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Record 20 - SAVANNA club

- So… you're telling me that you have been monitoring the entrance of that nightclub and that you have some captures of traffic cameras showing Lupus leaving that nightclub? - The buffalo looked carefully at the printed images that his officers had brought him.

- I think it's obvious that this is one of his "hunting" spots, so the best thing to do is to go there.

- I understand your idea Hopps, but a raid on a center like that?

- No chief, I wasn't thinking of going in on a raid, that would complicate everything... - She said with determination.

- Wouldn't it? - Her partner responded confused, as much as the chief in front of them.

- No, as I say, it would be complicated and we would put many at unnecessary risk... I was thinking more of an undercover mission.

- You're crazy Judy! I won't let you be bait! It's too dangerous! I remind you that you were recently the victim of a kidnapping. - The fox didn't even let her continue.

- I know it Nick, I understand the risks, but this is our chance... we must be close to our criminal.

- But not by being cannon fodder! You can't do something this stupid and risky, tell her Bogo! - The fox turned around desperately looking for support from Bogo, and just as he was about to speak, the doe interrupted in a firm voice.

- There are at least 200 females trapped Nick, we can't afford to think about individual safety, they don't know everything we know... It's a golden opportunity! Tell him chief!

- It's a golden opportunity to get yourself killed, you stupid doe! - Once again, the buffalo swallowed his comment, being interrupted by the fox's outburst of concern for his partner. - Why the hell do you insist on killing yourself!

- It's not suicide! It's doing our job. When I enlisted, I knew what could happen, and I accepted that risk, Nick, and if it's in my hands to help those poor girls, I'll do it even if it costs me my life.

- You say that out of selfishness... YOU'RE ONLY THINKING OF YOURSELF YOU SELFISH BUNNY!

- I DO IT THINKING ABOUT THE GIRLS, STUPID FOX!

- ENOUGH! THAT'S ENOUGH! - The chief's paw prints made them look straight ahead again. - I warn you, you have to behave at the height of the situation, you are not rookies, well, Wilde is not even a year here yet... you are trained officers, and you are supposed to, with discipline, Hopps, you have a whole group to support you in all of this...

- I know it, Chief, and they will all be involved eventually... but as a mission leader... I have to be the first one to test the waters.

- Let's do this… Since we have a probable cause on our side, we'll start with a small, discreet covert... Go tonight, and blend in with the others. Talk to Wilde's contact, and let tonight be just a night of information gathering... understood?

- Yes chief... - They said in unison, like little cubs in front of the school principal.

- Now go, it won't be long before it gets dark and you need to plan things carefully, report to us at all times and above all... STOP ACTING LIKE A MARRIED COUPLE! NOW GET OUT OF HERE!

…

Recording-Hopps 1-T

We could have saved ourselves that last discussion with Bogo if Nick "stupid" Wilde would trust me a little more... in my abilities, damn! for a moment I felt like I was with my parents again... This case is as important as the howlers, there is no time to lose! What's wrong with that dumb fox?

Stop recording-Hopps 1-T

…

Recording-Wilde 1-T

Am I the only sensible one at this point or what? I really don't understand this lack of sense of preservation from Hopps, it's totally irrational!

Stop recording-Wilde 1-T

…

The civilian car that the ZPD used for this type of case was set in motion. The dynamic duo from Zootopia was inside, calculating their next moves, even anyone could feel the tension between them, but, true to their word, they remained professional.

- Well... this is the nightclub... - Judy parked and went through her folders again.

- Mele should be there, from my memories, this time of day is when most mammals come, I know a back entrance, so the line won't be a problem. - The fox looked at her somewhat annoyed as he turned off his cell phone.

- Have you known her for a long time? I noticed when I asked you about her that you were not comfortable recognizing her? Any uncomfortable history behind it?

- Something like that Carrots, you'll find out for yourself...

- Listen... I know how you feel about all this... but you know what's important, think of all those poor girls and even Finnick who is in prison with nothing else to do... it's all up to us.

- I'm aware of that... I'm not a fool Carrots...

- And I am equally trained as you, and I can...

- I know perfectly well what you are capable of... ok? That's not the problem. - Nick released a sigh and settled back in his seat.

- Then enlighten me oh great sage...

- First of all, I don't like going back to these places... They are part of a past that I have a hard time remembering as mine.

- Oh... - Her annoyed countenance disappeared instantly.

- Secondly, I told you... I haven't heard from you, I couldn't help you in that kidnapping... I understand that you are a capable officer, the best in the district, etc... but... you are also mortal... Do you know how horrible it is for those of us who love you to see you value your life so little?

- I never... thought of it that way...

- You always take care of others, but you forget about yourself, and, in doing so, you forget those who care about you...- The doe surrounded her partner with all her strength.

- You do have a heart, Slick! I knew it! I'm so sorry!

- Yeah well, that's enough, now let go of me, you're wrinkling my suit! - The fox's flushed cheeks betrayed her feelings, but Judy preferred to keep it to herself.

- So... much interest in the impression you'll be making on Mele? Uh...

- Not exactly, you nosy doe, I do it because Nicholas Wilde always takes care of his image.

- Well, I ask again... do you think she'll want to help us now that you're a cop?

- I suppose so, she's... neutral so to speak. A good heart trapped in the lowest of the low in the city... When I was at the academy, I had a run-in with her brother, remember?

- Ah yes... that terrorist... Are you sure she'll help then?

- Relax Carrots, Mele is not like her brother, trust me.

They both got out of the car and gave each other a look of determination...

Nick took her to the back of the club, and as he promised, there was a back entrance. Judy was surprised, what was in the back were some kind of bedrooms, and as soon as the bunny was about to ask, the fox turned her head to the front.

- Fewer questions are better, Carrots...

She didn't resist. She understood, this was Nick's territory, it was best to trust him and follow him. Ignoring the noise of the dormitories, they gave way to some sort of liquor cellars, where, finally, her violet eyes caught sight of a rather tall, curvaceous badger wearing a provocative black leather dress.

- Well, if it isn't my beautiful Mele...

- Nicholas Wilde! You scared me, you little idiot! - The girl knocked over a bottle of cheap rum in fright.

- Wow, "idiot boy" so she really knows you slick. - The doe scoffed, which caused her partner to roll his eyes in response.

- Oh wait... Judy Hopps? The official Judy Hopps of ZPD?... Is this about the poor quality of the rum?

- Easy Mele, ignore Carrots here... this visit has nothing to do with you.

- I guess it's about Tony then?

- You're wrong again honey, I'm here for a little help... Do you recognize this wolf?

The fox pulled from the inside pocket of his coat a photograph of the hated wolf they had gone to track down. Mele's eyes widened like saucers as she recognized him.

- You've come for a big shot Wilde... I don't know if you want to get into that...

- I'm already more than in, Mele... and we have a good lead to finally hunt him down... if you help us, of course. - The green eyes begged the badger for help and she sighed.

- You know this is practically suicide, don't you? That guy whose name I'm not even going to mention is serious business...

- Mele, we know. - Now the doe joined in the chatter. - But think of all the victims he exploits and who are about to be released...

-What do you want from me, children? What do you want me to tell you when he is coming? You'll take him from here and then what?

- We won't do that, not here... catching him wouldn't be enough. What we want is for him to take us to where everything is and nip this in the bud. - Judy's violet eyes sparkled with determination, which made the club owner look at her with admiration for a few brief seconds.

- You know... my girls here are protected by me... I'm like a mother to them. Our profession is mocked, criticized and not the most honorable... Many are orphans, others were kidnapped, others are mothers trying to earn a living for their children... Cretins like that... kidnap them for their own profit... If there's anything I can do to help them... Count me in...

- Nick was right Mele...you are something else... - Judy smiled proudly.

- A little girl like you, admiring a prostitute of more than forty years... I've seen everything.

- You're a pro... - Judy blushed to the max, not for talking to someone of that trade, but for not having noticed it before.

- Carrots, you're still a naive little girl...

- So... this club is a... oh... - Judy's blush reached her ears. - Wait then... you used to frequent this place?

- What? No, no, no, no, not like that Carrots... I sold snacks here, just that. - Now it was the fox's turn to feel paler than a polar bear, the badger could do nothing but guffaw.

- You two are adorable... Come to my office...I have an idea to help you.

…

Recording-Wilde 2-T

I don't even want to imagine what went through the head of that ill-conceived bunny...

Stop recording-Wilde 2-T

…

Mele's office turned out to be a ramshackle room with broken furniture that had been in its prime years ago, if it ever had some. There were cobwebs and spoons everywhere, and a bed that gave away that this was not only the badger's office, but also her home.

- Okay guys, my idea of a plan is that you... well... she actually, met Lupus...

- I had thought of it that way myself... I even want to buy a dress and...

- Don't worry, pretty bunny, you don't need to buy anything... I think I have something for you... - Mele smiled at her, she looked like a little girl excited to dress up her stuffed animal. - Now Wilde, wait outside and don't come back.

- And what am I supposed to do all this time?

- Go get lost out there, go to sleep, we don't care.

Before Nick could argue anything, the office door slammed shut, almost crushing his nose.

- As if I wanted to see dresses and stupid girly things...

He muttered more to himself than to anyone else. Remembering the path, he followed the hallway that connected to the club itself. It was crowded, mostly with predators, drinking and gambling like there was no tomorrow. Possibly, many of those bastards were Lupus' clientele, he couldn't help but feel disgust for all of them, as well as a thankfulness that he wouldn't have to live with mammals of their ilk anymore. He heard a noise in the office and decided to approach again, to see what the girls were up to.

-Well Wilde... Meet Jill, my new waitress at the SAVANNA CLUB!

Nick's green eyes went wide... standing in front of him was a totally white doe, with sky blue eyes and a stunning black lace dress that accentuated her curves to perfection. He only recognized her as Judy Hopps, his bunny, by the scent of her that still lingered... but in itself, there was nothing else about her.

- Ju...Judy? - Was all he was able to say.

- Mel is magic! She could easily be a Zoollywood make-up artist! - Judy jumped up and down with excitement.

- Well calm down girl, it's just fur paint, pupilents and clothing... nothing out of this world... When your partner's neurons are reactivated, we'll talk to him again.

Both females laughed, which made the fox come out of her trance and return, almost, to normal.

- I must admit it's an excellent job Mele... but I don't think she should go out to the club like that, the chief asked us to just gather information and...

- Don't worry, I talked to his direct line... I have his authorization to go ahead with the plan! Isn't it great? - Judy smiled cunningly and suddenly the fox had to resign himself... she would go through with her damn plan.

- Well my girl, this painting has a certain time of best effect, so now you must go on stage... I don't know why, but Lupus has a prey fixation... if he comes today, he'll go with you, no matter what...

The doe listened attentively... taking courage, she was ready for what she was going to have to endure...

- Okay, I'm ready guys...

- Anyway... - Her partner interrupted. - You won't be alone Fluff... I'll take a table and I'll be watching you... Are you already wearing the microphones Ben gave us?

- Yes Nick, all set, so we can communicate and no, don't worry I won't leave your field of vision.

- Be careful Judy... don't underestimate yourself and stick to the plan... please. - The fox's green orbs pleaded with her and she smiled in response, placing her paw on his.

- I won't do anything but take care of myself...I promise...come on, it's showtime!

- You two are a delight! Let's get down to business! - The badger clapped for them and the three of them headed back to their places.

Nick, in his role as a hidden customer, walked out to re-enter the front. He ordered a drink and sat down from a place where he could see everything.

For her part, Mele went out to the bar, tending to the other mammals as if nothing was wrong.

"Jill" came out from the back, with a tray and began taking orders, drawing quickly the attention of almost all the mammals present. The looks they were giving her made her feel dirty, but that only filled her with determination...she thought of the poor females who lived that daily, without a fox loyal to a few tables willing to protect.

She ignored most of the stares and vulgar compliments, attending to everyone with a fake smile, until finally it was her turn to attend to Nick.

- Another beer... Hasn't the usual one arrived? (Code for Lupus)

- No sir, they haven't delivered it yet...but I'll give you a discount for this round in apology (Code for Lupus' absence).

The fox nodded and she separated from him, ready to continue with her role. This new role of hers was definitely not like the last time she acted, dodging a wild Nick, she literally felt like she was in the lion's den.

A couple of hours passed, midnight was near and she could no longer stand her legs from all the walking. She was about to give up and go back to her partner, when the deepest voice she ever heard called out behind her.

…

Recording-Hopps 2-T

When I heard it... an icy feeling ran down my back... I had never felt the presence of anyone like that before... I have been an officer for more than a year and a half, I have faced guys even with weapons... but I will never forget the evil that emanated from Alexander Lupus' voice...

Stop recording-Hopps 2-T

…

The doe turned, Nick himself heard it and from the bar Mele saw it all. There was Alexander Lupus... standing alone, wearing an elegant suit... with his eyes on his next target...

TO BE CONTINUED...

Back at last, guys! My life the last few months has been chaotic, from a dead boss who owed me money, another scammer... to turning 30 last January and finally getting a job! Now I will be on night shift in customer service... Will I ever run into you there?

How was the chapter? I warn you that the next one is coming strong...