Part 2

But in the blink of an eye, everything changed!

Buster came swinging through the air like a unhinged fuzzy missile, expecting Barnaby to flinch or run.

Barnaby didn’t even shift his weight.

Instead, with a movement so lightning-fast it defied his four-hundred-pound frame, Barnaby flicked the corner of his fish blanket 🐟.

SNAP!

The heavy plastic sheet whipped through the air with the sharp crack of a leather bullwhip.

The sound resonated like a gunshot against the concrete walls of the holding area.

The sheer air pressure caught Buster mid-leap.

The unhinged chimpanzee frozen in mid-air, his eyes opening wider than dinner plates 😳.

He completely missed his landing and tumbled sideways into a heap of wood shavings.

The metal pipe clattered uselessly onto the stone floor.

Barnaby smoothly pulled the blanket back over his shoulders, readjusting the lapels with pristine calm.

He didn’t even look down at the stunned chimpanzee resting at his feet.

He simply elevated his chin back into his signature pose.

The entire crowd outside the glass fell dead silent.

Gary stood frozen with his radio halfway to his mouth, his jaw practically touching his boots.

Buster slowly sat up in the sawdust, rubbing his bruised elbow.

The chaotic little primate looked up at Barnaby with profound, trembling awe.

Barnaby slowly lowered his gaze to look directly at Buster.

He didn’t roar.