Kira pulled up less than a second behind Jebb, less than a second but she lost. Laughing the two hopped off of their bikes to head into the Boar’s Nest.

“You lose, Kira,” Jebb said as he took his helmet off.

“A deal’s a deal. I’ve got the first round.” Kira laughed as she handed over a couple of bills.

The two went in and Kira grabbed a table as Jebb went over to the bar and had a pitcher of beer brought over and a Scotch for Kira. Kira then took her jacket off as he was thanking the waitress, subconsciously flirting and Kira was well aware that JEBB wasn’t. When he turned back to her, his eyes about bugged out since he knew that she rarely wore revealing clothing. Grinning, Kira had to pick with him a little, though she knew the others would be in real soon.

“Something wrong, Jebb?”

“Where’s the rest of the outfit?”

Kira laughed as she reached for her drink, “I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.”

Jebb was about to say something else but noticed that Bo and the others finally showed up and were about to join them at the table. In no time at all, the six had began to laugh and carry on like they hadn’t a care in the world. All were dancing up a storm to the music coming from the jukebox and Kira was having more fun than she’d had in a long time. While Jebb agreed that there was no reason not just have a little fun, it didn’t stop him from keeping tabs on where Kira was. He was surprised when she didn’t seem to be fazed at all by any of the women that kept talking to him or asking him to dance.

Once when he was talking to a woman that had asked him to dance, he caught her eye as he realized that he had indeed been flirting back. Kira just mouthed the words I told you so before turning back to Brody, with whom she was dancing. Kira sat the next dance out as she watched Jebb getting torn between wanting to prove two very different points, one that he CAN make her jealous, and two that he’s not a habitual flirt when it comes to other women. Poor Jebb; by trying to do both, he couldn’t really do either.

Soon, Cooter had joined the Dukes. “How’s the best lookin’ lady lawyer from Atlanta doin’?”

“You want me to call her and ask for ya?” Kira always did have a way of deflecting compliments sent her way.

“Nah. How about a dance instead? Seeing as how your brother and cousins are here I’ll even promise to behave” Cooter said while giving a lop-sided grin and a wink. He didn’t want to admit it but Jebb didn’t like the way Cooter was flirting with his girlfriend even though he knew that the old family friend didn’t really mean anything by it. Shoot, he’s nearly a decade older than Luke. He was just being himself. Of course, Kira didn’t have to be enjoying it so much did she?

Teasing back Kira asked, “Then what’s the point?”

“Danged if I know.” Both laughed along with the rest as they headed to the floor. Midway through the song, Kira noticed that Ernie had left the bar and had gone over to talk to Bo. Cooter noticed too, “Uh Oh. Trouble.” Knowing that ordinarily, Luke was the one that took on Ernie for a reason. But tonight, it seemed that Bo was ready to give the fight that Ernie was looking for. Kira was ready to head back over when Cooter stopped her. “If its a fair fight, we gotta stay out of it. Ya know how mad you were the other night when the whole family came a runnin’, well same’s here.”

“That part of the good ‘ole boys’ handbook?”

Grinning slightly, “Something like that.” Still watching the exchange across the room, Kira saw Bo abruptly send a left cross at Ernie before an all out brawl was underway. No sooner had the fight started than Kira heard something about how Rosco had been called and was on his way. Rosco; the sheriff.

Grabbing Cooter’s arm, she asks, “Any rules about not letting the sheriff get in here?”

“No why?”

“You park around back or out front?”

“Round back, again, WHY?” Cooter asked a bit confused while still trying to follow the fight across the room.

“You up for a little shuck ‘n jive?”

“Next to a good fight, there ain’t nothin’ like a good jive. If’n it’s one on old Rosco, then it’s even better. What ‘cha got in mind?”

“Come on, I’ll explain it outside.”




Just as Cooter finished getting into place, Rosco’s patrol car came to reckless stop just outside the Boar’s Nest. Kira walked away from The General doing her utmost best effort NOT to look back. Instead she made a beeline to the patrol car as Rosco got out gleefully rubbing his hands together in anticipation of arresting a Duke.

“Sheriff Coltrane, I’m glad you made it. I hope you don’t mind it being me, waitin’ on ya here.” Kira hopped up on the trunk to sit, causing Rosco to stop and turn back to her.

“What? I was told that there was a ..”

“I didn’t figure you’d come if you were just told that a Duke wanted to talk to ya. So, well...”

“You wanted to talk to me? Why?”

“I just wanted to thank you personally for everything you did. Trying to find me when I was little and all. I know that the cases involving children are always the worst to work on. Give me an ordinary crook any day. Not everyone can handle the children.”

“I was just doing my job. I’m sorry I didn’t find ya. But I’m glad that everything’s goin’ to work out all the same.” Kira hopped off the trunk and walked over to Rosco and slipped her arm through Rosco’s giving him a smile. She hoped that Cooter was ready.

“Well, how about we go on in and I’ll buy ya a drink?”

“That’s mighty nice of ya. I’d be just a pleased as punch to accept your offer.” Just as Rosco went the close the door to the patrol car, the CB came to life.

“Breaker one, Breaker one. I might be crazy but I ain’t dumb. Cr-A-zy Cooter comin’ right at ya. Rosco, you got your ears on? Come back.”

Reaching in to grab the CB mic, “This is Rosco P. Coltrane. I got my ears, eyes, and nose on. What do you want?”

“I thought you told them kids not to be drag racin’ down by the Mudd Flatts over on Pinehurst Ridge.”

“I did! Are you telling me them dang-blasted kids are back again?”

“Now I ain’t sayin’ they are, and I ain’t sayin’ they ain’t. I just figured you’d might want to ride out and take a look for yourself.”

“Oooh! I’ll get them kids. I’m down and I’m gone,” turning back to Kira, “Looks like I’ll have to take a rain-check on that drink.”

“That’s alright. Maybe when I’m back in town, I’ll run a speed trap and we’ll play tag, instead.” Kira laughed as she heard Roscoe giggle to himself.

“Oh, Hot pursuit! I love it, I love it! I’ll catch ‘cha later.” With that Rosco sped off towards the Mudd Flatts.

“Not if I can help it.” Kira mumbled to herself as she watched the patrol car speeding down the dirt road. When the car was out of sight she signaled the all clear to Cooter. Climbing out of the stock car, he busted out laughing causing Kira to join him.

“Just what would you have done if he hadn’t of fallen for that?”

“I would’ve thought of something,” Kira paused then added, “or prayed.”

“Fortunately, it worked. Let’s go see if those two are still at it, now.”




While Kira was dancing with Cooter Jebb began to stew a bit. Okay, she’d proven her point. She didn’t get jealous easily but he does. Lesson learned. Now, time to pull her aside so she can gloat. He was about to go cut in when off to the side, he saw Bo and Ernie getting into it.

Suddenly, Bo took a swing at him and and all out brawl was underway. Being closer than Luke or Judd, Jebb figured he’d better get over there to be ready in case he needed help. Ernie’s brother got ready to join in but Jebb pulled him back to ensure that it remained a fair fight. It didn’t take long for Judd and Luke to actually pull the two fighters apart. Both had heard that Rosco had been called and Luke didn’t intend to have to tell Uncle Jesse that Bo would be spending the night at Rosco’s Iron Bar Hotel. Luke steered Bo back to the table while Judd ran interference. Ernie looked ready to try to take Judd on since his fight with Bo had been interrupted so Jebb figured he’d pass on a little advice.

“Tony, you might want to warn your brother there that that’s Killer Kaine. You think he can take on a professional boxer. ‘Cause if you want to take him home in one piece, I suggest that you get him on out of here.”

Tony eyed Jebb, considering what he’d just been told before heading off to convince his brother that they should leave. Turning back to the table, he saw that Luke was doing what Luke does best, reigning in Bo. As Jebb went over to join the others, he noticed Cooter and Kira coming in from outside and joined the others laughing their heads off.

“Where did you two disappear to?” Jebb eyed Kira as Bo asked his sister since he kind of wanted to know the same thing. Kira picked up her glass as she answered.

“While you were in here two steppin’ with Ernie, I took Cooter outside to take advantage of ‘em,” Kira took a sip to mask the smirk creeping across her face as she tried to keep a straight face. It was about all she could do NOT to bust out at the look that very briefly crossed Jebb’s face. After a pause to allow eyebrows to be raised and looks exchanged she added, “Puttin’ him to work on a little shuck ‘n jive on Rosco.”

“And one fittin’ of a Duke. I ‘bout died when old Rosco tore out of here towards the Flatts. The whole time he thought Kira was just as sweet as can be. She even told him that they’d have a game of tag the next time she’s in town.” The cousins all laughed at the image of Rosco getting excited over having a new Duke to chase. Then just as Kira went to take the last sip of her scotch, Cooter added, “For the record, Darlin’. You can take advantage of me anytime.” That caused everyone to laugh once again while Kira choked on her drink. Jebb sent her a look that was clearly him saying, Serves ya right.

“I’ll admit I opened that door, but don’t ya think that you could have waited until AFTER I’d finished my drink?” Kira asked as she tried to catch her breath.

“Could have, but it wouldn’t have been as much fun,” Cooter answered.

“On that note, I think that perhaps we should get out of here before the sheriff gets out to Pinehurst and finds that no one has been up there racing. Wouldn’t do at all if he came back and we were all still in here.” Jebb was all in favor of leaving. Especially if it meant that his torment of the evening would end. No two ways about it. They were not going back out together before they came clean, at least with the family.




Halfway back to the farm, Jebb motioned for Kira to take the next turn off. It wasn’t too difficult to figure out why he wanted her to follow him. Just a few minutes later, he pulled over and Kira parked her bike beside his.

“Alright, you won.”

“Were we playing a game?” Kira cocked an eyebrow at him.

“You proved that one of us gets jealous easily and it ain’t you. I’ve just got one question. Do I really go on as much as you were with Brody and Cooter?”

“No. You’re usually much WORSE,” Kira smiled as she answered. “But like I said, I know you well enough not to take it too seriously.” She gave Jebb a hug to prove that she really did understand him.

“Well, one thing was made clear, tonight. We ain’t doin’ this again. We HAVE to tell everyone about us. You realize how many times I had to stop myself from doing or saying something tonight that would have given us away?” Just like earlier, he felt Kira tense up as the suggestion. “It’s not like the whole army is still out at the farm. It’s just the five of them now.” Kira thought about it. She knew that putting off telling everyone wasn’t exactly a smart thing to do, and Jebb did have a point. There were only five people to worry about.

Kira took a deep breath as if bracing herself, then nodded her consent. “I guess we’ll have to get this over with sooner or later.” Jebb wasn’t looking forward to it either but the alternative was even less appealing.

“Come on, let’s go. I’m sure it won’t be all that bad.”

Kira wished she could be as optimistic. Plus, with everything else that had been going on, she still hasn’t gotten a chance to tell Jebb about her’s and Bo’s psychic link. Having TWO major secrets that needed to be hidden from so many people was seriously starting to take a toll on her. Well, one secret at a time. Then she’ll have to ask Bo about telling Jebb about their link. She wouldn’t say anything though until then since this secret wasn’t hers and hers alone.




When the two riders pulled their motorcycles up to the farm, Jebb instantly became convinced that fate was having a hay day at his expense. For the second day in a row, when he really wanted to talk to someone, there was just too many people around. Yesterday, it was the entire Duke clan. Today, whose tow truck is parked outside of the farmhouse then Cooter Davenport’s? Bo and Luke must have invited him out after the quick exit that he and all of the Dukes had made from the bar. Looking over at Kira, he knew that there was no way that they’d be telling everyone about them tonight. Maybe Cooter won’t stay long.

Going inside, Kira and Jebb walked in on Bo filling Cooter in on the reason why the ‘shine in the nearly empty jug was dyed yellow. That Kira had added food coloring to it. The Duke Cousins were also taking turns describing the reactions of John, Jesse, and Uncle Abner. Cooter was in heaven as he listened to the fellas relay the story.

Releasing a hearty laugh, Cooter playfully slapped Bo on his back. “Buddy Roo, I think I’m in love with your sister. Anyone that can pull something like that AND handle ole Rosco the way she does has got to be the woman for me. I just might have to marry her.”

Stand in line, Jebb thought.

“Now Cooter, Honey. Here I thought WE were runnin’ away together to Chickamahoney,” Daisy chimed in as she hugged the mechanic.

“Now there’s a thought.” Cooter pick at the young woman. “Though I reckon your cousins wouldn’t exactly let me get away with whisking either one of you away.”

The room was filled with laughter as everyone continued to drink what was left of the ‘shine. Luke got his brother to tell about some of his more recent fights in the ring. Judd promised that he’d see to it that he’d get tickets for everyone that wanted to go the next time he was in Atlanta. By the time that Cooter left for the evening, it was beyond late. Jebb acknowledged once again, that there would be no talking tonight.




Jebb was tired of just laying down without actually getting any sleep, so as quietly as possible, Jebb got up and headed into the living room to sit for a while. He put a couple more logs on the fire and just stared into the flames for a while. He didn’t know just how long he’d been sitting there when Uncle Jesse came in. Jebb snickered. He never could figure out just how he could know when someone was down here not makin’ no noise at all, all of the way from his room. But it never fails. If someone was awake on the Duke farm, Jesse would know.

“Something on your mind, Boy?” Jesse came over and sat on the couch next to Jebb.

“You could say that.” Jesse eyed his nephew, waiting for him to continue. When he didn’t, well, he figured that he might as well give him a little push.

“You want to talk about it?”

“Been wantin’ to talk about it for two days.” Jebb muttered more to himself than anything. Jesse nodded. Looks like John was right.

“This about Kira?” Jesse watched his nephew for a response. “And you?”

“You know?” Jebb looked up quickly.

“Well, no. Your daddy had an inklin’.”

“Pop?”

“So I’ve been watchin’ to see if there was really anything between you two. I was wondering if you’d come out about it.”

“We were going to tell y’all tonight.”

“But Cooter was out here when y’all came home.” Jebb nodded to affirm what his uncle had guessed. “Well, how long have you two been seeing one another?”

“Steady, a little over a year. We went out a few times during the past several racing seasons before that though. Sort of just became a regular thing after a while. But steady for a year.” Jebb poked at the logs a couple of times while he waited for his uncle to say something. Like how it had to be over now, or how now that they know that they’re cousins that it would be wrong to continue the relationship. When no comment was made, Jebb looked back at his uncle.

“So it ain’t like you two are just killin’ time until someone better comes along then.”

“There ain’t gonna be no one better Uncle Jesse.”

Jesse looked hard into his nephew’s eyes and saw something that he’d about given up seeing reflected in one of the younger Dukes eyes. The boy was in love. And not the kind that Bo stumbles into nearly every other week, either. Jesse then gave Jebb a genuine smile.

“Well, that makes me feel a little better. It’d’ve been one thing if you two were just passin’ time together, but seein’ how you’re really serious about her...Well, that’s alright.”

“You mean it? You’re not mad?”

“It ain’t like you two KNEW you were cousins, Jebb. Besides, it ain’t the first time that two Dukes have ended up together.”

“You mean that old joke is true?”

Jesse laughed as he realized that none of the kids had ever really been told the whole story. How his father’s sister, Charlotte had married their second cousin Jebb.

“I believe your daddy actually named you after our Uncle Jebb.”

“So it’s sort of like history repeating itself, huh?”

“You could say that. How’s Kira handlin’ this?”

“Could be better. Though I guess the opposite could be true, too. Havin’ an instant family was a big enough shock for her. WITHOUT adding this to it.” Jesse figured that much. “Every time we talked about tellin’ everyone, she’d tense up like a coiled spring. At times I swear I thought she’d just bolt.”

“Well, everything will be alright. And if it’s them kids upstairs that she’s worried about; they might be a bit a surprised at first, but you know that they’d be happy for you two. Once the shock wears off.” Jebb smiled as his uncle gave him a hug. He sure felt a lot better now that he’d talked to his uncle. Now to just make Kira feel better about all this, too.

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