Nick, Patrick and Finnick rode the bus downtown into Pantharia. Thankfully many of the routes that Patrick had grown familiar with had not changed too much since he left for Zootopia. The day was a bit murkier than before, the occasional spit of rain here and there with a few clear breaks off in the horizon. They grouped up and walked the sidewalk, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. 
“So over there, is where my dad’s shop used to be. Rent on Duclaw ave is so fucking high, we barely broke even some months.” He explained pointing to a small strip of stores down the road. One of which was clearly closed down with steel shudders draping the windows.
“It’s a nice place though.” Nick noted, looking around. Several trees dotted the medians while a few were posted alongside lampposts on the sidewalk. The occasional office building was often followed by a string of local shops, restaurants and food carts. “It’s a lot like Zootopia.” 
“Yeah, cept for one big difference, Nick.” Finnick smiled, watching a few vixens pass him on the side. “Damn, I like this town.” 
“They’re idiots.” Patrick shrugged off, taking the lead of the crew as they passed a fountain outside of the office building on the right. “Girls here can be real dumbasses. But hey, not gonna complain too much. So long as they put out, it’s all good.” 
“You ever meet anyone out here bud?” Nick questioned. 
“Yes and no.” Patrick smiled back at him. “I’m not the sucker for love that you are. I’m a bit more easy going.” He explained, running his paw along the brick wall. 
“Bachelor life, huh?” Finnick chuckled. “I can dig that.” 
“I don’t like being tied down.” Patrick shrugged off. 
“Not what Lindsey Da’Vixa said.” Nick trailed off with a quick chuckle. 
“Oh damn, that girl was fuckin, nuts! Into some real kinky shit.” Patrick laughed, spinning around on the sidewalk. “You know she had these clamps right? She tried to tie them up to my-“ 
“Yeah, we know, please stop talking.” Nick halted raising his paw with a smile. 
“Maybe we should get some new clothes while we’re here.” Finnick suggested. “Know any good places to get some new duds?” 
“New duds? Ugh, you guys sound so old school.” Patrick groaned. “But yeah, I know a few places. Maybe we can hit em after we meet up with this fox.” 
“What’s his name again?” Finnick asked. 
“Phase. Least that’s what Barone called him.” Nick reminded him. 
“Right, what’s the address?” 
“1090, Duclaw Ave and 64th street. Near a restaurant called Ferenzo’s.” Nick replied, reading the paper. 
“Ferenzo’s huh. Haven’t eaten there in a while. Wonder if they stopped fuckin up their spaghetti.” Patrick pondered. “It’s not far up ahead, come on.” 

Passing a few more blocks, they approached an intersection and found the restaurant they were looking for. Across the way in a bright yellow building with a a mouse statue holding up a pizza was Ferenzo’s. Patrick hit the button and waited for the light to change as Nick and Finnick found themselves in something of a mammal pile up at the light. 
“Getting a little tight in here.” Nick commented. One of the lionesses nearby scoffed and laughed at him. 
“Tourists, get used to it fox.” She laughed. 
“She’s not wrong.” Patrick threw in with a smile to the lioness. “Sides, who wouldn’t wanna be closer to you huh?” He winked. “Sexy thing.” 
“I’m seeing someone.” She answered, raising a paw up at Patrick. 
“Well when you’re done sticking a two-inch furbrush up there, come find me and I’ll show ya how to tie a knot.” He winked at her. 
“Oof. Hey watch it.” Nick scowled as a young looking fox in a pale orange shirt bumped him. 
“Sorry Mr.” The little fox apologised, backing away slowly. Nick suddenly realized his back pocket felt lighter. As the light changed, Patrick and Finnick were getting shoved forward but Nick slipped through the crowd and growled at the kit trying to make his escape. 
“Get back here you little shit, that’s my wallet!” Nick shouted. The young fox snickered, rushing down the street back the way they had come. Nick was steadily catching up, until the young kit darted into an ally and leapt up onto a fire escape. Nick with no hesitation began to follow, climbing up after the fox. He chased him up the stairs and up to the top of the building. Rushing across, he seemed primed to jump to the next building until Nick fired a round near the ground at his feet. “That’s far enough, one more step and the next one’s in your head.” He threatened. 
“Fuck.” The young fox fumed, turning around to meet Nick eye to eye. The fox couldn’t have been more than twelve, he could barely stand up to Nick’s chest. He had brown fur and eyes with a cream colored body and a few dark ticks at the top of his ears. He wore a pair of washed out red and black shorts with his pale orange shirt that had more than a few rips and tears in it. The faded words barely legible on it, “Sunny Predaton Shores.” 
“Hand it over punk.” Nick ordered. The cub finally gave up and threw the wallet at Nick’s feet. 
“Fine, have it. Barely any money in it anyway.” 
“The cash, hand over the cash too.” Nick ordered, cocking the hammer on his gun. 
“Ok, ok.” He consented; Nick picked up his wallet and slowly approached the cub. “Hyah!” He shouted, kicking the gun out of Nick’s hand. In a scramble he tried to get to it before Nick could, but found himself in a tussle with him. 
“Hey!” Patrick shouted, finally arriving on the rooftop with Finnick as they both drew their guns. “Give it up, thief. It’s over.” 
“Fuck!” The cub fumed. Nick swiped away the gun and shoved the cub on the ground, digging into his pockets he ripped everything out. All of his own and the fox’s money, along with a few slips of paper. “Hey, give me those back! Their mine!” He protested. 
“Not anymore.” Nick refuted, snatching one of them up, he opened it up to see the name Gordon Douse written on it along with the address 52 Luna Canta Square. “This your dad, huh?”
“No, idiot.” He snatched it away from Nick. “None of your business, I’m selling these.” 
“You’re selling names?” Nick questioned. 
“Oh, you gotta be fucking kidding me.” Patrick slapped his face, stumbling around for a bit before approaching the cub. “Let me guess, Phase?” 
“Yeah, that’s me. Who the fuck are you?” He asked. 
“Your buyers.” Nick informed him. 
“Oh, double fuck.” Phase cringed, looking away. Nick snatched the paper from his hand and collected the others on the ground. “Hey, you’re supposed to pay for those.” He argued, but Patrick shoved him aside. 
“Consider it a generous donation to the “us not killing you fund” for trying to pickpocket us.”
“Easy guys. How much was Barone offering you?” Nick asked. 
“Scout promised me $100 for the names.” 
“For a simple run job? I doubt it.” Patrick shook his head.
“Here’s $40.” Nick offered up. “Consider it a screw up fee for trying to steal from us. Plus the ammo I wasted.” 
“You shot one bullet.” Phase commented. 
“Exactly. Next time, pick a better mark. Your technique is pretty sloppy, you’re better off targeting a slower mammal.” Nick advised him. 
“Whatever.” 
“You live on the streets?” Finnick asked. 
“Yep, this is my turf.” Phase smiled, picking himself up. “So watch yourself.” 
“Beat it kit, we got work to do.” Nick shrugged off. They watched as he slipped down the fire escape on the other side of the building, giving it a moment before they went down on the other side. “So, wanna try this Ferenzo place?” 
“Sure, I’m down for some lunch, we don’t need to be back till tonight.” Patrick agreed.  
 “Cool, let’s hit up the beach maybe too.” Finnick threw in. 

Leaving the restaurant with a few foam boxes, the group were rather satisfied with their meals but were disheartened by the turn in the weather. The rain had shifted from the occasional spit to a steady pour. Nick throwing up the hood from his sweater shrugged as he looked down to Finnick.
“Guess the beach is out.”
“Yeah, fuck.” He sighed. 
“Come on, let’s catch the bus back. Bullshit weather is bullshit.” Patrick insisted, leading the way across the street. The pedestrian traffic had mostly moved on, save for a few mammals here or there. Passing the building they came across Phase at, Nick was surprised to spot him in the alley with a large bottle of water, leaned up against the wall. He stopped for a moment, watching the cub soak in the rain with his eyes closed. “Hey Nick, come on.” 
“Hold up.” Nick insisted, heading down the alley. Phase heard him coming and glanced to Nick momentarily before closing his eyes again. “Why don’t you find shelter?” 
“You haven’t lived on the streets have ya?” Phase smiled. “Closest thing I get to a shower.” 
“You look hungry.” Nick commented, but the fox remained quiet. Nick offered up the foam box, tapping it on his knee. “If you want, you can have the rest. It’s spaghetti.” He opened his eyes, an astonished look at the food being presented before him. 
“Serious?” 
“Head back to Ferenzo’s and ask for a fork if you need it.” Nick suggested. 
“No, I’m good. Thanks!” He smiled, flipping the box open and digging in with his claws. Nick stood in awe as he woofed down the remaining spaghetti with next to no effort, even licking the box clean before tossing it on the ground. He scooped up the bottle of water and took a good long drink. “Ahh, so that’s so much better. Hey thanks, what’s your name again?” 
“Nick. I’m new in town, but I’m working with my father.” 
“Who, the white fox there?” He snickered, taking another swig from the bottle.  
“Nah, Psych.” The cub spit out the water and coughed. 
“Holy shit! Psych is back!? I heard stories about him when I was little. He’s the mastermind behind the Zootopia attacks right? Oh damn, things are gonna get crazy again huh?” 
“Eh, we’ll see.” 
“And he’s your dad. Triple fuck.” 
“Hahahaha, well like I said, pick a better mark next time.” Nick winked. 
“Nick, the bus will be there any minute, let’s go!” Finnick called. “Unless you’re paying cab fare.” 
“That’s my cue, see you around Phase.” Nick smiled, strolling out the alley. 
“Yeah, see ya.” 

Nick delivered the list to Vanessa and right in time, she departed that night to investigate her leads. Psych easily hacked in to the traffic cameras and a finally conscious Aiden was eager to tap into his old house. 
“Let’s see.” Aiden budged in, taking over the computer. He signed in to his family account and waited as the images loaded. “There it is.” He smiled. “Haha, ok let’s look around.” 
“Is she there?” Psych asked quietly. Aiden shifted between the cameras but saw no movement at the house. He checked the bedroom cam and noticed something right away. Many of the drawers were open and bare, the closet as well too. 
“She came back, took her clothes.” Aiden noted. 
“Are you sure?” Aiden double checked the house cams before remember he had one in the den downstairs. He clicked on that one and the picture was filled with a large white sheet of paper, taped to a hanger that was stuck in the ceiling. 
“Fuck off, you S.W.A.T team fuckers. If you killed him, I’m coming for you.” He read aloud. “Yeah, she came back.” Aiden chuckled, wiping a tear from his eye. “Ah, that’s my girl.” 
“Well, at least we know she’s safe. Perhaps we’ll find out more about where she went later.” 
“Yeah.” Aiden agreed. Hearing a Knock at the door, Nick got up and called back to Psych and Aiden. 
“I got it.” Opening the door to find it was one of Vanessa’s apprentices, a female cheetah. 
“Hey, m’lady and the big boss wanna see you, right away.” She informed him. 
“Alright, we’ll be right there.” 
“No-no. Just you, the other two foxes and the ringtail. Psych and Aiden, ain’t invited to this party.” 
“Oook.” Nick agreed. “Dad, heading to meet with Barone. Back in a few.”
“Alright son, enjoy yourself.” Psych called back. “Barone must have forgotten, I can look in on the office whenever I want.” He stated, nudging Aiden over and accessing the house cameras. Within seconds he could see inside the office. “Cubs play.” 

Nick entered the study and saw four new bodies within. A wolf and coyote tied to a simple wooden chair and two young cubs that looked to be half-breeds tied together on the floor. Barone was set at his desk with Vanessa nearby. Patrick, Finnick and Bryan soon joined in and the guards shut the door. 
“What’s going on, please sir just tell me what you want to know.” The wolf begged. 
“Nick, Patrick, Finnick, Bryan. So glad you could join us tonight.” Barone announced, gesturing to the family before them. “The fruits of your labour today.” 
“Please, I’ll talk. I swear-“ 
“Silence!” Barone roared, slapping the wolf’s mouth shut. 
“Tony! No!” The coyote cried. 
“Nick, fella’s have a seat over there so you can have a good view.” Barone invited, waving to the couch near the window. The four of them cautiously sat down and watched in silence as Barone loomed over the family in front of him. “Now then, let’s begin shall we? Tony Furr, I brought you here to ask a few questions and let’s be clear that I want straightforward and honest answers. Unless of course you don’t have any particular value on your lives. Now, what did the PPD approach you about?” 
“N-n-n-n-nothing big s-sir. Please. They just wanted the shipping manifest for the next few weeks and, they had a warrant so we had to comply.” Tony answered. 
“Mm, you see fellas. Tony here is a dock worker down at Rapidton Shipping. I count on them to keep what I bring in and out of the city quiet. And so, with that, we move on to the next question on our list tonight. What did the PPD find that was being shipped to me.” 
“Nothing! Absolutely nothing sir!” Tony begged. “The boss, he keeps everything you do off the b-books so it never comes back to you.” 
“You know, I find that interesting.” Barone noted. “Not two days ago I have a shipment of weapons seized off the coast and it was only three days ago, that you, Tony. Let the police in to check your manifest.” 
“S-s-sir I swear. I had nothing to do with it.” He begged. 
“Please don’t hurt us.” The coyote whimpered. Barone struck her across the face and growled. 
“Don’t talk out of turn, bitch. I won’t warn you again!” 
“Mommy!” the little pups cried out. 
“Oh, it’s ok little one, here.” Barone comforted, picking up one of the young pups he cut it loose and let him sit in his lap. “See, me, mommy and daddy are having a little discussion and frankly, I think your daddy is trying to hide the truth from me. Don’t you think daddy should be more honest?” 
“Yes mr kitty.” 
“Mr kitty.” He chuckled. “And see if daddy was telling the truth, he’d know that I know, the PPD offered him a reward for that ship. That’s where those pretty little clothes your mommy has on came from.” Barone smiled, taking a good long breath. “So that’s strike one.” He warned, twisting the little cubs neck he snapped it and tossed the body on the ground. 
“KEVIN!!!” He cried. 
“MY BABY NO!!” 
“Silence!!” Barone bellowed, snaring up the next cub, the crying little girl. “Now, who did you sell the manifest too, who are the cops running this!?” He shouted. 
“I didn’t get the names! I swear! They came down to the docks with a real warrant, but they offered the reward for the cargo ship! Just please, don’t hurt her. Don’t hurt my little girl!” 
“What were their names!?” 
“I DON’T REMEMBER!! IT WAS A LION AND POLAR BEAR, THAT’S ALL I REMEMBER I SWEAR! I SWEAR! PLEASE JUST LET HER GO!” Tony cried out at the top of his lungs. 
“You sell off my manifest for the next three weeks; you obstruct my business for a few measly bucks and expect me to just let it go? If you think so little of my organization, why should I care about this worthless little rat!?” Barone bellowed as he twisted the cub’s neck, snapping it in half.
“TINA! MY BABY GIRL NO!!”
“YOU CUB MURDERING, COCK SUCKING ASSHOLE!!! I HOPE THE COPS BLOW YOUR FUCKING HEAD OFF!!!” Tony shouted. 
“Oh for fuck sake. Vanessa, these two are giving me a headache, they’re no use to me.” Barone complained, returning to his desk. 
“Allow me, sir.” She smiled, pulling out two knives, she drove them into the coyotes chest and ripped them out, before slicing open Tony’s neck and kicking the chair over. 
“Tommy, get Florence and the cleaning ladies up here to take care of this mess. Eric, get Niko and have him take care of the bitch and cubs. Vanessa honey?” 
“Yeah?” She smiled back to Barone. 
“Put Tony up on display at the shoreline. Have Shea drive you down.” Barone stated, wiping his paws with a sanitary cloth. 
“With pleasure.” She joyfully replied, cutting the body loose and slinging it over her shoulder. Barone tossed the cloth on his desk and turned his attention to the four guests on the couch. 
“You’re probably wondering why I brought you in for this.” Nick just kept quiet along with the others. He had a lot of trouble hiding his nervousness over what had just happened. “Any of you? Any ideas?” 
“To send a message.” Finnick spoke up. 
“Precisely.” Barone approved with a nod. “I need you to understand there’s more to this job than a nice house, warm beds, nostalgic friends and good food. I need you to see what happens to traitors, and how I handle leaks.” He stated, rising to his feet and slamming shut the drawer. “I don’t want any mixed messages or ambiguity; I want us to be perfectly clear with each other that under absolutely no circumstances will I permit police cooperation or the selling of information about my organization. I don’t care if you’re old, young, crippled or healthy, family or foe. You betray my trust; I’m going to make you suffer for it.” He cautioned. 
“Message clearly received sir.” Patrick spoke up. 
“Yeah, we get it, we understand.” Nick nodded. 
“You seem on edge, Nick. Something wrong with our little demonstration here today?” Barone spoke up. 
“If he talked he talked.” Nick breathed, nodding his head before mustering some form of composure. “But call me old fashioned, I always find it cowardly to kill cubs.” 
“Is that right?”
“That’s right.” Nick affirmed. Barone moved in nice and close to Nick’s face keeping a calm and composed look. 
“If I give the order, for you to kill a helpless cub. Will you do it?” 
“Now’s a good time to be honest?” Nick answered. 
“Now’s a good time, yes.” 
“I would hate it, probably even hate you for it. I’d never forgive myself for doing it, but if you gave the order, yes I’d do it.” He confessed. “Dad told me this is a different life than the one I lived before, all this.” He pointed to the dead cubs and coyote. “Still pretty fresh to me. But if there’s one thing I always do, it’s adapt fast.” 
“I believe you.” Barone said, rising back upright. “While I doubt I’ll have you slaughtering a daycare, I do need to know I can count on you to kill when I order. You demonstrated that with Howard Llane just fine. You didn’t even flinch when I broke that pup’s neck. Your friends on the other hand, a little more shaky.” Barone noted. 
“Yeah, not gonna lie. Feel a little sick.” Patrick confessed. 
“It’s a reflex, you’ll get over it.” Barone advised him. “I feel a bit better about my decision yesterday.” He smiled. “Nick, go back to your room, you three as well. Get some rest. I’ll have Vanessa come by your room tomorrow Nick, you’ll learn some combat skills with her and the cheetah twins, Sasha and Natasha. Also, do me a favor. With my shipping compromised, see if Psych can get the word out to my contacts that we need to move from ships to ground or air transport for the next little bit. 
“Already on it.” Psych spoke over the desktop phone in his room. 
“Oh for fuck sake, I forgot he liked to do that.” Barone stared blankly. “Make it happen Psych. You four, dismissed.” 
Taking a rather somber walk back to the room, they stopped outside the rooms and Patrick was the first to speak up. 
“I think I’m gonna fucking puke.” 
“That was intense guys, I can’t believe it. They were little cubs.” Bryan whispered. 
“What’ve we gotten ourselves into, what we killin babies next?” Finnick whimpered. 
“Hey, snap out of it.” Nick stole their attention. “This is the big leagues ok? We can’t just whimper and sulk because a few cubs bit the dust. Just do exactly as he says, don’t talk to cops, don’t make any deals. We can’t afford to slip up out here.” 
“Still feel like shit after seeing that. There was no hesitation; he just snapped them like toys.” Patrick groaned. 
“Look, toss your cookies, get some rest and let’s get some work done tomorrow. Maybe Vanessa will let you guys train with me too.” 
“I got work with Shea in the morning so, no.” Bryan noted. 
“Night guys.” Nick fare-welled, heading into his room. Closing the door behind him, he ran into the bathroom and shut the door. Within seconds he found himself throwing up into the toilet as well. The horrific idea that if he slips up, that he might do that to Judy and his cubs was all he could think of. Shuddering, he splashed his face with cold water from the sink and wiped it off with the towel, tossing it behind him in anger. “Fuck.” He whimpered quietly to himself. 
“Nicky, come on out.” Psych spoke from outside. Nick gradually opened the door as Psych opened his arms up. “Come on; come with me, easy now.” Taking his arm over his shoulder he guided Nick to the bedroom and sat up beside him on the bed as Nick started crying. “Shh, it’s ok. I saw what happened, we were on the cameras.” 
“I can’t.” He shuddered once more. 
“Shh, sh sh sh. Easy son. Take it easy.” Psych soothed, kissing Nick’s muzzle. “That’s one hell of a tough show ya put on in there.” He carried on whispering. “But you’re safe here with me; don’t have to be brave right now.” 
“If he touches Judy. Or my cubs, I swear-.” Nick cried. 
“Shh, it’s ok Nicky, it’s ok.” 

Jack Savage was in his office at the ZIA building, a massive black and grey structure that sat about 100 miles north of Fairways. Gabriel knocked on the door and let himself in, holding a small docket of files under his arm. 
“Hey handsome.”
“Hi Gabe. What’s wrong?” Jack replied, not even bothering to look up from his computer. Gabriel smiled, tossing the papers on his desk. 
“Like something has to be wrong to see my sexy boy.” 
“Gabe, please. I love you but keep it professional here.” Jack pled, folding his ears back. 
“Mmm well it is professional. Director Moira Pride would like a word with you.” 
“Oh perfect. Another tongue lashing.” Savage huffed, leaning back in his chair. Gabriel came around to his side and started to massage his shoulders. 
“I could back ya up if you need.” 
“No, I’ll take care of it. Do me a favor, check this over for me?” Jack gestured to the computer. “Been at this for hours, a fresh pair of eyes would help.” Gabriel giggled, pulling Jack up from the chair and giving him a peck on the cheek. 
“I got it, go.” He encouraged with a push on his backside. Jack awaited the elevator and as it opened he was met with his usual pilot and friend, Orville Swiftclaw, the ocelot. He stood in the elevator dressed in his usual green puffy jacket, left open to show off his black Wunderarmor shirt, along with his beige cargo pants.  
“And cue the collective sigh of dismay.” 
“Hilarious Orville.” Savage brushed off. 
“Well one it’s Swiftclaw; and two you might wanna bring some padding up there for your ass.” 
“Another gay joke?” Savage leered, getting in the elevator. 
“Mmm, no. But it works on a couple levels; ie the fact you’re about to have it kicked by Moira, then possible licked and other stuff by Gabriel.” 
“Ugh, knock it off. Why would she be on my case now?” 
“Duh! Entrusting a dangerous mission to a bunch of known felons.” 
“And two cops.”
“Ignoring the fact you had both Serena and David Skye available to do the job, both of which; spoiler alert: have the best undercover training.”
“Fangmeyer had solid training in undercover work in Zootopia and what better undercover agent than someone “Dead”; and Nick makes a perfectly suitable candidate to keep Parker in check.”
“But-“
“And, neither David nor Serena possess the skills on hacking that Parker and Aiden do, they can hold their own.” 
“Sidenote: probably not a bad idea to hold your own then instead of banging Gabriel in that shitty office.” 
“What’s that?” Jack scowled as the door opened on the top floor. 
“Nothing- here’s your stop-bye!” Swiftclaw rushed through, shoving Jack into the hall. “See you at darts tonight!” Jack shook his and smoothed his ears before striding down the hall toward the large office ahead. Knocking on the massive doors, he could hear a faint voice within. 
“Come in.” Pulling the handle, he stepped inside. The office had pale blue carpet, pure white walls and a massive window behind the desk where director Moira sat. The old lioness was penning the last few details on a report of her own before gesturing for Jack to have a seat. “I suppose you know why you’re here.” 
“No madam.” Jack quietly but politely replied, taking a seat with his paws clasped together. 
“The police have had a very troublesome time, finding Tony Furr and his family the other day in Predaton.” She explained, adjusting her glasses. “That is until he was found strung up and gutted at Rapidton Shipping.” 
“Sad to hear, but with all due respect madam, may I ask what this has to do with me?”
“Tony was turned over by one of your so called field agents, Nick Wilde. You know, the officer you had go rogue so he could infiltrate Barone’s organization.” Moira curtly reminded him. “I suppose this is acceptable oversight?” 
“Nick needs to gain Barone’s trust.” 
“At the cost of civilian lives?” 
“I’ll accept a few casualties if it means stopping Barone from creating a bio weapon, capable of killing millions.” Jack retorted. 
“Perhaps.” She agreed. “But Mariah Kasi has requested of me once again that the ZIA assist in capturing him.” 
“Tell her we need time.” 
“Time may be a luxury we cannot afford.” 
“It never is, but if we don’t have Barone and the weapon together we might as well just have him buy his way out of another day in court. Parker, Jason and Nick, are hard at work collecting exactly what we need to seal him away, but if we can’t give them the time they need, then this will end up being nothing more than a gigantic waste of time, money and lives.” Jack argued. 
“Don’t lecture me on the stakes agent Savage, I’m well aware of the risks. My greatest concern is Parker Wilde.” She pointed out. 
“My concern as well.” 
“What will you do when he leaks to Barone that we have eyes on him.” 
“He won’t.” Jack refuted. 
“And why not?” 
“Not when his son and grandcubs are on the line.” 
“It’s a bit old fashioned and possibly a bit inappropriate but little good comes from putting faith in a fox.” Moira sighed. 
“Agents David and Serena Skye a problem then?” Jack poised to her. 
“They’ve proven their worth, as did Nick Wilde with the ZPD. However Parker has been a criminal and murderer for decades.” 
“I’m well aware.” 
“This gamble of yours had best pay off, Savage.” She warned. “If word gets out, the ZIA willingly let Psych back into Predaton your negligence and incompetence will be your only legacy.” 
“Understood director.” Jack bowed his head. 
“When is your next rendezvous with Wilde?” 
“I don’t meet with them; Fangmeyer is better at keeping his tracks covered as he spends most of his time working Fairways.” 
“When do you meet with him then?” She stared unimpressed. 
“Few weeks, July 2nd to be exact. We’re supposed to discuss the next steps to take then.” 
“Do better. I want more than word of mouth. Respectable officer he may have been, I want specifics the next time I call you to this office on the topic. Is that understood Savage?” 
“Yes ma’am.” Jack nodded. 
“Good, dismissed.” 

The next morning Vanessa came to pick up Nick, Patrick and Finnick, bringing them out the back yard of Barones compound. The training grounds were rather immaculate, free-standing punching bags along with a few paper targets placed inside wooden lanes for practice, and right over the fence was a massive pool, hot tub and badminton court. Vanessa took the lead in bringing the trio to the firing range and threw on a pair of glasses.
“Here.” She tossed a pair to each of them. “Barone’s asked me to fill in any gaps in your performance. Nick, why don’t you try it out first, set the bar for your friends here.” She giggled, tossing a loaded gun to him. 
“Yeah, alright no problem.” He confidently strutted to the starting line. 
“Such a cocky little foxy.” She sighed, waiting for him to fire. Nick unloaded six shots, almost all hitting dead center on the target. Vanessa tipped her head and shrugged it off. 
“Aww did I beat your record honey?” 
“Stay there.” Vanessa stated, heading up toward the small patio. From over their heads, she fired down range at the target beside Nick’s. All of her rounds hit dead center. Nick glanced back with a rather stupefied look on his face as she tapped the gun at her side. “Still think you’re slick, Nick?” Not wanting to be out done, he rushed up and took aim right beside her, firing on the same target and much to both of their surprise; he nailed a very similar grouping. “Huh.” She slacked her jaw, tapping her claw on her teeth. Backing up right against the house, she reloaded from a clip on her side and fired on the third target range. Patrick and Finnick just sat down, enjoying the show. Her grouping was still incredibly close to center, but one had hit the outside ring. 
“Not bad.” Nick complimented, taking a spot right beside her he snuck her last clip and reloaded. Steadying his arm, he fired on the same target she had. Nick managed to nail all six rounds dead center. “Yes!” He cheered, giving a quick victory whoop. 
“Wow, ok I’ll admit it. Nice shooting. Now those two have to get that accurate by the end of the day.” She stated, throwing the gun to Patrick. “Or I’ll blow their heads off.” She smiled. 
“Ha, funny.” Nick scoffed. “Sure you wanna try that against a sharp-shot like me?”
“Hmm. Protective aren’t we, the little cop in you showing?” She smiled. 
“Hey!” Finnick shouted. “Where the fuck’s our targets!?” 
“There’s more in the mailbox right beside the range, go pick one up bite-size.” Vanessa explained. “Are your friends as good as you?” 
“Patrick probably not, Finnick’s pretty good. But I was one of the best shots on the ZPD.” Nick boasted. 
“Well fuck the ZPD. You keep that up and you’ll be one of the better shots in the Barone family.” Vanessa stated, guiding Nick over to the punching bags. “Now the real fun part for me.” She announced, leaning on the bag. “I get to beat the crap out of you. And by the way, just for the record, this is the part where I’m not kidding.” 
“Bring it on.” Nick happily challenged. 

Nick came back into the room, pushing the door slowly open as Psych pushed back on the chair and opened the curtain. Nick was hobbling his way in, leaning heavily on his left foot with an ice pack on his head and another taped to his left arm. 
“Jeez! What the hell happened to you!?” Psych exclaimed, rushing over to his son. 
“Training, with, Vanessa. Lots, of, take downs, tosses. Hard to block a leopard.” Nick drudged his way through as Psych guided him to the couch. 
“Oh for fuck sake, want me to kill her?” Psych offered with a smile. 
“Tempting, very, very tempting.” Nick chuckled, easing himself down. “Hey, got anymore of those pain killers?” 
“Oh no you don’t.” Psych smiled. The next few days followed a similar pattern. Nick training with a few different varieties of guns, followed by hand to hand practice with Vanessa. She eventually eased off when Barone cracked down on her for almost breaking Nick’s back. Letting him practice with Patrick instead. Aiden even came down for a day or two to refresh his training, even offering himself up as a sparring partner for Vanessa. Finally after giving them a few days to rest, they were called into Barone’s office once again. 
“Alright everyone, listen closely.” Barone announced, set atop his desk. “I’ve managed to negotiate a deal with our arms supplier. We have three crates arriving tonight at Predaton airport via cargo plane. Nikolai, Vanessa?” 
“Yes sir.” 
“Pick up Scout, make sure the weapons are in appropriate condition upon arrival. Shea, Bryan, Nick, your team will actually take them. If there are eyes on our weapons, we need a little misdirection going. Vanessa and Niko will take the truck while you three will drive the hatchback there, picking up the real weapons. Drive them to Scout’s house and stay there till morning. Patrick, Finnick, I want you two doing ground surveillance. Stay in radio contact. Psych, I think you know what I want you to do.” 
“Interference.” He smiled 
“Precisely. Scramble the cameras and jam cams. If you can really work some magic, get the traffic lights to work in Vanessa and Niko’s favor. Make it look convincing.” 
“Ooo, I haven’t done that in forever!” Psych beamed with delight. “Aiden will love this.” 
“I’m glad to see you’re eager to work.” Barone smiled. “Stay focused; don’t go astray, I’m counting on you to work together tonight.” He emphasized with Vanessa. “So play nice.” 
“Course baby.” She cooed. 
“Set to it, you have 40 minutes until the plane lands. Go.” 
“Sir!” They all saluted. 

The cargo plan had just landed, the ramp slowly descending as Vanessa, Niko and Scout approached. Pushing a rather large crate supported by a rolling dolly, two moose presented it before the trio. Taking a crowbar, they opened it up and showcased one of the long boxes inside. 
“Scout.” Vanessa barked, gesturing for him to step forward. Opening up one, he checked out the condition of the guns. They were assault rifles, still slick with the lubricant used to keep them preserved on the flight, cold to the touch and on the bottom right corner was a small cardboard box of ammo. He gave his approval as Niko moved in to help move them into the hanger where the vehicles were waiting. Once inside, they loaded the long wooden boxes inside Shea’s rather large hatchback, while the shipping crate they were brought it went onto the back of Niko’s truck. “We’ll go on ahead, you three know what to do?” 
“Aye lass, be careful.” Shea agreed. Outside on his new motorbike, Patrick watched as a few black cars started driving up toward the fence near the runway, a wolf waiting nearby hit a switch, causing it to slowly open.
“You got tails.” Patrick informed them over the radio. “Three black cruisers, no identifying markings.” 
“Why do I gotta ride bitch?” Finnick demanded lightly. 
“That a rhetorical question?” Patrick smirked before lowering the visor on his helmet. 
“You guys hear that?” Nick spoke up. 
“Yeah, nothing new there. Cops probably pulled a few strings to get in. We need to go, now.” Vanessa ordered. 
“Agreed my dear, come Scout. We must depart.” Niko announced, leaping into the driver seat. 
“Stay back for a good 10 minutes you three, don’t get caught!” Vanessa called out as she leapt into the truck with Scout. Heading out of the hanger, they drew the attention of the three cruisers as they blew passed them and hammering the gate open. Patrick and Finnick scooted over to a more concealed location, waiting for the security teams to clear out from the gate while Shea kept a close eye on his watch inside the hanger. 
“How much time we got?” Nick asked. 
“One more minute.” Shea replied, picking up his radio. “Aye lads, can likely take yer crotchrocket and toddle on home.” 
“Barone ordered us to stay with you, so that’s the plan.” Patrick replied. 
“Well, just in case things go awry, I brought this little doozy.” Bryan chuckled, pulling a small sphere from his pocket. “I love cookin these things up.” 
“Do I dare ask?” Nick smiled. 
“Shrapnel grenade, toss that under a cop car and watch the tires shred to shit, hehe!” Bryan chuckled, tucking it back into his pocket. 
“Well nuff fuckin around. Get in tha car lads, we gotta safe house to lay low in.” Shea ordered. 
“Right.” Nick nodded. 
“Got it.” Bryan joined in, leaping into the car. Driving off through the same route Vanessa took and crashing over the remains of the gate, Patrick kicked up the bike and followed in behind. Within seconds a fourth black cruiser joined in, tailing them and flashing in blue and red lights. 
“Fuck, we got company.” Bryan exclaimed. 
“I see em, lad. Use that wee toy o yers!” Shea bellowed, kicking up the speed and nearly bumping Patrick’s bike. Bryan leaned out the window and pulled the pin, giving it a couple seconds before dropping it on the ground. The grenade went off just as planned under the cruiser but it kept going, tires damaged and all. A lion from the passenger side pulled out a shotgun and started firing on their car, blowing out the back window.
“Mother fucker! Shea we gotta lose em!” Bryan cried out.
“Tha fuck ya think I’m doin!?” 
“Fin, can you hear me!?” Nick radioed. 
“Yeah, yeah I hear ya Nick.” He replied, holding fast to Patrick.
“Flank em, fire on the engine, unload on it with everything you got!” Nick bellowed. 
“Right! Get me in close Patrick!” Finnick called out. Growling he swerved into the middle of the road and eased on the brake just in time for another shotgun round to strike the back of their car. Finnick took aim at the hood and started firing near the center. Unloading the entire clip he left the hood looking like a cheese grater but it didn’t stop the car. The lion took aim with the shotgun at the two of them while the driver veered over trying to sideswipe them off the road. Patrick fell back behind the cruiser and sped up, this time coming up on the right side while Finnick reloaded. The lion tried to take aim at them again but Finnick fired ahead, knocking the shotgun out of his hand. Pulling up nice and close, Finnick unloaded a second clip on the hood of the cruiser. With only a few shots remaining, he heard the sound he wanted. The engine gave off a massive backfire and began pouring oil onto the ground. The cruiser lost control and spun out on the road while they flew on into the city. 
“WOOO HOOO!! Fuck yeah Fin!” Patrick cheered, revving up the bike into a wheely. 
“Great job bud.” Nick complimented, a statement echoed by Bryan and Shea over the radio. 
“Aye lads, drinks on Scout tonight eh? Heheheheh!” Shea cheered over the radio, as they drove off toward the Lunar District.