The joyful celebration of their escape slowly faded as the drive away from Zootopia carried on. Psych set in his seat with full prison attire was staring rather angrily out of the passenger window. 
“How much further?” He asked. 
“Whenever we get there.” Aiden curtly replied. Psych threw up his brow and questioned. 
“What’s gotten into you?” He waited quite a while before Aiden replied. 
“I just. I fucking told you, I didn’t want to do any more jobs. What part of that did you not understand?” Aiden growled. 
“You think I signed you up for this?” Psych countered. 
“They took me outta my house in the night, Psych! Darted me, beat the shit outta me. I don’t even know if Eve is alive, my girl and cubs are probably dead!”
“Aiden, chill out bro!” Bryan spoke up from the back seat. “Did the same shit to me!” 
“But I wanted out, damn it!” 
“Aiden!” Psych yelled. “Listen to me good and well boy, those conniving ZIA agents had my sentence changed from 15 years to the death penalty. Which, by the way, along with pictures of your bloody and beaten face, was their idea of coercing my cooperation in this farce. So no, Aiden, I did not drag you into this.” 
“They already knew where we were.” Bryan confessed from the back. 
“What?” Aiden glanced back. 
“They knew.” Bryan shrugged. “That fruit-cake Gabriel told me, during my interrogation. They knew everything, our ID’s, our address. They were just waiting for the chance to use us.” 
“Fuck.” Aiden said plainly at first. “Fuck! I can’t believe this is happening.” 
“Aiden, Eve is probably shaken up, but fine. The ZIA probably sees her as an asset.” Psych explained. “They won’t risk hurting her.” 
“He’s right.” Nick spoke up from the back. “Look, you and dad are hackers. Maybe you can find out if she’s checked into any hotels, apartments, gone back home maybe? Didn’t you have cameras rigged up?” 
“Yeah.” Aiden began nodding along. “Yeah, you’re right. I can remote access it from Predaton. I can set that up easy.” 
“There ya go, tough guy.” Nick smiled, leaning back. After another hour they were approaching the township of Fairways. Bryan leaned on the window, watching the old store windows and apartments he knew from way back in the day. The old school diner, “Leslies” with the first e flickering. The main road that fed down to the theater and Faircenter Mall. Even spotting the garage with a music note logo, “High Tune: Performance parts.” The place he and Jordan worked. The old apartments even looked the same from the outside. 
“Eh, you alright, ringtail?” Finnick spoke up. 
“This is my hometown. Just having a good bit a nostalgia.” He answered, keeping his eyes fixed out of the window. 
“Aiden, pull over here for a bit, let’s stretch our legs. I need to take care of something anyway.” Psych calmly requested. 
“Yeah ok.” Aiden veered off to the curb and parked. Psych leapt out, brushing out his old hoodie which still had a fair amount of dust on it. Nick stepped out of the car and let Finnick out before closing the door. Just as it shut, Psych turned around and charged Nick, knocking him to the ground. 
“Whoa!” Finnick exclaimed, leaping back. Psych pinned Nick down and started slapping him repeatedly across the face. 
“Stupid, stupid, stupid kit!” He bellowed, snaring Nick by the collar with both paws. “What the hell are you thinking!? Are you even thinking at all!?” Nick rubbed his cheek before answering. 
“I think I’m doing my damn job, and keeping you in line doing it!” 
“I can take care of myself! But this is a new level of stupidity for you! Who’s going to take care of Judy!?” He berated, slapping him again. “Your cubs!” He fired off with another. Nick shoved him off and picked himself up. 
“They’ll be fine! Judy can handle herself, she’s a lot tougher than you think! Besides, it’s not like I’m the first of our family to run out.” Nick retorted. 
“I didn’t have a choice, Nicky. You did!” Psych argued. “How am I supposed to explain this to Barone, that my cop son is now offering to work for the biggest organised crime ring in Predaton, huh? He’s gonna blow your head off before you make the door.” 
“Ex-cop.” 
“No shit!” 
“No, I mean I quit before everything else went down today and even had an instance of assault on my record.” Nick explained. “Sides, I’m here to keep you on track.” 
“Ugh!” Psych fumed, pulling on his ears. 
“Wait, you weren’t gonna stick with Barone once you got back in, were you?” Nick scowled. 
“No.” Psych sighed, swinging back around. “That would screw these two over. Aiden and Bryan deserve a chance to have a clean slate. That’s what they promised us if we finish.” 
“So then that’s what we’ll do.” Nick retorted. “Listen dad, Judy can handle herself for a few months while we’re working on this. Yeah it was hard, but like they said, we gotta stop this guy.” 
“You’ve no idea the world you’re stepping in to.” Psych warned his son. “Barone or whomever he sends is going to test you. Be thankful we’re cleared to kill anyone needed.” 
“If it comes to that.” Nick nodded. 
“Guys.” Patrick spoke up. “Not to break up the little family scuffle but. It’s 4:45. We meet with our contact in an hour and, spoiler alert. No one’s told us the address.” 
“I have it.” Aiden replied. “Tradewinds Motel, 34th ave and center street. Room 414.” 
“Well, come on then.” Finnick joined in. “Let’s get to work. Fuck I’m getting hungry too, we should grab a bite.” 
“Yeah, let’s go.” Psych agreed. 

Aiden pulled into the motel and let everyone out of the car. Approaching the counter, Aiden knocked on the desk to get the attention of the hyena working the counter. 
“Yeah?” 
“We’re here for our keys to the room, 414.” Aiden stated. 
“Password?” 
“Go fuck yourself.” 
“Aiden!” Psych scolded. The hyena rolled his eyes and handed him the key. Glancing down at the agitated fox, Aiden cracked a smile and shrugged. 
“It literally was go fuck yourself.” He chuckled. Psych rolled his eyes with a sigh, turning out into the parking lot. The whole crew following close together, they stepped up the stairway, walking the path all the way down to room 414. Patrick and Finnick drew their guns just in case and followed Aiden and Psych inside with Nick and Bryan bringing up the rear. 
“You’re early.” A voice called from inside the bathroom. The motel was a fairly cheaply laid out, two bed suite. A single flat panel TV on the wall, one working lamp out of the three night stands and a single seater couch. 
“Better than being late.” Psych replied, folding his paws across his chest. He and Aiden kept on their feet while the others took a seat on either bed. Slowly exiting the bathroom, the sheer white wolf dressed in a long black coat and black jeans stepped out. Nick did a double take, seeing the figure before him, his jaw steadily slacking. 
“You weren’t followed?” He asked. 
“No, neither were you, I hope.” Psych replied. 
“I’ve developed a knack for avoiding that.” He stated, taking a seat on the couch. Leaning forward a little, he snickered at Nick. “Must be a bit of a shock for you, huh?” 
“Jason.” Nick whispered. “Jason Fangm-“ Jason raised his finger to his mouth. 
“They call me “Scout” out here. But as far as Barone is concerned, I’m James Howlett.” Fangmeyer explained. 
“How?” Nick stammered. “I mean, you were dead.” 
“Yeah.” He nodded along. “Rushed to hospital where they resuscitated me, then they swoop in and airlift me to a ZIA lab. Six surgeries and a fuckton of rehab later and well.” He smiled, spreading out his arms. “Back on my feet.” He smiled, pulling up his shirt. “Scars are pretty though, aren’t they?” Jason joked, revealing two furless and near jet black circular scars on his belly. 
“Jeez, but. It’s good to see you buddy.” Nick smiled. 
“Thanks Nick but, not your buddy out here. Quite frankly, I’m not fond of this whole idea.” Jason nodded off to Psych. “You and your fucking boyfriend back in Zootopia, you two nearly killed me. Now I’m supposed to help you? It’s some serious bullshit.” 
“If you want out-“ Psych tried to toss in. 
“I want you, out. No, I’ll be honest. I want you dead. But apparently the rabbit has other plans.” Jason conceded leaning back into his chair. 
“Well you’re our contact now, so do your job. Take us to Barone.” Psych demanded. 
“No.” Jason quickly laughed. “I’m to hold you here till Carvelle arrives at 10. Until then, we have a couple other guests to come.” 
“Who?” Psych questioned, just as someone knocked at the door. Jason smiled and rose up from the chair. 
“Speak of the devil.” He stated, opening the door. Two cloaked mammals entered and tossed off their coats. 
“I told you hun, we didn’t have to walk all the way from the mall.” Gabriel touted.
“This whole training thing will work a lot better when you stop questioning your teacher.” Jack replied, looking over the room. “Well, good to see you all got here. Have a seat.” Aiden growled at Jack, who smiled right back at him. “Something wrong, Valor?” 
“What did you do with Eve?” 
“Eve?” He questioned. 
“Don’t bullshit me; you know who I’m talking about.” 
“The civilian babe, the one from his house?” Gabriel reminded him. 
“Hmm. You’ll be happy to know I have no idea. The ZIA has no interest in her. Just you.” Jack replied. 
“You better not have touched her.” He threatened. 
“If you’re done pouting like a child, we need to go over a few things before Carvelle’s arrival. Scout, I also doubt she’ll be here at 10 like she said. Probably earlier just to make sure everything is on the up and up, so we have to be quick.” Jack explained. 
“Yeah, good point.” Jason agreed. 
“You all know why you’re here, we’re just gonna go over a few quick pointers.” Jack stated, clasping his paws behind his back. “One: you’ll be permitted to commit further crimes so long as they’re to the benefit of this investigation, including murder to a degree. However, do not take this as an invite to go on a killing spree in the city. Nick.” He darted to him. “We’ve already put out arrest warrants and embellished your police record to fit your persona out here. We added the assault, wrongful arrest, brutality and illegal use of police resources to your record. Feel free to come up with whatever you need to explain that.” 
“Got it.” Nick agreed. 
“Fennec, Frost. You two were fairly easy, we didn’t have to do much on your records. We think you should be fine, same with Valor and Baxter. Scout?” 
“Yeah?” 
“I know you have some history with Psych.” Jack said sternly. “Put it behind you. You’re going to have to count on him this summer. Give Barone even a hint of a past between you and he’ll start digging into it, you know that.” 
“Yeah I know. Got it.” 
“Gabriel?” Jack glanced to his partner. 
“Right.” He smiled, stepping forward. “Ok guys, listen up. Just north of the airport here we have a secret installation. It’s basically a holding center but, we have some amazing medical resources in there. Things get too hairy and you can’t check into a hospital you come right to that center, and boys. Anyone who comes in there is dead to the operation. Ya got that?” 
“Got it.” They all agreed. 
“Barone still has his mansion on Summer Heights Boulevard in Summerset District. If he refuses to let you stay there or you need a place to lay low, Scout has a safe house in Lunar District, just off Oakwood Drive. It’s small, but it should accommodate ya. For those of you new to this city, Barone is the primary criminal element, much like Frankie Big in Zootopia but on a much larger scale. Barone’s family bought out the cooperation of rival gangs and had formed something of a conglomerate in the city. Mariah Kasi and the PPD have steadily been shutting the branches down, hoping to take out Barone as an end game but she’s advancing too slowly. That’s why we’re really stepping in. Halting the arrival of this bio weapon is priority number one boys. If he starts developing his own private army, things could spiral out of control, fast. So we can’t stress enough how much we’re depending on you.” Gabriel insisted, pounding his fist in his palm.
“Question.” Bryan perked up. 
“What?” Jack replied. 
“You two bumpin uglies?” Bryan smiled, nudging Patrick who picked up on it as well. Jack took a quick sigh and shook his head. 
“Morons.” Jack sneered. 
“Oh relax babe.” Gabriel brushed off. “Jack’s my boyfriend. He’s bi, I’m gay.” 
“This is really not an appropriate conversation, Gabriel.” Jack insisted. 
“Don’t think that’s what they meant when they made ya partners.” Bryan carried on. 
“Ha-ha.” Gabriel smiled sashaying his way over to Bryan. “Hey handsome?” 
“Sorry pal, I don’t swing that way.” Gabriel snared his arm and in a quick move contorted it behind his back and pressed his feet Bryans back. With a good kick he launched him over the bed, slamming the wall and the floor hard. Jack rubbed the bridge of his nose, ears folded back and shook his head.
“Bet you weren’t supposed to bend that way either.” Gabriel winked. Looking over the room with a confidant little smile he asked. “Anyone else?” Nick, Finnick and Patrick inched away from him while Aiden went to go pick up Bryan. “Thought not.” 
“Look rabbit.” Psych spoke to Jack. “You mentioned this bio-weapon before. Can you at least tell us anything useful on that?” 
“No.” Jack refuted. “That’s what I really need you for. With access to their computers and databases, you’ll have information we just can’t get to. All we do know is it’s linked somehow to mindicampum Holosynthias, although not quite derivative of the nighthowler serum that was developed by Dawn Bellweather.” 
“Nighthowlers, psh go figure.” Nick spoke up. 
“You’re well versed in it; you and Judy pioneered that case. I’m hoping your knowledge of it could be useful to the group.” Jack stated, glancing to his watch. “Alright, we’re out of time. I don’t want to risk Carvelle even catching our scents here.” Jack explained, grabbing his coat and handing Gabriel his. “Good luck. Try not to kill each other and, Psych. Do not, double cross us.” 
“Just hold up your end, rabbit. We’ll hold up ours.” Psych fired right back. 

Nick laid on one of the beds with Finnick and Patrick, watching the news as the morning rolled on. Parker Walked in with a few snacks from the vending machines outside, tossing a packet of chips to each of them. 
“We’ll get real food later.” Psych stated, taking a seat on the chair. Aiden and Bryan sat on the other bed, checking out some of the equipment they had brought along. They packed three RPG heads along with the launcher, five basic guns, two pairs of stun gloves, one for Psych and one for Aiden and his silver magnum. Outside leaning on the rail, Jason was awaiting Carvelle’s arrival. Peering to the east, barely able to see the sun through the morning fog, he spotted her car pulling in. A silver convertible with the roof up. Stepping out of the car was a greyish white Jaguar with black spots and green eyes. She wore a grey top and skin tight black shorts with a half dress like cover cloaking her legs from behind. As she walked, it concealed a pair of guns and small array of throwing knives. Gazing up to Jason she gave a quick nod and started up the stairs. With a smile he nodded off to her. 
“You’re early too.” 
“Mmm, I don’t like waiting.” She replied, leaning on the rail beside him.
“Works for me.” Jason chimed in, glancing at his phone. “8:54. Early enough to catch some breakfast after.” 
“Are you asking me out, dog?” Carvelle grinned, raising a brow at the wolf. 
“Only if you’re buying.” Jason laughed. 
“Ha, don’t hold your breath.” Carvelle chuckled, turning around and gazing at the window. Though the blinds were down, a few were broken enough to just see inside. “So, is it true? Is that old fox really in there?” 
“It’s him.” Jason confirmed, heading toward the door. “This way, my lady.” 
“I do enjoy the company of a dog who knows his place.” Carvelle giggled, running a claw along his chin as she stepped inside. Seeing her step inside, Aiden and Psych both rose to their feet, Aiden getting in beside Psych. “Well I’ll be damned.” She chuckled. 
“Vanessa. Good to see you again.” Psych greeted warmly. 
“Hmmm, and you?” She smiled, looking to Aiden. 
“Good to see you, Carvelle.” 
“Aww, honey.” She cooed, pressing a finger on his chest. “I thought we were on first name basis.” 
“I prefer to stay professional, unlike my partner.” Aiden smiled. 
“Well, don’t stay too professional.” She whispered, backing away and tapping the gun at her side. “After all, I might have to put a hole or two into one of these foxes.” 
“Vanessa.” Psych tried to speak up. 
“Hush Psych. Which one of you is Nicholas, Piberious Wilde?” She announced in a rather regal manner. 
“That, would be me.” Nick rose to his feet in his usual calm demeanor. 
“I see.” She scowled. Reaching for her gun, she suddenly found that everyone in the room drew theirs just as quick, aiming directly at her. 
“Don’t even think about it, cat!” Finnick barked. With a little smile, she lowered her gun. 
“Big threat from such a bite sized pup.” Tossing her weapon on the bed, she strolled over to Nick and leaned down to meet him eye to eye. Her nose just inches from his face. “Hmm, what do I see?” 
“Best get your eyes checked kitten; you’re looking at rather sexy and sly fox.” Nick quipped. 
“Psh.” She scoffed, looking him over. “I smell a cop in our midst.” Psych grabbed her shoulder and took her attention away. 
“What you smell is my son, Carvelle.” 
“I know that.” She snapped upright. “Word spread like wildfire about your real name, Parker Wilde. Guess it’s not such a secret now.” 
“Nicky helped us escape. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here.” 
“I heard the news.” She stated, picking up her gun from the bed and holstering it. “Former cop breaks criminal father out of prison, arrest warrants issued for both of you.” She recalled, turning and leaning against the wall. “Hard to believe the wife of Judy Hopps would betray his precious city.”
“Ahh, funny. I like her.” Nick noted to his father with no loss of sarcasm. 
“Tell me, fox cop. Why would you betray your city?” She demanded. Nick kept a straight face as he replied. 
“I’ve lived in that city my whole life, and only six years of it as a cop. Don’t kid yourself kitten, I’ve lived as a criminal almost as long as this old fart.” He nodded to Psych. “I love my wife, and I’ll always love my kits but. You see things when you’re on the inside. How they profile ya, wolves, foxes, hyenas. Doesn’t matter. Six years on the force taught me that no matter what I did, I’d never be trusted. Judy was the super hero, I was just the token sidekick.” 
“Ha.” 
“Not a joke.” He replied. “After all the pleas from my “Fellow officers” and the charges against that pig ass chief from before, they passed a death sentence on my father. He saves my life, and “my city” opts to kill him. Breaking their own laws in the process.”
“So this is your little vendetta against Zootopia?” She smiled. 
“One way of putting it. Hey guys?” Nick called out to Patrick and Finnick. “How many times did we get arrested over bullshit charges huh?” 
“14.” Patrick answered. 
“20.” Finnick corrected. 
“The fuck, 20?” Patrick questioned. 
“You left for the others. Hell even when we tried to save Judy, they worked us over in prison for almost two weeks. Fucking bullshit!” Finnick exaggerated. 
“I’m still sorry about that, Fin.” Nick spoke up. 
“Yeah yeah, shut up. Wasn’t for you, I’d probably be in there still.” 
“So Carvelle.” Nick spoke up. “What else you wanna know? I’m an open book here. All I wanna do is make a few bucks, and watch my father’s back.” He stated, giving a quick smile to his friends. “Get to work with my real family again.” 
“A sweet story, Nick.” Carvelle stated, heading toward the door and clasping the handle. “4:00, 9000 Summer heights boulevard, Summerset District. Be there, and don’t be late. Barone will decide what to do with you.” 
“I’ll be there.” Nick agreed. 
“Psych.” She spoke up, turning around in the doorway as she opened it. “Good to see you back.” 
“Always a pleasure, Vanessa.” He bowed. 

Having left the hotel, the group was sitting down at Leslies to finally get a real meal. Patrick, Bryan, Aiden and Finnick wasted no time ordering up full sized breakfast platters, synthetic bacon, eggs along with toast and pancakes. Nick and Psych chowing down on similar meals while Scout had finished up his waffles and was sipping his coffee while texting. The diner was a quaint little place, a TV in the far corner and between the lot of them they took up two tables. A few of the other patrons gave them the odd glance, a few caribou, lynx, wolves and coyotes. Quite a few of them elderly. 
“Hey dad, bet ya a nickel you can use your seniors discount here.” Nick quipped, taking a bite of his pancakes. 
“Ha-ha, shut up.” He quietly replied, shuffling through the paper in front of him. 
“What are ya now, like 60?” Finnick spoke up. 
“Older than that.” Patrick refuted. 
“I’m 57.” 
“When does the discount apply?” Finnick wondered. 
“65, can use it at the theaters too.” Bryan threw in. 
“Scout, who are you texting?” Psych glanced to him from his paper. 
“Your wife.” He quipped, taking a quick sip of his coffee. 
“My wife is dead.” He scowled. 
“No wonder she didn’t move last night.” He grinned. 
“Down Scout.” Nick threw up his brow. “Technically my mom you’re poking fun of.” 
“And? Get some thicker hide, fox.” He chuckled, as a doe leaned over his shoulder to place a bill on the table. 
“Here ya go boys, pay at the counter.” 
“Thanks babe.” Jason smiled. Nick reached into his pocket and produced his wallet. 
“I got it.” Jason clasped is paw and stopped him from opening it. 
“Are you really that stupid?” He whispered. Nick glanced to his father who was shaking his head. 
“Ye of so little faith.” Nick huffed, producing a few $20’s.
“Oh.” Jason’s eyes fluttered a moment. “Sorry.” 
“Not my first rodeo, woofer.” Nick smiled. Having paid their bill and rallying outside, Jason seemed to be finished his little texting spree and took a good long breath and stretch outside. 
“Ahh, fog’s finally letting up.” He smiled. 
“Yeah, get that a lot here.” Psych chimed in. 
“So what’s the plan?” Patrick asked, as the group circled around. 
“Well we have a few hours before we meet with the boss. Might as well take a look around the city, see if anything’s changed.” Psych suggested. 
“I’d rather get us set up if you know what I mean.” Aiden finally spoke up, having been quiet most of the morning. “Like to find out anything I can on Eve.” 
“Don’t worry son, it’s the first thing we’ll do.” Psych assured him. 
“Well, come on then, let’s roll.” Nick said, heading toward the car. Not a few steps away, they heard tires screech from a car coming closer to them. Nick flung his ears back and went wide eyed. “That’s not good.” 
“No, not for you.” Scout agreed. The car that was rapidly approaching the parking lot was Vanessa’s, and she had a passenger with her. A massive grizzly bear in the back seat who seemed barely strapped in by the little seat belt. Snatching him by his scruff, Jason picked up Nick and shouted. “Niko! Catch!” 
“What are you- AH!!!” Nick cried out as he was tossed toward the car and into Niko’s arms. 
“Gotcha, good toss my wolfie friend.” The big bear called out, as Carvelle pulled away at high speed. 
“What do you think you’re doing!!?” Psych cried out pulling out his gun. Jason produced his and aimed it right at Psych’s face. 
“Exactly what I’m supposed to.” 
“I’ve a mind to blow a crater in your chest!” Psych bellowed. 
“Oh please, give me a reason to kill you, I’m beggin ya.” Jason growled. 
“What is going on!?” Nick screeched as he was planted in the front seat. Niko buckled him in and planted his massive paws on the headrest. 
“Safety first, little fox. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nikolai Petrov. Depending on how things go here, introductions may be, how you call it. Superfluous?” 
“Pointless, more like.” Vanessa smiled. “We’re going for a little ride, Nicky. Enjoy it, could be your last.” She stated, flying down the main road. 

They stopped outside of an old apartment complex near the edge of town in Fairways. Vanessa led the way with Nick in the middle and Niko at the rear. They headed down a small stone stairway and into the building. Down the musty smelling and nearly dilapidated hall, they found one more stairwell and headed down. It lead into a concrete walled basement and at the end was a doorway. Opening it up, Vanessa turned on the lights to reveal an old and rather moderately sized gym. A few broken treadmills and bikes, mats torn up and frayed on the floor, broken mirrors and cob webbed covered weight racks. But also, strapped to one of the weight benches was a hyena, bound and gagged trying to call out to them. 
“Hey there Howard, how you doing handsome?” Carvelle greeted, strolling over to him she produced a knife from her waist and cut off the gag. “Isn’t that better?” 
“What are you doing this for!? I work for you!!” He cried out. 
“Oh hush honey, you don’t work for me.” 
“No.” Niko spoke up. “He did work for me.” 
“Niko, I swear. I told you I’d give you the money.” 
“This is not about money, Howard. I believed you when you said you’d pay that off. This is about something else.” 
“What?” The hyena asked. 
“Nick.” Vanessa smiled back to him. “This cacklers got a little problem. He’s leaked, and we need to know what it is he’s told the PPD.” She explained, tossing him a knife. “Be a dear and fetch that information for us please.” Nick was figuring it out, it was a test to see how far he was willing to go. Although he wasn’t keen on killing needlessly, especially given his history with the ZPD, he knew this was different. He psyched himself up rather quickly and bloomed an evil little smile. 
“Alright, so Howard. What have you told them?” Nick questioned. 
“I haven’t said shit! I swear! I haven’t even had a run in with a cop in months!” 
“You calling your boss a liar?” Nick tipped his head, patting the blade on his lip. “Not exactly a wise idea considering the circumstances bud.” 
“I mean it; I’ve never spoken to a cop!” He continued to refute, nearly moving the bench as he struggled. “Now untie me!” 
“Right, let’s start with this one.” Nick took aim and drove the knife into the Hyena’s shoulder. Howard cried out and screamed as Nick pulled it out. “Opps, missed. Sheesh, my aim’s really off.” 
“You fucking fox piece of shit!” Nick growled and took two good hard swings at the hyena’s face and raked him with his claws. 
“Start talking you pathetic mongrel, or this gets worse!” Nick warned. 
“Fuck you!” Howard bellowed. Nick took a few more shallow slices at him, but could clearly see he was getting nowhere with him. 
“Jeez Nick.” Vanessa chuckled, sitting on one of the benches. “If you kill him we aren’t gonna get anything out of him. Why don’t you try buttering him up, cop? Maybe offer him a little blowjob.” 
“Vanessa, don’t be so perverse.” Niko scolded. Nick shrugged and placed the tip of the blade right near the genitals of the bound hyena. Cringing he braced himself for the coming impact as Nick just kept the blade fixated on his target. However, deciding to heed the advice to change his tactics, he threw the blade away and placed his paws on Howard’s chest.
“Yeah, I can see we’re not getting anywhere with you.” Nick agreed. “You’re a tough little dog aren’t ya? Doesn’t matter what I do to you.” Nick nodded along, before snatching up Howard’s wallet. 
“Hey!” He exclaimed. Nick opened it up and pocketed the few bills inside. Smiling he opened one of the folds to show three little cubs and a female, clearly his wife. 
“She’s cute. How old are the pups?” Nick smiled. 
“None of your fucking business.” Howard looked away. 
“Well I just thought I should know what to write on the headstones. Since we’re not getting anywhere with you. I’m gonna bring them down here, and one by one I’ll cut through them until you tell us what we wanna know.” 
“You wouldn’t.” Howard breathed. 
“I’ll make you watch.” Nick started really raising his voice. “Better yet, I’ll let you decide the order. Just so that those little pups know exactly who’s to blame when we snuff them out, and if you still haven’t talked by the time we’re through. We’ll leave you alive surrounded by their bodies till you wilt away in this stink hole. You got one chance left; tell me what you told the cops!” 
“They wanted a shipping manifest!!” He cried out with tears in his eyes. “I didn’t have it but I was gonna get a copy for them. They threatened to take my pups, just please. I haven’t given them anything yet.” Vanessa and Niko smiled to each other, rather impressed he got the information out of him. 
“Give me your phone.” Nick demanded, digging into the hyena’s pocket. “What’s the passcode?” 
“77784” Nick typed it in and scrolled through the pictures and documents on the phone. Not finding anything he tossed it to Vanessa who smiled as she caught it. 
“Double check it, maybe give it to dad. He can check the call history in a lot more detail.” Nick suggested. 
“Agreed.” Niko nodded, reading over her shoulder. “Excellent work, little Nicky.” 
“I’m not impressed yet.” Vanessa smiled, pulling out her gun. She attached a silencer to it and threw it to Nick. “Finish him off, Barone has zero tolerance for leaks.” 
“What!? No no, please! I’m begging you!” Howard cried out. Nick took aim and fired five rounds straight into the hyena’s chest in a near perfect grouping. Within moments he was dead, head dangling in the chair. Vanessa perked up her brow and smiled, rising off the bench. Leaning down she placed a paw on his shoulder as Nick felt a chill rush up his spine. 
“That was your first kill, wasn’t it?” She whispered. Nick did his best to cover up his dread at what he had done, but was quick to put the persona back on. Turning around he met her eye to eye. 
“First unarmed.” He corrected. 
“Mmm, how do you feel?” She asked, tipping her head. Nick shrugged it off with a smile. 
“Another dead hyena.” 
“Bullshit.” Nick took his time before replying this time. 
“Felt pretty damn good.” 
“Haha, that’s more like it.” Vanessa slit her eyes, and pat Niko’s arm. 
“I will have my boys deal with the body.” Niko announced. “You two should get back to the others.” 
“Thanks a bunch, big fella.” Vanessa cooed, glancing back to him as she and Nick headed back down the hall, up the stairs and back outside. 

Back at the diner, Psych and crew were huddled around the two cars. Jason had is own little two door coupe while Aiden was parked next to him. 
“Why aren’t they back yet!?” Psych fumed, pacing back and forth. 
“Just be patient.” Jason spoke from his seat atop the hood of his car. 
“I swear, dog. If she harms one hair on my son’s head.” Jason leapt from the car and stormed over, snaring Psych by the collar and shoving him into the door of Aiden’s car. 
“Listen to me you little shit.” He growled quietly. “Nick is my friend as well, so don’t pretend you’re the only one worried about him. Besides, I’m not the one who shot him in the fucking chest.” Jason finished, letting go of Psych. 
“How’d you hear about that?” 
“Over a year in physio, remember? The fuck else can you do in the downtime beside read the news and look at shit on the net.” 
“Hmm.” Psych submitted. 
“Jeez you two, just fuck and get it over with already.” Bryan quipped. 
“Maybe our special friends can give em pointers.” Patrick threw in, tapping Bryan’s shoulder. 
“Ha!” 
“It has been a while, maybe we should move.” Finnick suggested. 
“No, probably a bad idea.” Aiden countered. 
“They’re coming.” Jason announced, seeing Vanessa’s car coming down the street. Pulling onto the curb, Psych rushed over with a gun drawn. 
“Carvelle, what have you done with-“ He cut himself off as Nick leapt out of the car with a smile. “Nicky.” He breathed, rushing over he hugged Nick tight letting the gun fall on the ground. “Oh my boy, are you ok?” 
“I’m fine dad.” Nick assured him. Patrick and Finnick quickly joined in, patting Nick on the shoulder and stealing him from Parker for a few quick hugs.
“Good to see ya alive and kickin.” Patrick smiled. 
“Figured they were offin ya.” Finnick threw in. 
“I’m ok guys, it’s all good.” Nick insisted, pounding fists with Aiden and Bryan. 
“How’d it go?” Scout asked Vanessa. 
“Fine. I’ll be reporting to Barone soon. Make sure you bring them for 4:00, puppy.” She stated. 
“Carvelle, don’t you ever-“ Psych tried to speak up. 
“Shut up, Psych. I needed to see how far he’d go and now I know. Your little kit’s not a virgin anymore.” She winked, leaping into her car. “See you at the house, fox.”
“What did she mean by that?” Psych asked. 
“Nothing worth mentioning.” Nick tried to brush off. 
“Well you’re going to “Mention” it with me later, young fox.” Psych insisted. “Come on boys. Let’s head into town, we should get familiar with the city again.” 
“My first time out here.” Finnick threw in. 
“You’re in for some real eye candy bud.” Patrick chuckled, ruffling Finnick’s head as they aimed back toward the car.