Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 174: The Morning After

"Nancy, it's done."

On the other end of the phone, Nancy finally let out a long sigh of relief, her tense shoulders relaxing completely.

At that moment, several officers were securing the scene and taking inventory of items inside Madam Loraine's home. She turned around, a bright and proud smile spreading across her face, as she announced loudly to everyone:

"The burglar has been caught!"

The scene fell silent for half a second.

Then, a young officer suddenly slapped his thigh and shouted excitedly, "Incredible! How long has it even been?!"

Several other officers who had been focused on their work looked up instantly, their eyes full of pleasant surprise. One couldn't help but whistle, while an older officer took off his cap, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and grinned so hard his face wrinkled up. "Beautiful! We can finally get a decent night's sleep now!"

Cheers crackled over the radio as well: "Command received! Another day of being carried to victory by the two legends!"

"Great work, everyone!"

Nancy smiled at the neighbors who were still peering anxiously into the corridor, her voice clear and composed. "Residents, the bad guy has been apprehended. It is safe now."

"You can all go home and rest easy!"

The old man who had been non-stop complaining was now dumbfounded. His face turned a deep shade of red; his mouth opened and closed, but it took a long time before he squeezed out a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz: "T-this... it's only been a few minutes..."

Many neighbors around him couldn't help but laugh out loud, and someone shot him a teasing look.

Another laughed and shook his head. "The police were handling the case, yet you just had to keep questioning them. Does your face sting now?"

The previously tense and oppressive atmosphere vanished instantly, replaced by lighthearted laughter and warm applause echoing through the corridor.

Before long, Simon arrived at the old community to pick up his sister. Nancy pulled open the back door and slid inside, immediately noticing Little Fatty excitedly circling the drowsy Master Crow.

Little Fatty flapped his wings with excitement. "Master Crow! Our coordination was absolutely seamless!"

"I've even thought of a team name! Let's call ourselves the Chubby Scout Squad!" What do you think?!"

Master Crow didn't even bother to open his eyes, burying his head deeper into his wings. "Go away... don't wake me up... you talk too much for a little butterball..."

Watching the amusing interaction between the two, Nancy couldn't help but cover her mouth and giggle.

Simon looked at them through the rearview mirror, his lips curving into a slight smile as he spoke softly. "The suspect has been handed over to the station. We'll know the specifics after the interrogation."

"This place is close to my new rental. I've saved a bedroom for you; get some good rest there tonight."

Nancy gave a sleepy yawn. "Okay~"

The car drove steadily, and it wasn't long before her head lolled to the side and she fell fast asleep.

When they reached their destination, Simon brought the car to a gentle stop. He looked back to see Nancy sleeping soundly. Little Fatty was dangling from the ceiling handle, swaying slightly as he dozed. Master Crow had somehow nestled himself onto Nancy's head, ruffling her hair into a messy, makeshift bird's nest, sleeping deeply.

Simon watched this warm and cute scene, a smile spreading through his almond-shaped eyes. He carefully unbuckled his seatbelt, gently carried his sister on his back, poked the two sleeping creatures awake, and headed toward the house.

The next morning, when Nancy woke up, the air was filled with a warm, inviting aroma. She rubbed her eyes and walked out of the room to find Simon busy in the kitchen, wearing an apron.

Seeing Nancy awake, he turned and gave a gentle smile. "Go wash up first; breakfast will be ready in a moment."

By the time she finished and returned to the table, a steaming bowl of beef and vegetable noodles sat before her, accompanied by a glass of fragrant soy milk.

Simon took off his apron, his tone calm yet solemn. "I'm off today. I'll go with you to the cemetery to visit Dad."

Nancy froze for a moment, then nodded vigorously, her eyes stinging slightly. She had been waiting for these words for a long time.

The afternoon cemetery was quiet and solemn. The wind blew through the pine branches, bringing a touch of cool air. Nancy placed a bouquet of white jasmine and elegant daisies gently before James's tombstone.

James possessed a dignified appearance very similar to Simon's, with an undeniable aura of integrity in his brow. Even captured in a photograph, his steady and resolute temperament remained clear.

She stared at the photo of her biological father in silence for a long time before finally asking softly, "How exactly did Dad pass away?"

Simon gazed into the distance, his voice muffled. "Dad was a criminal investigator in life and handled many major cases. Later, due to complications from a serious injury, he was transferred away from the front lines. But he didn't die in the line of duty."