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 Nine
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 NINE
Between training Aidan, keeping her property maintenance, and exploring new bases of her relationship with Bo, the week before the race went by very quickly for Caitlin. She had even managed to lose a car race against Bo when he showed her where he was a stock car racer. She had lost in her Viper of all things. But her revenge was sweet.
It was the day before the race and they had decided not to practice Aidan and let him wander about Rose Ranch for the day with Brie for company. Caitlin met Bo and Luke at The Boars Nest for lunch and to visit with Daisy. She and Daisy had gone to Atlanta to get Caitlin her racing silks and other things they had a ball shopping for. Cooter, Enos, and even Rosco had joined them for beers. Since the night of Boss’s toast to Bo and Caitlin, he had left Daisy instructions that if Caitlin wanted a glass of whiskey that she was to have his best…at a price of course. The mood was light and Luke nettled her about losing to Bo in her Viper. Bo did not jump to her defense and she was irritated with him. She wanted a little revenge.
Caitlin innocently asked who the better driver was…Bo or Luke. Her remark had gotten the response she was looking for…they each announced that they were the better of the two. Then Daisy and Rosco pronounced Luke the better driver; Cooter and Enos said that Bo was. By the time they were finished an argument had started. This allowed Caitlin to offer her solution. She said, “Let’s go find out. Bo you take my viper, Luke you take The General.”
Luke refused, “No, I’ll take the Viper and Bo takes The General!”
Caitlin asked, “Does it matter. They are both fast cars…though because of my inexperience I could not push my baby to her best potential.”
Luke replied, “That’s why I want it, Caitlin.”
Caitlin looked at Bo and said, “Well, is it a race?”
Several other voices around them edged them on. Daisy laughing, sensing exactly what Caitlin was going to do. Bo wanted to race his cousin…wanted to race using Caitlin’s Viper. But from her pleading expression, he decided he could wait another day to experience its power. He had one brief thought…he wondered at Caitlin’s remark about her inexperience using The Vipers for its speed. He had seen her drive, had been in the car along side her. The only reason he had beaten her that day was because she didn’t know the track as well as he did. And he knew she was practicing, planning to race him again. He loved that competitive spirit she had, that need to win…to do her best and get better. He saw the challenge in Luke’s face and the taunt on Caitlin’s and agreed, “Let’s do it!”
Caitlin looked at Luke and said, “One condition, I get to ride with Bo and the winner has to race me! And then if you beat me, I will have to forfeit what ever price you ask me to pay.” That remark brought out an applause and “go get her” from those around them.
Bo and Luke looked at each other and then shook hands in agreement. Within a few minutes, they had all relocated to the stockcar track. Bo and Caitlin sat side by side in The General and Luke in The Viper. Enos called out the start and the race was on. Caitlin held on…the adrenaline of the speed under her arousing her senses. It was a like a drug and her whole body tingled. Bo and Luke stayed even with each other around the first turn of the track and stay that way through two laps. Caitlin had hoped that Luke would beat his cousin. But they seemed to be very evenly matched. On any other day, Caitlin would have relished Bo’s expertise at the wheel. But she needed to help Luke. Knowing that Bo was not paying attention to her, Caitlin inched closer to him, her hand caressing the gearshift. A smile touched the corners of her mouth as Bo’s focus slightly swayed as his eyes dipped to watch her movements for a fraction of a second.
Bo smiled and teased, “My Caiti-Girl, you need to find some place else to put your hand, Darlin. Or I’m gonna lose!”
Caitlin nodded, “Oh, OK.” She retrieved her hand and waited for him to ignore her again.
Bo returned his attention to the track. But he could not concentrate; the lower half of his body was becoming alive with familiar sensations. Fingers were loosening his shirt and then a hand rested on his upper thigh. He looked at Caitlin and she smiled seductively, “For Good Luck!”
From the Viper, Luke watched Bo drop back for a brief instant, but not long enough to let Luke get ahead of him. Luke downshifted to get more speed from the Viper and was rewarded with another increase…he was pushing 120mph…Bo again matching him. Luke laughed to himself wondering how he had gotten into this race. He knew full well that he and Bo were evenly matched in their racing skills…Bo a little better when push came to shove. Luke knew he had the edge only because of the newer more powerful engine of the Viper and his ability to harness it.
Bo had a problem. He wanted to beat his cousin to race against Caitlin again. He knew exactly what price he would demand once he crossed the finish line ahead of her. But she was making his ability to concentrate rough. He like the feeling of her hand resting on his thigh and resumed his involvement in the race. They had just entered the last lap and had crossed the first turn. He nudged ahead of Luke, staying to inside of the track. Again his concentration was blown.
Caitlin pressed herself into Bo’s side at just the right calculated moment. She let her hand travel further across his thigh while breathing kisses to his neck. He looked at her and she gave him a look he had come to desire in the past few days. He knew what she wanted. He suddenly gave up the race, The General slowing to a halt with his foot on the break. Bo threw the gearshift into park and fiercely pulled Caitlin against him. His mouth found hers while her hands roamed over him. The noise of a horn and a gunshot was heard outside The General announcing that Luke had crossed the finish line and won. Bo eased up on Caitlin and looked deep into her eyes. He stated, “You wanted me to lose, didn’t you.”
Caitlin’s teasing eyes danced before him, “How could you tell.” Then she threw herself back into kisses, pressing against him as hard and as much as she could. Loud footsteps and voices coming toward them interrupted their embrace. Luke looked into the General and challenged, “So, Miss Rose, you ready to race the best Duke Racer!”
Caitlin replied in mock sweetness, “I was…but now I guess I’ll have to race you.”
She asked, “Do you want the Viper again? Or me?”
Luke asked, “You’d race the General! But…” He saw the teasing, challenge in her eyes, and said, “Let’s go come on, Bo. No giving her pointers. I know exactly what your Rose is going to do for me when this is over!”
Caitlin said, “Pray tell is that?”
Luke said, “Oh, just some of that chicken Bo keeps bragging about…and maybe taking your Viper for a long drive to see a friend of mine.”
Caitlin smiled, “Is she pretty?”
Luke smiled but didn’t answer.
Caitlin returned, “Ok, Mr. Duke, but If I beat you that this Saturday after the race you have to run some errands for me and let Bo and I have the day to ourselves! I need a whole list of supplies. Oh and you have to tell everyone at The Boars Nest that I kicked ass on this track.”
Luke agreed, “Deal!” He now understood why they were racing. His remark…she wanted revenge. Well he planned to have the last laugh.
Bo watched his cousin and his fiancée shake hands. He wanted to warn Luke about Caitlin’s skill, but Caitlin would kill him. He stood helpless thinking, “Luke, you screwed with the wrong woman! Have fun with those errands on Saturday.”
Again, Luke entered the driver’s side of the Viper and Bo helped Caitlin back into the General and got her buckled in and a helmet on this time. Bo was about to give Caitlin some advice about the race. Caitlin shook him off and asked him to just let her go. Bo took it upon himself to start the race. Before the word go died on his lips, the viper, and the general flew past him in their second race against each other. Bo hurried off to the sidelines where Enos, Cooter, and Daisy watched the race.
Luke and Caitlin drove side by side around the racetrack staying tied. As they rounded the last turn of the last lap, Caitlin downshifted and pushed the gas pedal to the floor until she heard the engine go into overdrive. This pushed the general just a hair ahead of her Viper and Luke. Luke tried desperately to catch up but the site of Enos standing at the finish line let Luke know that he had been beaten.
A few minutes later, Luke and Caitlin were surrounded by their friends. Caitlin was being congratulated while Luke was being consoled and teased. Luke hugged Caitlin and said, “I should have known. Did good my sister.” Luke repeated the day’s events to the crowd at the boar’s nest and saluted Caitlin in her win against him. Everyone spent the rest of the night in good humor and pleasant thoughts for the next day’s events.
The day of the race arrived. The excitement of the event touched all involved. Caitlin had banished Bo to sit in the stands with uncle Jesse and Daisy. She had asked Luke and boss Hogg’s trainer to assist her in getting ready for the race that day. Bo had become over protective and anxious as the time drew closer to the start of the race. His nervousness was infecting not only Caitlin, but also Aidan as well causing the horse to misbehave and become defiant. Luke waited for Caitlin to finish dressing in her racing gear and then escorted her over to be weighed.
Meanwhile Boss Hogg found the one person he was hoping would not show up parking outside. Will sharp led his men through the courthouse into boss hogs office. Will sat down in Boss’s chair behind his desk and said, “Mr. Hogg, it’s time. I need you to arrange to have those Duke’s arrested so that I can take my property back.”
Before Boss could respond, Rosco came into his office carrying a special envelope. He said, “Boss, I need to get over to the race track. I got this here telegram from Miss Rose.”
Boss Hogg asked, “Can’t it wait. She is racing soon. I got too much money on her for something to go wrong now.”
Rosco said, “But sir it says here it’s an emergency.”
Boss Hogg dismissed Rosco, “just save it until after the race. Do you hear me!”
Will nodded at Bronco, who stepped in front of Rosco preventing him from leaving the office. Will inquired, “Sheriff, may I ask what the emergency is?”
Rosco sighed in sympathy, “seems her father’s met with an accident.”
Boss Hogg said, “I know, I know what it says. We got one earlier this morning.”
Will smiled, “yes I know that, Mr. Rose was shot.” Looking at both Rosco and boss Hogg in warning, will continued, “Because that’s what happens to people who get in my father’s way. And Mr. Hogg it also happens to people who get in my way. Now what does the rest of the telegram say?”
Rosco swallowed his fear, “well ummm… it says because she didn’t answer the first telegram her uncle of coming to get her and should be here in a few days. He wants to take her home. Boss they what you to arrange to have someone take care of Miss Rose’s property and horses until a range of can be made when things have settled down.”
Will looked at bronco and Jack and smiled evilly, “we’ve got her gentleman. Mr. Hogg this is our chance.”
Boss asked, “What are you talking about?”
Will looked at boss sternly, “you do remember our deal?”
Boss replied gruffly, “Yeah I remember held up my end of the bargain. You and your boys got to hide out for awhile, make plans to get out of the country like you promised; will I helped you escape, let you have run of my western union, now it’s time for you leave.”
Will asked, “What about the other part Mr. Hogg. Don’t you want your cut of the ransom when we get it?”
Boss returned, “No I don’t. I don’t believe we should bother the little lady any more. And I already got twice what you paid me anyway through her and that horse of hers.”
Will stood up letting his height intimidate Boss Hogg. Jack and bronco cornered Rosco just inside the office. Will explained, of threatening tone very evident in his voice, “I don’t think you understand Mr. Hogg, I don’t like people who double cross me. That let me explain something to you. I am going to take Caitlin. You can help me and are rewarded or my men and I will do it on our own. And you my friend will have the same fate as other that have disappointed me.” Will took a piece of paper and have from boss’s desk. He wrote a figure of numbers on it and gave it to boss to read. He explained, “Mr. Hogg, my friend, to see those numbers? This one,” he pointed to the top figure, “ease the amount Caitlin inherits it her father dies. Do you think she will pay her own ransom? Now do you see this figure,” he pointed his second figure, “is the ransom. Plenty for all of us to share. If you help me to strike now with her father in the hospital, her uncle will pay any amount to get her back.”
Boss countered, “why can’t spend no ransom money in prison. And I won’t be a party to you hurting the girl.”
Will smiled, “I see she has made an impression on you Mr. Hogg. But I don’t think you knew what the top figure means. So that may explain it to you. You know your problem of the Duke family and that mortgage you all on their farm? That mortgage won’t exist anymore once Bo marries Caitlin.”
That thought had never occurred to boss Hogg and he choked, “you mean the Duke family will be rich?” The thought was distasteful to boss Hogg unless that meant the Duke family moving out of Hazzard county for good. However, another thought of the possibilities and business opportunities for boss Hogg should the dukes and their rich bride stay in Hazzard made the idea more palatable.
Will knew he had touched on boss’s weakness. He suggested, “I don’t want to hurt the lady. I want to for myself Mr. Hogg. But if I can’t have her don’t you think it is fair that I get what she owes me. Wouldn’t you like a piece of the pie that Bo Duke is getting.”
An idea came to Jack Dannon. He cleared his throat and suggested, “Mr. Hogg we could make its of that Bo doesn’t get to marry his rose. You wanted to get Bo and Luke back into jail long time haven’t you? We could arrange for them to be blame while we get away with the ransom money.”
In the hall outside, Rosco saw Enos sit down at his desk near boss’s door. Rosco got Enos’s attention and Enos all the dangerous men surrounding boss and Rosco. Before anyone could notice that he was there, Enos made himself comfortable with his feet on his desk, and his hat over his face as if he were taking a nap. he heard will and the other men explaining to boss and Rosco how they were going to frame Bo and Luke for Caitlin’s kidnapping.. To his disappointment he heard boss Hogg laugh in agreement of the plan. Boss even joked that he finally found the perfect wedding gift for the happy couple. Boss Hogg then demanded, “but I don’t want nothing stopping that horse race. I’ve already that too much money for that girl to win. She has got to race.”
Will nodded, “you are right Mr. Hogg. One more day will not make a difference. Besides, I planned to wager on her myself. Remember I have actually seen her race before I know what she is capable of.”
Jack Dannon instructed, “sheriff, tomorrow I will call you with the signal for you to keep the dukes away from Caitlin’s ranch. I don’t think you all should know more.”
Rosco protested, “But what I can’t I won’t.”
Boss Hogg pushed past will and smacked Rosco’s arm, “yes you will Rosco P. Coltrane! You’ll do everything these men tell you.” Boss than sneered, “and do it right this time.”
Rosco was unsure. He didn’t like it the plan for the dangerous man boss Hogg had just made a deal with. Then Rosco saw boss face Will. Rosco noticed boss with his hand behind his back, his chubby fingers crossed and hidden in his sleeve. Rosco understood and he laughed excitedly, pretending to agree with the plan. Rosco promised to get those Duke boys out of the way.
With his business complete, will informed boss and Rosco that he would see them at the track later. He sternly advise them not to double cross him. He said that they were going to be watched by one of his men at all times. Will excused himself and was followed out of the building by bronco and Jack. Bronco asked as soon as they were of the building, “you don’t trust them do you will?”
Will sighed in frustration, “not at all. That’s why we’ve got to move the hideout. Bronco, have Scott get things together and take them to that place we found in the next county. We can’t have Sheriff Coltrane and Boss Hogg showing up to rescue by Caitlin and get the reward that her uncle Charles will obviously offer.” Smiling at his friends, “now let’s go see my rose fly on that horse of hers.”
Back inside the courthouse as soon as the coast was clear, Enos to jump and with through the papers on his desk. He pulled out a telegram he had received from an agent of the FBI named (insert name) and several “Wanted” posters with pictures of will and each of his friends. Enos hurried into Boss’s office and was about to show his information to them. He heard Rosco asking, “boss are you sure we should go through with this? I don’t want anyone to get hurt or worse.”
Enos presented the posters and telegram to boss Hogg and Rosco. He asked if he could arrest will and his men before they didn’t hurt someone. Boss Hogg calmed both Enos and Rosco down. He informed he did not intend to let will hurt anyone. He said he had a plan and went about telling it to them. He ended the conversation by saying, “until then both of you do exactly what will says.”
Couple of hours later, boss waited for the horse race to begin from his private booth near the finish line. With his binoculars, he saw will and his friends occupying another private booth high above the crowd. Will had his own set of binoculars and greeted boss Hogg with a wave of his hand. Boss made sure to return the greeting with a wave of his cigar. Boss Hogg turned his binoculars for the standing room only in front of the track. He could see Jesse Duke, Daisy, and Bo standing with Cooter near the center railing. It was obvious that Bo was agitated, as he gripped the railing and then pounded on its every few seconds. An announcement came over the loudspeaker letting them know it was time for the sixth race. The racing card for that day had listed twelve events. Caitlin was to be in race number eight. So far, she was not listed as the favorite to win being an unknown at the track. Boss Hogg hoped she would remain the long shot.
In the horse’s circle, Caitlin allowed herself to relax and joked around with Luke. It took the two of the to keep Aidan from getting too excited with all the other horses around. Caitlin again felt her wild hair trying to escape her racing helmet. From the bag that Luke carried, Caitlin retrieved a few more hairpins and proceeded to add them to her hair. She felt the familiar excitement of the race infecting her. She quickly did a few stretches as the sixth race began. Then the seventh race riders mounted their horses and were led toward the starting gate. Luke asked her if she was OK. Caitlin nodded to him and explained her nervousness. She thought of her father and uncle at that moment and wished they were there to see her. That brought a few tears to her eyes and Luke hugged her. One of the many organizers of the races rushed over to Luke and Caitlin and told him it was time.
Caitlin acknowledged the man and then allowed Luke to give her leg into her saddle. Caitlin fixed her legs into the stirrups. She patted Aidan’s neck and nuzzled near the horses ear. She cooed, “all right, Baby Aidan, let’s show ’em some of your black magic!” Aidan nodded his head and we need an agreement, the sound almost like a laugh of confidence.
The winner of the sixth race was being announced and the start of the seventh race began. Luke and boss Hogg’s trainer led Aidan and Caitlin down the path to the starting gate. The trio was careful not to let Aidan get too close to any of the other horses. Now the seventh race was over and it was time for the eighth race to begin. Caitlin thanked Luke and the other man for their help as they loaded her into the starting gate. Luke patted Aidan’s flank and added in excited encouragement, “let’s win this!”
From his secluded booth, Will had been having a good day. Three of the horses that he had bet on won. So far, that they had been a relaxing one and it included the company of several beautiful southern women draping themselves over he and his men. They were all enjoying several bottles of beer he. Will looked over to see bronco holding his own set of binoculars and looking out at the track.
Bronco felt Will’s eyes upon him. Bronco made sure he did not keep his binoculars focused only on Caitlin. Instead, he turned most of his attention to the read head known as Daisy standing near Bo. Bronco heard the calling for the eighth race to begin. Both he and will focus their binoculars on the starting gate. The race began, the horses exploding out of the gate and onto the track. Caitlin immediately took fourth in the running. They watched her set the pace she needed to keep until it was time to let Aidan have his lead to run. Overhead the announcer called out the places of each horse and other riders.
Boss Hogg’s racing box, he looked at the program before and saw the list of horses. Caitlin’s horse had been listed as “Aidan’s Magic” from The Rose Ranch, Hazzard County. The other names of the horses included were: Hunter’s Run, GenuineGennie, Winter’sHope, Adventure’s Smile, MasterScion, Van’sWyn, Delight’s Revenge, WyndyWendy, Tornado’sFury. There were ten in all. The first turn held Tornado’sFury in first, MasterScion in Second, and Winter’s Hope in third. Aidan’s magic held back in fifth place with Delight’s Revenge trying to pin her on the inside rail.
From his vantage point, Bo called out curses to the rider preventing his “Caiti-Girl” from coming away from the rail. He could not see her in the midst of the other horses. The pack flew past his viewpoint and the next time they came by would be the end of the race. As he watched the pack head to the next turn, he saw Aidan’s colors edging to the outside. The announcer had too and let the crowd know. Bo was shouting with echoes of Daisy, Jesse, and Cooter voices joining his.
Will called out instructions to Caitlin as if she could hear him. He applauded her move to the outside and said, “That-a-girl! When she moved into Third place. As the pack neared the final turn, Will spoke to the window, “Ok, Baby! Now…let him loose!”
Caitlin had fought to get away from the wall, the rider of Delight’s Revenge not making it easy. He kept nudging too close trying to spook Aidan. But Caitlin heard Aidan snort and knew it was time. She gave a nudge with her reigns looking for even the tiniest of openings. As soon as she found it, she moved to the outside. The moment she past the final turn, She shouted to Aidan, “Fly! Baby, It’s Magic Time!” Aidan and Caitlin again became one being, Aidan shot forward with a burst of speed.
Overhead the race was called. “Around the final turn comes Tornado’s Fury, Master Scion…. wait…Aidan’s Magic has moved to Third position…there he goes…Tornado’s Fury…Master…Aidan…now…Tornado…Aidan moving past MasterScion…. Scion trying to recover…but Aidan has set his sight on Tornado’s Fury. They are running neck and neck…Tornado’s Fury…Aidan’sMagic….Aidan’s Magic….wait….wait….
Boss Hogg watched Aidan and Tornado’s Fury cross the finish line together. The race could not be called until the video could be reviewed…it was a photo-finish. He hurried out of his booth toward the winner’s circle just in case.
A few minutes later, Bo raced toward the winners’ circle where he found news reporters surrounding Caitlin still astride Aidan. The photo finished had been called and she was the victor. She held a trophy; a garland of flowers had been placed around Aidan’s neck. Bo pushed past the reporters to find Luke helping to keep Aidan calm in the midst of the rush of the crowd. Aidan’s eyes were wide with distrust. But he remained in check as he still felt the relaxed way Caitlin sat in her saddle. A reporter asked if he could take her picture. He said he was from a major paper in Atlanta. Caitlin did not hesitate. She wanted her family to see that she was racing again and winning. Caitlin handed the trophy to Luke and pulled her racing helmet from her head. She caught her long braid as it fell and removed the hairpin keeping together. She shook out the braid until her hair fell over her shoulders in a mass of wavy curls. Taking the trophy back, she smiled at the photographer. Her smiled brighter just as he stepped the photograph and Bo had come forward at the same time.
Bo stepped past the reporter, reached for Caitlin’s waste, and helped her dismounted into his excited embrace. He held her in the air for a few seconds letting her hair to go his cheeks and the sound of her giggles bring music his ears. He twirled her round and congratulated her on having won the race. All of this was noted by the reporters and other well-wishers with delight.
From his vantage point, Will watched the ceremonies in the winner’s circle. He drank down the last drop of his beer and violently threw the bottle at one of the walls. He continued to watch the couple below him and his anticipation for the next day increased. He planned to force Caitlin to his will once again and after the ransom was paid, disappear with her. Even now his father is private plane was waiting for them in Atlanta. Will would be taking Caitlin to their new home on an island in the Caribbean.
A few hours later, the rose ranch was filled with people celebrating Caitlin’s victory. Caitlin had arranged a barbecue for all of her friends in Hazzard county. There were picnic tables set up with food and plenty of beer. Lights had been strung up in a circle around the trees and her porch and a local band played music for them to dance to. Caitlin and Bo were not the perfect host and hostess however, preferring to keep to themselves instead of visiting and conversing with their family and friends about the days events. At one point Caitlin squeezed Bo’s hand giving him a seductive smile, she picked up a couple of apples from a nearby table, and then made him watch her disappear into the barn. Bo had been in the middle of telling a friend how he had met Caitlin and could not get away to follow immediately.
Inside the barn, Caitlin was displaying affection and appreciation to Aidan for a nice day’s work. Caitlin rewarded Aidan was one of the apple she had brought him with her caressing the horses neck and cheek as he ate. Bo watched her unguarded movements from the entrance of the barn. She was wearing the same peasant skirt that she had worn the night of their first date. Her waist was wrapped with the black lace shawl the delicate fringe swaying against the skirt and around her ankles. Bo approached Caitlin and quietly gathered her into his embrace. They remained quietly in each other’s arms and joined the taste of each other’s lips. The music of the band reached their ears as they began a very romantic slow song. In the privacy of the barn, Caitlin danced with her Bo, her eyes never leaving his. No words were spoken except those coming silently through their eyes, lips, and touch. It was a dance to remember long after this night was over.