Chapter 25

Just over two weeks later, it was the day before Arabelle's birthday. The twins had planned to wait until sunset to begin the heist. Instead, shortly after breakfast, the Stabbingtons could be heard thrashing through the woods just beyond the farm the where the boys lived.

Flynn and Eugene glanced at each other. It didn't take long for the two to begin their silent, twin communication.

Oh no, Flynn. What are we gonna do? It sounds like they are coming here. I thought they didn't know where we lived.

Relax, Eugene. They don't know. I think they are just looking for us where they saw us, or rather me, last. In the woods near here.

You mean when we had Arabelle and Amber here? That's not good. We can't let them find the house. What should we do?

I have an idea. It's kind of crazy, but it should work.

Uh, Flynn. I'm not sure I like the sound of that.

Don't worry about it. Just follow my lead.

With that, Flynn turned and headed towards the Stabbingtons, who were no longer even remotely trying to be quiet and were now calling out for Flynn and Eugene. Flynn and Eugene snuck around and came at them from the opposite direction than the farm.

"Hey, guys. What are you doing out here?" Flynn called a greeting. "I had just come out to do some hunting and heard you calling out."

"Well," one of the Stabbingtons began. "You see, we need to do the job now. We can't wait until tonight like we originally planned."

"Why?"

"There's a fire spreading in town. We figure the guards are too busy with getting people out safely and trying to put it out to bother protecting it."

What do you think, Flynn? I think we should help, but both of us can't help if these guys expect us to help with stealing the crown. Maybe I could go help.

I would rather not have to worry about you getting hurt or killed in the fire, Eugene.

I know, Flynn. But I can't just sit back and watch people die if I could help save someone else. Especially if there are kids involved.

Ok, I understand. I will keep these two idiots occupied while you go see about helping fight the fire. Be careful, please.

Of course I'll be careful. So, I'll sneak off and head over to the fire. You keep them occupied enough to not notice when I leave.

Sounds good. Follow my lead.

"So we are going to get the crown now while the guards are busy with the fire. Guess we should get going now then, so we have time to get it and get away." Flynn said.

"Yeah, let's go. Might as well get it over with." Eugene responded.

'Follow me." With that, Flynn turned and headed out away from the house towards the palace.

The Stabbingtons followed behind, leaving Eugene to take the rear. After about 5 minutes of walking, Eugene decided it was time to go. Quietly, so as not to alert the Stabbingtons, he took off in the opposite direction – heading towards the fire. It took another 10 minutes of walking before Eugene came up on the fire. Right away, he noticed it wasn't just any house on fire. It appeared to be one of the palace guard's home if the murmurs spreading through the crowd was anything to go by.

Suddenly, he heard a small voice calling out for somebody to help in between coughing fits. Without hesitation, he ran in while the crowd gasped behind him. After a few minutes of searching, he found a little girl struggling to breathe. He quickly picked her up and held a wet cloth over her nose and mouth to block the smoke a bit.

"Are you the only one here, little one?" Eugene asked.

"Y-yes. My daddy was at work – I was supposed to be my aunt's house but I came back because I forgot my dolly."

"What about your mom?" asked Eugene.

"I don't have a mommy. My daddy said she went to live with the angels," replied the little girl solemnly.

"So, no one else was in the house?"

"N-no. I need my dolly. My daddy told me it looks just like my mommy used to."

"Well in that case, we need to get it for you, don't we? Stay here with the cloth over your face. I will see if I can get to it."

With that Eugene left the little girl for a moment to go back the way he came. Looking carefully, he found the little girl's doll. Grabbing it quickly, he raced back to where he had left the girl.

"Is this the doll you were looking for, little one?" Eugene asked her again.

"Yes. That's her. Thank you for getting her for me."

"We better get you out of here before something else happens." Eugene replied.

Grabbing the little girl, he carefully tucked her into his side and raced back out of the house to the relative safety across the cobblestone street.