5: Monday Morning Blues

XxX

Judy woke up shortly before her alarm went off at six am.

After her morning 'constitutional', she went to the fridge to get a bit of breakfast. 'Well crap, I never thought to get something for breakfast. I guess it'll be just juice for today.'

As Judy was drinking her juice, she opened her Muzzlebook page to see if there was anything positive left in her old world. More PMs, again getting plenty of support from siblings and more bad news about her mother. As if disowning her wasn't enough, Josh had sent word that the few things Judy had left in her old room at the burrow had been loaded up and was on its way to the station. The brothers had orders to dump it all in the trash if Judy didn't pick her stuff up before the end of the week.

Just as Judy began to tear up in despair again, her phone pinged.

Another text from Nick! 'Remembered that you didn't pick up anything for breakfast, Blueberry muffins and coco on the way Nick ;)'

'Well just, damn' thought Judy. 'Is there anything this fox doesn't pick up on?'

As Judy opened the door to her new apartment she heard Nick come in through the side door. "Come on up, the door's open" she called down.

When Nick entered the room, he noticed that Judy had been crying, again "What's the problem now?" he asked.

"I-I'm sorry Nick, it's just more shit on top of everything else. Mom has disowned me, and my brother Josh PM'd me on Muzzlebook and said that mom has had all of my stuff that I had back at the burrow sent to the station. If I don't pick it up by the end of the week they're supposed to dump it all in the trash." And with that she broke down completely.

Totally stunned, Nick wasn't sure what to say or do, so he gently took a sobbing Judy into his arms. After a few minutes, again gently stroking her ears, a plan began to form. Softly he asked "Judy, do you trust me?"

"W-what?"

"Do you trust me, it's a simple question."

After a long moment she answered "After everything that's happened…yes, yes I do."

"OK then" he replied with a smirk at the edges of his muzzle "Dry your tears, take a moment to gather yourself and get something to eat. I'm going back downstairs to organize a few things. Do you have your brothers' phone numbers?"

"Yes, I think so, why?"

"I want you to call them and tell them that I'll be there in a bit with some of the gang to pick up your stuff and bring it back here. After our Monday morning meeting, which you will attend, I'm going to organize some of the crew and go get your stuff. While some of us are gone to get your things, I want you to take some of the rest of the guys and have them help you to clean this room out. The stuff that's not needed in here can either be dumped or moved to the warehouse. Fin can help you sort out what's needed and what's not."

As Judy leaned back a bit and looked Nick in the eyes "Why are you doing this? You hardly know me and you don't owe me a thing."

"I told you before that everyone who works here is or has been broken, right? This is the most understanding support group of mammals in the city. There's nothing, and I mean nothing that any of us won't do for family. And right now, you are a member of that family, like it or not!"

"How am I ever going to repay you for all of this?" Judy asked, almost dreading the answer that she thought was sure to come.

Taking Judy's paws in his Nick replied with a soft smile "It's simple…. get yourself unbroken. You've got plenty of support from mammals who've already been down that road, all you need to do is ask…and they're all going to be just down those steps."

As Judy gathered Nick into another heartfelt hug, they each thought 'I could really get used to this' but neither said a word, not sure of what the other was thinking, and neither wanting to push the issue.

As Nick headed down the stairs to the shop, Judy called her brothers at the station. When Josh didn't pick up right away, she called Duane who amazingly picked up on the first ring.

Being uncertain who was calling, since he didn't recognize the number "Hello? Who is this, and how'd you get this number?"

"Waynie, this is your sister, Judy. Listen, I know that mom has sent my stuff to the station, Josh PM'd me on Muzzlebook a while ago. I'm sending Nick and some of his crew to pick it all up ok? Please save this number, you can give it to Josh, but please don't let mom get it…please."

Ok, no problem. Sis, you've got the entire burrow in an uproar. You already know how pissed mom is, but you don't know the half of it. Dad's more or less on your side, so mom's mad at him as well. Most of the kits are heavily on your side, with at least a dozen or more coming out of the woodwork admitting that they have preds for either boyfriends or girlfriends, Josh and I included."

"WHAT? You have got to be kidding me! I feel terrible, what have I done?" cried Judy, again in a mild state of panic.

"Judy listen, you've always been the only one strong willed enough to stand up to mom, ever since you were little. There are even nine of the kits who have admitted that they're gay. I thought mom was gonna come unglued! Don't you dare back down from this. Whatever you're doing, you damned well need to keep doing it. Mom needs to get her head out of the burrow and see what the sun looks like. Whatever Josh and I can do to help, just know that we're behind you all the way."

XxX

0755 ~ Main bay of Wilde Times Classic Muscle Cars

Nick was ready to begin the usual Monday morning meeting "All right, is everybody here….? Wait, where the hell is Snowflake? Who knows where she is?"

Jerry M'bai, aka 'Midnight' a jet-black panther, spoke up "I saw her and her new boyfriend at 'Tommie's' late Saturday night, they were both pretty much wasted when I left around one in the morning."

"Great, that buck is going to get her ass fired if sh.." and with that the shop door slammed open, announcing the arrival of one very angry Artic fox vixen.

"If I ever get my hands on that slimy little buck toothed bastard I'll rip his cotton tail off and shove it so far up his ass that…oh shit" the sentence remained unfinished as Sky suddenly noticed Judy. "Umm, have I missed something here?"

"Oh, you mean other than being late for work and showing up half drunk from the smell of it, no, I think you've pretty much got it all covered…" pointed out Nick impatiently.

As her ire quickly faded to an embarrassed frown "Umm, yea, I kinda need to talk to you about that a bit later when you can find the time…"

"Ok you guys," says Nick ignoring the vixen for the moment "everyone listen up. To start off with, as you can see we have a new member of the crew. Everybody say hey to Judy Hopps, our new mechanic and Skye's best competition as most beautiful member. Sorry Lefty, but you're out of the running now."

"Well damn" said an old desert coyote good naturedly "and here I just picked up some fancy new dresses for the next show."

As everyone laughed and threw crunched up paper cups at the coyote, Nick interrupted the ribbing. "I know we all have projects that need finishing fairly soon, but today there's a new priority. Thanks in part to my managing to screw up her life, Judy is now staying in the old office upstairs so you perverts need to know that that part of the building is off limits unless invited there by Judy personally..." As Nick glanced at Judy, she gave a sad smile and a short nod. "Like the rest of us, she has…issues that she needs to work through" continued Nick. "so, the usual hazing rules apply, no pranks for at least one or two weeks." which drew groans and more wadded up paper cups being thrown, this time at Nick. "In addition, you all know not to use the usual C-word around her, but there is one additional C-word that is to never be used under any circumstance…" Judy nodded again, and held up one finger "and that word, believe it or not, is…carrot, and any derivative thereof! I will immediately terminate any mammal on the spot who uses this particular word, no questions asked. When you speak to her it's either Judy or you may call her 'Fluff', at least until something even better or equally offensive comes along. Does everyone understand? If not, now is the time to ask questions…"

"No questions? Ok, good. Here's what's happening today. Midnight, you, Tiny and George will come with me to the Hopps Express on Savanna Boulevard, we'll need to use the van today. Lefty, you along with Sneezy and Bolo will help Judy clean up the old office. Fin, you need to tell everyone what goes to the trash and what goes to the warehouse. We'll organize the stuff in the warehouse later, just get it moved for now. Questions? As soon as I talk to Snowflake and Fin, my bunch'll head out, get moving. Everyone else, back to your regular duties."

As they entered the office, Nick started the conversation with Skye "Ok, what's got you tail in a twist?"

Dejectedly Sky began "That slimy little shit of a former boyfriend got me drunk Saturday night and slipped some kind of drug into my last drink. It made me woozy and hot as hell, but not hot enough to have sex with him. Then he got really pissed and stormed out of the bar and left me stranded. The sneaky little bastard even took off with my purse. No phone, no money, no credit cards, nothing left, so I had to walk halfway across Zootopia to get here. I tried to borrow a phone a couple of times and even tried to bum a ride but no such luck…I guess I came across as too drunk, too mean or both. Sorry Nick, I should've known better."

"Ok, since this is the first time we'll let it go. There is one thing I need to ask, and yes, it's actually important, it's not me just meddling in your personal business. What was this bunny's name? If it's who I think it is, you might want to get together with Judy sometime, because I think he's one of the reason's she's broken. You might be able to help fix her. OK?"

Warily Skye answered "His name is Johnny Whinters. I guess I figured that with a name so close to mine, what could go wrong, 'ya know?"

"It's ok, I get it. If you wouldn't mind, would you go upstairs and help with Judy? Right now, we're pretty much all she has for family. Maybe you could share some notes about this Johnny character later on sometime, she actually knows him better than you do, but, please, be…careful, ok?"

Skye looked questionably at Nick "You've got feelings for the bunny, don't you?"

Nick hesitated "Honestly, I'm not exactly sure. I haven't done any more for her than I have for any of the rest of you, but yea, I guess there might be something there. I just don't really know right now. Now, get the hell out of here and head upstairs, I know Fin wants to bend my ear for a while, and he ain't going to like what I have to tell him."

As Skye exits the office, Fin saunters in "I already know what you're going to say" says Nick "and I don't care. Yes, I know she's a bunny. Yes, she's a beautiful female. Yes, I know the stereotype. Still don't care. Did I miss anything?"

A very upset fennec fox gets to the heart of the matter "You gots the hots fer the bunny don't ya? Don't deny it, I can see it all over ya, and I don' like it a bit."

"Maybe I do, maybe I don't, I'm just not sure yet, and you're the second mammal in as many minutes to bring it up. And if I do, so what? We've both dated employees before. And in case you haven't noticed, everyone here is an inter. What's really your problem with her anyway?"

"Yea, we've both dated employees, and look what it's got us. Shitloads of trouble more times than not. I ain't sure I wanna be around if sump'n really bad comes down again."

Nick looks intently at Finnick "Name your price Fin."

"Price, what price? What the hell is you talkin' about Nick?"

"I'll buy you out, here and now, what's your price?"

"You're serious ain't ya?"

"Serious as a heart attack. The way I see it you can get with the program or get the hell out, your choice. We've got a shop full of mammals, mammals that are or were broken out there. We were broken. You never had a problem with any of the rest of them, why is Judy the exception? Why?"

Through a pregnant silence, Nick gets it "You're jealous."

"W-What? What the hell is you talkin' about? You'se crazy Nick!"

"No, no I'm not. You're afraid that Judy will replace you as my best friend or whatever. She's a threat to you, isn't she? Nothing else makes any sense. Even when I was dating Skye, she was never considered a threat because you knew damned well there was no real chemistry there since we're both foxes. Tell me I'm wrong Fin.""

"I ain't takin' this shit no more, I'm gone. Have da lawyers figure out what my half's worth…dat's my price. Good luck mammal, you'se goin ta need it."

And with that, Fin was gone.

'Shit, shit, shit, this day is so screwed, it has to get better from here on' thinks Nick.

As Nick enters the shop area, all eyes are on him "We'll talk about all of this tomorrow morning during our postponed Monday meeting. Fin's gone, period. Skye, you're now in charge of clearing out the upstairs. Trash goes to the dumpster, saved stuff goes to the warehouse, anything you're not sure about goes in a separate pile in the warehouse...any questions? NO? Then why is everybody standing around, let's get moving. If we get done at a reasonable time we'll have a jam session tonight, I get the feeling we're going to need it. NOW MOVE EVERYBODY…"

As Nick and his crew head to the station, Skye, along with the rest of the shop, heads upstairs to help Judy sort out and clean up the mess that will be her new home.

"Nick" starts Midnight "what the hell's goin' on with you and Fin? You two've been pissed at each other lots of times, but never this bad!" Tiny and George nodded in agreement.

"Look, I told you guys at the shop that we'll discuss it tomorrow, and I meant it. The main reason I want to wait is because frankly it's going to take me a while to wrap my head around all of it as well. So, let's just drop it for now and get this stuff picked up and get it back to the shop, ok?"

"So, what's up with the bunny?" asked George "I know you said you hired her as a wrench, but what's with all of the hubbub?"

Nick sighed heavily "Long story short, it started out that I hired her as a mechanic and model for the shows, but I guess she has some sort of bad history with another fox back from when she was a kit. Seems like she's mostly over it but her mom isn't and went absolutely ballistic. If she wants to share more, that's on her. I'm sure you guys remember how you felt when you started, right? Doesn't she deserve the same respect that you got?"

As the rest of the crew looked at each other and nodded in agreement, they pulled into the station. "Hang tight, I'll go in and talk to her brothers, just to be sure Judy called and told them we were coming."

"Hey Nick, we've been expecting you" says Josh as Nick enters the store. "We've got Judy's stuff over here in the storeroom. There's not a lot there, mainly photos and stuff from when she was a kit. Anyhow, thanks for picking it up, and thanks for taking Judy in and taking care of her. Just so you know, Duane and I are behind you one hundred percent. I doubt if Judy knows you guys are all inters, and I have no idea if it would matter or not. I know you take care of your mammals, but keep a close eye on Judy please. She's got a lot goin' on and we worry about her, ya know?"

Nick gave the bucks a sly smile "No problem guys, I think we've got it covered. I've got Skye looking after her, I think she'll be fine. "Hey Midnight" Nick yelled out of the front door "you guys come in and get this stuff, then we can head back to the shop. There's not as much as I figured there'd be so it'll be quick and easy. We can make a quick stop at Wally-world and pick up some beer and stuff on the way back."

When the crew got Judy's things loaded into the van Nick told the brothers "You guys know you're always welcome at the shop anytime, right? Whether it's just to stop and say hey, or if you need a job. I'm sure Judy would love to see you both every once and a while. Don't be strangers…."

While Nick and his posse were gone to get Judy's few belongings from the station, Skye was busy organizing the rest of the gang to make quick work of making Judy's new place a lot more livable. Broken furniture and old magazines (less the fur mags of course) as well as an assortment of other accumulated trash, was taken to the dumpsters. The extra water cooler was moved down to the shop floor, filing cabinets and boxes of stuff that no one was sure of went to the warehouse.

As the pile of junk was gradually being removed, Judy spied a well-worn guitar case. 'This must have been the old Epiphone Nick mentioned earlier.' she thought.

"Wow" said Skye "that's Nicks dad's old guitar and amp from when Nick was a kit. We knew it was around here somewhere but had no idea where for sure."

"He said there was an old guitar up here, but he never mentioned that it was his dads. He told me I could use it if I wanted to, but now I'm not so sure I should."

Skye looked at Judy "If Nick said you could play it, then by all means please do. Nick plays when we jam, but he plays rhythm. You must really be special to him, he's never let anyone else play it before. We have got to get some 'girl time' and have a talk."

As the 'apartment crew' got down to the last piles to be considered, they uncovered a sofa. "Oh, HELL NO" remarked a thoroughly disgusted Skye. "This thing has GOT to go. From the looks of it, it's too nasty to even put in the dumpster. And where did the TV and stuff go? There's a stand…but everything else is…gone. Those damned bunnie…ummm, sorry Judy…"

"It's ok, I understand, and I'm just as upset as you are" said Judy angrily, staring at the empty component stand "Nothing like screwing it up for someone else trying to get a job…."

Skye dials Nick "Nick, where are you guys at?"

"Just about to stop at Wally-world to get beer and snacks. I've decided that today needs to have a jam session for sure, why?"

"Just so you know, Jack and Peter took all of the video and stereo gear you had up here, the only thing they left is the stand. If you have room, pick up a TV, Blu-ray player, speakers and anything else that Judy might need. And while you're doing that, I'll call around and see if I can find a decent couch or futon. The health department would have shut you down if they'd have seen this nasty thing. I think a good fire behind the shop is probably the best way to get rid of it…"

"Just…. damn. Well, ok, give us an hour or so to get everything except the couch. If you've got everything else pretty well in hand, call Steve at Furniture World and see if he's got anything good on sale. Have him send the bill along with the couch and tell him I want it delivered today, whatever it takes. Got it?"

"Will do boss. Do you want us to go ahead and set up the chairs, mics and the rest of the stuff while we're waiting?"

"Might as well. Get everyone who's not helping you clean up the apartment to get that stuff set up. How're things looking up there?"

"Pretty good, nothing some elbow grease and some fresh paint won't cure. Since it shouldn't take too long to drag stuff out of the back room, we should have plenty of time to clean the floor and at least start on the walls before you get here. Hurry your ass up, I'm hungry..."

Skye could almost hear Nick smirk through the phone "I'm sure you are after your fun weekend. Hang tight, we'll be back soon."

While Lefty and Sneezy, (a male cougar aptly named because he seemed to be allergic to almost everything) moved the couch out to the back of the shop, Skye, Judy and Bolo (an undersized Bison bull who's past was still a bit of a mystery) started making quick work of wiping down the walls and then everyone joined in finishing the walls and sweeping and mopping the floor.

"Ok guys" said Skye "take a couple of minutes, then go help get the sound equipment out of the back room and get it set up, Nick decided that we're jammin' today. Judy and I are going to spend some girl time together.'
When the guys were down stairs and out of earshot Skye spoke up 'Listen Judy, we've got a few minutes before Nick and the guys get back here and things heat up. I have to ask, do yo have a thing for Nick? Before you answer…yes-Nick and I used to date, but it was basically over before it started, it's kind of a fox thing so I have no grief with it if you do, ok?'

"Well…I…ummm…guess so? I'm really not sure. Nick's nice and all, and he has such dreamy green eyes, but…even if I did, which I'm not even sure of, why did you guys break up and besides, what would everyone in the shop think?"

"Ok, two things…first, I have a very vague idea about bunny courting stuff unfortunately, but I do know that with foxes it's vastly different. Clarify bunny dating and marriage for me, the condensed version please."

Judy looked at the ceiling, looking for a good way to begin "Ummm, let's see, for starters, most of the bunny stereotype stuff is basically correct. Most of us get curious and adventuresome about our bodies and sex at an early age, but it actually helps us to be able to figure out who our best mate would be as we get older. Even though sex is almost regarded as just an athletic event, most bunnies stay married for life with very few divorces. Since I was never really interested in all of that early on I was, and kind of still am, a bit of an anomaly."

"Here's where the difference is with foxes" begins Skye "With a fox, love and sex are closely intertwined. We don't have sex with another mammal unless we truly love them first. Once committed, we are pretty much mated for life. There is no real 'interaction' if you will, before marriage. Nick and I knew that before we started dating. We pretty much knew that the relationship would go nowhere, but if nothing else it presented a good opportunity for publicity for the shop."

"But…. IF Nick and I would date" asked Judy "how would the rest of the shop react? In Bunnyburrow, that sort of thing is absolutely forbidden. That's pretty much what set my mom off. Even though I'm not even dating a fox, because of a fight I got into with one as a kit, mom hates them with a passion. She even disowned me just for taking this job, just because Nick owns the shop and is my boss."

"Well good holy shit" exclaimed Skye. When Judy started to tear up, Skye pulled her into a gentle hug "Honey, that's the absolutely last thing you need to worry about in this shop. Everyone in this shop, and I mean everyone, is an inter."

Judy's head jerked up and she stared aghast at Skye, eye to eye "Wait…what? Do you mean to tell me, in all seriousness, that everyone in this shop, is dating or married to someone of a different species? Really? For real?"

"Judy" says Skye laughing "by the time this little jam session gets cranked up, every mammal's mate, boyfriend or girlfriend, husband, wife or significant other, will most likely be here. And some of their kits…well you've got to see 'em to believe 'em. And just between you and me, if you think that you might be interested in dating Nick sometime, no one will bat an eye. I can tell you right now lady to lady, Nick is definitely interested in you, even though he may not know it yet. You know how slow males can be sometimes. Now, you and I have one other thing that we really need to talk about, just between us, but it can wait for now. I hear Nick and the guys coming in with the rest of your stuff, let's provide some direction so they don't screw everything up from now 'till Sunday. I'll go downstairs and send them up, and you let them know where you want stuff put for now. Make sure they get the TV and stuff set up and working before you turn 'em loose, otherwise it'll take 'em forever and a day to get anything done, ok? And that box of…fur mags…ummm…just so you know, the ones with guys on them…ehhh…those were mine" she added, slightly embarrassed.

"Well, at least that's one less thing to worry about" commented a relieved Judy. "How can I ever thank you guys for all of this?" Judy asks, tearing up again, this time from happiness.

"Just be yourself and don't take anything that anybody says or does too seriously and you'll be fine. We've all been down the same road that you're traveling to some extreme or another, we're all family here, and that's what family does."

As Skye sends the guys up with the rest of Judy's things, Judy has them put her old things in a (sort of) semi-neat pile beside the new dresser that she gotten the day before, she could deal with it all later. When the video and audio components were brought up, the gang immediately began to set it all up and tested it to be sure it all worked. The TV and audio setups were synched to Judy's laptop and phone so she could control everything from each of them without worrying where she had left the remotes.

When all of that was finally finished, the most of the crew headed downstairs to the shop floor, where instruments were being set up. Guitars and amps, drums a couple of saxes, some trumpets and even an electronic keyboard adorned the bay. Almost all of the mammals had microphones hooked up to separate amps as well. Several coolers of beer and a couple of coolers full of sodas were placed at strategic points as well as several tables full of snacks for everyone, adults and kits as well. Judy was absolutely amazed at the entire scene.

With a little help from Bolo, Judy got the guitar restrung and tuned. "Can I ask you something Bolo?" asked Judy.

"Umm, sure, I guess so."

"If you don't mind my asking, why do they call you Bolo?"

Slightly embarrassed Bolo answered "Well, when I was about 19 or 20, I was playing guitar in a blues club in Tundratown to make ends meet; I even got to sit in with blues legend B. B. King a few times. One night one of the customers got a bit too drunk and threw a beer bottle and hit me so I got down and punched him out. Someone called the cops, I ran, and they put out a BOLO on me. When I got hired on here, Nick found out about it and started calling me Bolo and it just stuck."

"Really? That's terrible!" remarked Judy, horrified.

"No, not really" said a smiling Bolo "it kind of helps remind me to control my temper, keeps me grounded so to speak. That wasn't the worst thing I've done in my life, but it was a defining moment in helping me to turn myself around, to be a better mammal."

When everything was ready and everyone was gathered around "All right everyone, listen up" announced Nick. "Since Judy is the newbie, and this is her first day on the job, as well as her first impromptu gig, such as it is" which drew laughter from everyone "she gets to play the first song…if anybody doesn't know it, just fake it or sit it out, ok?
Judy, do you have anything specific you want to try?"

Her ears turning a light shade of pink, Judy answered "I think I'd like to try a song I picked up when I went to college, just after I started playing." With a steely look in her eyes, Judy concluded "I would like to dedicate the song, if I may, to my mother. I know it's probably wrong to feel like this, and it may change in the future, but it's how I really feel right now."

Flashing a knowing smile at Nick and Skye, Judy continued "I think some of you probably know it already, it's called "This Girl is Gone" by B. B. Kingdom (sung to The Thrill Is Gone).

Much to everyone's surprise, Judy looked apprehensively at Bolo "Bolo, I would be honored if you would join me in a duet" and of course Bolo wholeheartedly agreed with a slight nod of his head, somehow having guessed what song Judy would be playing.

When Judy started the song with the opening riffs on her newly acquired guitar, the rest of the group joined in… As Judy began to sing and Bolo joined in, her heart filled with joy. THIS was the family she had always longed for….

"This Girl Is Gone"

This girl is gone
The girl is gone away
This girl is gone momma
This girl is gone away
You know you done me wrong momma
And you'll be sorry someday

This girl is gone
I's gone away from thee
This girl is gone momma
This girl is gone away from thee
Although, I'll still live on
But lonely I'll no longer be

This girl is gone
I's gone away for good
This girl is gone momma
I's gone away for good
Someday I know I'll be an open armed baby
Just like I know a good mammal should

You know I'm free, free now momma
I'm free from your hell
Oh I'm free, free, free now
I'm free from your hell
And now that it's all over
All I can do is wish you well

As the song concluded, Judy's heart was heavy, but at the same time felt much lighter. The healing had begun.

Next, Skye did a stirring rendition of "Set It all Free" by the 'Zootopia Can Sing' winner Ash.

Then Nick joined Skye at the mic and began "I'm Still Standin'" by Elton John. It wasn't meant to be a duet, but somehow the duo pulled it of marvelously.

Next up was Midnight. His version of the old Animals ballad "Paint It Black" got Judy to finally realize that everyone was doing more than just singing and playing, they were putting their pain on display, much like she did.

As the night wore on, Judy felt her heartache lessen just a bit. Sure, she still missed her mom. She could never not love her, but now was the time to put the past behind and concentrate on the future. The past was history and the future was beckoning.

After the show was over and everyone was putting stuff back into the storeroom, Lefty helped Judy carry her guitar and amp up to her little apartment.

"I noticed you didn't play or sing tonight, and I guess I'm meddling a bit, but do you mind if I ask why?"

With a bit of sad smile Lefty answered "No, it's ok, some stuff needs to be shared, no matter how much it hurts. Long story short, when I was in the military I was exposed to some really nasty chemicals. They really messed up my lungs and nervous system so I can't exert myself much without having a coughing fit that would last a good long while."

"That's terrible, isn't there something that the VA can do? Aren't they supposed to help you vets?"

With a slight shrug of his shoulders Lefty replied "Yea, well, there's a huge difference between what the VA is supposed to do and what actually gets done. If it weren't for Nick, I would have probably died a long time ago.'
'When I met Nick I was basically homeless. He found me on a park bench covered with a newspaper. I was amazed when he stopped and asked how I was. I just told him to go away and mind his own damned business. Of course he wouldn't. Instead he went and got me some food from a takeout place that was open late, a good meal and some hot coffee. When I thanked him and told him that I had no way to repay him, he simply asked if I wanted a job. No one had ever offered me a job before, especially after I got out of the military. It seems no-one wants trained killers around. I wasn't even infantry, I was a mechanic in the motor-pool. Naturally I told him I was interested, and here I am.'
'He helps vets like me, Midnight and Tiny with the cost of meds, psych sessions and rehab, a lot of it out of his own pocket. It's what he does. I know you probably feel like you're taking advantage of Nick's generosity, but trust me, you aren't, we've all been there. Judy, no-one here is going to ask you about your past. You're past is your business. If and when you want to share is up to you, no one is going to pry."

Hugging the old coyote tightly Judy replied "I-I had no idea, thanks for sharing Lefty, it's great to know."

With a parting smile Lefty adds "Nick is great at helping anyone and everyone, truth be told it seems like he's taken a special liking to you. But don't fret, no one here thinks any less of you for it. In fact, everyone I've talked to is happy for you. We're all family here, and for some of us, it's the only family we have left in the world. So welcome to the family.'
'G'nite Judy."

"Night Lefty, and thanks again."

As Judy takes a quick shower and heads for bed she realizes that Nick was right, she needed to be here. Now she was looking forward to work in the morning, knowing that it will be difficult, but is also looking ahead with great anticipation to the challenge.

A/N: BOLO ~ police jargon for Be On the Look Out.
Yea, I know, headed to bed again. Take heart everyone, there IS fluff ahead.