Having obtained a disguise at the expense of Greg and Annie, Dr Jenkins decided that if he was quick and clever enough, he would be able to rescue the two Police officers being held in the Stables. He would then surely be pardoned for his involvement, and perhaps even rewarded for helping to bring the Zoo down. It was risky, but the rewards were definitely worth it.
With his goal in mind, the doctor started making his way towards the Stable. It soon became clear that he was being hotly pursued as security personnel patrolled the area and occasionally relayed information through their radios.
Despite drawing a few confused glances with his unusual outfit, Dr Jenkins did eventually make it to the edge of the Stable complex. He looked around anxiously, knowing he had to avoid the many attendants and stablehands as they carried out their chores.
He also remembered that the two officers were being held in a room at the back of the main Stable building when he last saw them. There was a rear entrance but he suspected that his ID card had been disabled, and if used it might even lead the Zoo’s security forces right to him. There was no alternative; he would have to go in through the front.
Jenkins tried to act natural as he made his way inside the large barn. He pretended to adjust his cap as a couple of workers walked past him, seemingly not recognising him. He then quietly moved into the barn, pretending to be a guest inspecting the horses as he shuffled towards the back of the building.
Jenkins made it about half way down the row of stalls before he nearly jumped out of his skin.
“Can I help you sir?” A charming female voice piped up as a hand tapped him on the shoulder.
Jenkins pretended to clear his throat as he tried to regain his composure. “Umm… yes ma’am, I was just admiring your wonderful horses, fantastic beasts aren’t they?”
“Indeed, all of our animals are well looked-after and come from fine stock. They are also impeccably trained. You see, they understand that good behaviour is rewarded, while acting out of order will land them a one-way ticket to the stud farm!”
The woman chuckled slightly, as if she were telling a light-hearted joke. However, he could sense the nearby horses tense up when she looked their way. Clearly the formerly-human animals knew better than to ignore the woman’s threats.
“So are you looking for a horse to ride sir?” The woman continued, clearly showing her eagerness to add another resident to the Stables. “Perhaps I can recommend this handsome fellow?” Dr Jenkins looked up to see Harry munching his hay in the corner of his stall. He was relieved that the stallion had his back turned, since he knew Harry would recognise him instantly.
Jenkins swiftly moved along, trying to avoid eye contact with the annoying attendant as she continued to nag him.
“Ah yes, here we have Sophie and Princess,” the woman continued ‘two of our most recent arrivals. Both of them took a short while to adjust to their new… lifestyles when they arrived, but now they’re a pair of perfectly happy horses, aren’t you girls?”
Both men-turned-mares nodded enthusiastically as the woman reached out to stroke their noses. “Unfortunately, both of these lucky ladies have already been bred earlier today, so they are unavailable to ride at the moment. Not to worry, there are plenty more eager horses for you to choose from. Take these two for example, Alan and Megan are a pair of magnificent mounts, and I’m sure they would be able to…”
“Ok I think I’ve got the picture madam” Jenkins said bluntly. “How about I come and find you once I’ve chosen who to ride, how about that?”
“Of course” the woman said with a slightly annoyed smile before she left to greet the Stable’s next visitors.
With the attendant out of the way, Dr Jenkins continued to work his way along the row of stalls, pretending to peruse the animals as he passed them.
Eventually, Dr Jenkins reached the back of the barn. He then looked around to check that nobody was watching before he approached the door and quickly slipped inside.
Inside the room, Jenkins saw...