Diving down the highway, they made their approach to the city. Passing the airport and cresting the last hill, Predaton unveiled itself. A massive coastal city laid out in a near perfect crescent moon shape. The bay filled with a mix of recreational boats, ferries and fishing boats. Half of the bay littered with docks while the east half of the beach was pure white sand, umbrellas and beach goers. Driving through a large archway, held in place by a pair of massive paws with claws extended, it was official. “Welcome to Predaton.” Followed by stonebound sign on the side of the road saying “Summerset District.” The view from the top of Summerset was astonishing. To the left, the hillside was decorated in immaculate mansions, the glass covered, triangular shaped science center and even an observatory near the peak of the hill. On the right looked a little more suburban, moderately large homes in a variety of colors, most very well maintained. Pools, trampolines and patios could be seen in almost all of them, a few with families perched on the decks hosting barbeques. Verdant lawns with lush gardens and a wide assortment of trees including a few towering palms.
The humid streets really started to show as they dove deeper down the hill and into the city center. A massive Victorian styled archway that encompassed both sides of the main road held a sign showcasing the main district. “Pantharia.” It wasn’t long before the group was in the heart of downtown.
“This is where I lived.” Patrick spoke up from the back seat. “You want to run a successful shop, you run it along Feral Street or Duclaw Avenue.”
“You ran a failed shop.” Finnick snickered. Patrick gave him a quick leer before peering back out the window. They carried on down through city center. Predaton’s skyscrapers were nothing to sneer at, the towering glass buildings reflecting the bright sun and azure sky with hardly a cloud in sight. The streets were littered with vendors, coffee shops, banks, clothing stores and fast cars. Many tuners were driving down the street, showcasing the style and power of their cars by revving the engine at intersections. Nick even spotted the city center police station, but was thankful to have it viewed from a distance for now. He thought briefly about Mariah Kasi and Ben Clawhauser, realizing his time out here might force him into a run in with either of them. Shrugging it off was easy as they encroached on the beach front, warm sands, hot food and girls were the order of the day. Many of which were strolling the streets in an array of bikini’s and thongs. There were no shortage of males either, lacking shirts as they strolled down the streets, a few of them holding their girlfriends but the boys in the car weren’t paying any heed to them. What surprised Nick the most was the sheer count of predators, he’d never seen so many and in such variety in one place. Even during his honeymoon, he barely noticed the townspeople relative to now. Wolves, jackals, foxes, hyenas, coyotes, racoons, otters, bears, cougars, leopards, lionesses and tigresses. Species of almost every predator were there strolling the grass, the beach or set on a bench having a cold drink while checking their phones. Finnick even spotted a few cute fennec foxes, winking and kissing at them as they drove by. The girls just laughed, cuddling closer together as they passed. “Ok, I’m liking this place. Just drop me off here.”
“Yeah, who wants a burger, my treat?” Patrick offered.
“Well, you say burger. But I think tail’s the only thing on your menu.” Nick quipped.
“They ain’t the only ones.” Bryan laughed, stepping over Nick to see out the window. “Damn, these girls are hot!”
“Stay focused guys.” Psych called from the front.
“Oh I’m focused, real focused.” Bryan nodded. Psych picked up the radio he was given and spoke.
“Scout, were on the shoreline getting familiar with the city. Need us anywhere?”
“The shoreline? Jeez you’re in town thirty minutes and chasing pussy already.”
“Do you need us?” Psych asked again.
“No, not yet. It’s what, noon now? Head to Lunar District at 1:30. I’ll be at the house. Don’t fuck around down there too long.”
“Copy that. Well Patrick, I think I’ll take you up on that burger.” Psych smiled to the back. “Kido, park somewhere nearby. Let’s walk around a while, clear our heads.”
“Sure.”
After deciding to skip out on the visit to the safe house and catching a boat show instead, Aiden drove the crew back up to Summerset to meet at last with Raphael Barone. Driving a long street, many with paths leading up to mansions that were spaced out along the way, they found their destination at the end of the winding road. Through the iron gates and around the fountain outside, Aiden pulled up parallel to the steps and got out along with everyone else. Tossing his keys to the coyote attendant he warned him.
“Scratch it and I’ll scratch you twice as much.”
“Yes sir.” He bowed, rushing to the car. Psych lead the way now, a young wolf opening the front door for him as he stepped in, meet with a cooling blast of air conditioning.
“Oh I forgot about that.” He smiled, carrying on into the house. Passing the living room he led the group up the stairs and turned right into the east wing of the mansion.
“Almost looks like the last one I caught ya in.” Nick noted.
“Barone’s manor is a little bigger than the one we seized. Better hot tub.” Psych smiled.
“They have a hot tub!?” Nick perked up. Patrick swatted the back of Nick’s head with a chuckle.
“Don’t be stupid, it’s Barone’s place. He’s probably got two of everything.” He advised him. Aiden took this chance to give the group a rundown on the etiquette in the house.
“Just don’t take without asking, and don’t speak to Barone unless he speaks to you. Respect is really important to him, along with knowing your place. Avoid eye contact too unless he mentions you.” Aiden cautioned as they approached the study. Two black wolves guarded the door, one of which sneered down at Psych.
“Didn’t think I’d see you again.”
“Meh, I’m harder to kill than it seems.” Psych brushed off. “He’s expecting us, no? Are you going to stand there all day looking stupid?” He smiled.
“Heh, enter at your own risk, fox.” He smiled right back, opening the door. Psych was first to head in, followed by Aiden, Nick, Finnick, Patrick and Byran. Inside set on the couch to the left was Vanessa and Niko. Niko of course with a big smile on his face, seeing his old friend again. On the other side of the room beneath the window, dressed in coveralls was Shea, the scruffy old coyote. He was wiping his hands with a towel stained in oil, seemingly excited by the arrival. But Psych kept his gaze fixed on the tiger behind the desk. In a white dress shirt with a blue tie on and brown slacks sat Raphael Barone, the great white tiger.
“Raphael my old friend. It’s been too long.” Psych greeted warmly and calm. Raphael clasped his paws together on the desk and smirked.
“Speaking out of turn again Psych?”
“I was never one to stand on ceremony.” He answered with a quick laugh. “I missed you, little brother.”
“Welcome back, Psych.” He nodded, rising from the desk he walked around and bent down, pulling in Psych for a quick hug and pat on his back. Clearing his throat, he leaned back onto his desk and smiled before speaking again. ”But I would like to know some of the details of what happened in Zootopia. Most curious among them, being how you’re still alive.”
“Not for a lack of trying.” Psych shrugged. “Niko, Shea, how are you?”
“Good Psych, tank you for asking.” Niko bowed.
“Haha ya ol rascall!” Shea bellowed rushing over to give Psych a hug. “How the fuck are ya!? Ya don call, don write? Ya forgettin ya friends there Psychey boy?”
“I can’t forget you if I tried.” Psych laughed patting his back before letting him loose from the hug. “Can I buy ya a drink later?”
“O ya butterin me up uh? The fuck ya need me to build ya this time?” Shea smiled.
“Sorry, where are my manners.” Psych shook his head. “Guys, this is Shea O’Farral, if you need something built or tuned right, you go to him. The thoughtful old bear over there is Nikolai Petrov. You’ve already met Vanessa.” He pointed out to each of them. Vanessa offered up a kiss to Nick and chuckled from her seat. “And of course my old friend, Raphael Barone. You’d be wise to be very kind and honest with him. Raphael, you remember Aiden.”
“Yes, good to see you again Aiden.” He nodded.
“A pleasure to see you too, sir.” Aiden bowed politely.
“This is Bryan Baxter, we picked him up in Fairways.”
“How’s it going.” He nodded.
“Patrick Frost and Finnick Fennec.” They each waved as their names were called. “And, my son. Nicholas Wilde.”
“The former officer.” Raphael noted.
“Yes.” Psych submitted bowing his head for a moment. “But, as you may be aware-“
“I’m aware of him.” Raphael stated, crossing his arms. “Vanessa and Niko told me of your interrogation of Howard Llaine, and his killing. It’s surprising to see a former cop flip so fast, even a little too convenient.”
“Wait, son.” Psych glanced back. “You killed someone?”
“Just a dumb Hyena, nothing special.” Nick replied.
“Don’t play coy, Psych.” Raphael cut in. “You know better than that. First, I want to know what happened in Zootopia. While I’m glad to see you alive, I do want to know why you blew a hole in one of my best drivers.”
“Yes sir.” Psych nodded. He went on to explain what had happened, talking about how he discovered Nick was his son and his ties with Judy. How Oshu was bent on killing her and what it would mean to Nick at the time. “I made a choice, one I do not regret. After the mansion, I was induced into a coma. They ran me through a gauntlet of therapies and managed to cure my cancer.”
“It was only stage 2. Turns out-“ Nick tried to speak up.
“Be quiet, I wasn’t speaking to you.” Barone cut off.
“Sorry.” Nick bowed.
“He’s new.” Psych snickered. “Not wrong though, my cancer hung in limbo at stage two. Painful as all hell but, curable.”
“I see.” Barone nodded, tapping his claws on the desk.
“How’s Max doing, is he ok?” Psych spoke up.
“Oh.” Raphael smiled. “Yes, he’s doing well. He’s in school right out of town in Auburn Fang Academy, but I talked with him this morning. He’s very excited for summer break. Very eager to come home.”
“He’s such a sweet boy. You must be very proud.” Psych complimented.
“Stop buttering me up.” Raphael smiled, waving his finger. “But I am quite proud of Max, yes. Now on to you, Nick Wilde, step forward.” Nick cautiously stepped forward, finally lifting his head from his chest. “The son of Parker Mathias Wilde, and an officer of the ZPD.”
“Former.” Nick corrected.
“Former.” Raphael agreed. “I read your record. Brutality, misuse of police resources and assault but, most of those just over the last couple years. Something wrong with your career in the ZPD?” He posed to Nick.
“Yes sir. Look before I joined the ZPD, I was in pretty much the same boat as my dad. Finnick, Patrick and I ran a popsicle hustle on the streets.”
“A popsicle hustle.” Raphael scoffed, throwing his head up and laughing along with a few assorted laughs in the room. “What’d you do, give people splinters?”
“Felony tax evasion.”
“Ah, well it’s a stretch to say you’re on par with your father.” Raphael noted.
“Yes sir.” Nick bowed.
“You know I find it odd, that a fox with your moral standing would just up and leave. A wife, three cubs, good career. So this only begs the question, why the hell are you here?” Raphael posed to him.
“You didn’t see what I saw working on the inside.” Nick stated, feeling a little more bold. “Six years I spent working for the ZPD, profiling mammals, corruption, breaking their own laws like bringing in the death penalty on my father.”
“That was outlawed in Zootopia long ago.” Raphael noted.
“Indeed.” Psych kicked in. “Even with every letter they sent and my full cooperation I was sentenced to death.”
“Hey how come he gets a pass on interrupting?” Nick threw in with a smile.
“Psych is one of my “Generals” His long work with my organization has granted him some flexibility with my rules. But even he pushes it now and then.” He smiled.
“Look, I’ll be honest sir. I love my wife and kits to death but I’m sick of that city. Those brutality charges? Me beating the crap out of a weasel I caught trying to rape an otter. The other me running a knife wielding maniac over in the cruiser. Misuse of resources? I tranquilized someone that was allergic to the stuff and they almost died in hospital. My assault well, some old belligerent goat was ridiculing my wife and kits in a restaurant. They called CPS against me, threatened to take my kits away from me if I didn’t pass and while she wouldn’t show it to me, I knew it scared the heck out of Judy. That town is always going to see me as the criminal I was, never as the cop I tried to be.” Nick carried on, glancing to his father. “They see me as your son, nothing more.”
“Nicky.” Psych moaned sympathetically.
“So I made a choice.” Nick glanced up to Barone. “I know Judy can take care of herself. She has lots of family that loves and supports her and of course I’ll always love her.”
“But you chose him.” Raphael nodded to Psych.
“I went without a father for 33 years. I didn’t want to go the next.” Nick thought playfully for a moment. “Five.”
“Hey!” Psych interjected.
“Ok six years without him.” Nick smiled. Psych shoved him and started chuckling. “I love my dad. He needs my help now.”
“Very touching.” Barone noted. “Do you read much, Nick?”
“Not as much as I used to.” He confessed.
“Your situation reminds me of a story, A Tale of Two Worlds. It’s a story that tells of a brave and noble lion, struggling so much to understand the fairer sex, that he shaved his mane and bore their trappings in an effort to blend in, to mix. He wanted to understand them, not by hearsay or stories, but from the mouths of the babes themselves. After months of studying them and coming to know this group, he went into hiding to regrow his mane. After he did, he changed his approach to the lionesses, how he spoke to them, how he talked with them in the hopes one would take him as a mate. None of them did. Do you know why, Nick?”
“No sir.”
“For all his efforts and all his struggles to conform to the lionesses, he lost what it was to be a male in their eyes. He became a lioness, a friend, a confidant, but not a mate. He’d forgotten, what made him unique. In the end, he took his own life, suddenly finding himself lost between two worlds, unable to find peace in one or the other. It’s an important lesson, Nick. To know where you belong. So I must ask; were these years in the ZPD your feminine trappings? Or did you at last find the world you long desired?”
“I think it was a firm reminder of where I belonged. For all its ups and downs, stealing, hustling and scamming mammals on the streets was way more fun and, thrilling than any patrol.” He explained.
“Well then.” Raphael pushed off the desk and began pacing the room. “Let’s begin things in earnest than shall we? Psych, as much as I am fond of you I have to admit, I have my reservations about this situation with Nick. However, you’ve proven your loyalty to me and my family several times over and several times again. So, here’s what I propose.” He stated, standing up straight with his paws behind his back. “He is your sole responsibility. His conduct and short-comings will fall directly on your shoulders until he proves himself capable.” He explained. “And if I find out, this is some joint ZPD, PPD effort to infiltrate my organization.” Barone stepped to Nick, leaning in good and close with teeth bared. “There will be nothing your father can say or do, to save you from the horrors I will inflict upon you. Betray me, and the last sound you’ll hear will be the snapping bones of your wife and children lying dead beneath your feet.”
“I understand sir.” Nick bowed. “Fully understand.”
“Good.” Barone approved. “It’s settled then. The rest of you, come forward. I’d like to meet each of you.” He invited. Psych wrapped a paw around his son’s shoulder and strolled over to the couch with Shea.
“Aye lad, welcome aboard.” He smiled, shaking Nick’s paw with a good firm grip.
“Thanks, Shea right?”
“Oh Aye. Ya’ll learn ma name quick if ya know what’s good fer ya.”
“Shea, is the bunker I was at still around?” Psych asked.
“Nah, sorry mah ol friend. Pigs raided it years ago, we fought back and ended up scorchin the place. There’s naught but ashes and carcasses left.”
“Damn. Well where am I going to work?” Psych questioned.
“Ya daft? There’s a big fuckin ouse right here! Pick a room wit a few beds and fall in it.” He suggested, slapping Psych’s back.
“I’ll need a new work station then, I managed to salvage my laptop but I’ll need new gear.”
“Well, talk wit tha boss. Get a budget goin for yer work station.”
“Yeah alright.” Psych agreed. Glancing up they could see Vanessa walking over, glancing down on the three of them with a smile.
“Shea, making friends with the cop?”
“Ey! Don’t go questionin the bosses decision lass. Takin his cock up yer ass don’t put you in charge.”
“Down dog.” Vanessa scolded. “You know I’ve done my share of grunt work just like you.” She said leaning down to Nick. “And after how he handled Howard, I’m curious to see what else you can do.” She moved her muzzle into his ear. “Don’t fuck it up baby.”
“Back off, he’s my concern, not yours.” Psych warned.
“Psych, Vanessa!” Barone called out with Patrick in front of him. “Can’t I leave you alone for two minutes? You have an assignment, Carvelle. Get moving.”
“Yes sir, right away.” Vanessa bowed, leaving the room in a hurry.
After meeting with Barone, the group was guided by one of the wolves who was guarding the door, back down the stairs and through the living room. Beneath the great staircase on either side was another set of hallways and he guided them down the western one, passing the kitchen. It went down only a few steps, but fed into a sheer white hallway with rooms littered on either side. The wolf stopped at the end and gestured to either side.
“Psych, you and your group may have these rooms. Barone figured you might like the one on the left here, it’s closest to the modem.”
“He’s not wrong.” Psych smiled, opening the door. Inside he was surprised to see that even this room had an immaculate decor. The walls were white like the hallway, but littered with rather decorative artworks and even a few book shelves fit for a mammal Barone’s size. A large L shaped couch was off to the right and a glass square table with four metal chairs were off to the left. It seemed to be a mix of a living and dining area and had one further room inside that was draped by blue satin curtain. Psych passed through and inside was a smaller room. Off to his right, was a rather large window with two queen sized beds on either side. Beside one of them was a small box, blinking lights that Psych identified right away as the modem and off to the left was one more bed, a twin size with a dresser at the foot of it. “I’m liking this layout.”
“Dad!” Nick giggled from the main room, pointing toward the edge of the wall. “We get our own patio!”
“Oh?” Psych smiled, joining his son. Sure enough he ignored the door at the edge of the room and pushed it open. It was in fair shape, Victorian fenced and concrete flooring but sure enough it was a patio with a rather astonishing view of the city. It gave them a crystal clear view of Pantharia, even a fair shot of the bay down below. Aiden, Bryan, Patrick and Finnick joined them outside to admire the view along with their wolf tour guide.
“You’ll find the other room has similar accommodations, you can divide them up however you like.”
“Thanks Tommy, that’ll be all.” Psych nodded back to him. Giving him a polite bow, the wolf excused himself and left the group to their devices. “Well, certainly an improvement over our old bunker, huh?” Psych proposed to Aiden, tapping his shoulder.
“Yeah, no kidding.” He smiled. “But I’m really eager to get setup again dad.”
“I don’t blame you.” Psych agreed.
“So how we divvying this up?” Finnick questioned.
“Patrick, Bryan, Finnick. You three take the other room. You being the single fellas might enjoy a room you don’t have to fuss about. Aiden and I will build our setup in here, Nick can stay with us.” Psych proposed.
“Ha! Living with your parents still.” Patrick joked. Nick playfully nudged his ribs and Patrick offered a shove back.
“They got a garage here?” Bryan asked.
“Yeah, hey that’s a good point.” Aiden noted. “Dad, think we should get Bryan working with Shea. They can get some vehicles rolling for us so were not all crammed in my car.”
“Good point.” Psych noted.
“Yeah I’ll talk with em tomorrow.” Bryan agreed, wiping his nose. “Been itching to get my paws on a good set of wheels.”
“See if you can find me a bike.” Patrick suggested.
“A bike!?” Bryan exclaimed.
“Yeah, 500cc or higher, sport, no cruisers. I used to love riding in this city, plus the cops can’t drive for shit against a good biker.” Patrick snickered.
“Well why don’t you guys go get settled in.” Psych suggested. “I’m going back to talk with Barone, see if we can arrange a start up fund for a workstation.”
“Cool.” Finnick agreed. “Hey, ain’t we near the kitchen. Let’s grab a bite.”
“Yeah, I’m down for that.” Patrick agreed, leading the way out of the bedroom.
“Well Nicky, how does it feel to be in a real crime ring?” Psych asked softly.
“You talk as if I’ve never been in one.” Nick scoffed, turning around to lean on the rails. “Well, ok. A few odd jobs for Big don’t really count I guess.”
“You worked for Montador?” Psych scowled.
“Meh, just a few running jobs, disposal. That kind of thing. Nothing too crazy. I did sell him a skunk-butt rug though.” Nick smiled. Psych burst out laughing, slapping his thigh.
“Are you serious!?”
“Oh yeah.” Nick snickered along with Aiden.
“How’d that work out for ya?” Aiden cracked with a smile.
“Oh I would have paid to see his face.” Psych carried on.
“He buried his grand mama in it.”
“HA! Hahahahaha.” Psych lost it, erupting into laughter.
“Come on, not that funny.”
“Ahh, but it is. Well, his Grand mama was fine but damn I hated that rodent. Deserved what I gave him and more.” Psych sighed happily.
“Oh yeah, you killed him didn’t you?”
“Pistol whipped the little shit bag and shot him.” Psych dusted off his hands. “So worth it.”
“Well he did spare Judy and me so, I can’t hate on him too bad.” Nick threw in.
“Oh I bet he felt a little guilty when it came to you. That little bastard could have told the police and-“
“Yeah I know, I know. You told me this story.” Nick nodded.
“Well.” Aiden pushed off the rail and aimed toward the door. “Let’s get going, Psych. The sooner we get this sorted, the sooner I can check on Eve.”
“Ah, of course son. My apologies. Let’s get a move on. Nicky, you can go spend some time with your friends if you like, I doubt computer shopping is your cup of tea.”
“Sounds good.” Nick agreed. “I could use some food, and maybe a beer or two.”
After getting the go ahead from Barone and five thousand bucks toward their build, Psych and Aiden drove downtown and started hunting for a computer repair or department store. Spotting a good sized shop within a mini-mall called Cybear Express, they headed in and started surveying the store. Aiden grabbed a cart and they dove straight into the computer parts section, ignoring the wall of TV’s and laptops.
“What size of case?” Aiden asked.
“Large, get a few mounting brackets too.” Psych suggested.
“Can use integrated memory chip for the OS, want an SSD for storage?”
“How big do they come in now?”
“Got a 10TB on here for only $450.” Aiden showcased to him. Psych went a little wide eyed and nodded.
“Wow, ok perfect. Go for that.”
“What OS?”
“Seriously?” Psych tipped his head.
“Panels split with Lionax, got it. I’ll see if they still have the older version, this new one nowadays sucks.”
“Ok.” Psych acknowledged looking over the array of ram chip sets and cables. He scooped up a few power cables and a 1000w power supply. Aiden came back around from the other aisle with a few boxes in the cart. Something caught Psych’s eye though and he grabbed the side. “Hey, nice try.”
“What?” Aiden innocently questioned. Psych scooped up the enormous box.
“A RZX 1680? You really think we need a 16GB graphic card?”
“Aww come on.”
“How much is it?”
“$800.” He confessed.
“Fuck me. No, pick something else. We need a good network card, find that first.” Psych insisted.
“Got it, 32gbps wireless LCI card with dual fiber optic and ethernet port.” Aiden showcased from the cart with a toothy grin.
“K yeah, that’ll do.”
“Means the graphics card is in the budget.” He proclaimed, waving the box in his other hand.
“If there’s money leftover, fine. Here, we’ll use this main board and processor. Ask if they have any 64GB ram cards.”
“Got it.” Aiden complied. Loading up the cart with extras like remote cams, heatsink, thermal past, screwdriver kits and tethers, the wide eyed cheetah cashier couldn’t believe the haul they were bringing up. Psych kept a straight face while Aiden actually seemed excited to get going on the build.
“If we’re even a penny over budget, that graphics card is going.” Psych noted.
“I’ll downgrade to a 1660 if needed.” Aiden countered.
“Downgrade to a 960.”
“Even in your day, those were a piece of shit.” Aiden retorted.
“Meh.” Psych shrugged off as the cashier finished.
“Ok, that’ll be $4998.22.” She informed them. Aiden gave a quick fist pump while Psych grabbed a chocolate bar and threw it on the counter.
“How much now?” he asked with a coy little smile.
“$5000.15.”
“Put the card back.” Psych grinned, pointing at Aiden.
“Shut the fuck up.” Aiden laughed, shoving Psych’s shoulder. Even the cashier was giggling at the two of them. Psych paid off the total, minus the chocolate bar and headed out to the car alongside a very smug looking Aiden.
“I feel like taking a nap when we get home. You can do the build.” Psych threw in.
“You really want me doing all the configuration and setting the passwords on there?” Aiden fired back with a smiled. Rolling his eyes Psych took a good long breath.
“Cubs.”
After spending a few hours building the new computer, Psych, Aiden and Nick finally got off to bed. It was long overdue and Aiden needing it the most having spent the two days fueled by coffee. Psych gave him the morning off after rallying everyone together to meet in Barone’s office for 10:00. Vanessa brought two cheetahs with her, a small crew she kept close by to help with hits. Nikolai stood alone, leaning on the wall. Shea was set with a pair of otter’s, zipping up into his coveralls and Psych with the largest crew, brought Nick, Finnick, Bryan and Patrick. Barone saw their arrival and asked his guards to close the door.
“Well.” He announced rising from his desk. “Been a while since we had so many bodies in the room. Jobs are pretty light today, but let’s not get too lax shall we. Nikolai?”
“Yes, sir.” The big grizzly bowed.
“I need you and Scout to investigate in Fairways. Find out what cops got to Howard Llaine.” He stated.
“I’m on it.” He nodded.
“Vanessa, you and your girls can focus on training today in the courtyard. I don’t have any marks for you until perhaps tonight.” Barone casually explained. “Oh and, well done yesterday. I doubt we’ll have any more issues with that shit headed lion downtown.”
“No problem, sir. You’re welcome.” Vanessa smiled.
“Shea and Bryan Baxter.” Barone announced. Bryan stepped out from behind Psych. “I understand you have some trade skills, yes?”
“Mechanic and explosives technician sir.”
“Excellent. I heard you were one of the drivers that tagged along with Oshu back in the day as well. Perhaps you’d like a vehicle of your own?”
“Yes sir!” Bryan all but jumped with glee.
“Perfect. Shea, we have that old red Infernious in the garage yes? Think you and Bryan could work on that?”
“Aye, that I could. Been lookin to get tha ol beast road ready again.” Shea complied.
“Perfect. Psych, if you have your workstation ready, I’d like to get back on the city’s traffic cameras again.”
“Not a problem.”
“Where’s Aiden?” Barone asked, tipping his head.
“I let him sleep in. He’s likely out for the day, I had to roll him off the computer chair into bed.” Psych smiled, folding his arms.
“Very well, and while you’re at that. Nick, Finnick and Patrick. I’d like you three to head downtown today. You’ll meet with one of my couriers, a young fox that goes by the name, Phase.”
“Phase sir?” Nick perked up.
“I always wondered if this whole nickname thing was fox exclusive.” Barone cracked with a smile.
“He comes up with them for everyone.” Finnick commented.
“Keep them to yourselves for now, I don’t care to be nicknamed and I don’t find it flattering.” Barone advised.
“I wouldn’t sir, believe me. I remember what you said yesterday, I’m just grateful for the chance to work with my father.” Nick bowed.
“Good. Phase has collected the names of few potential informants, retrieve the names of these mongrels and deliver them to Vanessa when you’re finished. If needed, she’ll deal with the marks tonight. He’ll ask for payment as well, give the pup a few bucks for his troubles and I’ll reimburse you.”
“Yes sir.” Nick bowed.
“We’re on it.” Patrick threw in.
“Excuse me, Mr. Barone sir?” Finnick spoke up.
“Yes?”
“How are we getting down there?”
“Your driver in disposed and I don’t have any vehicles to spare as of yet, I suggest you take the bus or walk.”
“Yes sir.” Finnick shrugged off.
“We’re on it.” Nick lead the way out the door, followed by Shea, Bryan and the two otter mechanics. Psych was about to head out, but halted as the others went on ahead to go about their jobs for the day. Barone noticed him stalling and asked.
“Something the matter, Psych?”
“Actually.” He confessed turning around and scratching his neck. “Do you have any further meetings?”
“No, I’m available. I was just going to watch a bit of TV before lunch.” He stated, stacking the files in his hands, he pushed them off to the side and offered up the seat at the front of the desk. Psych leapt into and took a good long breath.
“Since I got here I noticed a few things.”
“Like?”
“Mama Barone.” He said softly.
“Ah yes.” He cleared his throat. “Mother passed away four years ago. Natural causes, she was quite old. Happy but old.”
“That lasagna she used to make.” Psych shook his head with a smile, closing his eyes and licking his chops.
“Oh god, I know. She could work magic in the kitchen, she wasn’t just a great cook, she made it a real family thing you know?” Raphael smiled.
“Max still into it?”
“No, not really. He’s at that age where he prefers to eat rather than cook.”
“Why don’t we catch up for a bit first then, hm? This new rig that Aiden and I built, I can be on the traffic cameras in five minutes so. Why don’t we talk a while.” He offered.
“That’d be nice. It’s been a while since we just relaxed, had a good chat.” Raphael agreed. “Come, a comfortable couch and cold drinks await us in the living room.”
