by: Bo Schneider

It was a cold day in mid December. Cousins Bo, Luke, and Daisy were outside playing in the snow that had fallen the night before. It was the first time that any of the Duke kids had seen snow since it didn’t normally snow in Hazzard.
In fact the last recorded snow fall was back in January of 1912. Jesse Duke and his wife Martha were sitting inside in the kitchen watching the kids throw snow balls at each other. The kids had each built their own forts to keep them from getting hit by the other two.
Luke had just made a very large snow ball and was about to throw it at Daisy, when out of nowhere something hard and cold hit him in the head. He turned around to see his youngest cousin Bo duck down behind his fort.
Luke momentarily forgot about Daisy and slowly walked over to where Bo was crouched down giggling to himself. Luke could tell that Bo hadn’t heard him coming and jumped what seemed like fifty feet when Luke dropped the large snow ball on his head.
Bo fell on his bottom and turned around to see Luke standing above him with a big Cheshire cat grin on his face. Luke knew that Bo wasn’t going to be able to chase after him because of his asthma so Luke knew he was safe. Or at least he thought he was.
Just as Luke turned around to head back to his fort, he felt something grab a hold of his coat. Before Luke had time to react, he felt something ice cold go down the back of his shirt. He yelped in surprise at the sudden cold, wet feeling on his back.
He started running around trying to get the snow out of his shirt. Bo and Daisy were on the ground laughing hard. Jesse and Martha had seen what Bo did and couldn’t help but laugh a little as their oldest charge danced around the front yard trying to get the snow out of his clothes. Jesse noticed it was starting to get late.
“I’ll fix some hot coco for the kids, okay dear.” Martha said to Jesse as he got up to get the kids.
“Alright dear.” Jesse walked to the front door to call the kids.
“Kids, who wants some hot coco?” Jesse called. The three kids looked at their uncle and ran towards the house. Luke and Daisy were about five steps ahead of Bo, who was starting to lag behind.
Luke noticed that Bo was starting to slow down and he knew that Bo’s asthma would start acting up if he kept running. Luke turned around and jogged over to where Bo was bent over catching his breath. Luke bent down and offered Bo a piggy back ride.
“Here Bo, get on my back and I’ll carry you inside.” Bo accepted Luke’s offer and climbed on his back. Once Luke was sure Bo had a good grip so that he wouldn’t fall, Luke slowly rose up to his full height. He easily carried Bo inside.
Once they were inside, they both noticed that Daisy was already dressed in different clothes. Daisy sat at the kitchen table waiting for her cousins to get inside and dressed into warmer clothes so that they could enjoy their hot coco. Bo and Luke went into their room to get some warmer clothes on.
Bo sat on Luke’s bed wrapped in a blanket breathing a little hard. Luke noticed that Bo was breathing a little hard and grabbed Bo’s inhaler off of his dresser and tossed it to him. Bo had been watching what Luke was doing and caught the inhaler before it hit the bed. Bo took a couple breaths of the medicine and covered his head back up with the cover again.
Luke continued rummaging through the closet looking for something for him and Bo to wear. Luke found an old shirt that he had worn when he was the same age as Bo and it was now too small for him. He tossed the shirt over to Bo who didn’t see it coming. It hit Bo in the face and made him jump a little. Luke didn’t notice since he was back turned. Luke just continued to rummaging through the closet again looking for more clothes for him and Bo.
Luke had soon found himself a shirt and pair of pants for both him and Bo. Once both boys were dressed, they made their way out to the kitchen. Bo had drug the blanket he was coved up with on Luke’s bed out with him, still wrapped in it.
Jesse noticed that Bo had the blanket, but decided not to say anything this time. Luke climbed onto one of the chairs at the table. Martha bent down and helped Bo get onto the chair next to Luke. Jesse got down five mugs from the cabinet over the sink. Martha filled each one half full with hot coco.
She passed one out to each kid and one to her and one to Jesse. After they all finished their hot coco, Luke and Bo went into the living room. Bo climbed up on the couch and sat there still wrapped in the blanket. Luke turned on the TV and found some cartoons. He climbed up on the couch and sat next to Bo. Daisy was in the kitchen with Jesse and Martha.
“Uncle Jesse.”
“Yes Daisy?”
“How’s come it didn’t snow last year?”
“I don’t know Daisy. The weather always changes.”
“Oh okay. I’m going to go watch cartoons.” Daisy said as she jumped off the chair she was sitting on. She ran into the living room and saw Bo and Luke sitting on the couch watching Tom and Jerry on TV. Daisy climbed up on Jesse’s chair and started watching TV.
About ten minutes later Daisy heard a soft snoring sound coming from the couch. She looked over to see both Bo and Luke asleep under the blanket. Bo had his head laying on Luke’s shoulder and Luke had his head laying on Bo’s head. Daisy let out a loud yawn that she hadn’t been expecting.
Jesse came into the living room with Martha. They both noticed Bo and Luke sleeping on the couch. Jesse went over to the couch and picked Bo up. Martha then picked Luke up and both adults carried the boys into their room. Jesse tucked both boys in and turned out the lights. Daisy was standing in the door way to the living room when Martha came back out of the boys’ room.
“Aunt Martha, can you tuck me in and tell me a story please?” Daisy asked her aunt. Martha couldn’t help but smile.
“Sure sweetheart. Come on lets go.” Martha said as she took Daisy’s hand and walked down the hallway towards Daisy’s room. Daisy climbed into bed and let Martha tuck her in. Martha then sat on the edge of Daisy’s bed and began telling her a story about a bunny named Peter Rabbit and an old farmer named Mr. McGregor.
Daisy listened to the story until she could no longer hold her eyes open. Once Martha was sure she was asleep, she quietly walked out of the room and shut the door quietly behind her. She walked out into the living room where Jesse was sitting watching the weather.
“The weather man says that there is a snow storm on the way. He said it may get here some time tomorrow afternoon.” Jesse said as Martha sat down next to him on the couch.
“Well we had best get the animals ready and the house as well. I’ll run into town tomorrow mornin’ after breakfast and get some more groceries. Just incase it is real bad.” Martha said.
“Okay Dear. I’m going to hit the hay. You comin’?” Jesse asked his wife.
“Yes just let me go wash up real quick and I’ll be in, in a few minutes.” Jesse nodded his head and started towards his and Martha’s bedroom. He turned around and looked at his wife.
“I love you Martha.” Jesse said before he headed into the room. Martha turned and looked at Jesse.
“I love you too dear.” She said as she went into the bathroom. About ten minutes later she came out and headed for the bedroom. Neither Martha nor Jesse knew of the trouble yet to come.
The next day Bo and Luke were up long before anyone else was. Bo sat at the kitchen table while Luke got two bowls down and got out a box of cereal.
“Hey Luke.”
“Yeah Bo.”
“When can we go outside and play in the snow? That was fun yesterday.” Bo said to his oldest cousin. Luke finished fixing breakfast for him and Bo and sat down at the table after he put the milk and cereal away.
“I’m gonna ask Uncle Jesse when he gets up. Maybe he’ll let us go into the woods today. Then we can have a big snowball fight there.”
“Okay. Do you think you can help me with my fort again?”
“Sure if we’re allowed to go. Ya better finish yer cereal before it gets soggy.”
“Okay Luke.” Both boys sat at the table eating their cereal and talkin about nothing in particular.
About an hour later Jesse and Martha came into the kitchen. Martha saw the two empty bowls in the sink and knew right away that Bo and Luke were up and about. But where they were at no one could guess. Martha decided not to fix a big breakfast since her two nephews already snuck a bowl of cereal.
Jesse was walking by the boys’ room when he heard laughter coming from behind the closed door. Jesse opened the door just a crack. He peeked inside and saw Luke on the floor acting like some kind of animal, while Bo was sitting on his bed watching Luke and laughing at his performance.
Jesse just couldn’t keep himself from chuckling at his nephews. Jesse quietly closed the door behind himself and walked down to the bathroom.
About two hours later Bo and Luke came out of their room. They noticed that Jesse and Martha were up. Bo ran over to his uncle and began jumping up and down excited about what Jesse could only guess.
“Whoa what’s got you all riled up?” Jesse asked the excited child.
“Uncle Jesse, Uncle Jesse, can me and Luke go outside and play in the woods please?” Bo said still jumping up and down.
“Ok first off stop jumping up and down so much yer gonna get yer asthma worked up. And secondly yes you can, but you can’t go in too far. Make sure the farm stays in view. And if’n it starts to snow I want you two to head back to the farm.” Jesse said to both nephews. Bo stopped jumping and started settling down some.
“Alright you two now go get ready to go outside. And Bo, I want you to take yer inhaler just incase yer asthma acts up while yer in the woods.” Jesse said to his excited nephews.
“Okay Uncle Jesse.” Both boys said in unison.
“Alright now go on and get ready ‘fore it gets to late. And ‘fore that storm gets here and you can’t go outside.” Both boys took off towards their room again. After they were dressed in their outside winter clothes, the boys raced each other outside into the snow.
Luke was the first one outside, Bo ran out right after Luke and slipped on a patch of ice. He slid down the path on his bottom. Jesse had dug out a path so that they could get to the old pickup. Luke was standing on the edge of the path.
“Luke!!! Watch out!!!” Bo yelled in warning as he approached Luke fast. Luke turned around a moment to late. Just as he turned around, Bo hit him and the impact caused both boys to go sliding the path. They finally came to a stop at the end of the path after having gone completely under the truck and hitting a small tree. Bo and Luke just layed on the ground completely dazed. Luke was the first to regain his senses.
He looked around trying to figure out what had just happened. Bo was laying next to him on his stomach, his feet over his head. Luke wondered why Bo was laying next to him but couldn’t figure out why. It finally hit him when he remembered that Bo had warned him about something.
“Oooowwwww….. That must’ve been why Bo yelled at me to watch out.” Luke said to himself. Bo started to stir next to him. Bo opened his eyes trying to focus and take in everything that had just happened. Luke helped Bo sit up.
“Oooowwww…. My head hurts….”
“Are ya okay Bo?”
“Huh? Oh yeah I’m okay. Ya know, that was pretty fun. But it hurt when we stopped.” Bo said giggling. Luke just ruffled Bo’s honey blonde hair, smiling along with his baby cousin.
“C’mon cuz’ it’s gonna be too late by the time we get going if’n we don’t go now.”
“Okay Luke. Can we go down by the creek?”
“Why do you wanna go there for?”
“I wanna see if it’s ice like the steps are.”
“Okay. We’ll go, but only for a minute. Ya know what Uncle Jesse said.”
“That we’s gotta stay close to the farm. And if’n it starts snowing to get back to the farm.”
“Yup, so let’s get goin’ ‘fore it gets dark or starts snowing.”
“Okey dokey Luke.” Bo said as Luke started leading the way. About half way to the creek, Bo saw a large bird flying over head. He
stopped to watch it and momentarily forgot about Luke. Luke who had no idea that Bo had stopped following him, kept walking.
When the bird was out of sight, Bo turned around to follow Luke again, but when he looked around, Luke was gone. Being as young as he was, Bo had no idea that he could follow Luke’s footprints in the snow. He started to get a bit panicky. He began to wonder around the woods trying to find Luke.
Luke was finally at the creek when he stopped to rest. Still having no idea Bo was lost, he began talking thinking Bo was with him. When Luke got no response, he turned around and saw that Bo was gone. Luke started to grow worried. He knew that if Bo got lost in the woods, that he may never find his way out.
Just then Luke remembered that he also had Bo’s inhaler in his pocket. Luke knew that if Bo got to scared then he would have an asthma attack, and with the weather as cold as it was, it would only make it worse.
Luke had been wondering around for what seemed like an eternity, then as luck would have it, it started to snow. It was light at first, but then it gradually grew heavier and heavier, until it was just flat out storming. Luke knew he had to find Bo and fast. He once again walked around the woods calling for Bo and trying to find any sign of him.
“BO! BO, WHERE ARE YOU?!?” Luke yelled. The only response he got was the howling of the wind. All he could do was keep looking and calling and praying that Bo was alright.
Bo had been walking for what seemed like forever to him, but in reality had only been a few hours. Bo was getting colder and more frightened with each passing minute. It was also getting harder for him to breath because of his asthma and the cold air.
He had given up calling for Luke when it became hard for him to breath. Bo kept walking deeper into the woods getting further and further from the farm with each passing minute. Luke was not having much luck either. With each passing minute he was also getting further and further away from the farm.
Back at the farm, the snow had started to fall harder. Jesse, Martha, and Daisy were in the living room watching TV, when Jesse looked out the window. All he saw when he looked outside was white.
“Martha I’m getting worried. I told the boys to get back if it started to snow.”
“It’ll be alright Jesse, I’m sure the boys are on they’re way back now. We just have to wait. We can’t go out and look for them in this weather anyways. I hate sitting here waiting on them to get back too dear, but if they’re not back in one hour, well go look for them.” Martha said to her husband, while she tried to keep her voice from sounding worried.
“Yeah yer right dear, that’s about all we can do right now with all that snow coming down. It’ll be next to impossible to see out the windshield anyways. I just hope they are alright.”
“I know, me too Jesse dear.”
Meanwhile, Bo and Luke were still wandering around trying to find one another and shelter at the same time.
Jesse couldn’t stand to wait anymore. He had to find his nephews, he knew that they should’ve been back by now, but when they weren’t Jesse new he had to look for them. He grabbed his coat, hat, and gloves and got his truck keys off the key holder. He ran outside, careful not to slip on the ice and got into his truck and started it up. He pulled out of the drive and headed down the road hoping to find some trace of Bo and Luke.
Bo didn’t know how long he had been walking around. His hands were starting to get very cold and he was starting to get hungry. Bo noticed an old shack nearby that looked like it was abandoned. He made his way over to the front door and found that it was unlocked. He opened the old door to the small building.
The door opened with an eerie squeaking sound. Bo walked inside and quickly closed the door. He walked around the old shack and found the kitchen. He found a small corner that was in the kitchen between the stove and refrigerator and sat down. He pulled his knees up to his body as much as he could.
The small child sat there shivering uncontrollably as his body tried it’s best to warm itself up. He stayed that way until he fell asleep, still shivering.
Luke was starting to get tired and was already way beyond cold. He didn’t dare stop for a break though since he didn’t know where Bo was. Luke was to busy fearing for his baby cousin’s own safety to worry about his own at the moment. Luke kept walking trying to find some kind of clue as to where Bo could be.
As Luke was walking, he noticed the indentation of footprints in the snow that had been partially filled in by the snow that was falling. Luke could tell that the footprints were that of another person’s and decided to follow them, hoping that they would lead him to Bo. Luke started walking in the direction the footprints were going, not knowing what he would find at the end of them.
Meanwhile Jesse was still looking for Bo and Luke in the truck, when he decided that the next place he would look would be in the woods. He drove back to the farm and parked the truck in the drive way. He then headed into the woods, going the same way he had seen the boys go in.
Martha had called Rosco and Enos to let them know that Bo and Luke were missing.
“Rosco, please come quick! We need yer help!”
“What’s the problem Martha?” Rosco asked the worried woman.
“Oh Rosco, Bo and Luke are missing. They went outside to play and they never came back in! Jesse went out to look for them. Oh Rosco please you must help us find the boys!” Martha begged to the sheriff.
“Oh that’s terrible! I’ll get Davis and we’ll be there as soon as we can.”
“Thank you so much Rosco.”
“No problem Martha.” Rosco hung up the phone. Davis was nearby sweeping the floor when he looked up and saw the distressed face of the county sheriff.
“Somethin’ wrong sheriff?” Davis asked. Rosco looked at him with a worried expression.
“The Duke boys are missing. Martha Duke said that they went outside to play and they never came back. Jesse Duke is out looking for them right now. C’mon Davis, we gotta get to the Duke farm and find those boys before something terrible happens to them.”
“Gotcha sheriff.” Davis said as he put on his coat and gloves. Rosco did the same thing and soon the sheriff and his deputy were on their way to the Duke farm to help in the search for the missing two young Dukes.
Luke had been walking for another twenty minutes or so when he came across an old worn down shack. Luke ran up to it seeing that the tracks went up to the door. Luke slowly turned the door knob not knowing what he would find on the other side.
Luke opened the door and the squeaks that it made sent a chill down his spine that out matched any chill the cold could’ve given him. The inside was dark and cold. Luke started shivering uncontrollably as he slowly made his way into the living room.
He looked around trying to see everything he could in the darkness of the building. Luke had trouble finding his way around the shack since it was so dark. He managed to find the bathroom, three bedrooms, and an old broom closet.
He was walking back through the living room, when he heard a noise coming from the kitchen. Luke cautiously made his way into the dark room and tried to find the source of the noise. Luke spotted the outline of a candle on the kitchen table.
He grabbed it and started looking for something that he could possibly light it with. He felt along the counter as far back as his arm would reach. Towards the end of the counter, he found a small book of matches.
Hoping that there was at least one match in it, Luke grabbed the book and opened it. He let out a sigh of relief when it was still mostly full. Having had the experience of lighting matches, since he helped his aunt light some of the candles around the farm. Luke struck the match along the edge of the book and a bright orange, yellow, and blue flame sprouted out of the tip of the match.
Luke carefully lit the candle after finding the wick. Luke put the match out and turned around to see if he could get a better look around the room. The noise came again and Luke pointed the candle in the direction he thought the sound had come from.
Luke let out a loud gasp when he saw the source of the noise. There in the corner next to the stove and refrigerator, was the small form of Bo huddled into a small ball trying to stay warm. Luke ran over to his cousin and sat down by his side. He put his arms on Bo’s small shoulders.
“Bo, Bo. Are you alright?” Luke said in a panic stricken voice. He grew even more worried when Bo didn’t answer. Luke took off his heavy down coat and put it around Bo’s small body.
Luke sat down and scooted right next to Bo. He put his arm around Bo’s back and started rubbing circles on his back, trying to warm him up. Luke decided to lift Bo’s head up so that he could see Luke’s face. Luke put his hand under Bo’s chin and gently lifted his head up.
Bo let out a small moan when Luke touched his face. When Bo felt his head being moved, he slowly opened his eyes. He took one look at Luke and a sudden rush came over Bo.
He jumped up and gave Luke a big hug. Luke was surprised and caught off guard when Bo jumped up, but he quickly recovered and returned the hug. Luke winced when he felt how cold Bo’s body was. He then heard another sound coming from his small cousin. Crying.
“Ssshhh…it’s alright Bo, I’m here.” Luke said trying to comfort the small boy.
“Luke, I’m scared.” Bo cried into Luke’s shoulder.
“It’s okay now Bo, I’m here.”
“I want Uncle Jesse and Aunt Martha. Can we go home now?”
“It’s still snowing outside. As soon as it stops I promise ya we’ll go home. Okay?”
“*sniff*Okay Luke.” Bo and Luke sat back down next to each other, as close as they could get to each other trying to stay warm. Luke was more worried about keeping Bo warm then himself since Bo was smaller. Luke started to think of how he could get Bo home as soon as the snow stops.
‘How am I gonna get Bo home? I wonder if Uncle Jesse and Aunt Martha are out looking for us. I hope they’re okay…’ Luke’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his little cousin coughing.
*cough cough*
“Bo, are you alright?” Luke asked. Luke looked down at his cousin and noticed that he was having trouble breathing. Luke then remembered that he had grabbed Bo’s inhaler when Bo had run off forgetting it when he ran outside with Luke.
Luke got it out of his pants pocket and quickly tilted Bo’s head up enough to where he could get the amount of the medicine that he needed to help him breathe easier. Luke stuck the open end of the inhaler into Bo’s mouth.
“Okay Bo, ya need to breathe this in. Its yer inhaler.” Bo did as he was told while Luke pushed the button on the top releasing the medicine into Bo’s mouth that quickly went into his lungs. Luke repeated the process again like he was told to do by Bo’s doctor and Jesse. He was glad to see that Bo was starting to breathe easier now.
‘Man am I glad that doctor showed me how to do that. And I’m even gladder that I remembered to grab it before I ran outside.’ Luke thought to himself. Once again Luke was pulled out of his thoughts when he felt Bo start to snuggle even closer to Luke for warmth and protection.
Luke knew that Bo believed that he would get them out of the mess that they were in. Luke fell into a light sleep that was dreamless. He was just glad that he found Bo before it was too late.
Rosco and Davis made it to the Duke farm about an hour after they got the call about Bo and Luke. Martha was in the kitchen with Daisy when there was a knock at the door. Martha got up, already knowing who it was, to let the sheriff and his deputy inside.
“Hello Martha. Where’s Jesse?” Rosco asked.
“He went out looking for Bo and Luke already. He’s been gone over an hour. Oh Rosco, I’m so worried about the boys. They’ve been missing since this morning.” Martha said on the verge of tears. She knew that she shouldn’t cry in front of Daisy, because she had to be strong for her until Jesse and the boys came home.
“Don’t worry none Martha, we’ll help you find Bo and Luke. We had best get going now. The sooner we find them, the better. C’mon Davis.”
“Yes sir sheriff.” Davis said. Rosco and Davis headed out the door and into the woods in an attempt to find the missing Duke kids.
Meanwhile Jesse wasn’t having any luck in finding the slightest clue as to where Bo and Luke could be.
“Bo! Luke! WHERE ARE YOU??” Jesse called as loud as he could hoping that he would get a response. Jesse was disappointed when he didn’t get one. Jesse kept going not knowing if the boys were safe or not.
Luke was awaken from the light sleep he was in by someone shivering. He looked down at Bo and saw that he was the one shivering. Luke pulled his coat tighter around Bo and pulled Bo closer to him in an attempt to keep him warm.
“L-Luke?”
“Y-yeah Bo?”
“I’m cold. I w-wanna go home…”
“I know Bo, I wanna go home too. But it’s still snowing outside. And we shouldn’t go outside while it’s still snowing.”
“O-okay Luke. Luke?”
“Yeah Bo?”
“I love you Luke.”
“Love ya too Bo.”
“Thanks Luke.”
“No problem lil cuz.”
Meanwhile Davis and Rosco were starting their search for the boys.
“Sheriff?”
“What do you want Davis?”
“I think we should split up, then that way we can cover more ground. I got a couple of walkie-talkies in my patrol car. We can use them to talk to each other and to let the other know if we found anything.”
“Davis?”
“Yes sheriff?”
“That’s a good idea. Run and get them real fast. I’ll wait here.”
“Alright sheriff. Be right back.” Davis took off running towards his patrol car to get the walkie-talkies. A couple minutes later, Davis came back carrying two small black walkie-talkies.
“These have a three mile wide range. We will be able to talk to each other up to three miles away.”
“Okay Davis. Report in every twenty minutes so that I know you’re alright.”
“Alright sheriff, will do.” Davis said. Both men split up going in different direction.
Jesse continued walking around, trying to find any kind of sign of his nephews. The snow was starting to let up some, and the wind had died down to a light breeze. Jesse saw an old shack over to the right that was half buried in the snow. He rushed over to it, careful about where he stepped so as not to fall in a deep patch of snow. Once he got up to the window, he looked inside.
He didn’t see anything other then dust and old furniture. He could tell that no one had been in the shack for a long time due to the fact the thick layer of dust on the floor hadn’t been disturbed. Jesse’s hopes started to vanish along with the falling snow, which was now only coming down in a light snow shower.
Jesse looked around for a minute trying to find some evidence that the boys had been through there. After seeing nothing that could help him, he started walking again.
Rosco wasn’t having any luck finding the boys either. Davis had reported in once to let Rosco know that he was alright, but that was all he’d heard for a good fifteen minutes. Rosco kept saying silent prayers that Bo and Luke would be alive when they found them. Rosco had been so deep in prayer for the lost Duke boys, that he almost missed the footprints in the snow.
“Hmmm, wonder whose footprints these are.” Rosco said to himself. Rosco decided to follow them in hopes that they would help lead him to Bo and Luke.
Luke was woken up by the sound of raspy coughing coming from the small child beside him.
“Bo? Are you okay?” Luke asked his young cousin. All Bo could manage to do was shake his head. Luke instantly grew worried once again. He knew that if Bo kept coughing like he was, he could cause himself to have an asthma attack. Luke was just about to say something when he started coughing as well. Luke’s coughing fit wasn’t as bad as Bo’s was due to the fact he didn’t have asthma, but it was still bad.
Luke knew that he had to get Bo back to the farm or somewhere else warmer then the shack that they were in, before Bo had a serious attack. Luke looked out the window and noticed that the snow had almost stopped, and that it was clear enough to go outside again. Luke reached into his coat pocket and pulled out Bo’s inhaler. He helped Bo take a couple of sprays of the medicine, before he stood up. Luke found that it was hard to stand up because his joints were stiff from the cold. Ignoring the dull ache in his knees, Luke bent down in front of Bo.
“Okay Bo, can you stand up for me?” Luke asked gently. Bo looked at Luke for a couple of seconds before making any kind of attempt to stand up. Bo had a lot of trouble standing up due to the cold, so Luke helped him stand up.
“L-Luke, I-I’m cold…” Bo whispered.
“Don’t worry Bo. We’ll be alright. I promise you that.” Luke said trying to encourage Bo. “Here climb on my back and I’ll carry you.” Luke said as he bent down enough so Bo wouldn’t have any trouble climbing on Luke’s back. Once Bo was set, Luke picked up his coat and handed it to Bo.
Bo took it and slowly wrapped it around his shoulders, hugging it close to him in an attempt to stay warm. Once Luke was sure Bo was ready, he went to the door and pulled it open. Luke was glad that Bo had stopped coughing for the moment. Luke kept trying to hold back his coughs, but found it next to impossible as he walked. Luke could feel Bo’s small body shivering against his back. Luke wanted nothing more then to get Bo someplace warm.
Luke’s coughing fit had subsided some since he and Bo left the shack, but he was starting to feel sicker with each passing minute. But Luke knew that he couldn’t stop no matter how bad he felt, for Bo’s sake. Luke was suddenly jerked out of his thoughts by a small voice coming from behind him.
“Luke, if you wanna stop for a few minutes, you can.” Bo said slowly. Luke could tell that the cold was starting to take its toll on his young cousin, and that meant that he couldn’t stop no matter what.
“That’s okay Bo, I’ll be fine. But thanks for the concern.” Luke said reassuringly. Bo nodded and layed his head on Luke’s shoulder. Luke knew that Bo was on the verge of going to sleep, and he knew that he couldn’t let Bo go to sleep, no matter how much he wanted to.
“Hey Bo, look. It’s a little bunny rabbit.” Luke said looking towards a wild rabbit. Bo lifted his head up and looked at what Luke was talking about.
Bo’s eyes seemed to light up some at seeing the little rabbit hopping around not even caring that Bo and Luke were near it.
Meanwhile Rosco was following some human footprints that he had found. He had been following them for nearly an hour before he saw the outline of a person. A man to be precise. Rosco immediately recognized who it was. Jesse Duke.
“Jesse!” Rosco shouted. Jesse stopped and turned around to face the local sheriff.
“Oh Rosco, am I glad to see you. The boys are missin’”
“I know Jesse, Martha called us and told us that you was out here lookin’ for ‘em.”
“Oh thank you so much Rosco. Have you had any kind of luck yet?”
“No I’m afraid not Jesse. Davis is out looking for them as well. He should be checking in soon.”
“Alright Rosco.” Jesse said as he and the sheriff went off in opposite directions.
Davis meanwhile had come upon an old shack that was half buried in snow. Thinking that Bo and Luke might be there, he made his way to the front door. Finding that the door was unlocked, he slowly pushed the door open and walked inside.
“Bo, Luke. Are ya’ll in here?” Davis called out. He heard a shuffling noise coming from somewhere up ahead. He shown his flashlight in the direction of the noise. Davis was disappointed when all he saw was a couple of mice running along the floor.
He continued to search through out the rest of the cabin, but to no avail. He was just about to turn around and leave when he noticed that the back door was open some. Davis decided to check it out thinking that maybe the boys had been in the shack and then left again. He opened the door further and saw a single pair of footprints in the snow. Davis could immediately tell that they were from a child, but how old he couldn’t tell. Davis decided to follow them and see where they lead to.
Luke and Bo had made it to the old Indian caves were they liked to play in the summer time. Luke knew that him and Bo could stay in there and stay a little warmer then before. Once they were inside the cave, deep enough to stay warm, Luke gently sat Bo down on the ground and quickly wrapped his coat around Bo’s small body.
Luke sat down next to him and pulled Bo closer to him in an attempt to keep his young cousin warm.
Bo had fallen asleep almost instantly after Luke sat down next to him. Luke gave a small sigh. The day hadn’t gone exactly as he had hoped it would and right now all he was concerned with was getting Bo someplace warmer then the caves. Luke fell asleep about five minutes after Bo did.
Davis continued following the tracks. He soon realized where they were heading.
“The old Indian caves. That must be where they are.” Davis said to himself. He got out his walkie-talkie.
“This is Deputy Davis Smith calling Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane, ya’ll got yer ears on, come back.”
‘This is Sheriff Roscoooo P. Coltrane. How ya doin’ there Davis, over.”
“Well Sheriff, I got some good news. I think I may know where Bo and Luke are. Come back.”
‘That’s great Davis, tell me where you are right now. Over.’
“I’m about five minutes away from the old Indian caves. I’ve been following some footprints that looks like they were made by a child. Over.”
‘Well you high tail it over to them caves and let me know what you find. I’ll find Jesse and let him know. Over.’
“Roger that Sheriff. I’m gone.” Davis continued towards the old Indian caves as fast as he could go in the ankle deep snow.
Rosco was once again following Jesse’s footsteps. About five minutes after he got the news, he finally found Jesse again.
“Jesse! Hold up.” Rosco said as he ran over to Jesse.
“What is it Rosco?”
“Davis just informed me that he may have found where Bo and Luke are.”
“Well where did he say?” Jesse asked getting excited about the fact that he may find his nephews.
“He said that he was going to check out the old Indian caves and he said he would call in as soon as he knew for sure if he’d found them or not.” Jesse gave a sigh of relief at the possible good news.
“Well let’s get going that way in case he does find them.” Jesse said as he started walking in the direction of the caves. Rosco quickly followed suit.
Davis finally made it to the caves and saw the tracks of snow that lead into the cave. He quickly walked inside and turned his flashlight back on and scanned the inside of the cave. After not seeing anything, he decided to go in further and look around for the boys. After walking in as far as he could, he noticed a medium sized shape that was neither rock nor animal in the corner of the cave. Davis quickly made his way over the spot and saw who it was. He was so relived to have found Bo and Luke.
“Bo, Luke. Can you hear me?” Luke slowly opened his eyes and looked around trying to figure out who had called his and Bo’s names. When his eyes met Davis’, Luke quickly felt relieved. Luke nudge Bo gently in the side to wake him up. Bo slowly opened his eyes and looked up at Luke, then almost instantly closed his eyes again.
“Bo, c’mon Bo. Ya gotta stay awake. We can finally go home Bo. Davis is here.” Luke said weakly. Bo slowly opened his eyes again and this time managed to keep them open. He looked around and slowly let everything come into focus.
“Wh-where are w-we Luke?”
“We’re in the old Indian caves and Davis is here.” Luke said gently. Bo looked up and his blue eyes met with Davis’ dark brown eyes.
“Hey there kiddo. Ready to go?” Davis asked. Bo nodded his head.
“Just let me tell Rosco.” Davis said as he got out his walkie-talkie.
“Deputy Smith to Sheriff Coltrane, ya’ll got yer ears on, come back.”
‘This is Sheriff Coltrane. Any luck?’
“Yes sir Sheriff. I got me two little ducklings over here at the old Indian caves. They are pretty cold, but other then that they appear to be fine. Over.”
‘That’s great Davis. I got Jesse with me and we’ll be there as soon as we can. Over.’
“Thank you Sheriff. I’m gone.” Davis put his walkie-talkie away and took off his coat. He sat down on the ground and picked Bo and Luke up and sat them on his lap. He then put his coat around both of them and did his best to keep them as warm as possible until Rosco and Jesse got there.
Jesse and Rosco ran all the way to the cave. They got there about ten minutes after they got the good news. Jesse ran into the cave and looked around for any sign of Davis and the kids. Rosco spotted them sitting against the side of cave, Davis holding Bo and Luke to help keep them warm.
“Here they are Jesse.” Rosco said pointing to the figures against the wall. Jesse ran over to where his nephews and Davis sat. Jesse knelt down in front of them. Luke, who had just begun drifting off, opened his eyes and stared into the happy, yet still worried face of his uncle. Luke then quickly threw himself towards his uncle and both embraced the other in a warm hug.
Even though Luke didn’t like to show his emotions, he just couldn’t hold it in any longer, so he just let everything out, and cried uncontrollably into Jesse’s shoulder. After they pulled apart, Jesse turned his attention towards his youngest charge, realizing that he didn’t join Luke in the hug. Jesse saw that Bo was asleep and shivering uncontrollably. Luke even had started to shiver uncontrollably once again and quickly pressed himself against his uncle’s side in an attempt to stay warm. Jesse quickly, but gently, picked Bo up and held him close to him and started talking to him softly.
“Hey there Bo, time to wake up. You can go home now.” Jesse was surprised when he heard Bo say something that he wasn’t expecting.
“Luke…d-don’t l-leave me p-please….” Bo stuttered out in his sleep. Luke leaned closer to Bo and took his cousin’s small hand in his and started talking to him.
“Bo, d-don’t worry, I w-won’t leave you. I-I’m right here. So is Uncle J-Jesse, S-Sheriff Coltrane, and Deputy S-Smith.” Luke said. Bo’s eyes fluttered open and his gaze fixed on Jesse. When Bo saw his uncle, he moved as fast as he could and gave his uncle a big hug and started crying. Jesse returned Bo’s hug and Luke even joined in again. Jesse tried his best not to cry as well, but a couple of tears managed to escape his eyes and slid down the side of face. Jesse picked Luke up and stood up with both his nephews in his arms.
“We should get them to see Doc Appleby. Just to be on the safe side.” Rosco said.
“Yeah, yer right Rosco. We can take them back to the farm in yer car and grab a few warm blankets for them and take them over to Doc Appleby’s office.” Jesse said. Rosco nodded and left to get his patrol car. Jesse and Davis stayed in the cave with Bo and Luke, who had both fallen back asleep.
“How can I ever repay you for finding my nephews, Davis?” Jesse asked.
“Don’t worry about it Jesse. I’m just doing my job, and finding the boys safe and sound is thanks enough.”
“You must at least come over for dinner one night real soon.”
“As long as you don’t keep bugging me about it, I think I can come over one night soon.” Davis said jokenly.
“Okay, that’s more like it.” Jesse said. Both men laughed at what they had both said. About fifteen minutes passed before Rosco came back. He went back to the cave and let Jesse and Davis know that the car ready.
“I CBed Doc Appleby to let him know that we’re bringing the boys in.” Rosco said.
“Thank you Rosco.” Jesse said as he carried his sleeping nephews out to the patrol car. Jesse sat in the front seat with Bo and Luke, while Davis sat in the back and Rosco drove. Luke had woken up a couple of times and Bo once, one the way to Doc Appleby’s, but they fell back asleep within a couple of minutes. Both of them had long since stopped shivering, but they both still felt real cold to the touch.
Rosco pulled in front of Doc Appleby’s office a few minutes later. He got out and helped Jesse carry Bo and Luke inside. Doc Appleby was already in the waiting room when the Dukes, Rosco, and Davis came in.
“Hello Jesse, Sheriff Coltrane, and Deputy Smith. I got the call from Rosco and had a room prepared for Bo and Luke. If you will follow me, I will check them over to make sure they are alright.”
“Thank you Doc.” Jesse said as he carried Bo into the room. Rosco followed carrying a sleeping Luke and Davis was right behind him. There were several blankets lying on the rather large examining table.
“Here you can sit them down on here and then I will check them over.”
“Alright.” Jesse and Rosco said in unison. They sat both boys down on the table. When they were on the table, they both woke up.
“Where are we Uncle Jesse?” Luke asked. Bo looked at his uncle and then to Rosco and Davis, then over to Doc Appleby and then to Luke. Bo slowly lifted his arms up begging in his adorable way, to be picked up. Jesse couldn’t refuse Bo’s plea to be picked, after all he had been through. He knew that Bo needed the extra comfort and the feeling of safety of having him there. Jesse picked Bo up off the table and wrapped a blanket around Bo’s small frame. Bo wrapped his small arms around Jesse’s neck and buried his face into Jesse’s shoulder. Doc Appleby decided to examine Luke first since Bo didn’t want to be put down at the moment.
After doc Appleby examined Luke, he found nothing seriously wrong with him, other then a mild cold. Doc Appleby gave Jesse a prescription so that Luke would get well sooner.
“Here is a prescription to help Luke get over his cold sooner. And it will also help keep it from growing into pneumonia. Lots of bed rest will do him a lot of good. Make sure to keep him inside for a few days. Do all that, and he will be just fine.”
“Alright thanks Doc. Now Bo, it’s yer turn.” Jesse said to his nephew. Bo peeped one eye from his uncle’s shoulder and looked at Doc Appleby, uncertain if he wanted to be put down. Luke reached up from under the blanket he was now covered with and gently touched Bo’s arm. Bo looked down at his older cousin and then back to his uncle, then to Doc Appleby.
“It’s alright Bo, he’s just gonna make sure yer alright.” Jesse said trying to encourage Bo to let him go long enough to be checked out. Bo hesitated a moment before letting go of Jesse and lifted his head off his uncle’s shoulder. Jesse sat Bo down and moved over enough so Doc Appleby could examine him. Bo kept glancing over to his uncle, then to Luke. Bo felt a small smile creep on his face as he saw Luke wink at him.
After Doc Appleby finished examining Bo, he got a small medicine bottle out of a cabinet next to the table that had the tongue depressors, and other medical items.
“Bo appears to be fine, with the exception a moderate cold. Here is some liquid medicine that you will need to give him every twelve hours. You will also need to watch him with his asthma a little more until his cold is gone. Also be sure to give Luke his every twelve hours as well. They should continue taking the medicine until it’s gone, just to be on the safe side. And the same thing with Bo, keep him inside for a couple of days, and make sure he gets lots of rest.”
“Thanks Doc.” Jesse said as he shook the doctor’s hand.
“Here, take these with you,” Doc Appleby said, handing Jesse a couple of blankets. “You can use these to take them out to your car, and then to carry them inside with. You don’t need to worry about bringing them back, we got plenty here.”
“Okay thanks Doc.” Jesse said. Jesse looked down when he felt a gentle tugging at his shirt. He saw Bo wanting to be picked up again. Jesse gave into his youngest charge’s wants, and picked him up. Bo buried his face in Jesse’s shoulder and grabbed a fistful of Jesse’s shirt. Jesse decided that he best carry Luke outside as well, so he stepped over to where Luke was sitting wrapped up in two or three blankets.
Jesse stretched out his arm towards Luke, who hesitated a minute before scooting over to his uncle. Jesse lifted Luke up and put the blanket around both Bo and Luke and started for Rosco’s patrol car. Jesse sat the boys in the backseat and sat next to them by the door. Bo sat in between Luke and Jesse and started to snuggle next to Jesse’s side in an attempt to get warmed up more. Luke seemed to copy what his youngest cousin was doing, and Jesse soon found both his nephews snuggled close together.
While Jesse sat waiting for Rosco and Davis to come back out, he said a silent thank you to the good Lord above for allowing him to find his nephews before it was too late. Rosco and Davis came out about five minutes later. Jesse noticed that Rosco had a bag in his hand. Rosco and Davis got in the car. Rosco started the engine and headed back towards the Duke farm.
It took them about an hour and a half to get back due to the fact that the roads were still covered with snow. Jesse took Bo and Luke inside and put them in their beds, making sure they were covered up good. After he was finished taking care of the boys for the time being, he went back out to the kitchen where Martha, Rosco, and Davis were sitting, Daisy having gone to the living room to allow the adults to talk in private. Rosco had brought the bag in with him, and sat it on the table.
“Doc said to give these to Bo and Luke later.” Rosco said as he pulled out two medium sized ’69 dodge Chargers. One was painted orange and the other black.
“Thank you Rosco. When you see Doc Appleby, let him know I said thanks.” Jesse said. Rosco nodded his head.
“I will Jesse. We better get going back to town now, Boss’ll be wonderin’ what’s taking us so long to get back.” Rosco said as he and Davis stood up.
“Thank you so much Rosco, Davis. Thank you for bringing Bo and Luke home safe and sound.” Martha said as she was fighting to keep her emotions in check.
“Yer welcome Martha, Jesse. Hope the boys get well soon. Take care.” Rosco said as he and Davis left. Jesse sighed and rested his head on his hands. Martha moved a chair over to her husband and put a comforting arm around his shoulders.
“It’s aright, we got the boys back safe and sound. C’mon Jesse dear, let’s get Daisy ready for bed and then we’ll check up on Bo and Luke. Then we should get to bed. It’s been a long, tiring day.” Martha said as she pressed a kiss on Jesse’s cheek. Jesse put an arm around his wife’s shoulders and stood up.
“Yeah, yer right dear, let’s go get Daisy ready for bed. Then we can check on Bo and Luke.” Jesse agreed as he and Martha made their way to the living room to get Daisy. Daisy had fallen asleep on the couch while the adults were talking. Jesse bent down and lifted his sleeping niece and carried her to her room. He layed her down on her bed and covered her up, then pressed a kiss on her forehead. Martha came in and did the same. They both walked out of the room, and walked down to the boy’s room.
Jesse opened the door enough to look inside. He saw that Bo’s bed was empty and all the blankets were gone as well. Stepping inside further, Jesse saw where Bo had disappeared too. Bo lay beside Luke, Luke having one arm over Bo’s side, in a protective way.
Both boys had a small smile on their faces and were covered up to their chins with the blankets. Jesse called Martha to come look at their nephews.
“Martha, come here.” Jesse whispered so as not to wake the boys up. Martha walked inside and saw what Jesse had wanted her to see. It warmed both their hearts a great deal seeing Luke with a protective arm around his young cousin.
Jesse and Martha shut the door quietly and walked down to their room. They both said a silent thank you to the good Lord, then kissed each other and went to bed.
Everything eventually returned to normal in Hazzard, at least as normal as things get there. Bo and Luke eventually forgot about that terrible day that they almost didn’t survive. They both got over their colds and when the snow melted, they were back outside playing and causing trouble around the farm, and on the days they weren’t outside, they could be found racing their cars that they had gotten from Doc Appleby.

The End

By: Heather (Lost Sheep #3)

Bo Duke glanced around the thick stand of trees that he was walking through, imagining sounds from every direction. Bo wasn’t usually this fearful, but it was Halloween, and he was walking near the old McPhereson’s place, one of the houses in Hazzard that was rumored to be haunted. He wouldn’t have been walking, if the CB in the car he’d borrowed from Cooter had been working, but it died just as he picked up the mike to call for help after the engine blew, something else that shouldn’t have happened. Normally he wouldn’t have even had a car from Cooter, unless Luke had taken the General out of town, but the Duke family had volunteered to take the orphans trick-or-treating to the farmhouses spread out in the county and Bo had borrowed the car so that they could take more kids, between the four of them not an orphan had been left at the orphanage. He was just grateful that the engine had blown after he had dropped the kids off.

Suddenly Bo heard a dreadful screech and looked to either side, chastising himself, “Bo Duke, get ahold of yourself, it’s only that tree branch scraping against the window of the old McPhereson place.” But that didn’t help, when he saw what looked like a light coming from the window, a light which should have been impossible from the house that had been deserted for over 50 years.

Then it happened, the rain that had been threatening all that night started, not with a few drops here and there, but with a flash of lightning and a crack of thunder, followed by an immediate downpour. Bo knew that he was too far from any other shelter, and if he stayed out in the deluge he was going to get pneumonia or something even worse, so he raced for what had been the front door of the old farm house. He ran full-tilt through the old wood door that had been left standing open. Slamming the door behind himself Bo let out a grateful sigh that he hadn’t gotten more soaked than he had.

Using the flashes of lightning that came frequently through the window Bo looked around what had once been the front sitting room of the farmhouse. As a particularly bright flash of lighning lit up the mantlepiece over the old stone fireplace Bo saw an old fashioned hurricane lantern that still appeared to have some oil in it. Holding his breath that the emergency matches he always carried with him hadn’t gotten too wet he fished one out of his pocket and struck it on the mantlepiece. When it lit with a satisfying glow he lifted the cover off the lantern and quickly stuck the match to the wick. Bo sighed with relief when the wick began to burn, that is until he had placed the chimney back on the base of the lantern and lifted it to look around the room some more. The light from the lantern caused more shadows than the lightning had, and made the old farm house that much more creepy.

With a shake of his head Bo began to investigate the first floor of the run-down building, picking his way cautiously over loose, squeaking boards and flashing the light from the lamp into all the corners of each room. When he made it back to the entry hall he contemplated investigating the second floor, wondering where that flash of light had come from. But since he didn’t hear anything from up there he decided against it as he noticed that all the stairs seemed to be in very bad shape. He decided to settle down in the corner of the sitting room where he could best watch the entryway and the door into the dining room.

Bo sat and hummed, trying to keep the shadows at bay with his voice, though his humming sounded overly loud in the stillness of the house. How long he sat there he didn’t know, and he didn’t want to go back out as the rain was not letting up, in fact if anything it seemed to be getting worse. Eventually he drifted to sleep, the lantern still shining brightly to keep the shadows at bay.

**********************

Bo awoke with a scream caught in his throat, unable to figure out what had woken him, then he heard it again, a loud crash from the second floor thundered through the rooms. Bo froze in terror, wanting to ease his fear that it was nothing, yet at the same time knowing that it was something, and very likely something he didn’t want to run into.

Cautiously Bo made his way up the staircase, each step creaking and groaning in protest. When he reached about halfway up and was eye-level with the second floor he stopped on the stairs and peered through the railing, at first he didn’t see anything, but then he saw a flickering light in the bedroom off to his left, then he heard it, the most eerie sound he had ever heard. One moment he thought it was a scream, the next it sounded like a moan.

Bo crept closer still, edging up the stairs and toward the light. When he could see into the room finally, what he saw nearly broke his heart, while at the same time scaring the living daylights out of him. There was a woman, about his own age, sitting in a rocking chair, cradling a baby to her chest and letting out etheral moans and screams as she weeped over the baby.

Bo watched as the ghost rocked the ghost baby, it was obvious that the anguished cries of the mother were over the loss of her baby, and even though the sight of two ghosts filled Bo with fear, the sight also left him hartbroken, that is until he heard a creak behind him. Turning around he saw a ghost heading for the mother and the worst words he had ever heard, spoken in the eeriest voice.

“Shut up….the worthless kid’s dead….give him to me….” the “male” ghost said to the mother ghost, as ‘he’ passed straight through Bo’s body.

Bo screamed in terror and ran down the stairs. As he reached the bottom step the front door flew open revealing a shadowy figure in the night. “Leave me alone!” Bo screamed, running into the parlor, thinking it was more apparitions from beyond the grave.

“Bo, relax, it’s just me.”

“I said, leave me alone,” Bo yelled again as the figure came closer, shining a light in his eyes.

“Bo, it’s Luke!” Luke screamed, trying to get is cousin to listen.

“Luke?” Bo asked, clearly shaken up.

“Yeah, cousin, it’s me,” Luke said, stepping closer and kneeling down next to his shaking cousin.

“Oh, Luke, I was so scared.”

“I know you were, come on, let’s get out of here, you can tell me on the way home,” Luke gently eased Bo to his feet and guided him out of the house.

Once they were in the car on the way home Bo turned and looked at Luke, “Do you believe in ghosts?”

“No, Bo, you should know better than to believe in them too,” Luke laughed softly.

“I didn’t think I did, until I saw three of them tonight.”

“Three?” Luke asked.

“Yes, three, a mother, baby and an angry man.”

“You’re kidding right?” Luke asked, hoping Bo was just pulling a Halloween prank on him.

“Luke, you saw me, do I look like I’m joking?”

“No, I guess not, what happened?”

“The car stalled and I couldn’t get it started again, when I went to call for help the CB was busted, so I got out and started walking. When I was just about on top of the McPhereson place it started to rain, I knew that I had to get under cover so I ran inside….” And so it went on, Bo told Luke the whole story, leaving nothing out.

“Wow,” Luke said, when Bo had finished his story. “If I believed in ghosts, which I don’t, though I don’t say you’re lying either,” Luke added quickly to reassure his cousin that he believed him “I would have to say those were the ghosts of the McPhereson’s themselves. Do you know the story?”

“No, not all of it anyway.”

“Well, the young couple came to Hazzard right after they were married and moved into the old house that had been in her family for generations, things seemed great, they seemed like the perfect couple, so I’ve been told by Jesse, when Elizabeth got pregnant she and James were ecstatic, but when the baby was born it was sickly, all sorts of medical problems, and James ended up hating his son because he was not a legacy to his name. The baby died on Halloween night. The story goes that Elizabeth wouldn’t give the baby up because James wanted to bury it in the back yard and forget that it ever existed. Finally, James had enough and threatened Elizabeth with a shotgun, if she wouldn’t turn the baby over to him, when she still refused he shot her, and then when he realized he shot the wife he loved so dearly he shot himself. It’s been said, since I was a kid that the whole tragedy replays itself on Halloween every year. The ghosts are stuck there because none of their souls can rest in peace.”

“Wow, I never knew the whole story,” Bo said, still shaking a little.

“Yeah, wow,” Luke echoed, “So you’re really convinced that it was ghosts you saw?”

“Even now more than ever,” Bo cast a glance over at his cousin, “I feel really bad for the mother and baby.”

“So do I cousin, but it’s been said that only a loving family can bring that house back from the haunted wreck it’s become.”

“Then I hope that happens, before next Halloween,” Bo said with a nervous laugh. “How did you find me, anyway?”

“I saw the car on the side of the road and then when I got closer to the house I saw the light in the upstairs window.”

“Luke, that wasn’t my light, I never made it off the landing of the stairs, and when I came back down I left the light on the landing, I was so scared.”

“You mean?”

“I mean you saw the ghost’s light.”

At that Luke shuddered and stepped harder on the gas, he couldn’t wait to get home to a warm fire and friendly, earthly faces. Then Bo reached down and hit the dixie horn, as though to warn off any other unsuspecting spirits that might haunt the back roads of Hazzard.

~End~

by: Essy Jane

Doc Applebee was working in his office as usual when Boss Hogg walked in. He wasn’t too thrilled of course, anyone could see through that fat marshmallow suit. His dark chubby hands slapped down on the desk. “You cheated me! I don’t have a high blood pressure and you know it!” Boss exclaimed.

“I cannot lie to impress some insurance company,” Doc Applebee replied. Him being in a well thought of position in town really proved his integrity.

“Well how would you feel if I died and Lulu was left with a big fat bill? Do you think that we could afford to pay it?”

“Do you really want me to answer that question?”

“Okay, I have a little more money than most.”

“A little more money? Boss, you can try to lie and scam your way out of a lot of things but I have known you most of my life.”

“Poor Lulu shouldn’t be left without loveable me should she?”

“Can you quit with the theatrics?”

“You don’t like me very much do you?” Doc Applebee rolled his eyes. He looked Boss Hogg in the eyes.

“JD, you are a very important man in this town and you are rich.”

“Rich is such a strong word.” Doc Applebee folded his arms and tapped his right foot. “How about financially stable? That has a nice ring to it.”

“I am not about to lie about your health problems.”

“Oh come on doc…”

“You are at risk for a heart attack.”

“Isn’t there any way I can get out of this mess?”

“If you loose some weight, I’ll keep it off your record. You also need to stop smoking cigars and you need to keep your temper in line. If you can do all that I am sure…”

“You will change it or else.”

“You can’t threaten me JD. You are neither in the position nor the comfort zone to do so. I suggest that you start loosing that weight or you will be off their list.”

“I think I hate you.”

“Good, maybe you will think about it next time.”

“How much weight do I have to loose?”

“At least 20 pounds around the middle Boss and that is what those people would expect for you to loose.”

“How am I supposed to do that?”

“I will tell you this right now; the only way you are going to loose weight is if you have a personal trainer.”

“I don’t want to spend that kind of money.” Doc Applebee rolled his eyes. He couldn’t believe that Boss wouldn’t be willing to do that for his health. “What other options do you have?”

“All I can say is the Duke boys are your best bet.”

“You have got to be kidding.”

“Well, the personal trainer that I am thinking about works for about fifteen dollars an hour.”

“Fifteen dollars? I know those guys they’ll scam me for everything I’m worth.” Boss Hogg hated asking them for help. He hated the thought of the Duke boys helping him loose the pounds.

“I don’t know if the Dukes will do it.”

“I am sure they would be willing to help you. Those boys have even helped me.”

“They’re in prison right now. Now after spending the night in prison would they really want to help me?”

“Not likely but maybe if you apologize…”

“Apologize to a Duke!”

“Boss, isn’t it worth the pennies you’ll save?”

“I wouldn’t even think of it.”

“Well you better think of something or you’ll be off your insurance so fast…”

“Okay, I’ll do what it takes, even if it means asking them dang Dukes!”

“Good JD, I am glad you are serious about this.”

“Dang right I am.”

“Now, you go on and get this settled. You only have a couple of weeks. I won’t give you any more time than that.”

“Alright, I get it.” Uh huh, Boss Hogg getting the boys to help him. Now, this is a switch. Usually the boys are trying to get his help by shucking and jiving. Hang on boys and girls this is going to be a rough ride.

2

Bo and Luke were going crazy after being locked up for another senseless crime. That was one thing we could always be certain of, anytime Bo and Luke were in jail it wasn’t their fault. Of course they were trying to break out.

“Lukas this is your…and I mean your fault!” Bo exclaimed. Luke wondered what in the world he was talking about. Yesterday they were standing in line for their mail when the cuffs were slapped on their wrists from behind. Now suddenly Bo was blaming Luke?

“What are you talking about? How in the world was I supposed to know about Roscoe and Enos’ little scandal?” Luke asked.

“Well I will think of something.”

“You’ll be thinking about it for an awful long time because I ain’t had any part of it.”

“This whole thing is bogus that’s all I can tell you. Boss has no reason to put us here.”

“Well that’s obvious. Uncle Jesse will have something to say about all of this when he gets back today.”

“Hopefully Cooter will remember to tell him.”

“Oh he will.”

“I missed him.”

“Who Cooter?”

“No, Uncle Jesse, I missed Uncle Jesse. I can’t wait to see him.”

“I missed him more than you did. I missed Daisy too.”

“I am longing for her cooking. You almost killed me that last couple of nights. Maybe that’s why we didn’t see Roscoe coming.”

“Don’t up and tell me my cooking has poisoned your mind, Bo Duke.” Bo laughed.

“It probably has. I don’t mind admitting it. I didn’t even know what that casserole was.”

“That wasn’t a casserole that was chicken ala king.” Bo’s eyes shifted.

“Sure didn’t look like it.” Luke’s cooking was worse than drinking swamp water. He had to cook pretty bad to be worse than that.

“Well that’s what it was, you know there is no way you can change what it was.”

“I get it Luke, it wasn’t a casserole…it was chicken something…something.” Luke rolled his eyes. Now that was about time Uncle Jesse came running down with Roscoe almost attached directly onto his shirt. Now Uncle Jesse wasn’t too happy when he was coming down.

“You lying crook! You let my nephews out of here right this instant!” Uncle Jesse exclaimed. His eyes were red with fury. He wasn’t about to let his nephews be pushed around like they were.

“You can’t go down there Jesse!” Roscoe exclaimed.

“Watch me you fowl playing no good hoodlum!”

“Who are you calling a hoodlum? I am Roscoe P. Coltrane and I ain’t letting you go down.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“No.” Uncle Jesse nearly ripped Roscoe’s arm off of his overalls. Bo and Luke laughed at the sight but weren’t the least bit surprised. They knew how young their Uncle still was. He had a lot of fire within him for a man of his age.

“Now Jesse, them boys are guilty.”

“Guilty fer what? You dirty lying cheating skunk! You wouldn’t know guilty if it—if it up and bit ya in the nose.”

“Jesse, you cool it or you’ll be in prison.”

“Boys what are you in for this time? Roscoe’s hangnail or a scheme they cooked up?” The boys didn’t know what to tell him at first. They were basically attacked from behind and drug into the station.

“Uncle Jesse, we don’t really know why we’re here,” Bo commented. Luke and Bo looked through the bars and wondered what their Uncle’s next response would be.

Roscoe was not too smart to go against a man who had just been on vacation with friends. Now when someone thinks nothing can go wrong it always seems to. Jesse would fight Roscoe until the end for this one.

Jesse wasn’t about to take this kind of abuse from anyone, not even Roscoe P. Coltrane. There was no way that his boys were going to be tried for a crime that they didn’t even know of. Yep, that’s right, Roscoe was in trouble.

“You bring them into the station without telling them why they’re being arrested?” Uncle Jesse questioned Roscoe. Roscoe began to back up.

When following Boss’ orders sometimes you can’t think of a very good excuse of why they are locked up. Roscoe had to think of a reason fast before he got his arms torn off. Uncle Jesse wasn’t in the mood to listen to the Boss Hogg record of lies.

“They were arrested for…speeding and…flying without a permit,” Roscoe finally came out with. He wiped his brow and wondered if that worked. With the sense of Jesse’s deep angry eyes it was obvious that this would be a battle of a life time. That is until JD came running down the stairs.

“You better let my boys go or so help me I am going to tear what is left of that hair from your scalp!” Jesse exclaimed as JD came to a stop.

“This has all been a big misunderstanding. You know that your boys are the top leaders in all of Hazzard County,” Boss says calmly. Bo and Luke look at each other and then at Boss.

“Ah, JD, what’s with the nice tones?”

“Nothing Jesse, I am just trying to be friendly.”

“The last time you were friendly with them, you were trying to snooker them.”

“I wouldn’t do that now.” He walks up the stairs slowly and closes the door. “Jesse, I would like to talk to your boys for a minute.”

“If you lay one hand on them I will…”

“Don’t worry; I want to talk turkey with them. It’s okay; I promise I won’t bite them.”

“Boys, don’t let him talk you into anything stupid.”

“Don’t worry Uncle Jesse, I ain’t goanna fall for any of his tricks but Bo might,” Luke replied.

“Only because Luke poisoned my mind with his dang cooking,” Bo hissed.

“Poisoned? That was perfectly good lamb chops.”

“I thought that was chicken ala king.”

“Oh—no, the chicken was the night before. I remembered they were pork chops.” Bo rolled his eyes.

“Oh that’s what they were. I was sure it was meat loaf casserole. No wonder I was sick for three days.”

“You know dang well…”

“BOYS! That’s enough out of both of ya!” Uncle Jesse exclaimed.

“Yes sir,” Bo grumbled.

“You got it,” Luke added.

“Now I’ll wait for ya by the truck,” Uncle Jesse commented as he walked out of the jail house. Bo and Luke waited for Boss Hogg to talk. They knew this was goanna be interesting.

Boss Hogg walked back and forth. He didn’t know how to say this without making the boys crack up. There was no real way and Boss knew it. He didn’t want Lulu to have to pay for anything if he passed on. How could they understand? They were Duke Boys after all.

“Bo and Luke I have a deal to make with you,” JD began.

“A deal?” Bo asked.

“What kind of deal?” Luke questioned.

“I went for my yearly check up and well…I was told I have to loose a few pounds,” Boss Hogg mumbled. Bo and Luke broke out laughing.

“A few pounds ain’t the word,” Bo howled.

“That’s the last time I pour out my heart to a Duke!” Boss exclaimed. He suddenly remembered his blood pressure and took a few deep breaths. Bo and Luke stopped laughing and wiped the tears out of their eyes.

“I am sorry Boss I just don’t know why you’re sharing this information.”

“I need you boys to help me loose weight.” Well the small spur of no laughing didn’t last all that long. Both boys seemed to be howling with laughter. Luke looked at Boss. His face was red. “Why are you still laughing?” Luke elbowed Bo and they suddenly became serious.

“I thought you were kidding,” Luke commented.

“How much weight are we talking about here?” Bo questioned.

“20 pounds at least,” Boss Hogg replied. Bo’s eyes widened. Something about that particular statement didn’t exactly thrill him. Boss Hogg on a diet? He would never be able to do that on his own. No wonder he asked for the Duke Boys’ help.

“Why didn’t you ask Roscoe?”

“Roscoe wouldn’t know a diet from a fat bowl. Besides, I don’t think that anyone else could discipline me like that.”

“Boss, the word discipline and you just don’t go together.”

“I want to be around with you boys everyday of the week. I want to say no to food.”

“Boss it ain’t going to be that easy.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Bo’s right, you will have to exercise properly and eat right foods. Maybe we can teach him how to box,” Luke commented. Bo looked at Luke and wondered if he was out of his mind.

“He put us in jail for a night and you wanna help him?” Bo questioned.

“Oh come on Bo, he needs us.”

“Besides, if you don’t do it, you’ll stay in jail,” Boss cut in. Bo shook his head.

“You see, we have no choice. Now we need to get him exercising.”

“Maybe he could be a farmer for a while,” Bo answered.

“Boss Hogg in overalls…I bet that’s something that Lulu has always wanted to see.” Both of them were again laughing. Boss grumbled as he grabbed the keys to the cell. He didn’t know what to say to them.

“We’ll help you get your luggage.”

“Don’t worry Boss, by the time we’re done with you, you will be so tired you won’t be able to even think about food.”

“Luke’s right, we’ll get you running fast and by the time we’re done, you’ll be a lean mean fighting machine.” Boss didn’t like the sound of having to work. However he wanted that insurance plan so bad that he could taste it.

3

Uncle Jesse didn’t want Boss Hogg living under his roof. What it all boils down to his trust and friendship. Boss Hogg was Jesse’s friend but the trust part had been flushed down the toilet long ago.

Those two had been almost total enemies since Boss took Jesse’s shine to a set of customers without telling him. What was worse was that Boss Hogg tried to pass it off as his own.

Well of course no one believed him but still…Uncle Jesse has resented him since. Now to live with that man would almost kill him. That’s how good of friends JD Hogg and Jesse Duke were.

As Bo and Luke took Boss to his house JD was almost in tears as he hugged his refrigerator. “I am going to miss you white lightning,” Boss mumbled.

Lulu was going to be temporary commissioner while Boss Hogg was gone. Though Boss didn’t like the sound of that, Lulu did. She wanted to change this County into a place that the community would be proud of. It would be full of honesty and goodness.

Boss Hogg wore a grey jump suit. He had a blue and white sweat band on his head with matching wrist bands. Bo and Luke walked out in shorts. Luke was holding a small scale from the bathroom and put it on the ground.

“Boss, step up on this,” Luke told him. Boss growled but he listened. Luke’s eyes widened.

“Well is it possible to loose that weight?” Boss asked.

“Yeah but this is gonna take a lot of work.”

“I’m willing to do it Luke, believe you me.”

“Alright, time to go on a run.”

“How about you run and I watch?” Bo began laughing he suddenly stopped when Uncle Jesse came out.

“You boys will treat JD with respect ya hear?” Jesse told them.

“Yes sir,” Bo said.

“Now Boss…” Luke began.

“You know, for right now, don’t call me Boss. I ain’t your Boss, y’all are mine,” Boss Hogg commented.

“What will we call you?”

“How about what your Uncle called me when we was kids?”

“Okay, what was that?”

“Jeff.”

“Okay, I think we can handle that.”

“Now Jeff, we want you to stretch, follow us.”

“Alright but I am a little bit rusty.”

“Don’t worry so are we.”

“Well that’s comforting—I think.”

“Now don’t worry Jeff…we’ll have you in tip top shape in no time.”

“Okay boys, I hope Doc was right about you.”

“What did he say?”

“Well that y’all were the best.”

“We are the best.” They turned on some fast music for exercise. Bo and Luke tipped their head to the right and held it there, Boss—err—Jeff followed along. He seemed to be doing okay too.

Now I don’t think the boys minded having him around. The more work he did physically, the more friendly he became with the boys.

A month passed where the Dukes were helping him. Can you imagine living with the Dukes for a whole month? Jefferson-Davis Hogg managed to behave himself in every manner, which was weird for ol’ Boss.

Jeff seemed to love all the things about farming. He was doing very well with watering the horses. He used to live on a farm. Bo was shocked to see how naturally it came back to him. Then again, once a country boy, always a country boy.

Chopping wood was getting easier and easier. He loved everything about it. Now if Jeff complained, Bo and Luke would remind him who he was doing it for. It wasn’t for anyone but him and Lulu.

Right after that, he would get right back to work. That seemed pretty weird for Boss who had lost all patience normally. I suppose it was a good thing. Luke was glad that Boss was having some fun but at the same time, He was getting quite the workout.

Healthy eating was pretty hard at first but now, Jeff Hogg seemed to love everything about it. The salads were good. Every time Jeff had a craving for a cigar, he ate dried peaches.

The boys were impressed with his efforts. Especially how he played tennis against his Uncle—yup, Jesse and Jeff were getting along like they used to. This was very good for him. Don’t worry, the quiet days weren’t about to last.

4

Lulu was working pretty hard on the County. She seemed to be smarter at this than Boss. Roscoe’s accidents were down. The jails were almost empty. Now what didn’t Roscoe like about this? His sister was too—honest.

Boss Hogg would have shuttered if he had to see the sight of this. Lulu in all white—sitting in his chair eating his chocolate. Roscoe wanted to put an end to it but knew that this wouldn’t happen.

Still for the sake of everything Boss Hogg stood for—or didn’t stand for, Roscoe had to stand up to his sister. “Now Lulu, Boss has a certain way of doing things and…” Roscoe began. Lulu stared right into the pit of his soul. He pulled at his collar.

“Don’t tell me which way JD does things! You piece of purple kangaroo. I married him didn’t I?” Lulu questioned.

“Yes Lulu but…”

“But what?”

“Umm…well you see Lulu…Boss needs…”

“A darn good spanking?”

“Yeah a darn good…NO! Boss needs, a good—ah…a good staff that he can work with. Now this staff has grown accustom to—certain ways.”

“Wrong ways?”

“Now Lulu, that’s harsh.”

“That’s the truth ain’t it? You’re worried about dipping your fingers in the cookie jar but it ain’t happening.”

“Lulu, I am talking about mutual respect now.”

“Okay, how is this for respect? You are my baby brother and I can still whoop you.”

“Yeah, you can can’t you?”

“Now get out there and patrol.”

“I’m gone.” Roscoe walked out of the room.

“And close the door!” Roscoe walked back over like it was a chore.

“Yes Lulu.” He closed the door. Lulu sat in the chair counting money. As she did, the door burst open like it was nothing. Roscoe walked back in. His hands were up in the air.

“Look, I ain’t goanna arrest you, little…” Someone walked in behind Roscoe. “Who are you?” He had a mask on his face and both Roscoe’s and his own gun.

“I am who ever you want me to be. Now, I want the money in that safe,” The crook said.

“Adam Welsh?”

“GIVE ME THE MONEY!”

“As much as I would like to I can’t. I don’t have the combination to this lock.” Another two men came in behind him.

“Well who cares about that! We’ll just take the safe out.”

“Adam, you won’t get away with this!”

“Be quiet Miss Lulu, I don’t wanna do something I might regret.” Adam stood there holding the gun while Lulu did something sneaky. She leaned on the receiver of Boss’ CB.

At the Duke farm, they were working on Dixie for Daisy. Daisy had taken the pickup for work. Jeff had been digging right in there. That’s when the CB went off. “Adam, stealing my husband’s money ain’t goanna help you at all,” Lulu said.

Jeff’s eyes widened. He shook his head. “Shut up Miss Lulu,” Adam replied.

“You can’t do this, our sheriff is in the room.”

“I know, I can see him and he can’t do a thing.”

“Is that your blue van outside?”

“Yes, it is now be quiet.”

“How can I? I am so afraid of these fellows. I don’t think I can bare it.”

“Lulu…”

“Three men after my husband’s money.” Bo and Luke stared at each other. Now Lulu gave away some vital information.

“We’re goanna have to take them, they know too much,” One of the henchmen announced. Lulu moved the button—how do I know? The CB airway was dead. Bo and Luke shook their head.

“Jeff we have got to…” Bo began. He looked where Jeff once was and his eyes widened. “Where the heck did he go?”

“Beats me—I wouldn’t know at all,” Luke answered his cousin.

“You’re supposed to be the smart one.” Luke shrugged and looked around. “I mean you’re always telling me to pay attention.”

“And you weren’t either.”

“That’s because I knew you would pay attention. You should know where he was.”

“I was looking at you!”

“And what a nice mug I have too.”

“Bo you are on my last nerve.”

“Jumping on your last nerve on just standing on it?” Suddenly the barn doors broke open. Luke’s eyes widened. Bo put his hands on his hips, leaning in for a view like a chicken.

“Oh my gosh!” Black Tillie was on her way out of Hazzard property.

“Does he wanna get killed?”

“All I know is that we have to find him and Lulu and Roscoe otherwise it is curtains for all of them.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice, cousin.” Bo and Luke ran to the General Lee. Bo got in the driver’s seat while Luke slid on the hood. He got in the other side. Bo already had the engine started before then.

“Pray Bo.”

“I already said my prayers today.”

“Pray that we get there on time.” Bo put the petal to the metal. “Okay?”

“Not okay.”

“Why not?” Bo turned the wheel pretty quickly.

“Well praying requires kneeling and closing ones eyes. Trust me, I think if I kneel down at this moment, we’ll get in an accident.”

“You can pray with your eyes opened.”

“Nope…I can concentrate when I pray like that.”

“Just move it Bo.”

“Alright Luke.”

“Dang, another Hazzard Adventure.”

“Don’t tell me you were enjoying the quiet. If I had to sit through one more minute of silence, I was goanna burst.”

“Well, I know that. You live for adventure. I bet I’ll see you as an old man jumping out of airplanes.” Bo began laughing.

“I see you running the farm right into your old age. You know, telling me I should do some child rearing.”

“It would sure settle you down.” Bo laughed as he shook his head. Luke just shrugged.

Luke couldn’t believe they finally were out of this boring streak. This was pretty intense. Not only was Lulu in the hands of these crooks but Boss’ money. Now I don’t know about you but if the two most precious things were in some—wait, Roscoe was there too.

Dang, Boss’ blood pressure was goanna be off the charts. Now I am worried about Boss Hogg. He needs to keep away from being hypertensive. This just ain’t one of those moments.

5

As those boys continued to drive on the road, Roscoe tried to struggle out of his ropes. Those boys thought they were Scott free. Well until they saw the little black car tailing them.

Now if you think Boss Hogg would go after someone without any ammo, then you have another thing coming. Boss Hogg used to help Jesse solve problems back in the day. Now, even though most times he caused problems, he was ready for anything.

He took the wheel in between his legs. Boss grabbed a stick of dynamite. He threw it and pushed the breaks. The Van moved to avoid it and ended up in a ditch. As those men ran from the van, the boys showed up.

They began chasing after the three men with guns. They had six shooters. They continuously shot at Bo and Luke. “Are we goanna let them get away with that?” Bo asked.

“No,” Luke replied. He took the Bow and arrow set he had with him and set up the first dynamite arrow. He shot it off far.

“Good job.”

“Thanks, I thought it was one of my personal best.” It exploded. The men somehow avoided it. They continued to shoot. “You know, they all only have one bullet left.”

“How do you know?”

“I was in the Marines, remember?” Bo laughed as he shook his head. Luke winked.

“I knew that.”

“Of course you did.” Each man shot off their bullets. Bo smiled like never had before.

“I like this part.”

“You know, so do I.”

“Shall we?”

“Age before beauty, Luke.” Luke rolled his eyes and began laughing.

“Cute, Bo, real cute.” Bo dropped the bunched up rope.

“I can be, can’t I?” Bo took on two and Luke, one. Bo always liked the glory of two people. He seemed to be doing okay too. He punched the first one in the nose and then the second.

Luke liked having one who thought he knew what he was doing. This guy was one of those types. As the masked man went to hit Luke, he dodged it. “Come on buddy, you can do better than that,” Luke laughed. The man seemed upset.

“You are goanna get it,” He said.

“Oh really?”

“Yes really.” He charged at Luke again. “I will get you.”

“Not likely.” Luke flipped him right over. The man growled. “You see, you would have to use a much different approach.”

On the other end of the battle, Bo was doing well. While one recovered, he took on the other. It wasn’t a bad strategy. Bo took the larger one on for a minute. As he saw the other shadow start to move towards him, he hit the big guy in the nose once again.

“Boy howdy, y’all don’t know when to quit,” Bo commented. Luke came over and took on the smaller of the two men. Bo finished off the large one. He took his ropes and tied them up.

Bo shook Luke’s hand. They nodded their heads and smiled. Bo lifted the large on and one of the smaller ones. Luke took the masks off of all of them.

“Lulu, are you sure you’re okay?” Boss asked.

“Yes honey, I am just fine,” Lulu replied.

“Good, I wouldn’t want you to be any other way my darling wife.”

“JD, I can’t get over how thin you are.” Bo and Luke laughed. “It is all because of you two boys.”

“Well he lost his twenty pounds…” Bo commented.

“And then some.”

“Hello, I’m here too,” Roscoe cut in. Everyone began laughing.

“Hi Roscoe,” Luke greeted the sheriff.

“Well at least someone knows I am around.”

Well let’s see, Boss Hogg kept his insurance plan and went back to the office. He had a lot of dirty dealings to get back to. The crooks went to jail. And the Duke boys…got a ticket for parking in a red zone…well after Roscoe lifted the tape. That’s Hazzard for ya.

by: i1976

Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Epilogue