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 Seven
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 SEVEN
With the visit to meet Jesse accomplished, the ride back to Caitlin’s Farm allowed Bo and Caitlin to joke and relax. Caitlin commented, “I just love your Uncle. He reminds me of my grandfather in Ireland.” Bo kissed her hand as he drove down her driveway and parked near the house. As soon as the engine was in park, he pulled her from her seatbelt and locked her in his arms. Caitlin responded quickly, seeking the taste of his lips on her tongue and the feel of his hands digging into her hair. She looked at him lovingly, said, “Welcome to Rose Barn, Mr. Duke,” and continued to kiss him. Several loud noises from the barn broke up their embrace and Caitlin looked to see Luke coming toward them. She pushed herself away from Bo and straightened her shirt. Reluctantly the couple exited the Viper and greeted Luke. They kept an eye on each other hoping Luke had not caught them. They grinned and then Caitlin turned to Luke and asked, amusement heavy in her voice, “Everything all right? Hope you weren’t bored waiting for us.”
Luke shrugged, “It was quiet here. No return visits from that Sharp fella or his men. I kept myself busy though.”
Caitlin wondered how and then she took a good look around her. All the bales of hay were gone, stored in the barn she suspected. The pile of plywood that Luke had suggested that morning to use to repair her fence had gotten smaller. That little observation pushed her eyes back on Luke and she scolded gratefully, “You didn’t do all of this by yourself? Why didn’t you wait for us? Luke!”
Luke smiled, “Just thought I’d get a head start for you. Didn’t realize you two would be gone so long or how much I had done until now.”
Caitlin hugged Luke and kissed his cheek. She said, “Thank You, Luke. I am sorry we didn’t get back sooner.”
Bo jealously pulled Caitlin back to him. He explained good-naturedly, covering his “green-eyed monster” reaction, “Her errands took longer than she had planned. Then I took her to meet Uncle Jesse.”
Luke laughed, “So, Did Uncle Jesse bite?”
Caitlin laughed, “No, Luke, he was very pleasant. You were right when you told me not to be so nervous this morning.”
Bo asked, “Is there anything left to do?”
Luke replied, “Just the part near the road is left to be fixed.”
Caitlin offered, “If you wanna rest, Luke. Bo and I can handle taking care of that one.”
Luke replied, “No, I’ve been able to take a break. Got Aidan and Brie fed and watered. Aidan let me rub him down but Brie would have nothing to do with the brush.”
Caitlin laughed, “That’s my girl. Was she at least nice about it?”
“Do you mean did she bite me or throw me like…” Luke looked at Bo whose eyes sent darts in return. Luke teased, “No, she just kept moving away from me and whipping her tail at me like I was a fly she was swatting at.”
Caitlin returned in appreciation, “She likes you, Luke. Keep sweet-talking her; she’ll come around. And Aidan – you’ve got him for a pal. He adores a good brushing. He will stamp his foot and carry on forever until he’s gotten a complete rub down for a full hour.” She looked at the wood planks near the barn. She sought confirmation, “That’s the stuff you used, right?”
Luke replied, “Yeah. There’s enough to build three fences. Boss must have had a new fence put up for you and this was the leftovers.”
Caitlin replied on the irritated side, “He had to do that if he wanted to sell the property to me. But it took quite a bit to convince him it was for his benefit.” Her mind raced with ideas of how to get the wood to the other side of her property. She nodded at a thought and said, “There is a wagon in the back of the barn that we can use to transport the wood. What do you think?”
Bo nodded, “Good idea. I remember it.” The he questioned, “But do you really want to use Aidan to pull it?”
Caitlin replied, “Well YEAH! My Aidan can do it! You guys get the wagon and I’ll get Aidan.”
The trio went into the barn and began the tasks. It did not take long to get Aidan into the harness and connected to the wagon. Then the wagon was loaded up with wood. Bo brought over the last few planks and laid them in the bed of the wagon. He heard someone singing nearby and found Caitlin petting Aidan and singing to him. He noticed how she completely let herself relax with the animal. Her eyes shone with love and pride; her voice light and soothing. He did not want to interrupt her peaceful place. It was obvious that her horses helped her to find serenity. He edged up along side her and began stroking Aidan’s neck with her; covering her hand with his own. He wanted to convey an assurance of safety and security and give her some of his strength.
Caitlin had sensed Bo watching her and welcomed him into her sanctuary. Her body became alive with sensations she thought were long dead. Her spirit reached out for the power of love adding it to her arsenal of weapons she needed to keep fighting her war. As Bo’s hand melded with hers and they shared the feeling of strength coming from the muscles in Aidan’s neck, Caitlin leaned back against Bo and pulled his free hand around her waist. She heard Bo’s soft voice humming the tune she had been singing against her neck. Little darts of tingles raced through her skin to her brain and she found herself offering more of her neck for him to caress with his breath. She wondered if she should break the spell, if she should turn and draw him into a passionate kiss. Noises from the back of the wagon broke the spell for her as she and Bo looked to find Luke adding a tool box, a couple of hammers, and a box of fence spikes to the wagon bed. Caitlin looked at Bo and silently communicated how much she cared for him. She cleared her throat and said, “I guess we should get a move on. I wouldn’t want to be late for dinner.”
Bo lifted Caitlin into the air playfully and set her on the front bench of the wagon. He laughed, “You are the boss, Ma’am! Me an’ Luke are at your service.” Bo hoisted himself up to sit beside her.
Luke had witnessed a little of the couples embrace and did not want to interrupt. He offered, “I think I’ll sit back here and make sure none of the wood falls out.”
Caitlin watched Luke trying to get comfortable on top of the planks and she scolded, “Luke Duke. You get up here with us. There is plenty of room.” She patted the seat to her right. The look she gave Luke made it clear to him that she would tolerate no argument. He quickly took the seat offered and the trio laughed. Caitlin gave the reigns a slight tug and clicked her tongue to prod Aidan to move. After a slight hesitation and then adjustment to the weight he pulled, Aidan got up a good slow pace towards the broken part of the fence.
Upon reaching the mess of fractured wood planks spread out over the grass and road beyond, Caitlin commented wryly, “I sure do make a mess, don’t I.”
Across the road Bronco watched them working and playing around in their efforts to put the fence back together and clean up what was left of the broken parts. His cheek ticked harder each time he watched Caitlin smile at Bo or reach out for him as they passed each other carrying wood scraps. His hands twisted around the steering wheel as Bo tickled Caitlin near the wagon. She swatted at his hand, her laughter teasing at Bronco’s ears and eyes. Summoning up some control of his jealousy, he picked up a cell phone and dialed. “Hey, coast is clear. I’m watching them fix the fence.”
Will’s voice replied, “Just the break we need. We’ll be right there. Let me know if anything changes.”
Bronco replied, “I’m on it.”
Will heard the tense response in Bronco’s voice. As if reading Bronco’s mind, Will warned, “Behave yourself, Bronco. Don’t do anything stupid.”
Bronco’s eyes reflected his irritation, but he hid it and said, “Yes, Sir.” Then he disconnected the call and continued to watch Caitlin and the Dukes repair the fence.
Time seemed to go very quickly as did the work on the fence. Bronco had been reading the newspaper when he looked up to find the fence almost finished. He saw Caitlin pounding the last spike into the fence post and her friends storing the tools back into the wagon. She was by herself and unprotected. A grin contorted his face as he found the chance to get revenge. He warned, “Oh, Darlin’ Caiti, you can’t finish that fence yet. Will has a present he wants to give you.” Starting his car, he laughed, “Let’s see how fast you can run, Miss Rose!”
Caitlin stood up and arched her back. She stretched out her neck muscles while surveying the work the Dukes and she did.
She complimented, “A very fine job, gentlemen. I don’t believe anyone else couldn’t have done better.”
Bo leaned against the wagon and complained, “Good! I’m hungry.”
Luke laughed, “Yup, a big sandwich and some lemonade would do the trick just about now.”
Caitlin rolled her eyes in a “You gotta be kidding” look. She offered, “Come on. Let’s get back to the house and I’ll see what I can do for y’all.”
Luke asked, “Did you want to do anything else today?”
Caitlin shrugged, “Not sure. I’m sure I can come up with something to keep you here.” The wagon was loaded up and Luke sat at the reigns while Caitlin checked to make sure they had not forgotten anything. Her brow knotted in wonder as she counted the hammers. She looked around to find one lying on the ground by the fence. “Luke, wait. We forgot a hammer. I’ll be right back.”
Bo had been standing in the back of the wagon helping to count the supplies. He offered, “Show me where and I’ll get it.”
Caitlin laughed, “Don’t be silly,” as she hurried over to the hammer.
It was then that the sound of an engine revving up caught all three of their attentions. Bronco had waited for the perfect opportunity and was only to happy at the one offered to him. He squeezed the steering wheel and stepped hard on the gas sending the car flying towards a shocked Caitlin.
Caitlin stood with the hammer in hand and looked out at the road to see what was causing the noise. She had seen Bronco earlier, but chose to ignore him. Bo and Luke were yelling at her in warning, but it was too late. The car was rushing toward the fence and then her fast. In a panic, Caitlin ran towards the wagon just as Bronco burst through the fence; the ground once again littered with splinters of wood. He became like a dog chasing after a rabbit. He circled her and cut her off from the safety of the wagon and Bo. Caitlin was forced to turn back towards the street. Again she was cut off. Bronco enjoyed toying with her. One moment getting so close the nose of the car was within inches of her flying legs and then backing off. He pushed her towards a safe place and then cut her off. He enjoyed watching her face become tense with fear, the tears beginning to moisten her cheeks in the sunlight. Like a bullfighter, he held back his attack unless she tried to get away.
Luke called out, “Bo! Let’s get Caitlin into the wagon. It’s her only hope.”
Bo squatted down in the back amongst the supplies and asked, “You got an idea?”
Luke replied, “Yeah. And I know it will work.”
“Let’s hope so” Bo replied as Luke got Aidan moving. Luke began to form a big circle around the car chasing after Caitlin. He wanted to maneuver himself between them and give Caitlin time to jump into the wagon. Bo’s heart stopped beating and he yelled at Luke to hurry after watching Caitlin trip and fall flat on her face to the ground. Bronco slammed on his breaks. He was laughing as he watched Caitlin struggling to get up and catch her breath. It was plain that he was enjoying this game of revenge that he had created.
Caitlin pushed herself from the ground and to her feet. Her heart was racing inside her chest and her breath was coming in very short labored pants. She watched Bronco helplessly. She knew that he was torturing her. She also knew he wouldn’t kill her, but to cause her to break something or go to the hospital again would only add to the pleasure of his game. Caitlin’s attention was drawn away from Bronco and she turned to see Luke and the wagon turning towards her. She immediately started for it.
Bronco also saw the wagon and resumed his attack, blowing his horn at her to add to her nightmare. He had succeeded in turning her away from the safety of the wagon again. In frustration at watching Caitlin run in the opposite direction, Luke pulled hard on Aidan’s reigns and pushed him to make another circle around them. Luke’s maneuvering paid off. He passed her running form and got in front of her. He slowed the wagon down enough to allow Caitlin time to catch up to them.
Bronco was having fun, but looking at his watch let him know that it was time to end the game. He didn’t just want to stop abruptly. He kept the chase up a little longer, speeding up and then backing off again. He watched Caitlin trying to get to the wagon in front of both of them now.
From the back of the wagon, Bo got ready to pull Caitlin up. He informed, “Luke, She’s catching up. You can slow down a bit.” Caitlin was reaching out for him, but she stumbled again and lost some the distance she had covered. Bronco came up fast on her and was only seconds from taking her legs off. The moment she had caught up again, Bo ordered, “Grab my hand, Caitlin!”
Caitlin nodded, her tears beginning to blind her, her lungs stinging from the abuse. She was in pain, but she knew she had to keep running to stay alive. She felt the heat from Bronco’s car burning her feet just as Bo’s hand closed over her outstretched one. She reached forward with her other hand and Bo blasted Luke with the instruction to slow down a bit more. Bo smile at Caitlin and said, “You’re gonna make, Caiti-girl! Come one.” In one smooth motion, Bo pulled hard on Caitlin’s forearms as she jumped and fell against him.
Caitlin refused to let Bo go. She wrapped herself into his arms as several waves of hysterical fear crashed her systems. Bo felt her body quivering against him. He did not even try to quiet her down, opting to just hold her and help her to feel safe again. He kissed her head and hugged her as tight as he could without hurting her. The two of them watched Bronco slam on his breaks, salute them, and then race back to the road – breaking apart another part of the fence. Luke brought the wagon slowly to a stop and hurried to the back. His eyes caught Bo’s in a look of worry and determination to keep Caitlin from harm. He observed Caitlin. She clung to Bo, her face pressed tightly against his chest as if she was trying to shut out the entire world.
Luke prodded, “Bo, is she hurt anywhere?”
Bo responded hopefully, “She will be fine. I’ve got her now.” He stroked her hair and kissed her head wrapping his arms around her tighter. Thinking about all she had been through and now witnessing just how cruel her tormentors could be, he was awed by her bravery and her ability to survive. He looked back at Luke – the helplessness at being unable to stop these attacks silently passed between them. He refused to let her give up. He may not be able to fully protect her, but he can help build her strength and keep her from giving into her fears. He spoke to her, “Come on, My Caiti-Girl. You are safe again. Don’t give up!”
Caitlin was caught in a storm of emotions as she lay against Bo and listened to his comforting words. As her breathing returned to normal, her hysteria faded to allowing her to relax and her body to cease its quivering. She was so tired. Tired of being afraid, Tired of being Will and Bronco’s favorite toy, Tired of running and watching her life being destroyed by those monsters. She absorbed the tender care Bo held her dearly with. She could feel the concern and protection coming from both Duke Boys. They had indeed rescued her and now tried to help her keep her sanity as they talked about some of the chores they still needed to complete and other everyday business. She let their conversation go on as she thought about Bronco’s attack. She had seen him that angry with her before and knew that something must be done to him and to Will to get them away from her again. Upon thinking about Jesse welcoming her into Bo’s life; Daisy’s friendship; Luke’s patience and willingness to get hurt himself in order to help Bo protect her; and then thinking about Bo’s loving arms wrapped so tightly around her: Caitlin felt a strong desire to fight. She was angry. She refused to let Will and Bronco destroy the new life she was building or the family that had so easily welcomed her. She sighed in tired recovery and looked at Luke. A small smile came on her and she said, “Luke?”
Gratefully seeing Caitlin calming down, Luke responded with a smile, “What? Are you OK?”
She teased half-heartedly, “What took you so long?” Then She pushed away from Bo and pulled Luke to her in a big sisterly hug. She kissed his cheek, “Thank you!”
Luke gently disengaged himself from her, allowing Bo to pull her back against him. Luke was touched and flustered by her bold and warm gesture. He cleared his throat and looked over to the mess of splintered wood. He announced, “Looks like a hurricane hit this place.”
Caitlin held on to Bo’s hand and replied, a new harshness to her voice, “Not just any hurricane, Luke. But one named ‘Revenge’.” Upon seeing the questioning looks on both Bo and Luke, she explained, “I got Bronco in very real trouble this morning. Will must have tortured him for his liberties with me yesterday.”
Luke commented, “The way he seemed to enjoy it, I’m surprised that he didn’t do that sooner. He’s been watching us all afternoon.”
Caitlin speculated, her eyes revealing no fear, “Which means he was up to something besides revenge.” She sat away from Bo and said, “I’m not going to worry about it! We have a lot of work to do.”
Bo held on to her hand, the pride he felt for her continued courage bathing her. He asked, “Are you sure you want to do it all over again – now?”
Caitlin nodded, touched by his concern, “We can’t let it go another day. Aidan and Brie need to be able to run without me worrying about them getting lost or hurt.” In an effort to lighten the mood, she laughed, “Besides If I need to rest, I’ll let the both of you finish while I supervise.” She jumped down from the wagon and said, “Now, gentlemen, lets fix a fence.”
Bo nodded and corrected, “You mean two fences. There’s the new hole over there.”
The trio looked at the spot Bronco had created when he exited the property. Luke added, “Hope this doesn’t happen too much more. I wouldn’t want to run out of wood.” Laughter sprung forth from them and they re-entered the process of rebuilding a fence.
Upon returning to his “stake-out” post, Bronco laughed at Caitlin and her “Good Ol’boys”. He figured that they would be very busy for quite awhile now that they had to fix two sections of fence. His cell phone buzzed beside him. Will came through it with some instructions that set Bronco in motion. He quickly started the engine to his car and drove in the direction of Caitlin’s house. As he drove up, Bronco noticed a brand new Jeep blocking the General. Bronco pulled his BMW behind Caitlin’s Viper. Bronco watched his “buddies” boredly, taking a drink of soda. Putting on his best “Second-in-Command” attitude, he exited the car and asked, “Where’s Will?”
Will had taken a stroll around the barn and returned to answer the question himself. He inquired, “Are they still working?”
A wicked smile flashed across Bronco’s tan face. He answered, “They are fixing the fence we broke yesterday.”
Will sighed a little irritation evident in the sound. He commented, “Then we haven’t got much time.” Turning to his other “friends”, Will ordered, “Scott, watch for Caitlin’s return. Ray and Rick. Check out the inside of the barn and the area behind it. You know what we are looking for.”
Ray hardened his expression and promised, “We’ll get it, Sir. I’ve had enough of chasing after Miss Rose!”
Will responded, “I know, Ray. You are not the only one. But we can’t do otherwise until we have what we came for.”
Scott asked, “What is the reward this time if it’s found?”
Will smiled at Bronco as their plans for taking Caitlin and Daisy into hiding with them crossed both of their minds. Will responded, “Cash! My friends. A extra $50,000 as a bonus for finding what we are looking for.”
Will’s men took off to the jobs they had been assigned. Bronco took it upon himself to search the jeep until he found a small silver box. He suggested, “Will, we might have better luck with this.”
Will laughed, “You read my mind, Bronco. I think we need a tour of the house that Caitlin will be signing over to me after our marriage. I believe Mr. Hogg could be quite useful in the future.” Will lead the path to Caitlin’s kitchen door and carefully opened it. As he walked through the tidy kitchen, he began rummaging through the cabinets. He found a cup that Caitlin had filled with old Post-It Notes with all kinds of information she obviously wanted to save. Not wanting to take time to read them, he handed Bronco the cup and instructed him to complete the task.
Will found his way into the living room where he noticed a small book sticking out from under the cushions of the sofa. He recognized Caitlin’s Journal. The first time he had seen it sitting by a big recliner at her apartment on the night of their first date. He had secretly read it then to get to know her. He smiled at this little book of knowledge into Caitlin’s entire life and all her secrets. He picked it up in hopes it was what he was looking for. Out of morbid curiosity, he opened the book and looked through it. He found her account of her honeymoon and the death of her new husband. He remembered that after she had gotten out of the hospital, she swore that she could not remember what had happened. But she had lied. She disappeared and began their many adventures. He had chased her down each time, brought her back to New York only to find her missing again. He found the section where she described her plan to deceive him. His temper simmered as he read how she tricked him into believing that she was sorry and wanted to marry him. She baited him into talking to her. Those intimate conversations were the worst mistakes he had ever made with her. He had allowed his desire to have her and her seductive charms to fool him. She got him to talk about all of his illegal business dealings; the money laundering that he and his father had been doing; their involvement in the recent increase in drug shipments to the city, everything. Finally, She had talked him into meeting her for a special night of dinner and making love. She promised it would be a night he would never forget. And in the course of her seduction of him, she got him to admit what he and his friends had done to her husband and her. Jack was the first to fall because of her game. He had found out through a friend that she had been giving the FBI all the information and copies of secret bank records…anything she could get her hands on about William and his father’s businesses that she was able to obtain by tricking Will or steal. She was also helping them find everything they needed to prove Will and his friends killed her husband, then kidnapped and raped her. The night of their special dinner, Caitlin had arranged for Jack to be arrested to prevent him from revealing her secret to Will. But Jack had used his one phone call to warn Bronco. And during desert that night while Caitlin was sweet talking him into revealing where they had dumped the body, Bronco had pulled Will aside to tell him that their conversation was being secretly videotaped. Caitlin had realized the danger and escaped with the videotape and the computer disks she had used to send the information to the cops. When Will and Bronco returned to the bedroom all they found was the empty video camera and the wiped clean of memory computer. Will had prevented her from using the thing outright since he had a video of her begging him to make love to her the night he had killed her husband. She also held back because Will had made it very clear that her family would not live to see her testify against him. After she disappeared, Will knew they were in a stalemate until the cops found evidence on their own, she pushed his hand and used her evidence against him; or he got a hold of her evidence and destroyed it in front of her.
Will flipped past the rest of their history until he found new entries that caused him to be concerned. She had written about her last meeting with her Uncle and Jim Brooks, the FBI Agent, that has been investigating Will and his family for years. Brooks had been the one to arrange all of her escapes over the last year or so. Will read about Caitlin’s promise to her Uncle that if this hiding place didn’t work, then she would be willing to disappear again overseas; including changing her name. He flipped through more pages of entries until he found a page entitled: EVIDENCE. It was a catalog of all the things she had against Will and his Family but no where did she list where she was keeping them and/or if she’d already turned over any of it to Brooks. Two things in particular caught his eye. The first was her possession of the gun used to shoot Drew. Second was the un-edited copy of the video he had been threatening her with. He knew it would prove that he had forced himself on her and had ordered Brian’s death. On the bottom of the page, she had written the words: Last to be found – Drew’s body and then the case will be airtight. I will be FREE!
Bronco entered the living room just as Will snapped the book shut angrily and threw it back under its couch. Will was cursing Caitlin’s name. Bronco asked, “What’s that?”
Will informed, “Just details of our demise if we don’t find what we are looking for. By the way, she’s found your gun.”
Bronco’s cheek ticked worriedly, “What has she done with it?”
Will replied, “I don’t know, but I bet that was the reason Brooks was able to arrest Jack when she was betraying me to the Feds. That was how Caitlin got such a good head start on us this time.” Will noticed the book had landed open under the couch. He gently picked it up and returned it to the position he had originally found it in. He held out his hand to Bronco. He said, “Give me the box. It is more imperative now that we find out what we need.”
Bronco asked, “Do you really think she’ll tell those two idiots about her own investigations of us? She’d be too afraid of us finding out.”
Will said, “Let’s hope not.” Each man took several small silver buttons out of the box and began placing them in different parts of the house. Will took the living room and Bronco took the kitchen. Will picked up the cordless phone unit and open it up. He placed the device inside it and then closed it back up. He smiled, “Now, my love, I will know exactly who you are talking to every moment of the day. We have been playing this game for far too long now, My Caiti. It is time you learned your place in my life and took it like a good girl.”
Bronco returned to the living room and placed the last of his recording devices at the entrance to the stairs that led to Caitlin’s bedroom. He smiled at Will, “These little babies, my friend, will be just the incentive to push her in the right direction.”
The two men laughed as the sound of a horn blast peeled through the house. It was the warning that Scott was to give when he saw Caitlin and the Duke’s return. Will took one last look to be sure there was nothing out of place as Bronco turned to get out of the house. Will’s hand brushed the cordless receiver-unit knocking it to the floor. Bronco stepped back to pick it up, but Will prodded him forward, “Leave it! Let’s go!”
The two men realized their escape was too late. They emerged from Caitlin’s front porch just as she was pulling the wagon the last several yards over the field. She had stood to see what they were doing and yelled at them to STOP. Her driveway became a massive brawl with Bo and Luke running after Rick and Ray and tackling them before they could get to the jeep. Bronco jumped from the porch to help Ray get Bo off him. Bo saw Bronco’s face and dropped Ray like forgotten toy. Bo grabbed Bronco’s collar and threw his entire body weight into the fist that he threw at Bronco’s face. Being hit so hard off guard, Bronco was unable to get his bearings for a few seconds. Ray tried to grab for Bo’s arms so that Bronco could take care of him, but Bo ducked sending Ray into Bronco who toppled to the solid ground. Scott attempted to join the fray between Luke and Rick. But Luke refused to be outnumbered.
Caitlin hated watching her friends taking a beating for her, but she was enjoying being able to watch Will’s friends get a taste of their own medicine for a change. It was such sweet revenge watching Bo blast Bronco. Her heart released some of the pent up anger she felt each time Bo landed a punch or Bronco landed to the ground. Her eyes narrowed in satisfaction when she noticed Bronco’s mouth bleeding and a bruise forming to his left temple. Her attention was diverted for a few seconds as she watched Will observing the situation. He had not seen her yet, so she slowly and gently nudged Aidan to position the wagon near an out of the way tree. She made sure there would be an escape route if the need arose. She turned to see Luke be thrown to the ground and her face winced with his, empathizing the pain she knew he was feeling. She offered, “Luke, be careful!”
Luke grinned at her to show that he was not hurt. He would have waved, but Rick punched him again in the stomach and then dragged him back over to Scott. Luke knocked Rick towards Scott and said to Caitlin, “Don’t worry…”
Caitlin never heard the end as Bo was thrown her way landing on the ground by the wagon. She quickly jumped down and helped Bo stand up. She pleaded, “Let me stop this! Get in the wagon and we’ll get Luke and go!”
Bo shook off her suggestion and said, “NO! You stay in the wagon and get out of here!” He grabbed her fiercely to him and she responded with a long kiss. Bo picked her up and set her inside the wagon’s driver’s seat before turning back to take on Bronco again.
Will watched them and his men losing to her country cousins. He pulled his gun from its holster and slowly made his way around the yard. He was very careful not to upset the horse or make any other noise. He heard Luke yell at Caitlin to get out and saw her nod and pick up the reigns. Before she could straighten back up, Will climbed aboard. He quickly enveloped her within his arms and imprisoned her against his chest. He teased, “Miss me! Lovely Caitlin.
Her scream caught Bo’s attention just as Bronco landed another fist to his chin. He turned to see Will fire his gun into the air. But Will’s stance in the wagon was unsteady and his hold on Caitlin was loosened each time Aidan jumped at the gunfire. Caitlin jabbed her elbow into Will’s ribs and her fist into his groin. Her hand grabbed for his gun and then she jumped into the wagon bed still holding the gun next to Will’s head. Will’s gunfire had brought the fighting to an end. Will’s men were retrieving their guns from where they had been thrown to the ground by Luke and Bo. Bronco was about to point his at Bo, but Caitlin cocked Will’s gun in her hand. She said, “Call them off, Will!”
The entire grounds of her property were silent. It seemed as though every living thing had ceased its activity to watch. Caitlin prodded again, “Call them off! Will. Order them into their cars!”
Will teased, “You couldn’t shoot me! Besides if you do my men will unload theirs into your friends.”
Caitlin got in Will’s ear and said, “At least I’d get to watch you die first!”
That sentiment shocked Will. He had not seen this side of Caitlin in a long time. She was becoming strong and brave again. He heard the fear in her voice, but it was very controlled and being over-shadowed by her anger. Trying again, Will warned, “Caitlin! You couldn’t pull that trigger. You don’t have what it takes to kill me.”
As quick as a flash, Caitlin pointed the barrel of the gun just behind Will’s head by his ear. She fired a shot that whizzed dangerously close to him and landed dead center in a nearby tree. She warned, “Try me! You know how good a shot I am!”
To Bronco she shouted, “If you want to see your boss alive and kicking, you all better get into your cars! Now!”
Bronco pointed his pistol at Bo. Will, however, heard the barrel cock again and ordered, “Do what she says! Bronco! Scott, Rick, Ray! Let’s go!” Bronco saw the worry in Will’s eyes and knew that there was something different about Caitlin to have gotten Will to back down. He saw how she used Will’s body to protect her own. She held him by his hair and had his gun pointing at the back of his neck. She was biting her lip anxiously, but her eyes were ablaze with anger and determination. Bronco motioned to Will’s men and they quickly got into their vehicles. Caitlin clicked her tongue and prodded Aidan to move the wagon over to Will’s Jeep. She motioned for Bo and Luke to get out of the way as she ordered, “You can get down now, Mr. Sharp! Don’t come back!”
Will looked at her, got in her face, and said, “Oh, My lovely Caiti-Girl, I’ll be back. You can count on it!” He jumped down and climbed aboard the passenger seat of the jeep. He tipped his head at Caitlin in mock admiration of her bravery as he ordered Scott to drive away leading Bronco in his BMW behind.
As soon as they were gone, Caitlin dropped the gun to her lap and breathed in relief. She had not thought about what she was doing, she had just done it. Now that the danger was past, she was both proud and anxious. Bo and Luke approached her as Caitlin climbed down from the wagon. She immediately sought the safety and comfort of Bo’s arms around her. Bo could feel her heart pounding wildly and strong against his chest. She was shaking a little too. He glowed with pride as he responded,
“You were so great!”
Caitlin was pleased with herself. But she shied away from talking about it, choosing instead to look at the cut over his eye. It was a nasty shade of black and red. Bits of blood moistened the break in his skin. She moved his hair aside to get a better look and sighed, “Let’s go take care of that. Does it hurt?”
Bo flexed his jaw and winced at Caitlin’s light touch to his eye. He said, “Oh, a little. But it was worth it if we stopped them doing whatever they were planning.”
Luke responded, “I hope so. I knew they must have done something when I heard that horn go off and then saw Sharp and the other fella come running out of the house.”
Caitlin looked at both Duke Cousins and then ran into the house. Her footfalls could be heard pounding up the stairs and then more pounding as dresser drawers and doors were opened and closed.
Bo asked, “What was that about?”
Luke responded, “Must have been somethin’ I said.”
Bo started for the house and said, “One way to find out.” The Cousins entered the house still hearing a lot of noise coming from the second floor. Caitlin could be heard ranting curses at Will and his men and then praying to find what she was looking for.
Bo commented as the noise died down, “Whoa, She sounds madder than a cat being cornered by pack of dogs!”
Luke agreed with Bo, his attention drawn to the cordless phone lying on the floor. He bent to pick it up and the unit split apart in his hands. He informed, “Bo,” just as a small silver dot fell to the floor.
Bo bent down to retrieve the silver dot and held up for investigation. He asked, “What do ya suppose this is?”
Luke’s mouth formed a thin line of concern as he surmised, “One of them listening devices.”
Bo asked, “You mean a bug – like in the movies.”
Luke nodded, “Yeah.” The stairs creaked behind them and they looked to see Caitlin breathing a sigh of relief as she descended them.
She smiled, “Well, they didn’t get what they came for. Made a mess that will take me ’til next year to clean up, but nothing is missing. But how ’bout I get us all some lemon…” Caitlin washed her hands of the incident and was about to suggest a break for a snack. Her defenses went up as she caught wind of the surprised stares of her friends and Luke’s hand disappearing into his pocket. Bo stepped in between her and Luke preventing her from seeing anymore. Their odd manner warned her that they were hiding something. Folding her arms across her chest, she said, “OK, Gentlemen. What is up! What are you hiding from me, Luke?”
Bo built up his courage with a cleansing breath. He knew she could be stubborn but he was determined to protect her from knowing what Will had done to her home. He closed the gap between them and taking her into his arms; he suggested, “We were just talking over our schedule for the rest of the afternoon and deciding what chores still needed done here and at home.”
Caitlin shook her head negatively, “No, you weren’t! I saw Luke put something in his pocket. What is it?”
Luke held out his hands and said, “Honest, Caiti, just my way to relax.”
Bo added, “And one of the things we came up with is Luke will stay in here to fix up those loose shelves we found yesterday. You and I will unload the wagon and get Aidan unhitched.” He escorted Caitlin into the kitchen towards the door waving Luke off to search for more bugs.
Caitlin pulled away from him and protested, “Wait! I know something is wrong! Something y’all don’t want to tell me.”
Bo grunted a little frustrated at her refusal to cooperate. He smiled wickedly and smacked her ass. Opening the door he ordered, “Go Outside before I carry you out, My Caitlin Rose.”
Caitlin protected her rear end and replied in protest, “You wouldn’t dare! You can’t go givin’ orders to me, Bo Duke!”
Bo shook his head in resignation and then lifted Caitlin into the air. He quickly imprisoned her against his shoulder and carried her outside. He locked the door handle and pulled it shut as soon as they were clear. While ducking and ignoring her fists beating his back, he took her over to the wagon and set her down. He stood in front of her, pointed at the door behind them, and informed, “Now don’t try to go back in, My Rose! I locked us out! Let’s just get this here wagon unloaded and Aidan into the barn! Don’t you think he deserves to be cleaned off and watered for working so hard!”?
Caitlin was sure her friends were hiding something from her. She did not like to be told what to do by anyone or kept in the dark on matters that affected her. She also did not like the fact that Bo was right. The wagon did need to be unloaded and put away. Aidan did deserve to be petted and rewarded for pulling the wagon without protest. Her pride caused her to become stubbornly angry with Bo for his very correct reminder of her responsibilities. She let out an indignant, “Hmph…” turned her nose into the air, flipped her hair over her shoulder, and marched over to Aidan. She began venting her anger on the harness holding the horse to the wagon, mumbling curses, and epitaphs at Bo as she worked. The sound of giggles ignited her fuse and she blew up, “What in God’s name are you laughing at!”
Bo enjoyed watching her become angry, even if it was at him. There was a bright glow to her cheeks and her eyes blazed provocatively at him. It was so much fun getting her riled up. He approached her, trying to get her to look at him. He teased, “I’m laughin’ at you! You are a spoiled, snotty little girl when you don’t get your way! I love the way you pout like that.”
Caitlin could not believe her ears. She could not believe she had become infatuated with such an idiotic, moron. She got in his face and hissed, “Just remember that, Mr. Duke, the next time you want to kiss me!” She pushed him away from her. She went around to the other side of Aidan to unhook the rest of the harness.
Inside the house, Luke searched every nook and cranny until he found all the transmitting devices that Will and Bronco had left. Putting the last one in his pocket, Luke said, “Well, Mr. Sharp, Let’s see if you like listening to dead air.” Luke breathed in relief and pride at a job well done. He decided to help Bo and Caitlin unaware that he was walking straight onto the battlefield under a temporary cease-fire. There was a warm, sunny breeze caressing the air outside as Luke emerged from the porch. He made his way over to the wagon feeling a blast of frosty tension hit him, as he got closer. He had expected to find his cousin locked in Caitlin’s arms and kissing. Instead, they were working away from each other in a very loud angry silence. He watched them exchange dirty looks when he asked if they needed any help.
Caitlin replied tightly, “Thank you, Luke. I believe your cousin will need your help carrying the left over wood back inside the shed. I’d help, but being the spoiled brat that I am, well, I just don’t feel like it!” With Aidan free of the wagon, Caitlin took hold of his bridle, patted his neck, and led him toward the barn. She was heard telling the horse, “Come on, My Aidan. At least you won’t laugh at me.”
Luke looked at Bo in wonder. Bo frowned and explained, “We’re fighting.”
Luke asked, “Why?”
“I had to do something to give you time to get rid of those bugs.”
“So you made fun of her! What did you say?”
“I didn’t mean too. It just got out of hand. Now she is so angry at me.”
“Well, ummm…Yeah! Bo, are you out of your mind. You should never laugh at a woman! And never call her a spoiled brat.”
Bo agreed, “She’s not speaking to me, as you saw. And those remarks and jabs she keeps throwing at me are the only times she says anything. Just tell me it was worth it.”
Luke nodded, “I don’t if getting her that mad was worth these, but I found the rest of them.” Luke produced the bugs from inside his pocket and showed them to Bo. He informed, “They were hidden throughout the house.”
Bo hit his fist in his hand, stomped away from Luke for a second, and then stomped to return. He said, “That no good snake! Something has got to be done about him.”
Luke asked, “What, Bo? What are you planning to do?” Luke knew his cousin very well. He could actually hear Bo’s thoughts and feel Bo’s feelings himself.
Bo thought a moment and then plotted, “Just return these to their owner, o’course. Since Caitlin doesn’t know about them, I see no reason to bother with them.”
Before Luke could comment, Caitlin’s footfalls could be heard coming from the barn toward them. Luke took a pile of wood and said, “Before you go attacking for her, why don’t you make up with her before your fight gets any worse.” Luke carried the wood toward the barn, passing Caitlin on the way. She offered to help, but he responded, “I got it, Caiti. But Bo would like to talk to you.”
Caitlin let Luke go and turned to face Bo. “OK, Luke says you want to talk. So, what? I’ve got a lot to do.”
Bo closed the gap between them and stood very close to her yet not touching her. He replied, “I do want to talk. I am sorry. I was trying to make a joke with you. A very bad joke.” When she looked away from him, Bo gently held her chin in his big hands and got her to look at him. He said, “Can you forgive me?”
Caitlin looked down at her feet realizing that she owed him an apology too for letting her temper get away from her. When she looked up, Bo covered her mouth with his own in a fiery kiss that lasted for several minutes. Caitlin was at first stiff and hesitant. Then as she felt the warmth of his breath, the taste of his tongue and lips, she melted against him and returned the kiss. Her arms went around his neck and her feet raised up on her toes.
Bo kissed her nose and said, “I guess this means I’m forgiven?”
Caitlin nodded, “You know I can’t resist those eyes of yours.” She pulled him back to her and kissed him again, “What else can I do. I sure can’t hate you. After all who would I get to do all this work for free for me.”
Bo was about to tickle her, but Luke returned from the barn and announced, “Bo, we need to go. Daisy’s going to need a ride home before dinner.” Luke made sure to rush them through their “good-bye’s” As Bo and Luke got into the General, Bo reminded Caitlin about her dinner date with The Duke Family just as Uncle Jesse’s voice came over the CB asking for a ride from Cooter’s Garage before they picked up Daisy.
The Duke Boys soon found themselves sitting in front of Cooter’s garage. Cooter and Uncle Jesse were taking apart the engine in Jesse’s white pick up truck. As Luke and Bo approached, Luke asked, “What happened to the truck, Uncle Jesse?”
“Nothing I can’t fix!” Cooter greeted them and asked, “So where y’all been keeping ya’selves lately?”
Bo smiled, thoughts of Caitlin constantly flying across his brain, “We’ve been working for that woman we gave directions to yesterday, Cooter – buddy!”
Jesse informed, “When can you get the part I need, Cooter?”
Cooter responded, “Give me a couple of days. I gotta get it sent here from Atlanta. But then she’ll be as good as new.”
Luke returned, putting Bo on display “Isn’t obvious by the dazed look, extra cheery smile?”
Cooter laughed, “He does look he’s been snared in a fox trap.”
Luke added, “One problem….”
Cooter finished, “I know…She’s in trouble. Jesse filled me in a little while we fixed his truck.”
Bo asked, “Did he tell you how sweet and pretty she is?”
“He mentioned it, Bo. But he didn’t have to – I remember her. I’m happy for you, man.” Cooter grasped Bo’s hand in a friendly shake.
Jesse called from The General, “Come on, Boys, Daisy’s waiting.”
Bo’s face darkened as he thought of the other reason he wanted to visit The Boars Nest. He responded to Jesse that he and Luke were hurrying back. Cooter watched his friends drive away.
The Boars Nest was busy with its usual after work crowd. Daisy stood behind the bar serving Boss Hogg’s watered down beer. She had witnessed Will Sharp and his friends come in the bar. Their mood was sour and frustrated. She overheard them talking about the fight between her cousins. From their conversation, she learned that Caitlin had surprised them all when she pointed Will’s gun and forced them to leave. Before Daisy could learn any more, Will escorted his friends into Boss Hogg’s office.
Not long after, Daisy was called into Boss’s office to take the group’s order from the bar. The atmosphere was tense between Will and his men; but all were silent as she delivered their drinks. Daisy hoped the group would be gone before Bo and Luke arrived to take her home. Her hopes were crushed when Bo exploded into the room and demanded to know where William Sharp was. At the same time, Bronco had ventured out of Boss Hogg’s office. Immediately the bar filled with cold air upon Bo and Bronco facing each other. No one in the room could mistake the hatred between them. His temper rising another degree, Bo told Daisy “I see him!” Shortening the distance between himself and Bronco, Bo produced the tiny microphones. After making sure Bronco got a good look at them, Bo informed fiercely, “I believe these are yours. I found them any very strange place.”
Brushing past Bo to get to the bar, Bronco replied, “Get away from me. Don’t start something you’ll regret.”
The two men viewed each other in a threatening manner, each preparing to do battle. They sized each other, surveying the damage from earlier that afternoon. Bronco to his consternation found that he had more bruises than Bo did.
Bo refused to get out of Bronco’s way. “Not before I shove these down your throat!” taunted Bo. Instead, he shouted, “CATCH!” and tossed the little silver buttons into the air at him. Before Bronco could catch the buttons Bo grabbed Bronco by his shirt collar and, getting into his face, demanded, “You can give Sharp a message for me…”
Upon hearing the commotion between Bronco and Bo, Will stepped out of Boss’s office in a time to hear Bo’s threat. Will smiled at his chance to take a swing at his rival – another obstacle to Caitlin’s fortune. But Will knew better them to attack him.
After all Bo was the favorite “son” and Will would end up having to fight the entire bar. He baited his hook with the challenge, “If you have something to say Mr. Duke say it to my face.”
Pushing Bronco away, Bo turned to Will. Getting into Will’s face, Bo punctuated each of his words with a hard poke of his anger to Will’s chest. Bo warned, “I just wanted to be the one to tell you that your plan failed. We found and removed all of your roaches from Caitlin’s house. Stay away from her!”
Will pushed Bo back away from him and countered, “Better watch yourself, Mr. Duke, your behavior isn’t exactly helping the well-being of a certain young lady. If I get angry sir… well… you’ve already seen what happens then.”
Around them, the room had become deathly still. The patrons of the bar took three choices either they left immediately; stood back behind the bar; or hid along the wall leaving the center of the room available for the coming fight. Daisy watched Uncle Jesse and Luke stand beside Bo. Daisy wanted to join them but Enos held her back. While Luke was willing to join the fight, he knew it was better to keep Bo calm. Bo shook off Uncle Jesse and Luke’s attempts to pull him away from Will and Bronco. To their good fortune, Boss intervened, “Gentlemen, gentlemen, Let’s not fight, it ain’t good for business. Rosco! I want you to arrest Bo and Luke Duke. Charged them with disturbing the peace!”
Rosco protested, “But Boss!”
Will offered, “Mr. Hogg, just let these men go. I don’t want any trouble.” Turning to Jesse Duke, Will gave him a stern expression and said, “Mr. Duke, take your family and go home. There will be no more mention of them getting arrested it you keep Bo from bothering my friends and I.”
Bronco eagerly volunteered, “I’d be glad to escort you two outside!”
Bo stood refusing to move until Daisy put herself between Bo and Bronco. She persuaded, “Come on Bo, Caitlin’s waiting for you to pick her for dinner. Don’t cause HER to suffer while you are in jail and unable to protect her.”
The image of Caitlin cowering between the cruel faces Will and Bronco cooled Bo’s temper to a smoldering amber. Frustrated he pushed past Daisy scowling, “I’ll bet!” However, immediately after punching the door open with his fist, he shook it at Will and Bronco and threatened, “This is not the end!”
Meeting Bo’s challenge, Will stared him down, “We will see, Mr. Duke.”
Luckily, Jesse and Luke were on hand to push Bo out the door before anymore fighting began. Bronco watched the Duke family with curiosity. He realized that in their present state of mind they might be more hassle or danger to them then they had could handle. He estimated that because the Duke family knew the territory and the people in it better than they did; and, because they were the strangers therefore not to be trusted, they would be defeated. They needed another plan and Bronco was slowly thinking of one. To Will, Bronco whispered just that. After quick consideration, Will agreed. He turned to Boss Hogg and thanked him for his help. After making their excuses to Boss Hogg, Will Sharp and his men prepared to leave the bar. Will caught the dirty look on Daisy’s face as she flipped her hair back as if to dismiss them in disgust and walked out ahead of them. Will and Bronco smiled at each other. Will commented, “Someone is going to have to teach that girl some manners.”
Bronco laughed in evil pleasure, “Yes, sir, she does need to be tamed. I believe I know someone with a strong hand that could teach her to show some respect.”
Will smiled, “Yes, she will become very handy when we make a move.”
Outside, Daisy demanded, “Bo, what the hell was that all about?” She pushed Bo backwards and said, “Are you trying to get us all killed. Did you even think of Caitlin!”
Luke explained, “Will tried to bug Caitlin’s house with listening devices while we were working in the yard. Bronco almost broke Caitlin’s leg chasing her across the field with his car.”
Daisy sighed in understanding, “Have you told her what you found?”
Bo answered, now after coming down from his anger and realizing the damage he might have caused, “No, and please don’t tell her. She’s already too upset and I don’t want to lose her.”
Uncle Jesse agreed, “Bo is right. She needs a rest from this mess. Poor little fox has been surrounded by that pack of wolves way too long.”
Daisy replied, “I think she can handle a lot more than y’all give her credit for. She’s a big girl and has been handling the situation for two years.”
Luke replied, “‘sides, Bo, she’s already made some changes and gotten stronger since she’s been here. It took a lot of courage for her to hold Will at gunpoint and get him to back down.”
Bo thought over what his family was telling him. His heart was hurting and he was scared of losing Caitlin. He knew he had to keep for safe and to keep her from running away from him even if it might mean he would have to leave Hazzard with her. Distress of the afternoon finally got him and turning to Daisy, he laid his head on her shoulder and cried. Daisy comforted him reminding him of Caitlin’s independent spirit and how he had given it back to her. All of the Dukes got into The General Lee and went to prepare for dinner with Caitlin Rose.
Within the safety of her own kitchen, Caitlin made ready for her dinner plans with the Duke family. She had felt invigorated by the stance she had taken in defending Bo and Luke from Will and Bronco. She had forgotten just how good a gunshot she was; then again, she had forgotten many things about herself and the way she used to be. Bo was bringing that all back to her. Outside her house, the BMW pulled up her driveway. Inside Will and Bronco talked over their plans making final touches. Will opened the car door for himself and suggested, “Wait here, Bronco, for this to work I need to talk to Caitlin alone.”
Before Will could shut the door, Bronco said, while handing him an envelope, “You’ll need this.”
Will smiled, “Good thing we intercepted it at the Police Station.” Bronco’s laughter joined his as he closed the car door and went to knock on Caitlin’s kitchen door.
Inside Caitlin came out of her bathroom with her hairbrush in one hand and an earring in the other. She heard a knock on the door as she stepped inside the kitchen. She laid the brush on the counter and walked toward the door putting the other earring in her ear. She looked at her watch and pulling the door open, she complained, “Bo, why are you…” Fear crept up her spine as she faced Will standing before her. Swallowing her fear and wondering what trick he was trying to pull by holding out his white handkerchief, she demanded, “Get out!”
Will tried to look remorseful, he begged, “Please, Caitlin, you’ve won. I just want to talk to you. Please let me in.”
Sighing in resignation Caitlin responded, “Do I have a choice?” Caitlin walked back into the kitchen; pulled open a drawer; pulled out the biggest butcher’s knife that she had and pointed it at Will. She invited, “Well come in, say your peace and go.” Then she pointed at the BMW where she saw Bronco sitting and said, “Keep your hands where I can see them, Will and while I know Bronco would kill me, you’ll be dead first.”
Will sighed, “I see you’re going out with him tonight.” Will did as she demanded, holding out his hands almost as if begging for mercy. His voice had the sound of sad rejection and disappointment in it.
Breathing in irritation, Caitlin stated flatly, “Yes I am. Now get on with it. What do you want?”
Will placed the envelope in his hand on the kitchen table between them and then resumed holding his hands in the air. He said, “You beat me, Caitlin, it’s all there.”
Slowly Caitlin picked up the envelope and took out the contents. Upon unfolding the paper and reading it, a smile spread across her face. However, she had been through too many false alarms to trust this and asked Will suspiciously, “What is this?”
She had just read a telegram to her from agent Jim Brooks telling her that Drew’s body had been found. Federal agents were on their way to arrest Will and his men. He advised her to stay in Hazzard County until all Will and his father’s men could be caught and jailed. He informed that he would notify her when it was safe to return home and be a witness at the trial. He added a note from her uncle telling her how pleased they were that she had met Bo and his family.
Will grumbled, “Isn’t it obvious. Your Uncle and his meddling FBI friend have what they need to put me away. I just wanted to let you know, darling, that now I’m going to be on the run. You have cost me excessively much time and money. But for the safety of your father, I want your word that you will give me 24 hours to get out of the country. After that, I swear I will never bother you again. My father would kill me if I got myself into more trouble by killing you and your beau so you are free. All I ask is that you don’t talk to those agents and give them your evidence until I’ve escaped.”
Caitlin looked over the telegram and knew it was real. She still suspected Will’s motives for giving it to her until she heard the threat to her father and his demand that she wait to give over the evidence she had hidden. It was too much to hope that it could really be over, that she was free. She looked hard at him and asked, “How do I know I can trust you?”
Taking advantage of her distraction, Will quickly closed the gap between them, ripped the knife out of her hand, held her by her hair and said, “You don’t know my love. But I do know my father will kill you are if I am arrested here in Hazzard. Now I’m trying to be nice to you all I’m asking is for a little time.” Grabbing her wrist in his hand and twisting cruelly, he said, “So will you cooperate!”
While thinking her real answer, Caitlin nodded her head and said, “Yes.”
A loud horn blast was sounded outside. Along with that, the sound of several car engines, police sirens, and tires grinding to a halt flooded the room. Three shots were fired and then Bronco could be heard saying, “I give up! I give up!”
An authoritative voice ordered Bronco to throw down his weapon and lay down on the ground with his hands behind his head. Will and Caitlin watched Bronco comply. They watched Bronco point at the house after he was asked where his boss was. Will pinned Caitlin to the sink as he looked out the window. He watched three uniformed state troopers search and cuff Bronco. A large broad shouldered black man dressed in a smart dark blue business suit came toward the house with a gun drawn. He shouted, “William Sharp, we’ve arrested the rest of your gang and they are all on their way back to New York. Your best bet right now is to surrender and let Miss Rose go unharmed.”
Caitlin’s prayers had been answered but she knew she was not out of danger as long as Will held her prisoner in her own house. But he wasn’t paying attention to her; he was thinking he had her under his control by being pinned to sink. Taking a deep breath, Caitlin refused to let him win. It was her turn to use his distraction as she grabbed for the gun she had taken from him earlier from where she had hidden it inside her purse, which lay on the counter. With all of her strength, she pushed him back and then held him at gunpoint. Motioning to the door, she said, “You heard the man. Get out!”
The sound of another vehicle approaching and parking was heard as Caitlin forced Will to open the kitchen door and to step out on her front porch. Looking past Will, Caitlin saw Bo climbing out of The General. She called out to the agent and said, “Officer, here is William Sharp. Please come get him and get this trash off of my lawn.”
The FBI agent approached her along with two other plain clothed agents. The first agent introduced himself, “Miss Rose, I’m Lt. Hoyle. I believe Jim Brooks telegrammed you.” Lt. Hoyle nodded to his men who took hold of Will, bending his arms behind his back and cuffing him, then after a quick body search for weapons took him to the awaiting police car. It was then that Caitlin noticed both Rosco and Enos helping to catch Will and Bronco.
Caitlin smiled at Lt. Hoyle, “Yes, Sir, he did. The funny thing is, it was Will who gave it to me.”
The expression on Lt. Hoyle’s face showed his disbelief and humor. He asked, “Why?”
Bo Duke fought his way through the cop cars, Rosco and Enos, and agents reading Will and Bronco their rights. Rosco was all excited about “cuffing and stuffing” such wanted and dangerous men. Bo made it to Caitlin’s front porch in time to hear her say, “I understand sir, I will remain here until Lt. Brooks sends me another telegram.” Lt. Hoyle saluted her with a good-bye and admonished her to keep in touch. As the FBI Agent joined his fellow officers and they prepared to leave with their prisoners, Caitlin pulled Bo into her arms and smothered him with deep passionate kisses. She said excitedly, “I love you!” She repeated, “It is over! It’s Over!” with each kiss along with the words, “I’m free, I’m free!” Without waiting for him to respond or explaining what he had just witnessed, Caitlin pulled him inside and quickly poured each of them a glass of wine. Bo watched in awe and confusion this wild happy creature fluttering about the kitchen and pressing a tall wine glass in his hand. She clinked her glass with his in a toast and announced, “He’s going to jail, Bo! Did you see?”
“How why, what happened?”
Caitlin held her head as if she were dizzy. She said, “It’s all too weird. Just before you got here, Will showed up at my door and demanded to come in. And he gave me this…” Caitlin tried to show Bo the telegram.
Hearing that Will had been there while Caitlin was alone and unprotected had scared Bo. Setting his wine on the table, he hugged Caitlin close to him and asked, his anxiousness evidence in his voice, “What was he doing here? Are you all right? Did he hurt you?”
Caitlin laughed, “It’s ok. I mean it wasn’t OK then, and it was pretty scary for about a few minutes there. But now it’s over! LOOK!” She again thrust the telegram in front of Bo’s eyes.
Bo read the paper twice to make sure it did say what she said it said. He threw the document in the air and gave a loud yelp of “yeeehaww!” In his excitement, he threw Caitlin up into the air and squeezed her hard until she was laughing and unable to breathe. Their lips found each other in a fiery passionate kiss. Caitlin’s arms wrapped around his neck, her fingers squeezing the soft locks of his hair. After their initial excitement was celebrated, Caitlin smiled into Bo’s eyes and said, “Why don’t we go tell your family. Let’s celebrate together.”
Bo agreed and a couple hurried off into the night.