Following leads.
After parking up, near the front of the Embassy she saw a very flashy card pull some meters away, the car didn't catch her attention, what did catch it was a certain fox whom he had previously been warned of how to treat with.
With her ears up, nose twitching she observed how the vulpine parked, came out from his card and went straight inside the building, it was very suspicious. She knew he still held some power, being one of the top enforcers for the Big family, being able to get an audience with the ambassador the very next day after one of the Big front properties got involved in a crime was proof enough. Staring intensely, her gaze followed the fox as he strolled to the entrance and entered without problems.
This was a great opportunity for the bunny to put the fox into a tight situation where she could suggest a collaboration to work together. But how, what she could use as leverage, deeping in though trying to find a reason a ping sound on the car next to Nick's cars, she look at the meter knowing that she need to go put a ticket, then her gaze move to the meter where Nick´s car was park and saw he didn't feed it, an idea came but she need to be sure. So going through her laptop she checked the license plate, unfortunately all was up to date, still she couldn't let go of this opportunity, so she decided to lie to the fox.
And all worked wonderfully, a small smile plastered on her lips while the car was crossing the wall between Sahara square and Tundra town.
So - she begins breaking the silence in the car - what is your story?
Shrugging a bit with a calm tone Nick address the bunny - Well when I was young I need a job, a gentlemammal offer me to work as buss goy in his mansion, from there I became a waiter, a bartender, help in the kitchen, for short time as a chef and finally he offer me to work in his club, not much of a story fluff - this was a premade story that Nick had prepare any time someone ask about his past.
Taking his words Judy looked upon Nick with a brow raise thinking about, she knew that won't open to her specially she being a cop. The situation, even a forced one requires time, trust doesn't come easily, it comes with time and effort, so she simply sighs and continues looking at the scenery out of the window.
Nick, feeling a bit bad, decides to try to continue the chat - And yours carrots?
Judy and Nick were on route to the third most prestigious hotel in Zootopia, while Nick was driving having a bit of an uneasy face, she reflected on the success that led to that moment.
You know country bunny that wanted to be different, got inspire after save a kit from a tree and impress by a cop - smiling a bit doing a bit of remembrance of the past - my parent were so against it, they try to change my mind, wanting me to settle but I wanted to do good, want to make the world a better place even over the barriers that I had to fight.
Raising an eyebrow Nick looked at her over the corner of his eyes - What barriers?
The academy didn't make it easy, beat the trials, all designed for larger mammals, larger than me and after it was the precinct, my boss at first put me on parking duty, if it wasn't because I put so many tickets he wouldn't move me to patrol. Still everybody deserves a chance.
The statement had a solemn tone, bit sad and soft, before he looked back at the road he asked - Even a Fox?
The question hung in the air for a moment before Judy replied - Even a Fox.
Judy shares a bit more of the police information to the fox, she need it to gain more of his trust, details about the victim and what was found so far.
As they approach the hotel, silent once again takes the ambient, Nick softly grins thinking about how the bunny is.
As the car move in the Tundra Town the direction took them towards a separated and semi hide part, the building started to fade away replace by wood cover with snow, in a corridor of tall trees the hotel was situated in a lower area, there a dark building was waiting, big large door open welcome them, the design was a strange mix between ice, carve wood, stone almost looking like a old castle or a manor, all well illuminated by lights that resembles candles, furry synthetic rugs hang on the walls and place on the floor, some metal fire pits on the side of the entrance complete the visual.
Once they park they came to enter the the lobby of the hotel, two huge fire places on each side of the room welcome there, a rhino easily could fit into this, brown leathery sofas display some of the mammals already host eating typical snacks like fishes or pieces of chicken, a round front desk wait for them with a artic fox welcoming the guest while was reading a large ledger.
Nick look around checking the gazes towards them, he wasn't to worry about what other may think of him with a cop, Tundra Town was Big territory and he practically was a prince there, some avoid look at him, other look discreetly, few looks were directed at him and with a nod he dispersed them, he couldn't avoid grin a bit.
Reaching the front desk Judy found some stairs for medium mammals where she could be at the same level of the fox - Greetings I'm Judy Hopps ZPD, looking for some wolves that may be staying in the hotel - say with a candid smile demonstrating confidence and decision.
Without faltering his smiles the concierge looked at the bunny and with a soft tone answered back - Why officer? I hope you have a court order so I can divulge the information of the guest that may or may not be staying at the hotel.
Judy stop a moment and her ears drop down, her nose was moving thinking a way and Nick couldn't help chuckle a bit, he walk to the side of the stairs and hold Judy by the waist lifting her to move a side, even with her protests Nick spoke - Let me handle this cottontail it be faster - frowning and putting her paws over her hips looked at Nick frustrated as he casually moved up to talk with the fellow fox - Heya Vincent, how is the hotel going?
With a much warmer smiler Vincent address Nick - Master Nicholas it been long time you don't show here, the hotel been doing well even we not the Palm we still got a good clientele
Nodding Nick give his best smile and continue - I'm happy hear that, you see my friend and I are looking to some wolves, the name of one is Iliya Sidorov
The smile on Vincent vanish and press his lips making a line and shaking his head he rest an elbow over the desk - Why Master Nicholas don't tell me now you are working with the police, that will affect your reputation
Nick open his eyes wide and look at the bunny cop whom was stomping her feet into the ground, feeling sweating coming from his forehead he swallow a bit, with a smug grin look back at the artic fox - Me working with the cop that would never happen, lets say that for the moment we got a common interest - with a fast movement of his paw took a hundred bill note and put over the desk sliding to the fox.
Slowly the smile returned to the arctic fox, Nick slowly moves his paw to the side follow by the paw of Vincent whom took the bill: My apologies Master Nicholas wasn't my intention to insult you, let me check the book - he return to the ledger and hum a moment as he read the names - Aha here he is, the wolf and his companions are guest in the room 305, I'm sure you be able to find the room.
Nodding Nick did a small reverence - Thank you very much my friend and give my regards to the mate and kits - Nick came down from the stairs and hushed Judy to the nearest elevator.
While riding the elevator Nick lean over the lustrous wall watching the bunny cop impatient, was silly how this creature radiant of energy got so annoy and was stomping the floor with one food, he only could lightly chuckle at the image till the ding of the elevator sound and doors open.
As they walked over the corridor to the room the fox reached the shoulder of Judy and briefly stopped her, he made a gesture of silence and spoke softly: Let me try a small trick, fluff.
Wrapping his paw and knocking the door he wait for a few second to hear some sounds coming from inside the room, once some rattle was hear with a sing song tone of voice he say - Room service - the clicks of lock be undone and opening of the door to a very stunt wolf, painting a very smug grin in Nick mouth he gently pushes the wolf to a side and enters.
Calmly walks to the middle of the room ignoring the wolf standing in at the door, the room a very large suite with several room with a large living room, a wooden table where the other wolves are sitting having a nice chat, once they saw the fox enter the surprise was clear in their faces, he stood in front presenting a pleasant smile, Judy follow the fox showing a authoritative present gazing upon the mammals in the room.
He look towards who him recognize as the leader and address him with a smooth voice - Good evening , apologies for the interruption - the con smirk was in his lips and he was the master of ceremonies of that act - in case you don't remember me let me introduce myself, I'm Nicholas Wilde security boss for the club Fox Saint Haven - the wolves recognize the club name but the presence of the fox confuse them - the reason of my visit alone with this officer is because during the close time a death mammal was found. That mammal was the mink who was with you gentlemammals - the hackles of the wolves arose and a growl was forming and Nick saw that, raising a paw and grabbing something in the air with three fingers he redirect the attention of the wolves again to him - however personally I think you distinguished wolves are not involve in this - he look around checking how this tactic calm them and sit back in the chairs.
Judy was a bit taken aback how the fox managed the ambient and emotions of the mammals, she had to admit was quite impressed.
Now I can't say the same of the officer who is helpful enough here, officer - Nick Turn to look at the bunny giving space for her introduction.
Straightens her up she move to the side and in front of the fox with conviction in her stance - Officer Judy Hopps ZPD, I came here investigating the murder - she puntuate the word - of a mammal so far is believe is due to a O.D. so if you are king enough to foll…. - the fox cut her out before continue the due diligence act as officer - as I say personally I don't believe you are involved in this - Nick turn sending a worry look and gesture to just follow his lead moving his paw in small circles - officer Hopps may want to take your statements over what happen last night here instead the precinct, obviously she can't arrest Mr. Iliya due to his diplomatic immunity but could keep the rest for a couple nights in jail and I'm sure that will sour your vacation in the city.
With a imperceptible nod Judy agree with Nick and turning back he claps his paw to drag back the attention of the wolves to him, with a brilliant smile he continues - How about this gentlemammals, if you voluntary collaborate with officer Hopps next time you are in town the club will welcome with as V. and get all drinks on the house, what you say about that?
With a surprise look on the faces of the wolves they look to each other and smiles and nod between them, Nick turns around and extends a paw look at Judy - Officer if you may, please.
Judy proceeded to take the statement of the predators starting with the leader and slowly going with the other, the ambience relax more with the future promises and the cute rabbit talking to the wolves who surprisingly for some reason now speak a very passable mammalian. Ilia moves away, going to the nearby bar to serve himself something to drink, taking the chance Nick gestures to him to follow into a nearby room.
As soon the door closed a deep growl came from Nick making the wolf pause and turn with the intention to return the threat but he met with the most fiery eyes, two emerald eyes that looked intense over the wolf. He felt the danger behind those eyes making his tail recoil between his legs and he cower while a soft silk dark voice spoke - I do not care if this causes problems to the family or myself but you kill someone in my house, so better explain what really happened.
With a bit of a stutter the wolf began - Mr…Mr WIlde swore we didn't do anything to her, she tried to push some drugs to us and we just wanted to enjoy the company and alcohol nothing more.
With a deep sigh his shoulder lower and he relax a bit, passing his paw over his face the he look at the wolf - Look I'm sorry is the first time something like this happen at the club and as the head security is my duty keep the place safe - he sit on the bed and recline using his arms as support - the offer continue, next trip all is on the house, now tell me where you pick that mink?
Ilia relaxing and taking a deep breath sat on a nearby chair - She and her friend were recommended to us by the ambassador from this place name - the wolf thought for a moment - Starry heaven hmmm….
Starry Skye? - say Nick was a bit surprised, raising his ears in attention.
Yes that the place - confirm the wolf.
Face pawing himself Nick grumble under his nuzzle - Great you get clear with one problem but gain other, Skye won't be happy with this - he look at the confuse wolf - don't worry kiddo I take care of this, for now do not leave the hotel I will see you been protected till your clear.
Getting off the bed Nick walks back to the door - Will also see all expenses are taking care for now relax and enjoy the hotel.
Judy was finishing the interview with the last wolf when both mammals came out of the room, for a second she looked at the fox suspiciously and he just smiled back and dismissed her with a wave of his paw.
With the statement taken the duo gave their goodbye and exited the room of the wolves. Soon the door closed and the bunny turned to face the fox and took in her paw the tie of his suit and pulled it bringing his nose inches from hers - Listen Fox! - a bit of anger was showing in her eyes - I could have taken them like you suggested, why did you come with that idea - and why did she play it alone with him she asked herself.
With a smug grin Nick extracade himself from the hold of the strong bunny, smoothly place both his paws over hers and open one by one her fingers, he compose himself fixing his tie and raise a finger - One even if you were able to take them detain to the precinct eventually a lawyer would come and it would give you a lot of fuzz with your boss, which I imagine the buffalo wouldn't be happy - he raise a second finger - Two now you got what you need can clear them out and have some point to your favor - and he raise his third and final finger - And three, I helped you and I keep my baby with me - with that he he open his paw to the side gave a clap and walk to the door of the elevator - shall we mademoiselle.
Judy humf and walks to the elevator, presses the bottom, crosses her arm and stomp a foot to the ground while waiting, Nick couldn't hold his soft giggle as the door opens.
Nick drove back to the precinct and left Judy there, after he went back straight to the club and his private office where he sat with Finnic to chat about what would be the future events for the club.
His office, elegant yet simple, holds a comfy chair, a nice wooden desk, pc and file cabinet, while enjoying a nice cup of coffee he ponders about the day, Finnic waited for a moment before open conversation with a grunt - Well we lost a day of profit, what is the plans ?
Tomorrow night back to normal, in a few days we will hold the bachelorette party for Fru - with a heavy sight he drank the last of his coffee - I will have to go visit Sky, it seems the girl was one of hers.
Finnic raises an eyebrow and looks skeptical to Nick - You sure want to see her Red, after how things ended last time, she wasn't too pleased.
I know, I know but is my club where it happen and do it otherwise it be a insult to her - looks to the wall thinking about the past - besides I own her the courtesy to deliver the bad news - Nick takes a look to his watch for a second - her club will be open in an hour, let me call Fru and see what she want for the party. I leave you to be incharge of everything. Be ready as always, see the best products are bought for the canapes and the good alcohol is put, will pay an extra to the personal.
Finnic nods and takes his phone from his pocket and starts to make some calls while Nick calls Fru to plan for the party.
When phones were settled down all party was already done and both foxes smiled for their efficiency, Nick stood up and grabbed his coat putting on him, he sighs and holds the knob of the door - Wish me luck buddy.
Finnic gave a snort amuse - Good luck Nick, I sent the flowers to your funeral - he giggled as Nick passed a paw over his nuzzle and left the room.