39.Addison was taken off guard

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Addison quickly apologised to the police officer, then cut off the conversation and focused entirely on the veterinarian. The doctor's sharp gaze was unsettling, and Addison felt his interest rapidly veering towards concern. "It's not your fault. But you made a huge mistake by bringing this animal here," the veterinarian said, his next words striking him like a physical blow. The remark hung heavy in the air between them, its ramifications sending Addison's spine shills. As he considered these words, his heart dropped and his thoughts flew through all the possible causes of what might be wrong. The sincere concern in the vet's voice suggested this wasn't only about the animal's health - Addison hadn't thought through more general consequences when he had undertaken his well-meaning rescue effort.