The Friends Network

Sarah gave him a hug and a smile, and they walked off down the quiet tree lined street. Liza sniffed at the ground and tugged at her leash as they walked.

"This is it", Sarah whispered and they stopped to look at the house.

"Nice place", John said. He waited at the sidewalk while Sarah walked with Liza to the side of the house and attached the leash to a spigot. She rejoined John, looking back over her shoulder at Liza and frowning.

"I know, I know", said John. "But it just wouldn’t be appropriate to bring her. Not everyone is dog crazy like you."

Sara gave John an affectionate punch on the arm and they started for the front door.

In the house, Bill Peterson was sitting on the sofa watching the news when the front door opened. He looked up as Sarah entered, smiling that smile of hers. She stepped over to Bill as he stood. He saw John enter, but before he ask what was going on, Sarah brought a long knife from behind her back and slashed across his throat. He tried to scream, but a soft gurgling sound was all that came out. John watched, ready to back her up, but the man just stared at her, stunned. Sarah thrust the knife into his stomach and he collapsed to the floor. She knelt beside him and began rhythmically stabbing down into his chest.

When John was sure that Sarah had things well in hand, he moved down the hallway. He peered around a door frame into a room where Rebecca Petersen was sitting on little Elizabeth’s bed, reading her a story from a book she held on her lap. John turned back into the hallway and leaned against the wall. He reached into his jacket and came out with two knifes, and gripped each one tightly in his fists. He took a deep breath and stepped into the room.

Walking back to the RV, Liza decided it was time for a bathroom stop. When the dog had finished her business Sarah removed a plastic bag from her pocket and picked up the mess. Another couple passed by them. Smiles were exchanged. John took the doggy bag from Sarah and carried it gingerly, holding it away from his body as they walked.

At the RV, Sarah fumbled with her keys, dropped them, then finally got the door open with shaky hands.

"It’s the whole secrecy thing, John", she said as they climbed in. "It’s the only part of the Friends Network I don’t like."

"I know, honey", John said as he slid into the drivers seat and started the engine. "We just have to try and remember all the good things the Network does for people." He tilted his head at her and wagged a finger, smiling.

"Okay", She said, "You got me. Don’t dwell on the negative."

They smiled at each other and squeezed hands.

"Well, it’s a long way to our next visit. Friend Daniel Adams in Tempe, Arizona if I’m not mistaken."

"Oh, I just love the Southwest," Sarah said settling back into the seat.

The RV pulled out from the curb and away down the street, a swirl of autumn leaves dancing in its wake.