Author's Note: This chapter should put things into full-swing! I've got the rough sketch for the first act, done, so that means a few months' worth of chapters. Hope you like them!

"Okay, remind me to let you pick where we eat," Judy said, tearing into another waffle with predatory-like gusto.

Nick had proven very persuasive in his suggestion they grab brunch after being thrown out of Yaguara's office, and had taken the both of them to a tiny little bistro nestled at the edge of the pool surrounding the geyser. The restaurant was driven into the side of the canyon wall, held aloft by four pillars of reinforced concrete, and reachable by heavy wooden stairs. The hostess, a large bat, had seated them on the far side of the dining hall, by an open window that looked out onto the pool. The tables were repurposed boulders with large slabs of glass drilled into them, and it was here that Nick sat across from Judy with a cup of coffee and some grubs spread on toast, drumming his fingers on the glass and looking as smug as ever.

"You don't know how good you've got it, having me as a partner. I've lived here my whole life; I know every little nook and cranny like the back of my paw."

Judy puckered her lips in disbelief. "Okay Slick Nick, if you're so wise, what's with the underwater lake?"

"The city was built on a watering hole, right? Well, this is the aquifer of said watering hole."

"Fine, I'll give you that one."

Nick chuckled. "Do you always quiz your friends to make sure they're worthy of picking a place to eat?"

"I'm a farm girl. Nothing but the freshest ingredients will do," said Judy.

"Well, I don't know about fresh, but it at least tastes fine to me."

Nick noticed Judy had begun to pick at her food, drawing tiny circles in the plate with her fork. She rested her head in her other paw, seemingly lost in thought.

"You alright? I was only joking about the food. I'm sure it's fresh."

Judy reached for her phone. "This isn't right. Chief Bogo expected us to debrief Captain Yaguara about Doug, and since that obviously didn't happen, we need to at least get in touch and tell him what happened."

"He's not gonna be happy."

Judy punched in the Chief's number, putting the phone between them on the table. After a few rings, they heard a heavy sigh on the other end of the line.

"When I said it'd be an uphill battle, I didn't expect it'd be because of you two. Can you guess who I just got off the phone with?"

"Chief, I gotta tell you, we went in there with the best intentions," said Nick. "But I think she just wanted a couple of punching bags."

"I don't care what your intentions were, Wilde. You two were directly insubordinate to a Captain of the ZPD, a superior officer. Yaguara is not friendly or subtle, and I do not always agree with her methods, but she has an impeccable record and was put in command for a reason. My authority over her protected you this time, but I will not make a habit of sticking my neck out for you. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir," Judy said meekly.

"I do not want to have this conversation again. Keep that independent streak in check, or I will not hesitate to put you on parking duty until your fur turns white."

Judy and Nick stared at one another as he hung up. Nick leaned back in his seat and whistled. "That could have gone better, too. And here I thought I had made a good first impression."

"He's just a little upset right now," Judy insisted, albeit with little certainty in her voice. "I'm sure he doesn't think the same of you as Yaguara does."

"Still, better to lay low for a while. You don't have to be an ex-con to know that if the Chief of police is miffed, staying off his radar can only help."

"But Bogo didn't give us another assignment," said Judy. "We can't just wander around all day."

Nick scratched the fur under his neck. "Let's just head back up. We'll give him a little time to cool off, patrol for a few hours, and you can ask for another assignment."

"Me?"

"I have a feeling Captain Spots had a few choicer words for me than she did for you."

They paid for their meal and left, descending the stairs. Judy stopped halfway down, leaning against the railing and watching the geyser burst.

"If Yaguara weren't the Captain, I wouldn't mind being posted down here for a little," she said. "I like it. Feels like a whole other world down here. And Ed seems nice."

"I actually completely forgot about the hyena," he said, smirking. "That's a useful trick, what with a boss like…"

Nick trailed off, leaning over the railing and squinting his eyes. Judy followed his eyes, to a small little alcove on the other side of the pool. There were a few decrepit buildings huddled together, with dirty windows and walls covered in moss and algae.

"What is it?" Judy asked. "Did you see something?"

"Maybe it's just my eyes playing tricks on me…"

"But?"

"But, I could have sworn I saw wool."

Judy folded her arms. "Nick, there are sheep everywhere."

"I know that, but why over there? It looks abandoned."

"Maybe they're just kids throwing rocks through old windows."

Nick didn't seem convinced. "Maybe. I say we check it out."

"Right after you just said to lay low for a while? We should just tell the precinct and let them handle it."

"Yaguara will think we're interfering no matter what we do. But you remember when you told me how you chased after Weaselton? If you hadn't, who knows how differently things would have ended up?"

"Where are you going with this?" Judy asked.

"You've got good instincts, Carrots. And I know what I said, but I'm asking you what you think we should do. If you want to leave, I'm right behind you, but if I know you as well as I think, which I do, you're just as curious as I am."

Judy stood there with her hands on her hips, nose twitching in thought. Finally, she started back down the stairs. "Let's find a way over there."

An otter, who took mammals around the pool on a little boat while he rattled off the history of the district, offered to take them across, the motor purring quietly as they crossed the black water.

"I'm not paddling into some firefight, am I?" the otter joked, a hint of anxiety in his voice.

Judy kept her eyes on the shadowed buildings. "Just to be safe, don't wait for us. We can follow the shoreline back, sir."

The otter shut off the motor as they drew close, paddling the rest of the way with two strong wooden oars. They gently nudged the shore, a bed of rough pebbles and stone, and without a word the otter began to paddle back out, wishing Judy and Nick luck with a silent wave.

Judy's ears flicked back and forth like radar in the dark, eyes scanning every dark corner and muffled shadow. Nick followed behind her, sniffing the air.

"I definitely smell sheep," he whispered.

"How do you know what all sheep smell like?" Judy shot back.

"I used to have a place in the Meadowlands. I know the stench of sweaty wool when I catch a whiff of it."

Judy shivered. "Gross."

They heard voices, and leapt behind a stack of wooden pallets. Judy began recording on her phone as three young sheep wandered up to one of the abandoned buildings. One of them strode towards the boarded-up door and timidly kicked it with his foot.

"I mean, it looks alright," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "Definitely ain't the Hairiot, but it'll do."

"I'm not so sure," another said, framing what was in front of him with his hooves. "You can see it from town. I thought it was supposed to be secluded."

"It's called hiding in plain sight, numbskull," the first one said. 'Outta all the caves down here, the last place they'll think to look is the most obvious one. I tell you this place'll be fine."

"What are they talking about?" Nick murmured. Judy put a finger to her lips and kept recording as the first sheep pulled out his phone.

"Hey, I think we found a pretty good spot, on the far side of the geyser. Yeah, the run-down places. Well we think it's pretty good. They won't think to look here. Yeah? So we're good? Okay. Yeah, I'll let the others know."

He hung up. "He's on board. We found our boys their clubhouse."

Judy's jaw dropped. "Clubhouse?" she whispered.

"Maybe that's a code word?" said Nick.

"I'll let Scoutmaster Sheering know. The troop's gonna be real excited."

Nick covered his eyes. "That's a no. Can we chalk this one up to 'everybody makes mistakes'?"

Judy began to back out from behind the stack of pallets, tip-toeing around the corner. "Let's get out of here before we have to explain why we're stalking a bunch of Ranger Scouts."

Neither had said much on their way back to Savanna Central, Bogo's scolding still fresh on their minds. Judy was tempted to aimlessly drive around, to 'patrol' for the rest of the day, but she knew it'd be better for them in the long term if they went back to Bogo and apologized, regardless of how they personally felt.

Before they stepped inside, Judy spied an Elk climbing the stairs, carrying a briefcase and dressed in a tailored suit. She held the door for him, smiling brightly.

"Afternoon sir, allow me."

The elk nodded curtly, with a small smile. "Thank you."

He strode through the atrium with great confidence, speaking with Clawhauser in hushed tones. The usually jovial cheetah seemed nervous, and quickly directed the elk upstairs, and Judy watched him make a beeline towards Bogo's office.

"Hey Clawhauser, what's with Deer-on-a-mission?" Nick asked. "Bogo in trouble?"

"I can't, or at least, I really shouldn't talk about it," said Clawhauser.

Nick wagged his finger. "Oh come on, don't hold out on us. We won't tell a soul."

Clawhauser looked to the left and to the right, before squatting at his desk and meeting Nick's eye level. He cupped his paws to his mouth, whispering. "He's from internal affairs. The Commissioners Council wants a full investigation into the precinct."

Judy looked at Bogo's door, worried. "An investigation? What for?"

"It's just standard procedure. Bellwether had multiple officers working for her, so internal affairs has to make sure no one else is dirty. We're all on the chopping block for a few weeks, maybe even a couple months."

A look of realization washed across Nick's face. "I'll bet you that's what's got Buffalo Butt all frazzled. That's why he's had all that extra work, why he wanted us to keep our noses clean."

"I hope he's doing okay," said Judy. "That's gotta be rough."

Clawhauser waved her off. "Chief'll be fine. He may be a sweetheart on the inside, but he's a big bad bull on the outside. He knows how to handle himself. Do you two need to see him?"

"Sort of."

"That sounds like a story, but I think I've had enough gossip for one day. Just wait outside his office."

Nick and Judy could hear Bogo speaking with the internal affairs officer through the door, though it was muffled and impossible to understand. Bogo's usually powerful baritone had given way to a surprising amount of sternness from the elk, who repeatedly interrupted the Chief throughout their conversation. After several minutes they both stepped outside, with Bogo looking somewhat defeated, and thoroughly annoyed.

The elk straightened his tie, and picked up his suitcase. "I'll set up in one of the spare conference rooms, and I'll have a schedule drafted to meet with the officers and support staff whenever they aren't on duty. For both ours sake, I hope I don't find anything."

Bogo nodded. "Of course. Clawhauser will help."

He looked at Nick and Judy. "Step inside, you two."

"If it's any consolation, sir, I'm sorry you have to deal with this right now," Judy said, shutting the door.

"How do you know what this is about? Wait...nevermind. The less I know the better. Sit, both of you."

Bogo sighed and rubbed his eyes. "You two are proving to be just as much of a liability as you are an asset to this precinct. You're lucky Yaguara's team isn't being investigated."

"She's a piece of work alright," said Nick. "Almost makes me wish I wasn't on the force. Permission to speak freely, so to speak."

To their surprise, Bogo smiled. "I've felt that way myself many times over the years. I'm assuming she berated your inability to capture Doug?"

"Yes! Did she tell you that herself?" Judy asked.

"Yaguara has always favored arrests. She believes them to be the most concrete way of improving the lives of citizens, a quantifiable measure of our effectiveness, and if she doesn't get her way, she can be...well, she doesn't take it very well. Never mind the fact that neither of you were officers at the time, without the authority to make any arrests in the first place. For what it's worth, I believe you made the right choice. I had hoped she was willing to cooperate when I sent you two down there, but apparently I was wrong."

His expression hardened. "Still, you two have got to be careful. I cannot and will not protect you if you intend to antagonize the other officers, nevermind a captain."

"Yes sir," said Judy. "I'm sorry we let it get out of hand."

"Me too," Nick agreed. "It won't happen again."

"I wonder about that. Because I have a proposition for you two."

Nick and Judy shared a nervous look. "Sir?"

"I told you yesterday that you two were in a unique position within the ZPD, and after a great deal of thought, I'm considering you both for position that reflect as much: detectives."

Nick's eyebrows shot up. "Detective? Like a Private Investigator?"

"No, Wilde. You will still serve my precinct under my supervision, and you are still by all definitions officers. But you both have recognizable talents that are well-suited to the kind of police work being a detective entails. Intuition, resourcefulness, traits that can't necessarily be taught. You work uncovering the missing mammals cases are a testament to those traits."

"But sir," Judy began, "I haven't been on the force for even a year yet; it's only Nick's second day. Are we qualified for this?"

"In the end, I decide who's qualified or not. The selection process takes several months, and by then you'll meet ZPD minimum standards. Even then, should you be selected, several months further are nothing more than a probationary period. Normally, detectives aren't subject to the same training normal officers must undergo, but because the both of you have already graduated from the academy, you're head and shoulders above any other candidate I might consider. That paperwork you saw on my desk? Some of it were the other applications, from civilians."

"Obviously, you'll need additional training," Bogo continued. "Interrogation techniques, forensic and records investigation, special courses and written exams, and they will take you off the streets for however long they take. But should you be selected, accept the nomination, and pass all required tests, you will have a greater level of autonomy and resources within the ZPD, free to follow cases to any of the precincts should they take you there."

Judy slouched against her seat, overwhelmed. "This is...it's a lot to take in, sir. I don't want to sound ungrateful, but I might need some time to think about it."

"I understand, Hopps. It's a big decision. But you and Wilde can continue to work together, in an environment I hope will play to your strengths. You will have more direct contact with civilians, and receive the appropriate financial compensation."

Bogo leaned forward, smirking. "And, between the three of us, it will make Yaguara furious. I want a decision by tomorrow, so you two will be taking the rest of the day off to think about it. Go home, get some rest, and keep out of trouble."

He stood from his desk, and walked Judy and Nick out. Nick rubbed his paws together, unusually excited.

"Who would have thought we were being considered for a promotion? I expected Bogo just wanted to yell at us too."

"Yeah," Judy murmured, her ears fallen. "I'm kind of glad we have the day off."

"You okay Carrots?" Nick asked. "I figured you'd be over the moon."

Judy walked to the railing, looking down at the atrium, flushed with the sunlight of high noon. "It's...almost too much to believe. By all definitions I'm still a rookie, and I never expected to move up this fast. It's surreal."

"So the Chief recognizes talent, that's a good thing," Nick insisted. He moved to her side, touching her shoulder. "Do you remember what you asked me, the night before I left for the academy?"

"I asked why you wanted to be a police officer. It was a 180 from what you've done up until then."

Nick nodded. "And I told you I wanted to be part of a pack. Brave, loyal, helpful, and trustworthy, just like the Junior Ranger Scouts. And that's still true, but it's not what convinced me to take that step."

Judy turned to face him. "Then what was?"

Nick almost seemed embarrassed, sheepishly looking down. "I just wanted to stay with you."

"W-with me?"

"Carrots, You showed every mammal in this city what one rabbit can do, with every odd stacked against you, myself included. You're going to turn this city on it's head, and I want to be in the passenger's seat the whole way."

Judy blushed. "Don't sell yourself short, Nick. You're just as capable as I am."

Nick shrugged. "Maybe. I'm not one for the spotlight, but I can't see myself doing this with anyone else, so where you go, I go. If you want my advice, and you do, I think you should say yes. Bogo's no gift horse, but I wouldn't look in his mouth much longer."

To his surprise, Judy leapt up and hugged him, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face in his shoulder.

"Nick, I'm really glad you hustled me that day."

The fox laughed softly. "That's a first. But I'm glad I did, too."

He began to sway back and forth on his feet. "So...have any idea what we should do on our day off?"

"Actually, would it be alright if we ran by Mr. Howlett's? I think he'd appreciate us stopping by."

"I'll get our coats."

Howlett waved to them from his front door, rubbing his arms in the cold. He left the door open for them, and was putting on a sweater when they stepped inside.

"Some days it feels just like you can't get warm," he said, sitting in his easy chair. "It's good to see you two again. I wanted to thank you. I've noticed the extra patrols come by my home and store, and it seems to be working. I know it's only been a couple of days, but I haven't had any trouble since. Maybe in a few more days this place will start to feel like home again."

"That's very good to hear, Mr. Howlett," said Judy. "We just wanted to come by and check on things. Is there anything new you can tell us?"

"Not yet. Have you looked at the traffic footage yet?"

Nick shook his head. "Not yet. It takes a couple of days to get the clearance, or at least it does now. We used to have a friend in city hall, but…"

Judy elbowed him in the side. "But, we'll be on it as soon as it becomes available. How's your family?"

"They've got hope. I asked they wait a little longer, just to be safe."

"I'm sure they won't have to wait too much longer to see you again."

Boris stroked his whiskers. "Maybe."

"Sir?"

The wolverine leaned forward in his seat, resting his arms on his knees. "I can't sit idly by and let the ZPD fight my battles. There's more I can do, more all us civilians can do. As I understand it, your precinct is helping to form neighborhood watches and outreach programs. I want to start our own here in Tundratown, and in every other district."

"Without some measure of accountability, too many mammals are content to let these crimes happen so long as their own life is unobstructed," he continued. "I want to make sure that if they choose to do nothing, everyone in the district will know of their apathy. Call it public shaming if you want, but they won't address it unless confronted directly."

Judy wrung her paws together. "Sir, is that really the best idea, for you I mean? We have reason to believe your family is being specifically targeted, taking such an active role in the public's eye could put you and your family at risk."

"I'm aware, Officer Hopps. But this is bigger than you or I. I've spoken with my wife and children about this, and they want to help. It's our responsibility to help the city just as much as it is yours."

"Then please, don't ever hesitate to call either of us if you need help."

Boris seemed to consider the idea, shifting his jaw back and forth. "Actually, there is a way you could help. As you might recall, I know why the ZPD sent you two specifically to handle this case. And in a few weeks, if the two of you were to speak at our first meeting, it would send a strong message to all predators and prey that they don't have to be afraid of one another."

Nick, who had slouched against the wall, folded his arms. "I've never been much of a public speaker, but if Officer Hopps is willing to take the lead, I'm in."

"Of course, Mr. Howlett," said Judy. "Whenever you need us, and so long as we're off duty, we'll be more than glad to speak. As private, concerned citizens, the same as everyone else."

Boris smiled. "I'm glad we see eye-to-eye. Would either of you like something to drink, or eat? I've been having leftovers for a while now, but I could scrounge up something…"

Judy waved the gesture off. "Please, don't go to any trouble on our account. Officer Wilde and I have actually been given the day off today. We just wanted to stop by and check in on you."

"Then you have my thanks. My door is always open to the both of you."

They said a brief goodbye and left. The sky was clear and bursting in deep shades of cerulean, dazzling the snow and ice.

"He's such a nice mammal. It makes what's happening to him so much worse," said Judy. "If they took the time to get to know him…"

"That's always been the problem, hasn't it. They don't want to."

Judy turned to her partner. "Are you sure you want to speak, when the time comes? I can do all the talking if you want."

"I'll hold you to that, but I might have a word or two. We'll see."

Judy kicked some snow around, holding her paws behind her back. "Nick...have you ever had to deal with something like this? The vandalism, or mammals shouting at you on the streets?"

"Carrots, someone was shouting at me when we first met. But they don't get to me."

"Makes me sick to my stomach, knowing you get treated like that," said Judy. "Promise Nick, that if it ever does get to you, you'll call me. I'll be there as fast as I can."

Nick smiled. "I know you will. Don't hold your breath though; I'm unflappable."

"Oh please," Judy said with a snort. "You looked ready to swallow your tongue when I roped you in with those tax forms."

"You must be remembering it wrong. How'd you even get those, by the way? You said you weren't in the system yet."

Judy batted her eyelashes as they hopped into the squad car. "Oh, there was just the most helpful rabbit at the tax office who was willing to help me. All I had to do was flash my badge and tell him his haircut looked cute, and he was nearly falling over on his way to the records."

Nick raised an eyebrow, laughing. "Flirting to get what you want? Doesn't seem your style. They teach you that on the carrot farm?"

"It has its uses. I got our farm the best real estate at the Carrot Days Festival for 5 years in a row before I left for the academy, and all I had to do was laugh at a few bad jokes."

She rounded the corner, pulling up to a red light. "Most guys got wise to it eventually. When you're single most of the time, they start to think there's a reason for that."

"You mean you didn't have bunnies lining out the door, asking for your hand?" Nick teased.

"There were a few dates here and there, but they always ended up trying to talk me out of becoming a cop. They told me the ZPD was no place for a bunny. Maybe they meant well, but they always acted like they knew better than I did. I kind of got fed up with trying to date after a few years, and I guess they did too."

She smiled softly. "What about you, Casanova? Any vixens out there looking for a bad boy popsicle hustler?"

"You jest, but my wily charms ensnared the hearts of many. I'd tell you the stories if we had years to spare."

"You are so full of it."

"Full of love, yes."

Judy rolled her eyes, looking at him through the mirror. "You're more in love with yourself. I bet you've got a mirror at home where you can stare dreamily at yourself for hours on end."

"Says the cute little bunny who's staring dreamily at me right now," Nick said, grinning. "In a mirror, no less."

Judy quickly turned her attention back to the road, blushing. "Watch it with the 'cute', Wilde."

"Do you ask that all honest compliments be taken back?"

Nick froze as his partner slowly turned to face him. "Wait...so you really think I'm cute?"

Nick pursed his lips and turned to stare out the window. He drummed his fingers on the dash, his tail flicking nervously behind him. "Only messing with you Carrots."

Judy laughed. "I wish I'd had my pen ready. Messing with me, sure."

"I'm not going to live this down any time soon, am I?"

"Maybe. How does 48 hours sound?"

Author's Note: Hinting at what's to come? Nick, you sly fox you. Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter!