Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 18: A New Beginning

She hadn’t even warmed the bracelet yet.

Three fleeting seconds—that was all Nancy got to feel like a millionaire.

Mary, baffled, protested, "This is just our personal thanks. Why can’t they accept it? These two risked their lives to save my daughter."

Jack cut in smoothly. "Madam, regulations forbid it. Active officers cannot take gifts." He turned to Samson. "Isn’t that right, Mr. Samson?"

Samson’s gaze lingered on the siblings. He knew their circumstances weren’t good—he’d seen Nancy’s rundown rental apartment when they arrested a suspect there. It was shabbier than his old family home.

"Yes, technically it violates the rules…" He sighed, then added, "But perhaps there’s another way. Would you be interested in a part-time position?"

Nancy, still mourning the loss of the bracelet and three-million check, snapped her head up. "What kind of part-time job?"

"I’d like to appoint you as a special consultant for the Townsville Bureau," Samson said seriously. "Ten thousand a month, flexible hours. You can continue your own work. When animals provide case-related leads, you pass them to us—we’ll pay you bonuses."

Jack’s eyes flickered in surprise. The Summers family’s cast-off, becoming his colleague?

Nancy’s gloom vanished in an instant. "Does it come with insurance and benefits?"

"Of course," Samson nodded. "Full coverage, same benefits as our officers."

He softened his tone. "If you have other requests, tell me. I’ll do my best to apply on your behalf."

It was tempting—like landing a secure government job. Nancy hesitated, then glanced at her brother. "Mr. Samson, I do have one request."

"Go ahead," he said.

She pointed at Simon. "He’s pulled off two big wins already. His record and skills speak for themselves. After this case, could he be transferred to the city?"

"Nancy…" Simon tugged at her sleeve, flustered.

She turned to him, eyes shining. "You deserve it."

Simon froze, his sharp eyes softening with emotion. Though they’d only been reunited a short time, the bond felt like family through and through.

Samson himself had been impressed with Simon’s skills from the start. The courage he’d shown storming the basement to save a hostage only deepened that respect. A man this capable being buried in a remote posting—it wasn’t hard to guess why. His light was too bright.

"Nancy," Samson said gravely, "transfers aren’t in my authority. But I’ll report your request in detail to my superiors."

Nancy’s heart leapt with hope. "Then we’ll wait for your good news."

Samson nodded. "For now, please both of you, and Miss Mandolin, return with us to give full statements."

…

It was past two in the morning when the reports were finished.

Mandolin’s parents insisted on driving Nancy and Simon home.

Seeing their humble place, they nearly called a contractor on the spot to renovate it into a luxury suite. But rules loomed overhead—giving them too much could cause trouble for Simon.

Jerry sighed and pressed his card into Nancy’s hand. "If you ever need help, call me."

Suddenly he brightened. "Wait—you said you’re a zoo director. Then a donation to the zoo wouldn’t break any rules, right? What does your zoo need most?"

Nancy’s eyes lit up. "The animals are running out of food, and I can’t pay the staff wages."

"Done," Jerry said firmly. "My assistant will contact the zoo tomorrow."

With food and salaries secured, Nancy finally slept soundly.

But she knew she couldn’t rely on donations forever. If the zoo was to survive, she needed to turn its losses into profits.

…

The next morning, Nancy packed her bags. It was time to move into the zoo’s staff dormitory.

Two Squirrel Bros hopped onto her windowsill, nibbling the teddy bear cookies she’d left out for them.

But when they saw her packing, their treats suddenly lost all flavor.

The younger one, cheeks bulging with crumbs, gazed at her with teary eyes. "Kind lady, are you moving away?"

He wiped his face with his brother’s big tail, sobbing. "Don’t you want us anymore?"