"He might not've fuckin deserved it, but I-I, I had to. I had to... I didn't want it to be this way! I didn't wanna do it Simon! They ain't gimme much a choice!" shouted Toby.

Simon, catching his breath, looked to Toby and replied, "Listen Toby, fact is, You shot the man dead-"

Toby interrupted, "I AIN'T HAVE A CHOICE!!! You jus-don get it, people like me don-getta choice. They took-em. Fuck was I supposed to do!?! Couldn't go to you badges, SAID!! THEY'D KNOW!!"

Taking a step forward, Toby swiped his arm as if to dismiss any alternatives, "AINT NO SECRET, EVERYONE KNOWS THE BADGES WORK WITH-EM!!! YOU WERE NEVER-A-FUCKIN OPTION!!"

Simon stood there in silence. Initially, he was caught of guard by Toby's statement. Given the context of the situation, the implications, he knew exactly what Toby meant. With that realization, Toby's words went on to linger in Simon's mind.

Toby's eyes filled with tears as they darted around his surroundings. As Toby took a few steps back, his normally erect ears, drooped with resignation.

The street light barely cast any light into that dark alley. Silhouetting the figure of his pursuer, Simon. With distant Sirens nearing, and drizzling rain... He knows what's coming.

Devoid of hope, Toby slowly withdrew a gun from his jacket and pointed it at Simon. The darkness hid the fact that his trigger finger lingered to the side. He knew what he wanted.

In response, Simon said, "I'm not going to shoot you Toby... but I can't let you go either. Just... just put the gun down Toby..."

Toby shouted, "FUCK YOU SIMON!!"

The rain began to fall harder and enveloped the night, persisting without end. Gradually growing, the forecasted storm rolled in. It had Issued a few roars of thunder and showered rain onto the pavement, as if to make it presence known. It left Simon and Toby soaked, plastering their fur to their skin.

It had nearly drowned out the majority of what else was heard, muffling the distant sirens. With the world somewhat silenced, it isolated the two of them in that alley. Toby lowered the gun a bit, pausing before his arms slumped. Defeated, he went onto shout, "It just had to be you, huh... of all the FUCKIN!! badges man..."

With prior encounters, before shit hit the fan, he had met Simon with his partner at a few bars, around the streets... It was a small world for them. While they were no more than acquittances, they were still, good acquittances. Toby knew Simon wasn't with them. Or at the very least, he assumed so.

"I got nothin left Simon. It's over man. It's over..." Toby shook his head as he uttered those words.

The storm cried on. As Lighting cracked the sky, it briefly illuminated the alley.

In Toby's eyes, you could see he had given up. His tears were now shrouded by the rain, but his face... In that moment, it dawned a mix of fear and more importantly, anguish. With the granted light now dissipating, all that was left was the encroaching thunder.

Simon stood there. Just a couple feet away, conflicted. He and another only came to question Toby about a murder. But this night, it had spiraled for worse...

Toby glanced up to meet Simon's shadowed figure before averting his gaze once more.

"I-I I'm sorry Simon... It just is... This shit we go through, this world, my life... What they did... It's breaking me Simon. It's breaking me-and I'm tired. People say the pain numbs but it don't, it really don't and I-I I'm tired of feelin-it. I failed Simon, I fuckin failed I-I did. I let them get taken... A-a-and, I couldn't do anything..."

Falling to his knees, he continued, "I-tried, I-did what they said. I-I shoulda known but I-I had to... I tried Simon I-did... They took them..."

Raising the gun once more with trembling hands, he instead aimed it toward himself.

"I'm sorry Lyora, I'm sorry Maxy. I'm so fuckin sorry..."

Simon lunged toward Toby. As the incessant patter of his paws pricked the puddles, he shouted, "TOBY DON'T!!"

The thunder roared, burying the shot. It had drowned it.

Toby slumped over, caught by Simon in the last moment. He laid in Simon's arms, gone.

The storm raged on, with the occasional burst of light darting throughout the sky, Simon could see the gaping hole on the side of Toby's face.

Simon was drawn into Toby's soulless glare. His jaw tightened and his eyes widened. Even though he maintained a stoic demeaner, an underlying feeling a sadness and spite lingered. Closing Toby's eyes and placing him down gently, Simon stood back up and looked at his now, washed, bloodied hands.

Before long, streaks of red and blue pulsed down the alley. Diverting Simon's attention, he lowered his hands and glanced back.

The slam of the car's door was heard.

An older burly lion stood by the door sporting a simple white button up shirt, sleeves rolled up, and black slacks with suspenders. Amidst the rain, he cuffs his hands and attempts to light a cigarette to no avail.

With a sigh, he mutters, "Just my luck, first it's my fucking mane... now I can't have a cigarette... fuckin rain, need to get me a damn umbrella..." All while walking toward Simon.

"Simon, you catch-" Met with the scene, he interrupted himself with a pause, before asking, "That rabbit... Is that, that Toby?"

"Yes. Cornered him here, and he drew his gun on me. I refused to shoot him and tried to talk him down... He just... shot himself. " Replied Simon.

"I see..." Replied Jason

Glancing back at Toby, Simon stated, "We should radio for the EMTs. Have them collect his body..."

"With you there, but they wont make it here in time to collect-em if we don't stay... His body, the blood's putting off quite the aroma... The weather should obscure it, but that don't mean it wont spread it as well... it wouldn't take long for someone to find him. Feel like hanging around?" Asked Jason.

"O-course" Replied Simon.

"Very well, I'll be in the car. Need a cigarette. You oughta tag along less you like freezing your ass off. Wind and rain, leaves my mane feelin like a wet mop, just not my cup a-tea." said Jason.

Simon gave Toby one last glance before following Jason back to the car.

As Jason arrives at the car door, he hears a vehicle around the bend but doesn't think much of it.

After getting in, Jason reversed the car a bit into the alley and kept the siren lights on. With nothing on the radio, and a melancholic air looming, neither sought to speak. A mutual silence filled the car, only accompanied by the sound of pounding rain, windshield wipers, the engine's hum and a shadowed interior soon to be lit by small ember.

Jason was quick to light the cigarette, taking a lengthy inhale afterward. A third of the cigarette had already become ash, to which he promptly flicked into the car's cupholder. Simon tilted his head and leaned toward the window, listening to the falling rain collide with it. It had set the stage for his mind to run rampant.

Not long after, he had drifted into thought.

You're aware of the troubles of life, aware of the fact, that most people get more than their fair share of it. I guess that fact just fades into obscurity when your caught up dealing with your own life... People like him, never had a chance... I'm sorry, Toby...

"What's wrong with this city?" Simon muttered aloud, inadvertently breaking the silence.

"Hm? Lookin for an answer or were you just mulling over some thoughts again?" Asked Jason.

"How about both..." Replied Simon.

Looking at his finished cigarette butt, Jason said, "Look Simon, city's gonna eat atchya, keep bitin you until ya-snap. Makes it hard ta-do right when all's wrong. You get swallowed, and from there, it's just a perpetuating cycle that worsens... and it ain't just this city Simon, you get some form a-that shit everywhere. Simon... That's life. Hell, we ensure it is so, with choices we all choose to make... Try not to dwell on it Simon, you'll go mad trying to figure that out. Trust me, best to let it go and find your own slice of heaven... It just is, Simon."

He's not wrong... he means to say you can't blame them, us... people take what they can get and use what they have... I disagree though, you can blame us. We make this world the way it is because we all do nothing more than react...

After lighting a second cigarette, Jason puffs it and looks at Simon. "Philosophy talk aside, wanted to let you I'm retiring. I'll be finalizing my benefits early morning tomorrow. Meant to tell you sooner, just never found the right moment, cases never allowed for it. Hell, it-still don't feel like the right moment, but better to say now than never..."

Simon sat upright and looked at Jason, whilst replying, "I'm not sure on what to say, I'll miss ya that's for sure, though I can't say I'll try to stop you. Job's not getting any easier... You happen to know who they'll partner me up with next?"

Puffing on the cigarette once more, Jason replies, "Don't worry bout it, I getcha, wasn't expecting anything special. Just lettin you know is all."

With a smile building, Jason went on to ask, "As for your new partner, say, think-ya could do-ya buddy a favor?"

"Sure." Replied Simon.

After rolling down and flicking the cigarette out of the window, Jason looked at Simon while rolling it back up. "Gotta opossum, name's Miela. She about knee-high. She's got typical problems with size, previous partners damn near tripped over her half the time... has a hard time navigating through the office, doors handles too high and such..."

Checking the time on his watch, he continues, "They were gonna have to let her go, but as a favor to her late father, old buddy of mine. I told him I'll watch over her, though she's not aware of that. Seeing as I'm retiring and all, I recently recommended pairing her with you, this'll be her last shot given what I've just mentioned. That's the favor."

Glancing out the window, Simon Asked "Hmm... That aside, think she'll make a good detective?"

Following this Jason asserts, "Under your wing, o-course. So-uh... How's the landlord thing cutting, tenants doin alright?"

"Yeah, any reason you ask?" answered Simon, all whilst thinking to himself.

Jason... I can already see what you mean to imply. Given Miela's troubles... Wouldn't surprise me if you tried to float the idea of her becoming one of my tenants. It's... convenient for both parties, I'll give you that. Though on the offside, I'm basically agreeing to be her baby sitter... Suppose, I ought to give credit where it's due though, she did graduate and has made it thus far... Maybe given the chance, she'll do alright.

"You know, you don't got to beat around the bush? I see what you're getting at Jason. Given that she doesn't know you're looking out for her. I can't just swoop in and offer her a place. It'll all look odd, don't you think..." Asserted Simon.

Jason, reaching for his box of cigs, opens it only to find it's empty, before going on to say, "Yeah... you got me. That aside, when it comes to that, just hopin it's not too much to ask, is all. Don't wancha feelin as if I'm pressurin you, you know? Hey, think you could spot me a cigarette?"

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

"Sure, give me a second." Checking his trench coat's pockets, Simon finds a soggy bent cigarette, and places it on the dashboard. He then goes on to say, "Doesn't look like you'll be smoking it though," Chuckling afterwards.

A bit annoyed, Jason remarks, "Why even pull that soggy shit out knowin damn full well you were just in the rain standing over, shit!! You ever radio for an EMT?"

"No, I had figured you would since you got in the car before me." Replied Simon.

Immediately reaching for the radio, Jason states, "Detective Ramsis to Dispatch, ya-read me?"

"Dispatch to Ramsis, go ahead."

"Gotta 10-54 at an alley just prior to reaching the corner of Lamlou-"

Simon, interrupting Jason, states, "White van's slowly moving toward us, was stationary for a while. Given it's pace, something's up..."

Radio still in hand, Jason kept track of the van. For a moment he had hoped it's just some nosy oddball... But given the van's slow movements, it's as though they're sizing them up, the city, this neighborhood... Jason's instincts say otherwise.

Hopes not something he's accustom to relying on.

His eyes stalk the van, looking to see if he can make out any movement, whilst saying "Dispatch, at an alley on th-corner of LamLoius street, requesting backup, unmarked van's been creepin on us, looks like they're lookin-ta make a move"

"Dispatch here, Detective Ramsis. Backup is on route. ETA two minutes."

"Roger that, Ramsis out." Replied Jason.

The white van slowed to a crawl as it blocked off the alley's only exit. In response, Jason reversed the car a bit further, flicking on the car's high beams. Seeking to both illuminate the vans interior and blind the jackasses within.

Unfortunately, the van remained an enigma. It's tinted windows left them in the blind.

The heavy rain escaped their fixation, fading into the background. Gun's drawn, their eyes locked on that van's door, barely blinking. As each second passed, the thumping in their chest grew ravenous and their hands began to tremble slightly.

Growing nervous and becoming a bit disgruntled, Jason broke the silence and said, "Th-this shit's just getting shittier, thoughts Simon? I've half the mind to start shooting..."

Equally irritated, Simon swiftly replied "Same, not liking this either. Only got a few rounds between the two of us though. Got to make-em count or they'll catch us with our pants down."

Each passing second stretched into an eternity. Full of adrenaline, their trigger fingers itched with anticipation. As the van's side door eased open, everything slowed. The sound of drumming rain was now nothing more than a slow, soft static. The grind of the windshield wipers dragged on. Jason attempted to steady his nerves. He tried to slow his breathing and adjusted his aim a tad bit, before thinking.

Fuck... they're moving fast... Pullin this shit, got-some real fuckin nerve! As soon as I see you dipshits...

Simon, getting a firmer grip, quickly states, "I'm shooting soon as the door is a third away from being open-duck behind the dash once we're out, you good on that!?"

Jason, putting on a slight grin, said, "My thoughts exactly."

Just then the sound of sirens had just become audible. In that same moment, the van's door slammed shut as it's screeching tires peeled away from the alley's entrance.

The tension hadn't eased off at all. Guns still aimed, neither were willing to take any chances. They sat there, waiting.

Barrels shifting, aligned with their paranoia, it had become their eyes. Tracing the edges of the alley. Each conspicuous sound, even the slightest illusion of movement, was scrutinized with the intensity of a predator stalking it's prey.

In mere moments, a car, again accompanied by sirens is heard arriving on their street.

Only then did the two relax. Jason let out a sigh of relief before remarking, "I-I could go for a drink after this's all done. Gotta ease my nerves-glad that shits done over with." Voice laced with tension, Jason rested his arm on the car's door and leaned back into his seat.

Simon looks down at his right hand, a slight tremor occurred before he clenched it into a fist. He promptly replied, "Agreed."

Jason glancing over, asked, "Really dragged out didn-it? Shits-like this is why I'm retiring, aint gonna miss that shit, tell you that much." After finishing his comment, he sits up, opens the car door and steps out into the rain.

Simon, following suite, replies, "Don't at all doubt it."

Simon then closed the door and sat on the hood, resting his foot on the bumper. The cop car arrives and pulls up on the curb.

As Jason walked toward the cop car, he asked, "Simon, you comin?"

Glancing at Jason he replied, "In a moment, need to wrap my head around some things..."

"Suit yourself... Gonna give-em the gist of what happened, be back in a bit."

A single Officer struggled to squeeze out of the car. After managing to get out, you see the car bounce a bit. A heavily built rhino approached Jason, hand resting on his holster.

"Detective Ramsis, everything alright?" Asked the Officer.

"Yeah, you could say that. Some shit had just happened..." Replied Jason. He went on to give the officer a brief rundown of what had happened. Meanwhile, Simon remained sitting on the wet hood, lost in thought.

Knew we had a few at the station who'd gone crooked... but to extent that it became, known... Means there's a lot more than I had anticipated. Lot more goin on too. Wouldn't be wrong to assume they're in cahoots with another, in some way.... or at the very least, aware of each-other. Meaning, with Jason gone... I can't trust anyone...

He stared at the ground, watching the rain collect and flow into the storm drain. The realization instilled a bit of anger within him. Stuck pondering Toby's death, he thought on about how one could be stripped of will, of hope.

Sighing, he hopped off and walked toward Jason.

"That's the gist of it, I figure the sirens had them second guessing. Still gotta radio for EMTs... Never did call them." Said Jason.

"Don't worry-bout it, you can leave it to me. I'll call it in now." Replied the Officer.

"Preciate it, need us hang around or-" Asked Jason.

Walking back to his car, the Officer asserted, "It'll be fine, got another en route. We'll take it from here."

"Right..." Muttered Jason, before turning and walking toward Simon.

Slipping his hands into his pockets, and eyeing Simon, he asks, "Still want that drink?-said he'd take it from here..."

Taken aback, Simon meets Jason's gaze and says, "Just him? After what just happened?"

Glancing at the Officer's car, Jason responds, "Yeah... Lets go. We'll talk more on it when we get outta here..."

With Jason and Simon in the car, they pulled out of the alley and drove off to the Alley Cat. One of many bars open all throughout the night. They parked about a street away and walked the rest of the way.

As the two of them pushed open the door to the low end bar.

The dim glow of flickering neon casted shadows across the weathered floorboards. The air was heavy, the pungent aroma of beer and cigarette smoke had filled the bar.

Some of the bars occupants popped a glance. Others strewn along the counter payed them no mind, they were huddled around tables. Some laughed, other's simply talked. Each weary soul had been in their own world.

Jason motioned Simon toward a couple of stools that laid in the back near a jukebox, well away from prying ears.

The jukebox was already in tune, filling the bar with the soothing sounds of a crooner. Their intimate voice bounced in tandem with the wavy jazz. Propagating a slow jazzy blues-like ambient flowing throughout the bar.

As they settled onto the worn vinyl stools, the bartender moseyed on down toward them. As she approached, they noticed her pointed ears and tufted fur, unmistakable signs that she was a bobcat. She wore a white collared blouse, a black knee length skirt, and an apron.

Wiping the counter of an old spill, she asked "So, what'll it be for-ya, hon?"

Jason replied, "A beer'll be fine for me."

Looking at Simon, she went on to ask, "And what aboutcha, what's ya poison?"

Resting his hands on the counter, Simon simply replied, "A cup of iced water."

Following this, she replied, "Alrighty, I'll be back with you in a moment."

And with that, she left to take a few more orders, provided some refills and finally brought Simon and Jason's drink.

Jason took a sip of beer before turning to face Simon.

"About that cop... we on the same page?" Asked Jason.

Picking up the cup of water, Simon replied, "I believe so... It's odd."

"Yeah, considerin what'd just happened you'd think the more the merrier. Either he gets off to risking his ass or he's up to something... and My money's on the latter of the two." Said Jason.

Following this he takes a swig before continuing to say, "I figured out what's goin on round the station. Never brought it up cause-well, I figured it wasn't worth the risk... And knowin you weren't on the sly with them, it'd change how we operate... It'd likely draw attention, single us out... Truth be told, I wasn't gonna tell you."

After drinking some of the water and placing the cup down, Simon replied, "Toby... He mentioned something like that in the alley before he died. Figured there were a few bad apples but when I heard what he said, it dawned on me. There's whole lot more than just a few. Means we're in a vipers nest, blind..."

Jason went on to state, "Yeah... Rustling with that nest will end up biting me in the ass, and my ass has got a family... I care for doing the right thing, but I'm not gonna take that risk... This's the real reason I'm retiring Simon. I'm not keen on working in that kind-of environment. "

Simon said, "I understand, it all clicked when I put the pieces together. I'd do the same had I been in your shoes. Don't need to justify it, I get it." Following this, he drank the rest of the water.

Jason looked over at Simon and saw him staring at a clock hanging on the wall. He hardly blinked, and with his arms resting on the counter, at a bar this late at night, anyone could've guessed where he was.

Lost in thought, drowning in the realization, except he wasn't washing it away with drink. He instead allowed it to fester... Looking back at his foamy beer, Jason too, drifted into thought. Both accompanied by the same slow jazz and low murmurs lingering within the bar.

I know Simon, if he's thinking about. It won't be long before he acts on it... I sure is shit can't have him following me...

Finishing off the beer, he put the glass down and stared at the shelf behind the bar.

"You gonna let this go Simon?" Asked Jason.

"I, don't know... I know I despise it, just don't know how or where I'd begin, or if it's even worth fighting... Too caught up in my mind to know right now..." Replied Simon.

Jason took out his wallet and placed five bucks under the glass. He then turned toward Simon and said, "If that's the case, you're pondering the impossible. Simon... Look, there's no happy ending for trying to play hero. If this's something you're gonna seriously consider, ask yourself what your willing to sacrifice cause this road you're thinking about walking. This fight-ya pickin... It aint no cage match, aint-no one on one."

He continued, "It's gonna-be war, and fuck me but I'm sure as shit not letting you walk that road alone, retirement be damned."

Getting up out of the seat, he ended with, "I'll be-there, Simon."

After that, Jason left the bar.

Simon continued to sit there. He ended up putting his head down on his crossed arms, and stared at the shelf in front of him. Glancing over all the bottles that lined it.

I figured as much... The hand you're playing, it's a real shitty one, Jason. Said he wouldn't risk family...

Chuckling aloud, he muttered to himself, "Yeah, should've seen that coming. Seeing me as family... after all we've been through these past seven years... It isn't a stretch to see it that way."

Simon opted to put it all aside for now and listened to the jukebox.

In due time, the bar slowly began to empty, it's patrons walking out the door.

Given some time, Simon fell asleep.

Tapping his elbow, with a double barrel shotgun laying resting on her shoulder, the bartender woke him. "Hey buddy, we're closing."

Simon's eyes partially opened before closing again, he muttered, "Hm?"

With a slight eye roll, she tapped his forehead and asserted, "Come on hon, bar's closing..."

With his eyes still closed he sat up and got off the stool. His hand rested on the counter while he woke himself. Eyes opened, he started walking and apologized. The bartender followed him to the exit a said, "Have a goodnight."

Her tone was serious, in more ways than one. She meant it of course, but that kindness wasn't tied to any naivete. Caution and anticipation was a necessary key to surviving in this hell. Damn near everyone had their foot in something sticky, at least it seemed that way, felt that way.

Pure genuine trust was difficult to come by, and hardly lasted if seen. Just a matter of time...

Simon mirrored her response and exited the bar. Multiple locks had clicked.

Standing outside, he was met with the quiet embrace of the early morning hours. While the rain had settled down, it's remnants lingered. Puddles occasionally decorated the sidewalk and saturated the road's asphalt. The streets were for the most part empty. Aside from a few cars passing by, not a single soul remained to be seen. After a little while, he arrived at his apartment.

He walked in, strolling through modest lobby. It's walls were adorned with slightly faded wallpaper and carried the scent of aged wood. Simon made his way to the first room, it's where he chose to stay. Being on the bottom floor allowed him to ward off uninvited guests... He kept the smaller animals on the third and second floor. Granted the building itself wasn't too sizable. Each floor had two rooms. All of which were occupied, excluding the second room on the first floor.

Approaching his door, he took out his key and unlocked it. His humble abode, it comprised of just two main rooms. The living space seamlessly merged with the kitchen, creating a cozy yet functional environment. Upon entering, he casually tossed his keys onto the worn countertop. The faint jingle echoing in the compact space, before securing the door behind him with a definitive click.

As he began to shed the weight of the day, his footsteps carried him towards the bathroom. Stepping into its modest confines, he was greeted by the familiar sight of essential amenities. A toilet, adorned with a soft plushy mat invited tired feet.

All while a shower, ensconced by nondescript gray curtains, hinted at moments of refreshing solitude yet to come.

The sink, nestled snugly into a weathered cupboard. It served as a central hub for his daily routine. Here, a small potted plant added a splash of verdant life to the otherwise utilitarian space, though, it's plastic leaves started to collect a considerable amount of dust.

Nearby, a cup brimmed with toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes. In this unassuming oasis, amidst his everyday life, each element contributed to the quiet rhythm of his existence.

As Simon stepped into the shower, he cut on the water and adjusted the temp. As the water poured onto his fur, he placed his hands on the wall and looked into the drain.

Jason... he knows... I'm not keen on getting him involved. His wife Nyala, he'll be a father soon... and he'll risk that, all because he considers me family... Fuckin selfish if you ask me, Leaving the choice in my hands, fine...

Letting out an audible sigh, he continues.

I'm not willing to make that sacrifice... and he knows that...

After a while, Simon cuts off the water and shakes rigorously, before grabbing and drying himself with the towel. His movements are slow, he isn't in any rush. He doesn't know how he'll proceed, what he'll go on to do knowing that he'll have to work around it if he does nothing... Sooner or later, he'll have to deal with it.

Glancing into the mirror, hunched over, he eyes himself down.

Unlike most, Simon was an albino wolf. He had white fur, pink nose, and red eyes to match.

After glancing at himself, Simon walked into his living room and planted himself on the sofa. He leaned over to a nearby end-table and tuned the radio to a dead station. With static playing, he lowered the audio a tad bit and laid on the sofa. He soon closed his eyes. Seeking to free his mind, he went to sleep.