Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 135: Internal Conflict

If Nancy could show the Department of Agriculture and other relevant agencies just how capable her furry friends were, they would realize these little creatures weren't just good for solving crimes—they could play unique roles in many other fields. If she succeeded, the entire project might move forward much faster.

She was determined to get her animals on the "government payroll" as soon as possible. That way, even if the day came when she could no longer understand their speech, or if her frail body couldn't hold out until the end, they would still be tenderly cared for. They would never have to wander or suffer again, living out their lives in peace and joy.

Nancy quickly obtained the address of the holdout property. After returning to the Loren Zoo and securing the documents in her safe, she decided to gather the animals for a scouting mission to the demolition site. She figured there would be plenty of rats and stray cats in an area like that, so she brought along the formidable Tabby.

The Squirrel Bros had just groomed their tails until they were fluffy and clean. Since the construction site was barren and dusty, she decided against letting them ruin their beautiful fur. However, Snowball, the injured white weasel, was being exceptionally clingy. He perched on Nancy’s shoulder, whimpering softly. "Take me! I want to go play too!" His energetic demeanor made him seem more like a high-spirited puppy than a wild animal.

Seeing no other way out, Nancy laughed and agreed. "You’re so rowdy for someone who's still healing. Fine, fine, you can come along."

The Tabby glanced at the little creature on her shoulder and puffed out his chest with pride. "I have legs and dignity. I can walk and ride the vehicle myself, unlike some tiny pipsqueaks."

Since she didn't have a car yet, Nancy had recently purchased a white electric scooter. It was perfect for navigating the areas in and around the zoo—nimble and convenient. She had even installed a comfortable, custom travel crate for her furry companions.

The Tabby leaped lightly onto the scooter and crawled into the crate. He reached out with both front paws to pull Snowball close, acting like a reliable brother. "I've got you covered, kid."

"And we're off!" Nancy laughed as she started the scooter, carrying a cat and a weasel toward the demolition site.

They arrived shortly after. The air was thick with dust, and the roar of heavy machinery filled the surroundings as vast rows of houses were leveled. Only a single two-story gray cement building stood in the center, unmoved. It sat like a stubborn nail driven into the ruins—a glaring eyesore. The house was dilapidated, its windows like black, hollow sockets, giving off an indescribably eerie vibe under the ash-colored sky.

The Tabby hopped off the scooter, his tail curling elegantly like a boss on a mission. "Woman, I’m going to scout the perimeter. Watch your back."

Snowball, who had climbed back onto Nancy's shoulder, raised a tiny paw and spoke with soft but serious determination. "I’ll protect the Director!"

The Tabby looked back at him and tilted his chin up on purpose. "Hmph. Then let’s see if you have the skills to join my feline fleet."

Just then, Snowball leaned close to Nancy’s ear, his tiny paws gently tugging at her hair as he whimpered in a thin voice. "...I drank way too much water before we left!"

Nancy froze for a moment before catching his drift, a knowing smile flashing in her eyes.

When she reached the house, she witnessed a negotiator from the demolition company being shoved and shouted out of the yard by the owner. The owner was a man with a sinister face and a fierce expression, radiating a terrifying aura of hostility. He shouted at the top of his lungs, "I said I’m not selling! Demolishing this place would ruin me—it’s cutting off my livelihood! Now get the hell out of here!"

The leader of the demolition crew stumbled back under the verbal assault, muttering curses. "Greedy bastard... three million isn't enough for him..."

He turned around and spotted Nancy standing nearby, his face instantly twisting into a sneer. "Well, if it isn't the fake from the Summers family who got kicked out on her ear."

Nancy looked up and recognized him—it was Brendan, Mrs. Summers’ cousin. Back when she was with the Summers, she had to call this man "Uncle." Brendan had always been a low-level thug; eventually, he started a demolition company that specialized in handling "difficult" projects. Essentially, he relied on a mix of threats and coercion to "persuade" stubborn residents to vacate so developers could clear the land.

Brendan blew a smoke ring and casually tossed his cigarette butt onto the ground, squinting at Nancy. "What’s the matter? Forgotten how to say 'Uncle' since you left?" He gave a mocking chuckle. "No manners at all. No wonder the Summers family tossed you out."

Nancy smiled faintly, her eyes clear as she looked at him. "The respect I show depends entirely on the character of the person I'm looking at."

Her lips curved slightly as she continued, "You said it yourself—I have nothing to do with the Summers family anymore. And yet here you are, putting on the airs of an elder and demanding I call you Uncle. Are the two halves of your brain fighting each other for dominance?"