Consequences
“Finnick! Finn, I know you’re in there! Open up!”
The van’s rear doors did open after a several second wait, to Judy’s relief. The dwarf fennec glared down at her, briefly glancing around the alley as if expecting someone else. “No Nick?”
“Wouldn’t come,” said Judy, wishing the red fox had. “Didn’t want to do this. I don’t either, but you know I have to, Fin.”
Finnick crossed his arms. “No, you don’t. I didn’t do nothing wrong.”
Judy gaped, shocked he could say that. “You can’t just… go around punching mammals you disagree with, Finnick. That’s aggravated assault. I have to bring you in.”
He stared at her. “He wants me dead, Hopps.”
“I’m not saying his views aren’t deplorable,” said Judy, wishing there was room in the alley for her to pace and focus her thoughts. “They’re awful, and he’s awful, but it’s still not right!”
He glared at her. “He wants me dead, Hopps!”
“And you haven’t done anything to convince him otherwise!” Judy clenched her fists, barely resisting jumping up into the van to tower once more over the fox like he was doing to her now. “He still wants to do that! He’s still getting news coverage! Mammals are still listening to him, because now he has some justification! Because now a predator really did attack him without provocation!”
“Without provo—” He stopped, mouth working but nothing coming out. Before Judy could ask what was the matter he sagged, the fight seemingly leaving him as he sat down on the edge of the van. “This isn’t like debating taxes, or gun control, or the death penalty, Judy. They get their platform, they get heard, they get power, and I’m DEAD. Nick is DEAD. Period. You really trust Zootopia enough to not let that happen?”
Judy considered the question, really considered it, knowing she owed her friend that much. She bit her lip, finally reaching up to touch her police badge. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t wear this.”
Finnick looked from her face to her badge, sighing as he gave a short nod. “Then I guess I do too.”
He dropped from the van, turning long enough to shut and lock it before giving her his keys. She pocketed them, then together the two headed for Judy’s police cruiser.