by: Susan Porter

Rosco entered the dark hospital room and approached
the side of the bed, touching a sleeping Cooter on the
shoulder. “I’m back Cooter. Why don’t you go on out
to the farm and get some sleep?”

Cooter yawned and stretched. “What time is it?”

“Ten. I know I said I’d be here sooner but…”

“Did you get ahold of Daisy?”

Rosco shook his head. “There’s no answer at her
apartment and by the time I reached the university she
and Enos had already left.”

“I’ll page Enos from the farm. You’ll call if there’s
any change?”

Rosco nodded.

Silently they both eyed the older man lying peacefully
asleep on the sterile sheets. Jesse Duke’s heart
attack the previous afternoon had shocked them both.
Though his doctor had assured them both that the
attack had been mild and that Jesse wouldn’t suffer
any ill effects, Rosco and Cooter had been taking
shifts at the hospital, watching over him.

Trying to juggle the jobs of county commissioner and
sheriff was beginning to tell on Rosco. there were
heavy bags under his eyes and he was beginning to miss
appointments.

As Cooter left the room, Rosco sank to the chair that
Cooter had just vacated. “Jesse, I don’t know if you
can hear me, but, I’ve got a problem. Boss always
said that if I needed help…”

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

When Daisy and Enos entered her apartment, Sarge was
at the door to greet them, running around and between
their feet, sniffing at Enos’ pant leg, wagging his
short tail furiously as he recognized his master’s
scent. Daisy laughed, eyeing the pup. “I think he
likes you.”

The pup circled and settled between them with a
contented sigh. “He seems happy.”

“He should be. He’s spoiled. He gets the best food,
all of my neighbors love him, and bring him presents.
He even gets to sleep with me in my bed.”

“Lucky dog.”

The sensual undertone of his voice made Daisy’s breath
catch in her throat. She looked up into his eyes,
reading their silent message. “Enos…”

He put his arms around her waist, drawing her to him.
His mouth hovered over hers, “I love you, Daisy Duke.”

Daisy’s heart raced as she draped her arms around his
neck. “I love you too, Enos Strate.”

As her lips blindly sought his, the pager clipped to
Enos’ belt started to beep. reluctantly he pulled
away from her, sighing, “Why don’t you get your things
ready and put Sarge in his carrier while I answer
this.” he moved toward her phone, reading the number.
“It’s Uncle Jesse.” he called to her as she moved
into her bedroom to retrieve her luggage.

“Cooter? It’s Enos. Are you staying with Uncle
Jesse?”

“Not exactly. Where are you? Is Daisy with you?”

“Yeah, we’re still at Daisy’s apartment. I figure we
should be in Hazzard before nightfall. Cooter, is
something wrong?”

“Enos, I’m glad you’re with Daisy. She can lean on
you and you can get her home in one piece. Enos,
Uncle Jesse is in the hospital. He had a heart attack
yesterday.”

Enos heart skipped a beat. “Is it serious?”

“It was relatively mild but he’s gonna need us for a
while. Bo and Luke are on their way but they won’t be
here until tomorrow morning. Rosco and I have been
taking turns with him.”

“We’re on our way, Cooter.” Out of the corner of his
eye, Enos saw Daisy in the kitchen, coaxing Sarge into
his carrier. “Take care of him.” he said quietly
before hanging up.

“Is Cooter staying at the farm?”

“In a manner of speaking.” he reached for her hand.
“Sit down a minute, hon. I have something I have to
tell you.”

Daisy sank to the sofa beside him, trying to read his
expression. “What’s wrong Enos?”

“Honey, Uncle Jesse had a heart attack. He’s in the
hospital. Rosco and Cooter are with him.”

Tears melted down her cheeks. “Bo and Luke…”

“Are on their way but they won’t be in until tomorrow.
The attack was mild Daisy, he’s gonna be okay.”

He rocked her in his arms as she cried. After several
minutes he forced himself to hold her at arms length.
They had to leave. “Daisy, we have to leave now if we
want to get home in time to see Uncle Jesse.”

She nodded, sniffing as she dried her tears. “Take me
home, Enos. Uncle Jesse needs me.”

As she moved around the apartment, gathering the last
of her things, and Sarge’s, Enos’ eyes followed her.
Sighing, “I need you too, Daisy.”