Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 299: The Scent Of Lapis

The death of another person turned the threat in the mountains into a bloody reality. The weight on their shoulders grew heavier in an instant. They had to find Ingrid as quickly as possible and stop this from happening again.

Jerome’s expression was grim. "Takins are brutal. I’m coming with you."

The younger officers around him tried to talk him out of it. "Jerome, let us go. You shouldn't be the one taking the risk."

Jerome wouldn't budge. "I’m a local. I grew up at the foot of Gumroad Peaks and I’ve been gathering herbs in these woods since I was a kid. I know this place better than anyone." He looked at Simon and Nancy with a tone that left no room for argument. "If the city sent two people down here, I’m personally making sure you get back safely."

The three of them set off. As soon as they crossed the trailhead, the air turned damp and cold. Massive ancient trees blocked out the sun, and the ground was thick with decaying leaves that felt soft and spongy under their boots. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting mottled patterns on the moss-covered rocks.

They hadn't gone far when a familiar chattering came from above. Coco and Bobby were perched on a high branch, their bushy tails swishing.

Nancy smiled and pulled a few nuts from her pocket, placing them on a small stump. "I know you're impatient. Here’s the resupply for the scout team."

She reached out to scratch the Tabby King’s chin and produced a piece of dried fish like a magic trick. "Don't be mad, Your Majesty. Here is your tribute."

Jerome watched the interaction, rubbing his eyes in total disbelief.

The Tabby King crunched on the fish. "Is this new guy one of my minions too? Tell him to keep up. I’ll look out for him."

Jerome felt the cat staring at him and pointed to his own nose. "Was... was he just looking at me?"

Nancy couldn't help but laugh. "The King says you look reliable. He’s promised to protect you."

"Oh?" Jerome straightened up, looking surprisingly flattered. He actually gave the Tabby King a quick salute. "Thank you... thank you, Your Majesty."

He realized what he was doing a second later and his face turned bright red. He started fussing with his collar, even though it was already perfectly straight.

Simon knelt down and spread the map over a flat rock. "According to Eugene, his mother went in to source materials for lapis lazuli and red pigments." He pointed to a spot on the map. "We’ll start with the nearest mineral site."

He looked at Jerome. "Where exactly was the herb collector found?"

Jerome pointed toward a nearby ravine. "Over there. From the injuries, he fell from the cliff above. Time of death was about four days ago."

Nancy looked in that direction, frowning. "That’s strange. This isn't marked as a takin habitat. They usually stay much deeper in the mountains. This outer area should have been relatively safe for a local."

Simon folded the map. "Let's stick to the plan. With the animals scouting, we can avoid the worst of it."

With the small animals leading the way, they made steady progress. Before they knew it, the sun began to dip, staining the sky a deep orange. The temperature dropped fast as the woods grew dark.

They reached the lapis lazuli site marked on the map. Nancy immediately sent her animal partners out to gather intel. "Ask around. See if anyone saw a woman with a wooden crate around here lately."

It didn't take long for Mist to return with a lead. "A snake says he saw her! She spent some time in the mineral area and then headed north."

Jerome found the location on his map. "North... that’s where the wild safflower grows. The locals call it Eagle’s Edge." His face hardened. "Takins have been spotted there before. We have to be extremely careful."

The siblings nodded.

"I’ll have the scouts stay ahead of us," Nancy said. "The second they catch a scent of a takin, we move."

Jerome watched her work and let out a sigh of admiration. "Having animals as guides is incredible. It makes everything so much easier."

He shook his head, looking a bit envious. "It’s a shame. A gift like yours is one in a million. Not everyone can do what you do."

Nancy gave a small smile. "Don't worry about it. We’ve got a long way to go."