The Fake Heiress and Her Purrfect Partner novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

The moment Grant’s voice echoed through the officer’s radio, recognition dawned immediately. When Grant stepped quietly beside Nina’s hospital bed, the officer’s eyes widened in surprise. “Captain Cole? From the Detective Squad? My apologies. I’m Eric Schmidt, with the Riverside Heights Precinct,” he introduced himself with a respectful nod.

Grant responded calmly, “No worries. This young lady isn’t seeking fame, and she’s not involved in the case. We invited her to act as a consultant, though she hasn’t accepted yet.”

The live stream exploded with excitement.

[Wait, the officer is here to support her?]

[So she really understands animals? She should be a zoologist!]

[Ms. Summer is definitely destined for great things.]

Nina’s heart swelled, knowing Grant wouldn’t appear without a solid reason. She smiled softly and told her viewers goodbye, ending the stream with a gentle wave.

Grant and the officers placed the gifts they’d brought on her bedside table, then discreetly handed her an envelope filled with cash.

Nina turned it over in her hands—at least three hundred dollars.

She offered her usual polite refusal. “Captain Cole, I really can’t accept this.”

Grant’s smile was warm and understanding. “Please, just take it. You helped us solve two cases and pushed yourself until you collapsed. We feel terrible for not taking better care of you. It would be a real loss to lose someone with your talent.”

He reached into his briefcase and pulled out a contract, sliding it across the bed toward her. “Ms. Summer, here are the terms: three thousand dollars a month, health and medical insurance, flexible working hours, plus bonuses for every case you help solve.”

He looked at her expectantly. “So, what do you think? Would you join the Jelasburg Police Department Headquarters Detective Squad as our special consultant?”

Nina’s heart raced as she flipped through the pages. The rewards section caught her eye: solve five cold cases and receive a high-performance car; solve ten major cases and earn an apartment.

Grant added, “For those who make significant contributions, we also offer a retirement plan—reserved for our top experts.”

Who could resist the promise of a house, a car, and a secure future?

Without hesitation, Nina picked up the pen and signed her name.

Handing the contract back with both hands, she smiled. “Captain Cole, looks like we’re colleagues now.”

*****

Three days later, Nina felt completely restored and was eager to leave the hospital behind.

She had a house, a car, and a retirement plan to work toward now.

Simon arrived to pick her up, and when they returned to the zoo’s staff dormitory, Nina found her room transformed by his thoughtful hands.

Her metal-framed bed was now outfitted with a proper mattress, draped in warm-colored sheets and cozy blankets. Her cabinet overflowed with snacks Simon had thoughtfully stocked.

Joy bubbled up inside her. “Simon, you’re amazing!”

Simon froze at her praise, surprised she was so easily pleased. He’d felt like he hadn’t done nearly enough for her.

Lowering his gaze to mask the guilt and sadness flickering in his eyes, he gently tousled her hair.

“I promise, I’ll do even better from now on,” he said softly.

*****

“No problem,” Nina replied.

The moment she ended the call, the Squirrel Bros slid down nimbly from the trees and scampered over.

Chubby’s wide eyes sparkled. “Nina, are you going out?”

Coco cut straight to the chase. “Can we come? We want to see the world too. We heard you’re going to a place called Pinehill Manor. Sounds like there’ll be lots of pine trees.”

Nina thought for a moment and nodded. Since she was heading somewhere new, having two little “assistants” along didn’t sound so bad.

She rummaged through the zoo’s storage shed and found an old pet carrier. The Squirrel Bros eagerly hopped in one by one, their excitement palpable.

*****

About twenty minutes later, a sleek red Ferrari pulled up in front of Forest Isle Zoo.

The window rolled down, and Jason, his blond hair gleaming in the sunlight, slipped off his sunglasses and stared at Nina. “Ms. Summer, you’re wearing that to Pinehill Manor?”

Nina looked at his fancy car and sharp outfit, then down at her work overalls, the carrier in her hand, and the vet kit slung across her shoulder. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

Jason rubbed his temples in frustration. “Didn’t I tell you to dress formally?”

Nina tapped the stethoscope hanging around her neck. “Isn’t this formal enough? One look and people know I’m a doctor. Or do I have to shave my head to look like a real vet?”

Jason sighed deeply. “Look, today is the owner of Pinehill Manor’s birthday. That’s the only reason Quentin’s even bringing the dog out. Normally, the guy’s impossible to reach. And you show up like this—ugh, never mind. Just get in.”

Feeling a little awkward, Nina climbed into the back seat.