Two days later, Judy went into the Horn o' Plenty, a sleazy dive with watered whiskey and scorch marks on the tables and walls where patrons had put out their cigarettes. Blinking against the haze of smoke, she pushed through the crowd, fending off wandering paws until she reached the bar.
Nick was slumped on a stool at the end, nursing a drink, and he glared when she took a seat next to him. "What are you doing here?"
"What do you think?" Judy shook her head at the armadillo bartender. "I'm not staying."
"You're here now, cutie," he snapped. "Order something or make room for the paying customers."
The bunny snapped back, "Do you have bottled water in a sealed container?"
The armadillo went off, grumbling, then returned and plunked a bottle down. "That'll be two dollars."
Judy handed over the money and waited until the bartender left, then turned to Nick. "I was worried about you."
"Don't be," he muttered. "I'm fine."
The bunny strove for a calm tone. "I don't call quitting your job 'fine.' And this place…" She looked around, her nose wrinkled with distaste. "You never come to places like this."
The fox took a deep breath, gulped down his drink, and slid off the stool. "It's none of your business what I do. I tried things your way and all I've had is trouble literally from the day I met you. I've been kidnapped, beat up, shot...now Finn's in the hospital and all you care about is me quitting some thankless job that sooner or later is going to get me killed."
"Fine!" shouted Judy. Everyone in the bar turned to look and she lowered her voice. "As it happens, I'm here on business. Duke Weaselton has disappeared. Do you know anything about that?"
"Why ask me?" Nick snarled.
"Because he's your informant," said the bunny coldly. "Duke wouldn't give me the time of day but he's always in touch with you. Have you heard from him or haven't you?"
"Nope. Don't know where he is, don't care. Anything else? I'm busy."
Judy's eyes filled with tears and she put her little velvet paw on his arm. "Nick."
He pushed her away so violently that she slammed into the bar and almost fell. Shocked, she stared at him for a moment, then turned and ran out the door. The fox resumed his seat and waved to the bartender. "Get me a double."
A big rhino took the stool Judy had vacated. "Never thought I'd see the day."
Nick looked the other animal up and down. "Do I know you?"
"Probably not." The rhino waved to the bartender. "A shot and a beer, and put his drink on my tab." He held out a hoof. "Frank Vifaru. I'm out of Sahara Square. We've all heard about Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps."
The fox looked at the hoof until the rhino dropped it. "I don't need any more cops in my life."
"Relax." Frank grinned. "Just wanted to buy you a drink, that's all." He lowered his voice. "I couldn't help hearing you just now. It's pretty bad when you can't even keep your friends safe."
"Nobody asked you," growled Nick.
"True." The rhino's voice dropped until it was a whisper. "I know about your friend Finnick. He's not the only one to get hurt by thugs the system lets run loose around the city. Maybe I can help you get some payback if you're interested."
Nick finished his drink in a single gulp and turned to face Frank. "I'm listening."