Turnabout Is Ferret Play

Turnabout Is Ferret Play

It started out just like any other day in Zootopia. Officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde were in the midst of their routine patrol when a call came over the radio. “Hopps.”

There was no mistaking Bogo's stern, commanding voice. Still, it startled Judy, because rarely did they hear from their superior while on duty—usually only fellow officers calling for backup, or Clawhauser at dispatch. Without yet knowing why, something about the situation caused Judy's fur to stand on end. Even the typically aloof Nick--always looking for opportunities to justify defying the Chief--was instantly alert.

With movements equal parts cautious and swift, Judy answered the call. “Yes, sir.” It was one of the few times in recent memory that she struggled to keep fear from creeping into her tone.

“I've just received a call from Mayor Horse. He has reason to believe that Assistant Mayor Fairchild is missing, and has specifically requested that you and Wilde be put on the case.” As Bogo's words sank in, time slowed to a crawl. Then, “The Mayor expects you at City Hall immediately.”

“Yes, sir.” Judy was running on auto-pilot.

Only when they were safely en route did Judy allow herself a quick glance at Nick. His eyes mirrored her worried expression; silently, he slipped a paw over her knee. Neither of them knew Phinneas Fairchild very well, but one thing was for sure; he was not the type to go looking for trouble.

They arrived promptly at City Hall, racing up the myriad wide stone steps to reach the front door. The reception desk—most often occupied by the friendly ferret—now sat empty. Herb stood beside it, arms crossed, looking uncharacteristically stoic. Judy felt herself shiver; this was the closest she'd ever seen him get to emulating Bogo. Something was certainly amiss.

But as soon as they reached him, it was clear that his stance belied his state of mind. Though his tone was hushed and somewhat somber, he offered them a small smile. “Ah, WildeHopps.” He had never addressed them as such before; it must've been Clawhauser who informed him of their celebrity-couple-status-sobriquet. “Thanks for coming.” Finally face-to-face with her friend, Judy allowed herself to relax a little, and was relieved to see him seem to do the same.

“Of course,” she answered softly.

“Where else would we be?” Nick spoke with a smattering of his signature sarcasm, diffusing the sudden, singular tension.

“What happened, Herb?” Anxious to uncover the details, Judy dropped the formalities.

“He was at work this morning. He came up to my office to discuss our daily plan, same as we always do.” With those words, emotion was etched on his features once more.

“Did he seem off to you?” Nick asked. “I mean, did he say or do anything unusual?” Herb shook his head.

“Not really. But he did mention being tired—and he looked it, too. Normally, he's very much a morning mammal. I am, too; I guess it's the reason we always touch base first thing. There's a meeting scheduled for later today; we were going over some notes. We did that for—an hour and a half, give or take—then he left my office. He said he was going to lunch, even asked if I wanted to join him, but I had to decline.” He sighed in remorse. “That was the last time I saw him, close to four hours ago. He should have been back by now. I should've gone to lunch with him; if I'd known what was wrong...”

“Hang on there, Herb.” Nick spoke in a gentle, conciliatory tone. “We don't know that Phinn's mood had anything to do with what might—or might not—have happened to him.” Nick's genuine attempt to reassure their friend melted Judy's heart...only to have a deeply disturbing thought turn it it ice.

“If you'd gone with him,” she began, stunned at her own ability to speak past the lump in her throat, “you could've put yourself in danger.” Though her posture was all business, her eyes said much more: 'I'm so glad you didn't.'

“Here's the thing,” Nick said evenly—though his next words proved that he, too, was shaken by the situation. “How the heck did he manage to disappear when he's got security on his tail all the time?!”

“Well...” Herb wrung his hooves. “Phinn isn't big on the security detail. If both of us are expected at an event, he'll begrudgingly accept mine; I have enough staff to cover both of us. But if he makes an appearance solo, he goes alone. He won't allow anyone but a driver around, and even then, he sends them away until he's through; I know because they've told me.”

“Crimini!” Nick murmured.

“Can we take a look around his desk?” Judy asked. Herb nodded.

“By all means.” Desperation shadowed his eyes yet again. While Nick began to comb the desk for clues, Judy paused to grasp Herb's hoof with a placating paw. “We'll find him.”

The desk itself yielded nothing of note. But even that was enough for Judy. “Herb—one more thing?” Feeling as though he had nothing left to lose, the Mayor didn't hesitate.

“Sure.”

“We all know you're an open book, but...Phinn's not like that, is he?”

“He's not,” Herb agreed sadly. “But I can vouch for him, 100%. I can't imagine what's happened to him, but...” The haunted expression Herb wore said otherwise; he was undoubtedly concerned about his colleague.

“We've got this, Herb.” Nick assured him. “Hey—any chance Sam would know something?”

“Maybe,” Herb smiled at the mention of his wife. “She's at the bakery every chance she gets, including as we speak. And Phinn does love his sweets, so...” he shrugged wearily. “But I know Sam will be happy to talk to you. Good luck, my friends...and thank you.” He left the lobby without another word.

The ride to Sam's bakery was substantially silent. But, then, Judy spoke. “Is it bad that part of me is more concerned about how Herb is taking this…?” She let her voice trail off, feeling ashamed. Nick scoffed.

“Wake up and smell the coffee, Carrots. I know you're a big fan of the Mayor. We haven't had a chance to get to know Fairchild that well, but based on what Herb said, I'm inclined to think that was Fairchild's choice.”

“Why, though? It doesn't make sense. He's always been perfectly polite to me.”

“And me, but I know him even less than you do. Most of what I know about him is from Herb telling us stories.” Judy couldn't argue with him there. “And another thing: like it or not, we're celebrities, Carrots. We saved the city, and we won some exotic award. That's going to change how people treat you.” Judy thought of the way Bellwether had urged her to endorse the ZPD's campaign and shuddered; as much as she hated to admit it, Nick was right.

The bell on the door of L&P (as it was known by regulars) chimed as Nick and Judy entered. Many tantalizingly sweet smells mingled in the air. Though Sam was out of sight, they heard the distant clatter of kitchen noises. Judy slipped behind the counter and called, “Sam? It's...” But before she could finish, the bunny appeared, wiping her paws on her apron as she took in the two.

“Hi, guys. I take it you heard about Phinn?”

“Yep,” Nick sighed. “We were wondering if you'd seen him.”

“I did...Just this morning, actually. He comes in on the way to work occasionally. It was crazy busy this morning, but he didn't ask for any special treatment. He never does. It's funny, because sometimes I wish he would. I keep thinking that one of these days he might...I don't know, let his guard down a little, I guess. I know I have this 'tough-bunny' reputation, but I don't bite!” At that, all three enjoyed a laugh--a rare commodity that day. Both officers took a few notes; as he wrote, a thought set in Nick's mind, and at length he spoke.

“What if our ferret friend kept to himself because he didn't want to give anyone the wrong impression?” Judy looked at him, mystified.

“Such as?”

“Say, that he was hitting on the Mayor's wife?” It was Sam's turn to look surprised. “Just sayin'. Some mammals will do anything to avoid confrontation, including act like jerks. For someone who's not very sociable, the M.O. is often, 'don't rock the boat'. It could be that he's just doing what he has to do, and just prefers to lay low.” Sam nodded.

“Hannah's like that. She'll chat constantly with me or Herb, but that's about it. She's polite to everyone, smiles all the time, but never says more than she needs to.” Nick gave Judy a lazy ' told you so' smirk. “See, Carrots? Not everyone feels the need to make friends with the entire city.” Yet again, Nick had a point.

As Nick and Judy puzzled over the timeless mystery of mammalian behavior, Sam was lost in thought. But soon… “Come to think of it, Phinn did say something interesting, though not to me directly. He was grumbling to himself, something about getting out of work on time to get to the DMV.”

At the mention of the most irritating phrase in Zootopia—maybe in all of mammalkind—Judy groaned. Nick smirked again—but almost immediately, it morphed into what Judy affectionately dubbed his 'tax evasion face'. Baffled, Judy looked on as a suddenly anxious Nick told her,

“I just remembered that I have very important—stuff—to do...” Judy rolled her eyes, even as negative emotions too numerous to name, the same ones that had loomed over her all afternoon, threatened to engulf her.

“Yeah, right. What gives, Slick?! Now is no time for hustles.” But Nick was already headed for the door.

“Listen, Carrots—I promise you, this isn't a hustle. Can you please cover for me and go talk to Flash?” His tone was pleading. And his eyes...Judy knew that the 'tax evasion face' was genuine, as was the loving smile he now gave her.

“Alright, you win.” Nick heaved a sigh of relief.

“Thanks, Carrots, you're a lifesaver.” To their hostess, he added gently, “Good to see you, Sam. Take care, now.” As Judy, too, said goodbye to Sam, left L&P, and gamely captained the cruiser to that source of much mammalian misery, she considered Nick's words. He'd called her 'a lifesaver'. Thinking of Phinn, she hoped he was right.

Luckily, Flash's window was open. He smiled when he saw her—that is, he started to, and didn't finish until well after he said,

“Hi...Judy. How...are...you?” She smiled back, but admitted,

“Been better. I have another case…?”

“Sure. What...can I do...to help...you?”

“Assistant Mayor Fairchild is missing. We got a tip that he might have come here.”

“I did...help him...earlier...It was...just...before...my lunch...break...I think.” Judy jotted this furiously into her notebook.

“What time do you have lunch?”

“Twelve...fifteen...on the nose...every day. I like...to be...prompt.” At this, Judy resisted the urge to smile. “What was the Assistant Mayor looking for?”

“He came...to pick up...his passport. He'd called...ahead...to make sure...it was...available...to pick up...because...he needed it...right away...and didn't...have time...to wait for...the mail.” Judy stifled a snicker as she continued taking notes.

“When exactly did he call?”

“I don't...know. I wasn't...the one...to take it. That might...have been...Priscilla. I'll check...with her.” Flash leaned into the next cubicle. “Hey...Priscilla...” Judy's ears drooped, and she whimpered. She pulled up a chair and sat down. She might as well; this would take awhile.

~

Nick felt guilty about leaving Carrots in the lurch like that, but—he smiled—by the end of the day, they'd be even. He spotted Mr. Otterton through the window of his shop and waved. Once inside, he headed straight for the counter.

“Hi there, Nick. Make any big decisions yet?” The words were accompanied by a playful wink.

“One of 'em. I'm gonna do it today—tonight, maybe.” Emmitt's eyebrows went up.

“No offense, but...really? When Fairchild's still missing?” Nick was contrite.

“Yeah, I know. But that's just it...it's getting to her, and to me. But I have a gut feeling, Mr. Otterton. This is exactly what we need.” The otter smiled.

“There's a saying in retail--'the customer is always right'. But...” The fox looked hopeful.

“Yeah?”

“For goodness' sake, Nick—you saved my life! Call me Emmitt.”

~

As Judy waited—and waited, and waited—for Flash and Priscilla to come to some kind of consensus, her mind wandered. Her first thought was of Herb; she sincerely hoped he was holding up okay. As for Phinn—she was beginning to get the feeling that, wherever he was, he didn't want to be found. Next, she thought of Nick: she missed him. He wouldn't just abandon her for no reason, but why this day, on this case? She could really use her fox right about now.

“Officer...Hopps?” She was startled out of her reverie by a voice she didn't recognize. She looked up; it was Priscilla.

“Assistant Mayor...Fairchild...called at...Eleven...o'...clock.” Judy made a note of this, the wheels in her mind turning. She'd be willing to bet that wasn't long before he'd invited Herb to lunch. He must've been glad Herb had declined if he was in a hurry…

“Thanks, Priscilla. Did he say anything about why he needed the passport?”

“Just that...he had...a flight...to catch...today.” Judy was confounded; this was news to her.

Observing her anxious expression, Flash obliged, “I just...remembered...that he...was trying...to make it...to Mystic...before...the flight...left.”

'Mystic?' Judy mused. 'Oh, no—he can't mean…?!'

“If you ask...me...he was...cutting it...kind of...close, though,” Flash went on. He was obviously willing to laugh at himself, because this was followed by a hearty, “Ha...ha...ha...ha...” Judy muttered,

“Thanks, guys,” and sulked out the door into the early evening.

Judy made it to Mystic Springs Oasis just as the sun was setting. She held on to hope, however small, that Yax could tell her what she needed to know, and that if, by some infinitesimal chance, Phinn hadn't left yet, the absent-minded yak could manage to bring him to her...fully dressed. She was not going back there again.

~

Nick had left the florist's feeling great. His mood was all over the place today—from his usual cool, calm, and collected self that morning, to panic over the missing mustelid, to broken as he watched Judy suffer, and making the heart-wrenching decision to leave her in a time of need. But there wasn't much time to dwell. He had more places to go and mammals to see, all before Carrots came back...hopefully with a ferret in tow.

~

“Ohm...Ohmmmm….”

“Um…?”

“Huh?” Yax looked up, sneezed, then laughed when he saw Judy. “Oh, it's you—Epic hero bunny fuzz.”

“Judy, but thanks.”

“Well, I hate to break it to you, Officer, but we're still a naturalist club. Bummer for you, right? Unless you've turned over a new leaf, and you're Judy the Nudy now.” He chuckled. 'Cheese and crackers!' thought Judy, who was reminded of the time Finnick tried to insist that 'Nudy' should be her and Nick's couple name. Ugh! She may have threatened to body-slam the fennec if he didn't drop the subject.

“Assistant Mayor Fairchild is missing,” Judy announced in her most authoritative voice. “He was supposedly here today.”

“Oh, the little ferret dude! Right! He's still out back. I'm pretty sure his session is almost over, though, so if you, like, want to wait here...” Judy just about collapsed with relief.

“I thought you'd never ask!” she said cheerfully.

Sure enough, Phinneas Fairchild emerged 15 minutes later, sporting a pair of jeans and a worn white The Minks t-shirt. He would have left if he hadn't heard,

“Ahem.” He did a double-take.

“Judy?!” She narrowed her eyes at him. Yax glanced around nervously.

“I'll, um, be over here if you need me.” With that, the yak bolted behind another beaded curtain.

All day, Judy had wondered what she might say to the ferret if she ever saw him again. But she hadn't given it too much thought, because, after awhile, she'd begun to think she wasn't going to. And now here he was, and she had nothing. Nothing professional, at least. Not that she would curse him out—though part of her wanted to—but soon realized that she did have something else to say after all.

“The mayor of this city is my friend. Because of the unpredictable job I have, it took me a long time to believe that friendship and politics mix. But it's possible; this is Zootopia. Herb is among the many mammals I have to thank for reminding me of that. He has such a big heart, and that makes me proud to serve our city alongside him. When he called the ZPD today, he was worried sick. Not for his reputation, or how your absence might look to the media...or, what have you. He dropped everything and called us—mammals he knows he can trust—because he likes and respects you, and wanted you safe.”

“Judy, I...” The ferret faltered, and a tear trickled down his face. “I couldn't agree with you more. But Herb is a much better mammal than I am; he's unflappable. I can't take all that pressure. I need a reprieve.” Judy's gaze softened as she struggled to process his words.

“Are you going to resign?”

“Yes. No. Maybe.” With a grunt of agony, he amended, “Yes...for now.” They were silent for a moment before he spoke again.

“I'm sorry I dragged you into this, Judy. I'm a coward. I should have discussed my doubts with Herb ages ago, but I didn't want to insult him. The truth is, I love this city, too, but, sometimes”--he gave a humorless laugh-- “love isn't enough. I get it now; politics isn't for the faint of heart. I'll never forgive myself for what I did to Herb, or you, or the good mammals who undoubtedly helped you today, any one of whom would be better at my job than I am.” Suddenly, his expression lightened.

“You wouldn't be interested in taking over my post, would you?”

For the briefest of moments, Judy entertained the thought. It was gratifying, to be sure, but it left much to be desired. She'd miss her job—and her fox—far too much. Phinn must've found Judy's silence encouraging, because he added, “You know, by the time I met you, I'd already been following your career...and, of course, Herb can't say enough good things about you; Sam, either. I know you don't trust me a whole lot right now, but believe this much: you'd make an excellent mayor, Judy—assistant or otherwise.”

“I accept your apology...and I appreciate your vote of confidence, Phinn. I really do. Someday, I might go for it. But that's not where my life is at right now.” The ferret nodded.

“I know that feeling. I need to get away for awhile, reevaluate. Some of my relatives live in Fintunisia; I've never been there before. I'm going to go exploring and, you know, recharge.” Judy had never heard of that country before, though she'd heard of two others with similar names. For a moment she thought he might be lying, until she recognized earnest excitement in his eyes.

“That's great, Phinn. Hey, is that how you got your name?”

“I don't know,” he replied with mounting enthusiasm, “But I'm looking forward to finding out!” Almost immediately, the fervor faded, and he was ill at ease. “Judy, It's been a pleasure talking to you, but I have to catch my flight...Oh!” He produced a piece of paper from the pocket of his jeans. “Please give this to Herb for me, and send my regards to Nick. 'Bye, Judy...Take care.”

“'Bye, Finn...You, too.” She accepted the paper and watched as he took off, waving absently to his retreating form and wondering what she was going to do next.

It had all happened so fast. Judy didn't know what she'd expected to hear when the ferret she'd been tailing for the better part of a day finally showed up in front of her. One thing was for sure, though...that wasn't it. But he was safe, and it was all a misunderstanding. So why had the discovery left her empty? It was time to head back and have a heart-to-heart with the most philosophical mammal she knew...Besides, she had a message to deliver.

Arriving back at City Hall, she found Herb in the lobby once more. In her absence, he appeared to have been run ragged; her heart went out to him. “Judy! Did you find him?!”

“I did, Herb. He's fine. But he's not coming back...at least not for the foreseeable future.” At his wounded expression, Judy hurried over to sit beside her friend. “It's not your fault. Here, he said this is for you.” Realizing that Judy shared his consternation, Herb unfolded the paper and read aloud:

Dear Herb,

I have written this letter to inform you that I hereby resign as Assistant Mayor of Zootopia. Doing so is the most difficult decision I've ever had to make. Although I cherish our city, I've come to realize something that I will now share with you, in a humble attempt to channel the astonishingly freehearted manner in which you welcomed me into the fold.

I'm not cut out to be a politician. When I was a kit, I desperately wanted to believe that 'anyone can be anything', which is how I got to be where I am today. However, in working alongside such dedicated mammals as yourself, Sam, Judy, and Nick, I've learned that serving our city to the extent it deserves takes a certain fortitude that I don't have.

I have left on an excursion of indefinite length from which I hope to gain some insight into myself. When I return, I aspire to continue serving our city in some capacity. But at the moment, I don't yet know what that might entail.

Over the past several months, I've had numerous discussions about my dilemma with a close family friend, Olivia Otterton. You may remember her as the wife of Emmitt, whose disappearance was the catalyst in exposing Bellwether's horrific operations.

In the course of our discussions, Olivia, a political science major, expressed to me a desire to return to her chosen field. She is intelligent, warm, compassionate, and, as you might expect given her ordeal, has a profound understanding of our city and its best interest. In short, she is exactly what Zootopia needs. If you are reading this letter, she and I have already taken the necessary steps to instate her as Assistant Mayor in my place.

I sincerely apologize for all the distress my absence has caused. I should have told you of my doubts sooner. It was never my intention to hurt the very mammals who have been nothing short of wonderful to me. But the turmoil I've experienced in recent months has an upside; it has increased my already tremendous respect for you, Sam, and your friends. I am in awe of each and every one of you.

Mayor Horse, my most estimable equine compatriot, I wish you and yours all the best.

Sincerely,

Phineas Fairchild

“Herb...” Judy was the first to speaking following the reading of the missive as the cause behind her discontent dawned. “I feel sorry for him. I've always known exactly what I wanted to do and how to get there. It must be jarring not to know.”

“For some, certainly. But, remember, I was like that in some respects. I still am; I have no idea what I'm going to do down the road. I find that exciting, but as this situation shows us, it can be frightening...in Phinn's case, debilitating.” Judy nodded. “While I can't say I agree with his reasoning, I appreciate his honesty, even if it is a bit belated. At the end of the day, what matters most is 'to thine own self be true'.” As much as she adored Herb and was more than happy to admit his words had merit, she couldn't resist rolling her eyes and teasing,

“Let me guess—Shakesbeare?” He smiled.

“The one and only.” After the day she'd had, it was especially gratifying to spend time with one of her favorite mammals. But it hadn't escaped her notice that another had yet to appear.

“Have you seen Nick?”

“He went on a Snarlbucks run. He should be back shortly.”

“Oh, good. The way this day is going, I thought...” Herb gave her a sympathetic smile.

“While I have you here, my friend, I'd like to apologize.”

“Huh? For what?!”

“Asking you and Nick to take the case. Not only did it look unprofessional—I have no doubt that Chief Bogo sorely wished to call me out for favoritism—but it took a toll on both of you. It's just...I was despondent.” Judy couldn't resist the soft chuckle that escaped her.

“Awww, Herb! I'm laughing because Nick is the least-biased mammal I know. And because… come on, it's me! I do my job because I care, same as you!” Her expression sobered.

“I get it, though. But don't feel bad...We pulled through, didn't we?”

“With flying colors,” Herb replied, beaming.

A sudden knock at the door startled them both. As City Hall had long ago closed for the night, the two friends exchanged quizzical glances. “Nick?” Judy bounded towards the door, where she was met not by Nick, but none other than Olivia Otterton.

“Mrs. Otterton! Come in!”

“Judy! Dear, sweet, brave Judy! What are you doing out this late?!” The otter beamed, her words imbued with all the caring comfort a mother could offer.

“I just figured out what Phinn wanted. But now I'm just waiting for Nick, and then we'll”--she yawned, stretched, and laughingly excused herself—“head home.” She led the way to the spot where she'd left Herb, who smiled when he saw them.

“Olivia, welcome.”

“Thank you. I was hoping you'd be here, but I wasn't expecting to see Officer Hopps; what a lovely surprise!”

Judy smiled gratefully, then left the two to talk as the sound of familiar footsteps reached her ears. Then came that unmistakable voice: “Hey, Carrots, you in there?!”

“Nick!” She raced back to the door, opened it, and pulled him into a hug.

“I'm so glad you're back! I missed you.”

“Ditto.” Reluctantly, Judy eased away; her eyebrows raised.

“Don't tell me you forgot the coffee…!”

“What?”

“Herb said you went to Snarlbucks.” Nick grinned mischievously.

“That's what he thinks.” Before Judy could reply, Nick kept talking. “I have two questions for you, Fluff. One, what is it with you and mayors? With the obvious exceptions, government types love you: Herb, FLOZ, Phinn—I heard about that, by the way, word travels fast—and, of course, our pal Mrs. Otterton.” He paused, thoughtful. “What's her first name again?”

“Olivia.” Nick face-pawed.

“I knew that! It's my mom's name! I really am a dumb fox!” Judy giggled. Remembering his earlier question, she shrugged modestly.

“About the mayor thing...Just lucky, I guess.”

“Wrong.” So saying, he made an about-face, as though he might leave. Instead, he stood stock-still; only his tail gave any indication of his mood. “Keep up with me, will ya?!” These words were spoken with mock irritation. He moved a few more paces away. Curiosity piqued, Judy followed him out the door, mesmerized by the movement of his tail and the way it—and the rest of him—looked impossibly good in uniform. “As I was saying...they love you because you're intelligent, witty, brave, and compassionate. In fact, these are the exact same reasons why I love you, with the obvious addition of the fact that you are the most beautiful mammal I've ever laid eyes on. “Which brings me to my next question...”

Judy's attention wavered when she noticed a string of gorgeous paper lanterns illuminating the steps of City Hall, by the light of which she spied a plethora of purple flower petals sprinkled along them. She registered these just in time to return her gaze to Nick.

Taking her paw in his own, deep emerald eyes shining on her, he produced a black velvet box from the opposite pocket. This he opened to reveal a breathtaking amethyst diamond ring. “Judith Laverne Hopps, will you marry me?”

Judy's gasp was followed by giggles, and finally tears, as she at last managed to say, “Yes, Nick...Of course!” Both were beaming as he carefully slipped on the ring. Then, she had barely helped him to his feet before he suddenly swept Judy off hers.

After a long, lingering kiss, the two were silent for a moment as they marveled at the lights of their private palace mingling with the glow of the city beyond. “I love you, Judy.” With a sigh and a smile, Judy snuggled closer to him.

“I love you, too, my sweet, sly fox.” Now all of Nick's earlier evasions made sense; still, Judy wondered… “Why ask me now?”

“I've known that's what I wanted for awhile. I was just waiting for the right time, for something to make it really meaningful. When I saw your face this morning, after we got the call...I knew: 'today's the day'. By the time we wrapped up with Sam, I had a feeling Phinn was up to something. I realized he must be safe, so I asked you to deal with Flash because...”

“That would give you time for...this!” Judy exclaimed, encompassing the lanterns and petals with her paw, then gazing dreamily down at her ring.

“You know it. I talked to Mr. Otterton—Emmitt—about my plan. Every time I'd go in there, even if it was just to get Mom something, he'd be all, 'got any ideas yet?' So when I told him today, he was stoked. And the ring—I've had it on layaway for months. That's your color, you know? I can't get those eyes out of my head.” He sighed, utterly content. “By the way...you like?” Judy laughed.

“You dumb fox; I love it! It's amazing!” Nick grinned, even as relief flooded him.

“I thought so. Anyway...ever since I stopped being a jealous jerk around Herb, I've really learned to enjoy watching you guys together. You have such a good vibe. I saw how much both of you were hurting today, and it made me think of the first time I met him. We weren't even together yet, but I thought you were gonna ditch me for a stallion! And then you launch into this completely adorable, totally inspiring speech, and you kiss me.” Nick laughed. “Sly bunny.”

“Dumb fox.”

“I realized—full circle. So, here we are, outside Herb's office. Much bigger one, though, innit?” He turned, and they took in the esteemed edifice in all its grandeur; Nick gave a long, low whistle.

“But enough about me,” he said at length. “Go brag to your pals.” He made a move to put her down, but she resisted.

“Nope. It'll be much more fun if we do it together.”

“I like the way you think, Fluff.” He headed for the door. “But let me steal a kiss first.” Laughing, Judy shook her head fondly.

“Once a hustler, always a hustler. But you don't have to steal them, Nick...They're all yours.”