Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 182: A Place To Research

However, Jensen did not disclose any of these pressures to Nancy. He merely offered a gentle nod and a warm smile, unwilling to let his own burdens weigh her down.

Jensen took out a tissue and lightly dabbed the fine beads of sweat from his forehead, striving to keep his voice steady. "If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to ask."

Nancy watched as he struggled to maintain his composure. She spoke softly and earnestly, "Professor Jensen, please try not to worry too much. We will do our absolute best."

Jensen nodded, glancing at his watch with an apologetic look. "I have a meeting to attend, so I must excuse myself for now."

He turned to leave, but after a few steps, he suddenly remembered something and turned back toward Nancy with a kind expression.

"By the way, Nancy, the laboratory you used for your experiments back then—including the research data you left behind—I've kept it all for you."

He smiled, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "During a faculty meeting, someone suggested clearing out the old labs. I told them you were one of the most outstanding students in the Department of Animal Sciences. Your research has lasting value, and that data serves as a great reference for current students. That's how I managed to keep it."

Jensen continued, "If you ever need to use that lab again, just give me a call and I'll get the keys for you. The university is actually launching an 'Alumni Research Support Program.' I can help you apply to rent it for a symbolic fee. Consider it the school's way of supporting a brilliant graduate's startup."

Nancy was caught completely off guard. She froze for a moment before stammering, "Right... yes... thank you so much, Professor Jensen!"

She hadn't expected to find a place for her scientific research so quickly!

"You're very welcome." You earned it," Jensen said, waving a hand as he hurried away.

Watching his retreating back, Nancy felt a sudden lump in her throat. Simon gently ruffled her hair and whispered, "It seems our Nancy has met a truly wonderful teacher."

Nancy nodded, quickly gathering her emotions. "By the way, have the police found any clues from the surveillance footage?"

"I'm following up on that now; let me ask." Simon dialed a number, his voice deep. "How is the review of the old footage going?"

Jack's voice immediately came through, sounding anxious and helpless. "Ugh, don't even get me started! It's a total mess. All the cameras near Art Room 01 happen to be broken."

He added, his speech quickening, "The Second Teaching Building had its wiring renovated recently, and the power was cut several times during construction. The surveillance system likely took a hit. Plus, the people coming in and out lately have been a mixed bag—construction crews, faculty, delivery drivers... it hasn't stopped. The workload for the screening is massive, and we haven't found a clear lead yet."

Simon pondered for a moment before speaking decisively. "I'll head over to assist." I was just thinking—since there was no blood splatter in the art room, it means it wasn't the primary crime scene. The killer likely finished the dismemberment elsewhere and then moved the body here to be encased in clay."

He continued his analysis, "The Second Teaching Building has been under renovation, so most people entering and exiting are movers or material transporters. If the killer disguised themselves as a renovator and used the transport of materials as a cover to move the body parts, they wouldn't just avoid suspicion—they could skillfully bypass the cameras."

Simon stated firmly, "I suggest we focus our screening on personnel transporting large building materials that match the size of that statue."

On the other hand, Jack agreed repeatedly. "That's a great direction!"

Just then, Jack's tone suddenly became excited. "Oh, Mr. Simon, you don't need to rush over! The bureau just sent more reinforcements. They said because this campus murder is so high-profile, they've specifically increased support."

Jack's voice held a hint of relief. "Professor Grant is here with his team." He brought two technicians who specialize in image analysis. He said they could help us speed up the surveillance screening!"

When Simon and Nancy heard the name "Professor Grant," they instinctively locked eyes, a flash of surprise passing between them. However, they said nothing. At this moment, a life was at stake, and catching the killer was the only thing that mattered.

As the sky gradually darkened, the siblings' first day of investigation proved to be difficult. The little animals returned one by one, but none brought back a key clue.

Snowy the ermine slumped back onto Nancy's shoulder, its little head drooping and its voice muffled. "I smelled every inch of the Second Teaching Building, inside and out... I really couldn't catch the scent of the victim's blood."

Nancy felt a pang of sympathy and stroked its tiny head, comforting it softly. "It's okay. Simon told me before that investigating cases is like this. You can't always solve them in a flash."