Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 388: The Fox And The Script

"Boss! Great news! The witness is waiting in the back garden. It's a sand fox, and he says he saw the whole burial!"

Nancy followed Master Crow to the hotel gardens, where a handsome sand fox sat elegantly by a row of bushes. Nancy offered him a high protein energy bar with both hands. "Mr. Fox, please tell us everything."

The fox flicked his bushy tail and started his story. "About two weeks ago, on a moonless night, I saw a man driving a camel cart. He was acting suspicious, stopping way out in the dunes. He pulled back a tarp and dragged out three human shapes wrapped tight in white cloth. The smell of blood was so strong it made my nose ache from a mile away!"

The fox acted out the man’s movements, scratching his paws at the dirt and lowering his voice. "He was muttering the whole time he dug. Something about how dare you try to take my gold and now it’s all mine..."

Nancy stared. This fox was a professional. He wasn't just giving a statement; he was putting on a performance.

"Yes, exactly!" Master Crow added excitedly. "The fox said the guy stood over the pit and laughed like a maniac before he left!"

Nancy’s eyes lit up. "Gold? Was it a falling out among thieves? Did the survivor kill the others to keep the loot for himself?"

She tapped her chin, thinking it through. "But where did the gold come from in this desert? Did they steal it, or did they find a hidden mine?"

She knelt down. "Mr. Fox, did you see his face?"

The fox lifted his head, using a weathered, dramatic tone. "The man was cautious. He wore a black mask, leaving only his cold, dark eyes exposed. However..." He paused for dramatic effect. "His scent is burned into my memory!"

"The scent is enough!" Nancy laughed, amused by the theatrical fox. She pulled out a handful of premium jerky. "I will cover your room and board. I'll need your help as a desert detective to sniff him out later."

The fox delicately took a piece of jerky but kept up the act, tilting his head solemnly. "I witnessed the burial, yes, but I did not track his final destination. I fear I may fail your expectations."

"That is fine," Nancy said with a wink. "You said he used a camel cart, right? The camel will know the way. We just have to go ask the camel."

Master Crow nodded along. "Kid, you have a bit of my brilliance in you."

Nancy gave the crow’s tail a playful flick. She turned back to the fox. "Where did you learn to talk like that? People would think you were on a movie set."

The fox gave her a look that said she clearly didn't understand the world. He pointed a paw toward the film crew's location.

"I live right by the dunes where they were filming! I have been listening to them rehearse their lines every day."

He cleared his throat and launched into an impromptu performance. First, he mimicked a frail official. "Your Majesty! I beg you to reconsider!" Then he switched to a cold, sharp warrior's voice. "When this blade is drawn, blood must follow!"

He finished and shook his head in disgust. "The lead actor couldn't even memorize that. They had to reshoot it a dozen times. Human money is too easy to earn. If I were in that role, I would have nailed it in one take!"

The fox got more worked up as he spoke, his tail thumping the sand. "If they gave me a roasted chicken every day, I could even play the lead actress. I have way more range than she does!"

Nancy’s sides ached from laughing. She suddenly remembered Master Crow’s side hustle from the night before. "Master Crow, did you find that new location for the crew?"

"Of course," the crow said haughtily. "I sent the runner birds to lead them to the new dunes first thing this morning. Just remember to get the cash from Director Ramsay!"

Nancy was impressed by how fast the bird worked when money was involved. "Will do."

Just then, her phone rang. It was Simon.

"Nancy, we found a lead. Rino Mambia, twenty-seven years old. He was a guide at the resort, quiet, with average reviews. He quit suddenly two weeks ago. His place is empty, and he is completely off the grid."

Nancy quickly told Simon what she had learned from the fox.

On the other end of the line, she heard the rustle of fabric, followed by Simon’s excited voice. "Nancy, I happen to be in the staff lounge where Rino used to hang out. I just found a set of his old work clothes."