by: Tara

Bo answered the knock on the front door. He listened to the person for a minute before speaking.

“Possible that she worked on that case,” Bo informed the stranger at the door.
“She might be home later.” He smiled at the shoulder length curly haired individual. “Our telephone number is Hazzard 587, if you want to call instead of making another trip.”

Jesse, Luke and Daisy sat at the kitchen table. They couldn’t hear the stranger’s responses to the youngest cousin. They occupied the time waiting, filling their plates with breakfast vittles. “Hey, leave some for me.” Bo exclaimed, walking back into the kitchen. He took his seat next to the darkest haired cousin. “Sure,” Luke sat the small bowl of milk gravy back on the table. “Salesperson?” He asked.

“Nope,” Bo answered and took a biscuit from the platter. “Possibly someone investigated by Daney.”

“Oh?” Jesse said. He watched his nephew split the biscuit in half and placed on his plate.

“They weren’t sure,” Bo replied. “I told them she might be back later, try calling.” He began spooning gravy over the biscuit.

“Hmm,” Luke shrugged. “Maybe it’s a client that didn’t pay.” He guessed. The dark haired cousin liked that suggestion a lot. The pantry had enough staples for another week, but it was always nice to have a treat.

“Could be,” Jesse agreed. “Let’s eat.” He said. The elderly farmer didn’t want to listen to speculation on something that might not be.

As they finished and began to clear the table, “You boys understand about not coming by the Boar’s Nest for the next few days?” Daisy inquired.

“Yeah,” Bo replied.

“How come they can’t come to the tavern?” Jesse asked.

“Apparently the proprietor isn’t letting anyone have a charge tab anymore,” Luke said.

Jesse chuckled. “Can’t blame J.D. for that. I owned a business, I’m not sure I’d allow it either, lessening there was a true need.”

“Yes sir,” the boys agreed and excused themselves to tend to chores.

Daisy was finishing up the dishes when Daney came in through the back door.

“Bo tell you?” She asked, setting the last dish from the sink in the rack to dry.

Daney looked at her cousin. “Did I get a telephone call?”

“No,” Daisy replied. “Someone was here looking for you.”

Daney smiled. “A client who didn’t pay?”

Daisy laughed. “I don’t know. Bo gave them the phone number,” She picked up a dish towel to wipe the water drops off the faucet and around the counter. “the person might call instead of coming back out.”

“Ok,” Daney watched Daisy quietly for a few moments. “They have any paperwork with them?” Daney was thinking the person might be a registered process server. A subpoena had to be hand delivered to the name listed on the summons.

“I didn’t hear the conversation or see them,” Daisy answered. “Bo might have noticed and didn’t want to worry Jesse.”

“I’ll go check with him then,” Daney told her cousin.

Daisy was squeezing the water from the dishcloth as Daney went outside.

Bo and Luke were checking the wagon over when Daney approached them.

“Daisy said someone stopped by,” She said.

“Yeah,” Bo answered. “They didn’t really leave any information.”

“Did they have any paperwork you could see?” Daney asked casually.

Bo glanced over his shoulder at her. “I didn’t notice any, sorry.”

“What makes you think they might have paperwork?” Luke inquired curiously.

“Subpoena,” Daney smiled. “If Bo didn’t see an envelope,” she paused. “I was thinking the person might be registered process server.”

“Oh,” Bo turned and faced his older cousin. “That can’t just be left with anyone.”

“Right,” Daney said. “If you didn’t see it,”

“then it might not have anything to do with a legal proceeding,” Luke interrupted, he glanced from Bo to Daney. “Might be a lawyer.”

Daney shrugged. “They give an indication when they might call or stop back?”

Bo shook his head. “I said you might be here this afternoon.”

“Thank you,” Daney replied.

“You want us to head to town and see if we run in to them,” Luke offered.

Daney mentioned hesitantly. “Daisy thought Bo might not have said more, so Jesse wouldn’t worry.”

Bo offered. “We could just say we’re going to Cooter’s or something…”

“It’s alright really,” Daney said gingerly. She appreciated what they were willing to do.
“If it’s a client who didn’t pay, that could be awkward.”

“Yeah,” Luke agreed. “Since it’s not money you’re expecting, you’ll share?”

Daney smiled. Bo started laughing. He quickly grabbed a handful of hay and tossed it playfully at his female cousin. “Being paid for chores, I could get use to that.”

“Me too,” Luke laughed.

Jesse watched the hay fight from the field. He smiled and returned to his own task.
Daisy came outside to put some clothes on the line and saw the trio brushing the hay off their clothes. She was hanging up a second item from the basket when Daney walked over to the clothesline.

“Was Bo able to tell you anymore about the stranger?”

“Kinda got distracted,” Daney laughed and reached down into the basket. “I’m not too worried about it, worst it could be is a subpoena.” She held an item for her cousin.

“I thought you were picky about which cases you take?” Daisy sounded just a little alarmed at this mention of a court order. Daisy took the article of clothing and placed it a little ways from the last item placed on the clothesline.

“Um,” Daney murmured. “I prefer cases that offer challenges of skill and knowledge than spouse cheating, employee stealing caper.” She explained.

Daisy smiled. “Like an artist in a different medium or a music person…”

“Yeah,” Daney agreed with that comparison. “A reporter going from weather to sports.”

“Cook switching the type of food,” Daisy laughed.

Bo and Luke stood by the wagon, watching their cousins finish the laundry.

“She didn’t seem too concerned,” Bo said.

“Why worry over something before it happens,” Luke retorted in a pleasant tone of voice.
“Probably a client that didn’t pay.”

Bo snorted. “You said that earlier.”

“You got a better idea who the stranger was?” Luke challenged.

“Well, I did see what they looked like,” Bo grinned. “Didn’t I?”

Luke acknowledged. “You did. The rest of us would have gotten a better view if you had moved just a little.”

Bo laughed. “Hey, you up for a little fishing?”

“Huh?” Luke turned his glance from across the yard to his youngest cousin. They had mentioned going into town to see about this stranger or was the topic being changed.

“Over at the creek,” Bo replied. “Haven’t got any other plans this afternoon.”

“You don’t wanna stick around for this stranger?” Luke asked.

Bo shrugged. “Do we need too?”

Luke pursed his lips. The oldest cousin wasn’t sure. And Daney hadn’t said anything about wanting her cousins at the farm. He considered quietly. “Let’s check with Jesse,”
He finally answered.

“Alright,” the younger cousin agreed. “Still in the field.” Bo said. The two walked out to where their uncle was.

“That didn’t take you too long,” Jesse greeted his nephews as they approached.

“No, sir.” Luke said. “Did you have any chores for us?”

Jesse shook his head. “You got plans to be somewhere?”

“Not exactly, Uncle Jesse.” Bo smiled at his uncle. “We thought we might go fishing.”

“In town about the stranger?” Jesse asked.

“At the creek,” Luke paused. “We did talk about that,” he admitted.

“I have too,” Jesse said quietly. “And what changed your minds?” He inquired.

“Probably a client that didn’t paid,” Bo said.

Luke scoffed. “I said that.”

“Twice,” Bo replied and the cousins exchanged a glance. “Daney said it could be awkward,” Luke added.

“That’s what changed your mind?” Jesse asked.

“No sir,” Bo said. “I asked about going fishing at the creek.”

Jesse smiled. “Ok,” the elderly gentleman paused. His dark haired nephew’s comment settling the matter of whether to go in to town or not. “Your licenses up to date?”

“Yes sir,” both Luke and Bo replied.

“You two go gather the poles and stuff, we’ll get bait on the way to the creek,” Jesse said.

“We’ll be taking your truck?” Bo asked.

Jesse nodded. “If you boys don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” Luke replied.

Jesse looked passed his blond haired nephew in the direction of the house. “We’ll meet at the truck in ten minutes or so unless you’ll wanna change.”

“Nah,” Bo said. Luke shook his head to indicate he didn’t need to go into the house either.
“I’ll get us some iced tea,” Jesse smiled and headed to the house while his nephews proceeded to the barn.

He went into the house and found the girls in the living room, separating a load of laundry.

“The boys and me are gonna go fishing,” he announced quietly.

“Do you need us to make you anything?” Daisy asked.

“It’s alright, I’ll get it.” Jesse looked at Daney. “Would you rather we go later this evening?”

Daney stared at her uncle for a moment. “If y’all want to stay, you can.” She paused. “It doesn’t really matter to me.” Whatever the person wanted wouldn’t change if there was one person or a houseful.

“You’re decided it’s a client that didn’t pay,” Jesse smiled.

“Maybe a new client,” Daney replied. How often was it that Jesse got to spend an afternoon fishing. Not too many. “They might telephone.”

“Yeah,” Jesse agreed. “And then the boys would be complaining about missing out on fishing.” He chuckled. “I’ll stay if you want me too…” He offered.

“I appreciate that Uncle Jesse,” Daney smiled. She glanced to her cousin. “Daisy will be here.”

Jesse looked at his older niece. “You don’t have to work at the Boar’s Nest today?”

“That’s why I reminded the boys not to go there,” Daisy laughed.

Jesse smiled. “I best get that tea.” They were probably all thinking too much about the stranger anyway. Maybe the person misheard a name or glanced at a paper, then guessed later what they read. He convinced himself of that as he turned to the refrigerator and opened the door.

Two glass gallon sized jars of tea on the top shelf. One completely filled, the other half filled.
“Is there another jug outside?” He asked.

“Yes sir,” Daisy answered. “Should be done about the same time as the last clothes.” She continued speaking as her and Daney came into the kitchen.

“Ok,” Jesse replied. He took one of the tea containers and shut the refrigerator door.

“We really wouldn’t mind packing a snack for y’all,” Daney said.

Jesse turned and sat the container on the kitchen table. “Some fruit would be alright.”

“Yeah,” Daisy looked at him. Not wanting to ruin the surprise they had made. “It’s all ready.” She pointed to a brown paper sack on the counter. “Want one of us to carry it out for you?”

“If you want too,” Jesse picked up the container of tea. Figuring one of them would bring the bag out. He walked toward the door that led to the porch. “I’m not sure what time we’ll be back.” He said, his nieces followed him outside.

Bo and Luke were already seated in the truck cab when their uncle and cousins came out.
Jesse handed the tea container to Bo through the open window frame and then opened the vehicle’s driver door, while Daisy handed Luke the bag to place on the floorboard.

“Y’all gonna be at Hazzard Lake?” Daisy asked.

Luke and Bo looked at their uncle. They had discussed a creek, he was driving. “Or the spot near Rainbow Mine,” Jesse replied and put the key into the ignition.

“Ok, we’ll see you later.” Daney said. The family exchanged good byes. Jesse watched his nieces head toward the house. Then the pick up started and slowly moved down the driveway and on to the road.

Daney went to the telephone after getting inside. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of this before,” She said, and smiled at her cousin. “Call former partners, any of them have had someone making an inquiry.”

Daisy smiled. “Wouldn’t they let you know?”

Daney shrugged. “Possibly.”

“I’ll finish the clothes,” Daisy went toward the living room where the last few items waited in a basket. “I can make my phone calls later,” Daney answered. She didn’t want Daisy to feel like she wasn’t during her share of the chores.

“Make the calls,” Daisy insisted gently. She got the basket and walked back through the kitchen. Daney picked up the telephone receiver and put it to her ear, waited for the operator.

Daisy heard her cousin ask to be connected as she walked outside.

“Howdy, has anyone made an inquiry on our cases in the last day or so?” Daney asked once the number had connected and someone picked up on the other line. She was quiet as they answered. “I wasn’t home this morning and someone stopped by,” she paused. “I will call you back if it’s anything to do with a case we worked on, k?” Daney was silent again for their response. “Yeah, thank you.” She listened to the other line disconnect and replaced the receiver in the cradle for a moment. She picked up the receiver, put it back to her ear. A few minutes later, she found herself in almost the exact same conversation with another person.

Putting the receiver back in the cradle when the call was finished, she considered it may have had to do with earlier cases than she had worked with either of those investigators. She pondered the notion someone had impersonated her. Misrepresented themself in order to get more information for a case of their own. It was just something that happened in the private investigation business. Usually no harm came of it but there was always the possibility.

She could spend all day calling people or wait patiently for the stranger to come back to the farm.

Daney thought about leaving a note on the door for the stranger to meet her somewhere in town.
Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea for her and Daisy to be here so far from anyone else. With just a few cosmetic tricks, a person could change their appearance. And to be fair, her family had never known the majority of clients. No one had mentioned what the person looked like.

Luke and Bo were quite surprised when their uncle drove to town. “Your fishing license expired, Uncle Jesse?” the older nephew asked.

“No,” He brought the truck to a stop in front of the county building.

“What are we here for?” his younger nephew asked.

He put the gear shirt in park. “I want you boys to stay here, I’ll just be a minute.” Jesse got out of the truck.

Bo and Luke watched their uncle hurry into the county building. The cousins looked at each other curiously. “The Sheriff’s Department.”

“Bail bond agency.”

“That lawyer…”

“Maybe, might even be someone else.”

And quickly as the two conversed, Jesse was back out of the building and to the truck.
“Told you I’d just be a minute,” was all he said and put the gearshift in drive and merged in with the afternoon traffic. A few minutes later, he turned down the street that led to one of the bait shops in the area. He maneuvered the truck into a parking spot and then told his nephews to go into the bait shop.

Luke and Bo got out of the truck and went into the bait shop. Jesse watched them and then picked up the cb mic. His other hand moved the dial to the correct station. His thumb pushed the talk button. “You there?”

“Yes, Jesse…”

“And?”

“Permit is not expired.”

“I’m obliged.”

“Sure you don’t want to send a law officer out?”

“Thank you, J.D., its ok really. I feel better about the situation. Gotta go.” Jesse’s thumb slipped off the talk button and he replaced the cb mic on the box. Bo and Luke came out of the bait shop with two brown paper lunch sized sacks. Jesse smiled at his nephews as they got into the truck. He checked the side and rear view mirrors before moving from the parking spot onto the street.

In the county commissioner’s office, J.D Hogg sighed. “I ain’t sure what to think…”

“What’s the matter, little chubby buddy?” Rosco asked from the doorway where he stood.

J.D. ignored the reference to his waistline. He had to be careful about this. Jesse had come to him and asked for specific information. If he had wanted the Sheriff’s Department involved, the elder Duke would’ve gone to a deputy, maybe even the Sheriff. “I had a fella inquire about something.”

Rosco pursed his lips for a moment. “Did your answer make them feel better?”

“They said it did,” J.D. replied.

“Well,” The Sheriff smiled. “Then it ain’t really any more concern is it?”

“I guess not,” J.D. agreed and changed the subject. “Aren’t you supposed to be on patrol?”

“Just finished,” Rosco answered.

“You got other business to tend too?” J.D. asked.

“Didn’t you want to go over the department’s monthly budget?” Rosco inquired.

“Haven’t quite finished looking it all over,” J.D. admitted.

“Ok,” Rosco said.

“Should do that now,” J.D. looked down at some papers on his desk. “If you haven’t got any work to do, why don’t you take a nap…”He suggested.

“Thanks Boss,” Rosco turned and headed toward his office.

“You’re welcome,” J.D. said. The county commissioner continued with the paperwork on his desk. He was still curious about the permit. He was glad that his answer gave his oldest, dearest on and off again friend some relief. If only the county budget issues were that easy to solve, but they weren’t.

That same moment that Boss started on the county finances, the telephone rang at the Duke Farm.
Daney picked up the receiver. “Oh hey,” Daney recognized the caller immediately. She listened for a few minutes. “Don’t think it’s my cousins playing a joke,” She carefully interrupted. “I appreciate your opinion on this situation.” She went quiet, preferring to let the person speak. “Yeah, talk to you later.” She placed the receiver back in the cradle.

Someone playing a joke The idea was amusing. Daney went to the sink and looked out the window at Daisy washing her vehicle. A different point of view could be considered a challenge. Maybe she had mentioned one too many times about the lack of cases in a small town compared to what a bigger city offered. Anything rewarding required a balance somewhere in the middle. Daisy explored other interests in addition to working at the Boar’s Nest. Her male cousins were stuck in the county on probation, if they had the same freedom she had, would they stay or be somewhere else around the world. Except for taking a provenance to a new owner, she had never strayed that far from Hazzard County. An eight hour car trip at the most. She knew people who’d never ventured away from their town. Content with same job, house, routine for thirty years or more.

Things were being set up at the fishing site. Bo placed a blanket under a tree and put the beverage and vittles out within view of where they would cast from. The spot offered a nice shade from the afternoon sun. Jesse fussed with getting a worn lawn chair to sit without tipping over. Two other lawn chairs sat in the truck bed incase his nephews wanted to use one. Luke had the task of getting the bait ready for their use. This particular area also made for a nice camp site.

The first location they were going to use was already filled with people. Jesse had driven on to his second choice. He liked both spots about the same. “You boys sure you don’t want to sit?”

“Not right now, Uncle Jesse.” Luke said. “Thanks.”

“Thanks,” Bo walked to where his fishing pole lay on a picnic table. He picked up a stringer and tucked it into his jean pocket. He checked his fishing pole over. “Luke, were you going to use the same spot you did last time?”

“Yeah,” Luke answered.

“Alright,” Bo smiled. They had done pretty good the last time they had went fishing here.

“Less you wanna,” Luke offered.

“Don’t matter to me,” Bo shrugged. Then he took his fishing pole in one hand, container of bait in the other hand.

“We can always switch later.” Luke continued to the spot his cousin mentioned. A stringer hanging out of his back jeans pocket.

Jesse enjoyed listening to his nephews and observing how they selected the spot where they would on a little higher ground than he was. He waited until they had both cast their line into the water. He picked up his own fishing pole that had already had a piece of bait on the hook at the end of the line and cast out. He didn’t really care if he caught anything, was just nice to spend a little time away from the farm with his nephews.

“You want another card?” Daisy sat on the top front porch step and Daney sat on the bottom step. Daney looked at the two cards on the middle step. A combination of seventeen, usually a good spot to stay and hope for the dealer to get twenty two or more. “Sure.”

“Alright,” Daisy agreed. She picked up the next card from the pile that were face down on the middle step. “22, sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry about,” Daney said and picked up both her and her cousins cards, then laid them on the pile that was face up. They could not be used until they had been shuffled.

Daisy dealt them each two new cards. In front of Daney was another combination of seventeen.
She checked the dealer cards and saw twenty one. “Card?”

Daney thought for a moment. They were about three fourths of the way through the entire deck.
At a table with a bet, she’d probably stay but this was just for fun. “Yeah.”

Daisy placed the next card from the down pile onto her cousin’s cards. Daney turned it over; the new card made it twenty one. Daisy flipped the dealer cards face up and laughed.

Daney smiled. “If you don’t want to play anymore, its-” She turned to watch a vehicle move off the road and onto the driveway. “If you want to go in the house…”

“Why don’t we go meet them,” Daisy whispered, gathering the cards into one pile.

“Alright,” Daney scooted off the step and straightened to a standing position. The vehicle came to a stop as Daisy came to stand next to her cousin. They both stared for a moment before stepping forward, the vehicle’s motor stopped running. The driver door opened.

Walking toward the vehicle, neither Daisy or Daney recognized the visitor. “Howdy…” Daney said, approaching the passenger side of the vehicle. That distance offered a little bit of space between her and the stranger. Daisy stood a few steps behind her cousin, she could not see the driver’s face until after the door shut.

The visitor noticed how the brunette women stood and did not attempt to move any closer. The stranger took a long glance at the two before speaking. “I-” the young man started. “Do you remember a client named Nevaeh Leah,” he blurted out.

“Jordan,” Daney finished the name. “Yes, sir.”

“She may have mentioned me,” he smiled. “Diehl.”

“It is nice to meet you Diehl,” Daney paused. Naturally curly strawberry blond hair and green eyes. Average height. Nevaeh had mentioned that description and name in connection to an acquaintance. “This is my cousin, Daisy.”

Daisy smiled. “It is nice to meet you.” She was thinking this could just be an update to a case.

“You too,” Diehl replied. “Nevaeh is having some difficulties and she isn’t talking much…”
He stopped speaking and looked across the property toward the barn.

“You wondered if it might have anything to do with the case?” Daney asked gently.

He glanced back at the brunette haired women. “Um hum.” He took a deep breath and then exhaled. “I know there may not be anything you can tell me, I needed to try.”

“I understand,” Daney replied. Daisy smiled at the young man. “Would you like to have a seat on the porch?” She offered. “It might take me a little bit to find that file,” Daney added.
“If you’re sure, miss.” Diehl answered. “C’mon,” Daisy smiled. She turned and walked toward the house ahead of her cousin and the visitor. She picked up the cards before proceeding up the steps and to the front door. She heard Daney explain why it might take time. It wasn’t so much the file, she had worked on the case with others and needed their ok to reveal their notes.

Diehl sat down on the porch swing as the two women went into the house. They walked all the way to the farthest corner of the kitchen before speaking. “You’re not going to be able to tell him much are you?” Daisy whispered.

“Probably just the newspapers clippings that he may have already seen,” Daney reached for the phone and brought the receiver to her ear. “Howdy Gussy, can you put me through to,” her voice got quieter, remembering the front door had been left open. “Yes, it was a case we worked… Nevaeh.” She glanced to Daisy putting the cards in a drawer. “Her friend Diehl is here,” She paused. “Really sure, conference call would be great.”

Daisy pretended not to be listening. She busied herself with putting the dishes away.

“Yeah,” Daney placed the telephone receiver back in the cradle. “That file should be in the closet,” she mumbled and walked out of the kitchen. Daisy followed and waited in the hallway. Her cousin came out of the bedroom with just a few news articles. Daney went outside. “Diehl,” She laid the clippings on the swing. He glanced down at the newsprint, she continued. “This was probably the easiest case, I handled. And the paper represented the details very accurately.”

“The others said no?” Diehl asked.

“One of them is willing to speak to you in person,” Daney replied.

“Are they in Hazzard?” He said.

Daney smiled. “I’m to give you contact information if you want it.” She paused. “She may tell you the exact same thing I am.”

Daisy gathered an agreement not to reveal any personal notes had been decided. Maybe the client had mentioned something about the visitor that no longer matter. She wondered if Daney was stalling the visitor in order for another detective to check this situation out further.

Diehl picked up the clippings and held them out. Daney took them. “I’ll be right back with that telephone number for you, would you like anything to drink?”

Diehl shook his head, he turned to look out at the barn. Watching the farm animals scamper about. Too far away to hear their sounds.

Daisy looked curiously at her cousin who came back inside. Daney waved the clippings and hurried down the hallway to their room. Daisy followed and closed the door for privacy.

“Something wrong?” the older cousin asked.

Daney knelt down at the open closet doors. She shoved the clippings into a folder. “The investigator I spoke with, thinks she read that client died.”

“Wow,” Daisy whispered.
“Um hum,” Daney put the folder back in its slot. “She wanted to make a few phone calls to find out if he lost contact with and doesn’t know.”

“He was a friend?” Daisy asked.

“Acquaintance,” Daney answered. She took a business card from a different slot and laid it on the floor. She closed the trunk that held case files. She got the card and stood up. She walked over to where Daisy stood. “We don’t usually check on former clients.”

“Yeah,” Daisy opened the door and led the way into the hallway. “I’ll get us some tea,” She went to the kitchen and Daney went outside.

“Diehl,” Daney smiled. She wasn’t sure if he would leave before she came back out or not. “Here ya go.” She held the card out to him.

“Thank you,” he said and got up from the porch swing. He stepped over to where she stood. “You’re welcome, sure you don’t want a drink?” She asked. He took the card.

“I’m fine,” he smiled and put the card in his shirt pocket. “Bye,” he said. He turned to walk down the steps and back to his vehicle. “Take care,” Daney replied. She watched him walk to his vehicle and waved as he got in the drivers side.

Diehl started his vehicle and watched the older woman join the detective outside with two glasses of what looked liked ice tea. He then drove away.

“Oooo, oooo.” Daisy couldn’t resist singing the chorus of the tune playing as the vehicle left the driveway. Daney took a sip from the glass in her hands. “You wanna go see how the fishing is?” She asked.

“Not really,” Daisy admitted. “You wanna go to the fabric shop with me?” She smiled.
“I thought I’d make Jesse a new shirt and wouldn’t mind a second opinion on the selection.”

“Alright, I need to call the other investigator and tell them about Diehl.” Daney replied.

“I’ll start locking up,” Daisy said. She followed her cousin inside. They finished their drink on the way into the kitchen. Daney handed her glass to her cousin and started to go toward the telephone. It started ringing. She glanced at Daisy and laughed. She grabbed the receiver. “Hello?” She said. “He should be getting in contact with you,” She paused. “I’m going to be away from the house for a bit. If it’s really urgent, you could try asking the telephone operator if she’d pass a message though the Hazzard grapevine,” Daney smiled. “Take it easy.” She placed the receiver back on the telephone base.

She turned and looked at her cousin putting the glasses into the sink basin. “She’s still trying to figure out what is going on.”

“I don’t have to go to the fabric shop today,” Daisy said.

“It’s ok, the one person who might have a more definite answer isn’t available,” Daney paused. “It’d be nicer to keep doing stuff than sitting around waiting.”

Daisy smiled. “Let me get my purse and lock the front door.” A few minutes later they were outside getting ready to leave, when another unfamiliar SUV type vehicle turned off the road and onto the driveway. This time, the driver had curly strawberry blonde hair.

The driver placed the gear shift in park and left the engine idle, as they got out with a paper in their right hand. “D.H. Duke?”

“If the D.H. stands for Danielle Hannah, that would be me,” Daney stepped toward the woman. A pair of sunglasses hid the stranger’s eye color. “What kind of vehicle is that?” She asked.

“1970s IHC Scout,” the stranger replied. “Good for traveling.”

“It looks like it,” Daisy said.

The woman held out the paper. “The attorney would really appreciate a call before the weekend.” She said and watched Daney quietly take the paper and unfold it to reveal a court summons.

Daney read the document and then looked at the woman. “I’ve never had a client by this name.”

“That is their real name,” the woman replied and took out a Polaroid. She held it for Daney to see. “More familiar, Danielle?”

“Please call me Daney,” Daney responded. “Yes, ma’am.” She paused. “Are you able to set up an appointment with me for the lawyer?”

“I can get a message to him this afternoon,” the woman answered. “And then the office will call in the morning.”

“Ok,” Daney smiled. “The sooner I can get for an appointment, I’d appreciate it…”

“Dayle,” the courier smiled. “I’ll mention it’s about an hour’s drive incase they can move the schedule around a bit.”

“Thank you,” Daney said. “I haven’t ever had to go to court for a case yet,” She confided.

“Maybe you won’t have too,” Dayle replied. “I have a few more of those to hand out.”
She turned back to her vehicle and walked away from the brunette woman. “Bye.”

“Bye,” Daney said and watched the vehicle turn around and move back to the road.
Then she turned to her cousin. “We best get going to the fabric store before they close.”

“The lawyer…” Daisy said.

“That can wait,” Daney replied and hurried over to her cousin’s vehicle. “Like Dayle said, I may not even have to go to court.”

Daisy smiled. “Really?” She watched her younger cousin get into the passenger seat.

“Um hum,” Daney answered confidently. “I’ll take a look at the case notes later, if it’s tied into something that involves another party, client confidentiality.”

Daisy had one hand on the steering wheel. The other hand turned the key in the ignition, and then moved the gear shifter to drive. Both hands were on the steering wheel as the vehicle began to creep forward, a sandaled foot pressed on the gas pedal.

As she sped the vehicle away from the property, the boys and their uncle were sitting down with their surprise. A fruit pie. Thoughtfully included in the bag were plates, utensils and paper towels.

“Maybe we should save for later,” Luke suggested.

“They wouldn’t have packed it, if it was for after dinner.” Bo retorted.

“Now boys,” Jesse smiled. “We could do both, just have a small piece now…”

“Let’s enjoy it now,” Luke smiled and took the plate that his uncle held out for him. “If they wanted any, they could’ve just given us three slices.”

“Yeah,” Bo smiled. He watched Jesse cut the pie into six huge portions. The berry filling oozing a little each time the knife was brought out between two slices. “Now which ever of you boys gets to the truck, will get the first choice.” Jessie said mischievously. Bo and Luke scrambled off the blanket they had been sitting on and to the pick up.

Jesse chuckled. “Luke come on back while Bo checks in with Daisy and Daney.”

“Ah,” the cousins gasped for breath. Understanding the purpose of why Jesse had asked them to go to his vehicle. When he had caught his breath, Luke replied. “I’ll just wait here.”

Bo reached into the truck and grabbed the cb mic. He pressed the talk button. “Wildflower, Pretty Maiden are you out there on the Hazzardnet, this is Sheppard and Lost Sheep…” He released the talk button and waited for an answer. He put his thumb back on the talk button. “Bo Peep, Scout… this is Sheppard and Lost Sheep, maybe y’all are on another channel.” He released the talk button again. If they didn’t answer this call, he was going to change the channel.

“Wildflower?” a reply did get returned. “I haven’t used this since before I became a detective.”

“Yeah, sorry about that.” Bo answered. “Ain’t caught nothing yet, how ‘bout you?”

“Did the person you spoke with this morning have curly strawberry blond hair?”

“Um hum.”

“Male or female?”

“Huh?” Bo briefly glanced over his shoulder at Luke.

“After y’all left, there were two visitors with that hair color.”

“Oh, male.”

“We’ll talk about it while enjoying some of that fish y’all are gonna catch,” It was Daisy who responded this time. “Bo Peep & Scout over and out.”

“Lost Sheep and Sheppard, over and out too.” Bo carefully tossed the cb mic as close toward the box. He turned and walked back with Luke toward Jesse. “You hear any of that, sir?”

“There was two strangers?” Jesse looked at his nephews.

“Apparently,” Luke said. “Maybe we should head back home…”

“We wouldn’t be able to talk, we ain’t got no fish yet.” Jesse replied.

“Then we best make this a short break and get us some,” Bo responded.

Luke glanced down at the pie. “Jesse, it doesn’t really matter which piece you give me.”

“Alright,” Jesse began to put a slice on each plate. There wasn’t much conversation between the Duke men while they eat and drank.

Fifteen minutes later, Jesse gathered the plates, utensils and paper towels. His nephews went back to their fishing spots.

Daisy thought she’d try the small shop on Pecin Street before going to the city. Mrs. Kiniski had a decent selection of material. And she did try to special order from companies. It didn’t take Daisy too long to find the fabric. Take it to the register.

“What are you making with this?” Mrs. Kiniski asked.

“A shirt for Uncle Jesse,” Daisy put the bolt on the counter.

Mrs. Kiniski smiled. “How much did you want?”

“Few yards will be plenty, ma’am.” Daisy answered.

Mrs. Kiniski took the bolt and unbundled the material along the measure unit built onto the countertop. It looked like a long metal ruler. There wasn’t much left on the bolt after she measured. She rebundled the material. “I’m going to give you this whole bolt, and only charge you for the two yards.” She made eye contact with the young woman. “That little bit probably won’t sell.”

“I’d be glad to pay you for it,” Daisy said.

“It’s ok.” She laid the bolt on the counter. “Did you need anything else today?”

“That’s it,” Daisy smiled.

“That will be five dollars, Daisy.” Mrs. Kiniski replied.

Daisy got the money from her jeans pocket and held it out. “Sorry it’s all in ones.”

“That’s alright,” Mrs. Kiniski took the bills. “Did you want a bag for it?”

“No, ma’am.” Daisy picked up the bolt. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome sugar,” Mrs. Kiniski got a cash box from under the counter and placed the money from the sale into it. “Daney, are you getting anything?” Daisy called over to her cousin.

Daney looked at her cousin and the store owner, she pointed to a light colored fabric. “Would this make a nice shirt?”

“The one next to it would,” Mrs. Kiniski recommended.

Daney brought the darker material over to the counter. Mrs. Kiniski unbundled the material. “There is only enough here for a short sleeve shirt…”

“I’ll take, ma’am.” Daney smiled.

Mrs. Kiniski rebundled the fabric onto the cardboard bolt. “I have ribbon that would look nice with this, either trim or a hair bow.”

“I only have about ten dollars with me,” Daney answered.

Mrs. Kiniski smiled. “With the ribbon, it will cost about four dollars.”

“Ok,” Daney smiled and got money from her jeans pocket while Mrs. Kiniski got the ribbon. She laid four one dollar bills on the counter.

Mrs. Kiniski brought two spools of ribbon and placed them in a small bag. “Did you want the material in a bag?”

“No thank you, ma’am.” Daney said and picked up the material and bag of ribbon.

Mrs. Kiniski took the money from the counter and added it to the metal box. “Thank you for thinking about my shop before going to the city.”

“Oh,” Daisy exclaimed softly. She watched the elderly woman put the cash box back under the counter. “You girls have a good evening.”

“You too, Mrs. Kiniski.” Daney answered and they left the fabric shop. They walked quietly to Daisy’s vehicle. “I can’t remember the last time I saw you make your own clothes.” Daisy commented. They opened the doors and placed their purchases in the back seat.

“I don’t have any really nice stuff incase I need to met the lawyer,” Daney replied. They got into the vehicle and the doors shut.

“You could have borrowed something,” Daisy got the keys from her jeans pocket.

“I know,” Daney looked out the front windshield. “What if I ruined it?”

Daisy laughed. She put the key into the ignition and started the vehicle. “You could have brought material to make me a new shirt.” She commented and maneuvered the vehicle into the late afternoon traffic. The older cousin heard the click of the glove box open, then close. “Why do you think this lawyer wants to talk to you?” Daisy asked, the vehicle ventured onto Old Mill Road.

“Not sure,” Daney answered. “Could be they are reading into something that isn’t there.”

“You’re not sacred?”

“No reason to be.”

Daisy checked the side and rear view mirrors, and then turned the vehicle onto the farm driveway.

The boys and Jesse were loading up to go back home. “What in tarnation?” Jesse exclaimed. A patrol cruiser stopping just inches from the back of the truck. “Rosco Coltrane!” He shouted at the officer getting out of the car.

“Hi Jesse,” The Sheriff replied casually.

Jesse shook his finger at the younger uniformed man. “You almost run me over and all you got to say is hi Jesse?”

“I didn’t almost run you over,” Rosco corrected the erroneous declaration. “I got a call,” he stared at the elderly farmer and two nephews. “Over the cb.” He added. Maybe he should try a different way to give them the information he had to share with them.

“What’s that got to do with us?” Bo asked impatiently.

Rosco took a few steps to where they stood. “Y’all got your fishing licenses?”

“ ‘Course, we do.” Jesse answered, taking quiet note of how Rosco changed the topic. He reached in the pocket of his bib overalls for the paper.

“Mine’s right here,” Luke was the first to get the paper from his wallet and show it to the Sheriff.

“Thank ya,” Rosco said and looked at it, then Bo and Jesse’s fishing licenses. “Fishing any good?”

“It was alright,” Jesse replied. “CB call?”

“Um, hmm.” Rosco said. “Didn’t really have to do with your boys being in trouble or nothin’.”

Bo stared at the officer in puzzlement. “What did it have to do with?”

“Apparently, someone was asking about Daney and someone else overhead and they called the farm and there was no answer.” Rosco replied.

“Her and Daisy went to the fabric shop,” Luke answered. “Maybe they aren’t back from there.”

“Oh,” Rosco smiled.

Jesse still wasn’t quite sure what to make of why Rosco was being so friendly. He couldn’t think of any reason for J.D. to have betrayed his concern. “Why don’t you boys make sure you got everything,” He said. Bo and Luke looked at their uncle for a moment and then walked away
as requested.

Jesse waited until the boys were out of hearing distance. “Rosco, is there something you didn’t want them to hear?”

“No, Jesse.” Rosco answered, not surprised at the elderly Duke’s question.

“We had a stranger at the farm this morning asking,” Jesse said.

“Maybe it was that person who was asking?” Rosco inquired.

“Could be,” Jesse acknowledged. “I do appreciate your concern.”

“You’re welcome,” Rosco answered. “I should probably get back on patrol.”
Rosco watched the elderly farmer turn and reach for something in the truck bed. His attention focused on a little bird land on a branch of the tree not that far away.

“Tweet” it chirped a few times.

Luke and Bo observed their uncle give a container to the Sheriff.

“What’s he doing that for?” the blond cousin whispered.

“Rosco did make an effort to find us…”

“Law officers are suppose to do stuff like that!”

The dark haired cousin smirked. “Maybe he feels sorry for the Sheriff.”
They waited until the patrol car had left, before going back to the truck. Neither of them said anything to their uncle about what they had witnessed between him and Rosco.