening.
"Sergeant, I have an issue with…Oh Detective Wilde! Good, this makes things easier!" The smooth-pitched voice of Jack Savage spoke up. "Why is it that when I went to try visit Judith I was denied entry by an angry looking Tiger?"
Catano looked to Nick. "Because you don't have any clearance to see her." The cheetah said.
"And why is that? She is still assigned to the case that we've been called in for and yet I'm unable to meet with her to discuss said case." The bunny said, his cheery demeanor starting to fade again.
Nick was the one to speak up this time. "It's standard procedure. When an officer is in protective custody, only the Chief can authorize anyone to see her. She is still reachable by phone if you need to speak with her. If you have an issue with any of that, take it up with Bogo."
Jack smiled and it sent chills up Nick's spine. "Enjoy your little fling while you can Wilde. She'll come to her senses." He said and stormed out of the office.
"Well he's a fucking basket of sunshine." Catano said after she was certain the angry bunny was gone.
"That right there is why I think he may be our top suspect."
"Careful with an accusation like that Wilde, you'd better have some serious proof or the ZBI will chew you up and spit you back out, they have that Ceptos fella here, and something tells me he isn't all just scary looks and rumors." She squints her eyes. "Scars tell stories Wilde, he took his shirt off in the changing room after a training routine and I swear to God it looks like he fell into a knife pit and came out the other side alive."
"I'm working on it, but be careful what you say around him about Judy." Nick replied, his ears flat against his skull.
It was some time around one in the morning by the time Nick finished his paperwork and headed home. He had found Sarina's brother and made a call for some patrolman to go to him, at least having that bit of closure going for him. Once at his building, he waved to McHorn who was standing by the elevator.
"Hey big guy, anything exciting happen?" he asked.
"Nah, yer good Wilde." The rhino said gruffly.
Nick nodded and rode the elevator up to his floor. He could tell something was up the minute the doors open, the air didn't smell right. He pulled out his firearm and held it ready as he walked down the hall. He rounded the corner and found that there were no officers guarding the door. He padded over quietly and pushed it open and found a young wolf officer lying on the floor, not dead, but incapacitated without a scratch on him.
"Carrots?" he called. "Judy?" his voice frantic as he searched the apartment and to his horror not finding her but instead seeing the bedroom window wide open and the fire escape lowered. "FUCK!" He shouted and stormed back into the living room to see that Judy's prosthetics were left by the dining table. Frantic, he grabbed his radio and shouted into it. "Officer down! Officer down! 1060 Baobab Road apartment 140. Hopps is missing." He snarled and dropped it to the floor. "Savage, I'm going to fucking kill you." He growled under his breath.