Chapter 9: And So It Goes

The four gathered around a table back at the ZPD planning how they were going to catch their faceless mastermind. Judy, Nick and Robert had changed back into their police uniforms. They had small notes on what information they encountered at the factory and printed photos of Jeremy and his security group that had escaped that night. They were all over a map of the desert district.

"The meeting is going to be in the Palm Hotel, that is where the big cheese will be." Nick began the plan.

"Right, but who is the big cheese Nick?"

"Jeremy didn't say, he was looking to making someone go savage, bet he didn't expect it would end up being him."

"I'd imagine with the kind of operation they were running in the swamp district they have to be wealthy. And to be at a place as the Palm Hotel, they would perfectly blend in with the crowd there." Judy added looking at Robert and Nick.

"Well think about it guys, whom do we know is rich, famous and powerful that is residing in the Palm Hotel?" Loren looked at the three officers.

They all thought of answers to Loren's question for a moment and nobody could come up with a suspect.

"I got nothing."

"Ugh, everyone there fits the description. It'll be impossible to identify who it is."

Then Judy lifting her head up got an idea of whom one could be, "Wait, I got two suspects that just may fit the bill. Gazelle and that Goldenfol guy."

"Wouw, wouw, back up there, Gazelle? How is she tied up in this? She led those protests on behalf of protecting predators a few months back, there's no way she could be involved with this."

"I don't want to believe it either Robert, but remember she has a penthouse up in the hotel. And has quite the influence."

Robert thought a bit on what he was told, "Yeah, but it just doesn't seem she's capable of doing any kind of criminal activity especially after keeping preds and preys united during the struggle."

"Alright, alright." Nick had his paws up to stop them from arguing, "We'll get back on the Gazelle profile. Who was your next suspect?"

"Mr. Goldenfol."

"The rich guy we had seen on the TV?" Nick thought for a few seconds putting his chin between his index and thumb, "He does seem to fit in the description of being the mob type."

"He did after all buy the Palm Hotel not so long ago."

"Yes, he too could be in this. Having been investigated for tax evasion and to be able to have purchased something as expensive as the Palm Hotel should have dried up his accounts." Robert added.

"Alright that's a small narrow line of suspects. But I'm not doubting someone will be waiting for us."

"What do you mean Judy?"

"With Ben and Leonard having gotten away along with Jeremy, they'll end up spotting us. Giving time for the mastermind to escape on the spot."

"But we'll have ZPD surrounding the hotel, there's no way anyone could escape." Robert was concerned he might be lacking a detail.

"Actually they could. Up in the hotel is a helipad. If anyone was looking to escape they could take off in a helicopter." Judy gestured her hands.

"Right. And we can't have a police chopper flying around. it's bound to raise suspicions and also cause a frenzy if it becomes an air chase."

"Well, we should split up in two teams. We have to go in the hotel at different times. It'll avoid us any kind of suspicion should there be any security working for the mastermind."

"Good thinking. Judy and I will go in first as new guests checking into the hotel, we'll get a good look around of the first floor. Robert and Loren, you'll go in after a few minutes disguised as photographers."

"Why photographers?" Loren vacant as to the reason she and Robert had to be dressed as such.

"If Gazelle happens to be involved in this you two will be responsible to getting evidence that links her. While we'll go looking for Mr. Goldenfol and see what he's up to."

"We'll have back up standing by around the hotel exits. I also plan to have two officers in the lower floor where someone could attempt escaping through the sewage tunnels."

"But we should have the ZPD chopper on standby on the skyscraper near by." Robert pointed it out on the map, "In case one of the suspects tried to make a get away we'll have the ZPD on their tail in the sky."

Judy nodded in agreement, "OK, we only have one chance at this. If something goes wrong there's no telling what disastrous results, so let's be ready for anything."

The four met at Chief Bogo's office to let him know what they've came up with. Chief Bogo had his glasses on to review the map and photos of the culprits they know about, "Gazelle, are you sure?" Chief Bogo first was shocked seeing her as one of the suspects being a fan, but then hides it trying to act professional, "And you're sure they'll be there?"

Nick holds back on pointing it out, "100% sir. An old acquaintance of mine involved deeply in the group made it clear. And with their schemes at the swamp district thwarted they have no choice, but to hide in the hotel."

"And when do I send back up in?"

"If things start to get hairy, we'll call you to send the officers in and wait for it. But know a large police presence is bound to cause them to try and flee, even in the air. That is why it is best to have a ZPD chopper on this skyscraper."

Chief Bogo nodded his head as he finished reviewing the details, "Alright. But I'll give you all a thirty minute count down to bring out the suspects before I send the force in. It should be enough time for you all to take action. Sounds good?"

The four looked at each other and back at Bogo, "OK sir." Judy replied on behalf of everyone.

"Excellent. I'll get the officers prepared you all go ahead. Let me know when you're all at the Palm Hotel."

They then headed out Chief Bogo's officer to ready up.

After having gotten ready, they put on their disguises having gotten on board the train to the desert district. It was passing through the rain forest district Everyone had taken the last car, where Nick, Loren and Judy were in a booth talking; smiling at each other. Robert was finished putting on his disguise the end of the car in a small room. He wore a black suit and dark blue tie to look classy, blending in with other photographers at the hotel.

Judy had gone over to check up on him knocking the door, "Are you done changing Robert?"

Robert came out fixing his tie, "Yeah, all ready to be a parasite and take photos of Ms. Gazelle."

Judy left the door open leaving a view towards Loren and Nick at the booth down the aisle. Loren had a classy black dress on as nick had a tuxedo to look like a wealthy guest.

"She looks lovely doesn't she?" Judy looked at Loren from the room."

Robert smiled, "Aye, She does. She always knew how to blend in with the crowds."

"So, why aren't you two together?"

"What do you mean?"

"Come on, anyone can see you have feelings for her. Why do you hold back?"

Robert stood silent for a moment, "It's rather due to a complication, even you and Nick will one day face." He looked out big glass that made up the end of the car, "Back when we were in school, Loren and I were inseparable. She and I had been friends for as long as I could remember. They were different times back then, it was odd for preds and prey to hang around each other, even if it was in school. But no matter what any body said, we stuck together. Until one day we secretly became a pair. We hid it from our families knowing how'd they react. Only our closest friends knew, especially since their mind set were different from the rest. But one day we were found out. They had told us we can only be with our own kind, predators and prey could never belong to each other. We were separated, she was taken to another city and I remained in Jungnala."

Judy placed her paw to the back of his left shoulder, "I'm sorry to have heard that, I hadn't realized what people believe in, but how is it you two found each other?"

"Well A few months after starting in the force I was working on a case trying to find a dealer. I had chosen to go under cover. While investigating a suspicious group at a bar, one thing led to another and I was caught. Three goons were going to finish me off, but then Loren, having noticed me at the bar, had come to my rescue. It was thanks to her I had made a break through in the case and we've been working partners ever since. But we never could be together, knowing what she had been doing most of her life and I being an ally of Justice."

"Robert, you can't let what others think of you two keep you from her. There will always be animals who object to different animals being together, I don't know if it's because it scares them or they never known such feelings. But what matters is that there's love between them. And they can't change it no matter what they do or impose, it'll always be there and happen."

Robert turn to look at Loren whom was still talking to Nick and looks his way, "You're right, thanks Hopps."

They head out the room and join Nick and Loren at the booth, a waiter having brought them a few drinks not long after joining them.