Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 395: A Surprise On The Screen

Nancy’s mind started racing. This was a perfect match.

The animals at the Northwest Wildlife Rescue Center were bursting with energy and natural talent. They spent all day putting on shows in their enclosures anyway. Getting them a job on a film set would let them satisfy their acting itch and earn a massive food budget to help keep the center running.

Plus, they already had a seasoned pro ready to lead, the sand fox who had been studying the film crew for weeks.

"No problem," she said, her voice bright with excitement. "Consider it done, Ramsay. I'll head to the rescue center tomorrow morning and recruit a full cast of desert divas, led by our very own Best Actor nominee, the sand fox."

After a long day of chasing killers and striking deals with sand rats, Nancy and Simon finally made it back to the hotel. She hadn't made it to the wildlife park yet, but the thrill of finding a gold mine was still buzzing in her head.

She flopped onto the bed, kicking her feet in the air. "Do you think the government actually gives out rewards for finding gold? Maybe they will just send me a solid gold brick."

She hugged her pillow and rolled around, grinning. If she got a reward, that was more funding for the zoo construction.

She sat up and grabbed her phone to place a video call to Star back in Townsville. Since she’d been away, she had been doing Star’s psychological counseling via video and checking in on the zoo through him.

To make things easier, Barry had Jorgan set Star up with his own tablet and a dedicated account. It saved Barry from having to listen to two hours of barking every time Star wanted to tell Nancy about his day.

The call connected almost instantly.

The screen went black for a second as Star’s wet nose pressed against the lens, sniffing the air before he finally pulled back to reveal his handsome face.

"Nancy!" He wagged his tail so hard the camera shook. "The zoo was packed yesterday! Everyone was on their best behavior, though the tabby keeps trying to sit on my head. I even helped a lost kid find his mom!"

"Look at you, Star! Such a good boy!" Nancy wished she could reach through the screen to ruffle his thick fur. "Wait, did you go to the groomer again? You look like a giant, fluffy plush toy. So handsome!"

Star puffed out his chest, his tail turning into a furry fan. "Of course! I had to look sharp and smell good for our call!"

He tilted his head toward the bathroom. "My human followed my lead. He’s in there taking a nice bath right now."

Before Nancy could process that, Star used a paw to hook the tablet stand. The device creaked as he swiveled the camera toward the bathroom door.

The hotel layout looked strangely familiar.

Before she could say anything, the bathroom door clicked open. A cloud of white steam drifted out, followed by a man who was only wearing a towel low on his hips.

Barry stepped out, rubbing a dark grey towel through his damp black hair. Water droplets rolled off his sharp jawline and pooled at his collarbone.

"Star, stop staring at the tablet. Nancy is busy; she won't call tonight."

His voice was husky and low from the steam. As he walked toward the living area, the movement of his arms showed off every inch of his chest and abdominal muscles. Water trailed down the lines of his skin.

As he got closer to the tablet, Nancy’s brain completely stalled. She sat there, phone in hand, unable to look away.

Barry’s eyes were still hazy from the shower. But as he focused on the screen and realized who was on the other end, his pupils snapped tight. The laziness vanished, replaced by pure shock.

At that exact second, a voice came from right over Nancy’s shoulder.

"Nancy?"

Simon sounded suspicious. "What are you staring at so intently?"