Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 347: The Gathering

Nancy wasn't about to go ghost hunting alone. Without a second thought, she dragged along Simon, who was currently on leave. She figured if there actually were any restless spirits, Simon’s overwhelming aura of justice and badge-carrying authority would be enough to keep the peace.

Simon was still looking confused as he packed his bags. Nancy practically shoved him toward the airport. "Move it, Simon. We’re going to bust some ghosts!"

Faylin’s company was based in Cloudtopia, necessitating a flight. She had thoughtfully booked them first-class tickets. Ordinarily, checking in exotic pets like Snowball and Chunk for air travel would have been a logistical nightmare. However, the two little guys were now officially recognized animal detectives with state credentials. With government certification and health clearances from the official veterinary team, the paperwork was a breeze. Apparently, having a government job came with some serious perks.

A private car was waiting for them the moment they touched down. The siblings were whisked away to the lakeside villa belonging to Faylin’s grandmother.

It was an aged, grey-walled building covered in lush ivy. It stood silently by the water, and while it bore the marks of time, it possessed a certain rustic elegance. Isolated and standing alone, the villa looked somewhat lonely in the gathering twilight.

Nancy and Simon both wore hats and masks, dressed in low-key black and white athletic gear. They looked subtle but professional.

"Ms. Nancy, I’ve been looking forward to your arrival." Faylin greeted them, wearing a sharp grey wool coat. Her wavy hair framed a face that radiated both competence and grace. She smiled as she approached, her eyes scanning the duo.

Nancy stepped forward, holding a sleepy Snowball, while Chunk remained snoring in his travel crate. She gestured to her side. "This is my brother, Simon. He’s here for moral support."

Faylin nodded to Simon with a knowing glint in her eyes. "I’ve heard of you. One of the stars of the police force. A pleasure to meet you." She joked lightly. "I just hope we don't actually find a crime scene in my grandmother’s house."

Faylin pointed toward the villa, her tone turning frustrated. "Though, if you can expose the tricks these scammers are playing, that would be helpful. I’d be happy to have them packed off to the station."

"Scammers?" Nancy tilted her head.

"Exactly," Faylin sighed. "My grandmother has invited one priest after another, healers, shamans, clerics. Every one of them claims the house is haunted and tells these wild, supernatural stories."

As she led them toward the front door, she shook her head. "They perform rituals, sell cleansing beads, and chant over every corner. The elderly are vulnerable to this. She’s already spent over a million on these trinkets. No matter how I try to talk sense into her, she’s obsessed."

The three of them stepped inside, and Nancy and Simon froze. The living room looked like a convention for the occult.

A long-bearded cleric in traditional garbs sat with his eyes closed, chanting. Next to him, a pastor in a robe and sunglasses was whispering over a Bible. In the corner, a woman draped in a cloak gestured over a crystal ball. It was a chaotic display of competing superstitions.

Faylin’s grandmother was easy to spot. She was a kind-faced, plump elderly woman whose wrists were weighed down by a dozen different protective bracelets and charms. Currently, she was surrounded by a group of witches.

"I’ve bought all these artifacts from you," the old woman said anxiously. "So why do I still hear that thumping against the walls every night? I haven't slept in two weeks!"

the group chimed in one after another.

"Madam, the dark energy in this house is simply too heavy! If you ask me, you should move out as soon as possible!"

"Indeed. This is a cursed property. You must sell it immediately, or the spirits will never leave you alone!"

"Yes, sell it quickly to break the cycle of bad karma!"

"This house is not for sale!" Faylin marched forward, cutting through the chatter. She greeted her grandmother and introduced the newcomers. "Grandma, these are the detectives I told you about. They are here to find the real cause of the noise."

The old woman adjusted her glasses, looking at the young siblings with deep skepticism. "Detectives? Can detectives catch ghosts?"

The self-proclaimed masters, seeing new competition for their paycheck, immediately began to protest.

"These two? They look like they just finished school."

"You think this level of experience can compete with us?"

"Detectives? What a joke! Here in Dracovia, we follow the path of metaphysics, not that logical nonsense!"

One man even sneered at Faylin. "You’re going to end up hurting your grandmother like this!"