(Seven years ago)
Psych sliced open the envelope in front of him, a rather large one with a good heft of documents inside. He tossed the wrapping away from his workstation in the dank bunker he called home. Flipping through the first few pages were photocopies of the X-rays and ultrasounds they had done on him. Circled along his kidney and stomach were white blotches with vein like spans stretching out from them. They were fairly small, but quite noticeable. Turning the page he mumbled as he read the biopsy results.
"Have confirmed that the tumor has effectively entered stage two, presenting signs of stage three. Patient is to undergo intensive chemotherapy right away, full-recovery somewhat probable. Estimated life span without treatment sixty to ninety days." He finished, wiping at his nose. "Fuck. Fucking bullshit!" He bellowed, slamming his paws on the desk. The door behind him opened, Aiden standing in it spoke up.
"What's wrong?" Psych ignored him, tapping his claws on the desk as he held his head up with his other hand. "Come on, you've been on edge for weeks now since you got sick with the flu. What's up?"
"Wasn't the fucking flu." Psych replied, pushing the papers off to the side. Aiden finally entered the room and looked the paper work over. At first reading it slowly, then swiftly turning from one page to the next until reading the same thing Psych had just read.
"Oh no. No no no. What the fuck!" Aiden growled, taking Psych in for a good hug.
"We need to see him." Psych insisted, grabbing Aiden's paw. "Barone, we need to meet with him, right now."
"Ok. I'll drive."
Within a few minutes they were pulling up to Barone's manor, passing the Victorian gateway and onto the road the circled in front of the house. The mansion was huge, the slanted glass exterior at the front, showcasing the beautiful artwork within, along with an immaculate blue, green and brown patterned couch. Psych took the lead opening the door and stepping inside, two black wolves were guarding the door and gave Psych the go ahead to come in. Straight ahead was the stairwell the branched into the west and east wings. Psych turned right and headed down the hall, passing a coyote who was just coming out of the bathroom in a greasy grey pair of coveralls.
"Ey there Psychey boy. Whatcha come visit fer today?" He announced warmly, brushing off of his paws.
"Come Shea." Psych called back, carrying on ahead. Tipping his head, he followed behind Aiden as the hallway widened to reveal Barone's office, the usual place to find him. Outside were another two wolves who placed their hands on the knobs.
"Sorry sir, he's in a meeting." One of them spoke up.
"This is urgent." Psych insisted. "Now stand aside."
"It's your neck, not mine." He warned, opening the door. Inside the study sat Raphael Barone, the great white tiger dressed in a silk blue dress shirt and tie; sitting at his large oaken desk on the phone. The massive windows beamed light throughout every corner of the room. The walls lined with towering shelves of books and ornaments, some quite old looking and clearly with significant value. Two chairs set before his desk for any would be guests along with a few long sofas without backs pressed against the few sections of wall not covered in books.
"Yes... Yes, I know Miss Collins. I'll be there to pick up Max in a while, you have my word. Just let him rest in the nurses office till I get there.... Yes.. Yes, tell Maxy I love him, dad will be there soon." Barone huffed, placing the phone down.
"This was your meeting?" Psych threw up a brow. Barone glared at him for a moment before jotting something down on the pad before him.
"A distraction, not unlike your presence here, Psych."
"Max ok?" Psych asked, giving a more sympathetic ear.
"He threw up in class." Barone answered quietly, placing the pen down and folding his paws on his desk. "I have to speak with Vanessa and Nikolai before I can go pick him up, so this had better be good you three."
"Hey, dinnah be lookin at me. This here's tha fox's idea, ee jus asked me to tag along." Shea waved off.
"Raphael?" A voice called from the doorway. It was Vanessa and Nikolai, stepping into the room. Nikolai was a large grizzly and long time friend of both Raphael and Psych. While Vanessa sported her usual attire, Nikolai enjoyed his comfortable black track shirt and pants.
"Ah, excellent. You're here." Barone smiled.
"Of course, you know I'd never let you down." Vanessa smiled warmly.
"Always a pleasure sir." Nikolai chimed in.
"Psych, if you could excuse us." Barone asked politely.
"Raphael." Psych cut in shaking his head. "I'm dying." Barone's eyes went a bit wide as he leaned back in his chair.
"Ok." He hummed a moment. "You have my attention. What's happened Psych?" Psych produced the papers and placed them on his desk, gently nudging them forward. The big tiger placed his glasses on and started reading them over. "I can see why you came so urgently. Though you foxes do have a flair for the dramatic." He smiled.
"Psych my old friend." Nikolai came over, placing a big paw on his shoulder. "What has happened to you?"
"I have cancer, stage two. Moving into stage three. Prognosis isn't looking too good, even if I start chemo right away."
"Shite lad. Ah ya poor old bastard." Shea came in, placing a paw on his other shoulder. "There anytin ya need?"
"I have a favor to ask." Psych nodded, looking up to Barone.
"What is it?" Barone replied, folding his paws once again.
"I want to go back." Psych nodded. "Back to Zootopia. I've saved up a little money but it's not enough. I want to give my son something before I start pushing up daisies. To do that, I need you to let me go."
"You want out." Barone hung his head. "Father always said, the only way out is at the end of a barrel."
"I remember. But I also remember what he said on your wedding day." Psych posed to him. "Family is your first and foremost priority. Before you take anything for yourself, give what you can to those who welcome you home. That great tiger welcomed me into it with open arms; you know I loved your father. You're family to me too. But now I must turn to my son. I have to do something to help him."
"Is he doing that poorly in Zootopia?" Barone questioned.
"Last letter I got from my father in law, Nicky was out hustling popsicles to get by with his friends. He's too stubborn to come home and accept their help." Psych explained. "Please. I know I'm asking a lot. But if Aiden and I know one thing, it's the importance of discretion. I'll carry your secrets to my grave, which given the circumstances, is not too far away." He nervously laughed and shrugged.
"Hmph." Barone huffed with a quick laugh. "You know, this is almost just too funny. Vanessa, Nikolai. The assignment I was going to put you on, was to deal with an issue I have in Zootopia."
"Oh, we get to take out a mark?" Vanessa licked her chops.
"I was going to keep you out of it because I didn't want anything linked to you, Psych but. Considering the circumstances." He explained, sliding a sheet of paper to him. Psych read it over with an awestruck look.
"Montador, fucking Big."
"Yes. See, he and I had an arrangement let's just say. Now he's refusing to pay his cut. Nikolai was to bring the bears in line, while Vanessa kills him but. This presents an opportunity for you and me both to benefit." Barone explained.
"What do you need me to do?" Psych eagerly questioned.
"Shea, do you still have the cheetah's address?" Barone questioned.
"Aye, O'course sir! Here." Shea offered it up to Psych.
"Psych, meet with Alexander Kasi. Like you, he likes to go by his little nickname, Oshu. Head to Fairways and recruit a few warm bodies for the job. I want Kasi there to establish a foothold in the city, just in case the family falls apart with Montador's death. After that, maybe hit a bank or two. Get some cash together to give your son." Barone nodded along.
"Thank you, Raphael." Psych started to tear up, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
"Aiden, I assume you're going with him. Yes?" Barone asked.
"Of course. He's my mentor, I'll stick by him on this last job." Aiden chimed in.
"Good, after Psych passes, assist Kasi in any way you can. I want good lines of communication open between us, understood?"
"Understood sir." Aiden bowed. Psych headed toward the door and placed his hand on the handle.
"Raphael?" Psych spoke up, glancing back. "Tell Maxy, I hope he feels better soon, and that, I'll give my love to Diana for him."
"Psych." Raphael broke loose a warm smile and shook his head. Stepping around his desk he leaned down and scooped up Psych for a good long hug. "Thank you my old friend. I'll do just that. Take care of yourself, you'll be dearly missed, but fondly remembered."
(Present Day)
It was late at night at Aiden's house in Everhallow Creek. Eve in bed beside him, tucked in tight in a fetal position with Aiden's paw draped over her belly. A steady but audible shudder came from Aiden's phone as it rattled across the night stand. Groaning he reached over and picked it up to see that the proximity alarm had been tripped again. Pulling up the camera's he could see several cars had circled outside along with a large black truck. His eyes bloomed wide, his heart throbbing and pounding in his chest.
"Shit! Eve get up! Now!!" He bellowed. A startled Eve rolled out of bed, rubbing her eyes in her night gown.
"Baby, what's going on?"
"They found me, they have a team outside, you have to get out of here!" He ordered in a hushed tone. "Come on, get to the hatch." He insisted, rushing her into the hallway. Opening the closet, he pulled away a rug and pulled the hatch on a secret door. "Go go go." He urged, easing her down.
"Aiden, please come with me." She begged.
"There's too many. If I run they'll follow and catch you. Go to Zootopia, find Judy and Nick and lay low. Please."
"No, I won't-" Eve was cut off by the sound of the door being hit by a battering ram.
"Fuck, that won't hold for long. Go!"
"I love you, please baby." She cried, pulling him in for a kiss. Aiden clasped his lips to hers for a moment before standing back up.
"I'll find you baby, I promise ok? I love you so much, just find Nick and Judy. You have to stay safe; I'd die if anything happened to you." He rushed through; dropping the door and covering it back up. As the door burst open, Aiden dashed back to his room. Opening the closet door he drew out a pair of stun blades, just like Parker's although slightly modified. The crew rushed in the door; guns, tasers and tranqs at the ready, most with laser sights. Two wolves dressed in black with heavy armor rushed into his room and swept the area. Getting to the closet, Aiden snatched one of their tranq guns and redirected into the neck of the other. The wolf tried to pull a taser but Aiden struck his face and snatched it, firing the prongs into his neck and covering his mouth as he stashed him into the closet.
"Alpha team, clear!" He heard called from the hall. "Beta team, come in!"
"Beta team, clear!" Aiden replied. One of the smaller armored mammals shook his head and drew out his gun.
"Something's off, whose voice was that?" He whispered. Slowly inching his way down the hall, he entered the bedroom and caught a glimpse of a boot on the ground. Aiden drew out the blades and swung for the little cops head but he dodged it and tried to fire at Aiden. Both shots missed, but Aiden took aim with the taser part of his weapon and hit him. The current however was useless, completely mitigated by the little mammals armor. "Nice try, Aiden." He gloated, taking aim again he fired high on Aiden. Hitting the floor he dodged the bullets and rolled to one of the unconscious wolves and raised him up like a shield. The small mammal hit the wolf twice, but the armor absorbed the bullets. Aiden reached over and clicked a button in his palm and much to the mammals surprise, the blades fired out at an incredible high speed, glancing his shoulder. "Shit!" He cried out, leaping for the dresser and bounding up into the air, he fired three tranquilizer rounds into Aiden's shoulder.
"No!" He cried out, plucking them out quickly. Trying to get to his feet, he felt his legs shudder, rapidly growing weak. The small mammal bounced off the wall and kicked Aiden across the face, knocking him out. Sheathing his gun, the small mammal pulled off his mask to reveal a hare's face.
"Mr. Savage Sir, is everything ok?" One of the armored mammals asked.
"Yeah, we got him. Bag him up and get him into the truck. Collect the car from the garage too." He ordered.
"Sir, we believe this house has a second occupant."
"Scour the area, but don't get too cocky. We have Baxter already, so it's most likely civilian."
"Sir." He saluted before exiting the room. Loading Aiden into the truck, he was tossed in beside an unconscious Bryan Baxter as the doors slammed shut. Outside, about a quarter mile from the house, Eve sat on a hill watching the cruisers and truck leave. Covering her mouth she cried, grasping her belly.
"No. Please god don't let him be dead. Please!"
Nick, Judy, Diego and Wolford all lead Parker into the court house. There were rows of press, shooting pictures of the fox, all bellowing questions to "Psych" while several others booed and shouted "Cop Killer, Murderer!" and other assorted insults. Parker found the strength to brush them off, sticking by his son and daughter in law as they entered inside.
The elephant judge overseeing the courtroom seemed rather mild mannered, the room quickly filling with press and invited guests to see the trial first hand. Ryan and Diego took to the side of the prosecution while Judy and Nick took Parker to the defense. Set beside them was Miss Tanner and a Lynx lawyer, dressed in a navy suit. Parker looking down at the cuffs that bound his hands and shrugged, even laughing to himself a little.
"Bound to happen sometime." He whispered to himself.
"Mr. Wilde, I'm Alister Hiro. I'm your court appointed lawyer. Miss Tanner has briefed me on the situation, just try to relax. I think we have a good case here for you, so long as you don't give that lamb over there any fodder to work with." He winked.
"Order, order!" The big elephant called out. "Bailiff please swear in all parties." He declared, as a moose strolled over and began to speak with each of them. Nick kept a paw on his father's back and when it wasn't there it was on his shoulder.
"All parties have been sworn in." The moose declared, as he turned to the crowd. "You may be seated."
"Thank you. Parker Mathias Wilde, you have been brought before us today on several charges as follows: Robbery, drug trafficking, 2nd and 3rd degree murder, assaulting an officer, several counts of illegal access to databanks including banks, hospitals, traffic cameras and police databases, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, illegal possession and use of explosives, destruction of city property and illegal weapons possession. How do you plead to the following charges?" He questioned.
"Guilty on all counts but the murder charges your honor." Parker answered.
"I see. Prosecution, you may begin." The judge spoke, turning to Diego and the lamb attorney nearby.
"Thank you, your honor." The lamb spoke up. "I'd like to call Parker Wilde to the stand please." Parker got up and approached the bench and took a seat, the bailiff swore him in once again and the lamb cleared his throat as he walked over. "Parker, you were involved in the incident that day, that claimed the lives of four ZPD officers, correct?"
"Depends what you mean by involved." Parker countered.
"You were present."
"Yes."
"The C-4 that was used to attack the station had to be rigged up by a professional, correct?"
"Yes, it would have been." Parker agreed.
"Your experience with explosives is quite unparalleled isn't it, Mr. Wilde? You and your cohort Bryan Baxter, the two of you easily rigged up such a device as an effective distraction?"
"Objection!" Alister exclaimed. "He's leading the witness."
"Sustained." The judge agreed.
"Did you or Bryan have access to C-4 prior to the station explosion?" He re-proposed.
"No."
"But you did have access to Fennerite, the same compound used to destroy the cooling towers?"
"Yes." Parker answered. The lamb smiled and turned back to the table.
"Your witness." Alister rose up and dusted off his shirt and approached the bench.
"Mr. Wilde, you aren't here to deny what happened with the cooling towers, are you?"
"No, I'm not."
"Can you please tell the court in your own words how the station explosion came about?"
"Oshu and I planned to hit the station with rocket launchers. The aim was to blow out a few cruisers, get the attention of the ZPD and keep their focus on us." Parker began.
"Where did the C-4 come into play?" Alister questioned.
"I didn't know about it. I was ready to fire, when I saw that Tyler Stag had started heading inside with a bunch of donuts. I couldn't figure out why, until Oshu finally fessed up that he had a present for me that I was gonna love."
"The C-4."
"Yes, I thought it was fennerite at first. But it turns out, he, Tyler and Manches had gone ahead and stolen a shipment from the explosives testing facility. I called him an idiot for it, I was worried how we were gonna hide if that asshole-"
"Watch the language." The judge interjected.
"Sorry, if he caused a state of emergency. Neither Bryan, Aiden or myself knew about the C-4." Parker explained.
"So you were forced into that situation."
"Yes. Anyone who knows me, knows that I prefer not to kill. The more bodies you stack up, the more heat you get. I spent my life trying to avoid such things, I wasn't k-keen on having the ZPD swarming us." Parker stated.
"I see. No more questions." Alister nodded.
"Mr. Wilde, please take your seat." The judge spoke up.
After a few hours of back and forths between Alister and the lamb lawyer, the judge called for a brief recess before making his decision. Nick took his father's paw and stood up, along with Judy who held Parker's other hand, keeping a good tight squeeze. Taking to the bench, the judge cleared his throat with a stack of papers in front of him and began to speak.
"It's very clear to me, that in Mr. Wilde's case that mistakes have been made on both sides of this issue. Chief Hogkins actions regarding the handling of Daryl Wilde and the complaints from Marcus and Ruth Chase, along with Parker and Rachel Wilde have no excuse." The judge took off his glasses and clasped his hooves together on the bench. "The only problem being is that had you remained here or were incarcerated for any actions accused by Mr. Hogkins, would have resulted in his trial before us today instead of yours Mr. Wilde. I've had a chance to review the charges against you, and I've read the written statements from officers Judy Hopps/Wilde and your son Nick Wilde and Mayor Bogo regarding the incident. Chief Delgato has also informed me of your cooperation in this matter. However the charges pending against you, far outweigh any leniency these statements can provide." He cleared his throat and pushed the papers off to the side. "Parker Mathias Wilde, on the charges presented before the court I find you guilty as charged. The culmination of years to be served however far outweighs the remaining time you have left in this world, and due to the terroristic nature of some of these offenses and murder charges associated with them, combined with information collected by the Predaton Police department I have no choice but to sentence you to death. A hearing will be held on June 1st to determine your date of execution, that is all." And with the drop of the hammer, Parker's fate was sealed.
"Death!? No! No you can't be serious!? Why would you keep him alive just to kill him now!?" Nick bellowed.
"Mr. Wilde, compose yourself!" The judge barked.
"Nicky, easy! Come here, shush."
"Dad! No!" Nick cried, holding his father tight. "This isn't fair, I don't understand."
"Shh, sh sh sh." Parker hushed.
"Oh Parker, no." Judy cried, hugging him from behind.
"I'm so sorry, Parker. I'll see what I can do about an appeal." Alister stated dismissing himself from the three of them.
"Dad, they can't do this! This isn't right. This just isn't right." Nick cried. The moose bailiff tried to approach and take Parker into custody.
"Officer Wilde, stand aside please." Judy angrily swatted his hand away.
"Give him a second will you!?"
"Dad."
"Shhh, It'll be ok Nicky." Parker insisted, clasping his son's cheeks. "You did what you could, ok? I love you. I love you so much. I know you did everything you could to help me. But this is my fate now."
"Dad no, please! I love you." Nick stammered. Parker kissed his son's nose and pressed his forehead to his.
"Wherever you go son, my heart goes with you. In this world or any other. I love you Nicky."
"I love you dad."
"Come on, let's go Parker." The moose insisted, shoving him away.
"No." Nick reached out, but Judy held him tight.
Parker was being shoved over and over, down the halls and into the holding cells within the basement of the court house. After taking several turns, they fed him into a small room with a single table and two folding chairs, a single light dangling overhead. In the corner stood a grey hare with stripped cheeks and calm demeanor, dressed in a black suit and tie and a suitcase on the ground. The door squealed as it slammed shut and locked.
"Last meal?" Parker quipped, throwing his brow up at the hare.
"Not quite." He replied, nodding to the chair. "Sit down."
"I've spent the last few hours in a chair, I'm good." Parker fired back.
"Suit yourself, Psych."
"Don't call me that." Parker scolded.
"But that's who you are, isn't it? You've been Psych far longer than you've been "Parker Wilde."
"None of your business, you overgrown rodent."
"Hmph." The hare huffed, closing his eyes. "That death sentence though." He shook his head and whistled. "Tough break. You know with that many letters and commendations from police you'd think you'd at least get 15 years instead of that huh?" He played off, strolling over to the chair to lean on. "Almost like fate just stepped in and decided it was your time."
"Ha, should have known you conniving pigs would find some way to fuck me over."
"Figuring it out, good." He smiled. "Allow me to introduce myself. Special Agent: Jack Savage with the Z.I.A."
"Not impressed, now fuck off." Parker spit. Jack just shook his head and strolled over, snaring Parker by his chains and tripping him up, he tossed him into the chair, tumbling to the floor.
"You know, I've got this thing about bad language and while I'll let one or two slip I have my limit. Now take your seat, fox!" Jack ordered. Parker picked himself up and slammed the chair on the ground and sat down. Jack smiled and seemed to be settling down, taking a spot right across from Parker. "Now then, I can tell you don't like to sugar coat things, or tip toe around so let's get right to the point." Jack reached into his pocket and threw a few pictures onto the table, nodding for Parker to take a look. It was Aiden and Bryan, somewhat beaten up and behind bars. Parker growled and glared at the hare.
"What have you done to them!?"
"The same thing I'm gonna let Zootopia do to you, unless of course you step in and save them." He stated.
"Save them?"
"Like I said, I'll be direct." Jack answered, leering over the table. "I want Barone."
"Wha!" Parker couldn't believe the request. "You think I can just hand him over? The biggest player in Predaton on a silver platter?"
"I know you've been on the inside, I know you've worked with several of his mammals, you know his offenses, his records, everything."
"And you expect me to hand them over? How?" Parker scoffed.
"No." Jack leaned back, folding his paws on the table. "I want you to go back in."
"What?"
"This is how you save your sorry hide. You go back, work for him. Do whatever you need to do to catalogue the evidence we need. You'll meet with our contact whose already on the inside, you do what you do best but I need you and those rats there for August."
"What exactly do you need us there for?"
"Something big is going down. Barone's about to break a deal that's going to bring in heavy munitions including unknown biological weapons into the city. We believe one of his suppliers has found a new toxin that's going to make Nighthowlers look like cough drops." Jack explained.
"Seems like Barone's side might be more tempting than you goodie-two-shoes. What's to stop me from sticking with him hmm?" Parker smiled.
"You made one big mistake, Parker Wilde." Jack grinned right back. "Wouldn't it be a shame of Nick's past came back to haunt him?"
"Yeah right, you can't get him on those petty tax crimes, he was absolved."
"Not by us. Whenever I want, I can cram that fox in a jail cell so deep he'll never see the light of day again, I'll stuff those hybrids of his in foster care and send Hopps packing back to the carrot farm faster than you can say your own name." He threatened quietly.
"You wouldn't dare."
"I would and I will if you take one step out of line, Psych." Jack nodded.
"You offer me a death sentence, threaten my kit and kidnap my adopted son. If you're trying to coerce my cooperation you're doing a piss poor job, rabbit. What's to stop you from keeping me indentured to your little ZIA, so far I've heard nothing in this to incite my compliance." Parker demanded. Jack got up out of the chair and grabbed his briefcase. Cracking it open, he reached inside and produced several slips of paper, each with a seal on it from the ZIA.
"A clean slate. The charges against you, Bryan, Aiden all wiped out. Nick's of course too. On top of that, we'll allow Bryan and Aiden to legally possess the money you stole six years ago. Aiden, can marry his little girlfriend and have his family. Bryan, off the hook can go wherever he wants, finish his schooling perhaps. You well, this time next year. Could be sipping lattes with your son and grandcubs, with all this crap behind you." Jack smiled. Parker started nodding to the papers, reading them over before glancing up to Jack.
"You'll forgive me if I have a hard time believing you'll follow through. After all I have a real problem trusting cops."
"I'm not police." He smiled. "It's not so much law were concerned with, it's stopping serious threats to entire cities, potentially the world." Jack stated. "If we're right and Barone's about to get his hands on a bio-weapon he could move from mob boss, to warlord pretty quick. We can't allow that to happen. We're going to have one shot at stopping this, one chance to seize him and the evidence in one clean sweep. Or, you can rot in a jail cell; and die in front of your son."
"Perfect." Parker scoffed. "I guess I have no choice, we'll play this little game your way for now."
"Can you still hack?"
"C-course. But I have a few conditions." Parker spoke up.
"Aiden and Bryan will join you. We'll let them out, they'll be here to break you out of jail in one weeks time. 7:45PM. You'll meet with our contact in Fairways at 6:00AM that Saturday morning. After that, you'll be on your own. Get back in that tiger's good graces and be ready to move when we tell you. You'll be given clearance to do whatever you need to win him over, any additional criminal offenses will be scrubbed, including murder to a degree. Fail, or betray us and I guarantee there will be no place to hide from us. Succeed, and we'll live up to our end. Deal?" Jack extended his hand.
"Fine, deal." Parker hesitantly agreed. "Don't you dare, double-cross me though."
"I'll say the same for you."
Nick sat outside the courtroom on a long bench with Judy by his side. Miss Tanner walked by, holding her clipboard at her waist and paused before the two of them.
"I'm so sorry." She sighed.
"No you're not." Nick refuted, keeping his head low.
"Nick, easy baby." Judy hushed, stroking his back.
"Really I am. I knew Parker back in High School, Nick. I even knew your mother. I was hoping the judge would show some form of leniency but, apparently not."
"Just." Nick tried to say, turning his head up toward the hall. "I need a minute. I'm going to the bathroom."
"Of course." Miss Tanner bowed out. Judy watched as he entered into the washroom and sighed, she really didn't know what to say to Nick to help him feel better. Inside the bathroom Nick leaned on the counter, both paws strewn on either side of the sink. The feeling was eating at him from the inside, he truly felt betrayed by what had happened in the court room. He could understand some jail time, but a death sentence was just too far. All these years and all this faith he had put in the ZPD and the justice system was suddenly shaken.
In behind him, a young rabbit in a plaid over shirt and white underneath strolled in and used the sink nearby to wash his paws. He was almost pure white in fur color, minus a few hints of grey flecked around the edges of his fingers. He toyed with the fur on his head for a moment before taking notice to the fox beside him.
"Hey." He nodded. Nick didn't answer, instead he kept his gaze fixed on the sink; doing his best to ignore the bunny. "Some trial. I haven't seen a death sentence in like, ages. Thought they outlawed the death penalty here."
"I'm not interested in chatting about it." Nick quietly dismissed, turning toward the door.
"I wouldn't bother trying to leave. I locked it remotely." The rabbit stated. Nick's ears fired up, glancing back to the rabbit. He shoved the door a few times, trying to get it open but it wouldn't budge. "Ah ah ah, easy. If I was going to do something like kill you, I would have done it by now." Nick withdrew his gun and kept it at his side with the safety off.
"Can't say I'm sharing the same sentiment, open the door now." Nick ordered.
"Relax." The rabbit strolled over, taking a more hushed tone as he produced a badge. "Gabriel Mckinnon, I'm with the ZIA. My partner is likely talking with your father right now too."
"What?" Nick breathed.
"Keep it hush hush, rough and tough." Gabriel smiled, pressing Nick's gun to his holster. "I'm here to help you save him." He winked.
"What's your play?" Nick posed to him quietly.
"Depending on Psych's answer, we have a job for you. But it's a unique assignment, built for someone with some finesse in acting. Think you got the chops, city cop?" He whispered.
"What's the job?"
"Classified, deep shadow conditions. What I tell you doesn't leave this room, we clear? Or else believe me handsome." Gabriel took a quick pat at the gun. "No little pea shooter will save ya from our snipers."
"Get on with it." Nick insisted.
"We're sending Psych, Aiden and Bryan back to Predaton. Yes we know where they are, we have them in our... Possession, let's just say." He smiled. "Thing is, my partner is worried about Psych going stray again."
"Stop calling him that."
"Sh-sh-shush, I'm talking. I talk, you talk, I talk, you talk. Keepin up foxy?" He animatedly explained, knocking on Nick's head. "We need someone to be there for Psych, or Parker if you wanna be all sensitive. But we need him out there as Psych. We're after his former boss and well, we're worried this might be too much job for him. Having his sweet little kit there beside him well, that might encourage him to stay on track, don't ya think?"
"I can't. No I'm sorry, I can't go." Nick tried to wave off.
"Hear me out. This job, not only will clear his record, but his little buddies as well. I mean come on, Nick. I'm sure you have a few dents on yours you'd like cleaned out. Sides, while your pappy's reward is a clean slate, yours is a good chunk of change, along with the perk of being a national hero for stopping the biggest organized crime ring this side of the world." He smiled.
"Eh, I don't know."
"Ahem. $20'000'000 bucks to be exact." Gabriel smiled. Nick went completely wide eyed.
"T-t-twenty, million?"
"Look, Barone's trying to make the move from crime lord, to warlord. The payouts nice and high because, well, in assets alone we can seize Barone for just shy of a billion. We need a good team on the inside to stop him. Psych is a little unstable, and who knows what he could plan without someone there to keep him grounded. He stands a better chance of succeeding in this plan if he has you with him. But until then, I need you to strut your acting stuff." He posed. "Show us your bad cop routine, really piss off the ZPD, get yourself fired even. I just need to know now if you're in, or out." Nick took a good while to think it over, glancing between the mirror and Gabriel.
"My wife always says, we should at least try. Try to make the world a better place. You say this guy's so bad, he could become a warlord?"
"It's the real deal foxy. Barone is looking to acquire a biological weapon; so yeah it's a real delicate time right now. We gotta move the pieces just right, you know?" He urged.
"Got a few conditions, but I'm in." Nick smiled.
"Name it." Gabriel clasped his paws together.
"Patrick Frost and Finnick, I want them in. Same deal as me." Nick proposed, crossing his arms.
"Finnick, what's that a mononym?"
"Finnick Fennec, his parents weren't real creative with names."
"Ha, fair enough. But I've got some conditions too." Gabriel stated. "Deep shadow, means DEEP shadow. I mean it when I say not one single word, hint, utterance or any sort of notion you are doing this, goes beyond this bathroom. Tell anyone, your wife, kits, friends, you pray about this. You'll be removed, along with everyone in your family."
"Removed?" Nick questioned.
"Don't, ask. Not pretty. This is a tight ship, no leaks, not even a drop. We'll arrange for Aiden to pick you up at 7:20PM, next Friday. Lakeview boulevard, about two blocks from your house, got it?" Gabriel instructed.
"Yeah, I got it." Nick agreed.
"Good, till then. Have fun being this city's biggest asshole, and I mean that in a good way. Piss off the ZPD, get yourself written up, fired, whatever. There's a new drug going around, hell smoke up at the office, whatever it takes."
"Could afford to let off a little steam." Nick nodded.
"Excellent, glad to have you on the job." Gabriel praised, hitting a button on his phone. "Go ahead and get to work. My partner will get in contact with you after the break out. Good luck, Agent Wilde." He winked.
"Later." Nick nodded in approval and headed out the door. Strolling down the hall, Judy all but leapt into his arms and held him tight.
"Are you ok baby?"
"Yeah, I just gotta get outta this place, you know?"
"I do." She cooed, grinding her head on his chest. "Let's go."
