Web Novel
Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 452: The Deterrent Effect
Antonio set down his tea mug, his voice steady and grounding.
"Who is to say that these small animals do not have their own ways of communicating? If their companions vanish, won't others take notice? Criminals still have to walk; they still have to leave the scene. Who can guarantee that during the entire process, not a single pair of animal eyes was watching? Even if they try to kill the witnesses, how can they ensure none slip through the cracks? Birds fly much faster than humans can run."
...
"To truly commit a flawless crime under these conditions, one would have to be a god."
Antonio shook his head. "Just thinking through these logistics raises the cost of crime exponentially. It becomes impossible to guard against everything; the more you think about it, the bigger the headache."
Nearly ninety percent of potential offenders would give up at this stage. They would be deterred by the sheer concept of the omnipresent eyes represented by Nancy and her animal companions.
In that moment, the fundamental purpose of the police force using a beast language investigator as a deterrent to prevent crime had been achieved.
The remaining ten percent, those who would go to any lengths to commit a crime despite the risks, were the true opponents of the police. Nancy and the authorities worked to scare off ninety percent of potential threats, then used 100 percent of their professional resolve and expertise to root out and neutralize that final, most difficult ten percent without exception.
Snow continued to fall outside, but the room was filled with a quiet warmth.
Simon searched for a few documents on his phone and handed it to Nancy.
"Look at this, Nancy. Since you started assisting with cases, the crime rate across the entire Southeast Province has dropped significantly over the past six months. Command believes that the psychological deterrent you provide as a beast language expert is a primary factor."
He swiped to the next page, showing a screenshot of a draft with an official police letterhead titled Opinions on Strengthening the Protection of and Collaboration with Working Animals.
"The police already anticipated that people might target animal witnesses. Consequently, the High Command has decided to grant animals formal legal protection. The military is pushing for it as well, and with both forces behind it, the process will be swift."
He looked into Nancy’s eyes, speaking with gentle patience.
"Furthermore, many people used to feel that animal protection had nothing to do with them, that it was a hassle or they simply didn't care. That has changed. Because of your role as a communicator, everyone understands that the cats and dogs on the street or the birds on their windowsills are like living security cameras. If those animals are healthy and active, they might scare off a prowler or provide a lead to the police. The latest polls show that over eighty percent of the public supports animal protection legislation."
Listening to Simon and seeing the hard data and official files, Nancy’s spiraling thoughts finally settled.
"Everyone understands that protecting the small animals around them is equivalent to having extra surveillance at their doorstep. Who wouldn't get behind that?"
Simon closed the file. Seeing the tension leave Nancy’s face, he smiled warmly. "With this momentum, the passage of more detailed animal protection laws will happen even sooner than we expected."
Nancy looked up, the light returning to her eyes. "I understand now!"
Snowball rubbed its cold little nose against her cheek. "Don't worry, Nancy! The more the Two Legs know we animal police are watching, the less the bad guys will dare to act!"
The ferret puffed out its chest and stood with paws on its hips in a majestic pose. "If they dare come for us, we have the entire animal kingdom, the police, and the military at our backs!"
Master Crow added slowly, "As they say, justice will always prevail over evil!"
Nancy smiled, pulling both little creatures into her arms and gently stroking their furry heads.
"Yes," she whispered against their soft fur. "Together, we are the strongest team."
The anxieties that had unsettled Nancy began to melt away like frost on a window meeting the indoor heat, revealing a clear and warm path forward.
Just then, a crisp, disciplined knock sounded at the door before it swung open.
It was Nancy’s two military guards, individuals who usually remained nearly invisible. They stood at the entrance, tall and straight as pines.
"Nancy," the sharp featured female guard began, "we have contacted the nearby military base and deployed counter electronic surveillance equipment. All infrasonic interference sources affecting the birds have been located and dismantled."
The male guard beside her added succinctly, "Bird activity within a twenty kilometer radius has returned to normal. The threat has been neutralized."
The two of them usually moved like silent shadows, keeping their distance and maintaining a low profile. But when they acted, it was with thunderous precision and absolute efficiency.
Nancy’s eyes lit up. "That is wonderful! Thank you both for your hard work!"
Before she could say more, her phone rang. It was Barry.
"Nancy, the soil samples have reached the lab."
His voice came through the receiver accompanied by the faint hum of machinery. "The closest facility with the most advanced equipment is the Elpis Project Joint Biological Laboratory."