by: JessiMae Duke and Amanda Robson

“Dang Sterling! You bump into that ladder one more
time I’m gonna come down there an…..” Jeffrey Duke
grumbled to his grey mare from his precarious perch
atop a steel runged ladder. The horse whinnied loudly
and bumped her rear against the base of the ladder.
“ACK!! STER—-” Jeff cried as the ladder swung out
from under him. His blue eyes widened and he lunged
back at the roof, grabbing a strand of the Christmas lights he been
stringing up. As the ladder fell, Jeff’s buckskin boot
tangled in the lights and he flopped over, upside
down. He was sure that he was gonna slam head first
into the dirt below, until his boot caught, dangling
him upside down at the side of the house.

Jessi Mae Duke was in the house cleaning and getting
ready for them to put the Christmas tree up when they
got it. Her blue eyes were sparkling as she moved
through the house. She loved the Christmas season and
loved decorating even more and she was more happy this
year now that she was married to Jeff and had a little
one on the way. “Deck the halls with boughs of
holly….” She started singing.

Jeff’s arms hung down , his fingers scraping the
ground below. Change clinked and clattered as it fell
from his pockets. His keys and cell phone thudded to
the ground beneath him. Sterling came over to her
owner, looking just as innocent as she could.
“Sterling…you are a royal pain in mah ass.” Jeff
muttered looking up into her face. Sterling pawed at
the ground and started nibbling at Jeff’s jeans
pocket, sniffing out a piece of candy. “STERLING!!!!”
Jeff growled loudly, trying to push the horse away
with his hands.

Jessi continued singing to herself as she worked
until she realized that some of the wreaths and things
were out in the barn so she grabbed her jacket and
slipped into it and stepped out the door still
singing.

“Damned horse!” Jeff cried, although he couldn’t help
from laughing, it tickled. “Stop it!! Sterling!” Jeff
swung from the roof, swatting at his horse, who now
moved away so he couldn’t use her for any chance of
getting down. The young Duke’s blue eyes widened when
he saw his wife. “Jess!! Jessi!! Git over here!!”
Jessi looked up and her eyes widened in surprise. She
moved over to him and stared at him wide eyed.
“Goodness Jeff. What happened?” She asked, trying hard
to keep a smile from crossing her face but found it
extremely hard to do.

“What happened? That damn horse was being a pest!!”
Jeff cried, waving his arms frantically in the
direction of his horse, who stood out of reach,
looking smug. “Get me down.” Jeff pleaded, looking at
Jess’ upside down form. “Please.”

Jessi smiled and nodded. “Of course. I’ll be right
back.” She said, walking into the house and grabbing
her camera before going back out and stopped in front
of Jeff snapping his picture. “There. That’s better.”
She said and walked over to Sterling and grabbed the
mare’s halter leading her over to where Jeff was
hanging upside down.

He knew it was useless, his picture was going to be
taken. Jeff was in no position to fight it. He raised
both eyebrows on his face and shook his head, “No..get
her away from me….I’m mad at her. You hear that
horse? I’m not happy with you!” Jeff cried, his face
growing redder as the blood rushed to his head. He
felt lightheaded and knew he couldn’t hang much
longer.

Jessi sighed and turned back leading Sterling back to
the barn and a moment later returned leading Glory.
The tall Thoroughbred nickered and pranced eagerly
stopping when Jessi brought him near Jeff. After a few
minutes of struggling and sqruiming Jeff was finally
free. He left the ladder an lights half finished, not
in the mood to continue. The horses were returned to
their stall and Jeff now sat inside on the couch. He
ran his hand down the length of his face and sighed
loudly, “Let’s go git the tree….maybe that’ll go
better.”

Jessi smiled slightly and plopped down next to him
taking his face in her hands. “Are you sure you’re
okay Jeff?” She asked gently, unsure as to how long
he’d hung out there before she’d gone outside. A
silent nod was all the reply Jeff gave before leaning
his face into Jessi’s hands to kiss her forehead.
“I’ll be alright. C’mon…let’s go get us a tree!” He
smiled and got up from the couch, pulling Jess by the
hand towards the front door. Jessi laughed and
followed Jeff to the door still wearing her jacket
since she had been more concerned about Jeff. She
couldn’t wait to get out there and get a tree.

Jeff flung a chopped tree into the back of his old
pickup truck, a wide grin on his face. “It’s perfect.”
He said, brushing his shirt off and laying one arm
over Jessi’s shoulders, “Just like you.” Jessi
blushed and leaned over kissing him on the cheek.
“Thank you. But I’m far from perfect.” She said, with
a soft smile, her eyes dancing happily. “Close
though.” Jeff replied and grinned down at Jess from
his towering height of six foot five. He gave her a
playful pat on the rear as he pulled the door open for
her and helped her in. He rushed to his side of the
truck and started the old vehicle up after a few turns
of the key. Jessi smiled and slid into the middle
fastening her seatbelt and then rested her head on
Jeff’s shoulder, allowing herself to relax. Sleep,
Jeff thought, that’s what he really wanted at that
moment as he sat in the truck, plugging along the
backroads of Hazzard.

And he nearly did, until a loud thud snapped him back
to reality. “What was that?” He cried and the truck
skidded across the loose gravel to a stop. Jessi’s
eyes snapped open and she sat up fast unfastening her
seatbelt and threw the truck door open, jumping out
before the truck came to a complete stop.

When she saw what the noise had been she couldn’t
help it. She started laughing. “What’s so fun–
Oh….” Jeff asked, doubling over as chuckles rolled
out from deep in his chest. Their Christmas tree lay
in the middle of the road about fifty yards back down
the road.

He shook his head and pressed his hand to his
forehead, “Forgot to close the tailgate.” He muttered.
Jessi smiled and walked over to Jeff and wrapped her
arms around his neck. “It’s okay.” She said softly.
Jeff sighed and nodded, resting his hands on Jessi’s
hips, “Yeah, you’re right. No harm done.” Jeff
replied, getting upset was useless, and besides, it
was kind of funny. Funny, ok it was hilarious and Jeff
couldn’t stop from laughing at himself for being so
incompentant. Jessi smiled and shook her head. “Let’s
get the tree back on the truck and get it home so we
can get some sleep.” She said, her eyes sparkling
mischeviously.

The young Duke boy raised a curious eyebrow at the
playfulness in his wife’s eyes. But he nodded quickly
and retrieved the tree. This time he made absolute
sure to close the tailgate, Jeff even took the time to
lock it, which he never did. After a few attempts the
old truck roared back to life and they were on their
way home. Jessi smiled to herself and rested her head
back on Jeff’s shoulder again, her mind racing a
million miles a minute as she thought about things
that she had to do to get ready for Christmas and what
she’d promised to do to help out at the orphanage.They
had both offered to help out with the orphanage’s
christmas party, and it was sure to be a smash.

Ain’t that just like them Dukes…always helping out
at the ol orphanage!

The next morning when Jeff awoke the sun streamed in
through the window of their bedroom. That day was
shopping day, Jeff hated shopping. ‘I’d rather chew
nails.’ He once told Jessi when she asked him. He
always went for her sake regardless, but he simply
couldn’t stand it.

“What exactly do we need to pick up anyways?” Jeff
asked curiously as he dried his dark hair with a towel
after his shower. He paused and tossed the towel
towards the laundry basket, it missed and fell on the
floor. A sigh came from the Duke as he picked the
towel back up and carried to the basket this time. “I
still need to pick up my costume from town, although I
don’t really get why ya picked me for this job Jess.”
Jessi smiled at Jeff her blue eyes twinkling. “Why?
I’ll tell ya why. Cause I think you’re gonna look so
cute dressed up as Santa and besides you get to see me
in my elf costume.” She teased, pointing a finger into
his chest as she walked by him.

“Cute? I dun wanna look cute Jess! And Santa ain’t
cute.” Jeff replied, watching as she walked past him.
A slow grin crept over his face and he teased, “It’s
cause ya think I’m fat ain’t it? It’s this big ol beer
belly of mine!” Jeff chuckled and rubbed his hand over
his flat abdomen, no real beer belly in sight. Jessi
laughed and swung back around to face him. “No I don’t
think you’re fat. But if you’re a real good boy you
may find a lil something extra in your stocking this
year.” She teased her eyes sparkling mischeviously as
she once again moved away. “Hmm…sounds
interstin’….”Jeff started, “Jess ya know I’m just a
good ol boy..makin’ my way the only way I know how.”
His handsome face brightened in a silly looking grin.

After dressing and pulling his boots on with a groan
and the creak of the leather Jeff looked back up at
Jessi, “Let’s get this dang shopping over
with….Please.” Jessi smiled. “Awww…poor baby.” She
teased as she headed out the door to her car fully
intent on driving. She was in high spirits that day
and she was determined nothing was going to spoil it
for her. Not even Jeff and his whining about shopping.
Before Jess could even think about climbing into her
car, Jeff slid across the hood on a denim covered hip
and hopped in through the window, “If you’re makin’ me
shop…it’s only fair I drive!” He cried as he made
his smooth slide.

Jessi sighed and shook her head sliding in through
the passenger side window. “I ain’t making you do
nothin’ Jeff. Isn’t that what you told me once? That I
couldn’t make you do anything?” She asked, crossing
her arms over her chest and raising an eyebrow. Jeff
turned in his seat to face his wife, confusion written
in his face, “I didn’t mean anything by it….I was
teasing.” He softened his expression and took a hold
of Jessi’s hands, using them to pull her closer, “I
didn’t mean to upset you.” Jessi sighed and pulled her
hands away and quickly moved away sliding back out the
window and running into the house.

Jessi smiled and nodded returning the kiss. “Okay.”
She smirked and held up the keys to her car that she’d
snatched. “I’m ready.” She teased and ran out the door
and down the steps out into the yard.

The young Duke boy gave a sigh before jogging out of
the farm house after his wife. And plucked the keys
out of her hand as he raced past her and slid in the
car. “Rosco’s gonna be out in full force today, he’s
being a regular Scrooge, no christmas spirit at all.”
Jeff had explained when he saw the look Jess had given
him. “I don’t want you to get no ticket.” He added and
pulled away from the house, a cloud of dust and light
snow flying up behing the tires.

Jessi shrugged. “He’d give you a ticket before he
gave me one, He loves me cause I take Flash doggy num
nums.” She teased, her eyes sparkling as she looked
out the window at the passing scenery. “Doggy num
nums.” Jeff mumbled and rolled his blue eyes.

They had gotten about half way into Hazzard before
Jeff heard the familiar droning, whinning of the
sheriff’s sirens, “Dangit!” He cried, slapping one
hand against the steering wheel. “I knew it…I knew
Rosco’d be after me.” Jeff turned to look at his wife
briefly and asked, “Jess…how do I get in these
messes all the time??” Jessi smiled gently at Jeff,
though she was beginning to get frustrated at Rosco.
“Cause you’re a Duke. I thought you knew all that by
now.” She said, as she quickly glanced behind them.
“I know, I know…but I don’t see that
havin…any…reason to being in….oh never mind.”
Jeff muttered, cranking the wheel back and forth
around the sharp curves of the mountianous road.

He tired everything he could think of, he tired
outdrivin’ him, out smarting him. None of it worked.
Rosco was sticking to Jeff like a flea to a hound dog.
Jessi groaned and sighed. She didn’t want to get in an
accident but she didn’t want to see Jeff arrested
either and she had a bad feeling about it. “Jeff pull
over.” She finally said, knowing they really had no
other choice.

He couldn’t believe it, Jeff was going to be caught
by Rosco Coltrane. “Damn.” Was all he could let out in
an exasperated breath as he hit the brakes. A sudden
jolt throwing the young couple forward slightly in
their seats as Rosco’s patrol car smashed into the
back of theirs. “Dangit Rosco!” Jeff cried as he
pulled himself from the window and sat there, leaning
over the roof of the car.

Jessi groaned and slide out the window and sat
staring back at Rosco as he got out of his patrol car
and made his way towards them, her eyes were starting
to darken and they only got that way when she got mad.
“Okay Rosco. Why are you stopping us? We weren’t
speeding.” She said.

“You’re brake light’s busted.” Rosco explained, a
smug grin on his face. “It is not!” Jeff cried in
protest, swinging his long legs out from the window,
dropping his feet to the lightly snow-covered ground.
The sheriff’s eyes widened at Jeff’s movement, and he
drew his pearl handled revolver from his holster,
“Freeze it right there!!! Jus freeeeeeze!!” Rosco
cried. “Now, ya got a busted tail light, and too many
other tickets…Im gonna hafta take ya in Jeff.” ”
Rosco…the tail light is busted cause you smashed
into it!”

Jessi groaned and swung herself out the window and
dropped to the ground moving to stand between the
Sheriff and Jeff, her eyes sparkling angrily. “Dangit
Rosco I know for a fact my tail light was not busted
when we left home and it wasn’t busted till you just
hit us.” She snapped, her eyes narrowed

“I hit you cause your brake lights was busted an I
couldn’t see ya stop!” Rosco retorted, with a smirk on
his face. “No matter, “He shrugged, “I’m still takin’
ya in, get outta the way Jesse Mae.” He motioned for
her to move with the barrel of his gun and stepped
towards Jeff, reaching for his hand cuffs.

Jessi held her ground her expression growing darker
by the minute but then a thought went through her mind
and she nodded to herself and with an apologetic look
at Jeff slowly moved out of Rosco’s way. ‘What is she
doin?’ Jeff thought to himself, glancing over his
shoulder helplessly as Rosco slapped his cold steel
handcuffs on his wrists. “Say buh bye to Jessi.” Rosco
chimed happily as he pulled Jeffrey along, stuffing
him in the back of his patrol car. Jeff looked out
the window sidelong at Jessi as her form grew smaller.
He let out a sigh and asked, “Sheriff…ain’t you got
any christmas spirit?” ” Bahh Humbug!” Rosco replied.

Jessi growled under her breath so angry she couldn’t
see straight then grinned an idea suddenly coming to
mind. “If I remember I got an old black hooded cloak
in my trunk…..I’m gonna give Boss an’ Rosco the
scare of their lives.” She giggled as she moved to the
trunk and opened it, taking it out and slipping it
over her head, pulling the hood over her blond hair,
pulling her hair into a loose bun before doing so.
Then she put the car in gear and headed for Hazzard.

~*~*~Several Hours Later~*~*~

“G’night…sleep tight….don’t let the bed bugs
bite!” Rosco chimed, echoed by a few loud woofs from
Flash. He shut the door the Jeff’s cell with that
satisfying clang that he could never get enough of,
especially when there was an angry Duke staring out at
him. “Night Scrooge.” Jeff replied cooly and plopped
down on the old cot. “Jit! Ya got a nasty mouth on ya
Duke boy!” The sheriff cried as he trudged up the old
stairs to the booking room, Flash nipping at his
heels.

“I’ll show you nasty Rosco.” Jeff muttered as he lay
down for sleep he knew he needed and would not find.
“She better have a good plan….” He yawned, drifting
off to a restless sleep.

Jessi smirked and parked her car in the alley not far
from the jail and slid out the window running towards
the door. She tried opening the door but found it
locked but that wasn’t stopping her. She reached into
her pocket and pulled out a credit card and blocked
what she was doing with her body. “And they thought it
only works in the movies.” She muttered as the door
opened and she slipped inside the darkened booking
room and smirked when she saw Rosco snoring.

“Rosco Peee Coltrane.” She said in a soft eerie
voice, making sure her face was completely hidden from
view. “Whazzat?!!? Who’s there??” Rosco snorted,
grumpy and still half asleep as he sat up in his
office chair. His blue eyes scanned the booking room,
“Who ish that?” He grunted, eyes narrowed in the
darkness.

Jessi smiled to herself. “I’m the ghost of Christmas
Future Rosco and your future ain’t lookin’ none too
bright.” She said in a soft eerie voice, her face and
body hidden by the long dark cloak. “Ghost! Jit!
Flash? Did you hear that?!” Rosco cried loudly,
startling his poor dog. Flash leapt off Rosco’s lap
and onto the floor, her claws clicking against the
floor.” Gah! Jit!! Ack!!” Rosco put his hand over his
chest, Flash startling him even more. “Who’s a ghost?”
Jessi moved forward so Rosco could see her dark
cloaked figure. “You’re always after them Dukes and
putting one in jail on Christmas. They ain’t never
done nothin’ to you. Your future looks very dim.” She
continued. “M-mm-my future?” Rosco’s face paled and
he hunted around for Flash, “But what about my shweet
lil darlin’? She needsh her daddy!” Jessi almost
laughed at that but bit her tongue.

“Well ya see that’s all up to you. Maybe if you turn
over a new leaf and start by letting that Duke boy
outta jail you’re future just may become brighter.”
She said. “Gyuck! Jit!! Knee! Jefffffff??? Let him
out??” Rosco asked, glancing towards the stairway to
the jail. “B-bb–but he’sh a Duke…. I can’t let
him… Boss’d tan mah hide!!” Rosco cried, although he
didn’t like the sounds of a dim future, he didn’t want
to let Jeff out for fear of what Boss might do.

Jessi’s eyes darkened angrily and she was glad Rosco
couldn’t see her face. “Well then I guess ya better
find someone to look out for your sweet lil darlin’.”
She said, her voice hardening, then she almost smiled.
“And start makin’ out your will. This hit Rosco hard,
his will? He knew he was gettin’ old, but he figured
he had a few good years before he had to start
thinking about making out a will. “I’ll let him out!!!
I’ll let him out! Jus so long assshh you promisshe to
let me shtay with Flash a lil longer on thish good
earth!!!” Rosco pleaded with the “ghost”, dropping
down to his knees. Jessi nodded and had to bite her
lip really hard to keep from laughing at seeing Rosco
on his knees begging. “All right. I promise. Now let
him out.” She demanded.

Rosco nodded quickly and scrambled to his feet,
tripping over his desk as he reached to flip the lamp
on. “Ack! Jit!” He stumbled around in the dark a few
minutes, deciding to forget the lights and headed
straight for the stairs. Jeff’s eyes snapped open when
he heard the sound of the Sherrif tumbling down the
stairs, “OOOOOO THAT”S SMARTSH!!” Rosco cried. Rosco
lay crumpled up at the base of the stairs a few
minutes before he managed to find his way back to his
feet.

Jessi slipped back out the door deciding that she
really shouldn’t be in sight when Rosco made it back
up the steps. She leaned against the wall outside the
door waiting for Jeff and keeping an eye out just in
case someone showed up.

“Rosco? You awright?” Jeff asked curiously as he
rubbed the sleep from his eyes. “Jit…. gyuck.. I’m
jus fine!” Rosco snapped. Jeff moved over to the bars
of the cell, watching as the Sheriff dug through his
pockets from his keys. “I’ve had a change’a
heart….since it’s Chrishtmash…you can go home.
Thish one time.” Rosco explained as he unlocked the
cell door. Jeff stared through the wide open door at
Rosco for a minute in disbelief. “Ok…I’ll go, before
ya change yer mind or somethin'” Jeff said plainly,
making his way past the shaken law man. He took a
glance behind him, was he dreamin? Nah, guess not. He
thought to himself and shrugged mentally as he pushed
the front door of the Sheriff’s station open. A blast
of cool air hit him in the face and he turned away.
“Brrrr….”

Jessi smiled when she saw Jeff and was happy to see
that Rosco had stayed true to his word and let her
husband out. She moved forward and grabbed Jeff’s arm.
“Keep moving.” She hissed, glancing quickly over her
shoulder at the police station hopping Rosco didn’t
come out to see if Jeff left or something. “Jess?
Isat you?” Jeff asked, still groggy from his rude
awakening. He let her lead him along, a wide yawn on
his mouth before he figured out what was goin on, sort
of. “Where ya takin’ me Jess?” Jessi smiled and shook
her head. “Now who said I’m Jessi?” She asked softly,
leading him across the street to the alley where she’d
hidden her car. She was getting a kick outta this. And
scarin’ ole Rosco had just been the toppin’ on the
cake.

Jeff squinted his eyes, but he could only see an
non-descript black figure leading him towards a dark
alley way. He had been sure it was his wife, maybe he
was still dreaming. Jeff shook his head and leaned
closer to the figure, letting his nose do the work. He
closed his eyes and took a sniff. “MMmmm… I say
you’re Jess, cause ya smell like her!” Jessi smiled
and pulled him to a stop next to her car pulling her
keys out of the pocket of her cloak and went to the
trunk opening it up and then pulled the cloak off and
tossed it inside and grabbed her jacket and pulled it
back on slamming the trunk. “Okay if ya say it’s me
then it’s me. Now let’s just get outta here before
Rosco decides to make sure you left or something.

All he could do was grin, his head tilted to the side
as he watched Jessi. Jeff laughed and gave his wife a
breif hug before sliding in the window. “I wonder
what, or WHO persuaded Rosco to have a change of
heart…..” Jeff pondered, as if he was clueless.
Jessi laughed and smiled at her husband. “Well let’s
just say Rosco got a little visitor from the future
that showed him the error of his ways. At least for
awhile.” She said as she slid in through the window
and started the engine and put the car in gear heading
out or Hazzard.

~*~*~* Christmas Day*~*~*~

“Merry Christmas! And I hear you wanted a pony for
christmas Sara… well ponies just don’t fit in
Santa’s sleigh. So, I had to bring a puppy instead. I
hope that’s ok?” Jeff asked a small girl who sat on
his red velvet covered knee. Her eyes lit up brighter
than the lights in the tree next to them and she gave
Santa a big hug. “Thank you Santa!!” She cried,
jumping down from his knee to retrieve her present
from Santa’s elf. Jessi smiled softly and handed the
little girl her puppy. She straightened up and sent a
dazzling smile at Jeff before turning to the next
child in line and smiled kindly, her blue eyes
sparkling happily. She was enjoying this immensely.
She loved kids and she was even happier she was having
one of her own.

“Ho ho ho ho!!!” Jeff cried loudly, grinning widely
as the children laughed and giggled with his every
move. Hie deep blue eyes widened when he saw his
parents approach, his youngest brother Wiley-John in
his father’s arms. “C’mon Luke, Wiley wants to sit on
Santa’s knee.” Anna coaxed, smiling at her husband and
back at Santa. The blue eyes of father and son locked,
is this a good idea, they both seemed to question.
“Santa!! Santa!!!!” Wiley cried, squirming around in
Luke’s arms. ” Awright awright!” Luke cried, “You can
go see Santa.” Wiley bounced around on his older
brother’s, whom he thought was Santa, knee. “Hold
still there lil…Wiley.” Jeff smiled.

Wiley’s eyes were sparkling happily as he looked up
at Santa. He big blue eyes looking into a familar
matching pair. If possible, Wiley’s eyes widened and
he reached his small hug up and tugged at Santa’s
beard. “Jeffie!!!!!” He cried, his smile brightening
to see his brother. Luke and Jeff both let out a sigh
of relief, that could have gone much worse. But it was
really no surprise, Wiley was a very smart two year
old, after all he’s Luke Duke’s son. He knew Santa
couldn’t be everywhere, and his brother must be
helping him out. Jeff smiled down at his brother and
mussed his dark hair up with his hand. Jeff looked up
at his wife, watching his little elf. Soon they’d have
their own little one, very soon. Jessi smiled down at
Jeff and Wiley her bright blue eyes shining with happy
tears as she rested a hand over her stomach feeling
the baby kick. She didn’t think she could ever be so
happy as she was at that very moment except when she
actually gave birth to their lil one.

“Where’s Santa’s gift?” Jeff asked, a devilish smirk
on his face. Wiley looked up at his brother and up at
his mom, “Up! Up!!” He cried. Anna scooped her
youngest son up and rested him on her hip. “Thanks
mom.” Jeff said softly as he stood up, free of
childern on his knees, for now. He stepped over to
Jessi and wrapped his arms around her. “Merry
Christmas Jess!” He cried and dipped her down low,
grinning a silly sideways grin before her gave her a
deep, warm kiss. “Mmm… I love you.” He whispered and
stood her back up, resting his forehead against hers.
Jessi smiled warmly her eyes shining with love as she
wrapped her arms around Jeff’s neck. “Merry Christmas
Jeff and I love you too.” She said softly her eyes
soft and warm.

“WOO HOOO!!!!” “GO SANTA!!” Cheers and whoops came
from some of the older boys at the orphange. Jeff’s
face reddened slightly as he turned to look at the
boys. He waved a hand in their direction and turned
back to his wife shouting, “Merry Christmas to
Ya’ll!!!! And to ya’ll a good night!!”

~~~~~MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW
YEAR!!!!!~~~~~

by: i1976

It’s a beautiful day in Hazzard: the sun is shining in the sky, yellow flowers are blooming in the grass, and Georgia’s pines are as high as they’re trying to reach the sky.

In a little apartment in the Hazzard’s Boarding House deputy Enos Strate’s mind isn’t cheerful nor by the twittering outside the window nor by the sunshine.  His forehead against the shower’s wall while hot water is trying to warm up his trembling body after a night of nightmares and cold sweat.

It seems to be a normal day in Hazzard. The General Lee raises the road’s dust, as usual, but there’s a middle-aged man at the edge of the road, a stranger. The Dukes decide to give him a lift to Hazzard, something they’ll regret. They don’t know they’re bringing to Hazzard a killer whose victim will be their best friend.

Actually, in effect, their best friend is thinking of that man. The previous day LAPD transmitted him the escape from the prison of a dangerous killer, Frank Scanlon. Frank Scanlon, the man the Dukes are bringing to Hazzard, the man Enos arrested when he was in LA. How to miss him? How to miss his voice swearing Enos would have paid for his arrest? The deputy can’t forget Scanlon’s eyes looking at him at the Court that day in LA.

When a day starts in bad way it can only get worse and worse. This is what the deputy is thinking few after in that morning while he’s walking out the Courthouse after Boss and Rosco’s usual harshness, something difficult to endure especially after a sleepless night. Enos often wonders why he came back to Hazzard after his experience in LA; his eyes catch the answer of all his doubts, the orange car parked nearby: he came back to Hazzard only for it, not for the orange car, obviously, but for what the orange car means to him.  “The General Lee… I wonder if Daisy…”.

In effect, when a day starts in bad way it can only get worse, and in front the Courthouse the killer meets his victim for the first time.

The stranger approaches Enos, pointing his gun against him. A quick movement and the deputy grabs the man’s armed arm, kneeling down and disarming him.

For sure the time spent in LA and the fact he’s a cop taught Enos how to defend himself against an armed man.  Unfortunately, the time spent in LA brought Enos a sworn enemy too.

Daisy’s heart almost stops when she sees that gun pointed against Enos, unfortunately something she’d have seen again.

But not only Daisy sees what’s happening. The boys hush to the now disarmed and running man. A run, a brief fight, then the man is on the ground, knocked out. So simple, too much simple to bring Scanlon (whose identity is now revealed) in prison like that.

Scanlon renews his revenge’s oath to the deputy in front of him, the prison’s bars between them. The killer’s eyes in the cop’s eyes, “I’ve got a score to settle with you”; the cop doesn’t look away from the killer, his features tight, a brief nod accepting the challenge.

A couple of hours after Scanlon’s capture, Enos is in the locker room at the Courthouse. Sitting on a bench, his head in his hands, his elbows on his knees, the deputy is thinking of his defeat, ashamed of what happened: “Why I left the keys inside the patrol car? How I let Scanlon take the jail’s keys? It’s all my fault, Boss Hogg is right”.

He can’t stop thinking of Scanlon’s escape from the jail, a very embarrassing flight.

He can’t stop thinking Boss Hogg did the right thing firing him, a useless cop.

He can’t stop thinking of how shameful was to be fired in front of the Dukes, despite Daisy and uncle Jesse taking his part, despite Bo and Luke’s unlucky attempt at making up his mistake.

He can’t stop thinking of how shameful was all that situation: Scanlon escaping from jail taking the jail’s keys from him, then stealing a patrol car, his patrol car, where he left the keys.

Scanlon escaped despite Bo and Luke’s chase.

And despite Daisy Duke’s kindness and her influence on Enos, the deputy stays in that room for almost two hours, blaming himself and only himself for Scanlon’s escape and taking the decision to leave Hazzard.

And again, few after, Daisy is trying again to enter Enos’s darkness, looking silently at him while he’s cherishing his few things in a box, ready to leave Hazzard. Daisy, the boys and their uncle know that Scanlon is somewhere out there, armed and with a new mask, waiting for his victim, and now the victim, lost in his dark thoughts, is not ready at all to face the killer. And as usual Daisy is the best one to change Enos’s mind, so her family is waiting for her (and for Enos with her) outside the Courthouse in order to bring their best friend in a safe place, their farm.

“Hey Enos…”, she says with her soft voice.

“Hi Dais”, he doesn’t look at her, not his usual smile on his face. There’s no more the locker room’s door between them, but there’s another kind of door, a virtual door Enos locked leaving people, and Daisy too, outside.

“Where are you goin’?”, Daisy approaches him.

“I don’t know, it doesn’t matter”, the deputy shrugs, keeping on to clear his desk and to fill the box placed on it. Again, he doesn’t look at Daisy, in his voice a mix of tiredness, pain and rage.

Daisy comes closer, wishing to touch him gently but knowing (and she knows Enos better than anyone else in Hazzard) that now the deputy is too angry to himself to accept any kindness, neither or especially her kindness, the kindness of the woman who deserves someone better than him, or at least is what he said her few hours ago. The girl sighs, knowing very well his inclination to blame himself when something goes wrong, his lacking in self-confidence and his inclination to endure bad things without involving his friends in order of saving them from any possible complication.

“Scanlon is after me. Once I’m gone he’ll have no more reason to stay, so nobody else can get hurt”.

And because Daisy knows Enos better than anyone else, she knows what weapon she has to use: “I think Scanlon is so full of hate that he’s goin’ to take on somebody else even if you leave, maybe somebody helped you to put him in jail”.

Enos’s sense of duty toward his friends and his town, being a cop (fired or not): it’s the weapon Daisy is using.

A doubt on Enos’s face, “Bo and Luke?”, and Daisy knows she won.

There’s relief in Bo, Luke and uncle Jesse when they see Enos following Daisy outside the Courthouse, a brief gesture telling them she won Enos’s obstinacy. She puts Enos’s box inside his car parked in front the Courthouse then she takes his hand heading to her smiling cousins and her uncle.

Nearby a spectacled man on a bench is looking at that gorgeous woman holding the cop’s hand, his enemy’s hand: a long brown hair woman wearing fitting jeans on perfect legs and a fitting pink shirt on a perfect body.  The man stares at their holding hands and their loving glance.

Their hands part only when Enos shakes Bo hand thanking him, but immediately Daisy grabs again Enos’s hand, like if the wind running past her fingertips is colder than expected in that season and she needs his hand’s warmth.

Daisy squeezes Enos’s hand while they approach his car, glad to see him smiling again, a tired smiling but anyhow a smile.

Meanwhile the man (or it’s better to say Scanlon) left his personal present in Enos’s car.

Again, like only few hours before, the time spent in LA and the fact he’s a cop save Enos’s life (and Daisy’s life too).

A brief look inside the car, “RUN AWAY DAISY, IT’S A BOMB!”.

Enos drives Daisy away from the car then he runs after her, careful to maintain his body between Daisy and the car like a sort of shield against the impending explosion. And the deputy in effect protects Daisy from a bad fall grabbing her while the explosion pushes them to the ground. The only thing Daisy feels are Enos’s arms around her and then his body between her and the ground.

Smell of burning fills the air.

Enos and Daisy are on the ground, the deputy hugging the young woman. Only few seconds for Daisy to realize Enos’s motionless, but fortunately only few seconds and Enos slowly stands up moaning. His first thought for Daisy, “Are you OK?”, his arms still around her, who’s now hugging him tight, scared for what’s just happened and  for Enos’s previous transitory stillness.

Daisy nods then they walk silently to the burning car.

The night slowly covers Hazzard with its darkness.

At the farm the Dukes are wondering how to catch Scanlon who is somewhere out there, ready to kill Enos. The deputy listens silently to his friends, while Daisy looks silently at him wondering what he’s hiding behind his thoughtful eyes. Even if she knows him better than anyone else sometimes he seems so distant.

Uncle Jesse looks at the deputy, “Scanlon’s tried to kill you two times today, and the last one he almost killed Daisy too. We need to stop him before someone gets hurt”.

Enos nods looking at his hands on the table.

“Enos…”, Luke tries to wake him up.

“You’re right. We… I need to stop Scanlon. I don’t want someone else gets hurt because of me.  I’m sorry…. It’s only my fault if now he’s not in jail”.

Daisy touches gently his shoulder, “Stop blaming yourself Enos. It’s not your fault”.

Enos looks at her with a mix of sweetness, love and sadness.

Uncle Jesse stands up, “It’s better to go to sleep. It’s been a bad day and some rest will refresh our minds. Boys, go sleep while I stay here to control everything out there is OK, then we’ll take turns. Scanlon is dangerous and we need to be careful”.

Enos stands up too, “Uncle Jesse, I..”

Uncle Jesse stops him, “Go to sleep, Enos. It’s my turn now. And you’re the one who needs to rest more than anyone else here”.

The deputy lowers his head, nodding slowly.

Several hours after, in the middle of the night, Daisy opens her eyes. She sits on her bed, listening to the silence in the farm. She remembers all the things happened that day, like a sort of nightmare, and she decides to go to the kitchen to drink some fresh water.

When she enters the kitchen she sees Enos looking outside the window, his figure standing out in the moonlight, his look lost in the darkness outside. He turns briefly his eyes to her then he looks again outside the window.

Daisy approaches him silently, and when she’s behind him she hugs him, resting her head on his large back, her arms folded on his stomach. There’s no need to speak, and after that long and silent hug Daisy comes back to her room cuddling up under the blankets and hugging her pillow, trying in vain to find the same warmth.

The next morning Daisy wakes up still hugging her pillow.

The young woman enters the kitchen to find Luke in the same spot where Enos was during the night. The brown hair Duke has an empty cup of coffee in his hand and he’s looking outside.

Enos is sitting at the table, a cup still full of coffee, now cold, in front of him.  Daisy wonders if he stayed there all night long or if he slept a bit.

Uncle Jesse opens the kitchen’s door and comes in, his rifle on his shoulder, “Out there everything seems quiet. I wonder where that man is right now and what he’s planning”.

Luke nods, “We can’t wait for him. We need a plan. What if we push Scanlon to show up using a bait?”

“It’s a good idea”, Bo enters the kitchen still yawning, “but what kind of bait? The only thing Scanlon wants is Enos”.

“Exactly”, Luke goes on showing his idea, “Enos will be our bait. We’ll tell Scanlon exactly where and when he can meet Enos, so when he’ll show up we’ll stop him”.

Bo seems confused, “But … how?”.

Luke smiles, “Using the radio. Our friend Elton works at the Hazzard’s radio.  He’ll announce his interview with Enos today at 4 p.m. Scanlon will show up for sure and we’ll be there waiting for him”.

“It’s a bad idea”, Daisy’s heart beats fast in her chest, “what if Scanlon will be able to avoid our vigilance and he’ll come in the radio’s station?”

Enos stands up, “Luke is right. Scanlon wants me, and if he knows where he can find me he’ll show up for sure.  And if he’ll be able to reach me avoiding your watch, well, I’ll face him”.

Bo pats him gently on his shoulder, “He won’t reach you. Your guard will be all Hazzard’s people. No stranger can avoid Hazzard’s watch”.

Uncle Jesse is right: Scanlon is very dangerous. He’s a professional killer, and like all dangerous killers he studies his victims and their possible weak point: that young woman with long and perfect legs, long brown hair and hazel eyes; her loving glance and her hand holding his enemy’s hand. If he can’t reach the cop, he’ll use that woman to hit him.

Bait: it’s what Scanlon is thinking of. He smiles devilishly hearing the radio and the naïf attempt of those rough countrymen to ambush him. The cop will be at the radio’s station at 4 p.m., and for sure his friends will be all around there waiting for him showing up. Those countrymen want to use the cop as bait, ready to stop him when he’ll try to reach the cop, but he’s clever than them.

A fake beard, a hat and overalls:  so simple to camouflage in that town. And more simple is to find that woman nearby the radio’s station.

Enos’s heart stops when Scanlon calls him at the radio’s station telling him Daisy is now in his hands.

Daisy is in Scanlon’s hands. It’s a nightmare.

Enos rushes outside the radio’s station despite Bo and Luke trying to stop him.

Scanlon is waiting for him at the Pruitt’s glade, where he can kill him easily.

The cop arrives at the glade alone, his hands up, perfectly visible from Scanlon’s higher position. Daisy is near Scanlon and Enos is glad she’s still alive, he couldn’t accept somebody gets hurt because of him, especially Daisy, the woman he loves more than his own life.

Again, Daisy has to see a gun pointed to Enos who is now slowly walking toward his enemy, toward sure death, hands up, unable to defend himself in order to defend Daisy.  His life instead of Daisy’s life: it’s his choice.

Scanlon is ready to shot the cop, but the gun fortunately misfires. Few seconds and Daisy, her hands tied back, realizes Scanlon’s problem with his gun and she raises her long leg kicking the armed hand of the killer.

The gun falls on the ground.

Enos is now running up the hill. He knows Scanlon is dangerous even if now is apparently disarmed.

Scanlon, full of rage, slaps Daisy’s face pushing her to the ground.

Rage overwhelms Enos; he doesn’t stand to see someone hitting Daisy. The cop reaches the disarmed killer and he clings to him. Scanlon is for sure less strong than the young cop, but like every professional killer he has a hidden weapon.

In shock Daisy sees Scanlon drawing out another gun from a holster hidden under his pants, at the ankle, and hitting Enos’s head.

The cop is now on his knees holding his head and looking in shock at Daisy who dashes toward Scanlon trying to disarm him.

Scanlon slaps again the woman and points the gun towards her, ready to shot her, and the brief clang of the gun’s loading says her this time the gun is not going to misfire.

Few seconds for Enos to realize there’s no time to draw out his gun, the only thing to do is to take Daisy off from the bullet’s path.

Daisy looks terrified at the barrel, but when she hears the shot she’s in Enos’s arms, falling down the little ravine behind the hill. Again Enos’s body is protecting her from the falling. And again Daisy has to fear his temporary motionless before he trails her behind a bush nearby.

Slowly Enos sits down, blood dropping from his forehead where Scanlon’s gun hit him. His trembling hands reach Daisy tied wrists releasing her.

Scanlon is coming down the ravine, “I’m goin’ to kill you this time, cop”.

“Don’t move, Daisy”, he draws his gun.

“But… Enos, you’re injured, you can’t face him now”, Daisy’s voice cracks.

“There’s no choice”, he whispers, slowly standing up.

The killer is in front of the cop, both pointing their gun, only a short bush between them.

When Bo, Luke, Uncle Jesse, Cooter, Boss and Rosco arrive at the glade they hear two shots coming from the little ravine behind the hill. After the shots the time seems stopping for a while only to speed up few after because of Daisy’s screaming.

The men rush up the hill and then down the ravine, finding Scanlon on the ground, dead, blood dropping from a hole in his forehead, and Enos in Daisy’s arms, a bloody stain widening out on his chest.

Bo, Luke and uncle Jesse run towards him. Bo swallows, kneeling to Enos’s side, taking off his yellow shirt and pressing it to the wound, looking horrified at the yellow turning a deep red.

Enos sees Bo and Luke close to him. He feels a pressure on his chest, no pain but a freezing cold overwhelming him. He can see Bo speaking to him, but he can’t understand what he’s saying like if he’s sinking in dark water.

Meanwhile Daisy is crying in Uncle Jesse arms, and Cooter, Boss and Rosco look at them in shock.

Bo shivers as Enos gives no response and looks to Luke for help, “Luke what’re we gonna do?!”. Finally Luke snaps out of his shocked state, “Rosco, call an ambulance”.

Few after they can do nothing but watch as Enos is taken out of their arms and loaded into the ambulance.

Daisy is looking outside the kitchen’s window, her eyes full of tears remembering the night she was there, hugging Enos.

“Daisy, darling, why are you still awake?”

Her uncle’s voice makes Daisy jump, a brief gesture to wipe her tears off.

“I can’t sleep Uncle Jesse, always the same nightmare”.

Uncle Jesse sighs, “Daisy, everything is OK, Enos is getting better and better, and Scanlon can’t hit anybody”.

Daisy nods coming closer to her uncle and hugging him, “I know, but…. I can’t stop thinking of what happened, and what could have happened if….”, her words stopped by a tight hug from her uncle, “Daisy, try to forget ‘bout it. Fortunately Enos is alive, and you too”.

Back in her room Daisy tries to sleep only to wake up again, breathing heavily because of the thought of Enos’s blood coming continuously to her mind. The dawn filters in her room and the woman stands up, eager to go to the hospital to visit Enos, like every day since the shooting.

Daisy hates the typical smelling of the hospital, a mix of disinfectant and medicines. She passes quickly through the hall avoiding to look at the couches where that day she was waiting for doctors, torn between wish and fear to know ‘bout Enos’s condition in the operating room. She wants to forget about how long she stayed sitting on that couch while her family were hugging each other, and Boss Hogg and Rosco too, shocked in that wide and cold hall; in particular she wants to forget about Rosco standing silently in front of the white wall, his forehead against it like if he could hardly stand, something so strange for him. She wants to forget about everything in that hall, as well the small bathroom where she rushed so many times to let her tears out, and where she rushed to vomit in the moment she saw a doctor, his tight features, coming through a long corridor to tell them the news they’re waiting for.

Daisy is now walking along another corridor, the sun entering the large windows and lighting the tidy floor, so tidy it seems a mirror. And in this corridor she meets the same doctor she saw that day, and all days after; he smiles gently to her, “Good morning, Miss Duke”. She remembers him talking to her family, Boss and Rosco while she was coming out that bathroom, her legs trembling and her hears buzzing; she remembers his tired features after the long operation, and she remembers his tired smile, that smile cheering her up and meaning that Enos was alive.

A brief knocking at the door, his voice behind it, and Daisy enters the small white room, the moment she prefers in those days.

“Hi Enos. Did you sleep tonight?”, she smiles.

He nods, “Yeah”, his voice still hoarse because of the time spent in the Intensive Care Unit with a tube inside his trachea.

Only a glance to tell him that she didn’t sleep, again. “And what ‘bout you? You seems so tired, Dais. You shouldn’t come here every day in the morning”.

“Oh Enos, don’t worry. Doctor gave me permission to come to visit you at any time I want to”.

Enos sighs thinking of how is so simple to her to persuade people to do what she wants they do. He looks at her, her brown hair sparkling in the sunlight and her hazel eyes changing to a green shade. Her beauty makes him blush as usual, so he closes his eyes, resting on the pillows under his back.

“How’s your chest?”.

Her voice snaps him out of his drowsiness, “Uh, better. It hurts a bit, but I’m OK”.

Daisy looks at the bandages covering his chest, something that still anguishes her, then she looks away focusing on his face and on his closed eyes, his eyelids gently trembling while he’s half asleep because of pain killers doctors are giving him.

The young woman takes his hand and she squeezes it gently, a gesture very familiar during all those days spent by his side at the Hospital, especially when he was in the Intensive Care Unit.

Falling asleep in the sunlight filling the little room, her hand still squeezing his one, Daisy promises to herself to be more honest ‘bout her feelings toward Enos in the future.  “I won’t leave his hand any more, and I’ll do anything I can do to make him happy”, is what is thinking of in that white and sunny room, the only room where she can sleep, because Enos is by her side.

by: Dixie Davenport

The phone rang at two o’clock in the morning. It never rang at two in the morning for anything…except bad news. And Lord, this was no different….

Jesse Duke answered the phone only to hear the voice of one Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane. “Jesse?”

Jesse Duke the family patriarch did a mental count of his family. Bo had been in the house on time, just as Jesse was going to bed. He had heard Daisy come in a bit later, due to her closing at the Boar’s Nest tonight. That left Luke who was the oldest and had turn 18 only weeks ago. “Yes, Rosco it’s me.”

Rosco P. Coltrane had been a friend of the Dukes longer than he’d been Sheriff of Hazzard County which is why this made this particular phone call harder than most such calls. “Ummmm, ….. Jesse, …..”

Jesse snapped, “Rosco just get on with what ever you have got on your mind in the middle of the night.”

“Ummm, yeah, ….. well, ….. Ok, ….” Rosco studdered, then said, “Jesse, it’s Luke.”

Jesse was now not in the mood to play games with the dim witted Sheriff. “Go on Rosco! What is it about Luke?”

Rosco scratched the back of his neck and replied, “There was a race out by the lake…….”

Jesse said, “AND!?”

Rosco ducked at the sudden loudness of Jesse voice, “Ummmmm, Jesse, Luke was racing. By the time I got there, he and Ralph Green were fighting.” Rosco waited for Jesse to reply.

Jesse remained silent waiting on the next shoe to fall.

Rosco finally added, “Jesse, Luke had been drinking.”

Jesse stiffened at the added information. “I see.” Jesse said without emotion.

Rosco added, “Jesse I had no choice but to arrest him and impound the car.”

Jesse said in a voice just above a whisper, “I understand.” then asked, “So, what do I need to do?”

Rosco explained that Luke would be taken before the Judge in the morning for a bond to be set. If Jesse bonded him out, he’d be free to go home until the court hearing.

Jesse replied, “I see. Exactly what are the charges?”

Rosco picked up his paper work that he would give the Judge in the morning and read, “Racing, Fighting, and Driving Under the Influence.”

Jesse nodded without reply. After a long silence he said, “I’ll be there first thing in the morning.” As he turned around he saw four young eyes looking at him full of questions.

(to be continued…)

Email Dixie

by: MaryAnne

*Spark Word Challenge: Reprobate*

(Author’s Note: I used the definition from my Webster’s dictionary for this one and you’ll see why.)

Rosco was what the word reprobate was all about…

“Rosco Coltrane, you old reprobate. If your momma heard you talkin’ like that, she wouldn’t show up at church this Sunday…”

Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane selected the dictionary off the book shelf in the booking room and turned back to the booking desk. He flipped open the book, turning pages and finding the entry for the word reprobate.

“To disapprove of strongly;” he read aloud. “Condemn….to reject or abandon….without principles; depraved; corrupt–” He narrowed his eyes, “lost in sin; rejected by God. A very bad or immoral person; scoundrel.” Scowling, he closed the book with a loud bang.

“I’m not a scoundrel!” he declared to the empty booking room. Empty, save for Flash, who looked up from her place on the floor and regarded Rosco for a moment. He looked down to his faithful companion. “Am I Flash?”

She just looked back at him, giving no bark in reply. In the quiet of the room, Rosco pondered the definition of reprobate, one word of the definition sticking out more than the others. Corrupt.

He knew what that meant. How often had he heard that when people were referring to him in hushed and no so hushed tones? Crooked lawman. Bought. Bribed.

“I know you’re the best, Rosco….the best law man my money can buy…”

Rosco sighed heavily, feeling the weight of each part of the definition of reprobate. He had rejected and abandoned the straight as an arrow law enforcing he had been known for since he first put on the Sheriff’s badge. Now he was without principles. Principles of his own, anyway. Everything he did was by, for or because of Boss Hogg. Corrupt. He took rakes off various vices committed in Hazzard and turned the other way while various crimes ran rampant in the county. Corrupt….bought off.

Lost in sin; rejected by God….

“Am I?” he whispered. He looked to the window and the blue sky beyond. Sometimes he felt lost. Sometimes he felt rejected. He knew what he was doing was wrong. He knew it was, but he was too far gone now. He wasn’t completely immoral, but half way was too far.

Rejected by God. He’d grown up God fearing. He went to church every Sunday, said grace before his meal and prayed to the Lord above when his life and heart were troubled. Was he rejected by God because he had, in turn, rejected law? The law he had taken an oath way back when to uphold, the justice he vowed to seek, the service he pledged, the duty he said he would fulfill, all thrown away because…..

Because his pension was taken away. He wasn’t going to get paid, so in bitter anger he turned his back on the law, thinking to get in bribes and rakes what he lost in his pension. But there was no price that could be put on what he had lost otherwise.

Rosco closed his eyes and sighed. No, there was no price that could be put on that. He had lost much more than he ever thought he was going to gain.

“I am…” he conceded. He opened his eyes and looked down at the dictionary. You are, Rosco P. Coltrane. You’re what the word reprobate is all about… He picked up the book and returned it to the bookshelf. He turned back to the booking desk, wondering…could he change? Was it too late?

He looked at Flash. “It’s never too late to…change. Is it, Flash?”

This time the basset answered him with a resounding bark.

“Yeah,” he said softly. Rosco picked up his black hat off the booking desk and put it on. He then stepped down and walked to Flash, gathering the basset hound up in his arms. “Yeah,” he repeated. “Rosco P. Coltrane ain’t no scoundrel…yer daddy ain’t no scoundrel.” He headed to the booking room doors. “I can prove it…”

~End~

by: Tara

Photo and Spark Word
November Challenge
Due: February 1st, 2004

Daisy debated for several moments after observing the wildlife activity. The free lance reporter went to the Dodge’s open passenger window. Carefully, she leaned in and grabbed the camera from a satchel on the floorboard. A misfiring engine caught her attention. She peeked over her shoulder in time to view the birds take flight and animals scamper in all directions.

The image she had planned for the front page gone.

The camera slipped from her hands back into the bag. “Reprobate,” She muttered.

“I am not.” A voice protested over the cb. “That means abandoned to punishment, lost and rejected.”

“How’d you hear me?” Daisy paused and realized her hand must have hit the mike.

“You know the General’s cb doesn’t work half the time,” the person replied. “Aren’t you supposed to be in town at a meetin’ with the publisher?”

“Thought you went on the monthly shoppin’ trip?” Daisy answered the question with one of her own.

“Had to drop somethin’ off at the post office,” the voice faded for a moment. “Then some paperwork-Damn!”

Daisy glanced out the back window to see Hunter almost crash into the General’s backend. “Daney Hannah Duke!” She exclaimed. She dropped the cb and ran to the dark green Plymouth’s driver’s side. She repeated the exclamation.

“Hmmm,” Daney said sheepishly. She wasn’t sure if Daisy’s cheeks were sunburned or flushed from anger. She brought her hands up and covered her face. “Did he break down?” She peeked at her cousin.

Daisy shook her head. “Finish your research?”

“Yeah,” Daney’s hands ran through her hair and came to rest on the steering wheel. “Need a ride?” She inquired with a mischievous grin.

Daisy laughed and tapped her fingers on the roof. “Only if I leave the General here.”

“Somehow I don’t think the boys would like that too much.”

“Do we always need their approval?”

“No,” Daney took a deep breath. “Ready for tomorrow?”

“I think so.” Daisy admitted with a gleam in her hazel eyes.

* * *

“You girls ready to go?” Jesse called to his nieces. He was dressed in a formal black suit.

“Almost,” came a muffled voice from the kitchen.

His attention turned to his nephews. Bo was fidgeting with the collar of a white dress shirt. The silk material neatly tucked into a pair of brown trousers. The shirt covered by a vest and cut away coat. Luke’s outfit was navy blue. Jesse watched the boys dust off their dress shoes with a handkerchief.

Swishing of long hoop dresses and knee-high stiletto heel lace up boot steps sounded just then.

“Careful or you’re gonna fall.” Luke advised.

“Hang on, your hat is gonna slip and get dirty.” Daisy warned.

The younger female glanced over her left shoulder. “Remind me again whose idea it was to have an old fashioned theme.” She requested quietly.

“I thought a Queen Anne summer cottage visit in Macon clinched it.” Daisy skipped the other details. She reached a hand up and touched the cameo pin on her dress.

Daney tapped the white satin and Battenburg lace parasol in her gloved right hand on the floor. She touched the fan in her left gloved hand to her right cheek. “So we gotta look like Scarlet O’ Hara and Melanie Hamilton-”

“Rhett Butler and Ashley Wilkes,” Bo retorted with a smirkish grin. He grabbed a black velvet top hat off the coffee table.

“Alright, we’re gonna be late if we don’t get going.” Luke turned and headed for the front door. Jesse put his pocket watch in the vest pocket. He nodded in agreement, as the other cousins strolled over.

Half hour later, the girls picked up orange blossom, magnolia, lily and baby’s breath bouquets. The hunting club looked more an afternoon tea garden setting with potted ferns and palms. The Queen Victoria wedding colors were ivory, pink, and gold. Classical music played as they took their places. The chandeliers dimmed to a soft glow.

“Are the photos gonna be black and white or sepia?” Daney whispered.

“Maybe both,” Rosco paused. “Nothin’ fancy, khee.” He smiled and quietly stepped away to take his place. Blue eyes watched the other attendants take their spots. He snapped a photo, then another.

Daisy and Daney waved to the Sheriff before turning their attention where it was needed…

Boss and Lulu renewing their vows.

The End