It was late at night and Matt was speeding down the winding roads in Rainforest District with Judy and Kate. They had gotten a call about an attempted murder on a fellow rabbit by a jealous boyfriend near the hippodrome. The young black and white haired rabbit was riding on a motorbike, dodging and weaving through the little traffic on the road. They circled up toward the top of the trees, the road growing more and more narrow as it seemed to form into more of a boardwalk than any kind of road. 
He glanced back and gave a quick laugh at the cruiser giving chase, but just as he turned to face forward, he failed to see the small crowd of mammals ahead and slammed into the side of a jaguar. Knocked over by the speeding bike, the jaguar seemed unphased but the rabbit rolled over on the road over and over again as his bike sailed over the edge and down into the abyss below. Judy, Kate and Matt leapt from the cruiser and began to pursue on foot. 
“Freeze! Get down on the ground!” Matt shouted. The rabbit produced a gun as he got up and opened fire. His aim however was lousy and fired high into the air. Matt fired his tranq but it just sailed wide, sticking into the wooden rail alongside the path. 
“I got him!” Judy called out as she chased the young rabbit down. The path lead down toward the edge of a heavily forested path that was once again, littered with mammals. They passed signs along the way about a tribal dance that was happening in Amazonia Arena and hundreds of mammals were celebrating out in the streets as well. Weaving through the crowd, Judy kept her sights fixed on the rabbit. Leaping off the boardwalk, he snatched a vine and started sliding down. Judy and Kate had no qualms about following suit and sliding down to catch up to him. The road he chose was a big mistake, it funneled in a circular path toward a lower ledge of the district. Judy waved Kate on ahead as Judy opted to leap over the side. Dangling from the wet wooden plank she swung out and kicked off the wall to land back on the ramp heading down just in front of the rabbit. “Freeze!” She hollered, pointing the tranq gun at him, but the rabbit without a moment’s hesitation took a heavy swing and punched Judy across the face. 
“Fuck off! Fake ass cop!” He insulted, scurrying on down and carrying on toward a street that lead to a more suburban area. Judy shook off the blow and started chasing once again; Kate had caught up but was quickly running out of breath. Judy, enraged by the blow could feel the blood seeping out of her nose as she blazed ahead and started catching up to the rabbit. He leapt onto a small fence and up onto the patio of one of the houses and then to the roof. Judy of course, not one to be out done followed the same path as the rabbit began leaping from house to house. “Take a hint!” He swung around and tried to fire again, but the gun simply clicked. The ears falling back as he realized he was out of ammo. “Uh oh.” Judy flung herself at him and landed a hard drop kick to his face, knocking him off the roof and landing between the two houses. Judy clasped the edge and eased herself down, but much to her surprise the rabbit was back up and running toward the street. 
“Talk about not giving up, this has to stop here!” Judy called out, whipping out her gun once again she started firing off every round she could to tranquilize the fleeing rabbit, but each dart sailed wide of him minus one that flew between his ears. Judy continued on foot while Kate was left behind now at this point. He led Judy to the end of the street which housed a massive concrete wall to barrier itself from the tram cars that were ascending beyond it. The rabbit bounded off the fence, onto a house and up onto the wall where he leapt for a rail car and caught the lip. Judy knew she couldn’t get to the same car, but seeing the next approach, she leapt for the fence, up onto the house and up on the wall. Priming herself up she leapt for the next car but her legs were too tired to carry her the whole way. Her hand fell a few inches shy of grabbing the rail. It seemed as though in the moment, everything had slowed. The car ebbing its way further away, the rush of fear hitting as she came to realize she was now free falling to the ground. Screaming she could see the suspect grinning as she fell through the trees, slapping massive leaves and snaring on vines as she came down. It wasn’t enough to bring her to a halt however, as she started plummeting to the river below. Fear took hold of her; her heart was racing in her ears as her vision grew dark. She never felt her body hit the water, or the river filling her lungs. The only sensation that followed was a horrible need to cough as she lay on the shore near one of the lower road ways. 
Judy was all but vomiting water, alone and soaked through and through. Her body worn out and sore in every place she could move. Her head pounding as she finally expelled the last gouts of water from her lungs. Gasping for air she looked around at the area and couldn’t recognize anything. Reaching for her radio she abruptly realized it was no longer on her. 
“Judy!!” She could hear Kate call from far above. 
“Judy!!” Matt joined in. Judy tried to answer, but her voice felt so weak that only her breath escaped. Reaching for a root sticking from the ground, she tried to pull herself closer to the road. Every muscle quivered as if to cry out for her to stop. She wasn’t sure if she was hurt or just too exhausted to carry on, but as her chin found the lip of the road, she fell unconscious, hoping that someone would find her. 

Judy awoke in Zootopia hospital, changed into a gown and placed in a hospital bed. An I.V in her right arm and her other wrapped up in bandages. With a quick glance to her left, she could see her mother in the chair beside her and Kate in another tapping her claws on the window. 
“Mom?” Judy breathed. 
“Judy!” Bonnie cried out, looking up from her tablet. “Oh my stars and heavens, my sweet baby girl!” She carried on, leaping from the chair to hug her head. 
“Judy! Hey! Welcome back bunny butt.” Kate greeted warmly. “You ok?” 
“I think so. I think I’m alright. Where’s dad?” 
“Oh I told him to stay home with the little ones for now. Didn’t want to get them all worked up.” Bonnie explained. 
“Matt’s here too. He actually just went to get us-“ Kate explained as Matt opened the door with three cups in his hand. “Coffee, mm that smells good.” She smiled. 
“Judy! Oh my gosh, are you ok?” Matt rushed in, setting the coffee down to which Kate swiftly snuck a cup away. 
“I’m ok.” Judy assured him. 
“Doctors said you are seriously lucky.” Matt explained. “Mild concussion, a few sprains in your arm and leg, but no broken bones.” 
“That’s my tough little Judy!” Bonnie proudly stated. 
“No. I’m not tough. I messed up. I messed up bad.” 
“Oh Judy, no.” Kate insisted, joining the little cuddle huddle. 
“I did. I let him get away. He’s gonna try to hurt someone else and-“ 
“Just stop.” Kate insisted, clamping her mouth shut. “Seriously? The only dumb thing you did was push yourself too hard.”
“We have an I.D on the suspect now too.” Matt joined in. “Roger Leppes. He’s a free runner, real tricky to catch on foot and has no problem with playing through pain.” 
“Explains a little.” Judy conceded. 
“Word is, he found his girlfriend with another cottontail outside the hippodrome and went off on them both and pulled the gun.” Kate carried on. 
“Yeah, we got eyes on his girlfriend right now along with her new beau. We’ll make sure they’re ok.” Matt assured Judy. “In the mean time, I think you had better rest up.” 
“I really want to leave.” Judy insisted, trying to get out of the bed. 
“Judy, please.” 
“Ahem!” A big panda called from the doorway. “I see the stubbornness of the Wilde family truly has no bounds.” He smiled. “Doctor David Haan. We’ve met before, back when you were miss Hopps.” He smiled, strolling over to the bed to shake Judy’s paw. “Pleasure to see you again.”
“And you. I took the liberty of writing you a prescription for some pain relievers for those sprains. One in your shoulder and another in your bicep muscle. Those can be awful painful-“ 
“I don’t want them. I’ll be ok.” Judy dismissed. 
“Judy, please.” Haan urged, leaning down he gently pressed on her arm. Judy gasped and cringed in pain. “I don’t think there’s a mammal alive who could call into question your tenacity. But you should take care to not take unnecessary risks or putting yourself through more pain than you need to. I’m sure you have domestic responsibilities that will require you to have some free movement yes?” 
“The kids.” 
“Mmm.” The big panda nodded. “Just take what you need, when you need.” He insisted, tearing off the slip and handing it to her. “I’ll have a nurse bring a wheelchair around, you have to leave in one. Understand?” 
“Yes sir.” Judy reluctantly agreed. 

Bonnie began pushing Judy out of the elevator and out into the main lobby of the hospital. She could see Judy was quite upset, her head hanging low and ears drooping over the chair. 
“My poor girl.” She cooed, pressing on toward the main desk. Coming in through the front door however was a familiar face. Nathan Spring spotted the two up at the counter and rushed over. 
“Judy!” He called out. 
“Nate?” Judy’s ears perked up. He stopped just shy of her chair. 
“I heard there was an accident. You fell in the Rainforest District?” 
“Yeah, I screwed up.” Judy answered in dismay, dropping her ears once again. 
“I came to visit, didn’t think you’d be leaving so soon. Are you ok? Do you need anything?” He pled. 
“I just. I wanna go home and sleep.” 
“Of course.” Nathan happily agreed. “Here, I brought you something. I know it’s not much but, maybe it beats hospital food.” He smiled, producing a small pack of cheese and crackers from his pocket. 
“Aww, now ain’t that just the most darn sweet thing.” Bonnie complimented. Judy shook her head and smiled. 
“Oh Nate.” 
“Hey, it worked! Got a smile outta ya.” He noted, folding his arms. “Listen, why don’t I swing by tomorrow with some coffee? You like the ones from De La Rose?” 
“Oh? Yeah, sure. That sounds good. But Nate, I hope you don’t think this is a date or some-“
“No no no, let me cut ya off there. I got girlfriend you know.” He winked. “This is just me helping my best friend when she’s really down. I heard about Nick on the news, crazy stuff.” 
“Yeah. It’s been hard.” 
“You’re all good to go, Mrs. Wilde.” The doe at the counter informed her. 
“Oh, ok thanks.” Judy quickly acknowledged and pushed herself off her wheel chair. Stumbling she almost fell right into Nate, but he caught her and set her back upright. 
“Maybe the wheelchair isn’t such a bad idea.” He suggested. 
“No, I’ll be fine.” 
“Stubborn as ever.” Both he and Bonnie replied. The two shared a laugh between each other as Bonnie took hold of her daughters arm. “Come on sweet pea, let’s get you home and rested, and hey thanks to ol Nathan here, you got a snack for the ride home.” 

The next day, Nathan arrived at Judy’s house around 10:00. He had a trey with 4 cups of coffee in tall white cups and was let in by Bonnie. Judy was on the phone with Delgato, in the middle of discussing what had happened the other day. 
“No, chief I wasn’t being reckless I was sure-“ 
“Judy, you leapt for a damn tram car.” He audibly scolded over the phone. “What were you thinking?” 
“I just couldn’t let him get away.” 
“That’s the problem Judy. If you keep making reckless decisions like this, I’ll have no choice but to suspend you! That’s the last thing in the world I want to do.” Delgato seemingly begged. 
“Suspended! But.” 
“I’m not going to, not right now no. But for pity’s sake Judy, take a few days to rest up here. I got an update on your injuries from Matt and Kate, you’re in no condition to serve right now. I need you 100%.” 
“I understand, sir.” 
“I’ll keep you posted on the Leppes case and of course, if I hear anything regarding Nick or Parker.” 
“Thank you sir.” Judy said before hanging up the phone. Sulking into her chair, she just noticed the cup being slipped in front of her. With a smile she remembered that Nate was visiting today. “Thanks Nate.” 
“No sweat.” Nathan sat down next to her. “So what’s the verdict?” 
“Just on rest. Chief ordered. But he’s right, I gotta pull myself together here.” Judy stated, opening the lip of her cup and taking a sip. 
“So who was it that turned your grey and white butt, black and blue?” 
“Rabbit named Roger Leppes.” 
“Roger did this!?” Nate exclaimed. 
“You know him?” Judy questioned, throwing up her left brow.
“Every Wednesday in the park, we set up a free-run night and layout the trampolines to make a more intricate and challenging course. Roger always did really good.” Nathan explained. 
“So he was a regular?” 
“Season pass holder.” 
“He’s wanted for attempted murder!” 
“Wow.” Nathan seemed taken aside. “On you?” 
“Well, that was kind of my own fault but. No, he pulled a gun on his girlfriend and her new boyfriend.” Judy elaborated. 
“Well, no surprise there.” 
“How’s that?” 
“He’s one of those overly macho types. He loves taking home a new girl every now and then.” 
“Wait, then how does he have a “Girlfriend.” To begin with?” 
“Maybe he actually liked this one. Or.” 
“Maybe we got this flipped.” Judy concluded. 
“The one he saw her with. Is the actual boyfriend.” Nathan joined in. “Makes sense. Gives me an idea too, just a sec.” He insisted, pulling out his phone. “Hey John, it’s Nathan. Listen, I need you to send out an email. Let the staff know this coming Wednesday that if Roger Leppes checks in for the event, to contact the ZPD right away ok? No, don’t try to detain him or anything, let him sign up and all that good stuff, alright? K bye.” 
“Thanks Nate.” Judy smiled taking another sip. 
“No problem. Now we got a trap laid out, now all we need is him to- wait for it.” 
“Oh gosh don’t.” 
“Spring; the trap!” He proudly touted his pun. Judy swatted his shoulder with a solid punch. “Ow!” 
“You deserved that. You deserved, so much more than that.” She laughed. 

Judy drudged through the next few days, trying her best to take it easy while the sprains healed up. Wednesday had arrived and Judy and Nathan were poised to be at Spring Forward for the event. They came early and Judy watched as the trampolines were shoved against the wall while an obstacle course was being set up in the middle of the massive gym. A good dozen mammals were on the crew including two rhinos, two giraffes and an assortment of sheep, pigs and lions.  
“Alright mammals, keep it rolling!” Nathan called out. “Games start in 1 hour, I want this place ready.” 
“We’re going boss, we’re going.” One of the giraffes helping to set up replied. 
“Wow, got em in line and everything.” Judy complimented. 
“Yeah, they’re a good crew. We usually get pizza after set up for em.” 
“Tony’s?” 
“Nah, too expensive. Unless they wanna chip in, I usually get Armadomilos.” 
“Bleh, not a fan. The cubs wouldn’t care less, but Ian hates that place.” Judy giggled. 
“You feeling ok?” Nathan smiled. 
“Oh yeah, the sprains are healing nicely. Not gonna chase Roger if he shows, just gonna radio in for backup.” 
“Good call.” Nathan approved. 
“Nathan.” A cream colored rabbit with a skimpy white top and green leggings called out. Her blue eyes were somewhat hidden by the eyeshadow and long lashes. 
“Hey baby!” Nathan strolled over, scooping her up for a hug. She even offered up a kiss, though it seemed somewhat half-hearted. “How’s my girl?” 
“Mmm, I’m good. So aren’t you going to introduce me to your side chick?” She hinted with no loss of sarcasm. 
“Tania please. Judy, this is Tania.” Nathan waved over as Judy was already on her way. Extending her paw she gave a firm handshake and warm smile. 
“Judy Wilde, pleasure to meet you.” 
“Tania.” She briefly greeted. “Nate, baby do you have some extra cash?” 
“What? What for now?” 
“Nothing much, I just wanted to get some real food instead of that crap you always order.” Tania smirked, throwing up her brow and folding one of her ears. 
“Mmm, not a bad idea. You going to Botanica again?” He asked, producing his wallet. 
“Yeah, I’m not up for anything heavy tonight. Just want the usual.” 
“Lettuce, tomatoes, croutons and thousand isle?” He asked with a smile. She offered up one back and took him in for another hug. 
“I love that you remember that.” 
“Ah it’s easy.” Nathan played off cool. Tania kissed him, taking the money and strolling toward the door. 
“You stay away from my bunny boy, Judy. He’s mine.” She turned around pointing before heading out the door. 
“I’m married.” Judy retorted, folding her paws. 
“Like that stops mammals nowadays.” She fired right back disappearing. 
“She’s lovely.” Judy scoffed. 
“Judy, relax. She wasn’t too keen on me spending any time with you. She knows we have... History.” 
“We’re friends Nathan. Good friends.” She reaffirmed. Nathan hung his head but Judy caught herself and her rather harsh tone. “I’m sorry. Look I really appreciate you doing all this for me. There’s a good reason we’re best friends.” Judy smiled. 
“Thanks.” 
“Hey boss!” One of the lions called out. 
“Yeah?” 
“Check the group chat, your little mark isn’t registered.” 
“What!?” Nathan exclaimed. Taking out his phone he went through the registry for the nights games and checked the list of confirmed entries. “Damn it!” 
“What?” 
“Roger’s not registered. He’s off the list for tonight.” 
“Drat!” Judy snapped her fingers and stomped the ground. 
“Well, stick around anyway. We usually don’t allow late applicants but, we’ll make an exception for him tonight.” 
“Right!” 

Judy was fuming as she came home, slamming the door and tossing her keys on the stand nearby. It was fairly late, Ian had just got the cubs off to bed and Stu was already on the couch watching a movie with Ian and Bonnie. Judy shook off her jacket and hung it up before heading into the living room to lean on the couch. 
“Welcome home baby.” Bonnie whispered with a wink. 
“Kids asleep?” 
“Yep. I’m actually a little worried.” Ian leapt up from the couch, gesturing for Judy to follow her into the kitchen. Puzzled by the rather abrupt request, she joined him and sat in one of the chairs at the table. 
“What is it?” 
“Liam started throwing up today. He wasn’t looking too good.” 
“Oh perfect.” Judy moaned, dropping her ears. “Flu?” 
“I don’t know. Thermometers broken, I can’t check his temperature.” 
“How did it break?” 
“I don’t know, crushed in the cabinet maybe?” Ian shrugged. “Either way it’d be a good idea to check on him.” 
“Mmm, ok.” 
“And um.” Ian began scratching his neck. 
“Um?” 
“Well.” He smiled bashfully. “They hired me.” 
“Oh! Your job interview!” Judy exclaimed, tossing up her ears with delight. 
“Yeah, gonna test me out tomorrow. They’re having network issues at Snowcastle Mall in Tundratown. Connectivity issues with their card machines so, they got us going on site to monitor the network while a crew checks out the stores and their machines.” 
“Wow Ian!” Judy jumped with joy, giving her little brother a hug. “That’s great!” 
“It, also means well. If I’m working and this turns into a full-time gig, well.” 
“Oh, that’s right.” 
“You’ll need a new baby sitter.” 
“Well, the free ride had to end sometime.” Judy smiled for a moment before her ears turned to a knock at the front door. 
“I got it.” Stu spoke up from the couch, grunting as he found his feet. Heading over, he unlocked the door and opened it to show a very pregnant jaguar. “Oh jeez, you’re a big one.” 
“Hi, is Judy here?” She spoke rapidly. Judy approached the door and recognized her right away.
“Eve? Wha- what are you doing here?”
“Having my bladder crushed by a trio of cubs, mind if I, you know please!?” She seemingly begged. 
“Sure, upstairs can’t miss it. Might be a bit tight though.” 
“Don’t care, thank you Judy!” Eve praised, bolting up the stairs and cramming herself in the bathroom. Stu and Judy exchanged looks for a few moments  until at last they heard a flush and the faucet run. Coming out, she paced herself down the stairs, holding the rail in one hand and her belly in the other. “Judy thank you, I know that was a bit impromptu but, appreciate it.” 
“Well I won’t lie, I’m surprised to see you but it’s not like it’s unwelcome.” She smiled. “What brings you to Zootopia?” 
“I think you know.” Eve peered down, raising her brow. 
“Nick.” 
“Well, him and Aiden.” 
“Come, let’s talk in the kitchen.” Judy insisted, ushering her in. 

Judy poured a cup of tea for Eve while she sat at the table, the chairs moved away since she could sit pretty well over the table without them. Setting the cup in front of her along with a cup for herself, Judy sat down and spoke first. 
“What happened to Aiden?” 
“I don’t know.” Eve shook her head, staring vacantly at the cup in front of her. “These, S.W.A.T team goons came in. Laid siege to our house and kidnapped him. I don’t even know if he’s alive.” 
“Pretty sure he is.” Judy slipped in. 
“Mmm?” 
“He was spotted here, in Zootopia. Breaking Parker out of jail.” 
“Parker? Wait, why would he. How?!” Eve sat baffled at the idea. “That doesn’t make sense, why would they kidnap him just to set him loose?” 
“Doesn’t make sense, no.” Judy agreed, pondering the idea. 
“Do you know where he is?” 
“We think Predaton, but don’t have anything concrete yet. I have a few friends at the PPD. Ben Clawhauser and Mariah Kasi. They’re keeping me informed if he shows up. Along with Nick of course.” 
“Nick went with them?” 
“Yeah. Bryan, Nick, Patrick Frost, Finnick Fennec and Aiden.” Judy recited. 
“What did Nick say when he left?”
“Nothing.” Judy shook her head, taking a quick sip. “He left me a note saying “I love you, Carrots” and poof, he was gone.” 
“He told me before he left for me to come here.” Eve shook her head. “I stayed with my mom and dad for a while but, I came here hoping to find him. Thankfully my aunt still lives here, been staying with her downtown but.” 
“He told you to leave for Zootopia, he shows up but to break Parker out. Something’s missing here.” Judy concluded. 
“I smell a rat.” Eve stated. “You’re right, something about all this doesn’t add up. Suits coming in and taking him away.” 
“Smell, a rat.” Judy breathed. 
“Hmm?” 
“You said they were S.W.A.T that took him away, right?” 
“Yeah, big trucks, big weapons, body armor. You name it.” Eve informed her. 
“Maybe it’s time I call in an old favor.” 
“Old favor? What do you have in mind?” Eve questioned. Judy cracked a devilish little smile and shot back her tea. 
“Time to visit my god-daughter.” 

The next morning, Judy gave Liam to Stu and Bonnie and sent them off to meet with Lani to have Liam’s illness checked out. While they attended to that, Judy made arrangements to meet up with Fru-fru, at their newly rebuilt mansion in Tundratown. Frankie wasn’t too keen on having a cop over, and made sure to beef up security upon Judy’s arrival. At the gate, Judy was screened with metal detectors and checked for wires. The big polar bears also confiscated her cellphone while she was in the house, and escorted her upstairs. Keeping with tradition, Frankie kept to the entourage that Mr. Big had arranged as one by one, his polar bear body guards stepped into the office and took positions before the biggest one, Raymond placed him down at his desk with Fru-fru and Judy. 
“Fru-fru!” Judy warmly greeted. “How are you doing!?” 
“Judy, lovely to see ya again sweety. Ju-Ju-bee, come on, say hi to your godmotha.” Fru-fru insisted, ushering the little shrew forward. 
“Hi god momma.” She greeted with a shy little wave. 
“Aww, hello little one! I love your pink ear ribbon!” 
“Thank you!” Ju-ju bowed. 
“Now.” Frankie cut in. “There was a talk of, business to attend to. This wasn’t just a social call.” 
“Yeah, that’s true. I could use your help.” 
“Listen, Judy. With all due respect, we can’t be seen helping police.” Frankie insisted. 
“I just need to know. Has Parker or Nick Wilde shown up in Predaton?” 
“Eh.” Frankie hesitated, scratching his head. 
“Or Aiden Valor. Bryan Baxter, Fin-“
“Yes yes yes, I know who you’re talkin about.” Frankie nodded along, playing it down with his paws. “Look kid. From what I heard, Psych has come back to Predaton. Barone’s got his hacker back, and that likely means he’s got Valor as well.” 
“I knew it.” Judy snapped her fingers. 
“But.” Frankie cut in. “I wouldn’t count on your boy, Nick being there too long.” 
“What?” 
“In fact, I wouldn’t be shocked if that tiger made a rug outta him by now.”
“What? Why?” Judy shuddered. 
“Look kid. This isn’t a pretty world. Even here in town, we gotta get our hands dirty, you follow? But out there, Predaton’s a whole different game. Why we cut our ties, with respect of course. Barone, he’s a different player than his pappy.” 
“What do you mean?” Judy questioned. 
“His father, Allesandro. I remember hearin the stories about that guy. My predecessor was quite fond of him, he understood business and kept things cozy, you know what I mean? But Raphael, he’s a different beast. Constantly out there to prove himself. He ain’t got respect and he don’t take chances on mammals. But he trusts that fox, Psych.” Frankie pointed out. “Psych is family to him, he’ll protect him for sure. Naturally he’d go back. But Nick, he’s a cop. A liability. Barone’ll make it happen if he hasn’t already but. Nicky’s a dead mammal.” 
“No.” 
“Kid, trust me on this. You betta pray he never set foot in that city. It don’t matter to Barone who he wants to be. Raphael will have em dead.” 
“I have to go there. I have to stop him.” 
“You can’t stop Barone.” Frankie shook his head. 
“No, just Nick. I have to get him back.” Judy insisted. 
“Well.” Frankie leaned forward, tenting his fingers. “Let’s just make it clear huh? This is a favor, repaid. You go out there and you spring it that we had this conversation, you’ll have me to fear next, capeche?” 
“I understand.” Judy sighed. 
“Aww, Judy, don’t feel bad. We can still meet up for coffee an all that.” Fru-fru insisted. 
“My boys will see you out, safely.” Frankie snapped his fingers. “I do mean, safely.” He reinforced to the body guard. “I can’t promise anything for your next visit.” 
“Alright. Thank you for letting me know.” 
“A favor’s a favor, and the debt is repaid.”
Judy back at home began packing her suitcase. Determined now to head to Predaton herself. She tried calling both Ben and Mariah, but no answer. A few times the call going right to voicemail. Undeterred, she locked up her suitcase and rushed downstairs. 
“Judy honey!” Bonnie interjected, carrying a cup of soup in her hands. “Please baby girl, maybe don’t run off like this so soon.” 
“Mom don’t worry. I’ll be back in a couple days. I’m going to speak with Delgato first to get everything arranged; he might even give me some backup.” Judy explained, heading out the door toward the car. Bonnie set the cup down and followed after. 
“But what if he’s not there? Liam’s been asking for you all day ya know?” 
“Mom please.” Judy begged, opening up the trunk and stuffing her suitcase in. “If I can get to Nick, maybe I can bring him home. That’ll sure cheer him up.” 
“But-“ 
“I’m going.” Judy cut in, taking a breath to compose herself. “Mom it’s Nick. My husband. You’ve seen this face before.” She half-smiled. 
“Oh I know.” Bonnie submitted. “I just hope you don’t get hurt is all.” 
“I’ll be ok.” Judy leapt for her mother and gave her a good long hug and kiss on the cheek. “Give Li-li a big kiss for me too. Tell him momma’s coming home soon, ok?” 
“Ok.” 

Down at the station, Judy rushed in to see Kate and Ryan chatting away nearby. The two were speaking quietly, Kate helplessly giggling to boot. Judy just smiled, but remained undeterred in her goal and rushed up the stairway and down the hall toward Delgato’s office. She was about to knock on the door when a rabbit in a suit and tie opened it as she arrived. 
“Oh.” Jack was taken back by the sight. “Speak of the devil.” 
“Who is it?” Gabriel asked from over his shoulder. 
“Uh, who are you?”
“Judy, come in.” Delgato invited, waving her into the office. Jack and Gabriel let her in, swooping up to the chair she sat down. 
“Diego, I need an extra two days.” She asked right away.
“For recovery?” He proposed. 
“No, it’s for something else.” 
“Predaton.” Jack spoke up from behind. Gabriel gave the same astonished look as Judy as she turned around in the chair to see him. 
“How did you know?” She breathed. 
“We were just talking about that.” Jack replied, glancing up to Delgato.
“Judy, these are special agents, Jack Savage and Gabriel Mckinnon. They’re here from the ZIA.” 
“Alright, what does that have to do with me though?” 
“I think you know.” Jack threw in. “Judy, you’re going to Predaton to look for Nick, aren’t you?” 
“Judy.” Diego sighed. 
“He is there, I knew it.” Judy grinned. “You knew too didn’t you?” She turned back to Delgato. 
“Just now.” 
“Judy, listen to me.” Jack spoke up once more. “You can’t go to Predaton, the second you enter that city, you’ll place a target on your back.” 
“It’s my husband, he’s worth the risk. If I can talk to him I know I can get him back here, safely.” Judy stated. “Nick will come back, he’ll answer for breaking Parker out and we’ll drag him back here by his sorry hide too. All we need is-“ 
“Be quiet Judy!” Jack shouted. Judy felt her ears shoot up before they fell back to turn to Jack. He took a moment to compose himself while Gabriel placed a hand on his shoulder. “Judy, we believe Nick is dead.”
“What.” Judy’s eyes blew wide, feeling her heart sink in her chest. “No.” 
“We had eyes on Parker the moment he escaped. He’s returned to Predaton, and has resumed his role as “Psych” once again. Nick was working under him, but almost as soon as he began working for him, all sightings of him had stopped. Barone likely saw his police history as a liability. Though we haven’t got it fully verified yet, a hit was put out on Nick from Barone to the Makai family. We believe it was successful. It might only be a matter of time before Psych finds out.” 
“Nick. No.” Judy covered her face and began to cry. 
“Judy, I’m sorry. But if you show up now, you’ll only endanger your life. We’ve spoken with Chief Kasi about this already, asked them to keep us posted till we have a body. But, we might be able to get Psych to bring Barone down when he finds out about this betrayal.” Jack continued to explain, but Judy didn’t care to hear a word of it. Gabriel rushed over and took her down off the chair and gave her a good firm hug. 
“Hey, I’m so sorry Judy. If there’s any hope of finding him, we’ll do it ok? I promise.”
“My husband. My foxy...” She carried on. Delgato came around from his desk and placed a paw on her back. 
“Sh sh sh, easy Judy. I’m so sorry.” Gabriel eased her back and wiped a few tears from her cheek.
“Hey, if we find him alive, we’ll bring him right back to you lickity split ok?” Judy turned around and found some comfort in Delgato’s arms. 
“Gentlemammals, perhaps you should go now. Thank you for the information.” Delgato stated, nodding toward the door. 
“Of course. Excuse us.” Gabriel agreed, leading the way out the door.

Stepping into the quad-copter, Gabriel refused to meet his boyfriend eye to eye. Jack took note of it, but decided to keep quiet for now. After a very long and awkward ride back to the base, the two unbuckled from their seats and as Jack was set to step out, Gabriel kicked him straight up the backside, sending him off the chopper and onto the ground with a hard thud. 
“What the?” Jack demanded, rolling onto his back. 
“You total ASSHOLE!” Gabriel bellowed down at him. 
“Gabe-“
“Shut that stripy mouth up!” Gabriel cut off with a slap across Jack’s face. “You just told that poor rabbit her husband is dead! If I were Nick right now I’d roast ya on a spit!” 
“Gabriel, that’s enough.” 
“Don’t you start talking down to me you heartless sack of trash!” 
“It was the only way to convince that rabbit not to head to Predaton where she would no doubt be killed!” Jack argued, rising to his feet he dusted off his suit. “Field work isn’t always pretty, Gabriel. Best if you figure that out now.” 
“Oh I figured out something, Jack-ass. Somebody might as well sleep in his office again tonight because he sure as shit isn’t sleeping in my bed!” Gabriel touted, stomping passed him and back toward the door to the building, slamming the door. Swiftclaw stepped out and shook his head. 
“What was all that about?” 
“Don’t ask.” Jack brushed off.
“He just punted you off the chopper like a, shit. Wait. I had something for this.” 
“Swiftclaw.” Jack groaned. 
“No, damn it. It’s gone. Something to do with a savage ass kicking and a lucky rabbits foot.” Swiftclaw mumbled, rubbing his chin. Jack continued shaking his head at him before turning to head inside.