Hello all! This is a request from Arandomperson2567 that follows their previous request, A Day with Fru Fru. I hope you enjoy, and I'm sorry it's taken so long.
For everybody else, you don't have to read the first one to understand this one, but I still recommend it.
Please enjoy! :D
Judy's cellphone began playing a jaunty tone, and she picked up the phone and answered. "Hello?"
"Judy? It's me," said a high, squeaky voice.
"Oh, hey, Fru Fru," Judy said. She checked her calendar. "Girls' Day this Saturday, right?"
"Yes, but I'm calling about something else."
"Oh." Judy's ears slicked back. "Is something wrong?"
"Daddy has asked me to extend a formal invitation to you to discuss some business matters that might interest you."
Judy fumbled and dropped the plate she'd been washing. The glass broke as it hit the metal sink. At least she'd kept her phone in her paws.
"Is this a bad thing?"
"No. It could be good. But that's all I know. Yes or no?"
"Today?" Judy asked. "Now?"
"Yes."
Judy thought hard then nodded. "Yes."
"The car will be there in twenty minutes. Be ready," Fru Fru said. "And afterwards, we'll get massages."
"Sounds good."
"Later, girl!"
"Later," Judy said weakly. She hung up the phone and stared at the broken plate in the sink. Business matters with Mr. Big meant something the police would be interested in. She had never had to deal with the ramifications of her connection with a mob boss and her status as an officer of the law. She took a deep breath then straightened and got ready. It was business, but she wasn't going to go in her uniform, so she got dressed in a nice pair if jeans and a pretty shirt that she'd received on one of their Girls' Days. Then she waited. She didn't have to wait long. There was a knock on the door, and Judy walked over and peeked out to see Jasper the bobcat waiting there. She unlocked the door and stepped out.
"Is this a good outfit?" she asked at once.
"For meeting the Boss?" Jasper asked pleasantly. He scanned her up and down. "That is fine. I was to make you change if you wore your uniform, Miss Hopps."
"I figured he'd want to keep it less formal than that."
"Very true, Miss. Now, are you ready to leave?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," Judy said.
Jasper walked her to the big white limousine and he opened the door for her. Judy climbed in and settled down. Jasper got in and began to drive. He was very good at what he did, fitting the long car into tight spaces with ease. Judy didn't say much this ride. Usually, they'd head for Tajunga to pick up Beatrice then the docks to pick up Genevieve. Not this time. This time Judy was driven straight to Tundratown by herself. When Jasper parked, Judy glanced out and saw a polar bear waiting for her.
"Wish me luck," Judy said to Jasper.
"Just remember who you're talking to, and it should be fine," Jasper said.
Judy nodded and hopped out. The polar bear nodded solemnly then spoke in a deep voice. "The Boss is waiting, Miss Hopps."
"I'm ready to speak with him, Kevin. Lead the way."
Kevin stayed beside her as he led her through a maze of corridors to Mr. Big's office. Judy took a deep breath when they got there and Kevin knocked. Without waiting for an answer, he stepped inside, speaking respectfully.
"Miss Judy Hopps is here to see you, sir," Kevin said.
There was a pause then Kevin fully opened the door and led Judy inside. Judy went straight for Mr. Big, who held out his hand. Judy delicately kissed his tiny paw then stepped back.
"Thank you for your prompt response," Mr. Big said.
"It seemed urgent, sir," Judy said.
"It is. It could be a good move for your career. But I'm getting ahead of myself." Mr. Big gestured for Kevin to shut the door, and he did then came around to stand beside the desk.
Mr. Big gestured at the polar bear. "I trust Kevin with this. If you say yes, he will be your point of contact."
"Say yes to what, sir?" Judy asked.
"Ah, yes. Well, I am in a bit of a pickle, you see. A rival of mine is pushing too far into my territory. I need him taken care of."
Judy's ears slicked back and she stood straight, her decision made. "I'm sorry, sir," she said, her voice shaking but firm. "I won't kill anybody for you."
"Who said anything about killing him?" Mr. Big asked. "No, my dear. If I wanted him dead, I wouldn't have asked you. I want him arrested."
Judy relaxed. "He needs to be able to be charged with a crime," she said.
"And I have a way for you to get the proof to charge him," Mr. Big said. "My daughter, Fru Fru, is another year older. She will have a big party. My rival will be there. He wouldn't dare miss it. And he will be doing some business. Business that the police will be interested in. They're already surveilling him."
"Who are we talking about?" Judy asked, her nose twitching with interest.
"Rattigan Fullcheesy," Mr. Big replied. "Consider this an opportunity for both of us, my dear. You get your rat, and I get rid of an old nuisance. If you agree, I'll set up the party and Bogo will be informed through other means. You just stick with my daughter and watch and listen. You'll have enough to put him away for years. But I need your participation. I trust no one else with my daughter's safety."
"What about Jude?" Judy asked, referring to Fru Fru's daughter.
"She will be with her grandmother," Mr. Big said. "Neither will be attending."
Judy thought about this. "Bogo will be informed? It won't be a secret?"
"The chief will know of the party and your involvement. He will be waiting afterwards for you to return to the station with the information. You will not speak of me. You will say you were there for my daughter's birthday by her invitation. Is this acceptable?"
Judy thought long and hard about this, pacing in front of Mr. Big's desk. She could see no downside, and they had been after Rattigan for years. So, after careful consideration, she turned and met the shrew's gaze. "I accept."
"Excellent. Kevin? We need a room prepared for Miss Hopps. You will remain here until after the party, my dear, with my daughter. You must come up with a convincing backstory and a disguise to fool Rattigan. He knows all law enforcement, and he will not conduct business if he thinks he is being watched by the law. If you have anything you need, inform Fru Fru. I'm sure one of her friends can retrieve anything you need from your home."
"Thank you for the opportunity, sir," Judy said.
"My daughter is waiting in her room. Kevin will take you there. Oh, and please stay with Fru Fru or in her rooms unless you're being escorted by somebody else. We don't want you to get tangled up in anything you'd regret."
"Thank you, sir," Judy said. Kevin headed for the door and escorted her out. She glanced at him. "That went well?" she asked.
"Extremely, Miss Hopps," Kevin said. "You've made a wise move. And I must compliment you on your morals."
"What do you mean?" Judy asked.
"Mr. Big now knows that you will not be so easily swayed into breaking the law for him. You told him directly you wouldn't kill Rattigan, and you are insistent that the chief knows what you're doing. It was a smart move, and you're a good cop. This will be taken into consideration for the future, especially since you're Jude's godmother."
Judy nodded. "I'm glad for that. It's hard to say no to him."
Kevin snickered. "I still recall your first meeting with him."
"I'm glad I saved Fru Fru," Judy agreed, knowing she'd be dead otherwise. "But I didn't know what I was saying. It was foolish. Nick explained in great detail just how foolish later."
Kevin nodded solemnly. "Nick knows very well what it means to disrespect the Boss. Though it wasn't entirely fair for him."
"What do you mean?" Judy asked.
Kevin stopped in front of Fru Fru's door. "I think Nick should tell you. I only have suspicions and the knowledge of what the Boss did. But here we are." He knocked on the door then cracked it. "Ma'am? Miss Hopps is here."
Judy's sharp ears heard Fru Fru's high voice answer. "Oh, thank you, doll. Send her in."
"Miss Hopps," Kevin said solemnly. Then he turned and lumbered away.
Judy pushed inside and saw Fru Fru at her tiny vanity on top of a much larger one. "Hey Fru," Judy said.
"Shut the door and come on in."
Judy did and went over to hop onto the chair of the big vanity. "Well, how have you been? And how's Jude?"
"Jude's being a bit difficult," Fru Fru said, brushing out her wig. "She's eating everything."
Judy knew shrews ate a lot, so she wasn't surprised. "She'll just have to learn what's good and what isn't," Judy said. "But how are you?"
"Absolutely anxious to hear what you and Daddy talked about," Fru Fru said. "When he told me he wanted to talk with you? Girl, I couldn't believe it. He said you would either explain if you accepted or say nothing if you said no. So? Which is it? I'm dying to know, doll."
"Well," Judy said slowly. "I said yes."
"Oooh. So what does Daddy want?"
Judy explained her conversation with Mr. Big, and Fru Fru brushed a wig, but her expression was intense. When she'd heard all Judy had to say, she took her time in answering.
"Okay. So we're going to have to get Bea and Gennie in on this."
"What?" Judy asked. "Are you sure?"
"I'll clear it with Daddy, but I'm sure he won't mind. You'll need a bit of coaching on how to talk and act. That's what Bea can do. And Gennie can help with the backstory. She's a writer and absolutely loves a challenge. We'll also need a spa day to get our fur ready and we'll need to select our outfits, and I highly suggest a wig, Judy, since you normally don't wear one." Fru Fru carefully set her wig on the mannequin and fluffed it up. "Ooh, this is going to be such a fun birthday! I can't wait for the party! And girl, trust me, you have never been to a party like we're gonna have."
"Well, I did briefly attend your wedding," Judy said. "The cake was so good."
"Mm, let's see⦠I think the same baker will do just fine, but I want raspberry for my birthday this year."
"Ooh, I love raspberry," Judy agreed.
"And that's just one part of the menu," Fru Fru said. "We'll spend one whole morning and afternoon picking the menus, but I do the food separate from the desserts and I spread out the drinks. I learned my lesson already."
Judy laughed with Fru Fru as the little shrew stood up. "Come on. I have things ready for a massage for both of us. I figured you'd need one no matter what you picked."
"You are the best friend, Fru," Judy said gratefully.
"I try, girl," Fru Fru said. She frowned a little. "Though sometimes I don't succeed. Just let me know, Judy. I don't like being snobbish. I'm trying to change. My cousin and I? We had a fight over my wedding, but she showed me that I'm not exactly who I want to be now. So I'm working to change it a bit at a time."
Judy nodded. "That's all we can do sometimes."
"Don't I know it. Now come on, girl. I was all nerves waiting for you."
Judy held out her paws and Fru Fru climbed up. Judy opened the door to find a polar bear guarding it. He looked at Judy sharply before he saw Fru Fru. She smiled.
"We're ready for our massages, Drake. Can you take us there?" Fru Fru asked in her high voice.
"Of course, ma'am," Drake replied. "If you will follow me, Miss Hopps."
So Judy did. The rest of the day was spent getting a massage then eating a nice dinner. Judy was given the bed in the corner of the room, which was absolutely enormous. Fru Fru had a little bedroom all her own set in the wall, and the two chatted for awhile before heading to bed.
"Gennie and Bea should be here tomorrow," Fru Fru said. "We'll start mid-morning, so feel free to sleep in a little."
Judy, usually an early riser, decided that it would be very nice to sleep in a little. As she curled up, she heard Fru Fru getting in bed.
"Night, Fru," Judy called sleepily.
"Night, girl!" Fru Fru called back.
Judy nestled down in the blankets and thought over the unusual day. It hadn't been what she'd expected when she'd woken up that morning. And still the question nagged at her. Had she made the right choice? With no answer, she finally fell into a dreamless sleep.
