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Natalie looked upset during the phone call.

"The overnight patients' cages have been opened!" She told Dad and me "I gotta go!"

"Let's all go" I suggested, as there could be important clues at that other scene. "I'll let the cops know."

Soon, everyone was on their way. The clinic was a madhouse! Animals fought each other, a couple of parakeets were flying around, avoiding potential predators, a ferret scurried around, a dog whined in pain, while some cats mewed loudly. Thankfully, a couple of employees, not to mention her partners were there. Maybe this was what it took to get Natalie to realize how reckless she is being! I hope her partners talk to her! She needed to see that it wasn't just me.

As soon as everything was under control, the police talked to Natalie's employees and partners.

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After the cops finished with us, Carl took me aside.

"Something tells me that you pissed someone off" he began.

"I did" I admitted somberly, telling him what happened at my and Alan's place, and I explained about my investigation.

"Maybe you should leave investigation to the pros?" he suggested seriously, and added. "I know your heart was in the right place, but it's not you job. This is relaity,and as you have seen, there have are consequences.We're lucky that none of the patients died or were seriously hurt!"

"Carl..."

"Think about that, okay?"

The police stayed a long time collecting fingerprints and other evidence. Carl and I finished treating any animals that were injured as a result of getting out of their cages. Alan stuck around to help us out with cleanup, as did a couple of cops and Don.

"I found this guy" the agent told me, holding a struggling rabbit.

"I was looking for that one! Thanks!" Carl said happily got it from him, and cooed. "There you are little buddy!"

"Got all your patients, Natalie?" Don asked me evenly.

"They're all accounted for." I said.

"You know, Natalie, something could have happened to Dad" he began after checking to see that Alan was still on the other side of the clinic. "People sometimes go after loved ones, ya know?"

"Whoever did this didn't know Alan from Adam!" I scoffed, but a large part of me was worried.

"I'm gonna arrange protection for you guys, just to be safe"

"Thanks..." I said.

Eventually, most of the cops left. Before we knew it, the grey of dawn started relieving the night. Around then, Don got a call, and reluctantly left after telling Alan to be careful, and to call if he needed anything.

"It'll almost be time to open." I remarked to Alan. "Why don't you go rest, Babe? That meeting isn't until midday" He looked exhausted; circles were around his eyes, and his body slouched.

"Sure you don't need help fixing things up?"

"The other employees are coming soon" I told him.

"Maybe we can clean up the house this weekend?"

"Maybe..." I said lamely. "Let's talk about it later."

"Okay..."

After some more nagging from me, he, under protest, went home, with an escort. I double checked everything, and the patients.

Maybe working will help me get through this. I sure hope so.

TBC