Web Novel
Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 129: The Tool Man
The reporter's voice was brimming with genuine admiration.
The word "siblings" felt like two red-hot steel needles driven deep into Jack’s ears, causing his pupils to contract sharply. It triggered a sudden, unwanted memory of Nancy following him around, her eyes sparkling as she called him "bro." He remembered the phone call she had made to him about spotting a Class-A fugitive.
If he had only answered her call that night and rushed to the scene... would everything be different now?
Just as Jack was spiraling into the depths of his regret, a clear female voice snapped him back to reality.
"Excuse me, sir."
He jerked his head up to find the female reporter from the National Headquarters' PR department smiling at him. She held out her phone. "Could I trouble you to take a photo of us? I’d love to get a picture with this 'legendary sibling duo.'"
The reporter had clearly become a total "fan" of Nancy. She wasn't just enthusiastic; she was currently carrying milk tea and late-night snacks she had specifically bought for them. She explained politely to Jack, "It’s a rare opportunity. I really want a photo with them."
Jack’s first instinct was to scowl and refuse, but his gaze fell on the prominent National Headquarters ID clipped to her blazer. The words died in his throat. He stiffly accepted the phone, feeling like a mindless tool as he aimed the camera at the three of them.
In the frame, Nancy was smiling sweetly, leaning affectionately against Simon. Her tone was sincere and perfectly innocent. "This is wonderful! Simon and I have never actually had a formal photo taken together. Thank you so much, 'sir.'"
Through the phone screen, Jack watched the two siblings and the professional reporter laughing over their milk tea, looking perfectly harmonious. He, meanwhile, was like an outsider hiding behind the lens, his fingers trembling with suppressed fury and resentment.
He forced himself to press the shutter, then shoved the phone back into the reporter’s hand like it was a hot coal and beat a hasty retreat.
After walking a few paces, he ground his teeth, a single sentence escaping through the gaps. "Just you wait."
After the interview, Nancy started calculating the bonus money in her pocket. She decided she could afford to splurge on a private car to take herself and the animals home. However, as she reached the station exit, her gaze was drawn to a luxury van parked at the curb. It was a model she had seen in celebrity paparazzi photos, famous for its spacious and comfortable interior.
Before she could think much of it, a familiar figure stepped out to greet her.
"Ms. Nancy."
It was Jorgan, Barry’s right-hand man.
Nancy’s mouth hung open in surprise. Before she could ask a question, Jorgan spoke with a professional smile. "The Boss sent me on an errand nearby, and I happened to hear you were at Headquarters today. I thought I’d stop by and see if I could offer you a lift."
The van’s windows were rolled down. Before Nancy could even respond, Master Crow’s eyes lit up. He and the cockatiel shot into the vehicle like a pair of feathered bullets. "Fancy car! Awesome van! I want in! Comfy!"
The crow hopped excitedly on the leather seat, poking his head out to urge her on. "What are you waiting for Miss Nancy? Get in! The seats have real leather, and it feels nice around my claws!"
Nancy panicked. "Watch your claws! Don't you dare scratch those seats!" She had no idea if Master Crow’s secret stash was big enough to cover the repair costs.
Jorgan maintained his polite smile. "It’s quite alright. The Boss gave instructions to ensure you and your companions were well taken care of. It’s late; please, step inside."
Seeing the animals already refusing to leave, Nancy gave an embarrassed nod. "Then I’ll have to trouble you, Jorgan."
"It’s no trouble at all. You’re far too kind."
Jorgan naturally took the travel crates from her and expertly settled the animals into the spacious cabin. The interior was every bit as luxurious as rumored, easily accommodating her and her entire "little hero" squad.
Master Crow rolled contentedly on the soft leather. "Ms. Nancy! You need to work harder! I want a van like this for my personal use!"
Nancy chuckled helplessly. "I want one too! That’s why we have to do our best—solve more cases and earn more bonuses. You’ll have to do your part too."
A sudden idea struck her, and she proposed half-jokingly, "Hey, Master Crow, since your connections—excuse me, your bird-work—is so vast, why don't you actually organize a 'Sky Intelligence Team'?"
"Have the birds report any suspicious activity or sightings of bad guys immediately. We’d be swimming in bonus money. Forget a van—I could buy you an entire RV!"
Master Crow’s amber eyes darted around as he tilted his head, seemingly giving the plan some serious thought.
As the vehicle glided smoothly down the road, Nancy couldn't help but ask, "Jorgan, where is your boss today? Is Star doing okay?"
Jorgan glanced in the rearview mirror and smiled. "The Boss is at Loren Zoo today. Star is doing great—full of energy and hopping around."