Nick was getting frustrated, sitting in the bed for so long. He had Judy under his arm as they watched TV, but he yearned to get out of the hospital. Picking up his phone, he checked the time.
“7:53.” Nick sighed. “Bored, so very bored.”
“Yeah, nothing good on tonight.” Judy agreed with a yawn. “Not much to do in here though is there?”
“Here, I want to get up.” He insisted, leaning off of the bed and finding his feet. Stretching out as much as he could he let out a good long yawn. “This is more boring than a night shift at work.”
“Least we’re not getting driven off the road here.”
“No, true.” Nick agreed.
“Hehe, I can see your butt.” Judy giggled, noting his gown opened up in the back.
“Glad you like the view.” He grinned back. “Where did they put my clothes?”
“Oh no.” Judy cut him off, leaping out of the bed. “You’re not leaving slick Nick.”
“Judy please, this place is killing me more than any bullet right now.” Nick argued, pulling the I.V out of his hand. “I’ve had enough.”
“You’re still weak.” She tried to protest.
“I know.” He assured her, grasping her shoulders. “And I’ll rest up, lots. But at home. I can’t stand it in here.”
“Well, why don’t we go visit your grandmother then? I’m sure she’s still up.” She suggested. Nick heaved a heavy sigh and conceded.
“Alright, let’s go visit grandma Chase.” Judy held his hand as they went out the door and down to the reception desk. An otter and doe were chatting about dinner breaks when they approached the counter.
“Hi, excuse me?” Judy spoke up.
“Oh hang on. Hi, can I help- Oh! You’re Judy Hopps!” The otter exclaimed.
“Yeah, that’s me, I just have a question.”
“Sure, go ahead.”
“What room is Ruth Chase in?” The otter looked through the chart in front of her and mumbled for a moment before going back to the computer.
“Who you looking for?” The doe asked.
“Ruth Chase. Here we go. She’s on this floor, 1-A16. Better hurry, visiting hours end at 9.” The otter smiled.
“Thanks!” Judy praised and lead Nick back down the hall. Reading the doors aloud as they passed they found hers and gave a soft knock.
“Yes?” Ruth called out.
“Hi Grandma, it’s me.” Nick answered in a trailing off voice.
“Come on in, “It’s me.” You sound like an interesting person.” She joked.
“Now you see where we get our humor.” Nick quipped, looking to Judy. Pushing the door open, he walked in and was greeted by the sight of a smiling old vixen.
“Well! Haha! What are the odds, two of my boys in two days.” She giggled.
“Huh?” Nick perked up, moving toward her bedside. “What do you mean, Grandma?” Ruth just chuckled under her breath and pat Nick’s cheek.
“Parker is back, Nick. Your father. He’s finally home.” She cooed.
“Oh I know.” Nick sighed, lowering his head.
“What, he found you?”
“Mrs. Chase?” Judy spoke up. “What do you know about Parker?”
“Everything bunny girl, just about everything there is to know.” She laughed, clasping her chest. “But Nicky, why are you in here? Did you get sick?”
“I got shot.” He confessed. Ruth gasped, and pulled him in with an impressive amount of strength.
“Oh my poor little kit!” She cried, kissing his cheek. “What happened? Oh you hustled the wrong animal didn’t you! I told you a thousand times you were gonna get yourself in trouble one of these days.”
“Grandma. Please.” Nick recomposed himself, taking her by the hand. “It’s rather big news. I hope your hearts ok.”
“Oh it’s fine.” She brushed off. “They got me on the good stuff in here.” Ruth giggled.
“Grandma. The one who shot me, was Parker. Dad, shot me.” Nick confessed. Ruth’s smile rather slowly melted away as she clenched his hand even tighter.
“No. Oh Nicky don’t say such horrible things. Your father adores you! He’d never do something so vicious.” She insisted.
“He, didn’t know it was me and I didn’t know it was him. He’s been going by an alias called Psych and, I doubt he knows I joined the ZPD.”
“You’re an officer?” Ruth smiled.
“Yeah, I’m a cop, thanks to this little cottontail here.” He laughed pulling Judy into his side. “She’s my girlfriend.”
“Your father shot you?” Ruth asked, Nick and Judy both nodded. “And you’re an officer?” Once again Judy and Nick nodded. “Dating a bunny.” And again they nodded. She took hold of her clicker and examined it carefully. “The hell did they put me on?”
“Grandma!” Nick laughed, grabbing her hand again. “Please, this is serious.”
“Mrs. Chase, is there anything you can tell us about Parker? Any reason he’s back in town?” Judy insisted.
“Oh yes, I know why he’s back in town girl.” Ruth stated, sitting herself up slowly she took Nicks hand with both of hers. “Nicky, your father has cancer. I don’t think he has very long. He’s come back to town alright, but he’s looking for you.”
“What?” Nick exclaimed.
“He came to me during the blackout. We had a nice little chat before he told me. I wanted to speak with him more, but then this old heart acted up again. Parker was so sweet; he called the ambulance for me. That poor boy, he’s been through so much already. Oh, his heart is going to break when he finds out he hurt you so.” Ruth whimpered.
“But the things he’s been doing.”
“Blowing up the cooling towers?” Judy joined in.
“Killing Mr. Big.”
“Attacking the police station.”
“Robbing banks.”
“Nicky!” Ruth cut the two off. “I can’t justify or explain his recent actions, but-“ She gasped. “Oh dear. Oh little bunny, please. Go get a nurse!” She urged.
“Oh! I got it Mrs. Chase! I got it!” Judy rushed out the door.
“Grandma!”
“Shh!” Ruth hushed, pulling him in close. “Thought she’d never leave. Hear me out Nicky, there isn’t much time. You know about Daryl?” Nick quickly nodded. “That jerk used to beat up and abuse poor Parker something fierce. Rachel, Marcus and I stood up to him, called the cops made more complaints than I care to count but he got off the hook every damn time! But he couldn’t take it when Daryl started coming for you.” She stated.
“What?!”
“Daryl threatened to have you taken away from Parker and Rachel, even though they were staying with Marcus and I. It sent him over the edge and that’s when he ordered the hit on him. Please Nicky listen to me. Parker loves you, he loves you so much more than you realize. You and Rachel brought out everything good in him. Get him to come forward, let him answer for his crimes. But please Nicky, forgive him. Life is far too short to fill it with hate and regret.” She urged. “It should be filled with love. So I have to ask, this girl, do you love her?”
“Yeah.”
“Swear on it?”
“I swear. She’s the one.” Nick insisted.
“I never pictured you the type for bunnies but love knows no boundaries.” Ruth chuckled. “The drawer, right there, open it please.” Ruth directed. Nick opened it to reveal a small purple box and presented it to her. Clasping it in his paws she shook them and held tight. “This, is the ring your father gave to my daughter thirty three years ago. Now I’m not gonna push you to get on a knee, and if you want to buy one yourself go ahead but. This belongs with you. Your mother loved this ring, when Parker proposed she lit up with more joy than I had ever seen in my life. So please, keep it close.” She insisted as the door flung open with Judy and a doe nurse.
“Mrs Chase, are you alright?!” She exclaimed.
“Just fine dear, just a little flush. May have clicked this little toy a few too many times.” Ruth explained.
“Phew, please don’t scare us like that.” The doe smiled.
“Gosh, you have dainty paws, boy.” Ruth commented, patting his hand with a smile. Nick rolled his eyes and smiled.
“Yeah yeah, thanks grandma. It was nice to see you. We should do this again sometime soon.” Nick fare welled, leaving the room with his paws behind his back.
“Take care, Nicky!”
“Enjoy your visit?” Judy perked up from beside him. Nick smiled, wrapping a paw around her.
“Yeah, was a good idea.” He agreed.
Nick was back in his room, and had found his clothes in a drawer near the doorway. Stashing the ring in his pocket, he slid it closed and was caught off guard by Judy tapping her feet.
“Found my clothes.” He stated, clearing his throat.
“Not gonna need em.” She retorted. Nick threw on his coy little smiled and took hold of her cheeks.
“Little early after my recovery and all, but I’m game if you are.” Judy laughed and pushed his hands down, wrapping them around her she gave him a good squeeze.
“Such a bad fox. But it’s good to see you feeling better.” She said, grinding her head below his bandages.
“Ow, that does hurt a bit though.” Nick commented.
“Sorry!” Judy withdrew.
“Well, it comes down to two choices now.” Nick stated, heading toward the door. “Are we leaving tonight? Or are we sneaking out tonight? Cause I’m not spending another night in that bed.” Nick pointed out.
“Nick.” Judy whined.
“The fox is standing firm. Your move Carrots.” He grinned.
“Fine, let’s go ask. You wouldn’t be this big a pain if you weren’t good enough to go home.” She quipped, punching his belly lightly. “Come on, let’s get you dressed.”
Fully clothed, the two approached the counter and Nick spoke up.
“Hi, I’d like to check out please. It was a lovely stay, but the mini bar is empty and we already snuck the towels into the car.” He joked.
“Ha-ha.” The doe replied. “Name?”
“Nicholas Wilde.”
“Nicholas Wilde... Nicholas Wilde.” She trailed off typing a moment. “Uh, no. You’re not cleared by Dr. Dawson yet to go home. You also haven’t been given any prescriptions for the wound site or pain medications.”
“Is she still on duty?” Judy questioned.
“She should be just finishing up her shift, yes.”
“Can you page her, please?” Nick asked politely. “I’m feeling alright.”
“Sure, I’ll give her a call.” The doe agreed. Dialing the phone she spoke up. “Dr. Dawson to reception please, Dr. Dawson to reception.”
After a good few minutes, Lani came strolling down the hall looking rather exhausted. She spotted Nick and Judy sitting on the waiting room chairs and sighed.
“Ok, what are you doing dressed and out of the room?” She demanded.
“We’d like to check out please.” Judy answered.
“No, I’m sorry you have one more stay overnight for observation, we’ll give you a quick check up in the morning and release you then.” She argued.
“Sheesh, what’s with the attitude?” Nick complained.
“Nick, allow me.” Judy cut in. “Dr Dawson, I truly appreciate everything you’ve done but you can’t legally keep Nick here against his will. I’ll admit he’s being a bit stubborn about this, but if the patient is more comfortable recovering at home they’re allowed to leave. Even if it’s against your recommendation.”
“I know! I know.” Lani agreed hesitantly taking a seat beside them. “Ugh I’m just so exhausted. I just lost a patient in ICU, we had someone come in from a car accident. Turns out it was my sister’s old boyfriend and after the day I’ve had. I’m just at my limit.”
“I’m sorry about that.” Judy consoled, patting her thigh. Lani took a good long breath before rising up to her feet. “Nick, come with me.” Lani stated, pointing the way with the clipboard in her hands. They headed back to the room and she lead him onto the bed. “Shirt off. Nice and easy.” She said, slipping his shirt off slowly. Unwrapping the bandages she gave him fair warning. “This may sting.” And ripped the bandage off.
“Aye that’s gonna, OW!” He cried out as she took the back one off too.
“Oh, we see the fox is mortal after all.” She joked, taking out a light and examining the wound. The area around the gunshot was shaved and exposed, showcasing a line of stitches from where the surgery was done. “Ok yeah, this has to be cleaned again.” She noted. Opening up the cabinet nearby, she took out a cotton ball and a cleaning solution and dabbed it on. “This is an anti-biotic cream, should keep the surgical site clean, see how I’m doing this you two?” She asked.
“Yeah.” Judy watched intently.
“Nick, this has to be done at least once a day, preferably twice ok? You’ll need to do it more on the front, we didn’t do anything invasive on the back but a few dabs wouldn’t hurt.” Lani explained. “Ok.” She took a new strip of gauss and covered up the wound on the front and back. Wrapping him back up and satisfied with her work she picked up Nick’s chart and flipped it over. Writing rather quickly she tore off a strip and handed it to him. “This is for the antibiotic cream; I’m also putting you on fifty tablets of tertiary zoolynol for the pain. Take one or two at a time every six hours, you can pick this up at the pharmacy downstairs. I’ll let the nurse know you two are good to go. But Nick and listen to me here.” She cautioned leaning down to him. “You start hemorrhaging or that site gets infected, you get your puffy little tail back here, and you’ll stay for as long as I tell you, we clear?”
“We’re clear, thanks doctor.” He agreed. Lani smiled and pat his head. Turning around she was about to exit when the door opened up. Matt was stepping inside and was caught off guard by the lioness in front of her.
“Oh! Excuse me.” Matt smiled.
“Hi.” She bashfully smiled. “Uh visiting hours are almost over, you’re a little late.”
“I just came in for a quick check on my friends, I won’t be long.” He explained scratching his mane.
“That’s, that’s nice.” She smiled, holding the clipboard to her waist. “Um, oh, hey you’re hurt too.”
“Just scratches. I picked a fight with Oshu.” Matt explained. Nick and Judy watched the two at the door with smiles plastered on their faces.
“That’s the cheetah on the news? Pretty brave; and stupid.” She giggled.
“Well he had it coming.” Matt played it off.
“I should, get back to work.” Lani chuckled nervously backing off to let him in. “Well, not really get back to work, I mean I’m off soon and I look like I’ve been through the ringer a few times and I really need to shower.”
“Nah you look fine.”
“Thank you. Thanks.” Lani cleared her throat and walked by. “It was nice to meet you, uh?”
“Matt.” He shook her hand. “Matt Grizzoli, ZPD.”
“ZPD.” She smiled. “Lion in uniform, ok. Um, Lani Dawson. I had really better go, uh bye Nick! Bye Judy!”
“Bye!” They waved as Matt finally walked in. Judy and Nick stared up at him with dopey smiled as he shook out his mane.
“What?” He laughed.
“Doctor I think I hurt my bicep here, could ya give it a feel?” Judy played around, Nick eagerly went to grab it and felt her arm.
“Oh dear, looks like that will need some attention, like say dinner at six?”
“Well, seems you are feeling better.” Matt stated with a deep breath. “You all dressed up? Need a ride home?”
“Would be greatly appreciated.” Nick nodded.
In the car with Nick in the passenger seat, he breathed a sigh of relief, holding the bag of medicine in his lap.
“So good to get out of there.” Nick smiled.
“Really don’t like hospitals huh?” Judy perked up from the back.
“Nope, never will.”
“Hey Matt? How are you holding up?” Judy asked. He took a deep breath before responding.
“Still pretty fresh you know. Just pushing through each moment kind of deal. Had to get out of the house for a while though, wasn’t doing me any good to be at home.”
“Hey pal.” Nick spoke up. “I’m so sorry about Jason.”
“Thanks.” Matt whispered. “Chief let me tell the family. Laura was... Well, you can figure she was just devastated. Caden and Derek took it real bad.”
“Those are?”
“His cubs. Caden is seven, Derek’s only four.”
“Oh jeez.” Judy winced leaning back.
“Those poor little guys.”
“Yeah. Bogo won’t even let me back on the case. Maybe it’s for the better. I find Psych or Oshu I’ll probably tear their heads off. But it’s good you know?” He said looking to Nick briefly. “I’ve been helping Laura get everything arranged, taking care of the boys. They know me pretty well so it’s not like they’re alone in this. Jason asked me to take care of them when he died so, that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.”
“I still can’t believe he’s gone.” Judy whimpered from the back. “He was so sweet.”
“Don’t.” Matt shyly laughed. “Please, you start going you’ll get me going again and I gotta drive.”
“True but, if you need anything.” Nick threw in.
“I needed to know you were ok.” Matt confessed. “Bogo told us you got hit by Psych and, while I wanted to visit you earlier I had my hands full with Laura and the cubs. I’m glad you pulled through, Nick.”
“Thanks.” Nick smiled.
Finally pushing through the front door, Nick drew in a nice long breath and looked over his apartment with Judy beside him.
“Home sweet-“ He cut himself off. “There’s a Finnick on my couch.”
“Nick!?” He perked up, swinging around.
“Decided to crash here too, huh?”
“You’re alright.” Finnick smiled, hopping off the couch and walking over. Nick kneeled down with a grunt of pain, cringing as he got low. “Well, mostly.”
“Still in bad shape, but I’ll live. Thanks in no small part to you I hear.” Nick praised, grasping Finnick’s hand and pulling him in for a quick hug.
“Humph, another one you owe me.” Finnick smiled up to him as Nick rose to his feet. “He had you pinned in the alley, wasn’t about to let that shit fly.”
“Thanks bud. You should probably stay here; you have a target on your back now too.” Nick noted.
“Yeah, I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. Be grateful for the company and firepower.” Nick chuckled.
“Well I should get to bed, some of us have a job to go to tomorrow.” Judy said, heading toward the room.
“We have a job.”
“No.” Judy swung around, pressing her hands on his belly. “You, have a full day of eating snacks, watching TV and hanging out with your friend to do Mr. Toughguy. Don’t push yourself.” She added, tapping his chest as Nick flinched.
“Judy, I’ll just come in, hear what’s going down and head home.” He insisted. Judy flipped her ears back and scowled. “I’m not an idiot; I know I’m in no condition to be back on duty yet. But I do want to know any updates on what my father is up to.”
“You are impossible sometimes.” Judy shook her head.
“Relax Carrots. I’m not gonna do anything brash.” He said, as he stroked her arms. “Sides, maybe seeing me will bring up their spirits, with all the losses, seeing a win might cheer up the guys a bit.”
Early next morning, Judy had set her alarm to vibrate in her pocket and peeked with one eye behind her. It seemed Nick was still fast asleep. With caution, she slipped from the sheets and started changing into her uniform. Fully dressed, she ducked into the bathroom and slowly closed the door. Using her cell phone as a light, she went about her usual morning business and opened the door to find Nick sitting at the foot of the bed.
“Drat.” She whispered.
“Not a bad try Carrots, but foxes have better hearing than you think.” He commented.
“Nick please, I’ll beg if I have to.”
“Judy.” He said shaking his head and grasping her paws. “I love you. I promise you, I’m not gonna push myself right now. I just want to be in there for the rundown and that’s it. Say hi, share a donut with Clawhauser and catch a cab home. Ok?” He insisted, pulling her up he held her close.
“Alright, if you promise that’s all you’re going to do.” Judy conceded.
“I promise.” Nick agreed. “Sides, don’t go yet. I’ll need your help changing the bandages in a sec.”
“Oh right.” Judy forgot. “Ok, go ahead and get ready.”
Down in the Rainforest District, cruisers could be seen parked along the roadway outside the smaller station. Judy and a casually dressed Nick walked in, much to the surprise of a few of the officers. The station itself seemed more like an office, the narrow entryway leading to a reception desk with branching paths to the left and right. Judy approached the counter and spoke up.
“Hi, officer Judy Hopps checking in, is Chief Bogo here?”
“Oh?” The tiger cop peeked over the counter. “Hi there Miss Hopps, we heard you might be coming. The staff room is upstairs, first door on the left, you can’t miss it.”
“Judy!?” Ben exclaimed from behind one of the cubicles.
“Ben!” She called out. Clawhauser all but broke down the door, dancing with delight at her arrival.
“Oh Judy! It’s so good to see you!” He cheered, scooping her up for a hug. Putting her down, his face nearly melted with even more joy at the sight of Nick. “Oh no way! Nick! Your alive!!” He nearly scooped him up but Nick backed off.
“Easy there buddy!” He smiled throwing his hands up. “I’m still in bad shape; I just came for the meeting and to say hi.”
“Bogo’s gonna have a conniption for sure but yeah, go on up. He’s gonna start the meeting with Mariah any minute!”
“Save me a donut bud, I’ll come chat with ya after.” Nick stated, following Judy down the hall to the right. Turning the first corner, they spotted the stair well and started climbing. Nick was a little slow, but managed it alright. Opening the door into the second level, they walked the hall for a few dozen feet till the first door on the left showed. Opening it up, Judy lead the way inside with Nick on her tail. Bogo and Mariah were inside at the desk chatting while the rest of the crew were sitting at the tables scattered through the room. “Hey guys! How’s it hanging?” He called out, waving to a few familiar faces.
“Nick!? Judy!?” Johnson spoke up.
“Holy cow, Nick made it!” Swinton spoke up.
“Nick! Yeah bud!” Rhinowitz hollered, as several of the officers in the room cheered his arrival. Bogo cleared his throat and stole their attention.
“Nick, I said you were off the case.” He reaffirmed.
“I am. I just came in for the meeting and to cheer up the guys.” Nick shrugged.
“Good, you’ve come in, now go home.” Bogo retorted.
“Bogo.” Mariah spoke up. “Cut the fox some slack. Nick, it’s wonderful to see you up and about, and Judy Hopps, always a pleasure.” She greeted.
“Thank you ma’am.” Judy nodded.
“Go ahead and take a seat. Bogo and I were about to address the room.” Nick and Judy took a spot next to Johnson and Rhinowitz.
“Good to see you guys. We were really worried.” Johnson whispered.
“Yeah, bad enough we lost four good cops already. Wasn’t keen on losing our only fox.”
“Settle down.” Bogo announced, giving the group a moment. “Shut it!” Everyone in the room immediately quieted down and waited. “Thank you. As you’re aware, clean up is underway at the City Center station. Many of you who are here, will likely remain here in Rainforest Station for the time being. The press has released more information about Oshu and Psych. They keep asking for their real names but, due to a court order we cannot disclose that information at this time. Last thing we need right now is civilian retaliation.”
“Alex has likely found a place either close to the city outskirts or out of town to hide out.” Mariah spoke up. “He needs time to get the money moved into illegal accounts and that’s where Parker Wilde of course comes in. The money will take time, but we have a pressing issue. Officer Ryan Wolford is still alive and being held hostage. Jam cams spotted this image of Ryan strapped to the top of a car and driving out toward Sahara Square.”
“The cams were blacked out in most of the district, save for a few. I believe Psych wants us to know he’s alive.” Bogo noted.
“Exactly. This is a play on his part. He dangles a carrot and expects us to chase.” Mariah stated, settling her hands on the desk. “Well he’s going to get more than he bargained for. I want teams sweeping all of Sahara Square, you’ll stay in full radio contact. My teams have brought thermal imaging goggles to help see inside structures.”
“This is just recon.” Bogo stated firmly. “Do not engage. With access to RPG’s and C-4 the capability of these two is unpredictable.”
“Yes, precisely.” Mariah agreed. “Nick. I understand this is an awkward situation for you, I don’t suppose there is anything you can contribute?”
“Well.” Nick hesitated, scratching his neck. “His motives don’t make a lot of sense to me. Psych is dying of cancer, so why he’s helping Oshu is still a mystery.”
“He’s dying?” Mariah questioned.
“I spoke with Ruth Chase, my grandmother. Psych visited her a few days ago.”
“Cancer.” Mariah pondered, tapping her chin. “No, this is making sense. Before he left, Psych was stealing pharmaceutical medication. Mainly pain killers, and lots of them.”
“Running around with tumors is painful work.” Bogo threw in.
“He can’t keep that up for long.” Mariah noted. “Nick, do you have any way to get in contact with him? Maybe we can make an exchange for Ryan Wolford’s life.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t. Psych doesn’t even know who I am.”
“How could he not? You’re in the system with the ZPD aren’t you? That’s the first thing he would have hacked.” Mariah questioned.
“I only got in the system a month ago.” Nick stated, throwing up a brow to Bogo. “Why I had to use Judy’s login sometimes. But aside from that, they think my name is Andrew because of our check in with Wolford last week.”
“Damn.” Mariah fumed. “Well, perhaps just stick with our plan then. Thank you Nick, knowing this we might be able to track him down by monitoring the local pharmacies.”
“No sweat.” He nodded.
“Alright, assignments. Johnson, Howard, Nakido. You three are in Aloe and Agave avenues. Davis, Ronin...” Bogo trailed off for a second. “Am I reading this right?”
“Macuahuitl, mah, quee, tal.” Mariah chuckled. The jaguar in the room covering his eyes.
“Macuahuitl. You three are on Cactus and Heat Street. Rhinowitz, Wacholzki, Allen. You three are on Hump street and Sandy Ridge. Hopps, you are with me and Mariah. We’ll take Palm view and Delta.”
“Well, that’s my cue.” Judy stated, leaping from the chair. “You Mr. had better take his cute little butt home.”
“I will.” Nick assured her, waiting for the room to clear up. Bogo was last out, glancing back at the two.
“Hopps!”
“I’ll be right there.” She called back. “Promise me you’ll take it easy.”
“Don’t worry about me; I’m more worried about you. I took the last one, but if they start firing at you now, you’re in it alone.” Nick reminded her.
“I’m not alone; you’ll still be with me.” She smiled, pulling Nick’s badge and name tag from her pocket. “Gotta keep my handsome fox with me somehow.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too, slick Nick.” She cooed, leaping into his lips for a good long kiss. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“I’ll make up those shrimp I bought; get you to try some.” Judy laughed and gave him a kiss on his belly.
“You do that. I’ll be home around six.”
“I’ll be waiting, Carrots.” Nick smiled. Judy bounded for the door and headed out, letting it close ever slowly behind her. Nick took one good deep breath and fell on his knees. His chest had been throbbing in pain the whole time, Nick keeping a hand over it for a moment before slowing his breathing down and regaining his composure. It was a tough show he put on, but he neglected the pain medication again and this time, it was coming back to bite in a hard way. For once he was eager to get home just to take it.
Psych was strolling down the street, dressed in his usual grey hooded sweatshirt and glasses in Sahara District. Enjoying the early afternoon stroll for a while, he turned in to Desert Bloom Remedies and smiled, looking over the little store. It wasn’t overly big, a few aisles of vitamins, herbs, magazines and candy along with a cooler in the back filled with a few bottles of water and fruit drinks. After waiting patiently in line, he approached the counter.
“Hi, can I help you?” The male camel, dressed in a white coat greeted.
“Yes, I’m just looking to get a prescription filled.”
“Certainly, we just need your ID.”
“Of course, of course.” Psych agreed. In a rather subtle display, he lifted up his sweater, showing the pharmacist hints of the guns he was holding as he feigned the search for his ID. “Oh dear, it seems I’ve forgot it.” Psych smiled, handing him a sheet of paper. “That’s the prescription though.” The camel nervously opened the sheet and read it over.
(Cooperate fully and no one need be harmed. Seeking 200 quaternary zoolynol. Do not alert authorities or anyone else here. Comply with my request and everything will be fine, I’ll even pay.) It read.
“My name is on the paper there if you want to look it up.” Psych offered. “Marcus Foxtrot?”
“Oh, certainly sir. We just need a few minutes to fill it is all.” He eagerly complied. “Have a seat.”
“Thank you.” Psych nodded, heading toward the chairs nearby to have a quick rest. In his pocket he clicked a small round device and leaned back a bit to relax. Behind the counter, the pharmacist was taking out his phone and texting one of his employees in the back to call the police. He hit send, but the message stayed in loop, over and over. The camel looked at his screens top to see the message “No service” and decided to simply follow the foxes instructions. After a while, he called Psych to the counter. The pharmacist placed two large bottles in front of him.
“Here you are sir.” Psych smiled and cracked open one of them and gave it a little shake. He picked out one of the tablets and crushed it in his claws to make sure there wasn’t anything else inside that was out of the ordinary.
“Splendid. How much do I owe you today?”
“That’s $259.38.” He nervously stammered. Psych produced 260 in cash and laid the bills neatly before the pharmacist. “Oh.”
“Don’t worry about the small change.” Psych brushed off, taking the bottles into his pocket. “Good day.”
“Good, day.”
Not far away, Bogo, Mariah and Judy were on a bench near a small playground. Mariah was handing Bogo a bottle of water, he was clearly sweltering after working for so long out in Sahara Square. She couldn’t help but stand over him, giggling with her finger on her chin with Judy at her side.
“You’re a cape buffalo, aren’t you used to this?”
“Don’t you start.” Bogo huffed, taking a good long guzzle of water.
“Chief, maybe you should let us finish up out here.” Judy suggested with a playful little smile.
“Ugh, being in that damn office all the time has softened me up. “
“I’ve noticed.” Mariah chuckled, pushing on Bogo’s shoulder. “Come on, Bogo. Let’s get those legs working. Or you’ll end up looking like that sweetheart, Clawhauser.”
“Right, well.” Bogo stated, rising up to his feet just in time to have his stomach growl quite audibly. “Perhaps a lunch break first?”
“You’re hopeless.” Mariah laughed. “Alright, sure grab a bite you two. I’m gonna radio in with the fella’s make sure everything’s good and catch up.”
“Pretty sure there was a nice little patio cafe nearby, right on the lake.” Judy suggested.
“Alright.” Bogo agreed. The two headed down the street, making a left toward the road winding around the lake and sure enough, just as Judy described was a small cafe. “Wonder if they have any ice coffee.”
“Only one way to find out.” Judy smiled, nudging his side as they approached. Judy glanced across the street as they grew closer to the cafe and spotted something rather odd on the other side. It was a mammal in a full grey hooded sweatshirt and black pants, wearing the same sunglasses she recalled Psych wearing. “Chief.” She whispered. “Two o’clock, pushing on three.” Bogo gave a quick glance across the way and huffed.
“What do you see?”
“Possible ID on Psych.” She stated. Bogo took her quite a bit more seriously and kept edging her forward until he started passed them. Checking for traffic they scurried across and began tailing him. Psych was keeping his usual pace and stopped at the light. He looked at his phone, briefly before the signal light turned and he began to cross. “Phones out, if he’s seen us he could be calling for help.”
“Agreed.” Bogo stated. Hustling across the road, the chief took out his radio and spoke softly. “All units, possible sighting at palm street, over.” The radio whirred and whizzed, not responding to anything the chief did. “Damn, he’s scrambling us.” Bogo fumed. To his surprise, Judy had escaped his side and was following even more closely to Psych. Growling he tried his best to catch up, without stirring a fuss on the street. Psych turned left into an alleyway between an apartment complex and warehouse. She was able to stay hot on his trail, Psych glancing back with a smile before speeding up.
“Not this time.” Judy charged, keeping pace with the old fox. Climbing up a ladder and into the window of the warehouse he leapt inside. Judy took a good leap and made it near the top of it in one jump and flew through the window landing inside. The warehouse was empty, its blue walls lined with windows that aimed the sunlight to the ground. A few pallets left lying around along with some debris on the ground. Red iron pillars dotted the room and she knew Psych had to be hiding behind one of them. “Come out!” She called out.
“Haven’t you played hide and seek before?” Psych taunted. “It’s no fun if I just pop out.”
“I’m not interested in playing games. You’re under arrest.” Judy smiled. Psych swung around the corner, holding up his stun gun. Baffled he turned around to see Judy already behind him with a smug little grin, aiming hers at his chest. “Parker Wilde.” Psych swatted the stun gun out of her hand and tried to throw a punch to follow it up, but Judy kicked him to the ground. Rushing over, she made an attempt to pin the old fox down. “You have the right to remain silent.”
“So does your corpse!” Psych bellowed, tossing her off like a toy. Withdrawing one of his guns, he started firing at the rabbit as she made a dash for the pillars to hide behind. Bullets deflected off each side as he grew closer and closer. Bogo heard the shots and started rushing toward the warehouse, cutting down the same alley Judy had. “You got a lucky break last time with that meddling little fennick, you’re not going to be so fortunate this time.” Rounding the pillar he aimed to kill Judy but she ducked low just in time to hammer him with a solid punch to the old fox’s belly. Gasping, he stepped back; Judy struck the gun from his hand and leapt up to deal a sweeping hook across Psych’s face. Staggering back, the old fox fell flat on his back, stunned by the sudden burst of strength from the little rabbit. Judy snared him by his collar, the pills from his pocket falling out and pulled him close to her face.
“You are going down for what you did to Nick you creep.”
“What?” He asked, bewildered by the name.
“Wilde, Nick Wilde. Sound familiar?” She angrily stated, poking his chest. Psych was thrown by what she had said, unsure what to think in the moment, he found himself rather abruptly defenceless. Luckily Aiden arrived and scooped her up by her collar and growled, in her face.
“Back off, bitch in blue!” With that he tossed her hard into one of the pillars nearby and pulled out a tranquilizer gun, shooting her in the chest. Judy gasped and cringed as it struck, pulling out the dart as quick as she could, but she could feel it setting in. Aiden picked Psych up and handed him the bottles of medicine. Stuffing them back in his pocket, he strolled over to Judy as she tried to fight off the tranquilizer and threw a punch across her face, knocking her out. “You ok?”
“Yeah.” Psych nodded, glancing over by the door Aiden used to get in, he saw the chief lying on the ground with several darts in his back. “I see what kept you.”
“Yeah, sorry. Thought you could handle it.” Aiden nodded.
“Bring the car around, we’re gonna take them to the house.” Psych ordered, wiping his nose.
“What? Why not kill them here?” Aiden asked.
“Oshu wants his little prize alive and before he gets it, I’m going to get a few answers out of these two. We’re going to have to expedite our plans, Aiden.”
“I’m ready.”
“Good.”Psych nodded, turning back to Judy. “Good, let’s go.”
“Hopps come in.” Mariah spoke into the radio. Tapping her foot for a while, she tried again. “Hopps, this is Kasi, come in! Bogo, come in. Anyone!”
“Chief, this is Ryder.” One of the tigers replied.
“Get eyes on Bogo and Hopps now. I’ve been by the cafe; they’re nowhere to be found. Sweep the streets; get everyone’s infrared on the buildings and cars. Move it!”
“Yes ma’am. Yes Chief.” Several officers replied.
“As of this moment, Sahara Square is on lockdown.” She advised. Picking up her phone she called in to Tundratown Station and waited.
“Delgato here.”
“Diego, get physical units to every entrance to Tundratown from Sahara Square you can. Bogo and Hopps are missing and we need the area sealed off.”
“I’m on it, Kasi.” He agreed.
