After a brief stay at Scouts place overnight, the crew returned the next day bright and early to Barone’s mansion. Inside his office he was set as his desk as per usual, scribbling away on a few forms while keeping an array of large brown envelopes on the desk. Psych opened the door for Nick, Patrick, Finnick, Shea and Bryan, who were greeted with a surprisingly warm smile from the big tiger. 
“Well now, good to see you alive and well.”
“Thanks boss.” Shea smiled with a quick salute. 
“You’ll be happy to hear Niko, Vanessa and Scout made it out just fine. The cops managed to stop them, only to find an empty crate.” Barone chuckled. “Psych, well done with the traffic lights.” 
“Not me this time, I let Aiden take the reins, I just supervised.” 
“Haha, excellent. With this settled we can begin the next phase of our plans. But first, we should attend to business.” Barone smiled, showcasing the envelopes on the counter. “Go on.” He encouraged. 
“Oh?” Nick grinned, grabbing the envelope with his name on it. Shea, Patrick and the others followed suit as Nick opened it up. Inside was a bundle of cash tied together with a rubber band. Counting it he was shocked at the amount. “Three-thousand bucks!?” 
“Now, normally.” Barone wagged his finger. “I ask you to keep your earnings to yourself, a respect issue. But I understand your excitement today, your first big job for me. I felt it appropriate payment for the work you did last night. Thanks to you, our munitions are resupplied, new parts for Shea in the workshop and we have this.” Barone showcased a small steel cylinder, no markings but with a decent amount of heft to it. “Your job today, which once again, you’ll be compensated for. Meet with Phase downtown, he’s been keeping tabs on our little mad scientist.” 
“Mad scientist?” Nick questioned. 
“A rather eccentric and nomadic stag, he develops weapons for us, gas canisters, explosives. The occasional batch of drugs. He paid a hefty price to get his hooves on that.” 
“What is it?” Patrick wondered, checking the canister out. 
“I don’t ask, and honestly if I were you, I wouldn’t either. Sometimes what we deliver to him is best unknown. Either way, get his new address from Phase and deliver it to him. After that, I hope you’ll join us tonight.” 
“What’s going on tonight?” Nick asked. 
“Luscious Lynx, it’s a night club on the edge of Summerset and Pantharia. I’ll have some passes ready for you to get into my VIP room. Although, if I were you fellas, I’d look into some new attire. Maybe put that money to good use today.” 
“What’s wrong with my clothes?” Nick pondered, looking himself over. 
“Dude, you look as shady as it gets.” Patrick chuckled lightly, nudging Nick’s side. 
“Walkin probable cause.” Finnick threw in. 
“You used to wear a onesie.” Nick raised his brow, leering down at Finnick. 
“HA!! You got him to do it!? I can’t believe it! Hahaha.” Patrick erupted into laughter. 
“Gentlemammals, if you don’t mind.” Barone cut in. 
“Oh! Yes sir, we’ll go right away. Thank you again sir!” Nick bowed along with the rest of the crew. 

Patrick and Nick had made it downtown thanks to a rather swift drive from Bryan. They were dropped off on Feral Street, a strip that overlooked the shoreline and boardwalk areas just a few blocks away. Dozens of street vendors were cooking up food, showcasing jewelry and souvenirs, many of the shops run by predators like foxes, wolves and cheetahs. 
“Hey, over there.” Patrick nodded off toward a small shopping center. One of the stores ran a series of pictures on their windows of lions in trendy clothes in a monochrome tone. “That place should work.” 
“What’s wrong with my clothes?” Nick really wondered, pulling on his black hoodie and pants. 
“Seriously? Dude come on. Night ops, sure. But we’re in one of the hottest cities in the world and you’re wearing a fucking furnace. Come on, let’s head in.” Patrick insisted, shoving Nick into the store. Inside was a rather open space with a few clothing racks but dozens upon dozens of folded shirts, pants, jackets and sweaters along the wall, neatly tucked away into their own little shelves. A slender and warm colored red wolf approached the two, dressed in tight black pants and wide white V-neck shirt. 
“Hi fella’s, my names Carly, what can I get for you today?” She smiled, politely bowing to the two of them.
“Hey.” Nick casually waved. 
“Pleasure Carly.” Patrick smiled, clasping her paw and kissing it. “We need to get this lunk head dressed more, appropriately for this city.” 
“Mmm! Yeah, dark and dank ain’t gonna cut it cutie. Your boyfriend have any preferences in style?” She asked, clasping her paws together. 
“Uh no, he’s not-“ 
“He likes anything that showcases his tight fuzzy little tushy.” Patrick grinned wickedly. Nick nudged his side as Patrick keeled over and laughed. 
“Smart ass. Don’t listen to this chump.” Nick winked. “Likes to run his mouth. I’m looking for something to wear to Luscious Lynx tonight, especially if we’re going to the VIP section.” Nick smiled. 
“Oh! Nice! Sorry about the presumption, usually when we see two males come in together it’s not uncommon for them to be a couple. Ever been here before?”
“Nah, first time.” 
“Awesome, so let’s have a look at you.” Carly guided him over to a mirror and whipped out a measuring tape. “So, something good for socializing, maybe something along the lines of casual yet stylish?” She suggested. 
“Sure, sounds good.” Nick agreed. 
“Hey Nick, I’ma look into some threads myself. You let her take care of you.” 
“Got it.” 
“Hmm.” She pondered. She took her time measuring his arms, torso and waist. Along with spanning the tape the length of his tail and legs. “Ok, fox fit: 32 waist, 34 chest. Do you prefer shorts, slacks, jeans or cargo?” 
“I’m good in anything.” Nick chuckled. 
“You got a nice fur color, cream belly. Let’s go with a nice form fitting under shirt and button up combo. Try this one first.” Carly suggested, snagging a white muscle T-shirt. “Over top, we can try this.” Picking up a vibrant red button up. “Go ahead and put those on.” 
“Right.” Nick agreed, heading into the fitting room. Carly rushed over to one of the racks as he stepped in and with a playful giggle threw a pair of black jeans over the door. 
“Those too.”
“Thanks.” Nick replied, the pair of jeans draped over his head. After getting changed, he stepped out to a rather pleased looking wolf clapping her paws in delight. “So?” 
“Very nice! Ok, tuck it in a bit here. Here, one of these too.” She carried on, threading a belt through his pants and buckling it on. “Very nice! Now this is good as a whole, but you start breaking it down, you’re gonna go monochromatic and lose the looks flavor, might get away with it if you throw on some khaki’s but we’ll look into a different setup for those. You’ll love this by the way, everything you’re wearing there? It’s hydrophobic, it means it’s completely stain, drool and sweat proof. That red really compliments your fur so well, the white pops out, drawing a good amount of focus to your chest too. Now, if you want something simple, you know a wear around the house kind of deal, try this one on.” She suggested offering him a green button up shirt. Nick flinched a bit and lowered his head. His train of thought ran right back to Zootopia and Judy. 
“Maybe, not the green button up.” He insisted. 
“Oh, ok. Sensing a little history there. Maybe a bad breakup or something huh? Well, that’s fine, we can work with that.” Carly insisted, keeping her positive attitude. When all was said and done, Nick found himself with a new wardrobe thanks to the plucky wolf and walked up to the counter with the stack of clothes. Ringing it up, it came up just shy of $450 and with his old clothes stuff in the bag with his new ones the two headed out. 

After a quick pick up and drop off from Bryan who was spending the better part of the day cruising the street in his new car. Nick and Patrick started to search for their contact. They strolled along the streets near a series of townhouses when much to their surprise, Phase came shooting out of one of the houses at the mercy of the rather plump lion resident. Picking himself up and dusting off the grass, he turned around and shouted
“Hey! You owe me $100 bucks you fat ass!”
“Fuck you, you gutter-washed mongrel!” He waved off, slamming the door. 
“GRRR!” Phase fumed, finding his composure as he spotted Nick and Patrick. “Oh great, you two now. What is it?”
“What’s going on?” Nick spoke up. 
“What him?” Phase nodded back to the house. “Second time that fat fucker hasn’t paid me for running. He pays the dealer alright, but the fox that actually gets it to him? Nah, course not.” Phase huffed, dusting off his clothes; he managed to tear a fresh hole in his shirt. “Ugh, this day cannot possibly get any worse.” 
“Were you running for Barone?” Nick proposed to him. 
“Course, who do you think he buys from?” Phase retorted. 
“Nick, don’t do something stupid.” 
“How long have you known me?” Nick smiled.
“Too long, and if you get my new clothes messed up I’m kickin your tail inside out.” Patrick quipped. 
“You’re gonna help?” Phase exclaimed. 
“Come on, kid.” Nick waved him along; approaching the house he stepped up the stone staircase and knocked on the door. The big lion answered, a white beer stained shirt and orange trunks on. 
“The fuck you want?” He bellowed, scratching his belly. 
“Just a business matter.” Nick produced his gun in a fairly discrete fashion and let himself, Patrick and Phase inside. The lion shut the door and leaned on it as Nick surveyed the little house. It had a small living room with a simple stand covered in bottle caps and beer bottles. The only thing standing out was a few prescription bottles with blacked out labels on them. “You’ve been getting your products on time, right?” He asked, looking the bottle over. 
“I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.” 
“Better learn fast then, pussy cat. I’m not here to play around. What makes you think you don’t need to pay your courier?” Nick lightly demanded, setting the prescription bottle down. 
“This little rat? Fuck him. Last time I let him in, he stole money off the table.” He scoffed. 
“What money?” Phase interjected. “Broke ass is always blowing it on booze and drugs.” 
“You little!” The big lion bellowed, reaching for Phase but just as he turned Nick shot out his foot and sent the big lion onto the ground in agony. “AHH!! You rat face fuckhead!” He screamed. Nick growled and stuffed the barrel up into the lion’s chin. 
“Ah ah ah, don’t go making a scene now. Listen to me good and clear. Barone doesn’t like it when his supply lines are tampered with. I don’t think I need to advise you what happens to mammals that interfere with his business. Low rung as he might be, Phase works for Barone. And as Psych’s son, It’d be real easy for me to get an audience with him to address a junkie ass lion like you.” Nick warned. 
“What?! Oh shit, so it’s true! He’s back.” The lion gasped, clenching his foot tight. 
“Pay the boy, now!” Nick bellowed. 
“Right right! Ok just take it easy!” The lion begged, with a shaky paw he reached for his wallet and opened it up, giving Phase the 50 bucks he was owed. Nick reached in and stole an extra 50 and stuffed it in Phase’s paw. “HEY!” 
“You didn’t pay for the last delivery either!” 
“Delivery is only 25!” 
“Is not.” Phase nervously interjected. Nick gave Phase a rather unimpressed look before returning his attention to the lion. 
“Call it a good faith payment. Next time, pay up with no fuss and you won’t have any more holes in you. Go clean yourself up, and I don’t think I have to tell you to keep your mouth shut about your foot.” Nick warned. 
“Course, no one’s stupid enough to snitch on one of Barone’s.” The lion agreed. Nick gestured with the gun for him to move out of the way. Getting up he hobbled down into the hallway, likely toward the bathroom to get himself patched up while Nick, Patrick and Phase headed back out. Phase was licking his chops counting the money while Nick pat his back. 
“Happy now?”
“Yeah, that’s two I owe ya.” Phase smiled. 
“Well Nick, aren’t we the little over achiever today. You seem to be adjusting to this new leveling of hustling nicely.” Patrick complimented. Giving a cool shrug, he turned back to Phase. 
“So kid, we need your help. We’re on assignment from Barone to get something delivered to the Mad Scientist. You know him?” 
“Oh yeah.” Phase rolled his eyes. “Keeps trying to trick me into being one of his experiments.” 
“Creepy.” Patrick cringed. 
“Ya think? Come on, I’ll take ya too him.” 

Down near the docks, with the sun starting to set, Phase lead the two of them toward a massive warehouse. Walking along the pier, the followed the wooden path alongside the building and toward a large shudder. Phase tried to get it open, but with some help from Nick and Patrick managed to throw it up to reveal a fair sized truck hitched to a rather massive and rust stained trailer. Phase cautiously approached and knocked on the door. 
“No! No visitors today! I’m... I’m, oh what the blazes do these cubs do nowadays... I’m masturbating!” A high-pitched voice called from inside. 
“Ew.” Nick slit his eyes before speaking up. “The boss sent us.” 
“The boss? OH THE BOSS!!” He exclaimed, throwing open the door. A half grey, half brown stag stood before them in a cliché white coat and fairly little else. It seemed half the horns on the left side of his head were missing and had a crazed look in his eyes. “Does this mean, oh boy! You have it, don’t you?” He pleaded. Patrick opened up his bag and showcased the cylinder to the stag. “It’s perfect!” He exclaimed, swiping it from Patrick. “Come come, inside. You fella’s happened along just in time!” 
“What’s it for?” Nick asked, stepping into the trailer. He was bewildered at the sight, several vials and tubes lined the few counters, notes scribbled and scattered all over. “Almost afraid to ask.” Nick whispered to himself. 
“Oh the project for Barone? Nothing, nothing big per say. This little thing is just a catalyst, but it’s an essential one! Heheheheh!” 
“Essential for what?” Patrick threw in. 
“Aren’t we nosey! Though you foxes often are.” He dismissed peering inside the canister. “Perfect, indeed just what I paid for. Perhaps, over paid but it’ll do. The reward boys, it’s the reward! Hehehehe! Who cares what it makes, it’s the reward that counts!” he animatedly explained. 
“What reward?” 
“My own lab and crew of course! A successful beta, very important, very very important. Crucial to have it tested before hand, no? Say, are you fella’s busy? Interested in a special kind of high?” He said, wriggling his shoulders in delight. 
“Uh, no thanks. We have work today.” 
“Oh work work work, if all you do is work where’s the fun!?” 
“Isn’t this your work?” Patrick interjected. The stag waved his hoof. 
“Mm mm mm, no no. Not work, this is my passion, my career! Oh mother, her sweetest advice, follow your passions! And follow I did!” 
“To be a drug cooking lunatic?” Phase winced. 
“Oh hohohohooo. A slick tongued one. For me it’s the joy of discovery, the joy of science!” he proclaimed, before reverting to a strangely reserved form. “Though I must admit, I do occasionally miss the comradery of working in the research lab, plus the healthcare was fantastic and full dental, antler and vision care. Glasses are so expensive nowadays!” 
“Well, we’ll just be going.” Nick smiled, ushering Phase and Patrick out. 
“Wait! Wait-wait-wait-wait-wait-wait-wait!” He scurried over and clasped Nick’s muzzle. “That face. Oh I’ve seen it before.” 
“He’s Psych’s son.” Patrick spoke up.
“Not that you pigment deprived buffoon!” The stag waved off. After a moment of studying him he came to the conclusion. “You are that former cop aren’t you? The sneaky little devil of the ZPD! I bet you have lots of secrets hmm? Perhaps something to hide? Something you’re sorry for?” 
“Yeah, you got me. I’m hiding something big alright. I skipped out on breakfast this morning, even though I told everyone I ate.” Nick playfully confessed. The mad scientist bopped his nose. 
“Fool, breakfast is of utmost importance! First and foremost of the days meals! Oh but from you, Nicholas P Wilde. I have high expectations.” He chuckled devilishly. 
“Right, I gotta go.” 
“Toddle on, toddle on. I’m sure you have better things to do that to listen to my ramblings!” He declared, shooing them away. “And shut the bloody shudder door! I feel a draft!” He shouted slamming the door. 
“Maybe it has something to do with the fact he was in his underpants?” Nick noted. 
“Yeah, coulda done without that.” Phase agreed. 
“Eh, deer nuts are cheap.” Nick stated. 
“What does that even mean?” Phase exclaimed. 
“Cause they’re under a-“ Nick tried to joke before getting his muzzle clamped shut by Patrick. 
“Make one more dad joke, come on, I dare ya.” He lightly threatened while Phase giggled helplessly. “I swear, you keep making puns like that tonight you’re going to slather us in pussy repellent.” 
“Hey, not around the kit.” 
“Suck a knot!” Patrick waved off, as Phase carried on laughing at the two of them. 

Back at the mansion, Psych was going through the delivery they had just brought in through the computer. The usual culprits were found, mostly firearms and ammo. But he was primarily interested in the piece Nick was delivering. 
“Anything yet?” Aiden whispered, leaning over Psych’s shoulder. 
“Yeah, something’s odd alright. This canister thing he ordered? It’s slated as being from Zootopia’s explosives testing and production facility.” 
“What’s odd about that?” 
“It closed down four years ago.” Psych nodded to the screen and opened up an article. “Look, Shelly Yorik, found guilty of distributing fennerite and C-4 to Frankie Big and known criminal Alexander Kasi.” 
“She serve jail time?” 
“Got off on some kind of plea-deal. Two years probation and prohibited from touching the stuff again.” 
“So how did we get a delivery from a building that’s out of commission?” Aiden pondered, tapping his chin. 
“Yorik must have a new lab. The building was bought out, but never repurposed by guess who?” Psych glanced back a moment. 
“Barone.” 
“Precisely. Yoriks definitely still cooking.” 
“Of course she is.” Vanessa spoke up from behind the two of them. Psych spun his chair while Aiden swung back. “We need her for a more, lucrative prospect.” 
“What kind of prospect?” Psych questioned. 
“Why do you need to know? Aren’t we a curious little foxy tonight?” She playfully asked, leaning on the wall. 
“Arrogant cunt!” Aiden barked but Psych cut in. 
“Aiden, enough! Vanessa, I didn’t come back to be left in the dark.” 
“It’s just awful suspicious, you digging around our inventory without asking the boss.” She quipped as Psych seemed to tap something behind him. 
“Well, one. It’s my job to make sure these things actually get here, because who covers our trail and makes the arrangements? Oh right, me. Second. I don’t like sending my son off with some potentially volatile substance that we know next to nothing about, and lastly. When it comes to loyalty you overgrown fur ball, let’s not forget who’s been in the family longer! I got in Allesandro’s good graces by saving Raphael’s life as a cub, so don’t you dare question my loyalty to someone I called my little brother!” Psych scolded. 
“Maybe I don’t like your attitude, fox. There’s going to be consequences when I find out-“ 
“God damn it you two, stop fucking arguing!” Barone spoke over the phone. Psych had turned it on just in time to start his little tirade. “Vanessa, I sent you down there to tell him we’re leaving at seven. Psych asked me earlier to go over the shipment we received, now drop it.” 
“Fine, yes sir.” Vanessa conceded, heading toward the door. “This isn’t over.” Vanessa whispered as she left the room. 
“And Psych?” He spoke over the phone. 
“Yes sir?” 
“Please stop hacking my desk phone, I know it’s easy but knock it off.” Barone chuckled. “Make me paranoid in my office.” 
“Sorry sir, will happen again.” Psych smiled, hanging it up. 

Nick, Finnick, Patrick and Bryan each showed their passes as they entered the night club, Luscious Lynx. The white and pink building housed a rather massive bar within. Squared off at the center were four large stages, each with a long golden pole. The first three showcased a dancing tigress, wolf and doe while the fourth had a male lion. Each stage was surrounded by smaller tables with dozens of guests hollering and cheering. Multicolored lights filled the room, shooting patterns and spinning to the slow pop music the strippers were dancing to. Off to the left was a large yet very crowded bar and the restrooms were off to the right. Nick, Finnick and Patrick were dressed up, sporting their new clothes while Bryan kept things casual with a blue shirt and black jeans. They aimed straight through the crowd and toward the back where yet another velvet rope blocked entry to the VIP room. Once again, they showcased their pass to the jackal bouncer who let them through. 
“Kinda like this place.” Bryan smiled. 
“It’s alright, never been in the VIP room though.” Patrick noted. After walking a short hallway, they came upon a rather large back room. Three poles with two tigresses and a leopard dancing, a few of the guests inside shot an odd look to the crew that had just arrived. Nick lead the way passed them toward Barone’s section, a set of three tables and a massive booth. At one Niko, Scout and Shea trading stories over shots. Psych had a tall beer in his paws while Vanessa a glass of wine. 
“Hey guys.” Nick greeted, scooting in beside his father within the large booth. Finnick joined in beside him while Bryan and Patrick took up spots next to Scout, Shea and Niko. 
“Nick, good to see you. Your task today went well?” Barone nodded. 
“Yes sir, interesting character that stag.” Nick chuckled. 
“That’s putting it marvellously.” Barone chuckled. “It seems this is the quiet corner tonight so, feel free to indulge yourself with the others if you find our company a bit dull.” 
“Eh, just came to keep this old fart outta trouble.” Nick chuckled, nudging his father. 
“Good luck with that.” Vanessa smiled, taking a sip of her wine. 
“Vanessa dear, behave.” Barone pulled her in close. “Do I have to punish you tonight?” 
“Mmm, don’t tease.” She chuckled. 
“Where’s Aiden?” Nick spoke up. 
“Bathroom.” Psych nodded toward the hall. “Should be back any minute.” 
“Yo Nick, I’ma check out the floor.” Finnick spoke, rubbing his paws together. “Gonna show these girls how to work a tri-pod.” He winked.  
“Have at er bud.” Nick smiled. 
“A tri-pod.” Psych shook his head laughing. 
“This crew you’ve assembled is quite, colorful.” Barone quipped. 
“You know, I will agree to that.” Vanessa joined in. “Nick here may be a bit squishy but he’s a great shot. I told you about the shooting range right baby?” 
“Yes you did.” Barone acknowledged. “I heard you almost out shot her.” 
“Almost, psh!” Nick scoffed. “What was my score again? 1200 to your..” 
“1180.” She confessed. “Laugh it up, daddy’s boy. Just means we’re gonna have higher expectations of you.” 
“Well, one thing’s for sure.” Nick smiled. “I tend to exceed expectations.” Vanessa raised her glass to him and took a sip as Aiden took to his own table. “Hey bud!” Nick called out, but Aiden gave him a quick smile and returned to his phone. “Brought his phone?” 
“Oh right! Raphael, the bag, did you bring the bag I gave you?” Psych requested. 
“Oh yes yes, here Psych.” Barone snared up a small bag from under the table and handed it to Psych. Shuffling through it, he dug out a surprisingly nice smart phone and handed it to Nick. 
“Here you go son, all set up for you. No downloading any porn now.” Psych advised him playfully. 
“Wow, thanks!” 
“The number’s untraceable and runs through a new type of encrypted GSM server. Incredibly tough to crack, trust me I know. I had to disable GPS, voice commands and all that for obvious reasons but, you can still make calls, send texts, all that good stuff.” Psych explained. 
“Any apps?” 
“Just ones I approve, I’m the parent account holder you could say.” Psych chuckled. 
“Great, I’m almost 40 and my dad still has to micro manage my phone.” 
“Yes well, if you don’t want police tracking you then you’ll keep it that way.” Psych advised him, taking a quick swig of his beer. 
“What’s eating Aiden?” Vanessa asked. 
“Oh, well.” Psych sighed. “He’s been ruminating over Eve for a bit now. The poor boy, he misses her so much.” 
“Why doesn’t she just come out here, not like we can’t protect her?” Vanessa advised. 
“Aside from your history with him?” Psych smirked to Carvelle. “Well, I think he’s waiting for the right time. We’re still getting settled in and he’s not quite the rank I am with you, Raphael. He doesn’t want to just bring her here without your permission.” 
“I see.” Barone briefly nodded. “Well, let’s give it a little time for everyone to get adjusted and settled in. Perhaps next month when things cool down a bit, he can bring her in.” 
“Kind of you.” Psych praised, patting the big tiger’s arm. “I’ll let him know, you’ll keep me posted as to when that can be arranged?” 
“Of course.” 
“So Nick, you gonna bring your girl here too?” Vanessa asked. 
“I’d rather not talk about her.” Nick dismissed. 
“Aww, were things rough when you left?” 
“Carvelle.” Psych seemed ready to scold her. 
“It’s just a question.” She quietly retorted. 
“I miss her, not gonna lie. More than I thought I would for sure. But I’ll find a way.” 
“Nick. I don’t need to remind you what will happen if you talk to the ZPD.” Barone curtly interrupted. 
“Believe me; I’m not shaking that image you put in my head any time soon. I’m gonna give it some time for sure but, if I hear anything about her quitting the force and we can get it verified by the old fox here, I might give her a call.” 
“You will not contact her, without consulting me first. Is that clear, Nick?” Barone stated sternly.
“Yes sir, absolutely.” Nick complied. 
“Go play with your friends, Nick. I think that’s enough cubs at the grownup table.” Psych suggested, shooing Nick away. 
“Yeah alright alright, I’ll go sulk with Aiden.” He quipped. 
“You do that.” 
“As for me.” Vanessa rose up. “I need to, stretch my legs.” 
“Going to put on a show again?” Barone smiled. 
“Only if you watch.” 
“I will, go on.” He insisted. Vanessa headed over to one of the poles and bumped the tigress off. Taking off her top, she started to dance, much to Barone’s delight. 
“You two are closer than last I saw.” Psych whispered. 
“Strictly professional, Psych.” 
“Raphael.” Psych sighed, shuffling in closer. “Be honest with me.” 
“You first.” Barone briefly glanced down. “What’s the real reason you asked to see what Nick was delivering?” 
“He’s my son, Raphael. If I had Max running a product you knew nothing about, wouldn’t you look into it?” 
“Max is 12, your son is a grown mammal.” 
“Doesn’t mean I’ll ever stop looking out for him. I just got him back after thirty years, I feel like I worry about him more now than when he was a baby.” 
“Mm, that’s understandable.” 
“Besides, what he was bringing to the doctor wasn’t anything particularly new. Another product from one of our underground suppliers.” Psych dismissed with another sip of his beer. 
“It’s the end result I’m more interested in.” 
“Aren’t you always?” Psych chuckled. “So come on, you and Vanessa.” 
“Well. That remains mostly the same. I don’t particularly care who she sleeps with but, she is one of my few connections to Diana.” 
“I miss her too. She was a great tigress. I haven’t seen you really smile like you did with her. That Whitewood attack was hell.” Psych nodded, taking a moment for Barone to enjoy Vanessa’s dancing. “I meant what I said over the phone, you know?” 
“Mmm?” 
“I know I’ve been gone a while, you’ve every reason to be suspicious of me. But you’re still my baby brother, Raphael.” 
“Psych, come now.” Barone smiled down at him. 
“I love you, you do a lot for me. Taking me back in, accepting my son. And I know, you try to take on more yourself than you should still but, you make your mother and father proud.” Psych said, placing a paw on Barone’s forearm. 
“Thank you, my old friend.” 
“May I offer some advice to my little bro?” Psych chuckled. 
“Alright, I’ll bite.” Barone laughed along. 
“Go give that girl a night to remember. Vanessa and I don’t agree on a lot but, we both love seeing you happy more than we like pissing each other off.” 
“Hahahahaha.” He laughed, covering the bridge of his nose for a moment. “Good advice.” 
“But how!?” Bryan exclaimed from a table nearby. He and Shea were chatting away along with Patrick and Nikolai. 
“Ah it’s easy lad. I’m na gettin into the nitty gritty o it here but, I can make a better weapon than that shite grenade.” 
“How did that cop car not shred to shit when I dropped that?” 
“It’s an insulated coating.” Niko explained. “Cops just started using on some of their cruisers. Tires actually heal from punctures, even severe ones.” 
“No shit. Huh, guess I’ll have to change my tatics.” Bryan submitted. 
“Change yer beer more like, what’s this? Piss water?” Shea taunted. “I suppose if you’re wee in the pants it’s jus fine, eh?” 
“Hey, I can hold my own.” Bryan waved his finger at Shea. 
“Oh aye, all three millimeters o it.” He chuckled.
“How bout you and me, shot for shot, right here pal.” Bryan challenged. 
“Oh hohoho, ye growin som balls on ye? Eh, barmaid, come’re.” He bellowed out. 
“Oh dear.” Barone sighed. 
“He’s at it again.” Psych chimed in. 
“Shea, perhaps we do this another time?” Nikolai tried to interject. 
“Ah don’t be pamperin the wee baby, he’s trying to show off his big cub pants today.” Shea insisted as the lioness approached in a rather skimpy outfit. “Aye lass, bring us a round o east grove, the good stuff.” He ordered. 
“Yes sir, right away.” 
“That’s a good piece o ass.” Shea thanked with a slap of her backside. “Hehehehe, see that thing jiggle lads?” 
“Shea, do not get us thrown out. Please.” Barone insisted. 
“Don’t ya be worryin yer stripey head. I’ll go real gentle like on the lad.” 

After a few hours, Barone rallied up the crew and headed out. Nikolai lead the way, carrying two very drunk mammals on either shoulder as Bryan and Shea were blacked out. Patrick had a rather petite, cream colored vixen on his arm on the way out the door and even Finnick was chatting it up with a female fennec near her car. Nick waved to Finnick and called out. 
“You good bud?” 
“Yeah, we’re gonna go get coffee.” He devilishly grinned. 
“Nice.” Nick chuckled. 
“Ever been on a motorbike before baby?” Patrick asked, passing by and heading over to his bike. 
“No, first time.” The vixen giggled. 
“Well here, strap this on.” Patrick advised tying the helmet on her and riding off. “See ya back home!” 
“Nick, you coming?” Psych asked, placing a paw on his shoulder. 
“Yeah, yeah I’m coming with.” Nick yawned with a good long stretch. “Been a while since I went to a club.” 
“Had fun?” 
“Yeah, was good.” 
“I’ll go bring the car around.” Aiden announced. 
“Thanks kido.” Psych praised. Nick wandered around the rather small parking lot at the front while Aiden ran around back to get the car. Barone and Vanessa had already drove off in a rather elegant looking black car and the area was quieting down. Nick found himself on the sidewalk, running his fingers along the metal fence outside the building. Giving a quick glance up the street, he spotted something unusual on the sidewalk. It seemed as though a pair of feet were sticking out from the bushes not thirty feet away. 
“Huh.” Nick spoke aloud, heading over the bush. “Hey, you alright? Have a little too much fun tonight?” He spoke up, hoping to rouse the creature in the bushes. Getting in a bit closer, he noted the familiar shorts and orange shirt.
“Nick? Where are you going?” Psych called out. 
“Oh no.” Nick urgently pulled the cub out from the bushes, sure enough it was Phase, unconscious and not responding. “Phase? Phase wake up. Kid come on.” Nick shook him over and over, trying to wake him. Giving him a quick check over, he found a patch of blood near the back of his head. “Ah shit, he got attacked.” 
“Nicky, what the hell are you doing? Put that down, you don’t know where it’s been.” Psych scolded. 
“Dad, it’s Phase.” 
“Who?” 
“Phase, the runner we’ve been working with.” Nick informed him, picking the cub up in his arms. “Where’s Aiden?” 
“He’s over here, brought the car around.” 
“Come on.” 
“Nicky.” Psych interjected. “You can’t just bring him home.” 
“Well what am I supposed to do, just leave him here?” Nick exclaimed. 
“Well.” 
“Dad, he works for Barone.” Nick tried reminding him. 
“Yes but he hardly cares for flunkies like this.” Psych tried to argue. “Ugh, but I know that look. Get him in the car, I’ll call Barone and let him know.” Nick rushed over to Aiden’s car and leapt into the back seat. Psych got in the front and started dialing Barone right away. 
“What is it?” he answered. 
“Nicky found one of your couriers outside the bar, unconscious.” 
“A little off-putting but why are you calling me about something like this?” 
“He wants to bring him back to the house, get him cleaned up and taken care of. I’m asking permission on his behalf since I’m responsible for him.” 
“Why does he care?” 
“I have no idea, but he can pay out of pocket on this one. I’ll expense his medical needs and food out of Nick’s earnings.” Psych smiled. 
“Fine. But if he’s one of mine, I want him back on the streets ASAP.” 
“Agreed. Thank you, Raphael.” Psych ended the call and glanced to the back seat. “I’ll take a look at him when we get back, I’ve got experience with first-aid and all that.”
“Well you did spend a lot of time in a hospital.” Nick quipped. 
“Haha, hilarious.”