Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 367: State Protection

"At the same time, Loren Zoo will be designated as a National Strategic Priority Project. The state will invest tens of millions into its upgrade, turning it into a world-class animal research facility. As for you, your status will be equivalent to a Senior Colonel in technical services, complete with the salary, a private car, a driver, and an assistant. Most importantly, you, your immediate family, and every member of the zoo will be placed under the highest level of military protection. From now on, your safety is national safety."

The list of conditions made Nancy’s heart race. She was basically being treated like a national treasure.

Nancy straightened her back immediately. "Reporting for duty, sir! I’m ready."

As soon as she said it, she thought about her recent training. Those classes at the combat center hadn't been for nothing, and Barry’s extra sessions had certainly left their mark. Her actual fighting skills hadn't improved much, but her ability to run away was now top-tier. If Barry tried to catch her for more training now, she’d be gone like grease on a hot pan.

As for her actual combat ability? She’d probably have a ten-percent chance against one of the zoo's kangaroos. The kangaroo would land one punch, and she’d be meeting her maker.

Nancy quickly added, "Um... sir, can I request to partner with my brother, Simon? We’re known as the golden duo at the station. We work perfectly together."

Graham let out a hearty laugh. "I’ve heard all about you two. Of course. Simon’s expertise in criminal investigation is exactly what this mission needs."

In cases involving national security, joint military and police operations were standard. The military handled strategy and force, while elite police provided the investigative tech. There was already a smooth system in place for it.

Graham made the call on the spot. "I’ll send the official request to the police department now. Simon is officially seconded to the task force."

The military moved fast. Within forty-eight hours of Nancy nodding her head, everything was ready. She and Simon boarded a private jet heading Northwest.

Inside the cabin, Nancy watched the city shrink through the window, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. She was worried about the animals back at the zoo, her friend Star, and for some reason, Barry was the last person to flash through her mind. Even though she’d escaped the monster and his training sessions, she felt a strange flicker of unease.

Simon was as steady as ever, flipping through the initial files Graham had sent over.

"Don't worry," he said, noticing her restlessness as he closed his tablet. "Everything in Townsville is handled. National security has teams at the zoo for twenty-four-hour protection. Your little friends at Loren Zoo will be perfectly safe."

Hearing that, Nancy finally relaxed. Having the weight of the state behind her was incredibly reassuring.

The moment the plane landed, an unmarked off-road vehicle was waiting on the tarmac. They were whisked away to the Northwest Wildlife Rescue Center.

Graham Rex was there to meet them. After a quick handshake, he skipped the small talk. "Time is tight. Let’s head straight to the lynx. She’s our most important witness."

When the lynx saw Nancy again, she was much calmer. She recognized the human who had spoken to her from the little box.

"Whoa, Nancy! You climbed out of the box!"

Nancy knelt down to meet her gaze. "That’s right. We’re here to find the killer. Try to remember exactly what the person looked like that day. What color were their clothes?"

The lynx tilted her head, her golden pupils shifting like precision lenses.

"The clothes... they were like what the people who caught me wear. That... brownish-yellow."

A lynx’s vision was superb, especially at picking out camouflage that blended into the environment. They could distinguish shades of green and brown that looked identical to humans.

"He was taller than you and that man," the lynx continued. "And as thin as that half-dead spruce tree over there."

"Tan or khaki tactical-style clothing. Height around six-foot-one, thin build," Nancy translated immediately. "A lynx is extremely sensitive to movement and color. This description is highly reliable."

Graham’s adjutant took notes, his brow furrowing. "That build is similar to Logan’s. No wonder she got them confused. We need more."

Nancy stood up and looked at Graham. "Sir, I request to go to the lynx’s den immediately. The killer was active there. There’s a good chance other animals saw something too."