The Friends Network

The Friends Network. They began quietly. Secrecy, they decided after long debate, was necessary because the Friends would be opening up their homes and hearts to members in need. They were all just good, kind people, everyday folks who thought that having someone, a Friend, in cities around the world who could help in times of trouble was a wonderful thing. Of course, most often it was a matter of suggesting a good hotel or restaurant. The Network, based on so simple and worthwhile a purpose, grew quickly.

"This is such beautiful countryside", Sarah said as John joined her. They stood looking out at the cattle grazing in the fields. The setting sun spread beautiful orange in the rolling hills beyond.

"Rugged beautiful", John said. "Have we been here before?"

"Santa Mena, about two hundred miles north is the closest", Sarah said. "Six years ago."

"Well, guess we’d better get back on the road", John said. "Take a picture in your mind, Sarah."

"You too", Sarah said, and they stood for a moment with an arm around each other, then turned and walked back to their motor home.

Back on the road, Sarah fished a sheet out of the folder and read as they drove, giving John driving directions in-between.

"The second report was put forth three months ago by Friend Larry Simmons. Larry is the regional Friends representative for this area."

"Oh," Sarah said, checking the map. "Turn right just up here."

John signaled his turn and slowed. She continued.

"Friend Larry states that he had stopped into a local restaurant for a beer. From the stool where he sat, he heard Bill Petersen’s voice. He turned to look, and saw Mr. Petersen sitting with a group of men, having drinks. Friend Larry says he was about to say hello when he heard Mr. Petersen bragging to his friends about being a member of a secret network.

"It’s the second right. Freeland drive," Sara said. John made the turn. Sarah glanced over at him. She knew the look. He didn’t have to speak for her to know what he’d say if he did. ‘There are some things a Friends member just doesn’t do.’

"It’s about two miles to the next turn, honey. And try to relax," Sarah said, and rubbed John’s arm. John looked over briefly, and tried to smile. He wasn’t succeeding though.

Sarah decided to finish the report quickly. It wasn’t doing either of them any good, and John obviously didn’t like what he was hearing.

"Friend Larry says further that Mr. Petersen seemed quite intoxicated, and went on to complain to his friends that the Network had yet to get him laid. Mr. Petersen’s friends were naturally curious about the Network, and began to ask questions about it. At that point Friend Larry made his presence known, giving Mr. Petersen a look which he felt conveyed the seriousness of the situation. Mr. Petersen seemed to understand, and stopped talking, and Friend Larry paid his tab and left the restaurant."

Sarah put the report back into her bag, and except for her directions to John, they drove in silence.

Darkness had fallen as the motor home pulled to a stop on a

residential street. Sarah went back to the closet and got their coats. She handed John his and went to get the leash for their dog, Liza, while John was busy in a closet.

Liza jumped happily at the sight of the leash. Sara attached it to Liza’s collar and she and john stepped from the motor home.

"Better lock it, John", she told him.

"Can’t be too safe", he answered. "I hope our visit goes okay."