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_They say Zootopia is a place where predator and prey can live together in harmony. But in these times, the words predator and pray have different meanings. A predator is no longer the animal with fangs and claws. its the animal that sees a weakness in another, and exploits it. _

Jillian Howl, Investigator into all matters, Public and Private. The sign on her door read. But it had been a long time since Jillian had investigated anything that was public. In fact, she hadn't really investigated anything private either. She was a marked wolfess. She had come to Zootopia like so many others. Looking to live here in this great city and make a name for herself. To be one of its stars. But She found that the lines between predator and pray were blurred here. Back home in the arctic, she could know who to trust by sight and smell alone. Here it was different. She had come here to be something more than just one more white wolf. She had come here to make a difference.

Jillian scoffed at her reflection in the mirror. "Gods you idiot. You made a difference alright. One week in and you stumble into a crime ring. All because you were looking for some lost kid. Worst case ever...." she muttered as she moved to the shower that was running. She stepped into the glass shower, and closed the sliding door. The warm water felt good. Taking the chill from her thick fur. Tundra Town was cold. Like home, but this place was bad. The cold ran deeper than just the temperature. It ran in the blood of most of the citizens here. Polar bears that worked for the crime lords. Wolves that ran security or other jobs. The police that were as hard as they came. Every species here was hardened. It was bad. But through it all, Jillian had tried to see the good in it. She had found one glimpse. That kid. Some damned job that was. First case, locate a missing ferret kid. Jillian had the advantage of scent tracking in her blood. And that led her right to the kid. Being held by one of the crime bosses. The kid had keyed the guy's limo. So they took him as punishment. He wasn't hurt. hell he was getting better care here than at home with his folks. If Jillian had had half a brain cell in her noggin, she would have left it at that.

"You stupid bitch. Why the hell did you walk into that room and demand that kid. You know better than that... Well at least the kid got home safe," she muttered to herself as the water poured over her face. taking the time to scrub down, she thought about her situation. It wasn't all that bad really. She was well paid. She had a nice apartment here in Tundra Town. Her car was sweet. Fully loaded, and even came with a boosted engine. Anything she wanted was at the tip of her claws. Hell, she even had the guys drooling over her when she went out on the town. But the cost of all that was not money. The cost had been her soul. She growled softly. She was a coward. She had made a deal to work for the damned crime bosses. Handling issues behind the scenes for them. Her skills had been put to good use. Oh she worked cases.

The crime bosses all came to the conclusion she was a shared asset. As long as she didn't die she was fine with that. Each would send her cases to look into. Missing shipments of goods, accusations between the groups, even looking into small timers and seeing if they would fit into the larger crowd. Jillian sighed. "I should have been a cop." She muttered as she turned off the shower. Shaking off some she let her fur drip a bit before stepping out on to the bath mat. The soft crackle of the fireplace made her smile some. She wrapped her bathrobe around herself and stepped out of the bathroom. She found herself face to face with a large wall of black polyester. Looking up she grew annoyed. "Hello. Let me guess, another case." The polar bear looked down at her silently, before speaking. "Not this time. This time, we need something else done." Jillian stepped around him. "I told you guys, I'm not into assassination. I look into, bring you the facts and tell you what is happening. Nothing more."

She moved to her dresser. The polar bear turned and spoke. "Its not that." Jillian cast off her bathrobe as she began pulling out something to wear. "Oh really? what else could it be that you boys cant be connected too." The polar bear sighed, "This is a cop. He is blackmailing a member of one of the families. We want something on him to return the favor and make him back off." That was more her line of work. "Ok what cop?" The polar bear spoke softer now. "Your brother." Jillian froze. Her brother had mentioned he became a cop recently. But he didn't say what city. Had he come here?

Turning she jumped on the polar bear and pinned him. He looked surprised. Her claws flashed in front of his eyes. "if you touch him... I swear to every species on this planet I will rip you all apart. One piece at a time, clawing my way through your blood and guts until I kill you all." The bear's eyes flashed his fear. The incident with the Night Howler savages still fresh in everyone's mind. "ok.. Ok..." she got off him and returned to her dresser. She slid into her underwear as she spoke. "Good. Now, go tell the boys that he's mine to handle. If I see any of them within a block of them, I will kill. If they get close to him, I will kill their friends and family first. Am I clear?" The bear stood slowly, rubbing his neck, "The boss doesn't like it when someone makes a demand like that." There was a loud click as Jillian turned around. "Then tell him I would be more than willing to pay a visit to his own son in that lovely boarding school. Ask him if he thinks their security can stop a savage wolf. Ask him if he thinks you boys could stop be before I got close enough to do serious damage. I'm not demanding... I am telling. You know the rules. We handle family matters in house. Well this is my family matter and I intend to handle it in house. I will get him to back off. In exchange, you all stay away from him."

The bear didn't like her attitude. But he wasn't about to argue with that taser in her hand either. That thing had range, and worst of all, it was not the most dangerous thing in her arsenal. She had a lot of tools. Mostly provided by his employer and others. Things she used to great effect. And one of which was a really bit dark gun that carried enough poison to kill twelve elephants. She had never used it. But given her mood, he wouldn't put it past her to turn that thing on him in a heartbeat. "Alright. I will tell the boys to back up some. We stay away from him. You get him to stay away from us. That's all the boss wanted." "Good. Now get out. I've about had it with you guys walking in on me while I'm showering." The bear showed himself out as Jillian finished dressing. No long dinner and late bed time tonight. There was a case on her desk. She moved to the closet. Grabbing her coat, she opened it. Taser, pepper spray, dart gun, night stick, flashbangs.... yep all ready to go. Sliding her sweater and pants on, she grabbed her boots. as she put them on, she checked to make sure her boot knives were in place. A boot knife was a life saver in more ways than one.

One she was sure she was set, she put on her coat and buttoned it up. Stepping out of her apartment, she realized there was just one reason her brother had come here. He was looking for her. They had never been close. But after their mother's death they had had issues being in the same house. It ended one night with their father having to get between them. Jillian knew her brother was always the favorite child. He was first born, strong, male, athletic, and the envy of the town. He had the looks, and the attitude. Jillian had always been the more academic of them. Always the nerd. Her brother would come to her and lay his homework down and act like she was just supposed to do it for him. But that night, she intentionally botched his college homework. She had put all the wrong answers on the paper. And he had been just smart enough to read over it first. He back checked it with his textbook. He was pissed and stormed into her room. She had been trying to work up the courage to tell someone she liked them when he interrupted and started screaming at her. What he failed to see coming was the rage that had built up in her. And when it boiled over, she lashed out. Her claws met his face. And his found her side. The bit and clawed at each other for half an hour before their father managed to get them apart. He didn't punish either of them. Just sent them to different ends of the house. But by morning, Jillian had packed her things and bought herself a ticket to Zootopia.

She didn't even tell anyone goodbye. She was just gone. Once she had settled, she sent her father one letter, asking him to keep her brother away. Her brother had sent one letter to her, saying he had become an officer in the police force. But he did not tell her what city. If he was here, that meant he intended to settle the score. She touched her side. The scars from that night still ached from time to time. So much for twins being inseparable. At least her father was getting the best of this situation. Jillian's employers meant it when they said the word family. They often sent her father gifts with her name on them. Telling him how well she was doing and helping him to keep his bills paid up. They had offered to pay for her brother's college, but that check came back. They knew what had happened between the pair.

This issue only steeled Jillian's nerves. It was not that she wanted to protect her brother. Oh no. It was that she wanted to handle this herself. She owed him something, and she intended to give it to her brother with her own claws. All she had to do was be outside long enough for him to spot her, and he would come to her. She went to her car. Stepping inside and starting the engine, she set the GPS for the cafe across from the police station. Taking a slow drive she watched for any sign of her brother. It wasn't until she arrived at the cafe that she saw several officers inside. They seemed to be enjoying a cup of coffee with a bit of food.

Jillian parked her car and headed inside. The waitress smiled at her. "Oh JILLIAN! darling you are never going to believe this. There is a guy over here that looks just like you." Jillian came over, a fake smile on her face. Well practiced. As she came within viewing range, she saw him. The scar on his face still plain as day. Turning he smiled a little. "Well I'll be. Jillian Ho...." his words were cut off when the barrel came up between his eyes. "JILLIAN!! What are you doin?!" the waitress yelled. The other officers pulled their weapons, but were very hesitant to do anything. These two wolves were still smiling at each other. "I see you still remember me little sister." "I remember. Im not able to have kids thanks to you." That knocked the smile off his face. "The hell do you mean..." "I mean that lovely brotherly kick you delivered to my stomach all those years ago. Oh i fucked up your face alright. But only after you kicked me hard enough to crash my insides. Looks like Dad wont be getting a grandchild from me. The only reason Im not aiming at yours is because I know he wants some grand kids. That's the only reason you are still breathing you stupid shit."

The male wolf sighed as he held up a paw. "Sit down boys. Enjoy your food. This is between me and her. She wont do anything unless I do." "It doesn't work that way anymore James. See, living out here in Tundra Town has made more than just my fur cold. It froze my heart." "You think you were the only one that wanted a better life?" "I know I was the only one that mother didnt love." James' face twisted a bit. he knew that was true. "Tell me another one James. Tell me how I was Father's favorite. Tell him how I had more friends. How I was better at so many things. How I was adored by every other animal at school. Or how I had the pick of the litter when it came to others I liked. Go on. Spin another one for me." James remained silent. He had figured she would be bitter. But berated by her while she had him at the end of a tranquilizer gun was a bit much for him to swallow. "Alright. You made your point. You were treated like shit. i would apologize but I see you dont want that. So tell me what you do want and I can try to give it to you."

She smiled, wickedly, "Go home James. Go home and never return to my city. You aren't wanted, needed, and even acknowledged here. Go home where you can stand out and be the star you always wanted to be. Go home and stay as far away from me as you ever can." James' ego took a blow there. She didn't know, but it still hurt coming from her like that. "Dad told me to come find you. That's why I transferred here. I have been an officer for five years now. Dad wanted me to bring you home, at least for one weekend. Everyone in town misses you. And dad.." "Tell them all to fuck off. Including dad. They all had their chance when I was there. They had their chance and they blew it." "You never let us in." "You all never gave me a reason too." "How about I give you a reason to stop pointing that at my partner?" Jillian turned her eyes to the new voice. A rather large moose pointing his own tranquilizer gun at her. "im gonna count to three lady." "That's my sister Donald. Don't make her any angrier than she is. You have no idea what she is capable of." The moose slowly lowered her gun. "Fine, then please answer me something." Jillian brought her other hand out of her pocket. Raising another tranquilizer gun at the moose. "Careful with your words."

The moose tensed a bit. "Who the hell do you think you are? Threatening an officer like this!" Jillian smiled, "I am Jillian Howl, private Investigator in the employ of the citizens of Zootopia. I was hired to investigate the possible use of force against innocent citizens by the corrupt members of the ZPD. And since I know this wolf right is as corrupt as it gets, My initial report is going to look very interesting when I turn it in tomorrow. As well, you pointed your gun at an investigator employed by the city. That looks really good." The waitress had been listening the whole time. Finally she spoke. "Jillian... darlin please put those away. you're scaring me." Jillian's ears lowered, and she frowned. Within seconds, her hands vanished back into her pockets. "I wont tell you again James. You aren't welcome in this city. I am giving you one day. Transfer back home, and stay away from me. If I see you in Zootopia after that time expires, I swear I will remove your whole face.

As Jillian turned to leave, she came face to face with the moose's gun again. "You are under arrest. Charged with threatening an officer, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and willful malicious intent. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to representation. If you can not afford legal representation, the courts will appoint one to you free of charge. Do you understand your rights?" Jillian smiled and turned ever so slightly. "I think you are in over your head." The next instant, the moose was looking at the ceiling, and his back hurt. Jillian stood over him and sighed. "prey should know better than to pick a fight with a predator. Especially in the part of town that has only one police station, and the very population is not friendly toward you. I suggest you stay the hell away from me. You have no idea who the hell I work for." James was watching silently. He kept his hand up, telling the others not to interfere. "now, I suggest you use your position as my brother's partner to convince him to go home. This city is not big enough for both of us to live in. And if you get bright ideas about messing with me, I can assure you that you wont be liking what happens."

Jillian walked out quietly, got into her car and left. After she was gone, the moose stood. "So. That's her." James nodded softly, "That's what's left of her yes. She's further gone than I thought. You know we have to get her away from them." The moose nodded and rubbed his chest. "Man, she has a mean set of claws. Thanks for getting me this vest man." "No worries. Alright boys, you have seen for yourselves what she is capable of. Do not approach her. Just keep notes on where and when you see her. She operates only inside of Tundra Town as far as we know. She's has no known link to any crime. But it is believed she works for the crime families as their own investigator. She has her apartment on the Outer edge of Tundra Town. The fact remains, we don't know what her connection is. Until we do, we need to avoid her. Once we figure it out, then we isolate her and capture her. She may have insider information we can use. Just be warned, she is one step above a feral savage. That pretty dress, and soft words are the line between a civilized wolfess, and a master hunter stalking us all for prey. She has always had hunter instincts. It looks like she has refined them."

"Alright. Anything we should know about her?" "Shes a ghost. She can walk around a corner and vanish. She was bullied when we were kids, so she learned how to make herself invisible. She can walk right past you and you would never notice her. Which is why we need to make sure she does not think we are looking specifically for her. If she does, our chances go poof. She is a great detective. She can uncover clues with the best of them. And I promise you this. She already knows we are looking for her and why." The officers in the cafe fell silent. They looked to James. "Well, you are the expert. how do we handle this?" "Simple. We don't. We ignore her. Just note when and where you see her. No more. Do not engage with her. If she speaks to you, speak back, but don't make her feel like she's losing control. She thrives on that feeling. If she loses control she devolves into a base predator really fast. You saw that a moment ago. Glimpses of the monster she can become. We can all become. And I do not put it past her to do something drastic if pushed. You all saw the pistols. Well, i can promise you that was the tip of the iceberg. She has more than that."

Jillian sat two blocks over listening in. She leaned back in her seat, smiling. That idiot moose, he didn't think to check and see if he was bugged. Jillian knew that the bug had a range of at least four blocks. She knew better than to get closer than this. So she kept herself to the middle distance. After a moment she turned off the receiver and picked up her phone. Dialing, she listened to the ringing on the other end before it picked up. "Hello Jillian." She smirked, "Hello Carl. Go get that idiot brother of yours. He was in my apartment tonight. So he's going to learn not to do that again. I need you boys to go to the factory and get me somethings. This job just got harder." There was a grunt and the sound of shuffling as the bear got up. "Alright. What do you need?" "Get me the one dose of the Night Howler serum and the antidote. You boys still have some in stock right?" "Yea. What do you plan on doing with it?" "Dont worry about that. Just get it for me, and some industrial grade ear plugs." The bear could be heard writing it down. "Alright. Anything else hun?" Jillian paused a bit before smiling, "Yea. You bring that fuzzy butt up to my apartment tomorrow night. I have been feeling kind of lonely, if you get my meaning." There was a soft chuckle. "Alright. I'll bring this stuff with me then. How does pizza and soda sound?" Jillian smiled softly as she leaned back in her seat. "Sounds lovely, I'll pick us a scary movie to watch." "Alright. See you tomorrow evening hun." Jillian hung up the phone and put her car in gear. Driving back to her apartment, she parked and went inside. The apartment was still nice and warm. Stripping down, she settled on her bed and lay back. Boy what a day. At least she was going to get some fun tomorrow.

Too Be Continued.