Gabriel parked behind a large black truck, outside of a smaller office building. Two stories, not unlike you’d see at a local strip mall, or small commercial area. Gabriel unlocked the door and lead everyone out and entered a code into the panel by the door and stepped inside. 
“Jack’s truck is already here, so I can assume Patrick, Finnick, Aiden and Jason have been collected.” Gabriel noted. 
“Did you receive any word on Vanessa?” Parker asked, taking the lead over the other two. 
“We’ll go over everything, promise. Either way, as far as we’re concerned, she’s our problem now, not yours.” He assured them, leading up the small stairwell and into another hallway. They passed a chiropractors office, along with a dentist before coming to small joint conference room. 
“The ZIA under budget or something? Why you gotta use a commercial space like this?” 
“Yeah, not gonna lie, I figured we would be meeting at the ZPD or something.” Nick agreed. 
“Jack and I have never been fans of obvious places. Sometimes the best way to hide is in plain sight. Though, at times it is frustrating. Like making us park miles away to meet you at a motel.” Gabriel chuckled. Unlocking the door, he let himself in to see Jack at the head of the table with Patrick, Finnick, Aiden and Jason taking up four seats on one side of it. Patrick and Finnick in particular didn’t look to be in the greatest of shape, both of them clasping their heads as they leaned on the table. 
“So, good night out guys?” Nick smiled
“3 hours sleep, hungover as fuck and now this crap.” Patrick mumbled. Finnick picked his head up off the table before throwing in.
“Ugh, let’s get this over with, I wanna go get some coffee.” 
“Careful, it’ll stunt your growth.” Nick quipped, taking his seat across from Finnick. 
“How did things go with Eve?” Parker asked. 
“Smoothed it over. We might be heading back to Everhallow in a day or two.” 
“Oh? Well that’s a shame, I was hoping we could all at least be in the same city.” Parker lightly protested. 
“You and me both. Give it some time, either way I’d have to go back to make arrangements. All of our baby stuff is still at the house.” Aiden pointed out.
“Ah, very true.” Parker smiled. 
“Gentlemammals.” Jack began, turning on the screen at the front of the room. “Let’s begin.” Gabriel joined him at his side, but let Jack carry on. “The operation was deemed a success overall. Approximately 200 gallons of the substance known as Bloodlust was seized. After leaving Zootopia, it was retrofitted for rocket propelled use in San Dingo before being moved to Predaton. Where we, I’m happy to say, as a team, brought down Raphael Barone as he sought to take possession of it. Raphael along with Nikolai Korslav, Shea O’Farral and several of the leading members have officially been apprehended and subsequently incarcerated. Barone’s charges include, murder, extortion, bio-weapon development, crimes against mammalia, money laundering-” 
“Essentially enough that he’s going to be locked in a tiny cell the rest of his life.” Gabriel cut in. 
“So, life?” Parker asked. 
“As per your request, we are currently not seeking the death penalty. It makes sense to keep him alive to manage asset distribution for Max after his release. Vanessa Carvelle remains at large, but we do believe she is still in the city. Many of Barones followers have scattered or fled to rival families. Mariah Kasi assures me that the house is under 24hr watch, and that officers are patrolling round the clock to find her. In addition we’ve sent in over two dozen agents to help with the mammal hunt. Parker, if there’s anything you can contribute?” Jack perked up his ears. 
“Nothing you probably already wouldn’t know. She’s likely gonna find a way to return to the house, or stay underground. She might be stupid enough to try to wait it out or, just try to kill as many cops and agents as she can to get revenge.” Parker explained. 
“She has keys to my old safe house in Lunar District, keep an eye on that place too. Burned down or not, it’s a hideout.” Jason threw in. 
“Good point!” Gabriel agreed. 
“Any chance of her coming here?” Bryan questioned. 
“Yeah, good chance. But if she does. She’ll come for me, or Nicky.” Parker answered. 
“I don’t see much opportunity for her to safely travel.” Jack countered. 
“Vanessa’s a bitch, but she’s not stupid. She has ways of getting what she wants, either by intimidation, or a mix of cunning and a cut throat.” Aiden stated. 
“She’s gonna come for us.” Nick said quietly. “We need you to bring her in, and watch our backs till you do.” 
“Consider it done. Orville Swiftclaw will oversee things here in Zootopia. Gabriel and I will work in Predaton, try to stop her from getting here in the first place.”
“When I worked with her, as Scout. She’d often hitch unusual rides. Hiding in truck beds, riding in cargo holds, that kind of thing. She’s not above getting dirty if it means she’ll get what she wants.” Jason explained.
“Max, and Jake.” Parker spoke up once more. 
“Oh, they’re doing alright.” Gabriel answered sympathetically. “Max is in stage 2, organ repair. Should be done in a few days. Jake’s already in stage 3, superficial repairs. Scar removal, fur regrowth, that kind of thing. They are both unconscious and stable according to our last update.”
“I need to know what your plans are for the next few weeks at the very least.” Jack cut in. “In order to effectively keep you up to date, we’d like a little more cooperation.” 
“I’m gonna find a house in the city coated in scotch guard. Maybe grow some tulips, alfalfa, kelp, it’s good for your libido, you know?” Patrick replied.
“Yeah, I’ma stick with you, keep your ass in check.” Finnick snickered. 
“Mind if I hang with you then?” Bryan asked.
“Sure, I’m good with that.” Finnick agreed. 
“I’m going to stay with Eve and her aunt for a few days, but then we have to go back to Everhallow. Eve’s gonna pop any day now, she’s actually four days overdue.” Aiden replied. 
“Home with the kids. I owe em that.” Jason nodded. 
“Same, I’m in hot water as it is with Judy. Think I’ma stick to being daddy Nick for a while.” 
“Hmm, Parker?” Jack turned to him. 
“Sorry, but it’s hard to say what I’ll be doing. You have my number though, I’m not out of reach.” Parker shrugged. 
“Reclusive as ever.” Gabriel laughed folding his arms. 
“Eh, you want the truth and that’s it. Gonna drift a little. See what’s what, you know?” 
“Alright. There’s some paperwork for you to fill out, I’ll send it via email to all of you. No rush, just the usual NDA’s and tax exemption applications. I’m sure you guys don’t want to owe it all back as taxes.” Gabriel smiled leaning a little closer to Nick. “Which you now pay. Mr. Pawpcicle hustler!” 
“This concludes the meeting.” Jack stated, killing the monitor. Parker and Nick took the lead down the hall, while Nick gave his father a little nudge. 
“You know, you wouldn’t be a burden.” 
“Thank you Nicky, but. Something I want to look into first.” He smiled. 

Nick was rather calm and relaxed, leaning his head on the window as Jack and Gabriel took the last turn down the street toward Nick’s house. 

Back in the Rainforest district, Claire Tanner, the fox psychologist who was overseeing Parker’s case, was busy typing away the notes from her previous session on her laptop in the office. Mouthing to herself the little notes, she carried on transcribing them before receiving a call. 
“Yes?” 
“Doctor Tanner, your 3:00 is here.” 
“I didn’t have a 3:00 today.” 
“That’s what I thought, but he is listed under your patient registry and it’s on the schedule.” 
“Ugh, ok send them in.” She closed the laptop and picked up her tablet, opening up a fresh sheet for notes. Just as she arrived at her chair, the door swung open. She half smiled and let the tablet fall to her side. “Really?” 
“Hello, Creepy Claire.” Parker smiled, letting himself in. “Hope I’m not intruding.” 
“I was working on another patients notes, as a matter of fact.” She retorted, taking her seat. “I didn’t have a 3:00 today.” 
“Eh well, it’s funny what you can do on a ZIA computer when they aren’t looking.” Parker smiled. 
“I thought we agreed you were to stay away from those. And what’s this story about the ZIA?” She asked, propping up her tablet once again. 
“To be honest. A lots happened. I wouldn’t mind talking to you about it.” 
“Really? Where did this sudden bout of openness come from, Mr. Wilde?”
“Put that thing away, stop trying to record me and I’ll be happy to tell you.” Parker countered, taking a seat across from her. Claire turned the tablet off and placed it face down on the table. 
“Alright, I’ll bite. What brings you in today, Parker?” 
“Where to start.” He chuckled. Parker proceeded to tell her everything that had happened in Predaton. How his death sentence was a ruse, bringing in Aiden and Bryan, Nick and Aiden being his anchor. How he felt about betraying one of his oldest friends. 
“Wow. You know, before I began my sessions yesterday, I heard about the arrest of Raphael Barone. It’s funny, I thought of you right away.” Claire nodded along, tapping her pen on her lip. 
“I just think. After everything that’s happened. It would be nice to talk to someone now that I can be, “Out in the light” if you know what I mean.” Parker said, rolling his paw. 
“Parker, you hacked my system, you obstructed my business albeit for an understandable reason. As far as being my patient goes, I’m cutting you loose.” Claire countered rather curtly.
“Figures.” Parker shrugged. 
“That being said.” Claire got up, and took a spot right beside Parker on his couch. “I don’t think you should be alone right now.” 
“Oh?” He smiled, reaching for her paw.
“One step at a time, Mr. Wilde. What you need right now, is a friend. Honestly, I really enjoyed our sessions three months ago. It was nice to catch up.” She said with a swift pull of her paw. “I think we should talk over dinner tonight. There’s a nice little restaurant not too far from here. Capralinos, ever been?” 
“Nah, been a while since I’ve been in town.” 
“Dinner’s at 6. I need to get some work done before I head over. Why don’t you take in the town till then? Get your bearings.”
“Alright.” Parker agreed, getting up and heading toward the door. Just as he opened it, he turned back just in time to see Claire return to her desk. “Just so we’re clear, this is a date right? And you’re letting me go because you can’t date your patients?” 
“Good day, Mr. Wilde.” She replied, not even looking up from her desk. Parker exited her office and as the door closed, Claire giggled to herself for a moment before resuming her work. 

Aiden had Eve spooned into him as they lay on the couch. An old movie on while Eve’s aunt was out getting groceries. Aiden simply kept hold of her paw, massaging it and rolling it in his before reaching up under her shirt, his paw coming to rest on her belly. The flesh tense and warm, slowly he circled her with his paw clockwise over and over much to her delight. She was very sore from being overdue, and any tender touch from her lover was more than welcome. Lifting up her shirt she exposed the big round belly to him. Aiden shuffled himself a little further down the couch, raised his head and eased it onto her belly. Just as the first sounds of the little cubs inside began to sound, a gentle kick caught the side of his cheek. Aiden perked up just in time to see a little protrusion come from her belly, lowering his muzzle he kissed the little foot to bring it back down. Eve let a little giggle escape, reaching down to toy with Aiden’s ear. He embraced the massage for a while before sliding back up to clasp her cheek, pulling her in for a good long kiss. As their wet lips parted, he threw up his brow and nodded off toward the bedroom. Eve let another giggle escape and nodded. Aiden crawled over her and helped her to her feet, guiding her into the bedroom with the most devilishly happy grin on his face. Arriving inside, Aiden tossed off his shirt, while Eve gave the door a subtle kick to close it. 

Nick asked to be let out of the car a little ways up the street. While getting out, he fired off a quick text to Judy, reminding her to let Jason answer the door. 
“Thank again Nick.” Gabriel waved, as Nick gave a quick salute. 
“Feel free to send another of those cheques any time.” Nick quipped. Gabriel just smiled and fired back with. 
“Somehow I doubt your wife will be interested in loaning you out again.” 
“Take er easy.” Nick waved off, as the two drove away. Nick dusted off his shirt and riled up his shoulders strolling up the driveway. He fastened loosed the top button on his red overshirt and approached the door. Judy was set on the couch, the two little ones in her lap when the knock came to the door. 
“I’ll get it.” Ian offered up, but Judy snatched his paw.
“Jason, get the door please.”
“Ok!” The little cub eagerly bounded from the couch to rush for the door. Reaching for the handle, he opened it wide with a big goofy smile that abruptly gave way to a look of complete awe. 
“Hey squirt. Heard you were lookin for me.” Jason lunged for his father and cried out. 
“Daddy!” at the top of his lungs. Ian’s ears flopped back as Judy ushered the cubs off her lap to go join their brother. 
“Daddy’s home!?” Hannah bellowed out. 
“Daddy!?” Liam threw in. The two rushed in and were scooped up by Nick who could barely hold back the tears in his eyes. 
“I missed you guys, so much.” He stammered, smothering them with his face. Jason immediately started with the interrogation with his muzzle buried in his father’s neck. 
“Daddy, where’d you go? Why were you gone away so long? Did you wanna go away? Did we do something bad?” 
“No-no-no.” Nick shook his head. “I had a super secret under cover job to do. It was so dangerous and important, no one could know about it. Not even your momma.” 
“To which.” Judy cut in, taking in as much of her husband as she could with a hug. “He had better never go again, or I’ll thrash his tail good.” Nick just laughed and squeezed his wife and kits tight. 
“Never again. Home for good this time.” 
“I missed you daddy!” Liam cried. 
“Me too, I missed you more!” Hannah joined in. 
“Sh-sh-sh, I missed ya all more than you could ever imagine.” Nick chuckled. Judy poked up his muzzle and gave him a good long kiss. 
“Gross!” Jason spewed out his tongue. 
“Yep, kissy time is when we go bye-bye.” Liam hopped out from his parents clutches, along with his siblings. 
“Welcome home, Nick.” Judy smiled, clasping his cheek. Nick took her paw and kissed it. 
“Glad to be back.” 
“So.” Ian cut in, his arms folded and ears flopped back.
“How’s it hangin Ian?” Nick just smiled. Ian cut in and landed a good solid punch on Nick’s arm. “Ow! Jeez!” He winced just as Ian grabbed on for a solid hug. 
“I was just saying to sis the other day, didn’t know if I’d punch ya or hug ya if you came home. So screw it, why not both.” Ian sniffled. 
“Hey, I get ya.” Nick agreed, patting his back. “Dang you got a mean right hook though.” 
“You bail again, I’ma throw a few more.” He chuckled. 
“Don’t gotta worry about that.” 
“So where were you?” Ian questioned. 
“That goes ditto for me you, fox!” Stu abruptly cut in, seemingly stomping out from the dining room with Bonnie right behind him. “You better have a darn good explanation as to where you’ve been.”
“Nick, I’m so ashamed of you! You have any idea what you put our poor girl through? Your little ones through!” Bonnie joined in. 
“Hey hey hey, I know, I hear you. Trust me, I can explain everything. Why don’t we grab some pizza and we’ll talk.” He offered. 
“I’ve already got dinner in the oven.” Bonnie retorted. “And not one bite is reaching that muzzle till you explain yourself.” 
“Mom.” Judy groaned, clasping Nick’s paw. 
“Don’t you mom me, this fox better get talking.” Bonnie stated. 
“Come on.” Nick led the way into the living room, taking the kits back into his lap along with a very happy little Jason. Bonnie and Stu took a firm stance in front of him while Judy curled up beside her husband and Ian crammed himself on what space there was on the couch. “Ok, let’s start it from the top.” 
“Where were you?” Stu questioned. 
“Right after I left the courthouse, I was wrangled up by an undercover ZIA agent named Gabriel. He basically hinted that what had happened in court was mostly staged and that he needed my help with a serious undercover assignment. One that was going to involve my father. Thing was, this had to seem 100% legit.” Nick emphasized, squaring off his paws. “No leaks, no mistakes, no one else can know but those involved because who we were after, was none other than Raphael Barone, the most notorious crime lord in Predaton.”
“Oh.” Stu suddenly seemed taken back. 
“See, in order for him to buy that I was a crooked cop, I had to go crooked. Why I did all that stuff before leaving, the assault, wrongful use of weapons.” Nick carried on, rolling his paw. “Took some convincing and doing some things I’m gonna regret the rest of my life but, I managed to win Barone over into thinking I was a criminal, not a cop. It was so important Judy never showed up either.” 
“Why not?” Bonnie asked. 
“Barone would kill her. No hesitation. The things he can do, that I’ve seen him do. Judy, if you had stepped one foot into that city, you’d have killed us both.” Nick sighed. 
“I get it. You know, I didn’t think of him as that dangerous but, Clawhauser filled me in on some of the history behind the Barone family. Mainly behind Raphael. I was.” She trailed off, wiping her nose. “Scared, hardly describes it.” Nick swiftly wrapped her up and kissed her good and long. 
“We got him, ok?” He assured her. “That’s all that matters, Carrots. Anyway, let’s get back to the story.” Nick chuckled. He carried on explaining what everyone’s role was, how it was all being coordinated by the ZIA. How Jason Fangmeyer was still alive and played a key role in bringing Barone down. It was a story that carried on from the living room to the dining room as the family ate together for the first time in a long time, with Judy eating off of Nick’s lap as the two shared a plate. 
“So that’s why he left that note when he fried the computer.” Ian stated. 
“Hmm?” Nick perked up. 
“I, may have tried to hack Psych.” Ian confessed, tenting his paws. 
“And here I thought I was taking the top spot on stupid things to do.” Nick quipped. 
“He said don’t try it again. I guess he wasn’t taunting me, he was protecting me.” Ian surmised. 
“Right on the money.” Nick agreed. “You keep trying to hack the house, and Barone caught wind well. Dad and Aiden would have to trace it to you. God only knows what would have happened then.” 
“How we found out you might be at lightning bay.” Judy added. 
“Oh, don’t even remind me. I’m so mad at Ben right now.” Nick fumed. 
“Why?” 
“He shot me.” 
“What!?” Judy exclaimed. “You got shot again!? Why didn’t you tell me! Are you ok!?” she carried on, patting her husband down. 
“Relax, was just a graze. Sliced my shoulder open but not even a through and through. Closed up weeks ago.” Nick explained, patting his shoulder. 
“Oh baby.” Judy cooed. Nick just smiled and offered her a fork with some steamed carrots. Judy giggled and took a bite, while Nick finished off the rest.
“So I take it then your father is back here too?” Stu thought aloud. 
“Yeah, don’t know what he’s up to right now. Probably hunting some fox hole to brood in for a while.” He quipped. 

“It was the worst hair piece I’ve ever seen!” Parker exclaimed, laughing over his table with Clair. The two were giggling and already a few glasses of wine into their dinner at capralinos. Parker had a nice hearty serving of spagetti in front of him while Clair had a pasta bowl with a hearty helping of garlic bread. “Seriously, Mr. Swinton, easily the fattest pig in the whole school, teaching history with a freaking used mop on his head.” 
“I don’t know what look he was going for, remember he’d come in with those super ugly plaid jumpers?” Clair joined in. 
“Rachel and I swiped his red one, hey?” 
“No! You mean?” 
“Uh huh, up the flag pole.” Parker gloated. 
“That was you! Oh my god, I knew it, I freaking knew it!” Claire laughed along. “I told Elias that had to be you two, you guys kept messing with the teachers so much.” 
“Eh well, they had it coming. Different time back then you know.” 
“Oh I do. I dread the idea of being a teacher nowadays.” Claire agreed. “So much pressure.” 
“Somehow I don’t think I’d make the cut as one either.” 
“Computer sciences maybe?” 
“Sure, if they wanna learn how to get around their parental restrictions and watch Zooporn with premium membership.” Parker quipped. 
“Oh gosh! Well you don’t teach them that.” She laughed. 
“Honestly with how things are, I’m at a bit of a loss as to what to do.” Parker eased back, knocking around the meatball on his plate. 
“Parker, you’re in a unique position and so you should take it as such.” 
“Ahh, here comes the therapist.” He smiled, taking a sip of wine.
“I’m serious. Perhaps just try to relax and focus on not doing anything for a while. You need a chance to get back in touch with Parker, not Psych. You have a pair of sons that clearly love you; financially you’re in ship shape. You’re no spring chicken either, so taking it easy may be all the therapy you need.” Claire stated, snatching a bit of the garlic bread. “So chill out, Parky boy.” 
“Well since we’ve so thoroughly examined me, how about you? Creepy Claire.” Parker smiled. 
“Haha. Well. If you must know, I got a call from my daughter yesterday afternoon. She’s expecting her first kit with her husband.” 
“Wow! Congratulations!” 
“Thank you.” She giggled. “Though I’m not looking forward to being a grandmother already, but I suppose it’s something your used to by now.” 
“What happens when you have a kit at 18.” 
“After school finished, I took up geology but I couldn’t stand it for very long. Psychology was a nice fall back, I enjoyed helping mammals work through their issues. Followed it up with a business management degree so I could do a lot of my own paper work.” 
“Smart.” Parker complimented. 
“I met my former husband, Landon through school but we divorced seven years ago.” 
“Oof, rough divorce?” 
“Mmm, all of them are to some degree, I would say it was easier than most but Landon made things worse, as always.”
“Just the one daughter?” Parker asked. 
“No, my son Tyson, he’s 19, he’s enrolled at University of Las Felanis.” 
“How’s he doing?” 
“Good. He’s a smart kit, but can be such a lazy prick sometimes. He’s such a weed head. Thank goodness Lana never touched the stuff.” She chuckled.
“Went back to your maiden name too huh?” 
“Mmm. Vulperian was such a mouthful, I much prefer my maiden name.” 
“I’m glad you kept it, don’t think I’d remember you without it.” Parker laughed. The two took a few moments to pause for a while, taking a sip or two of wine along with the last few bites of dinner. 
“You ever think of Rachel?”
“Always. You ever think of your ex?” Parker raised a brow with a smile. 
“Mmm, no. But I think it’s because we had closure. Knew it was over. I didn’t lose Landon, I left him.” 
“I still saw her, after I left town. It was now and then in Predaton. Allesandro would let us get a room.” 
“That’s sweet of him.” 
“Why did you and your ex split?” 
“Oh.” Claire brushed off. “Pick any one of a hundred reasons. I was the bread winner, he was always working factory jobs. He’d stay out late a lot, never really pay attention to me but was happy to spend my money.” 
“Ever worried he might cheat?” 
“As if.” She giggled. “Does it count as cheating when his libido falls to the point he can barely last 30 seconds?” Parker burst out laughing as the sheep waiter approached the table. 
“Anything else for you this evening?” 
“Nah, just the cheque.” Parker answered as the server rushed off. “So, what do you have planned for tonight?” 
“Hmm, I don’t know. Go home, sleep off the wine.” 
“You know, I have the penthouse suite right now at the oasis.” Parker offered. 
“That’s very sweet, Parker but-“ 
“Big bed, full bar.” 
“Oh that sounds like a bad idea.” She giggled. 
“There’s a multi-jet hot tub, and I think those jets, a tall glass of wine and good long shoulder massage are calling your name right now.” He smiled. “Isn’t tomorrow a holiday too? Mmm, a day off tomorrow to boot.” He carried on, as Claire shook her head with a massive smile. 
“Always with the silver tongue.”
“Oh no no no. Call it, returning the favor for a great dinner and some good advice.” He suggested. Claire licked her chops and shot a quick glance around the room before biting her lip. 
“I didn’t bring a bathing suit.” Parker reached out and took her paw. 
“I think we’ll manage.” 

Back in Predaton, Vanessa found herself concealed behind a dumpster in an ally, deep within the suburbs of the Lunar District. The houses on either side lined with tall wooden fences that spanned a good fifty feet in either direction from her. She had her typical attire on save for a grey safety blanket she wore over top, concealing her form like a robe, she seemed to be waiting for someone to arrive. As the sun descended, the sound of scurrying footsteps stole her attention. Eric, the wolf who regularly guarded the door to Barone’s office approached, masking his appearance with a cap and glasses, along with a grey hooded jacket. 
“Well?” Vanessa demanded in a hushed tone. 
“They got him at the docks alright. The whole thing was a setup. Psych, Nick, their whole fucking crew. Even Scout.” He explained. 
“Howlett was part of this!? That two timing, cock sucking mongrel!” She angrily stomped.
“As far as the house goes, cops are fucking all over it. Looking for us, specially you. They’re taking everything.” Eric hung his head low. 
“What about Max. What have they done with him!?” Vanessa demanded, snatching Eric’s paw.  
“Got close enough to see an outline. My guess is they took his body to the morgue.” 
“So. He really is.” She trailed off, releasing her grip on him and turning toward the fence. 
“Vanessa. I’m sorry.” Eric shook his head. “It’s all over. We’re done.” 
“No.” Vanessa growled. “No, it’s not. I won’t let it end like this. I can’t! I don’t care if it buys me a ticket to hell to do it, I’ll kill that fucking fox for what happened to Max.” 
“Vanessa!” A voice called out. Rushing down the alley holding tight to her purse as she did was Florence, the house keeper. 
“Florence!” She shouted in a hushed tone. She took her into her arms and gave her a good long hug. “I’m so glad you’re ok. Do you know about Max?” 
“I do. The ZIA took him, choppered him out.” 
“Wait, so he might be still alive!?” 
“Oh Vanessa, I don’t know. Those bullet wounds looked so horrible. I cried all night until the PPD finally let me go.” She moaned, grasping Vanessa’s hand. 
“Any idea where they might be keeping him?”  Eric spoke up. “My contacts are running dry.” 
“There’s a ZIA facility not too far out of the city. I overheard the police talking about it. If I was a bettin gal, I’d say that’s where everyone is, including Master Barone.” She stated. 
“A ZIA facility.” 
“Vanessa, don’t even think about it.” Eric cut off. Vanessa snatched him by the collar and threw him into the fence. 
“There is nothing else, but this! Got it!? We might be shattered, but we’re still a family damn it. So long as Raphy is in prison, I’m in charge.” She growled. 
“Vanessa please, I can’t stop you but. I don’t know what we can even do, how to help.” Florence begged. 
“You’ve done plenty, but I’ll ask one more favor. There’s still garages and storage that the pigs haven’t caught wind of. I’ve been hiding in the sewers when I have to and checking up on holdings at night. We got enough firepower to take care of a few loose ends.” 
“What do you have in mind?” Eric asked. 
“Let me handle the ZIA facility. B and E was always my specialty. I’ll need cover though for when I get Raphael out.” 
“Alright, I’m in. There’s still enough loyalists out there, I can scrounge them up.” Eric agreed. 
“Go.” Vanessa smiled, as Eric and Florence took off on their assignments. “One way or another Psych, I’ll have your head.”