One
They are never alone that are accompanied with noble thoughts.
Sir Philip Sidney
"Why don't we row to Prospertown Lake then hike down?" Harold's voice slightly cracked with fear as the dawn breeze blew through his thin ash blonde hair. His small frame could barely keep the canoe from fumbling against the tide, which made rowing more strenuous.
"That wouldn't work it would take us too far east. Let's just stay here till we reach land and go from there." Richard said.
"I know; you're right. You are always right Richard."
"I know." Richard said blandly.
"What are we gonna do?" Harold trembled in the cold chill of the autumn air.
"What we have to." Richard's voice was unusually calm.
"I don't wanna get caught Richard, I don't wanna die!" Harold suddenly raised his voice.
"Do you think I DO?" Richard said snapping back.
"No, I know you don't. I'm just nervous and if they catch us they'll kill us for sure."
Richard turned around and lunged at Harold's mouth, covering it and almost suffocating him. The anger in his blue eyes combated the fear in Harold's brown. "You will NEVER say that again! They will not catch us, they will not kill us and this whole thing will end as soon as we have Fay."
"I'm sorry." Harold mumbled under Richard's palm. He pulled it off and turned back to rowing. "I wasn't thinking straight."
"Then quit debating this. One thing, I am not going to let you die. I can't let it happen."
"Ok, Richard. It's getting harder to row can we rest?" Harold shivered.
"Row a little more. I would like to get there as soon as she gets back from her walk."
"Ok Richard, if you're sure, because you know what's best." Harold pulled harder on the oars almost as if the water became thicker. "I liked Fay…she was pretty."
"Yes, she's very pretty and her sister too. But Fay needs to be with us." There was a firm determination in Richard's voice.
"Do you think anyone knows what we're gonna do?" Harold asked, setting the oars down as they started reaching the water's edge. "Have you ever killed anything before Richard?"
"Sure, lots of times. I used to run over ants with our bike and make glow-in-the-dark tattoos with lightening bugs when we were kids."
"Oh yeah, I remember. Where should I hide the boat?"
"Put it under the bushes over there and set some branches on it. It will be here when we come back with her, and then get to the car with no problem. Harold, remember we will not be able to take both girls back with us. There's not enough room."
"We're taking Fay right Richard? Cause she's the prettier one and we really like her."
"Of course we are, Harold. Don't worry."
Harold pulled the oars towards him and crawled out of the canoe. He pushed it into the steep hill of the water's edge in a thick brush area, concealing it. There was a small leather tote bag tucked in the pocket of the seat, which he grabbed. He frantically opened it and made sure everything he packed was still in there and it was. Rope, a bowie knife and gaffer tape. The sun was coming up quickly and he knew he had to time it perfectly so Fay would be home.
"Come on let's go do this." Richard said as Harold started walking off into the trail that led to the main road. He turned back towards the empty canoe and clutched the bag he walked off.