Fandom: Dukes of Hazzard FanFic and Yahoo! Groups: DukesFanFic
Rating: PG-13
Status: NEW
Archive: Please Archive
FEEDBACK: Both Positive and Negative are welcome and appreciated
Series/Sequel: Chapter Six
Disclaimers: This is a complete work of fiction written just for fun. No intended Copyright infringement.
Notes: This is a rather long text and will take several posts to send all of it. I thank any and all who take the time to read my work. To Those who chose to honor me with their comments/critique’s I offer my sincerest gratitude.
Warnings: The Story has some of the usual car chases, fist fights, etc., but there is also a little sexual content and suggestions of sexual violence but not very graphic. You be the Judge.
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CHAPTER SIX
Unaware of his nephew’s current location in Hazzard County’s Jail, Uncle Jesse worked through his chores in the yard of the Duke Farm. He was in the process of pulling his tool sharpener from the shed. He set the large marble cutting stone near a box of tools that he planned to fix and a large barrel of water. He sat down on a sturdy stool of the electric device and turned the wheeled sharpener on. As it began to rotate, he splashed it with lots of water to clean and moisten it. Just as he was about to sharpen the blade on an axe from the box Daisy emerged from the front porch with a basket of wet clothes. She placed the basket next to a drying line between two trees and began to hang the garments from the basket on the line. She moved very fast and efficiently since she had to leave for work very shortly. The air was tranquil and warm, a light breeze sweeping through to offer a small respite.
Daisy shook out a white tablecloth and threw it over the line. When it was secured, she announced, “Uncle Jesse, I’ve finished the laundry. I’m going to get on to work now.”
Jesse looked up from the wheel as he pulled out a large pair of plant shears. He wiped his brow with the bandana from his pocket and hollered over the noise of the sharpener, “Daisy, would ya be kind enough to bring me a cool glass of lemonade before ya’ go off?”
Daisy smiled at her Uncle and returned to the inside of the house. As she brought out the glass of lemonade, a noise of gravel spewing got louder as it got closer. This drew their attention to a fancy copper-colored car coming towards her and Uncle Jesse. Before she could cross over the graveled path, the car came to a violent halt preventing her from getting over to Uncle Jesse. The windows of the vehicle were tinted to prevent anyone from seeing inside except for the windshield. Through the windshield, Daisy caught a quick glimpse of the man Caitlin had called Bronco. He was looking at her with a curious admiration that she recognized from the many same looks she put up with while waiting tables for Boss Hogg.
A car door was heard opening and Bronco stepped out. Upon noticing the cautious, but polite study from the large man who sat at the large tool sharpener and held a pair of newly sharpened, glistening metal shears; Bronco stood up in formal “at-attention” posture with his hands behind his back. He cleared is throat, “Is this the home of Bo Duke?”
Jesse shut down the sharpening wheel and slouched his back a little to relax. He replied, “What is your business with him?”
Bronco replied, “Sir, my employer needs to have a few words with him. Is he here?”
Daisy tried to speak a warning, but Jesse held up his hand and replied, “Well he’ll have to do it some other time. He ain’t here.”
Bronco asked, “Can you tell me where he is? It is very important for his safety that we speak to him. Will he be back very soon?”
Jesse replied, “That is not for me to say to you, Stranger. Now Bo ain’t here and that’s all I’m gonna say.”
Bronco walked with determination and authority around the car to the passenger side’s rear door. Upon opening, he leaned in and spoke to someone in the back. Bronco looked over at Daisy and leered a smile at her. A noise caught his attention and he saw Jesse put the shears down and pick up a very large iron-plated axe. Jesse let his warning be clear as he placed the axe blade down on the table of the sharpening wheel and leaned on the handle, one hand securely fastened around the tip. Bronco stepped back and Will Sharp emerged from the car. He buttoned his suit-coat. Upon seeing Daisy standing near still holding the lemonade, he approached her and offered his hand in greeting. He asked, “Now, Pretty lady, can you help me find your…”
The man getting in her space threw Daisy off guard. He easily stood a full head taller than she. He was very good looking and his voice was very soothing to her ears. She would be willing to bet money that this man could talk a girl into doing anything for him. Her own senses were at war with each other until she watched the wheels turning over ideas in Will’s brain as he “appraised” her. He knew she found him attractive. Then she saw the cold, calculating mind at work behind his steel colored eyes and understood Caitlin’s fear of the man. Daisy held the glass of lemonade in both hands against her chest as if it were a shield against whatever games he wanted to play to get the information he wanted from her. She returned his stare with a cold appraisal of her own and answered, “I’m his cousin.”
“Well, Cousin Duke, do you have a name?” Looking over at Jesse, Will complimented, “My friend, you are a great man to have such a good family around you.”
Jesse warned, “Just state your peace, Mister, and get off my property. Daisy, please bring me my lemonade.” Jesse recognized the cautious look on Daisy’s face and wanted her to be closer to him.
“Sure, Uncle Jesse,” replied Daisy and turned to walk around the car.
Will stepped in front of her, blocking her way. He walked completely around her, letting his eyes explore. He knew his behavior would get back to Caitlin. “Daisy?” He said motioning to Bronco for assistance. Bronco stood behind her preventing her from going the other way. They made sure not to get too close so as not to threaten Jesse and cause him to act to protect Daisy and himself. Will smiled, “My a very perfect name for such a perfectly simple, elegant flower in this wild field. You know, I too have a beautiful flower in my garden that I treasure above all else, Miss Duke. I need your help to protect it.”
Daisy stood with her back rigid, refusing to let him see her fear. She said in irritation, “What are you talking about?”
“Your Cousin has been fooling around in my garden. I would like you to do me a favor and tell him to stay away from my Roses.”
Daisy replied, “I think you better leave! Before I call the sheriff!”
From the other side of the car, Jesse gripped the handle of the axe tighter and warned, “Mister, Bo ain’t here. If you want him to know somethin’ then ya better tell him yourself and leave my Daisy alone.”
Will eye Jesse respectfully, impressed by the brave attempt to protect his family. But he needed to send a message to Caitlin and Bo. “Mr. Duke, for your family’s well being; please use your influence over your nephew to stop interfering between myself and my fiancé.”
Daisy blurted, “You are not Caitlin’s fiancé! Uncle Jesse! Don’t listen! This man killed…”
Will grasped Daisy’s upper right arm firmly, shock at her knowing about his relationship with Caitlin Rose evident. He asked, “So she told you about me. Did she tell you everything?”
Daisy spat, “I know everything! And you are nothing but a snake that needs to be bashed with a shovel if you don’t get out of here.”
Will released the pressure on Daisy’s arm and held her elbow. Jesse grabbed his axe and took a step towards them. Will held out his free hand as an order to stop Jesse. “I’m not here to cause trouble, Mr. Duke. Please don’t come any closer. Miss Daisy and I have something very important to discuss.” Reaching up to Daisy’s chin with his free hand, he got her to look into his eyes. He spoke, “Since you know all, pretty Daisy, you know how dangerous I can be.”
Daisy didn’t flinch. She replied, “I am not afraid of you!”
Bronco understood Will’s tactics and tightened the circle around Daisy, blocking Jesse’s view of her. Jesse took another step forward and made another warning for them to get away from her. He was hesitant to use the axe while they had Daisy within their grasp. Bronco’s look of warning to Jesse stopped him cold in his tracks. Bronco suggested with a provocative undertone, “You should be, Miss Duke, for you and your Family’s sake. You know Bo should not be with Caitlin.”
Will whispered in Daisy’s ear, “I’d hate to be made to crush such a perfect daisy just to bring my rose home. Convince her to go home. Be a friend to her, Daisy.”
Daisy felt his hand roaming on her back. She could feel him pressing against her, overwhelming her senses. Having had enough, she threw the lemonade in Will’s face. The splash sprinkled over Bronco’s jacket. As soon as she was let go, Daisy hurried over to Uncle Jesse’s side. Uncle Jesse placed her behind him and said, “You’ve said your peace now get!” He pointed the axe at them. He knew he was taking a chance with the evidence of guns in holsters slightly bulging their jackets.
Bronco started to go after Daisy, but Will laughed off her stunt and held Bronco back. “Well, Well!” Looking at Daisy he invoked his threat, “My Rose was wild like you, Miss Duke. It would be a pleasure to tame you if I am forced to.” Before The Dukes could respond, Will removed his wet jacket. This completely exposed the shoulder gun holster around his back. He met Jesse’s eyes and while remaining respectful, warned, “Have a talk with your nephew, Mr. Duke. It has been very interesting meeting your family. Don’t let a bit of a girl be the cause of anymore difficulties between us.” Bronco had anticipated Will’s next move and waited with the back door of the car open for him. Will settled into the back seat. Bronco rushed to the driver’s side and instantly the car disappeared. Will laughed, “Well, do you think our message will get through to Caitlin?”
Bronco returned pleasantly, “Oh yeah! But I would like a petal from that Daisy before we go.”
Will agreed, “That would be a nice treat. Why not invite her to join us on our trip overseas once Caitlin and I are together.”
Bronco nodded, “She would be a very nice playmate in our hideaway.”
Will informed, “A very nice bonus for you, Bronco. It will be arranged.”
Outside the departing car, Jesse hugged a trembling Daisy. He asked, “Who was that, Daisy?”
Daisy replied, “The men that have made Bo’s Rose’s life hell for the past several years, Uncle Jesse. We just got a small taste of it.”
Uncle Jesse asked, “Is this girl worth the trouble Bo’s in?”
Daisy nodded, “I know she’s got a good heart and she sure is sweet on Bo. And Bo…. well, I’ve just never seen him quite like this. He would say she’s worth the trouble”
“What about you?”
“Oh yeah, Uncle Jesse. Just wait until you meet her.”
Jesse thought a moment and said, “Then it is time I did. I’m gonna take you to work, Daisy. I want you to tell me everything you know about this girl while we’re driving.” The two Dukes hurried into the house and then back to Jesse’s truck. It roared to life and sped away.
Over at the Caitlin’s farm, Luke had busied himself with taking care of the horses. He fed and watered them, laid down fresh hay. At first the horses were jittery around him, but as he worked and took his time to be gentle with them; they warmed up to his presence. With that finished, Luke found he could not sit still. He found some freshly cut fence railings stored with the tools to mend a fence in a storage area inside the barn. Picking out several rails, Luke piled them atop The General’s roof and tied them there. After grabbing the tools he would need, he drove over to the first part of the fence that needed to be mended.
He worked on the first railing for a long time, the task made more difficult by him trying to do it alone. As he prepared to pull the second rail from the roof, he noticed Jesse’s truck coming toward him. Jesse parked by the General. As Jesse pushed his bulk from the cab, he offered, “Need a hand, Luke? Where’s Bo?”
Luke replied, “Thank you, Uncle Jesse. Bo is with Caitlin running errands. They went to get him out of trouble.”
Jesse asked, “Will they be back very soon?”
Luke thought about their lunch break from the day before and smiled, “I wouldn’t count on it, at least not until later this afternoon. Do you need something?”
Jesse informed, “I just wanted to meet this Miss Rose, find out why Bo’s so attached to her.”
The two men lifted the board from the car’s roof and set about to affixing to the fence posts. Jesse asked, “What happened here?”
Luke replied, “This is where Caitlin went through the fence when she was being chased yesterday.”
Jesse asked, “Was that by this Sharp fella?”
Luke looked at Jesse curiously and asked, “Have you met him?”
Jesses eased, “Now don’t pay no mind to that. He just wanted to give Bo a message…. or so he said. But I told him nothing. Why is this guy chasing after her?”
Luke said, “I think I better let her explain that to you.”
Jesse nodded, “Luke, I want you to invite Bo’s Rose to eat with us tonight. Tell Bo I will not take ‘NO’ for an answer.” With the rail firmly attached, Jesse commented, “That one’s done. Now I need to get if I’m gonna have dinner fixed on time. Can you pick Daisy up from work later, Luke?”
Luke replied, “Sure, Uncle Jesse.”
Jesse got into the truck, called out a “Good-bye”, and drove off. As he did, Luke retrieved another rail from the General and went back to work.
The morning hours ticked away as the sun moved to its noon position in the bright blue sky. It’s light streaked into the window of the jail cell where Caitlin and Bo waited for Boss Hogg to make up his mind. Caitlin had been able to relax within the safety and seclusion that the cell offered. She could sense the brewing trouble forming outside. Enos had sent her telegraph to her Uncle Charles. She has been waiting almost two hours with no answer coming back. She wanted desperately just to call but was not sure how safe that would be for her family. She was afraid that if Will or his father found out that she had contacted her Uncle or Father, then they would not hesitate to kidnap her again and hurt her family to keep them all silent.
A movement on her lap brought her attention to the man resting there with his eyes closed. She watched him sleep, enjoying the rise and fall of his chest, the feel of his blonde locks capturing her fingers as she stroked his head, and the way his full lips pursed into an oh so perfect kiss. Her heart ached from the rush of tenderness and trust she felt for this treasure that she stumbled on. She wanted so badly to allow her heart free reign to give Bo all of the love she felt growing inside. But her fear of becoming too attached and vulnerable to Will locked away the deepest parts of her heart where only her memories of Brian buried themselves.
Looking around the cell Caitlin noticed Enos playing a game of Solitaire on the other side of the room. The Courthouse was otherwise completely empty. A clock ticking near Enos drew Caitlin’s eyes to it. She frowned at the time knowing that it was time for her and Bo to leave and enter the danger zone again. She gazed down at Bo and found comfort having him with her. Gingerly, Caitlin leaned over and tickled Bo’s lips with her own. She felt him respond too eagerly and knew that he had not gone to sleep. She whispered, “I need to stretch.”
Bo sat up and looked at his watch. He commented, half-joking – half-irritating, “Ya know this is the longest time I have ever spent in this jail cell.”
Caitlin rose and arched her back, pulling out the kinks in her neck and shaking the numbness from her legs. She laughed, “I’m sure Boss won’t keep us here much longer. I saw Enos send out my telegram and then Rosco took a copy before he left. I’m sure Boss and Will are looking it over right now. Boss will not like what he sees. I’ve told my Uncle about Boss’s treachery and that Will has caught up to me again. I suggested that it might be time to arrange for me to disappear in Europe again and not pay the balance owed to Boss. I think that will cause a stir.” She watched Enos through the bars and crossed her arms akimbo against the cell-door. She felt something sticky on her sleeve and looked to find a piece of gum. “Oh great!” Looking at Bo, a slight wicked smile bubbled just beneath the surface as she said, “Boy I can understand why you don’t stay long in here. It is so filthy.”
Bo laughed, “Ya think! Jails are supposed to be dirty. Now I want to get out of here.”
Rolling her eyes, she repeated, “We have to wait! Please Bo, you said you’d let me handle it.” Her smile disappeared and she threw herself back on the cot.
Bo argued, “But waiting for Boss could take forever! What if Will pays him more than you bribed him with!”
Caitlin had not contemplated that, yet did not want to admit that Bo might be right. Her temple began to throb as the stress she felt grew, as did her temper. Swallowing, she calmly replied, “You just need to learn to be patient!”
Bo grumbled, “Be Patient. Patient for what? Me to go back to jail for something that never happened?”
Pulling her bangs off her face, frustration evident in the stroke, Caitlin responded, “ I want to get out too and I know that Boss will not want to lose my Uncle’s business or his money. He also won’t like the fact that I hinted that my Uncle needed to contact his friend at the FBI about Boss’s activities.”
Bo stood and walked to the other side of the cell away from Caitlin. He said, “Well that just don’t make no sense. I know Boss! We could be here all day. Thank you for such a fun morning.”
Caitlin responded, her voice harsh, “I’m glad we’re here. I guess I am getting a taste of a side of you that I do not like, Mr. Duke! You are an ungrateful and rude baby!”
Bo returned, “Well, we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you sayin you could fix things. Was this part of your plan!”
Caitlin’s voice rose in volume, “OH Yeah! Bo! I was just looking for a way to get you thrown in jail!”
“Well ya did a real fine job, Caiti-girl” Bo’s own voice trying to be heard over hers.
Caitlin gave him a dirty look and stood up again. She got in Bo’s face and said, “Don’t ever call me that again, Mr. Duke. Only my father and husband call me that and they loved me!” She paced in front of him, quickly glancing at Enos who had halted his card game, part of the deck in his hand, to listen to them.
Enos did not like the mean words between Bo and his girlfriend. He did not want to butt in, so he lamely suggested, “Hey in there! No yelling or fighting.”
Ignoring Enos, Caitlin got in Bo’s face, her eyes glistening with tears and said, “Thank you for understanding, Bo. I should have known better! I’m doing the best I can and all you can do is complain!”
Enos hurried over to cell and suggested, “Come on now, Miss Rose, Bo. Don’t fight like this.”
Both Caitlin and Bo looked at Enos and said, “Stay outta this!”
Bo breathed out in frustration and knew his impatience was getting the better of his temper; that he was saying things out of anger. He threw up his hands and escaped the blazing fire in Caitlin’s eyes. He found this side of her exciting. He was torn between wanting to kiss her or smack her. Walking across the cell, he ordered, “Just leave me alone, Caitlin.”
Caitlin sniffled from her tears and promised, “Don’t worry, Bo. I’ll be out of your life by………….”
Bo turned back to Caitlin as her eyes fluttered and she began to sink to the floor in a faint. He caught her before she landed. He easily lifted her limp form into his arms and laid her as gently as possible on the bench. He rubbed her arm and hands and said, a slight urgency in his voice, “Caiti! Come on! Quit fooling around.” He was rewarded with nothing not even a smile. Now he was earnestly caressing her trying to find out what was wrong. He offered, “Caiti! I’m sorry! Please, Please wake up. Caitlin!”
Bo inadvertently ran his hand along Caitlin’s side and felt her giggle. He looked at her face to find a grin and then a wink. She had gotten what she wanted from him. Bo was very amused at her sneakiness and played along, “Come on, Enos! I need help!”
Enos quickly opened the cell, “What happened? Why’d she faint like ‘at?”
Bo responded, “I don’t know, Enos. She just collapsed!”
Enos calmed Bo down and got him to move aside for a second. Enos felt for Caitlin’s pulse. As he tried to perform basic first aid on an unconscious person, Caitlin quietly took Enos’s gun and slipped it into her purse. When Enos leaned over to listen to her breath, she unclipped the keys to the cell from his belt and pushed them under the bench. Enos said, “I better go get Doc Daniels. You behave now, Bo!”
As Enos stood up, Bo replaced him at Caitlin’s side and said, “Enos just get going!”
Enos threw his hat on and ran out of the courthouse, leaving the cell open and Bo alone with Caitlin. As soon as he was gone, Caitlin let Bo help her to sit up. She laughed, “I thought he would never leave!” She rose from the bench, grabbed her purse full of her other letters and a copy of her telegram, and suggested, “Let’s get outta here.”
Bo was astonished and enchanted. He realized she has picked that fight to get rid of Enos. He reached for her hand and said,
“Wait a minute.” He pulled her to him.
Caitlin giggled, the wicked look returning to her eyes, “Later!”
Bo looked at her determinedly and said, “NO, now!”
Caitlin felt her body being pressed against him and her arms voluntarily encircling his neck. Her fingers twisted in his hair. Her smile changed to one of passion and when Bo captured her lips, she led an attack of her own against him. She felt his strong arms holding her so tight she thought she would truly lose consciousness this time. She returned his kiss intensely, buried desires rising from the grave of her heart. But a noise outside broke their embrace and she said, “We should go.” She ran over to Rosco’s desk and began rummaging through it.
Bo followed, asking, “What are you doing now?”
“Looking for the key to Boss’s office.” When her search turned fruitless, she slammed a drawer and said, “Well, I guess I’ll just have to do this the hard way.”
Bo watched her in confusion and apprehension. He said, “What hard way? What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to get into his office. I told you.”
“How…”
Caitlin held up her lock picking set, “With this.” Squatting by the door to Boss’s office, she requested, “Now, please go watch for Enos.”
Bo knew better than to argue against her idea and complied with her request. Caitlin pulled a pick from its holder and stuck it inside the lock. She listened at the door until she heard a faint click. As she opened the door, she announced proudly, “I did it, Bo! I did it. Come back.”
Bo nodded, “I’m impressed. You got it with only one try.”
Caitlin stood up and informed, “I usually never miss. And I actually have Will to thank for that. His pal Rick taught me how when we both got locked up for disturbing the peace and speeding,” then taking out an envelope from her purse and several other letters; she laid them on top Boss’s desk – over the top of a covered plate of fried Chicken.
Bo surmised, “You givin the money Boss’s wanted to him anyhow, ain’t you.”
Caitlin nodded, “It will clear you of this and hopefully keep Will away from me for awhile. Let’s go before Enos gets back.”
Bo grabbed her hand and they ran out the door and down the steps just as Enos was running toward them with the Doctor following behind him. He screamed at them to stop and reached for his missing gun. Stopping in his tracks to look at the holster, he hollered, “What did you do with my gun, y’all?”
Just before Caitlin sat down inside her car, She hollered in return, “In the jail cell with your keys. Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she pointed to the courthouse and then she disappeared behind the car door. Caitlin looked over at Bo who was frantically searching his pockets, shirt and the car for something. She looked in her purse and her cheeks turned pink. She had done it again. She pulled her key chain from her purse and offered in embarrassment “Umm…Bo, you will need these.”
Bo gratefully removed the chain from her fingers as she looked away from him. He was puzzled by the guilty look on her face and asked, “what’s wrong now?”
Caitlin bit her lip and looked at her lap, “I’ve still got Enos’s gun and watch. By the way, how do I get rid of them?”
Bo laughed, “Just give them back to him.” He started the engine as Enos emerged from the courthouse again.
Caitlin hurried over to Enos, handed him his possessions, and smiled, “Sorry, Enos. It is sort of a bad habit of mine.” She kissed his cheek and then escaped back into her car just as Boss and Rosco came speeding into town.
Bo put the gearshift into drive and quickly maneuvered out of the parking space and down the road. Flying past the squad car, the couple waved and smiled at the passengers inside. Boss hit Rosco and whined, “Rosco! They’re escaping!”
Enos hurried over to Rosco’s window and Rosco yelled, “How could you let them go! You idiot!”
Enos started to explain. But Boss ordered, as he got out of the car, “Quit Talking about it and git after ‘em!”
Enos ran to his car and Rosco shouted as he sped away, “We’ll git ‘em, Boss!” with Enos following behind him.
Boss hurried into the courthouse and his office to monitor the radio. His favorite smell in the world greeted him. He looked at the money on his desk lying underneath an envelope. Greedily picking up the money, he took out the contents of the envelope and began reading. His eyes became frustrated in dilemma as he saw the choices Caitlin gave him. She had repeated her offer and threats to turn his activities over the authorities. She had even included a copy of the telegram she sent her Uncle praising Boss Hogg for his help and letting the man know that she was safe. She added a note on the bottom for Boss, which read, “It’s your decision now, Mr. Hogg. What will I tell him in my next telegram.” A second telegram slip let him know she was serious. It was a copy of an unsent message addressed to her Uncle and an IRS agent.
Meanwhile Bo and Caitlin were trying to lose Rosco and Enos who were coming up fast on their tail. Caitlin had turned to watch them nervously, her heart racing. Bo looked too and commented, “I don’t think Boss’s found your gift yet.”
“Let’s find out,” she responded. Caitlin reached for the CB radio and turned it on.
A few minutes went by when they heard Boss’s voice come through. He ordered, “Rosco!”
Rosco squealed in excitement, “I’ve got ‘em, Boss. Like a coon dog on a fox, they’re as good as caught!”
Boss cried out, “NO! NO! NO! The charges have been dropped! Leave them alone and get back here on the double!”
Bo whooped and hollered and Caitlin started breathing again, unsure of when she had begun holding it. Then suddenly a loud crash shocked their ears and they turned to see Rosco slamming his brakes and Enos smashing into him. Caitlin shook her head in disbelief and asked, “Do they do that often?”
Bo grinned proudly, “Yep! Me an’ Luke have helped them go through more cars that way!”
Relaxing, Caitlin boasted, “I told you I’d get us out of trouble.”
Bo looked at her in amusement and commented, “Took you long enough. We should have done it my way!”
Caitlin nodded and laughed, “I know. That’s why I picked that fight with you.” Watching the road, she realized they were not heading to her house. She asked, “Where are you taking me, Bo Duke!”
“To meet my Uncle Jesse.”
Caitlin saw the love Bo had for his uncle and the pride he felt in introducing her to him. She had sensed the tight closeness of Bo’s family as she observed him with Luke and Daisy. Her intuition told her it was because of the man she was about to meet. A sudden nervousness swept over her and she lost her power to speak. She watched the road that led to The Duke farm. It was peaceful, well kept, and, as Bo parked near the house, she found it beautiful.
Bo opened Caitlin’s door and helped her out of the car. He immediately drew her to him and kissed her, sensing her shyness he wanted to reassure her. He led her around to the barn and found Uncle Jesse trying to get their mule back into its corral. Jesse saw them coming towards him and dropped the reigns. He took out his bandanna and wiped his head and hands of sweat. He observed the bit of a girl beside Bo and smiled. She was as pretty as Luke described. There was shyness to her walk and she looked at him, a fear of being presentable and liked evident in her eyes. She kept looking to Bo for courage and the way she held his hand told Jesse that she was very smitten with his nephew. As if trying to get close to a deer, Jesse approached the couple and greeted, “Who’s this with you, Bo?”
Bo hugged Caitlin close to him and said, “Uncle Jesse, this here is Miss Caitlin Rose. She’s the lady Luke and I have been helping out the last few days.”
Caitlin stood taller and tentatively held out her hand, “Mr. Duke….”
Jesse warmly closed his hand over hers and said, “That’s Jesse to you, Miss Rose. I am very happy to meet you.” Looking at Bo, he asked, “Why isn’t Luke with you, Bo? Didn’t he tell you that I wanted to meet your pretty Rose?”
Bo responded, “We haven’t seen Luke yet. We just finished Caitlin’s errands and then came here.”
Jesse’s look became serious and he said, “Bo, we need to talk. Miss Rose, would you excuse us for a second.”
Caitlin blushed and her warning bells went off in her head. She offered, “Please, Jesse. You can call me Caitlin.” Looking at Bo, she prodded, “You go ahead, Bo. I’ll be all right.”
Jesse took Bo over to the corral and began asking him about Caitlin and the trouble she was in. Bo began to explain when their attention was drawn to their mule. Caitlin was making friends with the animal and laughing at him. The mule kept nudging at her pockets and nipping at her. Jesse started to holler at the mule, but Bo held him back and advised him to just watch. Caitlin had shook off the mule and reached into her pocket. Soon the mule was eating something out of her hand and she was very affectionately patting his head and neck. They could tell she was talking to him too. She started walking backward, the mule following her and heehawing at her. She just laughed and took another step towards the corral. Jesse watched in awe and said, “How did she do that?”
Bo remarked proudly, “She’s got a way with animals. You should see her with her horses.”
Jesse returned Bo to the topic at hand and asked, “Tell me about this Will Sharp fella that’s been chasing after Caitlin.”
Caitlin overheard as she led the mule into its corral. She closed her eyes and her heart stopped for a second. She drew Jesse’s attention to her, worry and remorse evident in her voice, “Did he come here, Jesse?”
Bo saw the confirmation in Jesse’s expression and he demanded, “What could he have been after here?”
Caitlin surmised, her nightmares flashing across her brain, “He’s sending me a warning.”
Jesse replied, “No, he wanted to talk to Bo.”
Caitlin responded, “I can guess what he said. Something about Bo stealing his property and that he should convince me to leave town.”
Jesse nodded, “Daisy was here…”
Caitlin’s eyes revealed her fears. She asked, “Did Will see her? Did he talk to her?” She knew what Will would want to do if she didn’t cooperate with him.
Jesse replied harshly, “That scoundrel wouldn’t let her come by me. He and his buddy kept circling her. I couldn’t see what they were sayin’.” Jesse stopped his account when he watched Caitlin’s body go rigid with fear and her eyes begin to tear. He immediately circled her shoulder in comfort and reassured, “But did get upset, Daisy didn’t get hurt. That Will fella got a face full of lemonade though.” Looking at Bo, he said, “Daisy warned me not to talk to Caitlin about this.”
Bo was having trouble holding his temper. His fists clenched and his cheek ticked tensely. He warned, “That dirty, no good…I’m going to return his message!”
Caitlin broke from Jesse and took Bo’s face in her hands. She whimpered, “Bo! Stop! Don’t you see? That message was for ME! It was a loud warning of his power! He has already killed three people because of ME! If you go after him, he would make a sport of torturing your family and killing you. He’d make me watch the whole thing.” She broke her hold of him and held herself. She continued in defeat, “I can’t…I just can’t…I have got to keep all of you from getting hurt.” She faced away from Bo and Jesse and looked out over the landscape while leaning on the corral’s railings.
Bo went over to her and turned her to face him. He asked her heatedly, “What are you planning to do!”
Looking at Jesse and then at Bo, she answered, “What I should have done in the first place! Leave! Do what my father wants me to do and go to Europe!”
Jesse came up to her and gently held her shoulder, “Now, I don’t want you to do that! I know my boys have already offered to help you. You got plenty of protection from all of us.”
Bo pleaded, “Don’t! Caiti, you are in good hands here! Don’t….” he wanted to tell her that he loved her but was reluctant with Jesse standing so close.
Caitlin sniffled back her brewing tears and breathed through her hysteria. She had been thinking rashly, letting Will control her again. She caressed Bo’s cheek with her fingers and said, “I do love you!”
Jesse smiled at that and said in determination, “That cinches it! No one is going to push this family around.”
Caitlin reached for Jesse’s hand and brushed his cheek with her lips in a soft butterfly kiss. She said, “Thank you!”
Jesse blushed and changed the subject, “Join us for supper?”
Bo answered, “She would be happy to. Now let’s get back to Luke before HE kills us.” Within minutes, the couple was speeding back towards the main road and Caitlin’s place.