Stables S.O.S. Read Online Free PDF Page A

“Let’s go into the woods,” I suggested. “We might find some inspiration there.”
    We didn’t. It was nice though, all damp-smelling and mossy underfoot, dappled sunlight finding its way through the trees. A few weeks before, the ground had been smothered with bluebells.
    â€œWe need to get some media coverage,” said Katy, her purple hoodie swaying in time to Bluey’s footsteps.
    â€œWhat, the papers and the TV?” asked Bean.
    â€œExactly!” Katy said.
    â€œWe need a friendly celebrity to be on our side,” said James.
    â€œLike who?”
    â€œNo idea, but it would have to be someone sympathetic to ponies,” James continued. “I mean, most people think anyone with horses is so well-off, they can afford their own land. It’s not like our ponies are going to be put down or anything if the development goes through.”
    â€œShhhh,” hissed Bean, dropping her reins and leaning forward to cover Tiffany’s ears with her hands. Seized by panic, Tiffany put her head down and shook it so violently, Bean slid down her neck onto the ground.
    â€œWhoops, my fault,” said Bean, rolling over and getting to her feet.
    â€œSorry,” said Tiffany, even though Bean couldn’t hear her. “I thought you were an ear-grabbing monster. Give me some warning next time.”
    We all waited for Bean to remount. It took a bit of time because although she is tall and willowy in stature, she has virtually no spring.
    â€œSo what sort of story does the media like?” I asked, watching Bean haul herself up by Tiffany’s saddle. If my old riding instructor had seen her she’d have had a complete freak-out on the spot.
    â€œSensational sob stories,” said James, “with celebrity endorsement!”
    â€œWhat, like the ponies would all die of broken hearts if they were split up, that sort of thing?” asked Cat.
    â€œWell, they will,” I said, stroking Drummer’s neck. “Drum and Bambi should never be parted.”
    â€œAbsolutely!” snorted Drummer.
    â€œTry telling other people that,” said James.
    â€œDo you think that would work?” asked Bambi—but I was the only one who could hear her.
    â€œSome people will care,” snapped Cat. She and James were still not quite back to being totally civil to each other since they’d been out together. It hadn’t ended well. James had dumped Cat, so the atmosphere was still a bit tense between them.
    â€œHow about telling them about Mrs. Collins?” asked Bean, back in the saddle again. “She shouldn’t be made homeless because of some development.”
    â€œIt’s not like her son is throwing her out on the street,” I said. “She’s going into a home. Lots of people go into a home.”
    â€œEven if they don’t want to,” Bean mumbled.
    â€œI can’t see a story, then,” Katy sighed. “If only we knew someone in TV or who worked on the papers, they might be able to see an angle.”
    â€œPia’s been on TV,” Bean reminded everyone.
    â€œI don’t know anyone though,” I said. I’d been on TV twice: once on an afternoon talk show with some bigwig horse experts and the second time in a one-time special with just me called Pony Whispering Live! It wasn’t exactly popular with the Hollywood set.
    We set off for home, the ponies quickening pace as they knew they’d get fed and turned out in the field once we got back to the yard. All of us were in a somber mood—the ride had produced absolutely no ideas, no solutions. It was mega depressing.
    â€œI can’t bear the thought of all these lovely old farm buildings being torn down for new houses,” Bean wailed as we rode along the drive.
    â€œThey’ll probably convert them. People go crazy for converted farm buildings, especially barns,” James told her. “There’ll be a trendy couple