by: Tara

Welcome to Hazzard where the talk of the town is the Annual Hoedown.

“Daney, you decided what you’re gonna be for the Hoedown tomorrow?” Daisy asked, setting another clean mug on the counter top of the bar.

Daney shook her head. “I did see something I liked but I’m not sure.”

“I hope it’s there tomorrow…. Or you’re gonna end up wearin’ one of Bo or Luke’s old racing uniforms.” Daisy said with a big grin as they went back to cleaning and setting up the bar for the dinner crowd.

Daney thought about the song “Boys Are Back In Town” for a moment, then said “You know I could go as a thug or something like that.”

“You will do no such thing,” A voice called out as the front door slammed shut.

They turned to see the pretty, brown-haired, blue-eyed full-time Deputy (and part -time Boar’s Nest waitress) MaryAnne Coltrane strolling up to the bar with fast footsteps.

“MaryAnne, I was just kidding.” Daney explained sheepishly

MaryAnne blew a wisp of hair away from her face. “Ok. Just make sure you tell Bo and Luke. I seen ‘em at Rhuebottom’s awhile ago looking at them type of outfits.”

Daisy nodded. “We’ll tell ‘em, MaryAnne. Did ya get the new records for the jukebox by any chance?”

MaryAnne’s face lit up with a big smile. “Yep, got them right here. Going to put them on after I change into my work clothes.”

“I thought you were already in your work clothes,” Daisy teased. She and Daney glanced from the two bags in MaryAnne’s hand to her HCSD uniform.

“Argh,” MaryAnne muttered while storming off to the ladies room.

That is one lady I wouldn’t want to tangle with in a dark alley.

Daney turned to Daisy after the door slammed shut. “You think we should let MaryAnne handle the counter tonight? We should be able to cover the tables ourselves.”

“I think we’d better let MaryAnne decide on that… since we’ve given her a hard time.”

MaryAnne came out a few minutes later and opened the jukebox’s glass cover with her key. She carefully took one of the records out and laid it gently on a table. She took an album out of the bag, pulling the record carefully from its cover and placed it in the empty slot.

Daney walked over after she had changed about 10 of them. “What records did Boss order?”

MaryAnne turned around with a grin “What did Boss order? Nothing… I picked these out myself… Figure the place might liven’ up a bit.”

Daney picked up the empty album covers and scanned through them quickly “Kewl! Eagles, Lynyrd Synyrd, Allman Brothers. You turning this country honky tonk into a southern rock one?” she said, laying the covers back on the table.

MaryAnne shut the glass cover and chuckled “Well I figure the patrons won’t mind!”

Daisy came over by them. “No, I reckon they won’t.” She headed to the front door and unlocked it. She turned the “closed” sign in the door to “open.” As she walked back up to the bar, she was glad to see MaryAnne a bit happier. It had to be hard being a deputy full-time and working part-time at the Boar’s Nest. Just like Daney and Daisy herself had to do chores on the farm and work at the Boar’s Nest too. They all worked hard, and that’s why they looked forward to the Hoedown. It was a break from the usual routines, a chance to have some fun.

Daney said as the three walked out to their vehicles after closing the place up later that evening “MaryAnne, I’m sorry about early.”

MaryAnne grinned as she got in Maverick “I told you earlier it was ok.”

Daney smiled as the blue firebird sped away. The sudden horn beep from Dixie startled her. She turned. “Sorry Daisy, was just thinking-”

Daisy grinned. “It’s ok. C’mon. Bo and Luke are probably up waiting on us.”

For any of y’all still wonderin’ what a hoedown is… you start out with a get-together, then work your way up to a shindig. Once you’re about halfway out of liquor and folks have started dancing, then it’s a hoedown.

The next afternoon at the Duke farm, Daisy was showing off her costume. She came out into the living room with a “taa-daa!” of pride, making Daney smile.

Daisy grinned back, spinning around for the full effect of the long red and blue flowered skirt, that matched the trim of her white ruffled blouse. A matching shawl covered the blouse. Her hair was done up in a bun and she wore a rose tucked behind one ear. A lace-trimmed hand fan completed the picture of a Spanish senorita.

“It’s gorgeous! You’ll be the envy of the bullfight,” Daney said. “Do you know any Spanish?”

“Si,” Daisy said. “Chili, hot tamale.”

“I’m impressed! All I know in Spanish is, ‘bonus nachos’.” Daney laughed and then looked at the time. “I guess I better go get ready.”

Daisy glanced at her watch and over at her cousin with a smile “Yep… Otherwise we’re going to be late.”

Daney laughed and bolted back to their room where the outfit she had picked up earlier was laying on the bed. When she came back out, Daisy gave a nod of approval.

I like Daisy’s costume. But wait until you see how some other folks are showin’ up.

The brown-haired man gave a small smile, looking down at the getup. He wore blue jeans, a white shirt, brown boots, along with a brown leather vest and chaps. Silver spurs jingled on his boots. A wide, brown gunbelt was slung over his hips, a toy revolver secured in the holster. He carefully placed the brown Stetson hat atop his head. He took a bandana and tied it loosely around his face, leaving only his dark eyes to peer over the top. He checked his reflection in the mirror. “Hmm, not bad for a city boy…khee… I’m so good looking, it’s criminal.”

A voice called to him from downstairs. “Git your posterior down here, or we’re gonna be late!”

The cowboy smiled from under his bandana, and headed down the stairs. “Awright, hold your fire, I’m on my way!”

What he saw at the bottom of the stairs froze him in his tracks. The young woman who had called him was wearing a black, skin-tight cat suit. It was a one-piece outfit, complete with soft black boots that made no sound when she walked. Thin black gloves covered her hands. Her hair was pulled back and tied into a snug ponytail. The black eye-mask completed her image as a professional cat burglar. She enhanced the look with a large black-velvet bag that was in her hand.

The cowboy chuckled. “Very nice! Changin’ careers, are ya?”

“Come on, we’re goin’ to be late. Remember, you are to be on your best behavior at the Hoedown or ELSE -” she said as they walked out the door.

Or else what? The cowboy thought, but he knew better than to say it out loud. There was no telling what was in that black bag of hers, and there was no sense in pressing his luck.

He followed the cat burglar up the street to the town square, where the festives were about to begin. His companion let out a chuckle as she spotted Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in the gazebo in the center of the square.

As the cat burglar and cowboy got a little closer, they could hear, “Elementary, my dear dipstick, that microphone should be a little shorter.”

“Yessir, Sheriff…. I mean Sherlock,” Dr. Watson said.

Sherlock Holmes took his pipe and rapped Dr. Watson on the head. “I’m not the Sheriff tonight! You slip up like that again, I’m goin’ knock you in the middle of next week…” The sound of laughter coming from the cat burglar and the cowboy made the sleuth turn around. “Oh, good news, good news, our first guests!” He said as he looked at them. “And who might you two be?”

“Kid Coltrane and his one-armed cat bandit,” the cowboy said.

The cat burglar whapped him with the bag, grinning. “He knows dang well who we are. Right, cousin Sherlock?”

Sherlock’s blue eyes were amused. “Aww, jit jit, You know who you are talking to?”

Dr. Watson interrupted. “Sherlock, you gotta go pick up Commissioner Hogg now. He said 4 p.m. and it’s that time, sir.”

“Are you kiddin’ me? Of course I know it’s time to pick the Commissioner up. I’ve been waitin’ on you to quit messing around with that microphone is all.”

With that, Scotland Yard’s finest made haste for their appointment.

The cat burglar and cowboy were checking out the food table when an orange Dodge Charger screeched up to a stop across from the town square. A blonde man climbed from the driver’s side, dressed formally in a black tux and tails, complete with top hat, walking cane, and white gloves. He had a white silk shirt with a black bow tie, which he adjusted with a quick tug. He had an expression of aristocratic indifference as he surveyed the party, and he was soon joined by his dark-haired counterpart, wearing identical attire.

The cowboy and the cat burglar giggled at them. They heard the two men converse as they walked by.

“Lukas, shall we partake of a beverage before we hobnob with the rest of the Hazzard socialite scene?”

“No Beauregard, there will be plenty of time to partake of the refreshments and victuals later. We should mingle with the common folk first.”

“Capital idea.”

“Quite.”

The cowboy and cat burglar broke out into open guffaws, laughing harder as the two formal-looking men turned to face them. The cowboy couldn’t pass up a taunt. “Y’all got any Grey Poupon? When E.F. Hutton talks, y’all listen? Or are you two just a pair of renegade wedding ushers?” The laughter continued.

The dark-haired gentleman turned to his companion. “Are you offended, Beauregard?”

“Yes, Lukas. I am offended. Are you offended?”

“Indeed.” Lukas pulled off one white glove, stepped up to the chuckling cowboy, and whapped him with it. “You insult me, sir. I therefore challenge you to a duel.”

A hush fell on the gathering crowd as Luke threw down the glove. The cowboy let it lie there a moment, then picked it up. “I accept,” he said loudly, returning the glove with a short whap to his opponent’s face. Luke took the glove back, put it on, and gestured to Bo.

“My second. And yours?”

The cowboy jerked a thumb at the cat burglar. “She’ll be my second.”

“Very well,” Luke said gravely. “Beauregard…please bring the weapons.”

As the blonde man sauntered off, the cat burglar grabbed the cowboy by the vest and yanked him aside. “You know what you just got us into?”

“What? I was just playin’ along,” the cowboy shrugged.

“You apparently forgot how things work in Hazzard,” the cat burglar hissed. “Trust me, things could get messy here!”

The cowboy was about to ask what she meant, when Bo returned. He presented the weapons to the cowboy and the cat burglar, opening the two cartons of eggs to display the ammo within.

“Egg toss at twenty paces,” Luke intoned. “Choose your weapons.”

The cowboy stared at the egg cartons. The cat burglar gave him a nudge. “Take the grade-A extra-large! There’s always one larger set and one smaller set in a duel.”

The cowboy then noticed that one carton had slightly bigger eggs. He chose it, and then he and Luke turned their backs to each other. Bo counted off the paces. “One! Two! Three…”

At twenty, the cowboy turned and faced his opponent, lobbing an egg underhanded into the air. Another one, thrown by Luke, was already headed his way. The cowboy caught his, barely avoiding crushing it. He instantly realized the Duke’s advantage. They were farmers, used to handling eggs, and had probably tossed them around since kids. The cowboy had an urban upbringing, and had never taken an egg farther than the fridge to the frying pan.

I think I’ve been shucked n’ jived, he thought as another egg sailed towards him. He managed to catch it, but he was losing ground. Luke was lobbing the eggs high in the air, which meant they took more time to descend, which gave Luke the upper hand. He could prepare another throw while the cowboy was still struggling to catch the last one.

The cowboy realized this strategy a moment too late. He had hastily grabbed one of his own eggs to throw, but another inbound missile was looming. Having no choice, he caught the egg while another was in his hands – and they both broke.

The cowboy’s expression as he held the gooey mess made the spectators laugh. He grinned, being a good sport. “Anybody care for an omelet?” He said to the crowd. Then he yelled congratulations over to his victorious opponent. “Let me shake your hand!”

Luke declined. “No thank you, my good man, it’s enough to have made you crack.”

A figure in black suddenly shoved the cowboy aside. “Move over,” the cat burglar said. “Somebody’s got to salvage the family honor.”

“Be my guest,” the cowboy grinned. The playing field was now level. The cat burglar had lived on a farm for most her life, and was on equal footing when it came to an egg toss with the Dukes.

She wasted no time. As Bo signaled them to begin, the cat burglar lobbed not just one egg, but two in short sequence, then reached for more. Luke, being an expert, caught them both without breaking either one.

He could get no more than a single egg of his own in the air before she had another two coming at him. She caught Luke’s single-volley and immediately threw two more, then waited a half-beat and threw a third.

Luke caught the two eggs, but had no time to set them down before the third one was heading his way. He tried to catch it on his fingertips, but the extra-large grade-A made the difference, and it tumbled off to fall on the ground and break. The crowd applauded. Luke had made a good effort, but the tactic employed by the cat burglar was nearly impossible to defeat.

The cat burglar, victorious, casually juggled eggs while she waited for Bo to step up to the field of honor.

Bo gave it his best shot. Perhaps it was the way the black cat-suit fit on his female opponent, but whatever the reason, his concentration was off. He too, was defeated. The cat burglar took a bow and was goin’ to go bask in the glory, when another Duke stepped up.

The cat burglar’s new Duke opponent was none other than Daney. The young Duke woman was wearing a Native American costume, and the fringed buckskin looked natural on her. She wore two feathers in her braided hair, and colored beads decorated her outfit. Her moccasins were calf-high and laced with strips of rawhide. A small tomahawk hung from a belt around her waist.

The two women said nothing, as they waited for the signal to begin. The second it was given, eggs filled the air from both directions. One of the cat burglar’s shots went wide, and Daney let it go rather than break her neck goin’ after it. Boss Hogg had picked that moment to walk behind her, and the egg splattered him square in the chest.

His costume had saved him. “Heh heh heh heh…I’ve been to enough of these Hoedowns to know what to wear,” Boss said, wipin’ the egg away. Impervious to everything but a sudden rain, Boss Hogg was decked out in a full suit of armor. The visor on his helmet was up to allow for his cigar. It was a marvel to see the portly man encased head to toe in gleaming metal, and the townsfolk could only guess as to how he had found armor that would accommodate his girth.

“Khee! You look like a rhinoceros,” Sherlock told him.

“Oh yeah? Well, I think I happen to look like the first-prize winner of this here contest,” Boss said. He and Sherlock Holmes walked up to the gazebo.

Meanwhile, the participants in the egg duel had mutually agreed on a future rematch. For now, they ended their competition to listen to the Commissioner’s announcements.

The speech was short, thanks to Boss’s bird’s-eye view of the buffet table. He was a man of few words when there was food to be had. “Folks, I wanna thank you all for comin’ out to this year’s Hoedown! The costume judges this year are Jesse Duke, Cooter Davenport, and Miz Tizdale. The three best costumes will each get a prize! Now let the Hoedown begin!”

On cue, the band started playing a lively country tune, and people were soon dancing, eating, drinking, and whooping it up. The cat burglar slipped off into the crowd, and the cowboy turned around to find her gone. He walked curiously over to the Indian squaw.

“Howdy,” he said to her with a tip of his hat. “Wanna play cowboys and Indians?”

“Sure,” she said with a smile. “I could use another scalp.”

“I could use another feather in my hat.” The cowboy’s dark eyes were mirthful. He gestured towards the party. “Nice pow-wow, ain’t it?”

“It’s turnin’ out to be,” Daney said with a bold smile. “Are you just ridin’ through, or are you goin’ to stake a claim in this town?”

The cowboy chuckled. “We’ll just have to wait and see.” He looked over at the band, then offered his arm to the Indian squaw. “Care to dance, Pocahontas?”

Daney looked at the offered arm, suddenly shy. It had been awhile since she had danced with anyone. He looked familiar but since the bandana covered most of his face, she wasn’t sure … but there was a look in his dark eyes that was hard to say “no” to. She entwined her arm with his, and they headed for the band.

While the cowboy and Indian found common ground in the dance area, the cat burglar was having a full day. She stalked up to the punchbowl, poured herself a glass of punch, drank it, and then dropped the glass into her black bag. She then ladled out several glasses of punch until the bowl was empty…then the bowl was added to her bag. She added the punch ladle too, just for good measure. Smirking, the cat burglar slunk away to the buffet table, finding more treasure in the form of silverware, plates, and cocktail toothpicks. No trinket escaped from her gloved hand; no witnesses saw her clever acquisitions. She eventually moved on and worked through the crowd, muttering pardons as the voluminous bag bumped into party-goers.

One of the people she bumped into was Sherlock Homes. The sleuth spun around at the contact. “Doh! Lady, you outta watch where you’re – oh, it’s you! Khee-khee! Havin’ fun?”

The cat burglar grinned, white teeth shining brightly. “I’m picking up a good time,” she answered. “How ‘bout you?”

“This party’s a doozy! It’d be even better if I could quit losin’ my dipstick-sidekick.” Sherlock Holmes scanned the crowd. “My dear Watson seems to have got himself lost! This could be a job for Scotland Yard, alright…”

“I think some pretty senorita may have distracted him.” The cat burglar pointed to the beverage table. “See, there they are.”

“Ooo! I’d better go tell ‘em that the judging is about to start. Don’t want to miss that, do we?”

There was no answer. Sherlock Holmes turned back to find the cat burglar gone. “Boy, she’s shneaky…” Shrugging, he walked over to join Watson and the senorita.

“Sheriff! I mean Sherlock! The punch is gone!” Watson said the moment he spotted his superior.

“Well, go get some more! Do I halfta do everything around here?”

“No, I mean the punch bowl and everythin’ is gone! Look!”

Sherlock Holmes examined the beverage table. Sure enough, there was a large empty spot where the punch bowl belonged. “Eeeegads! You weren’t kiddin’…khee khee! Looks like we got us a real-live mystery!” The sleuth reached for his trusty magnifying glass within his plaid cloak. “Now where the heck did that go…Enos, I mean Watson, did you take that magnifying’ glass of mine?

“No sir, I ain’t seen it,” Watson answered, and the senorita shook her head.

“Dang it all. I guess I’ll have to rely on old-fashioned detective skills…” Sherlock Holmes turned back to the party. “HEY! Who the heck took the punch bowl?” he shouted to the crowd.

A slow chorus of “I dunno’s” came back.

At the other end of the square where the dancing was in full swing, the cowboy and the Indian were enjoying themselves. The cowboy approached the band and made a request. “Know any Eagles tunes?”

“Sure,” the lead guitarist said. “You name it.”

The cowboy did, and then walked back to the Indian with a smile. As he took her hand again, the music started, and the song New Kid In Town began to play.

It was a good song for dancing; not too fast, and not too slow. The gentle rock beat swayed the crowd and filled the dance area, but to the cowboy and the Indian, it seemed to be playing just for them. There was, in fact, some truth in the lyrics for them both.

You look in her eyes, the music begins to play…Hopeless romantics, here we go again…But after awhile, you’re looking’ the other way…It’s those restless hearts that never mend.

Johnny-come-lately, the new kid in town…will she still love you, when you’re not around?

The dancing couple was under observation. Bo and Luke watched Daney with a protective eye. The cowboy’s interest in her had them slightly concerned.

“There’s a new kid in town,” Bo muttered.

“I don’t wanna hear it,” Luke answered, echoing the song.

Commotion from the buffet table suddenly caught their attention. Boss Hogg was sputtering loudly about missing silverware. The Dukes went to check it out.

“Gone!” Boss bellowed from the table. “All the forks, knives and every last spoon, gone! Who’d do such a thing?”

“Who, indeed?” Luke said, and looked back at the cowboy. Bo followed the gaze and nodded. They might as well start with a likely suspect.

The Dukes walked up to the cowboy, who had just bowed to the Indian as the song ended. Each Duke grabbed an arm on the cowboy and hauled him back from Daney.

“Whoa, y’all, if ya wanna dance, just say so!” the cowboy laughed. “Plenty of me to go around.”

“Too much of ya, if you ask me,” Bo said. “Don’t play cute, we know you were over by the buffet table earlier.”

“So what?” the cowboy retorted. “So was everybody. Since when it is a crime to help yourself at a barbeque?”

“Since you’ve helped yourself to more than the barbeque,” Luke answered. “What do you say, Bo…should we dispense with a little frontier justice?”

Bo grinned. “Nothin’ would please me more.”

The cat burglar suddenly bumped into the three men. “Excuse me,” she said sweetly, brushing close to Bo and Luke, who broke out in automatic smiles.

“Anytime,” they told her, watching her lithe form walk away. They momentarily forgot about their hold on the cowboy, who easily twisted away from the distracted Dukes.

“HA! Awright, now I got the drop on ya…” the cowboy went for the toy gun in his holster. It wasn’t there. He stared at the empty holster in mute surprise.

“Somethin’ wrong, quick-draw McColtrane?” Luke laughed. Bo, however, was searching his own pockets frantically.

“Luke, my wallet is gone!”

Luke rolled his eyes. “You probably left it in the General.” All the same, he did a quick check for his own wallet…and found it missing. “Dang it! Mine’s gone too!”

“And he had nothing to do with it,” Daney said, placing herself in front of the cowboy. “He’s been with me all the while.”

“Yeah,” the cowboy said. “And believe me, the only thing I’ve had my hands on all day is this pretty squaw here.”

Both Dukes glared at the cowboy, who put his hands half-up in mock surrender. “Hey, we were only dancin’! Besides, I seen how the two of y’all were lookin’ at my cousin…”

“That cat-suit is somethin’ else,” Bo admitted, and Luke nodded. “She should wear that out on patrol. She’d never need a gun or handcuffs to catch nobody…”

Daney shook her head and turned towards the cowboy. ”C’mon… Let’s hit the judging stands before more of your costume turns up missing.” She said mischievously and took his arm. He grinned as they walked away before the Dukes could protest.

At the judging stand, there was more trouble. The first place trophy was missing. “I’m tellin’ you, it was right here!” Cooter said to Uncle Jesse.

“Consarn it, how we gonna have a first-prize winner if there’s no first prize?” Jesse asked. “How in tarnation does somebody lose a trophy?”

“Beats me, but we’ve lost one.” Cooter scratched his head under his baseball cap. “Last I seen it, we’d just got done judging that cat-burglar…”

“The cat burglar!” Miz Tizdale cried. “She must have taken it!”

“We’ll have to let Sherlock, Enos and Cletus find her,” Jesse said. “We’d best get on with the judging and hope that trophy turns up.”

“Where is Cletus, anyway?” Cooter asked. “I haven’t seen him at the party yet.”

“You can’t miss him,” Jesse answered. “See that white-sequined leisure suit coming out of the courthouse?”

Cooter looked across the square to where Jesse pointed. “Sonofagun,” The town mechanic exclaimed. “Elvis done left the building.”

Elvis, in the form of one Cletus Hogg, milled through the crowd. “Thank you,” he said as people cheered him. “Thank you very much…”

“Nice wig,” Sherlock Holmes told Elvis. “You should wear it more often, it’s an improvement.”

“Really, you think so?” Elvis said, smoothing the pompadour hairdo. “Gee, I should of thought of this a long time ago!” He continued on to the judging stand, singing Jailhouse Rock slightly off-key.

The band saw him first. The lead guitarist struck the first two chords, the familiar twang, twang! sounding just before the answering drumbeats. Hearing his calling, Elvis made a detour to the stage. Everyone gets fifteen minutes of fame in life, and Cletus was about to have his. He climbed onto the stage, grabbed the microphone, and belted out the first line as if he was born to it.

“The warden threw a party in the county jail, the prison band was there and they began to wail…”

“Hey, I know that song,” the cowboy exclaimed.

“I don’t doubt it!” Daney agreed. The two of them had just been reviewed by the judges, and were now drawn back to the music stage. They watched as the woman in the black cat-suit climbed up on the stage to join Elvis.

“Khee! There’s one Hogg on the stage, but two hams,” the cowboy said. “Let’s join ‘em, c’mon!”

The Dukes beat them to it. They knew this song well themselves, and they joined in on the chorus as the cowboy and Indian climbed the stage.

“Let’s rock…everybody let’s rock! Everybody in the whole cell block, was dancin’ to the jailhouse rock!”

Cletus swung the microphone stand back and forth, playing up to the crowd. His back-up vocal section included everybody who could fit on the stage.

The Hoedown was in full gear.

In the audience, Boss Hogg pointed to the cat burglar. Sherlock Holmes nodded to the order, and approached it with Dr. Watson at his side. They waited for the song to end, and then met the cat burglar as she descended from the stage.

“You really went all out for the Hoedown this year, didn’t ya?” Sherlock said to her. “Well, c’mon. It’s time you faced the music…khee!”

The cat burglar grinned and allowed herself to be guided to the gazebo in the center of the square. There, Boss was opening the envelope containing the judges’ decisions in the costume contest. “Alright, it’s time to announce the winners in this year’s costume contest! Third place goes to…” Boss paused for the drum roll. “Bo and Luke Duke!”

Applause sounded as the Dukes walked up to the gazebo to collect their prize. They removed their top hats and gave the audience sweeping bows, then spun their walking canes flamboyantly.

“Alright, simmer down now, there’s more,” Boss said before the Dukes stole the show. “The second place winner is…Cletus Hogg!”

“Thank you…thank you very much…” Cletus bowed and cradled his trophy, basking in the moment.

“Ahem,” Boss said into the microphone. “Now, the first place winner is… The cat burglar MaryAnne Coltrane, seein’ as how she walked off with first prize already, and dang near everything else!”

Cheers and whistles erupted as MaryAnne took the stairs. She pulled the first place trophy out of her black bag and held it up high to thunderous applause.

Sherlock came up behind her, took the black bag, and dumped out the contents. “Any of y’all missin’ anything, here it is,” he called out. “Scotland Yard has solved another case!”

Good-natured laughter came from the audience. The Dukes retrieved their wallets, and the buffet and beverage tables recovered their supplies. The cowboy got his toy gun back, and he spun it from one hand to the other before replacing it in the holster, showing off for the Indian.

Gradually, the crowd disbursed from the gazebo and went back to the serious business of eating, drinking and dancing. The Hoedown went on to the late hours of the evening, lit by a festive string of colored lights. As the beer ran out, the barbeque was finished, and the band had played its final set ending with a request from the Indian, folks started calling it a night in ones and twos. The partygoers left tired, but happy.

The Dukes were gathering themselves up to head back to the farm. Uncle Jesse and Daisy met Bo and Luke by the courthouse steps. There was one Duke missing.

Daisy frowned slightly. “Either of you boys seen Daney?”

Bo shook his head “No, not since after the costume winners were announced.”

“I’m sure she’s fine,” Luke replied. “Probably just needed a few moments to herself.”

Daisy nodded. She knew her cousin Daney was subject to reclusive moods. “Yeah…”

Luke smiled reassuringly. “She’ll probably be here in a minute”

“That’s right,” Uncle Jesse added.

Bo retorted “Well she was dancing with….”

“Bo, …” Luke paused as they all looked around. The town square was nearly deserted now.

Daisy noticed a couple sitting on the gazebo steps.
Nah it couldn’t be… what the heck could those two have to talk about?

“I think I see her,” She said to her family. “I’ll be right back.”

Daisy was almost to the gazebo when the cowboy and Indian stood up. She pretended not to be watching as the couple said their good-byes.

“I had fun tonight,” the cowboy said.

“Me too,” Daney smiled. Her face then grew serious. “Will we ever see each other again?”

The cowboy didn’t answer. He only drew her close, took her in his arms, and kissed her tenderly. He released her with a sigh, wishing he could say yes. But he didn’t believe in leading women on, and there was no telling what his future held.

“Tell you what,” he said as he took a feather from her hair. “I’ll hang onto this until we do meet again.”

“And I’ll hang onto this,” she said, clutching the bandana in her hand. She bit her lip, keeping her emotions back. “Goodnight…”

“Goodnight.” He touched her hand once more, and was gone.

Daney watched him walk across the square, his spurs jingling with his sure steps. She watched him until he was swallowed up by the darkness of the night, and until the tiny sound of the spurs were no longer audible.

Tears burned in her eyes and she didn’t know why.

“Daney,” a gentle voice said behind her. She turned and saw Daisy standing there. “Daney, let’s go home.”

She wiped her eyes quickly. “Daisy, you better not have been spyin’ on me.”

“No, we were just all wonderin’ where you were.”

“I’m okay,” she said with a small smile. “Just don’t make a habit out of sneakin’ up on me.”

“I won’t. I intend to spy on you outright.”

“Oh…you!” Daney giggled, giving her cousin a light shove. Daisy chuckled “C’mon, cousin. I’ll get the boys to let you drive home.”

The two young women walked back to the rest of the Dukes, who stood waiting by the General Lee. The town square was silent except for the rumble of the General’s pipes a moment later.

Daney was quiet as she pulled the General away from the curb.

Daisy however, couldn’t resist a mischievous question. “Daney, you are gonna stay in Hazzard?”

“Maybe…” Daney answered with a grin as she floored the accelerator on the General. She hit the Dixie horn, blaring it out as a salute to the cowboy.

I think this turned out alright. But now I’m curious what is going to happen next…

Aren’t you?

Author’s Notes:
Thank you to all the readers and Lisa for allowin’ me to borrow MaryAnne =)

It’s hard being a writer sometimes. That is where good friends and beta readers come in. The story you just read was 75% percent written by one of those brilliant folks I’m fortune and honored to know. The other 25% was written by me.

So this one is for that nameless person who won’t take credit =)

Copyright 2001

by: Tara

An ordinary Hazzard County afternoon….

(Story in development, title may change)

Chapter 1

by: Tara

“Mr. Duke, visiting hours are over.” A nurse said. Blue eyes peered at the older man seated next to the bed.

“Thank you, miss.” Jesse replied. He rose from the chair, glancing at the sleeping form. His nephews had found their cousin lying unconscious on the barn floor, between the ladder and double doors. No visual signs of a struggle or intruder. Even a farm animal having startled Daney. A small bump partly hidden along the forehead hairline. The wound about the size of a jagged rock. And there wasn’t anything unusual about one of his nieces or nephews being in the barn. Chores or time alone.

From what the Sheriff’s Department gathered in their investigation. Boot imprints from the footwear she had on that evening, were only near the doorway. Quite simply, she had fallen. Hit her head at just the right angle to lose consciousness. She may’ve heard a noise and lost her balance.

“There’s some reading material for when you wake up on the stand,” Jesse spoke hoarsely. He’d spent most of the allowed morning visiting time, reading passages from paperbacks. He turned and looked at the uniformed woman in the doorway. “No one will move those will they?” He asked, walking toward the nurse. A few were from the living room bookshelf, the rest from the library.

“I’ll leave a note at our station,” the nurse replied. “If there is any change, we’ll make sure to call.” She paused, he stepped pass her out into the hallway. “Was she reading, the last time you saw her?”

“The four of them were playing cards and listening to the radio,” he answered. Jesse felt the young woman’s hand on his shoulder.

“We have people to talk with if you need too,” she offered.

“I’m alright,” Jesse smiled. “Appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome,” she smiled. “I should be getting back on rounds.”

“Luke, I don’t think he’s gonna let us.” Bo whispered. He and the oldest Duke cousin walked into Boss’s office at the Boar’s Nest.

“You boys scat onconna I’m busy,” the portly county commissioner greeted them.

“Nice to see you too,” Luke smiled. “We need just a minute of your time.”

Boss frowned. “Alright, your minute started ten seconds ago.”

“Wondering if you’d lift probation restrictions,” Bo replied. “Just for a few days.”

“Why would I wanna do that?” J.D. asked.

“Me and Bo was thinking we’d offer to work on one of Daney’s cases,” Luke confided.

“Oh?” Boss murmured. He glanced from the dark haired one to the blond, thinking the request over in silence. If their cousin was working on something in another county, it’d keep Bo and Luke out of his hair. They wouldn’t be around to stick their noses in his business. “Lemme make sure I got all the facts,” he smiled. “A few days unrestricted probation?”

“Yes, sir.” Bo nodded.

“I don’t know fellas,” Boss reached for a small book. He began thumbing the pages. His dark eyes scanning the text. “Hmm, hmmm.” He mumbled.

“C’mon, Boss what ya need to check that for?” Luke muttered.

Boss closed the book. And stared at the boys with a straight face expression. “And just what is this case?”

“Uh, we haven’t got those details yet.” Bo admitted.

J.D. watched the two cousins look at each other before saying anything. “I will but you fellas have to check back with me after getting those, ya hear?” He paused. “Even if it’s by message through a third party.” He reached for a pen. “I probably best give y’all a release paper to that effect.” Then he started to write.

“Thanks, Boss.” Luke said. “Much obliged.”

“I’m sure you are,” Boss answered, placing the pen onto the desk. He held the paper out. “That worded alright for you boys?” He inquired. Both reached for the document.

“Guess so,” Bo said after looking the paper over, then folded it and stuffed in his shirt pocket.

“If I get wind you boys aren’t doing what you asked for,” Boss pointed a finger at them. “I’ll write another paper to rescind that one.” J.D. declared as the boys turned to leave his office.

“Ok, Boss.” Luke agreed. He and his younger cousin stepped out into the tavern area. The town mechanic and Cletus were standing by the pinball machine. They strolled over. “Who’s winning?” Bo asked. They stepped close to the two men.

“He is,” Cletus replied. “You wanna play when this game is over?”

“No thank you,” Luke said over the pinball machine noise. “We gotta get going.”

“Headed over to the hospital,” Cooter surmised incorrectly.

“Actually we’re going to see if maybe we can take care of a case of her’s,” Bo informed them.

“That’s nice of you fellas,” Cletus smiled and turned from the machine.

“We thought so too,” Luke grinned.

“Is that allowed?” Cooter asked his friends.

Bo shrugged. “That’s what we’re going to find out now,” he paused. “See if any clients would agree.”

Cletus pondered quietly for a moment. It sounded good; the boys work or wrap up a case. He didn’t want to discourage them. “Hopefully one will.”

“Yeah,” Luke said. “See ya’ll later.” Cooter and Cletus nodded. The boys were about to step away when one of their many admirers flung her arms around Luke’s neck.

“Aren’t you gonna stay for awhile?” She asked. “I’d like too but me and Bo got something to do.” He answered in a muffled tone of voice, to the amusement of others.

She pouted. “What could be more important than spending time with me?”

“Well,” Luke hesitated. They could wait an hour or so. “Boss Hogg lifted me and Bo’s probation restrictions,” He paused, and brought his right hand up to her face. He ran his fingers lightly across her cheek. “So we can work on one of our cousin’s cases.”

“He did?” She asked.

Bo raised his hand, patted his shirt pocket. “Got it in writing.” He looked at Luke, then offered. “We both don’t have to go.”

“Boss comes out of his office…” Luke’s voice trailed off in disagreement. He sighed. “I’ll give you a call tonight.”

“You’ve said that before,” the blonde haired woman countered. “Well this time I’ll make sure too,” He kissed her on the cheek.

The sound of voices from Boss’s office over the jukebox interrupted any further discussion between Luke and his lady friend.

“Catch y’all later,” Bo said and hurried around his friends toward the tavern’s exit, followed by his older cousin in a hasty departure. Cooter and Cletus went back to their game, not much time left on their lunch break.

“Should we be concerned Boss agreed so easily?” Luke asked his younger cousin. The General Lee’s engine started.

“No,” Bo answered and settled into the passenger seat. “Where do we start?” He wondered aloud, glanced out the window at the familiar scenery pass by as Luke began to maneuver the stockcar out onto the road.

“Bail bond agency?” Luke guessed.

“The farm,” Bo replied. “ ‘Course we should probably get Daisy’s permission before going into their room.”

“Yeah,” Luke chuckled.

The boys headed home, Sheriff’s Office was tending to duties.

“Sure you want to sign off on this report, sir?” Enos was standing at the filing cabinet.

“There wasn’t any foul play or deliberate mischief,” Rosco continued cleaning out the desk drawer. “Can always make another.”

“Yeah,” Enos began to slide the folder in its place, trying not to mar it by jamming roughly into the slot between two other folders. Boss had already lectured them on using too many supplies for the month.

“Excuse me, gentlemen…” The two officers glanced over to a dark haired, violet-eyed woman strolling toward the desk. “I was supposed to meet a colleague. The bail bonds agency told me to come here for assistance.”

“Oh, we’ll try to help if we can, miss.” Enos said.

“Danielle Duke,” she replied.

“I-” the full name didn’t register with either sheriff or deputy at first. “Brown hair and hazel eyes?” Rosco’s blue eyes watched
for the woman to nod. “You mean Daney?”

She nodded again. “Yes, sir.”

“Well, she had a little slip out at the barn on the Duke farm,” Rosco paused, hesitant to confide any more to this stranger.

“She don’t like to worry her cousins or uncle,” Enos offered more detail. “Being unconscious, she wouldn’t be able to tell them.”

“That serious?” She whispered.

“It’s a doozy,” Rosco sighed. “We investigated, didn’t find anything peculiar.”

“For the moment, we’re speculated she heard something and fell.” Enos walked over to the desk. “They got all kinds of animals.”

“Wouldn’t necessarily have to have been a noise,” the woman stated. “You ever had an incident come back out of the blue?”

It was Rosco and Enos’s turn to nod their heads. “She’s still at the hospital?” the woman asked.

“You have some id, darling?” Rosco smiled at her. “A driver’s license, private investigator certification…”

“Right here,” the woman took two items from her coat pocket. She held them out to the handsome sheriff. “Oh, I should’ve introduced myself.”

“It’s allright,” Rosco took them. He studied the signature on both identification documents, then glanced from picture id to the woman. “Yes, miss. Far as we know, she is.” He paused and laid the ids down the desk. “Enos here could call and check for ya.”

“If it wouldn’t be any trouble,” she took the ids and placed them in her jacket pocket.

“Not at all,” Enos picked up the phone receiver and placed it to his ear. “Maybelle, any conversations regarding the Dukes’ cousin being released from the hospital?” He paused. Rosco and Miss Holliday stared at him. “Ok, can you patch me over to the hospital then, appreciate it.” There was another short moment of silence. “Yes, ma’am. This is Enos Strate. I’m calling about a patient you may have,” his left hand began fidgeting with the cord. “Daney or Danielle Duke.” He began to whistle when put on hold.

“Enos, please.” Rosco said. He normally didn’t mind Enos amusing himself but not while on a phone call.

“Sorry,” Enos looked sheepishly at his commandeering officer. “No ma’am not you. I’m at the Hazzard County Sheriff’s Department,” there was one last pause. “I understand, thank you.” He put the phone receiver back on its cradle. “Jesse left a message that any one who wants to know condition is to talk to him,” Enos stated, getting his other hand unwrapped from the tangled cord. “And he went home to do some chores, the nurse said.”

“A bit extreme,” Miss Holliday commented.

“You haven’t met any of her family?” Rosco asked.

Miss Holliday shook her head from side to side. “Not really.”

“Her uncle’s concern is just protection,” Enos explained. “Every one of them Dukes has been in some situation before.”

“Ain’t we all?” Rosco said before a discussion of those situations started. “I reckon you don’t have the farm address or y’all
wouldn’t have been meeting at the bail bond agency here in town.” He paused. “We’re about to go out on patrol, you’re welcome to follow one of us out there.”

“I came here on the bus,” Miss Holliday explained. “Daney mentioned a vehicle at the local used car dealer, I’ve been looking for just that year and model.”

“A business and pleasure trip,” Rosco replied. “If you don’t mind, one of us would be happy to take you over.”

“Might get a better deal too,” Enos speculated.

“Only if Boss isn’t there,” Rosco muttered, then smiled. “We could call out to the farm and see if anyone could come get you.”

“I like the idea of one of you escorting me,” Miss Holliday paused. “if it’s no bother, sir.”

“Not at all,” Rosco scooted the chair back and stood up. He dug into his pants pocket for his patrol car keys and started for the steps.

“Sheriff, the car dealer is on my route.” Enos commented.

“And the Duke farm is on mine,” Rosco stared at his deputy. “You could just stay and hang wanted posters.”

“We could switch for the afternoon,” Enos suggested.

Miss Holliday smiled. “Perhaps I should walk over to the car dealer and get directions to the farm from there.”

“No, no…” Rosco insisted and hurried down the steps. “Just funning miss,” Enos exclaimed, walking down the steps.

“Ok,” Miss Holliday said. With an officer on each side, she strolled to the double doors that led out to the courthouse hallway.

The boys were looking for a connection point, and here’s a possible lead in town. If only they hadn’t went to the farm.
Good thing for Bo and Luke, the Hazzard County Sheriff’s Department is on the case. And they don’t even know it.

“These look really nice,” Mr. Amos complimented the freelance reporter in his office. “The article may not make it in.”

Daisy replied. “Ok.”

The Hazzard Gazette editor held up one of the photos. “I think this will work for the Friday edition,” he paused.
“Maybe Saturday.”

“Check in the mail?” She asked. Mr. Amos had mentioned fees over the phone but not how he paid reporters.

Clyde chuckled. “Wouldn’t you prefer cash?” And sat the photo down on the window ledge that they stood by.

“Yeah,” Daisy laughed.

“Just a moment,” He leaned toward his desk, opened the drawer. Removed a small gray metal box from it. He placed it on the desktop. Pudgy fingers pressed at the number combination that kept the contents secured. “Twenty?”

“Um hum,” Daisy mused. Mr. Amos peeked over to see her staring out the window. He removed a twenty bill from the stack inside the box, then closed the lid. “Here you go, Miss Duke.”

Daisy turned from the window and accepted the money he held out. “Thank you,” she smiled. “Have a good afternoon.”
She walked toward the door. “You too,” she heard him answer, then walked out into the hallway toward the building exit.
She thought about what it would be like to work for the paper full time, instead of just an assignment here and there. “Excuse me,”
she heard and stopped just before colliding with another employee in the hallway.

“Oh, I’m sorry…” She started to explain.

“It’s ok,” The man replied. “You all right?”

“Was just thinking,” she admitted shyly.

“About your next by line?” He asked curiously.

Daisy smiled. “That probably won’t be for awhile,” she glanced at the floor then back at the blond gentleman. “I’m just a part time reporter.” “Everyone has to start somewhere,” he paused. “I used to be just a delivery person, doing the odds and ends around the photo shop down the street.”

“Dale?” Daisy exclaimed, she thought he looked familiar. “English class.”

He chuckled. “Yeah- you have time for coffee or maybe something to eat?” He smiled. “Assistant editors can take their breaks any time,” he paused. “Most of the time that is.”

Daisy glanced at the clock on the wall. “About a half hour, then I have to get over to the Boar’s Nest.”

“That’s your excuse for not being full time here?” He teased.

Daisy laughed. “Guess you could call it that,” she said. “Where have you been?” She asked, as they walked down the hallway.
He explained on the way out of the building.

At the Duke farm, the boys were standing on the porch. “We can’t just go through their room without asking,” Bo said. They had thought Daisy would be home getting ready for her tavern job.

Luke nodded. He even though Daisy and Daney would understand. It was just nice to have permission.

“The hayloft?” Bo mused aloud.

“And risk it getting ruined?” Luke shook his head. “Maybe Uncle Jesse’ll have an idea…” Luke smiled, the pick up slowly made
it’s way to a parking spot next to the General Lee. “Yeah,” Bo agreed. They waved to their uncle getting out of his vehicle.

“Howdy boys,” Jesse greeted his nephews and walked toward them. He could tell from their expressions, they were uncertain about something. “What’s on your minds?”

“That obvious,” Luke asked.

Jesse chuckled. “Yes,” the eldest Duke replied and stopped just before the porch steps.

“We were kinda thinking about helping out on one of Daney’s cases,” Bo said. “Except Daisy isn’t around to inquire about going through their room.”

Jesse nodded. He knew his nephews had assisted investigations before. “What are you standing around for?” He demanded softly.

“Wouldn’t be right to go through their things,” Luke responded. Hadn’t his uncle heard Bo when the younger man spoke.

“They’d understand,” Jesse turned to walk toward the barn. He had only left the hospital to check on the farm and chores. The boys had to consider that their actions might do more harm than good. Maybe they had and just decided to see if a client would agree. “If they have questions, I’ll take care of ‘em,” he stated. Not that Jesse thought there’d be any. “Besides I don’t think you’ll find any records without that backpack.”

“Do you know where that is?” Bo asked hesitantly.

“By the piano,” Jesse replied. “Few days ago.”

“We didn’t look around the bench,” Luke commented. The older Duke heard the screen door open, two pairs of boots step into the house. Jesse proceeded to the barn, the screen door closed. The boys had found nothing in a quick scan of the living room. Directed their attention to the girl’s bedroom. As the boys were peeking under the bed, they heard a car announce it’s presence on the property.

“Probably just Daisy,” Luke guessed. He and Bo scooted out from beneath the bed. “Let’s go see,” Bo suggested. Another car pulled into the front yard, peaking their curiosity about who was outside.

“Maybe Enos followed her home,” Luke commented. They went out into the hall and to the open front door. They paused, looking out at the familiar vehicles, except there was an unfamiliar woman getting out of the one car.

“It’s Enos,” Bo said, reached to push the screen door open. “But that ain’t anyone I’ve seen before,” Luke followed his cousin out onto the porch.

“Me either,” Bo whispered and smiled. “Howdy Enos, whose your lady friend?”

“This is Miss Holliday,” he shouted. “She was supposed to meet Daney at the bail bond agency.”

“Well Miss Holliday, she isn’t at home,” Luke started to explain.

Miss Holliday interrupted. “Yes, your sweet Sheriff told me all about her unfortunate incident.”

“He did?” The boys answered, a moment apart. They walked down the steps closer to the lady and Enos.

“Um hum,” she said. “Deputy Strate was kind enough to escort me out here since your uncle insisted any one wanting to see her, was to speak with him.”

“Oh,” Bo looked at the woman. “I wasn’t aware of that, miss.”

“He’s in the barn, miss.” Luke said.

“I’m right here,” Jesse’s voice was even toned. “Heard the cars pull in.” He looked sharply at the woman. “What can I do for you, miss?”

“Daney was kind enough to locate a car for me,” she paused. “I just wanted to leave the payment we’d agreed on.”

Jesse’s gaze darted to the car in the yard. He had seen it parked outside of the used car lot earlier in the week. “It’s a nice one,” he paused. “If you like could leave it in the house,” he smiled.

“I’d prefer to go to the hospital,” she said.

Jesse nodded. “Excuse me, I didn’t get your name, miss?” He inquired.

“Sabrina Eros Holliday, sir.” She smiled.

“Miss Holliday, evening visiting hours aren’t for a bit,” Jesse added truthfully. While this lady’s reason for being at his farm seemed decent enough, she was a stranger to him and the boys. “Enos, we appreciate the investigation that the Sheriff’s Department done.”

Enos blushed. They hadn’t treated the case any differently than if it had been a visitor to town. “Just doing what we’re paid for, sir.” He looked over to the 1971 dark purple four-door subcompact. “Sure is a cute bug,” he mused.

“Enos, that’s a car!” the boys said, slightly confused. Enos and Miss Holliday laughed.

“It’s a Plymouth Cricket?” Jesse asked.

“Yeah,” Miss Holliday confirmed. “I saw one at a car show and let some folks know I wanted to acquire one.”

“Maybe you could help us, Miss Holliday,” Bo suggested. “Me and Luke here want to help on one of our cousin’s cases.”

“Are you private investigators too?” Bree asked curiously.

“Not exactly,” Luke admitted hesitantly.

“I think that’s a sweet idea but as a legal official,” she paused and stared at the Duke cousins. “I encourage you not too.”

“You’re an attorney?” the boys asked.

Bree nodded. “Um hum,” she smiled.

“Not like Mr. Bronke at the courthouse,” Enos added. “She deals in the entertainment field.”

While the boys and Jesse are getting to know Miss Holliday with Enos’s assistance, why don’t we check in on Boss.

“Cooter, I need my car by four pm,” J.D. glared at the mechanic. “My lambykins will be arriving at the airport then.”

“The parts just aren’t available.” Cooter insisted. “I’d be glad to loan you a vehicle or why not send Rosco, Enos or Cletus?”
He suggested.

“They’re busy at the Sheriff’s Department,” J.D. replied. “Post office doesn’t close until five.” Boss added, in case Cooter
was thinking the Hazzard Cab Company might be an option. “I could maybe be persuaded to refinance your garage mortgage?”

Cooter shook his head. “I’d appreciate that greatly but the parts aren’t here.”

“Can’t you just close for an itty bit and get them?” J.D. asked. “It’s for Miss Lulu.”

“Boss,” Cooter began organizing some tools on the desk. “What about your used car lot?”

“Oh,” J.D. pursed his lips. “Lulu might think I got her new car.”

“Yeah,” Cooter nodded. “You’d rather not have to deal with that.”

“Uh huh,” J.D. said. He glanced outside and saw a couple walking along the street. “Thanks, Cooter.”

“You’re welcome,” Cooter replied. He waited a few seconds to peek where Boss had headed too.

Daisy saw the country commissioner amble briskly toward her and Dale. “Good afternoon, Boss.” She hollered politely.
There was no point in pretending she had not seen him.

“Daisy, honey… how would you like the afternoon off?” Boss said, as he got a few feet from them.

Daisy blinked in surprise. “Boss, you know I can’t afford to do that.”

“You’d be able too,” J.D. smiled. “I need a vehicle to pick up my Lulu from the airport,” He paused.
“And I’m willing to pay a fair price for the loan of your lovely jeep.”

“Boss, I don’t think I heard you right.” Daisy shook her head. “You want to pay to borrow Dixie?”

J.D. nodded. “To pick up Miss Lulu from the airport,” he repeated.

“Um,” Daisy hesitated. “I don’t know what a fair price would be and I wouldn’t want to over charge you,” she answered.

“Please,” J.D. whispered. “I’d ask Bo and Luke but I lifted their probation so they could go work on some case.”

Daisy stared at him. She had heard the boys talking outside the hospital, on her way to the parking lot after her uncle had
convinced her to go to work.

“Twenty five and gas?” J.D. offered. “Back in a couple of hours, you could even finish your shift.”

Daisy smiled. “The boys were going to work on a case?”

“That’s what they claimed,” J.D. said.

“I don’t think Uncle Jesse would like me charging you for borrowing Dixie,” she paused, dug the key from her jeans pocket.
“Boss, you can keep her until your vehicle is back on the road.” She held the key out to him.

“You sure?” J.D. took the key. “Cooter said it might be a day.”

“That’s no problem,” Daisy replied. “I don’t work tomorrow.”

“Allright,” J.D. smiled. “Thank you kindly, Daisy.”

“You’re welcome,” she waved at the county commissioner. “Tell Miss Lulu hi, please.”

“I will,” He agreed and scampered toward the white jeep.

“Daisy,” Dale waited to speak until Dixie was down the street. “What time did you need to be at work?”

She listened to Eldon on the radio station’s outdoor speakers announce some news and the time. “In about fifteen minutes,”
Daisy laughed.

“You can use a phone at the Gazette,” Dale suggested. “Then I could give you a ride to work.”

“You don’t have a cb?” She asked. That would be quicker than a phone call. They started walking toward the newspaper office.

“Not on my bike,” he answered.

“Yeah, what kind is it?” Daisy questioned curiously. He was finished telling her when they approached the building. Daisy went inside. Dale continued toward the alley where he had parked. A few minutes later, Daisy came out of the building. Dale was waiting on his ’59 Triumph Thunderbird. He was about to offer his helmet when they heard a spunky voice shouting.

“Daisy, I’m glad to see you!” Emma Tisdale hurried toward the young people. Some envelopes clutched in her tiny hands. “None of you Dukes stopped in for the mail today.”

“I’m sorry Miz Tisdale,” Daisy said. “Uncle Jesse might be at the hospital.”

“Oh, he hurt?” Miz Tisdale almost dropped the items onto the sidewalk.

Daisy shook her head. She lifted a hand to brush some hair out of her face. “He’s fine. It’s Daney. She tripped or something last night, hasn’t woken up.”

“I hope she’s better soon,” Miz Tisdale held the envelopes out. Her attention focused on the motorcycle. She whistled. “Maybe I’ll get one of those, next time I’m in the market for new wheels.” She glanced at the young man. “Drive pretty good?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He answered.

“Miz Tisdale,” Daisy smiled. “Our mail, please.” She held a hand out.

“Yes,” she laid them into Daisy’s out reached hand. “I gotta get back to work.” The petite postmistress smiled at Daisy and Dale.

“Take care Miz Tisdale,” they both said. Daisy took the helmet.

“You too,” Miz Tisdale commented. Emma chuckled, seeing Daisy put the letters into the helmet before putting it on her head.
She began to walk back her work place. She waved to them as the motorcycle mingled in the afternoon traffic.

“One of those will be fine,” Cletus informed the bakery clerk. “Maybe two of those,” He pointed an index finger toward some pastries on the middle rack. Careful not to touch the glass case. “Sure smells good in here,” he said. “What’s cooking?”

“Apple Betty,” the clerk replied. “For an order.”

“Umm,” Cletus lifted a hand to his face, rubbed his thumb along his jaw. “Cinnamon.”

“It’s for an order,” the clerk stated casually.

“Oh,” Cletus sighed. Rosco and Enos would have been surprised at the fresh baked treat. The clerk saw his expression.
“Would you like me to see if there will be any left over?” She asked.

Cletus smiled. “If it’s not too much trouble.” He said.

“All right,” she turned and went into the kitchen. Cletus was beginning to think she got lost, when she reappeared with a foil covered
aluminum pie plate. “Are you going to be able to carry all this?” She looked from the item in her hands to the counter.

“Sure,” Cletus answered and got his wallet from his back pocket.

“Because this is still very hot,” she commented about the apple betty.

“How much for all of it?” He asked and opened the wallet.

She smiled. “The baker said if you were taking it right to the police station, no charge.”

“I am going to the department but I have to pay for it,” he insisted. Cousin Boss wouldn’t approve of him accepting the items free.

“I’ll just charge you for what’s in the bag,” she said.

He took a bill out and put it on top of the glass case. “Five?”

“Yep,” she agreed, then put the pie plate on the counter. The clerk watched him close the wallet, and place it back in a pocket. Someone yelled from the kitchen. “Have a nice afternoon, Cletus.” She took the money and ran back to the kitchen.

“You too,” he said, put the bag of pastries on top of the pie plate. “Oooo,” he murmured. The clerk hadn’t been kidding about it being hot. He glanced toward the cash register and saw one of the bakery boxes laying sideways against the register. He took the box, then slid it under the pie plate. Cletus picked up the bundle and turned toward the door.

A few minutes later, Rosco had sat down at his desk with a cup of coffee when he heard the booking room doors open. He hadn’t even bothered to close the office door. “Enos, Cletus?” He called out.

“It’s me Sheriff,” Cletus answered. “Got you a surprise from the bakery.”

“A surprise for me,” Rosco got up from his seat, walked to the doorway. “From the bakery.” He smiled seeing Cletus set a pie plate and bag on to the bench that people waiting to speak with a law officer could sit on. “That wouldn’t be apple betty would it?”

“Yeah,” Cletus said. “Just the pie plate is.”

“Don’t just leave it there, bring it into my office.” Rosco replied. “C’mon.”

Cletus picked up the bundle again. “Fresh made.” He was about half way to the Sheriff’s office, when Enos came running in.

“Freeze Enos,” Rosco urged from where he stood. “Or I’ll have to arrest you for walk and assault on bakery goodies.”

“Bakery goods?” Enos asked, he couldn’t quite make out what Cletus was holding. “Ooo, you were at the bakery.”
Enos smiled. “You got plates and utensils, sir?” He asked.

“Course,” Rosco said. “Get you and Cletus a cup of coffee on your way in.”

“All right,” Enos laughed. He walked toward the coffee maker station, as Cletus followed Rosco into his office. Sure was nice
to see the Sheriff smiling. People in the police department having a moment to relax.

It sure is.

Jesse was startled by a harmonica sound from the hospital room. He peeked through the little window on the door, and saw a
curly haired child responsible. The music stopped, he watched small hands put the harmonica near Daney’s face. Little hospital gown clad shoulders shrugged, then the youngster brought the instrument back to their own mouth, played again. Jesse listened curiously. It wasn’t a recognizable tune, just random notes pieced together.

Bo, Luke and Miss Holliday viewed the older man standing at the end of the hallway. The boys looked at each other, not sure of why Jesse hadn’t gone into the room yet. “Maybe the doctor’s in,” Bo whispered.

“Yeah,” Luke agreed softly. They had arrived a few minutes before visiting time began. There hadn’t been anyone at the nurse’s station. As they got closer, they too heard the faint off-key melody.

“Mr. Duke, you all right?? Bree asked quietly.

He nodded. “Um hum,” he smiled at threesome. “Take a look.” Jesse whispered. He moved from the door so they could peer through the window. The boys let Miss Holliday step to the door first.

“Aww,” Bree mused. She moved away so the boys could glance. And they did, then glanced to their uncle with a puzzled expression on their faces.

“I don’t know,” he answered their unspoken question. As he guessed, they did not know the child either. “Don’t seem right to disturb her.”

Before anyone said another word, the door opened and the foursome stared at the small figure pulling the door handle.

“You want some help, miss?” Bo asked, nudging his cousin who was closer to the door. The little girl smiled at the dark haired man who placed his hand on the door to keep it open.

“That would be nice, mister.” She answered and pointed a finger behind her at the figure in the bed. “She was fussing.”

“Really?” Jesse inquired.

“I started playing, she calmed down.” The little girl paused. She observed each of the four facial expressions before saying more. She stepped into the hallway. “You bring this to room 127,” she pressed the harmonica into the blond man’s right palm.

“Ok,” Bo agreed, and closed his fingers around the mouth pipe. “What’s your name?” Luke questioned.

“Calliope Dean,” a voice sounded from the middle of the hallway. The little girl glanced at a nurse hurrying to the small group.

“I was bored,” the little girl informed everyone how she had arrived in another section of the hospital.

“Sweetheart, you can’t just go wander the halls,” the nurse said gently. She looked at the family. “I-”

“There’s no need to say anything, ma’am.” Bo said. “I get bored in hospitals too.”

“Well, we try not to let that happen,” the nurse smiled. “Calliope, I need to get you back to your room, honey.”

“Nurse, could you check the chart for this room before you do?” Luke asked.

“Sure,” the nurse walked pass everyone into the room. Calliope looked at Jesse. “He’ll remember?” She jerked a thumb in the boys’ direction.

“Yes, they will.” Jesse answered. “Room 127?” He winked at her. The boys smiled at the exchange between their uncle and little girl. She giggled. “Yeah, unless they transfer me somewhere else, what’s your name?”

“Jesse Duke,” he smiled. “And the boys are Bo and Luke,” he glanced to the young woman who had stood quietly in the background. “And this is our friend Miss Holliday.”

Bree smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Calliope.”

Calliope nodded. “It’s nice to meet all of you too.” The nurse rejoined them. “A check was done about an hour ago but no changes noted,” she said. “I really must get Calliope back to her room.” She held a hand out. Calliope hesitantly took the white uniformed woman’s hand.

“Thank you miss,” Jesse said to the nurse and Calliope as the twosome stepped away from the group.

“You’re welcome,” they both said. The boys stayed in the hall, while Jesse and Miss Holliday went into the room.

I’m just a little curious what Miss Lulu’s reaction to the county commissioner will be…

“J.D., what in the world are you doing with Daisy’s jeep?” Lulu exclaimed. “You didn’t foreclose on their property again?” She
stared at her husband.

“Oh no, lambykins. I did no such thing,” J.D. insisted. He couldn’t blame his wife for the accusation. “Merely needed a vehicle to pick you up and offered a fair price to rent this.” He explained.

“Jefferson Davis, honey you own a car lot.” Miss Lulu chuckled.

J.D. nodded. “Yeah but this is nicer than anything on that lot right now.” He smiled.

“What about your own car?” Lulu asked.

“It’s at the garage, parts weren’t available.” J.D. replied. He could tell from her expression, she was not satisfied with his explanation so far. “I really didn’t feel like borrowing a clunker from Cooter.” He paused. “How was your trip?”

“Fine,” Lulu stared at him. “Aren’t you going to help with my bags?”

“Yes,” the county commissioner moved from the front seat to the back. “Just hand ‘em over.”

Miss Lulu lifted the suitcase to him. “Be careful, there is a new art print in there.”

“A new art print?” Boss’s eyebrows arched. “You didn’t say anything about that on the phone.”

“I didn’t have it then, got it and the provenance at the airport.” Miss Lulu said, watching J.D. fuss with the suitcase for a moment.
Then she picked up the smaller travel case and put it on the front passenger floorboard.

Provenance, J.D. thought to himself. Detailed history of an object; include where and when the item originated, alternations. He turned to view Miss Lulu buckling the driver’s seatbelt in place. “Lulu,” he said quietly.

“I hardly ever get to drive,” Lulu replied.

“All right,” J.D. agreed. Miss Lulu stepped on the gas pedal before Boss got comfortable in the front passenger seat.

Back at the hospital…

Luke leaned against the wall, a few inches from the phone he had used. He was thinking about going out to the General Lee and try to reach Daisy on the cb. No answer at the farm. Boar’s Nest bartender said Daisy had called with permission to be late. That was good, business was slow at the tavern. Mr. Amos had told the oldest cousin, that Daisy had left the Gazette about an hour ago. Maybe she had been on her way to the hospital and stopped to get the mail. There really wasn’t any reason to jump to conclusions.

“Cousin,” he heard and looked to the tall figure calling him from the hallway.

“Bo,” he said. “Something wrong?”

“Jesse, was wondering what was taking you so long.” Bo replied.

“Daisy seems to have disappeared,” Luke said hesitantly.

“I have?” a voice questioned. The boys glanced at Daisy walking from the hospital entrance.

“She don’t look disappeared to me,” Bo teased as the three formed a small group by the telephone.

“Boar’s Nest said you got permission to be late?” Luke asked.

“Yeah,” Daisy smiled. “Boss needed a vehicle to pick up Miss Lulu,” she paused. “Rented Dixie from me.” She and the boys laughed.

Bo cleared his throat. “Must have come into some money or something,” he smiled. “Lifted me and Luke’s probation for a few days.”

“He told me,” Daisy informed them with a mirthful expression. She lifted her hands and placed the left one on Bo’s left shoulder, her right hand came to rest on Luke’s right shoulder. Then gave her cousins a gentle squeeze. “That’s so sweet.” She was quiet as the boys glanced away, their cheeks reddening slightly at the compliment. She brought her hands back to her sides; they looked at their middle cousin again. “He probably thought it’d keep y’all out of his hair,” she playfully teased.

“Yeah,” the boys agreed. “I ran into Lindsay Dale at the newspaper building,” she said. “He’s an assistant editor.”

“Mr. Amos said your piece should be in sometime this weekend,” Luke smiled.

“Um hum,” She reached her hands behind her back and pulled out the mail that she had tucked in between her belt and jeans waistband. She had only put them in the helmet so they wouldn’t blow away. The envelopes came into view for the boys.

“Anything for me?” Bo asked.

“Why don’t we divide this in the room,” she suggested.

“All right,” Luke replied. Walking down the hallway, the boys told Daisy all about Calliope Dean, Bree and the purple Cricket.

“Hmm, that was good Apple Betty.” Cooter said, placing the empty plate and plastic fork into the trash bin. He sat on the corner of his desk, grabbed a rag to wipe his hands.

“Cletus got it fresh at the bakery,” Enos smiled. “Observed you working through Sheriff Rosco’s window.”

“Spying on me?” Cooter teased.

“We weren’t,” Enos replied. “Already thought of who we’d share with, so it wouldn’t go to waste.” He paused. “Checking if you were still at the garage.”

Cooter smiled. “I appreciate it.”

Enos nodded. “Rosco went out on patrol, I got phone duty. Take it easy, buddyro.”

“You too,” blue eyes glanced at Enos going outside, then at the rag. “Got to gather some items for laundry detail,” the town mechanic muttered. He left the building about thirty minutes later with a grocery bag of soiled rags and t-shirts. He waved to the Sheriff getting out of his patrol car. The town mechanic got into his truck. He saw Rosco waving at him in the side mirror. Cooter tooted the truck’s horn, then headed home.

At the Hogg house, J.D. and Miss Lulu sat on the porch swing sipping coffee. “You make sure Rosco and Enos got uniforms pressed for my event.”

J.D. sat the mug on the window ledge. “Official police work, they aren’t going to be able to stay.”

She sat her cup on the porch floor. “You hire security?” Lulu asked.

J.D. nodded. “Cletus.”

“Ok,” Lulu said, and her head tilted down to rest on J.D.’s shoulder. He raised his arm and put it around Lulu’s neck, his hand was touching her shoulder. She scooted a little closer to him. “Nice out here ain’t it?” J.D. patted her shoulder in response. Dark eyes focused on a truck driving by, then at stars in the sky.

Nice but we haven’t seen the boys help on a case or have we? Let’s check back in at the hospital.

“Bump ‘em, bust ‘em and bag ‘em.” A male voice on the television set spoke authority.

Bo whistled. His eyes on the screen image gray-jacketed man. Luke wrinkled his nose. “That outfit.” He commented on the red suit that Maxwell’s friend Ralph was dressed in. Without the belt and cape, they might substitute for pajamas. “C’mon, the doctor says we can go in now.” Daisy announced to the boys. They got up from their seats and followed her. The three cousins were greeted not only by a wave from Jesse, by one from Daney. The phone receiver pressed against her left ear.

“The doctor isn’t releasing me until tomorrow morning,” she was explaining to the person on the other end of the line. “There isn’t any way for you to pick them up here at the hospital or my uncle’s farm?” She sighed. “Ok, I could ask my cousins to bring them, please hold.” She glanced at the boys. “Would you two be interested in assisting on a case?” She whispered.

“Yeah,” Bo answered for himself and Luke without getting any further details. She smiled and returned to the phone conversation. “They’ll be on their way to you very soon. Thank you.” She placed the phone receiver back into its cradle. She saw a notepad and pen on the stand. “Uncle Jesse, could you write for me please?”

“Sure,” Jesse got the items from the stand. “Geyer Boulevard exit, 321 Crannell Street.” She answered. Looked again at the boys. “Brown house, mailbox slot.”

“Isn’t that against the law?” Daisy asked.

“Client instructions,” Daney replied. Jesse laid the paper with instructions on the bed, placed the tablet and pen back on the stand.

“What are we suppose to deliver?” Luke inquired.

“Paperwork,” Daney’s face lost some color. “Did anyone happen to get the mail today?”

“Yeah,” Daisy smiled at her. “On the stand, you want me to find something?” She moved to the little bed table stand.

“Please,” Daney whispered, her face returning to its normal color. “Anything from out of state?”

The boys and Jesse watched Daisy separate the pieces into different piles. “Um hum,” Daisy held the two envelopes out for her cousin. She looked at the boys. “Nothing for either of you.”

Daney took one of them. “This and a manila envelope marked Josie Allison with green ink from my backpack by midnight if you don’t mind.”

“No problem,” Bo grinned at his cousin. He stepped over to the bed and reached for the envelope. Luke came to stand beside him.
“Just one question before we go, Daney.”

“How much are we getting for this?” Luke asked. He actually wasn’t expecting anything.

“Luke,” Jesse said.

“It’s ok, Uncle Jesse.” Daney replied. “Being late, I’m not sure how much- boys can have ninety percent.”

“I was just teasing,” Luke leaned over to hug his cousin. “But we won’t refuse if you really want to pay us.”

Daney hugged her cousin. “Fair is fair.” She gave him the envelope and address paper after he released the embrace.

Then Bo leaned down to hug her. “Where’s your back pack?”

Daney reached her hands up around his neck to hug her youngest cousin. “Bedroom closet.”

Bo smiled and hugged her, then quietly stepped away from the bed.

“Sorry it’s not a more exciting assignment,” Daney said, the boys walked toward the door.

“It’s all right, just glad we’re able to help.” Luke glanced over his shoulder with a smile. He was actually glad it was something simple like it was.

“Be careful,” Jesse said.

“We will,” Bo replied. He and his older cousin left the room.

“Daisy, aren’t you suppose to be at the Boar’s Nest?” Daney asked.

“Boss said I could be late,” she explained how Boss had rented Dixie. She had called the tavern while the doctor was in with Daney when she woke up. The bartender had said not to come after all. Then Jesse told Daney about Bree and Calliope Dean.

The General Lee was maneuvering out of the parking lot; Daisy, Daney and Jesse arrived at room 127. The little girl’s attention was on the television show closing credits that Bo and Luke had been watching in the lounge. A harmonica on the table stand.

“That’s a neat show.” Daney said, walking into the room.

Calliope Dean turned toward the voice and saw the three people who came to visit. “You woke up.” She smiled. Hazel eyes peered curiously at the other unknown woman. “Who are you?”

“Their cousin Daisy,” Jesse said, referring to the boys and Daney. “We stopped by to make sure you got your harmonica.”

Calliope grabbed it off the stand. “Yes, they were here during the last commercial break.” She laughed.

“Thank you,” Daney said.

“You’re welcome,” Calliope answered.

Jesse heard footsteps in the hallway. “We’d love to stay and chat but you know how the nurses are.” He commented.

“They’re just doing their job,” Calliope yawned.

“It was nice meeting you,” Daney and Daisy said. Both wanted to say more but a nurse came into the room. One who had heard about Calliope wandering to another room, but no other details.

Jesse stepped over to the woman and conversed with her in a whispered tone as his nieces said good night to the little girl who had fallen fast asleep. The nurse smiled at the story. And told the family a little more about Calliope’s history and what had brought her to the hospital.

As they were walking down the hallway, Jesse mentioned to his niece. “Calliope mentioned you were fussing, I meant to ask her more about that.”

“Maybe she’ll tell us tomorrow when we visit,” Daney replied. “Daisy, can you-”

“Pick her up a thank you gift,” Daisy finished the sentence.

Daney nodded and smiled. “I’ll give you the money tomorrow.”

“Mr. Amos paid for my article and photos.” Daisy told her cousin and uncle.

“That’s great,” Jesse smiled. Whether his niece became a full time reporter or not, at least she was trying something new.

“It sure is,” Daney agreed. “When’s it suppose to run?”

“He wasn’t sure on the article,” Daisy paused. “At least one of the photos sometime over the weekend,” she smiled.

“Better than nothing,” Jesse commented.

“Um hum,” Daisy said and looked at her cousin. “I’ll be here after getting Dixie from Boss.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Daney answered. “Could you bring a change of clothes too?” She asked.

“What do you want me to bring?” Daisy inquired, as they approached Daney’s room.

“T- shirt and jeans,” she replied. Daney turned to give her uncle a hug. “Thanks for the reading material.”

“You’re welcome,” he answered and hugged her. “Daisy, you wanna grab that mail before we go.”

“Sure,” Daisy went into the room. She got not only the mail parcels, also the envelope that Miss Holliday had left.

She came back into the hallway where her uncle and cousin stood. She handed all but the one piece to Jesse.
Daisy held it out to her cousin. “Sabrina left this for you.”

“Oh,” Daney said and took the envelope. She peeked inside and hugged her cousin. As Daisy returned the hug, she whispered what to do with part of the contents. They stepped away from each other with a smile. Jesse smiled at them curiously.

* * *

Next afternoon, Jesse took his truck into town to get new tires. He had gone to the Post Office for the mail; got a newspaper from the drug store. He saw Billy Joe Fong coming out of the bank. He walked toward the younger man. “How are you today?” He inquired.

“Fine Mr. Jesse, sir.” He said.

“How’s business?” Jesse asked. He had a little money left from what his nephews and nieces had given him. With household goods taken care of and no other car repairs, Jesse thought of a nice surprise for not just his kin but also folks important to the community.

“Oh not too bad,” Billy Joe smiled. “For middle of week.”

Jesse smiled. “Are you on lunch?”

“Just an errand,” Billy Joe replied.

“How long would it take for an order?” Jesse said.

“That depends on what you want and how many it is for,” Billy Joe paused. “Usually not too long.” He looked at the older gentleman.
“Maybe you wish to look over selections.”

Jesse nodded. The elderly farmer followed Billy Joe over to his place, to the kitchen. After fifteen minutes of discussing choices and recommendations, Jesse placed an order he would pick up after his truck was done. A second order delivered to the Sheriff’s Office, the garage and Miz Tisdale.

“How much extra for delivery?” Jesse inquired after Billy Joe had the receipt written.

Billy Joe smiled. “No charge if you tell me a story about running mountain dew.”

“Sure,” Jesse agreed. One story led to another as Billy Joe prepared the orders.

Dixie and the General Lee were parked along Scarbury Road near a decent fishing area. At least usually it was, so far the boys hadn’t caught anything. They had decided to stop for the day and already put their gear away, when Daisy and Daney stopped to see how they were doing. “I’ll get something later at the drive in but Jesse,” Luke rambled concerned.

“I think there is some left over stew,” Daisy said.

“Yeah,” Bo agreed. He looked at another cousin, to help change the subject. “You have any other cases you need help with?”

“What?” Daney asked. Not that she would mind them helping again, some cases required a lot more time than a few hours.
Or dropping off papers.

“There is some time left on the probation restrictions lift,” he replied.

“Maybe,” she smiled. “Robyn was pleased with you fellas last night.”

“When did you talk to her?” Luke asked curiously.

“Little while ago,” Daney paused. “She called the farm.”

“Really?” Bo inquired. Him and Luke hadn’t stayed too late, they had been there long enough to get acquired. “She seemed nice.”

“Glad you feel that way,” Daney looked at her blond cousin. “She was wondering if one of you would escort her to dinner tonight.”

“And what did you tell her?” Luke barely squeaked out. He had made plans last night. While Bo had taken the item back to the little girl, he had phoned his friend.

“That you’d call as soon as you got home,” Daisy answered. “If she didn’t hear by a certain time, then you probably weren’t available.”

“I don’t have any plans,” Bo stated. “But I ain’t sure if I got the right clothes for a fancy soirée.”

“Cousin, how about we go call her first, then panic?” Luke teasingly suggested.

Bo smiled. “Let’s go.”

“See you at home,” Daisy and Daney waved to the boys, then got into the jeep. The orange stockcar’s horn sounded a reply.

Jesse had put the food onto plates to stay warm in the oven. He was heading out to the barn, when Dixie and General Lee came onto the farm property. One vehicle used the driveway, the other trailing across the back acreage. He did not see any police cruisers in hot pursuit of either, no wailing sirens in the warm autumn late afternoon. “Where’s going on?” He asked, glancing from the girls exiting the jeep, the boys getting out the orange stockcar.

“Bo and Luke have dates,” Daisy answered.

“And we’re going to help them get ready,” Daney added.

The four cousins saw their uncle chuckle and rushed inside. Bo to the telephone, Luke toward his bedroom and the girls followed their older cousin.

While they work out the details, let’s peek in at the courthouse…

Rosco and Enos had barely gotten through the booking room doors from patrol, the county commissioner’s bellowed for them to report to his office. “Sheriff, something smells good.” Enos commented. They walked to Boss’s office. The county commissioner was seated behind his desk. Cletus sitting on a folding chair. “Howdy,” the younger Hogg greeted.

“Howdy,” Enos replied.

“Boss, what did you want to see us about?” Rosco asked.

“This,” J.D. pointed a chubby index finger at paper cartons and Styrofoam containers covering his desk.

“I didn’t order any dinner,” Rosco looked suspiciously at the items.

“Me either,” Enos said.

“The delivery person didn’t ask for any money,” J.D. paused. “Was already paid for.”

“You already took it out of our pay?” The Sheriff questioned.

J.D. shook his head. “Rosco, apparently Jesse’s the culprit.”

“You want us to go find out how come he did this?” Enos inquired.

“I want you to get what your gonna eat,” Boss smiled. “So’s I can take the rest home with me.”

“If you insist,” Rosco grinned.

“Cletus, why don’t you go first?” Enos suggested. “Allright,” Cletus agreed. He started to open one of the containers.

“J.D.,” Lulu’s voice interrupted any further conversation regarding why Jesse might have done this. “Did you forget you were supposed to take me somewhere?”

“Of course not,” Boss replied as Lulu walked into the room. “But we got time to eat first don’t we?”

Lulu blinked in surprise at the scene. “Is there any fortune cookies?” She smiled.

“Haven’t seen ‘em yet,” Enos said, then looked curiously at Boss. “Did Jesse drop this off?”

“It was delivered,” J.D. replied.

“Here’s one,” Cletus held out a fortune cookie for his cousin in law. “And it’s not all broke.”

“Thank you,” Lulu took it and removed the plastic wrapper off it. The others continued getting their plates fixed. “Um,” Lulu chewed for a moment and swallowed the treat. She read the tiny slip from the cookie. “An ending can be a new beginning.”

“No numbers or word translations?” Cletus asked.

Lulu turned the paper over and shook her head. “They don’t always,” she answered.

“Hey Boss, did Ace Parker get a hold of you today?” Rosco looked at his brother in law.

J.D. laid his fork on the plate with a few bites of rice left on it. “Was he suppose too?” He reached for a napkin.

“Uh huh,” Enos said. “Sold a vehicle yesterday.”

J.D. smiled. “I’ll just stop and see him on the way to the appointment Miss Lulu and me have,” he replied, wiped his hands.
And tossed the napkin onto the plate. “We’ll be late for if we don’t get going,” Miss Lulu suggested, stepped over to the door.

Boss glanced at the clock on the wall. He pushed his seat back a little and got out of it. “Which we certainly don’t want to do.”
He joined Lulu at the door. “Y’all don’t leave a mess in here, please.” He requested.

“We won’t,” Cletus answered cheerfully to the couple walking out to the booking room.

“You two can clean up while I work on reports,” Rosco said.

“Sheriff, I wanted to take that money I got earlier and get some new comics before the book store closes.” Enos said.

“You can clean up when you get back,” Rosco replied. “If you didn’t have the money, you wouldn’t be worrying about spending it.” Daisy had stopped by the station before lunch with an envelope for him and Enos. It contained the commission for assisting Miss Holliday with acquiring her purple cricket. Daney had only felt it was fair that the Sheriff’s Department divide the fee between themselves, since they had taken Sabrina over to the car dealer.

“Rosco, wasn’t that nice of Cousin Boss to lift the boys’ probation?” Cletus said, beginning to clean the items from the desk.

“What?” The Sheriff looked at him. “When did he do that?”

“Yesterday,” Cletus answered. “They came into the Boar’s Nest and talked with him.”

“You’re kidding me?” Rosco glanced to the calendar beneath the mess of containers.

Cletus shook his head. “Cooter was there too.”

“That was sure nice of Mr. Hogg.” Enos said. He picked a few items up to put in the trash.

“Yeah,” Rosco agreed. “And how long was this to be for?”

“Just a few days,” Cletus answered. The mess almost cleaned up.

“It’ll be like vacation,” Rosco smiled. He liked that idea a lot. The Sheriff was feeling a bit sleepy after the meal. “Enos weren’t you going to the book store?”

“I’ll go tomorrow,” Enos glanced at his watch. “They closed an hour ago.”

“Which one was you interested in, I might have it at home.” Cletus offered. “May not have even read it, be almost like brand new.”

“I’d have to see the cover,” Enos replied. “Thanks Cletus.”

“You can do that when you drop him off while you’re out on patrol,” Rosco suggested. “You need a ride don’t ya Cletus?”

“No, uh yes.” Cletus corrected his reply. “That’ll be nice.”

“Few more things and we can leave,” Enos pointed down to the desk.

“I’ll get them,” Rosco said and grabbed the items. He put them in the wastebasket that was almost full. He got the sack from the trash receptacle. Tied it closed. “You wouldn’t mind throwing this in the dumpster before you go?” He held it out for one of them to take.

“Not at all,” Cletus took the white trash bag. “Have a good night, Sheriff.”

“You too,” Rosco replied. “Enos, take your time. No need to rush back.”

“Enjoy your nap, Sheriff.” Enos smiled. He quickly left the county commissioner’s office with Cletus. Enos didn’t think there was anything wrong with Rosco or himself taking a nap, especially if they had not gotten much sleep the night before.

Let’s peek in on the Dukes again…

“You really think this is allright?” Bo asked. He stood in the yard, dressed in a long sleeve red shirt, beige dress pants and boots.

“It’s casual,” Daney replied.

“You don’t get going, you’ll be late.” Jesse had his pocket watch in his right hand.

“I know but,” Bo paused. While his family all seemed confide his attire would be fine, he just was not sure.

Daisy smiled at him. “You look nice.”

Luke came out the front door then, wearing a white long sleeved shirt, jeans and boots. “Thought you left already.”
He smiled at his youngest cousin, stepped close to the rest of the family.

“He looks dressier than I do,” Bo exclaimed.

Luke shook his head. “No, I don’t.” He retorted calmly.

“That’s good, get the tension out before you go.” Jesse commented. Figuring it was just nervousness the young man felt.

“Yeah,” Bo replied. “Cousin, I’ll race you to Post Road.” He pulled out a set of keys from his shirt pocket.

“Sure,” the dark haired man agreed. He made a dash to the orange stock car. They had already discussed he’d drive that, Bo would borrow his cousin’s jeep. Jesse had said Daisy and Daney could use his truck if they needed a vehicle “Have fun you two,” Daney yelled over the roaring purr of the two engines. She, Daisy and Jesse watched Dixie and General Lee speed out of the driveway onto Mill Road.

“Laundry should be dry now,” Daisy said casually. They had put it out earlier in the morning before going to pick up Dixie from Boss.

“Yeah,” Daney agreed. The two cousins walked over to the clothesline. Jesse went inside and got the newspaper. Then came back and sat on the porch steps with it. Jesse had finished reading, and placed the Gazette next to him. Daisy and Daney finished the last chore for the day. They came over to enjoy watching the sun begin to set.

In Hazzard County, never know who will show where or doing what.

by: Tara

By Fresnel light, a ship journeys in from sea to port, or churns lake/river waters and harbor channels. The vessel’s captain trusts that the keeper has maintained it; even on the darkest night.

Pharos’s mysterious “mirror” that served 285 B.C. Alexandria.

Maine… North Atlantic… South Atlantic… Western Great Lakes… California… Pacific Northwest.

Uniquely designed; only markers that could identify what location it was for the captain were the same color and pattern. Iron tripodish in the water, 50 to 200 foot high towers located on a sandy beach near the shore line. Whether nestled along a cliff or at the end of a bridge, each had the same duty… guide a ship and its cargo, like a mountain hiker’s lantern on a trail. Each was given a name not a number.

Keeper’s log divided into A to Z sections: History – building changes, natural or unnatural. Law – U.S. Code Title 33, chapter 16. Mishaps – ship or personnel accidents. News – other lighthouses. Order – supply list.

A lot to absorb, fundamental to the job. Construction was mostly from local materials. Onshore- wood, rubblestone, cut stone, brick, cast iron plate, iron or steel skeletal, and reinforced concrete. Offshore – straight pile or screw pile, caisson, crib, pier/breakwater. Property could also include Boathouse, Storehouse, Keeper’s Dwelling, Oil house, Fog Signal building. Necessities besides the lantern were radio, beacon and boat.

Experience didn’t always guarantee a successful period for a light keeper. Many elements and objects needed to work in order for a job to be done. Board or rope could break in the middle of recovery attempt. Never knowing exactly when guests would arrive. Or what assistance they might need. Ironic sanctuary this night.

Red…strontium, Green… barium, Blue… copper, Yellow… sodium.

Softly mused color and ingredients that lit the darkened sky like a thunder storm’s lightening. Potassium chlorate helped give a brighter, deeper hue. Italian fire masters during the 1830s had discovered the way to make fireworks more than just orange sparks or white metallics, gold or silver tinted. Nine hundred years later the gunpowder mixture of 75% saltpeter, 5% charcoal, 10% charcoal was still used. Potassium Nitrate made the chemicals burn faster resulting in a louder sounding explosive. Sometime in the period of 1400 -1500, canister shells were invented, along with “ground fountains”, the latter receiving its name from dense shower sparks.

A glance out toward a boat anchored several hundred yards away. It had been found that letting pyros off over a body of water led to a more spectacular show.

1730ish, creation of “quick match” allowed for more than one powder work to be lit at the same time by skilled technician. A long way from China’s Han dynasty bamboo sticks to spherical aerial canisters and set pieces; pictures or words made from hundreds of small torches. Alchemists, carpenters, metalworkers, masons, painters and other professionals worked to make bigger bangs, light flashes and new structures for elaborate viewing.

Addition of fine aluminum instead of black powder balanced with correct oxidizer created a faster, hotter mixture called flash powder. Effect allowed aerial salutes and noisier firecrackers. The female inspector forgot work and immersed into enjoyment of July 4th festives…

Jesse closed the journal and placed it back among the various books on the shelf. Ink splots and written text faded over the years, there to view from keen interest or peaked curiosity.

* * *

Bo’s smile widened at seeing a familiar figure seated on the Gazebo steps. He glanced over at the General parked in front of Rhuebottom’s, then walked over. “How are you?”

“Beauregard Duke!” The young woman exclaimed and stood up. “I’m fine, yourself?”

“Not too bad, weekly staples trip.” He answered. “Gonna be staying long?”

“Just in town to drop off papers to Miss Lulu.” She reached a hand out and gave Bo’s left arm a playful squeeze. “I got time to have soda with an old friend if you’re interested.” She grinned at Bo’s teasing expression.

“That’d be fine with me,” Bo paused. “But don’t we need to look for your old friend first?”

“C’mon,” She tugged the young man’s medium blue colored shirt. “How’s Luke?”

“You can ask him at the drug store,” Bo replied.

“Possum on a gum bush,” A male voice exclaimed and whistled softly. Cooter shut the driver’s side tow truck door. He watched the red haired woman dressed in a pleasant blouse and bell bottoms venture with Bo toward the Hazzard Drug Store. He turned his attention to a white Plymouth parked on the gas pump side closer to the street. “Hey Enos, you see who I saw,” He pointed in the direction of where the companions had been moments before.

“Bo…hmm” The deputy’s words muffled as he tilted his head more out the partially open patrol car window. “You think one of us should go over?” Enos mused.

Cooter shook his head. “Nah.”

“Buddy roe, can you the power steering fluid?” Enos paused. “Barely made one of the turns over by Willet’s Corners.”

“Pop the hood,” Cooter said and stepped to the front of the vehicle. “Oil, transmission and window washer levels too?”

“If it ain’t no trouble,” Enos replied. He glanced over to where Boss and Lulu were coming out of the courthouse. He observed the portly county commissioner and his wife. Cooter began to tinker under the hood.

“She said it wouldn’t take long to get here taking the highway,” Lulu sighed.

“Maybe there was some construction,” Boss suggested.

“Chickabiddy,” Lulu’s hands loosened from the purse strap held. “I need those papers by 5pm.”

Boss nodded. “I know and you’ll have ‘em. Now why don’t we go have ourselves a snack over at that little coffee shop?”

“Oh,” Lulu said quietly. “Here I am going on about something and you ain’t eat this morning because of your physical.”

“It’s alright,” Boss gave his wife a big smile. “We leave now, everything’ll be alright.”

“Ok, J.D.,” Lulu glanced over to Cooter’s Garage. She lifted a hand, then waved at Enos and Cooter. The mechanic scribbling hastily on a notepad. Enos looking at his ticket book. “I just worry with her having been gone, she may not recognize anything.”

“Strawberry pie, I told you everything will be alright. Now can we please go?” Boss asked.

“Of course,” Lulu replied. She waited for him to open the Cadillac’s passenger door. It was a nice morning for a drive in the convertible.

* * *

“How fast could you map out a route to the Hawaiian islands?” Daney asked.

Daisy raised her left hand and pressed her palm lightly on her cousin’s forehead. “Are you coming down with something?”

Daney shook her head, resulting in a mumbled answer as her cousin’s hand slid down her face.

“What did you say?” Daisy questioned.

“Not that I know of,” Daney shrugged.

“I liked the first idea of checking with the jewelry store to see if they recall selling this,” Daisy gently ran her left index finger along a grey velvet bag on the Hazzard County Airport registrar’s desk. It contained a heart shaped sliver locket and chain. The locket could be opened to interchange seven crystal stones that were secured on jewelry box plastic inside the bag tied closed by a light grey satin string.

Amethyst, Citrine, Sodalite, Rose Quartz, Aventurine, Blue Lace Agate and Carnelian.

“They’ve seen a catalogue this was featured in,” Daney paused momentarily. “Or heard about it from another customer.”

Daisy laughed. “One of us would get to keep if the owner isn’t found?”

“Not if it gets lost in Boss’s safe.”

“Do we risk carrying it around or find someone to entrust with the care?”

“Compromise, keep until we find someone of that description,” Daney paused. “Let’s not tell anyone we have it.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Daisy smiled. “I do hope we find the owner.”

“They probably don’t even realize it’s missing, otherwise wouldn’t we have seen an ad in the Gazette or flyer on the bulletin board?” Daney mentioned two ordinary places someone would post about such an item of value.

“Depending on when it was lost, might even be a report at the Sheriff’s Office.” Daisy said.

“Received from an inheritance or auction, they might not have known the contents,” Daney added. “Who do you think it belongs too?”

Daisy glanced to her watch, waiting until the second hand gone completely around for a minute. “Impossible. Let’s just take this as it comes, rather than plan anything out.”

“Yeah,” Daney agreed. “Has there been any foreclosures lately?” She stood up, her right hand snatching a purple beret off the desk. She put it on her head, then her left hand reached for the grey jewelry satchel. “If it does turn out to be antique, it’s been well cared or hidden for a long time.”

“Hopefully the jewelry store clerk will be able to tell,” Daisy grabbed her jacket and put it on. Then got a key set from the cork board above the desk. She smiled. “Are we going to let the boys in on this?”

“They’re capable of finding their own adventure,” Daney laughed. “Maybe that’s why they’re always in trouble.”

“We know where to find them if their assistance is required,” Daisy walked to the door. “Jesse too.”

“Always,” Daney opened the door and walked outside. She glanced at the air strip landing. Heard the door creak, click of the key turning the lock. Birds chirping merrily in the morning sky.

“Police Department or jewelry store?” Daisy started to walk toward the dark green Plymouth. She had been thinking. Boss owned the jewelry store. He might even be at his business establishment or the clerk would call him or the Sheriff’s Office.

“Officer, I’d like to file a report.” Rosco turned from filling out a ticket for a late model Buick in front of the paint store. Blue eyes came to gaze at an elderly woman dressed in a white blouse and knee length cotton skirt. “What kinda report, ma’am?”

“My necklace is missing.” She replied.

“Any idea how it disappeared?”

“Not really.”

“Ok,” Rosco paused. He snapped the ticket book shut, then placed it and the pen he had been writing with in his shirt pocket.
“A telephone operator usually has an idea of what’s going on,” Rosco smiled and beckoned for the lady to follow him across the square. “Ma’am…”

“You can call me Hannah, sheriff.” She answered.

“Could you describe it for me, please?” Rosco queried.

“A velvet jewelry bag,” patent leather pumps clunked around a small pothole in the street. “Silver gray. Length of a playing card, width of three decks. Satin string closure.”

“And the necklace?”

“More like a pendant,” She sighed. “Silver. Interchangeable stones made over the years.”

“Those were with it?” Rosco asked as he carefully made his way between two parked vehicles to get to the sidewalk. He did not see the bitter sweet smile come to her lips. “Foam covered cardboard insert.” The Sheriff did hear that and a small sniffle before he asked. “And the necklace hung secured in the middle, chain under that.”

“Yes, sir.”

While Rosco and Hannah ventured into the telephone office, Cooter gently let the hood of Enos’s patrol car down.

“I ain’t sure what to tell ya,” Cooter grabbed an orange rag that had been laid by the gas pump. “Levels look ok, didn’t find any cracked lines or rusted engine parts.”

“Sure do appreciate ya checking,” Enos watched Cooter wipe his hands off. “Guess it just had itself a vapor lock.”

“Just make sure to stop back in if it does it again,” Cooter advised.

Enos grinned. “I will, buddy roe.” He reached to turn the key in the ignition when the Duke men and their lady friend approached.

“Either of you seen Boss and Miss Lulu?” Luke asked. “Victoria’s suppose to deliver some paperwork.”

“Howdy, ma’am.” Cooter and Enos both said. Enos continued speaking. “They drove in the caddy about twenty minutes ago.”

“That would explain why Miss Lulu wasn’t home when I stopped before reacquainting with Bo over by the gazebo,” Victoria said. She looked thoughtfully between the mechanic and deputy. “Any idea where they might have went.”

“Probably to get some grub,” Cooter replied.

“I’m sure Mr. Hogg wouldn’t mind if you waited in his office,” Enos added.

Bo grinned. “You sure that’s a good idea, Enos?”

Enos nodded. He looked sternly at Bo and Luke. “He would mind if you two were, but not her.” Enos smiled.

“So it’d be ok to tell Boss you said it was alright,” Victoria reached a slender hand out and patted the light blue deputy shirt material.

“Hmm,” Enos murmured. The patrol car’s engine started. Bo, Luke and Cooter winced at the grind from the key being held a second longer than needed. Cooter took a few steps back for Enos to be able to drive away. “Thanks again, Cooter.” Enos said and the vehicle moved onto the street.

“Keep it between the ditches,” Cooter hollered as the white patrol car sped forward. Twinkling blue eyes looked at Bo, Luke and Victoria. “Ma’am, you’re more than welcome to wait here if you like.”

“That’s kind of you to offer,” Victoria hesitantly replied. “I could freshen up if you still have the loft?”

“If you don’t mind it being messy,” Cooter said.

Victoria laughed. “Not at all.”

* * *

“You found this at the airstrip?” Jesse looked at his two brunette haired nieces seated in the green Plymouth.

“On our way to town now, sir.” Daney answered.

“Unless you know who it belongs too…” Daisy added.

They watched the red cap slid off the head of white hair down past the metal bucket of chicken feed in his hands, onto the ground. Next to a hen who had followed him from the coop.

“Don’t you get any idea,” Jesse took one hand off the bucket. He stooped down and retrieved his cap. Making the material rustle just a bit to shoo Gabby toward the barn. He stood up. “What makes you think I know who that bag belongs too?”

“You know a lot of things,” Daney offered. Her fingers twisted the bag’s satin string nervously.

Jesse smiled. “Yeah but not everything,” The bucket was sat on the ground. He continued speaking while putting the cap back on. “Might want to stop by Hannah Edgewater’s place. Her husband use to find all sorts stuff after folks left his business.” He paused. “Other than that, I’d take it straight to the Sheriff’s Department.”

“We were gonna try the jewelry store,” Daisy interrupted quietly.

“Oh, you could.” Jesse agreed. “Probably best get going if you wannna get there before they close.”

“Yeah,” Daney paused. Hazel eyes watched Gabby edge closer to an herb patch by the tractor.

“Thanks, Uncle Jesse.” Both cousins said. Jesse smiled and waved. He turned to continue with chores, confident in decision. The elderly farmer began to whistle as the dark green Plymouth backed out the driveway and onto the road.

About that same moment in town, Lulu and Boss had returned to the county courthouse, made their way inside the building.

“Rosco, why ain’t you out on patrol?” Boss demanded upon seeing the Sheriff at the table. Rosco glanced at him.

“Hey Lulu,” Rosco smiled. Gussy hadn’t been very helpful in his investigation of Mrs. Edgewater’s missing item. “Boss, it’s like this. I had to come and file a report, then some folks came in,” He paused to catch his breath. “they’re in your office.”

“Whose in my office?” Boss’s chubby cheeks puffed, his lips pursed together. He was hesitant about having Lulu meet any of his business associates. That way she wouldn’t be asking questions he might not want to answer.

“Miss Edgewater and Victoria,” Rosco said.

“Oh,” Lulu exclaimed. She grabbed Boss’s hand and hurried toward the office door marked County Commissioner.

“Boss,” Rosco started but Boss didn’t hear him over Lulu’s exclamation of “She made it –Victoria, sweetie. I hope your travel wasn’t too bothersome.” She finished speaking, as the door opened for her and Boss to enter his office.

“Them Dukes,” Boss shouted, his hand dropping out of his wife’s hold. Chocolate brown eyes noticed the blond perched on the chair arm, the dark haired one on the desk.

“Khee,” Rosco grinned and thought to himself. I’d have told if Lulu hadn’t been in such a hurry.

“Afternoon Commissioner… Lulu,” Victoria held her arms out to hug the older woman. “What a beautiful dress.”

“Thank you,” Lulu reached her arms out. Her right hand brushed across the young woman’s shoulder. “You sure do look nice.”

“Uh huh,” Bo and Luke mumbled, watching the two women embrace. Boss shook his head. “Papers?” He asked.

Victoria smiled. “On your desk, sir.” She answered. “Miss Hannah, could you pass them over please.”

“Miss Edgewater, that’s alright. I’ll get them.” Boss said and carefully made his way to the desk. “Did you need to see me for something, honey?”

“Came to file a report about a missing pendant,” Hannah replied.

“Did the Sheriff or one of his deputies take care of that for you?” Boss queried sincerely. Hannah’s late husband Alan had been a lighthouse keeper before his station was closed. They had settled in Hazzard about thirty five years ago, after meeting a red haired man named Jesse at the town’s only café.

She nodded. “Yes, Rosco did.”

Boss smiled. Pudgy fingers reached to the desktop for the paper work. “I’m sure Rosco and his department will do all they can to help you.” He glanced at the boys. “What are y’all doing here?”

“Walked over with Victoria,” Bo said. “There is still time to make changes,” Victoria addressed Lulu who had walked to the desk.

Luke moved from the desk corner to make room for Lulu to inspect the documents. He went to the window, peeked out the blinds across the street to the garage. He listened half interested to paperwork discussion ramble, his blond cousin conversing with Miss Edgewater behind him.

“How much do we owe for expenses, Victoria?”

“Nothing, Miss Lulu,” Victoria smiled at the older woman. “It was a nice change of routine to be able to bring the papers to you.”

“Are you sure?” Lulu asked quietly. She wasn’t use to someone refusing her.

Victoria nodded. “Yes, ma’am.” She looked to the county commissioner for help.

“Would you accept just an itty bitty token of appreciation,” Boss paused. The faint ringing of the booking room telephone echoed. “Maybe some fresh picked fruits and vegetables?” Dark eyes followed Rosco exiting the room.

“I was planning to get some if I had time,” Victoria admitted. “Is that place with herbs and spices still out just past the interchange?”

Lulu smiled. “Yes. Just tell Mrs. Cromarty we sent you.”

“Alright,” Victoria replied. She still planned to pay for purchases but didn’t want to hurt Lulu’s feelings.

“Victoria, did you park by the paint store?” Luke called out, blue eyes looking out the blinds.

“Yeah,” Victoria said hesitantly.

“Because Enos is walking toward your vehicle with his ticket book in hand,” Luke said.

“Miss Lulu, Boss it was good seeing you both,” Victoria hurried toward the door with Bo, then Luke following her.
“Look forward to doing business with y’all again.” She yelled as her and the boys ran out to the booking room.
Miss Lulu, Rosco and Mrs. Edgewater laughed. Boss looked mildly amused.

He cleared his throat. “Hannah, you said something about a stolen items report?”

“Rosco took care of that,” She said. “We’re waiting to hear back from the jewelry store.”

Boss took his watch from a vest pocket, glanced at the time. “It’s open for another half hour.”
He returned the watch to its place, his fingers gliding over the chain. “I could call if you like.”

“Mr. Hogg, I wouldn’t want to trouble you,” she glanced at Lulu.

“We could walk over, the exercise will do you good, J.D.” Lulu said quickly with a smile.

“That sounds like a good idea but I still have to count monies and get them to the bank,”
He gestured toward the small cash box on top of a beige filing cabinet.

“Just bring it with you,” Rosco suggested. He had seen Boss do that before. “Lulu, ain’t you got to put those papers in your security box?”

“Rosco!” Lulu exclaimed and grabbed the papers from the desk. “Thank you. Me and J.D. can do our business at the bank, while you help Hannah.” She smiled at the older woman.
“If that’s alright?”

Hannah nodded. “Of course, I always feel safe when he’s around.”

“Not many do,” Boss mumbled. He reached for the cash box. He saw Lulu frown at him.

Cooter was headed back to his garage from the post office. He observed a purple Plymouth in the last parking spot on the street alongside the jewelry store. He lowered his head a bit to allow the ball cap covering his head to shield his eyes from the sunlight.

Wondered how come the boys hadn’t told him that Hunter had received an updated coat.
And their cousin would trust just anyone to do the work. As he got closer; Cooter saw it was a Barracuda, noticed the license plate number was different. The mechanic could also tell where stripes had once been.

“Not a bad looking car,” He heard a female whistle. He tilted his head a little, saw Daney and Daisy walking from Hunter who was parked up the street by the fire hydrant.

“Hey Cooter, how are you?” Daney asked.

“Not bad, just took a break and went over to get some stamps.” He smiled. “What brings y’all
to town?” The threesome stepped to within a stop sign distance of one another.

“We found something out at the airport,” Daisy held up the gray velvet bag. “Thought we’d check
with the jewelry store about it.”

“Sure a secret admirer didn’t leave it for you to find?” Cooter teased lightly.

The cousins looked at each other, then at Cooter. “Didn’t even consider that.” Daisy replied, she untied the string for Cooter to take a peek. “You ever seen anyone with this?” She asked, taking the box out and carefully holding it, and then opened.

“Hmm, umm.” Cooter shook his head. “Enos did mention the Sheriff was helping Mrs. Edgewater file a report on a pendant.” He paused. “It wouldn’t hurt to check with the
jewelry store since you’re already here.”

“Thanks,” Daney said. She and Cooter watched Daisy repackage the delicate item into the bag, tie the string. “I best be getting back to the shop case Enos has more vehicle dilemmas. Or your cousins stop by with the General.” Cooter rubbed at the pavement with the toe of his left boot.

“Have a good afternoon, Cooter.” Daisy smiled. “Appreciate the tidbit about the report.”
She gave him a quick hug. Cooter returned the embrace, managed to hug both cousins. “We best let you get to work,” Daney said, giving the mechanic’s right shoulder a friendly squeeze, her and Daisy stepped away.

Cooter grinned. “Yeah, take it easy.” He waved and waited until the Duke cousins were in the store before starting back toward the garage.

“I’ll be with you in a moment,” the store manager said upon the short bell chime of the door being closed. “Ok,” Daisy replied politely.

“Thank you, Mr. Folger.” the dish water blond haired gentleman at the counter said. “I’ll make sure to check on those for you, have an estimate in a week.”

“Appreciate you stopping in before leaving on your business trip,” Mr. Folger replied.

“Not a problem,” the man answered. “Is there a flower shop close by?”

“Make a left at the end of the street and go a few blocks. If you pass the Gazette, that’s about five buildings too far.” Mr. Folger came from around the counter. “It should be open for another
twenty minutes or so.” He paused. “If not, there is a farmer’s stand along the route to the airport.”

“Great,” the man turned and began to walk toward the door with Mr. Folger. “If you have any other questions in regards to the brochure, someone at the phone number on the card should
be able to help.”

“Ok,” Mr. Folger replied. He looked toward Jesse’s nieces. “What can I help you two with?”

“We found this item and wondered if you could tell us anything about it, sir.” Daney said quietly.
She nudged her cousin gently. Daisy laid the bag on top of the closest display. Then she returned to watching the mustachioed stranger leave the store.

“Might be able too,” Mr. Folger stepped to the case and opened the bag, then the box. He studied the piece for a moment. “Exactly what were you wondering?” Some people bought gem stones and crystals for certain occasions; others thought they held healing powers.

“If it was brought from this store or possibly repaired here,” Daisy answered.

“I’ve seen crystals at a gem show,” He paused. “Can’t say I’ve seen this pendant before.”

“Not even maybe a customer wearing it?” Daney asked.

He shook his head. “I can see if there are any identification marks, highly unlikely.”

“If that wouldn’t be too much trouble,” Daisy said.

He smiled. “Not all, if you’ll just follow me to the back room where the microscope is…” He picked up the box, the bag fell to the checkered linoleum floor.

“Probably won’t be able to tell how old it is,” Daney mused out loud as she and Daisy followed Mr. Folger to the back room. “Or where it came from.”

“There are jewels exclusive to areas,” He took a breath. “Honestly, I think these are pretty garden variety. Can find them most places.”

“Do you have to go to school for this type of thing?” Daisy asked.

“You can- the best learning is working with an expert,” Mr. Folger replied. “More beneficial is specialization.”

“Sorta like a detective,” Daney smiled. “Few take missing people, others deal in insurance.”

Mr. Folger nodded. “That’s a good example. How is your uncle?”

“He’s fine,” Daisy answered. Mr. Folger took a seat. Box of glass examination slides laid next to a basic microscope. Pair of tweezers had been placed on top of a foot long ruler. Gem stone and mineral books scattered over a wall shelf.

While the female Dukes learned about gemology, Bo and Luke had helped Victoria gather some items at Miss Cromarty’s stand.

“You have such a lovely place,” Victoria said after her purchases had been secured in a brown paper grocery bag. She looked at the log cabin about thirty feet away. A creek ran out back of it, pecan and fruit trees to the east, herb garden west. Various flower patches almost to the dirt road’s edge.

“Thank you,” Miss Cromarty smiled. “Sure you boys don’t need anything?”

“No ma’am,” Luke replied.

“Actually would you happen to have any pickled scuppernongs?” Bo asked.

Luke looked at his cousin. “Didn’t the general store have them?”

“They weren’t on the list,” Bo said. “Thought since we’re late getting back home,
might be a nice surprise.” He explained.

Luke shook his head. “We didn’t tell Jesse when we’d be back.”

“I have some in the house, be right back.” Miss Cromarty turned and went toward
the cabin as the boys continued to speak.

“Prefer the red myself,” Victoria interrupted the boys discussion.

“Wild grapes ain’t bad once you get use to them,” Bo glanced at her. “Kinda look like olives.”

“They’re not,” Luke commented. “And just how are we going to pay for them? We spent all that we had on the weekly staples.” He reminded the younger man.

Bo smirked at his older cousin. “There was a little left.”

“I wouldn’t charge you boys,” Miss Cromarty spoke quietly as she came back with a mason jar in her hands.

“But we couldn’t just take them,” Luke insisted politely.

“I could use some help next week with trimming trees,” Miss Cromarty replied. She looked at the dark haired cousin. “Would that be a fair trade?”

“Yes ma’am,” he answered. “Any particular day?”

“Friday if you’re not busy,” she answered. She watched Luke glance at Bo to see if that was ok.

“That should be alright,” Bo said. He took the container from Miss Cromarty. “If it rains, then Saturday will work.”

“Yes, in the afternoon.” She answered. “I’ll see you boys later this week.”

“Take care,” Luke smiled. He, Victoria and Bo watched the older woman walk back toward the cabin again. Then they strolled over to their vehicles. Victoria placed the sack from her hands just behind the driver’s seat on the floorboard.

“If you fellas don’t have plans this evening, why don’t you come to the city?” Victoria asked.

Bo and Luke glanced at each other. “We told Daisy and Daney we’d,” Bo started. Luke finished the sentence. “spend time with them.”

Victoria laughed. Hazel eyes taking note of the boys’ expression. “Bring them along.”

“They’d like that,” The boys said.

“Around eight pm, there’s a new band that covers just about everything playing at a club on
Campbell Street.” She paused. “I’ll met y’all at the drug store on Lynch Boulevard.”

“Which one?” Luke asked.

“Off the highway ramp to Apple Blossom, left at the second intersection.” Then her right hand tapped the driver side mirror of the purple Plymouth. “If this ain’t in the parking lot, then you aren’t at the correct location.”

“Alright,” Bo laughed. “Is there a number where we could reach you incase something comes up?” Victoria nodded. “Directory under Buckingham. Just leave a message.”

“We’ll see you about seven thirty,” Luke paused. “Less you wanna grab a bite to eat before then?” “Seven forty five is fine,” Victoria replied. “The place doesn’t really start getting rowdy
till about nine.” She stared at the both of them a second. “Go out for breakfast afterward.”

“Oh,” Bo smiled. “We best all get going then. See ya later.”

“Yeah,” She waved to them. “Take it easy, fellas.”

“Need directions back to the highway?” Luke asked, his lanky form began to climb through the driver’s side of the General Lee. “I’ll be alright,” Victoria insisted. The boys watched her get into the late model Plymouth. “See you later,” Bo shouted as he slid through the open passenger window, the sound of two engines rumbling in his ears. He placed the mason jar from his hands in the glove box. Figuring it was safer in there, than him trying to hold onto it. Anne glanced in the rearview mirror at the orange stock car before taking off down the road.

Bo grabbed the cb mic. “County cousins… you two out on the Hazzardnet, come back?” He spoke while Luke maneuvered the General down the dirt road.

“You boys on your way home?” It was Jesse who answered the blonde Duke’s question.

“Uncle Jesse, yes sir we are.” Bo replied.

“It’s about time,” the elderly farmer’s voice came over the little box. “You boys left hours ago.”

“Yeah, we ran into Victoria. Then we came out to Miss Cromarty’s,” Luke settled comfortably in his seat; enjoying the drive, listening to the exchange between his cousin and uncle.

Rosco looked at his watch after the door closed behind him and Mrs. Edgewater. “Still got a few
minutes- Mr. Folger, you here?” He called and then glanced at the floor. “Ooo,” He stooped down, retrieved the item next to his right boot. “Did the bag look like this?” He straightened up and held the velvet material by the delicate string.

Mrs. Edgewater nodded. “Yes, this could be it.” Rosco placed the bag in her hands.

“Sheriff, is that you?” Mr. Folger came from the back room followed by Daisy and Daney.

Rosco glanced at the threesome. “Who else would it be?”

“The girls here brought an item in and I was just about to call you,” Mr. Folger spoke
as they walked over.

“Wouldn’t happen to be a pendant with some fancy stones would it?” Rosco asked.

“How did you know!” Mr. Folger exclaimed.

“Mrs. Edgewater is missing one,” Rosco replied.

“Were you at the airport in the last few days?” Daisy looked at Mrs. Edgewater.

The older woman stared at the two women for a moment. “I stopped by there yesterday.”

“That’s where it was found,” Daney said. “If it’s the same.”

“Mr. Folger, could you get it for us?” Rosco asked.

“Of course,” He turned, under the watchful eyes of the others took quick steps to the other room.

“How come you didn’t bring it to the station?” Rosco looked at Daisy and Daney.

“Thought maybe Mr. Folger had sold it,” The older cousin answered.

Mrs. Edgewater smiled. “No, each item was brought for various reasons over the years.”
She paused. “That’s what he did after he left the lighthouse service.”

“Sheriff,” Mr. Folger interrupted. “Miss…”

“Hannah,” She replied and went over to the register counter that Mr. Folger was by. He had laid the box and its contents there. Rosco and the Dukes gathered around the older woman.

“This is yet,” She said, running her fingers along the box. She looked at Rosco. “I’m not quite sure how it ended up at the airport – I ain’t gonna be in trouble for filing a false report?”

Rosco shook his head. “No, ma’am. Did you think someone could have followed you
from there?”

“I’m not certain,” She whispered. And then placed the box in the velvet bag.

“You wrote that lighthouse journal that Jesse has,” Daisy asked quietly.

“Parts of it,” Mrs. Edgewater said. Mr. Folger waited until she was done speaking before he said.
“I’m sorry to rush y’all out but it is closing time.”

“Thank you for the help,” Daney said and strolled toward the door. Daisy smiled at the older gentleman, followed her cousin.

“Yeah, I best get to the station and unfile that report,” Rosco held his arm out for Mrs. Edgewater.
With her item held tightly in one hand. She looked shyly at the Sheriff, then gave him a peck on the cheek. “Sheriff, thank you.”

“No thanks needed, was my pleasure.” Rosco said hesitantly. “I mean I didn’t really find…” He cleared his throat. They continued talking and walked outside. As they discussed supper plans,
he looked over his shoulder to see Daney and Daisy by the green Plymouth’s trunk, smiling.

“Have a good evening!” They shouted.

Mrs. Edgewater turned and smiled at them.

Cooter placed the pump back in it’s slot on the box. As he put the gas tank cap back on, he spoke to the driver of the patrol car. “Enos, you could’ve filled up anywhere.”

“I know, but you were so helpful earlier.” Enos replied. “It just didn’t seem right.”

Cooter smiled and walked around the car. He took the rag hanging off his belt, and wiped a smudge of dirt on the door handle. “Ok, you need this charged to the usual account?”

Enos nodded. “You got plans for the night?” He turned the key in the ignition.

“Just a card game at the lounge,” Cooter pursed his lips for a moment, listening to the engine. “How’d you like to tag along?”

Enos looked at him. It sounded better than going back to his room at the boarding house.
“That’d be nice, thanks Cooter.”

“I have to close up the shop and change,” Cooter paused. “About twenty minutes?”

Enos glanced at his lucky hat on the dash board. His foot on the brake, he pulled the gearshift lever from park to drive. “Ok, you remember where my place is?”

“Yeah,” Cooter nodded. “Twenty minutes.” He repeated the time for Enos to be ready.

“See you then,” Enos said. He waited for Cooter to step away from the vehicle before driving off.

Jesse began to finish whittling the same piece of wood that he had started after morning chores, watched Hunter and the General roar out of the driveway this morning. He enjoyed the cb conversations until both vehicles had been out of range.

A half hour later, the General eased onto the exit ramp. Dark blue eyes glanced in the side mirror to see Hunter maneuver in the same manner off the highway. In the green Plymouth, the driver’s right hand turned the radio volume control lower. He focused on driving in the late afternoon traffic.

Hazel eyes watched the General’s left blinker begin to signal. Hadn’t Luke said right off the second light. The brunette shrugged and continued cruising Hunter along the street behind the Dodge stock car. Getting lost in the city, you didn’t have to go far for help, unlike a county dirt road with no houses or businesses for miles and miles.

Attention darted to the instrument panel. The gauge readings were good. A few minutes later, Bo was climbing out the driver side window as Daisy pulled into the parking lot. She found a space at the end of the row just before the exit drive and one vehicle from the orange stock car.

Daney got out Hunter’s passenger side. “Any sign of Victoria?” She called.

“Don’t see her car,” Luke replied.

“Probably just got caught in traffic,” Daisy said.

“If we’re lucky,” Bo grinned. “She’ll be here any second.” The streetlight above the vehicle parked between the Duke cars allowed Bo to see each cousin look at him, then toward the store to see if Victoria was coming out.

“Maybe we could leave a message with the clerk and try to find the place?” Luke said.

“That’d work if we had more directions,” Bo replied.

“Now, now don’t you fellas start already,” Victoria teased from directly across the parking lot.
She took a few steps toward the cousins. “Did Miss Edgewater get her pendant back?”

Daney and Daisy nodded. “Yeah, last seen her and Rosco were going to unfile a report.”

“Aww,” Victoria said. “If y’all don’t mind leaving the vehicles here, the place is about
a ten minute walk.”

“Won’t the store owner mind?” Luke asked hesitantly.

Victoria shook her head. “They close in an hour. Not usually busy this time of night.”

“Probably be easier than trying to get a spot closer,” Bo surmised.

“Sounds like it,” Daney answered. “I don’t mind.”

“Might want to roll the windows up in case it rains,” Victoria suggested.

Luke glanced toward the darkened sky. “Too nice a night.” He continued looking at
the stars, heard a squeak or two of Hunter’s doors open and close for the windows to be rolled up.

“What’s this place like?” Bo asked.

“Garden variety,” Victoria smiled mischievously. “C’mon….” The cousins looked at each other, then started to follow their friend to the sidewalk.