In Darkness I Hide: A Zootopia Story

Friday - Terror to the Max - The Fifth Evening

Savannah Central – The Merry Wombat Apartments – Against the Sahara Square Border Wall
Friday – 07:48 PM – Scattered Clouds / Cool Breeze

Ronald proved to be quite the difficult character to slip away from. All throughout their trip to and from the restaurant, Max couldn't seem to find an opening with which to sneak away from the crafty otter. Whenever he thought he had a chance, Murana's secretary would immediately spot his behavior and bring him back.

"Oh, no, no! I am responsible for you. If what was said is true and you are to be the new adopted son to my Boss, then I can't possibly let you out of my sight! I would be remiss if I did not take utmost care of you!" Ron would smile as he patted Max on the head, and he continued to eye him carefully as they went about dinner.

It was interminable to Max. He just wanted to be on his own and find Murana in his own way. Granted, he would have most likely been better off with Chris or at the very least hanging around her apartment suite, but being around others he barely knew was aggravating to him. He was never quite a people person, and the mere fact he was comfortable with Murana was a miracle in and of itself. Ron seemed the lesser of the evils, yet turned out to be quite the opposite.

The conversation during dinner was banal and the noodles soggy. Max preferred a bit more crunch to his pasta, but whoever had cooked them overdid it. They practically slipped off his spoon and plopped into the broth, causing some to splash across the tablecloth. He had even attempted to excuse himself to the bathroom, to which the otter thankfully gave him some privacy to relieve himself, but then came in not even two minutes later to check and see if he was alright. His escape by window to street level was completely foiled.

They had walked a good distance from the heart of Savannah Central and were coming up along the eastern border wall that just over its imposing height was Sahara Square. The tall skyscrapers of central downtown were giving way to smaller complexes that were sandwiched side by side with nary an inch between them, as if they were created to be one large building, but separated by dividing walls and different façade décor.

It was getting dark and the streetlamps buzzed on, illuminating pockets of street down the row. A large automobile zipped past them and splashed through a puddle, causing it to drench Ron ahead of Max. Taking the opportunity to run, the raccoon tore off across the street and down a narrow alley between two buildings. Within moments, he could feel a firm grip on his arm as he turned around to look at the dripping otter.

Never losing that smile, Ron remarked, "If I didn't know any better, Max, I am starting to get the feeling you don't like my company."

"No, it's not that." Max couldn't really put his thoughts into words.

"Well, do you have anywhere to go for the evening? A bed to sleep in?" Ron reasoned.

Max shook his head. "I'll figure something out."

Ron shook his head vehemently, "Not on my watch, Max. I think I'd lose my job if the Boss discovered I had just left you to your own devices. I rather like my position right now and I'd hate to lose it. Besides, I can't in good conscience leave a young kit out on the street like you. I'm not that type of person."

"I've been on the street before." Max tugged back on his arm, but the otter's grip was strong.

"Not the point. I promise you can be rid of me once we discover Murana, okay?" Ron tried to bargain with the stubborn raccoon. Max finally gave in and just bowed his head in acquiescence. "Good. Ugh, now I have to get a new suit to wear. Good thing tomorrow is the weekend."

Letting the otter lead him to his complex, Max had to tilt his head as he looked at the garish neon sign that emblazoned the building. It had a combination of adobe-like mold with rounded edges along the rooftop, but mixed with the brick and mortar of the major structures around it. It was an oddball collage of clashing styles that gave it its distinctive, yet unusual flair.