Serendipity's Shadow
Rated T
Chapter 27
A telephone rang at the corner of a dark desk. After a few rings the chief of police, Chief Bogo, answered the phone.
"Chief Bogo." He answered.
"…Judy was injured."
A deep sense of dread filled the pit of the water buffalo's stomach. One of his officers was injured and now the Shadow was on the phone. He was only able to overcome his fear as he worried for one of his best cops.
"…How bad?" Chief Bogo asked.
"I got her someplace safe and well treated. We need to talk…in person. It's about Ermine."
"Did he target her?"
"She was collateral." The Shadow stated greatly displeased. "I'll send a car to pick you up. Be ready to leave in ten."
For a moment Chief Bogo sat in his chair dumbfounded while the phone went silent.
"…I'll be ready."
The Shadow didn't bother to respond as he hung up the phone.
Chief Bogo continued to hold the telephone in complete disbelief. He knew Hopps would risk everything to keep Miss Mustela safe. And he certainly thought that Hopps would keep her promise to stay in contact. But when he received absolutely nothing, but radio silence Chief Bogo sent an officer to her residence. The images that the officer took were disturbing to examine. He feared the worst for a long while. And now…now he knew that she was alive. But at what cost? And how was she found with Miss Mustela so easily?
"Clawhauser."
"Yes, Sir." The cheetah spoke through the machine on the chief's desk.
"Cancel all my meetings for today."
"Sir?"
"I'll be leaving the office for a while."
"…Yes, Sir." Clawhauser answered hesitantly. "Shall I call you a cab, Sir?
"No. There will be no need."
"Yes, Sir."
Chief Bogo ended the call there as he rubbed at his brow, greatly tired.
By the time he made his way down into the lobby, Chief Bogo began to question every decision he's ever made in life. The main ones being why he ever allowed himself to be entangled in the Shadow's webs? Why didn't he drag Hopps away from the fox sooner? And finally, if him putting Hopps on the Mustela case killed his favored officer career or not?
"Chief Bogo?"
The water buffalo looked at the female wolf in the black van. He hadn't even realized he left the building when the wolf addressed him.
"Yes." Chief Bogo answered.
"Hop in." The wolf gestured to the front passenger seat next to her.
Chief Bogo simply complied. After all, going against the fox's commands is never an option.
It wasn't a long drive, but it was a quiet one. As the wolf and water buffalo didn't utter a word. Once they did arrive at their destination Chief Bogo wish he could say he was surprised. It was the third tallest building in all of Zootopia, the tallest one being in the Sahara. But it was mostly known as the one police every cop dreamt of busting. Mob bosses, hitmen, and generally just bad people were known to be tenants of this establishment. Of course, there were a few good, albeit filthy rich, people who lived in the building as well. But they were greatly outnumbered compared to the low lives that claimed this building for residency.
When Chief Bogo exited the car a hippo bodyguard approached.
"Chief Bogo?"
The water buffalo nodded in confirmation.
"Follow me." He simply stated.
Chief Bogo walked through the doors into the decked-out lobby. He had to admit, gold and red were a nice combination. Chief Bogo flicked his gaze over to the receptionist who looked confused and amazed that an officer would dare enter this particular building. But she quickly composed herself and put on her best 'customer service' smile. Chief Bogo allowed himself to laugh at the scene for a moment. After all, when it came to dealing with the Shadow. One never knew if they could ever afford to laugh again. And Chief Bogo's one hope of keeping that fox devil in control was injured.
"Chief Bogo."
The water buffalo froze in his tracks. He would recognize that voice anywhere. It kept him up on many countless nights when he was being considered for the position of Chief. Chief Bogo stared at the fox who stood in the elevator. The hippo had lowered his head in respect as he kept the elevator from closing. The Shadow didn't care. He didn't care that the water buffalo was there. Didn't care that the hippo, Jeremy, was doing his job well. Nick Wilde simply didn't care. But he had to, Judy looked up to her boss. And for that reason alone, Nick couldn't kill him for giving Judy this case. But he sure as hell wasn't going to tell the water buffalo that.
"It is rude to keep someone waiting big guy." Nick smirked playfully.
Chief Bogo didn't respond. He just took long strides to enter the elevator. Chief Bogo stood calmly next to the fox. Oh, how it irritated him, that a creature maybe a third of his size could intimidate him so easily. But Chief Bogo swallowed his pride. He was here for Hopps and the Ermine case not to get back in the fox's net.
Just like the car ride, the trip in the elevator wasn't long but it was eerily quiet. Chief Bogo wondered for a moment if the Shadow was using Hopps as bait for the water buffalo to be easily executed. But he quickly dismissed that thought when he remembered the level of control Hopps had on the fox.
"She doesn't know I called you." Nick stated when they were ten floors away from the top.
"Why?"
Nick shrugged at the water buffalo. Maybe he wanted to surprise her? Maybe he thought she'd be more open to the buffalo than himself? Or he wanted a third, somewhat neutral, party involved when discussing Ermine? Honestly, it could be all three. But Nick again wouldn't admit that so easily.
I really want to see a genuine smile from her. Nick thought as a possible answer to Chief Bogo's question.
The elevator dinged before opening its doors to reveal the Shadow's floor. Nick didn't allow Chief Bogo to admire his surroundings before dragging him to Judy's room.
"I'll go make myself a drink." Nick stated leaving the water buffalo at the door. "Make sure you knock first."
Chief Bogo watched as the fox left the water buffalo to his own devices. He was nervous. Chief Bogo didn't know what state his officer was in. All he could hope for was that it was nothing fatal or career-ending. Taking a deep breath he knocked on the door.
"I'm awake." Judy answered sounding annoyed.
Chief Bogo couldn't help the smile that spread across his lips. Hopps still had her spirit. But he quickly steeled himself before entering the room.
"Hopps." He greeted.
"Chief Bogo?!" Judy immediately sat straight in bed and saluted her commanding officer.
"At ease Officer." Chief Bogo wanted to smile again at the rabbit's tenacious attitude.
But the sight of the hospital equipment surrounding Judy gave him pause. And the bandage around Hopps' head certainly didn't make him feel great enough to smile.
"You have some explaining to do officer." Chief Bogo stated coming to sit in the chair beside Judy's bed.
Judy laughed pitifully before addressing Chief Bogo.
"You have no idea."
AN: Hey, everyone. Just letting you know that this isn't my last chapter. But it might be a while before I post again. As my dog has been diagnosed with cancer recently. And I will be spoiling him for the time we got left together. Which isn't predicted to be long.
In the meantime, I would love to hear your guy's theories on what could possibly go down between the Shadow and Big Shot. Or if you think Nick and Judy could ever reconcile?