The Zebra Snatcher

The old fashioned way, all the way. That was how Detective Donald liked it. He

smiled to himself as he carried his magnifying glass and briefcase to the zoo. It was the

day after the crime was committed and he was on his way to meet Jim, so he could begin

investigating. “Hello.” Jim called out. “Nice day.” Donald smiled and shook his head in

response. “The zebra’s cage is right this way.” Jim said. “The area hasn’t been touched

since last night.” The detective didn’t bother to answer… he got right to work. He could

picture the night the crime was committed, it was cloudy, and suddenly a suspicious

figure sneaked into the enclosure. Behind them their long hair blew in the wind. It’s a

shame that at the time, the detective didn’t know how close he was to the truth.

The next day Donald woke up early. He pulled out his typewriter and typed

everything he knew. The crime occurred at 9:04 pm, just eleven minutes before closing.

So far he had no suspects or evidence. Silently he chastised himself for not working hard

enough. He got dressed and set out to the zoo’s information desk. Once he got there he

asked for the list of all the employees who had access to keys and visitors who stayed late

that night. Both lists were short giving him his suspects, Allyson, Jim, Ashleigh, and

Suzi. Next Donald went to the zebra’s cage. He had to look around!

By noon detective Donald had evidence that made all the suspects look even more

suspicious. He found gum, ear buds, zebra fur, and a nametag. The zebra fur was the

most important clue. The fur had brown paint on it proving the zebra was still alive and

well. Detective Donald went to lunch to take a break. He pulled out his laptop to check

his e-mail. He found that his colleague, Detective Montez had found out more about each

suspect. Ashleigh was the zoo’s only vet and for years has wanted to experiment on

animals. Suzi is obsessed with zebras and Jim wants a pet. Finally Allyson wants revenge

for having to pick up droppings. Now that Donald knew their motives he almost had the

case solved; only a few pieces were missing.

Donald called Allyson. “Hello.” Allyson said, “How may I help you?”

It’s Detective Donald. Where were you the night of the crime?” He inquired.

“Umm I was painting and repairing fences.” She said hastily.

“Do you know where the others were?” Donald asked.

“Yes, Jim was at Olive Garden, Suzi was walking her dog in the woods, and

Ashleigh was in her office, Good bye!” Suddenly the phone went dead. But this was fine

with Donald, he knew exactly what happened.

Donald called all of the suspects down to his office at the police station. They sat

in chairs in front of him so he could see all of them. “Hello, everyone, I bet you are

wondering why you are here.” Donald said. Nods and whispers were exchanged.

Detective Donald went on to talk about the evidence and the motives. Everyone listened

on the edge of their seat to figure out who the zebra snatcher was. “So I declare Ashleigh

guilty!” Donald exclaimed. Gasps were exchanged as Ashleigh was handcuffed and led

away. “The zebra, Damien, was discovered in the horse enclosure. He was painted

brown. It turns out Ashleigh planned on sneaking him out at night when no one would

notice, so she could experiment on him.” Donald finally finishes, “You are dismissed.”

Donald claps his hands together smiling, another mystery solved!