by: Essy Jane

Okay, welcome to our Hazzard County. I really am glad you decided to come back here for yet an additional voyage to this fair county. Every time y’all come back over here, I get so tickled pink you would think that I was cotton candy. You wouldn’t believe how in high spirits I am. I mean without you around who would I tell the stories too? You have to tell me that one.

This is a place where all the excitement happens. This Hazzard County is a place where everyone wants to stay forever and ever. The place…oh wait, I’m making a mountain out of a molehill. Come on, when you go to Hazzard County, you would lay it on thick too.

Bo and Luke would be of the same mind as me. Go and raise the question to them if you want. They would both tell you that this place is better than apple pie. It is better than anything else in the world. I will never dispute that one.

Well don’t blame me for being swollen with pride when it comes to Hazzard. I feel affection for this wonderful area and I think I will always love it with all my heart. Why? So many interesting things happen here. Families love to bring their kids around here too.

You know, it was Hazzard County where you, if truth were told, learned how to take to the air—without a plane that is. In Hazzard, one and all know you as a crony a buddy… more or less good egg. You are magnificent until we can provide evidence that you, the visitor, are a rotten stinker. Oh, they’ll run you out of town if you’re too rotten so don’t test my theory.

I know you committed to your memory Bo Duke and Danny Brinier. Well if you didn’t know who Bo was, I would think you were a tiny little bit batty. Danny—well I guess I could let you get away with that one…this time. Bo and Danny and been friends since—well since Bo stepped foot in this County. You see, friendship is the most wonderful thing in the world to these guys.

“I am so goanna beat you Danny,” Bo said as he jumped his bike. Danny shook his head no. “What do you mean no? Who are you to foretell the future?”

“Out of everyone in Hazzard I am the most excellent, no the most superior on a Bike,” Danny replied.

“Uh huh, sure you are.”

“I am and you know it, Bo Duke. I could take you on any time of any day.” Bo began to laugh. “Don’t you laugh at me Blondie, you know it and Luke knows it. If you want we could ask him.”

“I never did like to ask Luke about anything.”

“You mean you don’t want to make a fool of yourself because you know I am truthful kind of guy. I am the best bike rider.”

Danny was spot on when he spoke of this subject. Bo could never beat him. If it were in a go-cart, Danny would loose. He wasn’t exactly the top driver in the world. Bo on the other hand could beat him with his eyes closed.

“We’ll see about that.” As they approached a hill, Danny took the lead, making it to the main road. Now Bo was behind. He didn’t mind though. In fact, he slowed down, knowing that his best friend had already won.

On the main road, Danny was waiting for him. As he was tapping his foot, a car came by. They saw him really clearly and smiled. Danny started to smile back. The car hit a mud puddle on purpose, soaking the young man in mud.

“Take that you sinful black demon!” One of them called. Danny shook his head and sighed. He couldn’t believe what had just happened. Bo finally made it to the road. He was smiling and laughing away.

Well that is until he saw Danny’s face—and the rest of him. Bo’s eyebrows lowered with confusion. “Hey, what happened to you?” Bo asked.

Danny sighed and lowered his head. You know what’s funny about Danny? He is a lot like Bo. So when Danny’s upset like this, you know it. It was written all over the young boy’s face.

Bo’s usual smiling face was now totally overflowing with fuss and alarm. You see, this young man always loved his friend with all his heart and to see Danny like this, broke Bo in two. Now that’s friendship, y’all.

“Are you okay?” Bo asked, with kindheartedness. Danny shrugged. Bo growled and shook his head. “You know as well as I do Danny, that’s not an answer. Now, let’s try this again. Are you okay?”

“No,” Danny replied. He started to walk away from Bo quickly. Bo quickly went after him. “Go away, Bo.”

“No.”

“Just go away.” Danny began to walk faster. “You wouldn’t understand, Bo Duke, you just wouldn’t.” Now don’t mess with the captain of the track and field team. He could beat you in a heart beat.

“Come on Danny, what is up?”

“That’s none of your business.”

“It is too my business, Danny. I am sort of your most excellent, kindest—best friend in the whole world. Call me crazy but I think that would make it my business.”

“Yeah–right. I think you should stay out of other people’s affairs.”

“Come on Danny. You have mud all over you. Your face is full of grief. Danny, you seem like someone has killed you.”

“Sure Bo.” Bo growled once again. He couldn’t believe Danny was holding something from him. “Whatever you say, Bo.”

“You look like you have been taken around the world being dragged by a truck, talk to me Danny.”

“I can’t.” Bo rolled his eyes slowly.

“Can’t or won’t?”

“Pick one.”

“You can’t do this to me.” Danny shook his head. All he wanted was Bo to leave him alone. All Bo wanted was for Danny to talk about this. Now who do you think is goanna win? The person with the mopes or the anxious one? You tell me.

“Oh?”

“You just can’t do it to me. Not to Bo Duke, nope you won’t do it to me.”

“Why not Bo?”

“Because, we’re impressively the best friends in the world, that’s why!” Danny suddenly stopped in the middle of the road and he looked Bo in the eye.

“When you look at me, what do you see?”

“A guy covered in mud?” Danny rolled his eyes. He punched Bo in the arm. Bo rubbed it with care. “OWE! That hurt!”

“Good, you’re making a mockery of me.”

“No, you’re doing that all on your own.” Danny snarled at Bo. “Well what do you want me to say, Danny? Huh? I don’t get you right now. I was just stating what I saw. What do you want me to say?”

“First of all, I want you to put an end to all this joking around and become serious.” Bo crocked an eyebrow and then started laughing away. In fact, he was chucking so hard that he was turning a soft shade of red, he kind of resembled a cherry.

“You have got to be kidding me.” Bo stopped laughing but kept the smile. “I am Bo Duke. I am the gag prince.”

“Yeah I know that.”

“I can’t keep a straight face when a clowning comedian comes around.” Danny tapped his fingers on his bike. “I just keep laughing all the more. I really can’t help it you see.”

“Well…”

“Even if someone is trying to have one of THOSE talks with me—I wouldn’t be able to keep a real serious look about me.”

“I mean it, Bo, I need you to be absolutely extremely serious for this one.”

“What do you mean by serious? Do you mean Freddy serious or Shaggy serious?”

“Freddy.”

“But I like Shaggy.”

“You don’t have the hair to be Shaggy and you don’t have the dog—wait! You did it to me again.” Bo began laughing.

“I’m sorry, I know, I didn’t mean to. It just rather popped right out.” Danny shook his head and began walking away. Bo blocked his friend all over again. “Danny, I was only joking.”

“Yeah I noticed.”

“Look, let’s try this again.”

“Alright Bo but no shaggy dog stories, no practical jokes…I mean it!” Bo seemed to shrink with each word Danny spoke. He didn’t like the sound of this. For once Danny had become a hard and inflexible. “No lines of hilarity, just wholesome and formal.”

“Too hard.”

“Just try for a minute.” Bo set himself straight and stood tall as he sighed. He looked Danny right in the eye. “Just one minute?”

“Okay, I’ll try.”

“Now, I want you to do this for me okay?”

“Alright.”

“Tell me what you see when you look at me.” Bo rolled his eyes and shook his head. This is what got him in trouble the last time. “What is wrong now?”

“Oh please Danny, not this again. I don’t like the question.”

“Bo, make my day, this is important to me.”

“Well if it is important…”

“Thanks Bo.”

“You’re especially welcome Danny. I am being serious when I say this to you.”

“Okay, focus now.”

“I am concentrating.” Bo looked into his face carefully, examining every feature—every blemish.

“Now tell me exactly what you see when you look into my face. No matter what comes into your mind—well never mind about that. I mean anything that isn’t a ruse.”

“I see my best friend. I see someone who has constantly been there for me no matter what. I see someone who helped me play pranks on Coy.” Danny shook his head and smiled. “I tried.”

“I know you did.”

“Now can you tell me what happened?”

“What do you mean?”

“You were in such a first-rate frame of mind just a minute ago and then suddenly out of nowhere you seemed to…I don’t know, flip over.”

“What do you mean by flipped over?” Bo hated explaining himself especially right now.

“You turned over and somehow ended up as a serious awful character. Like some bad dude off some weird film. Now what changed from…?”

“There was a truck back there…guys I have never seen before. They smiled, I smiled back. They purposely moved the car over so that I would get mud all over me.”

“How did you know it was on purpose?”

“They said, ‘Take that you black devil.’ Last time they saw me. This time—well, yet another racist comment. Last time I thought they were joking but…”

“They called you…”

“Yes.”

“They called you that?”

“Yep they sure did. Yesterday they did the same thing. Saying a comment, then they drove away laughing and cheering.” Bo shook his head and a light of clarity seemed to come over his head.

“That’s why you were asking what I saw?”

“Yeah…you know, I had the notion spinning in my head, I thought the racism stopped.”

“It never does though. I too was sure that our country, the United States of America, was better than this.”

“Me too.”

“I have fought many guys Danny. I have fought them with my fists and I have fought them with words. I have taken down many bad men.”

“Is there a point to this Bo?”

“Danny, racism is an infection. It is something that is more horrendous than anything we’ve ever dealt with.”

“Yeah I know and that’s why I am not expecting you two to do anything about it.” Bo shook his head no.

“I can fix this.”

“Oh please don’t say you’re goanna go and do something that is extremely brainless. I can’t think of my best friend doing something like that.”

“Well I won’t, I will just do something irrational.”

“Don’t you dare, Bo Duke! I don’t want you to go and do something so intolerably idiotic on my account.”

“I promise you though that I will fix this. I have you as my eyewitness. I will make this go away.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

“I won’t ever do that. I am promising that I will fix this.”

“I would love to see it Bo, I really would.” Danny grabbed onto his bike. Bo ran back and grabbed his, catching up with his friend almost aimlessly. “You know, there are so many people that say things are changing but they’re not.”

“They are too; things just change slowly that’s all.” Danny shook his head.

“You’re just one person though.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“You know as well as I do, a group is better than a single person. What can you do? You can’t run up and fix it like you said.” Bo began laughing. He pushed his hair back with his one free hand.

“One individual is capable of changing the future. You should know that by now.”

“Yeah right, here? You know as well as I do that nothing will change.”

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr…was he not one person?”

“Yeah but he’s different than you are.”

“No he’s not…well with the exception of the moustache thing.”

“Bo…”

“Well that and the fact that he had brown eyes. I always wanted chocolate brown eyes—especially so I wouldn’t look like Coy but you know that never happened.”

“Bo, don’t poke fun.”

“I am just trying to tell you that we’re alike in principal.” Danny shrugged. He figured that Bo didn’t know what he was talking about.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You see? HA! We balladeers are all seeing. I knew what he was saying to you.

“Oh Danny, see outside of the box.”

“I’ll try.”

“He too was a person fighting for people’s rights and freedoms. I know I’m not marching but I do want every person to be equal.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Hey, let’s go and have some lemonade at your place…your Pa makes a mean cup.” Danny smiled and nodded.

“Sure Bo…hey, I’m sorry.”

“Forget about it. You know, I would be mad at me too.”

“I wasn’t frustrated with you at all Bo. I wasn’t even close to angry at you…I was just sort of taking it out on you which doesn’t make me a good friend on any counts.”

“Forget about it.”

2

In the coffin factory, Daisy and Luke were hiding. They watched as Boss Hogg filled the cases with moonshine. “Now you see, these are going to other cities and those dorks down at the county lines will never know the difference. I learned it from my second cousin’s archives,” Boss Hogg told Roscoe.

“Oooo goody, a phony bologna situation staring Boss Hogg, Khee. Ooo I love it I love it,” Roscoe replied.

“Roscoe, you are so stupid. In fact you’re so stupid that when you went to the antique shop and asked the shop keeper if he had anything newer in the store.”

“That’s not very polite Boss, because that happened to me on one occasion. It was an awkward incident.” Daisy bit on her bottom lip, hoping the laughter wouldn’t come streaming out. Luke smiled at his younger cousin, thinking she was funny.

“You have got to be kidding me.”

“No, I am not.”

“My goodness Roscoe, you are—oh never mind what you are. If I tried to explain that, I would be here all night long.”

“What do you think?” Daisy whispered to Luke. The young man grinned kindheartedly at his cousin. You know as well as I do that Luke has something twisting through his little mind. No, it ain’t cheese. “You think that they’ll get away with it?”

“I think we can break this,” Luke whispered back.

“Do ya think we can by today?”

“Why?”

“Because we have church tomorrow and school on Monday—why do you think?”

“I know that Daisy. Uncle Jesse says, ‘The key to every man is a good solid religion and a strong educational background.’ I do agree with him there.”

“I know you know that.”

“And I know that you know that I know that.”

“Can you stop that?”

“I don’t know can I.”

“Would you please stop that?”

“Sure.”

“So what are we going to do smoke them out? I in actual fact want to be at school.”

“Jesse would tan our hides if we did that.”

“What go to school?”

“No, smoke them out.”

“Well he did it once when he was young.”

“Do you want to hear him make his next speech?” Daisy shook her head no. “You know what we’ll have to do to make this short and sweet?”

“What?”

“Just call the FBI.” Daisy giggled softly. Boss heard that one. He walked up the stairs. Daisy and Luke ducked but it was too late, the damage had been done. As Boss was looking around, Luke formulated a plan. He wrapped a rope around his right leg and got Daisy to tie the other end to a coffin.

“I could have sworn someone was up here,” Boss said.

“Well, I am going back to work. Got bad guys to catch Khee!” Roscoe replied. He ran out the room. Luke stood up. He pulled Boss Hogg’s hat over his eyes. Boss tried to run after the two while pulling his had up. The coffin came with him. He finally got his hat up as Daisy and Luke ran out of the coffin factory.

Roscoe pulled away in the car. As he saw the two of them getting in the General Lee, the police car turned around and began to follow the Dukes. Daisy was in the driver’s seat this time. “Why do you get to drive?” Luke questioned.

“Because you, Luke Duke, drove here, you silly goose. Besides, I need the practice,” Daisy replied. Daisy saw a dip in the road and took it. She flew up in the air. Roscoe did the same thing, unlike most times, he made it.

“You can do better than that.”

“I’m sure I can. He seems determined today though.”

“Well get used to it Daisy, he’ll be chasing you a lot. After all you’re a Duke. Us Dukes don’t get breaks…we get chased.” Daisy shook her head as she laughed.

“Okay, let’s try Hazzard pond. He always falls for that one.”

“Good call.” Daisy sped up and took a short cut through the water and back on to the road. Roscoe followed. She turned onto the rough terrain again, making the jump right over the pond and the trees. Roscoe tried the same thing and of course didn’t make it.

“You would think he would learn by now.”

“Let’s go call the police.”

Over at Danny’s place, he explained what happened to his father. Danny’s Dad, Galen, shook his head. “You know Bo, this is common still. Not as common but it does happen,” Galen mumbled.

“I don’t see why it does. Everyone is the same aren’t they?” Bo asked.

“You and I know that but some people really don’t see it. You know that white and black can work together. White is the paper and black is the ink.”

“One with the other is incomplete?” Galen smiled softly.

“You know, you’re a smart boy. You have your Uncle’s spirit. He and I have gotten along well since I came here.

“Really?”

“Out of everyone out there, he has always stuck by me. I remember when we had a fire and our crops burned to the ground. He invited us over for lunch and supper every day.” Bo smiled.

“Sounds like my Uncle.” Suddenly, Bo heard the General’s engine. It came to a skidding halt. “Let’s not talk about this with them.” Galen nodded. Daisy and Luke got out of the car. Luke seemed a little preoccupied as he sat down to eat.

“Luke, you wanna say the blessing?” Galen asked.

“Sure thing Mr. Brinier,” Luke commented. Everyone folded their arms. Luke cleared his throat and took a deep breath. “Lord, thank you for this bounteous feast which you have provided and may we be extremely grateful. Lord, please bless Galen and his son. They are wonderful people and deserve the world. Amen.”

“Amen,” Everyone commented. They all dug into the ribs. Daisy was drooling over the Mashed potatoes with gravy. Bo shook his head and laughed. He served her up some.

“Thank you sooo much,” Daisy commented, as she put the potatoes on her fork.

“So I hear Jesse’s going on a trip?” Galen asked.

“Yeah, he wants to go a week over there so he can spend time with Uncle Jose,” Luke began.

“After that, Uncle Jose’s coming here and Uncle Jesse’s staying there. Uncle Jose misses Hazzard,” Bo added. He started licking the barbeque sauce off his fingers.

“Then Uncle Jesse’s coming back and Uncle Jose’s goanna stay one more week in Hazzard,” Daisy announced.

“You kids will be okay won’t ya?” Galen questioned.

“Oh of course we will.”

“He trusts you three, that’s a great quality. Back when Sharon, Eddy and Danny were all living in one roof, I would give them to Jess when I went out.”

“You know Dad, they could always all stay over here,” Danny cut in. Galen started laughing.

“Nah, you four would be worse together…partying all night.” Bo and Luke looked at each other and started laughing. “Danny don’t need that kind of encouragement.

“So Daisy, where were you and Luke today?”

“We went to bust boss’ operation. When the FBI got there, the whole business was shut down. That Boss Hogg is a sneaky one,” Daisy grumbled.

“Well at least you tried I guess.”

“Well if we would have tried harder…” Luke began.

“Oh don’t act like that. Luke, sometimes you just can’t save the world. Right Bo?”

“Yeah but you can sure try. Just because you fail in one attempt doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try,” Bo answered.

“At the same time, some issues stick no matter what.”

“It’s up to the one person to make it stop.”

“Still, it may not be stopped by one person.”

“Well maybe if more than one person gets involved or maybe if you talk to someone higher…”

“How would you know if that would work?”

“No use in throwing the ISSUE on the back burner.”

“Are we talking about the same thing here?” Luke questioned.

“Ah…yeah, of course we are cousin.”

“Bo, then why am I catching drift of a totally different conversation?” Bo shrugged. He smiled at Luke. “Something is going on isn’t it?”

“Yeah, you didn’t catch him.” Luke rolled his eyes.

“Boss is kind of a sneaky person there, cousin.”

“Exactly and that’s why you shouldn’t worry about him. Eat your food.”

“You are nuts you know that?”

“No, I’m Bo.” Danny began to laugh. He was thrilled that Bo could turn a conversation on Luke so fast.

“Come on, what are you and Danny up to?”

“Didn’t I tell you to eat your food?” Luke seemed very confused but knew he wasn’t about to get anything out of his cousin. They continued to eat the wonderful food that had been prepared for them.

3

Monday came too fast for all the Duke kids. He was tapping his pencil on the desk at school. All he wanted was the class to start. He was very bored. Just sitting there looked at the ceiling. Everyone was half asleep. The bell finally rang.

“Alright, we have five new students in this class. They are quintuplets. Bernard, Johan, Lucas, Jonah and Reeve Hansen. Now Luke, I want you to show them around and help them out,” Miss Strandline announced. “Luke, stand up please.” Luke did as the teacher said. “Go sit down around our Luke Duke.”

“Okay,” Lucas mumbled. They seemed to be scanning the room as they sat down. Bernard smiled at Luke and shook his hand.

“Alright, you know the assignments from yesterday. Luke, if you could help out the new students please,” Miss Strandline mumbled. The class filled with chatter. Luke showed them the questions that were given from yesterday. Each one of the kids copied it down.

“So Luke, are you in to any sports?” Bernard asked. Luke nodded softly. Bernard smiled. “I’m into football, how about you?”

“Yeah, I am into football, boxing and karate. The last one I do with my cousin. Everyone’s trying to get him onto the football team but he doesn’t want to.”

“That’s a shame. He’s truly missing out.”

“Ah, he always calls it my thing but he’s really good.”

“What else is he into?”

“Track and field and wrestling are his two favorites.”

“Really? Lucas here loves track and field. Johan loves to box you two will get along great. Um…wrestling is Lucas’ thing. Jonah loves to wrestle.”

“Sounds like our families will get along just great.”

“Sure does.” Luke and the Hansen’s continued to work side by side, chatting away until the bell rang. Somehow in the conversation, the General Lee was brought up. The Hansen Boys all happened to love cars. Luke just had to show them the car.

“I love the confederate flag up there,” Lucas commented.

“Stands for southern pride for us—also reminds us that some wars are pointless,” Luke replied.

“What do you mean pointless?” Jonah asked.

“Well I am just saying…”

“You know the south should have won that war.”

“I think that we’re more connected now than we were back then. Everyone seems to get along better now.”

“Luke, we got to get going…we’ll see you later.” Luke seemed confused as those boys walked away.

“He did say that he was from California,” Johan mumbled.

“Yeah but that doesn’t mean we can’t change him. He’s almost worthy enough to hang around us. Just because he loves those BLACK souls doesn’t mean…” Lucas began.

“No, these kids here are warped. They have no idea…”

“Hey, people can change. He drives the car doesn’t he? That flag stands for more than he’ll ever know. We’ll teach him somehow.” Uh oh, I think this is a little out of hand. Although the Confederate flag is seen by most southerners as a simple symbol of Southern pride, it is often used by people who are racist against African-American people.

As they were talking, Bo and Danny walked by. Danny recognized the guys the minute he laid eyes on them. Bo could tell right away that something was up. “Can we go the other way?” Danny questioned.

“Those are the ones? I’m goanna go talk to them.” Danny tried to hold his friend back but Bo was too determined even for him. “Excuse me gentlemen, I heard that you dumped mud on my friend. You also called him a black devil,” Bo told the boys. Bernard stared at him.

“What’s your point? He is a black devil,” Bernard commented.

“You can’t be serious. He’s a good person and one of my best friends. What you said to him was wrong and I want you to apologize.”

“I’m sorry that you can’t see what he is.”

“You know the only worse than a black person?” Lucas asked.

“A black sympathizer,” Reeve announced.

“They are animals and the fact that you hang with them is even worse.” Bo sighed. He shook his head and walked back over to Danny.

“I told you,” Danny mumbled.

“No, we will fix this… how I don’t know,” Bo answered him.

“How Bo, You can’t exactly go and walk up to them and punch them all out. Make them celebrate black history and love black people. Man, it’s just not goanna happen.”

“It still makes me upset. Upset that I can’t help you. When you had your appendix taken out, at least I could sit with you and keep you company.” Danny smiled.

“Bo, when the summer was over, I always missed my best friend. You know, it is really comforting to have you around all the time.”

“So do you want me to punch them all in the nose?” Danny started laughing. “You know, it may not make you feel better but it would make me.”

“Bo!”

“Well I am just saying…”

“No hitting people.”

“Alright.”

Later on that day, Daisy and Luke had caught up with Bo after a lengthy set of detention. Bo didn’t seem to mind it. Daisy couldn’t understand how Bo did it everyday. “What do you do in detention that you like so very much?” Luke questioned.

“You know, I was just thinking the same thing. You seem to like going on it,” Daisy added.

“Oddly enough, you manage to stay awake when you have practices.”

“What is this, the pick on Bo day?” Bo asked.

“We were just wondering.”

“Well first of all, I do like detention.” Daisy and Luke looked at each other for a second. Luke and Daisy got in the General Lee. Bo followed, sitting in the front.

“How can you like it?”

“It is where I get most of my thinking done.” Luke started the General Lee and put him into gear. They began to drive.

“What could you possibly have needed to think about today?” Daisy asked. Bo wanted to tell his cousins but he made a promise to Danny.

“Never mind, you wouldn’t care anyway.”

“What do you mean we wouldn’t care? You know, I stayed here because I cared.”

“Daisy, let’s just drop it.”

“Bo, what is the matter with you? Normally you’re willing to tell Daisy and I anything. We’re usually such a close, tight knit family. We’re more than cousins, we’re friends,” Luke butted in.

“Luke, you wouldn’t understand. It is between me and the other guy.”

“Oh, one of those kind of fights.”

“Must everyone focus on me?”

“You are the youngest Bo,” Daisy added.

“I may be the youngest but that don’t mean…”

“It does mean that you’re up to something.”

“Like what?”

“Well you could be…” Luke began.

“I knew you didn’t know.”

“Can we talk about something else?”

“We’re goanna have to, there’s Roscoe,” Daisy announced. Luke shook his head. Bo sat back and pushed his hair with his palms, slicking it back for a moment.

“Can’t he leave us alone?” Luke questioned.

“He wouldn’t be Roscoe if he didn’t.”

“You’re right Daisy.” They began to speed ahead. Roscoe picked up his CB.

“Alright you Dukes, pull it over,” Roscoe said over the CB.

“Yeah right Roscoe, now you’re just goanna have to catch us,” Bo grumbled back over the CB.

“I sure will Khee.” Luke began to swerve back and forth. As he saw Enos coming towards him, Luke kept going towards him. Enos pulled out of the way partly and ended up smashing into a tree. Luke pulled a 180 and went back the other way. He drove straight for a little while and then had an idea. Luke pulled off the road. Roscoe followed.

“Usually I wouldn’t ask Luke but what are you doing?” Daisy asked. Luke smiled.

“Oh you’ll see,” Luke replied. Luke drove through a creek and right back onto the same road. As Luke saw Enos’ car, he pulled the usual, Luke was on two wheels on his side.

Bo began laughing. “YAHOOOOO!” He called out.

“Now that’s the Bo spirit. Let’s get home. I am sure Uncle Jesse has chores for us to do.”

“Oh yeah, massive chores.”

“None of them include messing with Roscoe and Enos?” Daisy questioned. Luke sped to the Duke farm, knowing the law of the hour was out of action.

“Hey this is the Bullet Dodger calling the lost sheep, y’all on the porch, come back?” Dodger said over the CB.

“This is lost sheep two here ready to listen come on,” Bo replied over the CB.

“Y’all have created us some good business. We decided to take y’all out to Hogg’s Heavenly Hog.”

“Boss’ new restaurant, you wanna take us there?”

“Yes sir, the new restaurant itself…sort of a thank you from Coot and me.”

“Breaker one, breaker one, I might be crazy but I’ll never be dumb, this is crazy Cooter coming at you, I hear my brother and the Dukes on the Hazzard net. Y’all goanna accept or are we on the wrong track come back?” Cooter asked.

“Sure Cooter, we accept,” Bo laughed.

“Cool get your drop cloths on and I’m gone.”

“10-4 for me too Dukes,” Dodger added.

“10-4, boys,” Bo said. He put down the CB.

“I can’t believe Cooter and Dodger are taking everyone out,” Luke commented.

“Well they’re good eggs. They were taught well by Farley Davenport.”

“Wasn’t that LB’s son?” Daisy asked.

“You sure know your history.”

“Well Bo, after reading all of those journals I would be scared if I didn’t know anything about him. LB Davenport was a good friend to our Uncles, both Jesse and Jose Duke. He helped them get back to Hazzard.”

“Daisy, I am so glad you’re still here.”

“Me too Bo you know why?”

“Why?”

“A free meal.”

“YAHOOO. Hey, you’re not here for us?”

“Sure, you too.” A free meal for the Dukes, now who in their right mind would pass up that? Of course they’ll have to finish their chores but I know the Dukes and they’re there.

4

The race was on between Jesse and the rest of the Dukes. The boys were driving the original General Lee. Jesse was driving General two. Now can you guess who was winning? If you said Luke, you’re nuts. Jesse still has him whipped. That Luke has a few things to learn about driving.

“You have got to beat him. Otherwise you will be known as the boy who was beaten by an old guy,” Bo commented. Daisy giggled.

“You think that’s funny?” Luke asked. Daisy nodded.

“Of course it is funny,” Daisy replied. Bo began laughing too.

“Oh who is goanna find out.”

“Everyone.”

“How do you figure on that?”

“I’ll pass it around school,” Bo cut in. Daisy and Bo high fived each other…which turned into a handshake.

“I swear you two are against me.” Luke shifted gears and began going across country. Uncle Jesse kept on the road.

“Where are you going?”

“Short cut.”

“This ain’t a short cut.”

“It will be once I go there won’t it?” Bo began laughing.

“YAHOO!” Luke saw his chance and jumped the General, which got him in front of his Uncle on the road.

“This is the Shepard to lost sheep two come in,” Uncle Jesse said over the CB.

“What would you like sir, come back?” Luke answered his Uncle, via CB of course.

“Do you think we should rename today, come back?”

“What do you mean, over?”

“From Friday to Fly-day.” Luke smiled.

“10-4 to that Uncle Jesse, fly-day is a great idea. We’ll put that up with ‘Celebrate Bo week’ and ‘Dazzling Daisy month’.”

“Don’t forget ‘Leisurely Luke day’ that’s an important one.”

“What do you mean?”

“You didn’t notice I wasn’t behind you anymore.” Luke took a peak in his back mirror and shook his head.

“Gee he got you good Luke,” Daisy laughed. Jesse somehow appeared in front of Luke. He got to the airport. Both Generals were parked. Jesse jumped out of the General. He walked over to our favorite, General Lee the first.

“YE-HAW! I win kids, and that means Bo is cooking tonight,” Jesse laughed. Bo shook his head.

“Look what he makes me do,” Bo commented as he got out of the car. He walked over to the trunk of the car. Luke threw Bo the keys. “That’s the last time you bet me in a race.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll fix it Bo,” Daisy cut in.

“How?”

“Simple.” Daisy looked right at Luke. “If I loose, you have to cook. If I win, I’ll cook.”

“That’s a deal,” Luke replied. They shook on it.

“Why didn’t you do it the other way around?” Uncle Jesse asked.

“Simple, I love cooking,” Daisy replied.

“You two are weird,” Bo mumbled. Luke was thrown a suitcase by his cousin Bo. Daisy picked up one and so did Luke.

Uncle Jesse stood there before his flight, just staring at the kids. Daisy, Bo and Luke didn’t mind their Uncle was going. In fact, they were thrilled. Uncle Jesse really missed Jose and there was no question about that one.

“You know, I feel bad, this is the second trip I’ve…” Uncle Jesse began to say. Daisy laughed.

“You know, just because you have us kids doesn’t mean we should hold you back,” Daisy cut in.

“Yeah, we just have a week by ourselves,” Bo added. Uncle Jesse smiled.

“Besides, we’re pretty responsible,” Luke inserted.

“We’ll be great.”

“You always are great. You boys, take care of Daisy. Daisy, make sure Bo and Luke don’t do anything stupid,” Uncle Jesse commented.

“Stupid, us? Nah, you’re confused with some other Duke Boy…like Vance,” Luke replied.

“I got to go or I’ll miss my flight.” Uncle Jesse went around hugging everyone. He walked over to the hanger and went towards the planes. Daisy smiled.

“What?” Bo asked.

“I can’t believe he’s always thinking about us,” Daisy replied.

“What do you wanna do this weekend?” Luke smiled and Daisy did the same. “Okay, I don’t wanna know. I am goanna go to town on my bike and get some new boots.” Bo lifted his foot revealing a hole. “I don’t know about you but I don’t wanna be walking in these in the rain.”

“I wouldn’t either.”

“They went clean through the other day. Uncle Jesse gave me the money but I never got the chance.”

“I wonder why.”

“Anyway, about this weekend, we’ll scope out Hazzard’s biggest troubles,” Luke commented.

“Yeah, well I’ll help you with that unless Daisy’s up for more adventure,” Bo began.

“You better believe it cousin. Now let’s get home,” Daisy replied.

“Alright Daisy.”

“Great.”

“You just wanna win against me,” Luke remarked.

“I could beat you with both hands tied behind my back.”

“Then bring it on.”

“Well I will then.” They both ran out. Bo drove with Daisy. Okay, for times sake, we’ll tell ya who won…Luke. He was so interested in winning he forgot about the deal. Oh well I guess.

5

Well, Saturday is a fun day for Enos and Cooter. That’s the day that Cooter and him go hunting together. These two ain’t exactly two peas in a pod. Enos can shoot alright but he seems to get distracted pretty easily.

“Possum on a gum bush,” Enos said. Cooter crocked an eyebrow.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Cooter questioned.

“Well I unintentionally spit my gum in the bush over there, and look yonder—that there is possum Ha!” Enos replied. Cooter rolled his eyes.

“You’re nuts, you know that?”

“No way Cooter, as I recall you say you’re the crazy one.” Cooter laughed. He couldn’t believe that Enos had just said that.

“Touché Enos. You got me there. I am crazy.”

“Not dumb.”

“Of course not.” Suddenly, a phone began to ring. Now Cooter checked his. It turned out to be Enos’ cell phone. Enos pulled it out.

“Hello there, this is Enos Strait speaking—whoa, slow down Miss Paterson…okay…alright. I’ll fix it. I promise now. Okay ma’am…goodbye.” Enos pushed the red button on his cell phone, ending the coversation. “Cooter, I gotta go. Miss Paterson just saw a crime. Can I borrow your truck?”

“Yeah sure. Don’t worry about me. I’ll walk to the Duke farm after this. Luke or Daisy’ll give me a ride into town.”

“Thanks Cooter, I’ll bring the truck back okay?”

“Get outta here Enos.” Cooter handed Enos both the guns. Enos ran towards the truck. “Don’t shoot yourself,” Cooter called to him.

“I’ll try not to.” Cooter laughed. He shook his head. Cooter continued to walk the way he was going, which conveniently leads to the Duke’s place. As he walked, it got dark. He was about two miles off when he tripped over something, sending him to the ground.

When Cooter turned to see what it was, he saw a body. His eyes grew with fear. At first, Cooter wondered if it was a drunk or something. He had a feeling not to leave this guy alone. Besides, it wouldn’t be neighborly. As he turned it over, he was horrified to see it was Bo.

“Bo? Can you hear me?” Cooter asked. There wasn’t a sound. “Bo, can you hear me…come on can you hear me boy?” Bo was mumbling something but Cooter couldn’t make it out. It was like the young Duke boy was speaking a foreign language. Cooter felt his forehead. “Dang, you’re burnin’ up kid.”

“Luke, where are you?” Bo asked, almost too soft to hear. Cooter took a closer look at him. He was horrified to see the bruises and blood on young Bo’s face. Cooter shook his head.

“What happened to you?”

“Luke…please…help me…please.”

“All the times not to have a truck.”

“Luke…please.” Cooter put his arms under Bo.

“Alright kido, let’s get on out of here.” He lifted him onto his back. Now I hope they get there in time, don’t you?

Over at the farm, Luke was staring at his watch. He seemed to be pacing back and forth. It was amazingly odd…even for Bo. The young Duke boy usually made a phone call even by this time.

“It ain’t like Bo to be this late,” He commented. Daisy was worried too. Something about this didn’t seem right to her.

“Bo and dinner time go hand in hand…he never misses it. After his sloppy Bo’s last night, I know he wants some fried chicken,” Daisy replied.

“Maybe he’s fooling with a girl. You know how he is when he’s with women. Forgetful and walks in late.”

“Not this late.”

“Luke, you’re over reacting.”

“Am I? Daisy, it’s Bo. He’s gotten himself in all sorts of trouble before.”

“You have got to have more faith in him.” Daisy reached into her pocket and grabbed a ponytail holder. She tied her hair back. She split the ponytail into two parts, pulling on them horizontally to make it tighter.

“I don’t know…”

“You know you said it yourself, Bo is a bit of a wild one.” Luke shrugged.

“Well Bo said he was going for his boots…that was over five hours ago.” Luke began pacing back and forth. “Daisy, I don’t like when he’s not around.”

“Luke, calm down, he’ll turn up alright.”

“You think so?”

“Oh I know so…then I’ll strangle him for scaring me like that.” Luke sighed. He couldn’t put his foot on it but something was going on. “Luke you need to calm down and eat something.”

“I ain’t hungry.”

“That’s not the Luke I know.” Luke sighed again. He was so distracted.

“You know, Uncle Jesse left him in my care.” Luke’s head lowered. He scratched his head. Daisy put a hand on his shoulder.

“Yes he did and he trusts you will all his might.” Luke pulled it off and made Daisy face him.

“I care about him a lot. We have been through it all together.” Daisy smiled softly. “What?”

“That’s why I love y’all so much. You both are so close to each other.”

“Yeah we do don’t we.”

“You sure do. Y’all always are together. Danny may be his friend but you are his best friend.”

“You understand then when I tell ya that I have to go and look for him.” Daisy nodded softly. Luke put on his coat. He walked back and gave Daisy a hug. As he turned to go to the door, it swung open.

Cooter was out of breath. Bo was still on his back. His face was dark and dirty. Bo’s left eye was swollen. Underneath his right eye, he had cuts. Young Bo’s shirt was torn all over. His pant legs were worse looking.

Daisy gasped at the sight of her cousin’s torn…red tainted blue shirt. She turned away from him crying. Luke shook his head no. He couldn’t believe it. Luke knew something was wrong—he just knew it.

Cooter straightened up, looking right into Luke’s eyes. “I found him out in the woods like this. I don’t think this was any accident. Who ever did this to him wanted to make it look like some critters did it,” Cooter commented.

“I’ll call for an ambulance,” Daisy said.

“NO!” Luke exclaimed.

“What?” Daisy couldn’t believe her cousin. Bo needed medical attention. They had some knowledge but not enough and Daisy knew that. She was sure that Luke wasn’t thinking rationally.

“If this wasn’t an accident, someone will be fixing on killing him.” Daisy’s face filled with tears once again. She shook her head. The thought of someone killing him was beyond comprehension.

“I…” Luke put a finger over his cousin’s mouth.

“Daisy, I want you to drive to Doc Applebee’s place.”

“But Luke…”

“Don’t you question me Daisy, I am in charge.”

“You’re making a bad decision.”

“No, trust me on this one. Go as fast as you can. Explain to him that Bo’s hurt and that it ain’t an accident. He’ll know what to bring. Now get!” Daisy ran out the door. “Cooter, come put Bo in Uncle Jesse’s bed.

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Cooter stated. He walked with Luke over to the room, putting Bo down carefully. The phone rang.

“I’ll get it, okay?” Luke nodded as he wiped the tears from his face. Cooter picked up the phone.

“Hello?” Cooter asked.

“Hey Coot, I was wonderin’ if you was over there. Enos returned the truck. Are ya comin’ back anytime soon?” Dodger began.

“Look bro, I’m goanna stay over at the Duke’s place tonight.”

“Ah, you want Daisy to cook for ya huh?”

“Dodger, don’t be weird.” Cooter sighed as he played with the phone cover. “Hey look, I might need ya to cover for me for the next coupe of days.”

“Okay Cooter that’s it, something is bugging me.”

“Oh?”

“I am just goanna out and say it. Is something wrong?”

“Dodger, I can’t discuss this on the phone.”

“You just don’t wanna tell me.”

“Look, I got to go.”

“Fine, bye.” Cooter hung up the phone.

“Cooter, get me some water,” Luke commanded. Cooter nodded. He walked out of the room. “Hold on Bo, hold on.”

6

Bo had a piece of gauze under his right eye. His arm had been put in a cast. “Do you think he’ll be okay, Doc?” Luke asked.

“Well, there are some things I can’t look at until he wakes up. His legs are bruised and swollen. I don’t think they’re broken. The arm on the other hand, I could feel the break,” Doc Applebee replied.

“I need a better answer than that.”

“I am afraid that’s all I can do for now Luke. Even if I wanted to make him all better, this is no hospital. I am doing my best with what I have.”

“I know…I’m sorry, I am just stressed is all.” Bo’s head started rolling as he moaned in pain. “Do something for him, Doc. He’s in pain.”

“Bo, I know it hurts but you need to separate the types of pain. Can you do that?” Bo nodded. Doc Applebee began by pressing lightly in a circular motion. Bo pulled away a little but didn’t react too much. Doc Applebee went at it again, going lower. As he got to the ribs, Bo flinched as the pain was great.

“Bo hold on.”

“You have bruised ribs Bo. I’ll wrap them in a minute.”

“There you go Bo, you see, it’ll be okay.” Luke grabbed onto his cousin’s hand. Bo squeezed it a little. Doc Applebee kept going. As Doc Applebee put his hands on Bo’s legs, the good doctor looked confused.

“Do you feel that?”

“Feel what?” Bo mumbled. Doc Applebee pulled the covers all the way down. Bo was just in his boxers, his shirt off.

“Bo, I want you to wiggle your toes for me.” Bo closed his eyes tight. Doc Applebee kept his eyes on the adolescent Duke boy’s toes. “Wiggle your toes Bo!”

“I am wiggling—ain’t I?” Bo looked at Luke. “Ain’t I?” Luke shook his head no. “Doc, what’s wrong with me?”

“I can’t talk about this in front of Cooter.”

“Save it, he’s family. Now, tell me what’s wrong with me. Please, tell me.” Doc Applebee shook his head. He takes off his glasses and rubs his nose. Doc Applebee puts them back on and pushes them up.

“Bo, this is typical of heavy damage.”

“That I can’t move my legs? Doc Applebee are you serious?” Luke bit on his bottom lip. He was trying to hold back the tears.

“Your spinal cord has some fluid in it which is affecting the feeling below your waist.”

“What?”

“You are paralyzed, Bo. There’s no way I can sugar coat it for you. That’s all there is to it. You are paralyzed from the waist down.”

“What?” Bo swallowed hard. He looked in the Doc’s eyes, shaking his head. “No, I am a track star. I am a wrestler I can’t…”

“Trust me Bo, it happens to the best of people.”

“Why to me?” Doc Applebee hated to see Bo like this. They had known each other just as long as Danny and Bo had been friends. “You’re a doctor, can’t you fix it?”

“Fluid goes away right?” Luke asked.

“Yeah…it can go away. I will walk again right?”

“It should go away,” Doc Applebee said honestly.

“What do you mean should?” Doc Applebee sighed. He pushed back his hair. “Come on Doc, you’re not saying I ain’t goanna have use of my legs are ya?”

“Bo…”

“Doc, don’t tell us that!” Luke exclaimed. Everyone seemed to shuffle over to the doctor, as if it might change something. Doc Applebee sighed.

“It can’t be true,” Cooter cried out. He pulled off his hat, staring at Doc Applebee, hoping he was wrong.

“There has to be some sort of specialist in this thing. I mean someone who know more,” Daisy added.

“Anyone.”

“They would all tell you the same thing. We have amazing technologies but some things we still haven’t figured out Daisy. All I can tell you is sometimes it works out other times, it doesn’t. Time will tell,” Doc Applebee explained to everyone.

“But…” Cooter began.

“That’s how it is Cooter.” Now friends, ain’t this harsh? Hopefully, it’ll turn out. “I have to do a couple of things for him before I go.” Luke nodded.

“Okay Doc Applebee, do what you have to do for him,” Luke commented.

“He’ll need someone to help him change position so he doesn’t get any bed sores. Just until he heals up a little bit.”

“Alright.”

“I’ll come over every night and check on him.”

“Thanks Doc.”

“No problem.” Luke, Daisy and Cooter walked out of the room and sat down on the couch. Daisy burst into tears.

“Daisy, it’s…”

“Don’t try to comfort me on this one, Luke. My cousin is laying in a bed. He is in pain and he can’t move his legs. You can’t take that away from me,” Daisy grumbled.

“I’m with Daisy on this one. We can’t put gimmicks on this one. This is real life,” Cooter added.

“Look, we may not be in the best of spirits but around him…we will be,” Luke announced.

“Luke…”

“Cooter, he’s going through enough without us moping around.”

“I wanna pound whoever did this to him.”

“Cooter, hitting them ain’t goanna give Bo the use of his legs again.” Cooter shook his head.

“DANG IT!”

“Oh Cooter…”

“Luke, he’s 15 years old. He’s a runner. He is a runner and they took that away from him!” Cooter began crying. Now this was something Luke hadn’t seen too often. “It ain’t fair, Bo’s a good kid.”

“I know he is.”

“Why him Luke?”

“Cooter, if I could answer that I would.”

“This should have happened to me. At least I could take it. Mechanics doesn’t require you to run. Being a Duke does.”

“Cooter…”

“No, if I could take this on I would.”

“I know you would Cooter but this ain’t yours to take on. No matter how much you wanna do it you can’t.”

“Luke, it’s a bad dream right?” Daisy asked.

“I wish it was. We have got to have faith though. God knows what he’s doing. If the lord wants him to walk…”

“Yeah, he will walk again, I just know it.”

“I hope so, Daisy. I hope so.”

“So do I,” Cooter mumbled. He shook his head and sniffled a little.

“Cooter, it’ll be alright,” Daisy tried to comfort her friend. Cooter pulled away.

“Yeah, I wish it was all better right now.”

“Come on Cooter, you know as well as I do that these things…” Luke began.

“Take time? Yeah, thanks Doctor Duke.” Luke stared at Cooter, confused by his statement. “I’m sorry, I just feel so…”

“Lost?” Daisy asked.

“Yeah, I don’t know what to do or where to go from here.”

“We all feel that way, Cooter.”

“I know y’all do. I have known him for so long and now this happens.”

“We just have to keep the faith.”

“Yeah, that’s all we can do for him right now,” Luke added. All I can say is pray for them Dukes. That and sit tight y’all.

7

Jesse Duke was sitting with Jose after working a lot that day. The sweat was apparent on both men. The thunder seemed to echo forever in the distance. They watched Coy and Vance as they played with the engine of Jose’s ford mustang. “You know, that car reminds me of General two,” Jose commented. He took a sip of lemonade.

“Yeah, I believe so too,” Jesse replied. He held his left foot for a second as he shook his head.

“Your left toe has been bothering you again.” Jesse nodded with unreserved total bewilderment. “What do you think it is?”

“I don’t know—it’s been a hurtin’ for the past couple of days. I phoned Bo and Luke last night and asked if anything was wrong.”

“And…”

“And Luke said Bo had been having some trouble with some jerks but he was okay. For some reason, I didn’t like the tone in his voice.” Jesse sighed. He looked out into the distance, staring at Coy and Vance.

“You don’t think that was it? The trouble with the morons I mean?”

“It would have gone away if I found out what the trouble was.”

“Maybe a storm is brewing.” Jesse shrugged. At this point, he wished he knew.

“Or maybe, Luke ain’t telling me something.” Jesse pondered the thoughts in his head for a second. His face seemed to suddenly light up. “In fact, Daisy sounded a little down as well.”

“Did you talk to Bo?”

“Nah, Daisy said he was sleeping—but I kept thinking Bo never sleeps that early at night.” Jesse scratched his beard. He looked at Jose, with concern in his eyes. “He has always been a night owl. I didn’t want to question her though.”

“Jesse, you’re here for a week, how much trouble could Bo get into?”

“Jose, don’t you remember when we were kids?”

“How could I forget Hazzard County, Jesse?” Jose started laughing.

“What’s so funny?”

“Remember the time we put barbeque sauce in Boss Roscoe’s hat?” Jesse started laughing. Jose began chuckling at first but went into a full all out laugh. “He thought he was dying.”

“Yeah until DJ kept eating it off his face.”

“With that stuffed up nose Boss didn’t notice the difference.”

“Jesse, I do realize how much trouble we got in when we were kids. How Bo was always there to get them back out of it.”

“I just wonder if…”

“If what?”

“If they need me like we needed my dad.” Jose shrugged. He took a drink out of his glass. “You know how kids are like. They need you even when they think they don’t.” Jose looked up at the sky. He stuck his finger in his mouth and put it in the air.

“Looks like your big toe is predicting something.” He looked at the animals, who all seemed to be going crazy.

“What?” Jose got up. He ran to his barn. Jesse followed him, wondering what was going on. “What is going on?”

“A storm is headed this way. You see how the animals are all riled?” Jesse nodded. He opened the barn door.

“Yeah.” All the stalls were opened by either Jesse or Jose.

“They know it is coming.” He went over to the coral where he held the horses, letting them go too. Jose was about to walk in the house when suddenly the door opened. It was Paige and she looked in a frazzle.

“Tornado warning, we need to get down to the storm cellar now!” Paige screamed. The boys looked at each other and nodded. Jesse followed Jose and the rest of the family down there. Jose closed the door. The winds began to howl louder and louder.

“I never get used to this,” Coy mumbled.

“Yeah, even with Uncle Jose’s drills,” Vance adds. Jesse smiles. “What do you think is going on in Hazzard Uncle Jesse?”

“Yeah, are Bo and Luke getting into trouble?”

“Well Coy, I don’t know if they’re in trouble but I sure do wonder sometimes,” Jesse replied.

“I bet my dumb brother tries to take on the world.”

“Mine is right along with them,” Vance adds.

“Well you know how Bo is, don’t you Vance?”

“Yeah, hot headed.” The wind started picking up speed outside their place.

“Not just hot headed, doesn’t do everything right.”

“Boy does he attract the ladies though.”

“You’re telling me, he stole three of my ladies. Can you imagine? Every one of them wanted to go out with my brother.” The wind grew even stronger, howling and growling.

“You’re not too bad looking.”

“Yeah but he has Duke Charm all over him.” Jesse smiled.

“You know, your Uncle Jesse over here was the same way. He would have stolen your mother’s heart too if it hadn’t been for your Aunt Laurel,” Jose replied.

“Really?”

“Oh yeah Coy, your Uncle Jesse here was a real go getter.”

“You exaggerate, Jose,” Jesse retorted.

“Do not, you were the best thing for ladies. If I stood next to you they would want me too.”

“You are full of it Jose and you know it.”

“Where do they get it from?” Coy mumbled.

“Your Grandpa,” Jose replied. Jesse rolled his eyes. The floor boards began to move a little.

The Dukes stayed in there about twenty minutes. The damage wasn’t as bad as most places. Many had lost homes. The Dukes had only lost the barn…well that and their animals. Rounding up their animals wouldn’t be too hard considering all of them were tagged. Don’t worry y’all, the Dukes will be just fine.

Jose looked at his boys and then at Jesse. “Well, everyone is alright here. How is your big toe?” Jose asked.

“Still sore,” Jesse replied. He shook his head and walked towards the house. “Maybe I should go home.”

“No, the boys wouldn’t want that. Besides, I am going there in a couple of days. Don’t worry about them.”

“Are you sure they’ll be okay without me?”

“I know so Jesse.” Jesse swallowed hard. He couldn’t help but wonder what was going on. No matter how much Jose tried to convince him, he was still worried about the boys. Jesse walked into the house and picked up the phone.

“Line’s dead.”

“What do you think Tornadoes do?”

“Dang, I really want to talk to them.”

“Jesse, just relax, they’ll get them up as soon as they can.”

“That’s not enough!”

“Well that’s all I can tell you. In the meantime, we have to go see about getting our barn replaced.” Jesse smiled. He was surprised at how collective his cousin could be.

8

Bo opened his eyes that crisp morning. Everything was quiet which was weird for the Duke household. No one was ever quiet. Everyone had something playing in the background. It seemed like no one was around.

Bo looked around for Luke who had been with him the entire night. All he found was Cooter taking the weight off his feet in an easy chair. The soft chair had been moved in there last night so they could stay closer to Bo.

Now that Cooter was making Bo smile. You see, he was snoring softly at first but it seemed to become more thunderous with every second. Have you ever shared a room with Cooter? Bo began to chuckle gently to himself.

The sun seemed to roll in. Bo tried to sit up and stretch. The pain was so horrible, that he fell back down in an instant. Bo shook his head. All the memories of the night before flooded his head. The doctor telling him he may never walk again. That was the one that was playing the most.

Bo didn’t even want to look upon the new day. He wished that he could go back and fix what happened. If only he hadn’t bought those boots by himself. Bo knew that thinking about what could have been wasn’t going to help him though.

The snoring became quieter again. A fly flew around the room and landed on Cooter’s nose. He began to wiggle it just slightly. The fly seemed to find a good bed. Cooter waved his hand around until the fly went away. He yawned and started at Bo.

“Hey tiger,” Cooter finally said. The scruffy man stretched. Bo smiled weakly, trying to make Cooter feel a little bit better. “You hungry?” Bo shook his head no. “Sure you are, you need something good. What can I get you?”

“Luke,” Bo mumbled.

“Sorry, he’s not on the menu.” Bo began to laugh. He held his ribs.

“That was great.” Cooter’s eyes filled with concern as Bo’s eyelids tightened up. The young man breathed hard for a couple of seconds and finally calmed himself down.

“Sorry—I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“You didn’t do it, they did.” Bo tried to sit up but found it hard without using his legs and arm. Cooter put his arm under Bo’s neck and the other under his thigh. Cooter put him in an upright position.

“Who are THEY anyway?”

“Tell you so you can beat on them? Forget it.” Cooter began to laugh.

“You know me too well.”

“Yeah I know.” Cooter’s head lowered. “Are you okay?”

“No.”

“You wanna talk about it?”

“It’s just you’re 15 years old and…oh no, I’m sorry.” Bo began laughing. He shook his head. “You tricked me into it, Bo Duke.”

“It serves you right for trying to be happy when I know you’re not, Cooter. Luke’s ideas never work. It was Luke’s idea wasn’t it?” Cooter nodded. Bo’s eyebrows rose. “My dear cousins won’t yield as easy.”

“Why do you say that?”

“They’re Dukes…Davenports have it written all over their faces.”

“I wouldn’t talk, Bo. You have a lot of Davenport in you.”

“Nah, more than half of it is gone. Two generations have gone by. I am more Duke than anything.” Cooter laughed.

“Right.”

“No really. We’re more like best friends than distant cousins.”

“I am glad you have such good friends. Like Danny, what a good egg. Eggs, now that sounds pretty good right about now.” Bo’s expression suddenly changed. He remembered Danny.

“I need to use the phone. Hand it to me?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong, Cooter Davenport…just hand me the phone and give me some privacy please.” Cooter nodded. He did as Bo said.

“Call me if you need me.”

“I will.”

“Thanks.” Cooter nodded and walked out of the room. He closed the door. Bo dialed a number on the phone. In rang a couple of times. “Come on, please pick up Danny!”

“Hello?” Danny questioned.

“Danny, it’s Bo…you need to go somewhere else.”

“Huh?”

“Those racist guys are…”

“You didn’t do anything stupid did you?”

“I followed your advice and did nothing.”

“And…?”

“Oh don’t worry about me.”

“How bad are you hurt?”

“How did you…?”

“How bad are you, Bo?”

“Don’t you be worryin’ about me.”

“How can I not? You’re my best friend.”

“Just get out of your place. Get your Daddy and you to stay at your Grandma’s.”

“Bo, you didn’t answer me…and I know that means you’re in really bad shape. I’ll get my Dad to drop me off over there, bye.”

“DANNY…” The phone hung up. Bo shook his head. “He never listens to anyone.” Bo pushed the button to hang up the phone. He lay back in his bed.

Outside, Luke and Daisy had just finished the chores. Both seemed pretty tired but alright in general. Luke sat on a hay pile in front of the Duke farmhouse. Daisy walked over to him and smiled. She sat down beside him, looking at the sun. Luke turned away.

Daisy shook her head. She handed him the keys to the General Lee. He had a perplexed look on his face. Daisy smiled. Luke knew she was up to something. What it was that she was up to was a total mystery.

“What do I want with these?” Luke asked.

“Go race with Cooter,” Daisy replied. Luke looked at her like she was crazy. “Go on, I have everything under control.”

“Daisy I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Bo needs me.”

“You have been with him all night. You even let him talk you into not telling Uncle Jesse about…”

“Daisy, he’s in pain right now. He doesn’t want Uncle Jesse to run home and try to save him. You can understand that right?” Daisy sighed.

“You’re just siding with him because he’s sick.”

“I am not.”

“Prove it then and go out somewhere.”

“FINE I WILL!” Daisy started laughing; Luke realized what he said and began chuckling right along with her. “You’re good you know that? You are really, really good.”

“Well come on Luke, if I wasn’t you would be stuck in the house all day.”

“You’re right you know that?”

“Ain’t I always right?”

“Well I wouldn’t go that far.” Daisy elbowed him hard in the stomach. “Owe! That hurt.”

“Well then don’t say dumb things about me next time.”

“Alright, I get it.”

“You better get it Luke Duke. If Uncle Jesse heard you talk that way to me he would…”

“Alright, alright, I’ll behave.”

“You’re great Luke.” Daisy messed up Luke’s hair. Luke’s eyes tightened, as he was trying not to react.

“What are you doing?”

“You are really wonderful. Never change you great guy you.” Daisy continued to mess up her cousin’s hair. Luke pulled away and tried to straighten it.

“Thanks a lot.” Daisy walked into the house. She peeked out the door for a second winking at Luke.

“You’re welcome.” Now Luke shook his head. “Man do I ever wonder about her sometimes.”

In the house, Daisy found Cooter Davenport with his fingers in the cookie jar. What a typical sight in the Duke house. After all, those Dukes make good cookies. She snapped at Cooter and signaled him to go outside.

Cooter stuffed the cookie in his mouth. He pulled out a clean hanky out of his pocket and wrapped four additional cookies with it. He smiled softly at Daisy who was tapping her foot impatiently. Cooter stuck the full hanky in his front shirt pocket.

Daisy snapped again and pointed to the door, signaling with her head. Cooter began to nod slowly. He smiled at Daisy as he swallowed the cookie. Cooter finally did as Daisy said—or signaled. Sorry, I ain’t sure on what to call it.

Anyway, as soon as the two raced off, Daisy walked into the room. She looked at Bo and smiled. He was finally asleep. She sighed, wondering if Bo was going to be okay. Daisy loved her cousins a lot. She would do anything for them.

9

Danny walked into Bo’s room with a determined look on his face. As he saw Bo lying there, his expression changed. Daisy was sleeping in the chair. Danny tapped her shoulder softly, hoping to wake the young beautiful woman up. Daisy cooed a little and stretched. Bo looked up at Daisy and then at Danny. He closed his sore eye.

“Daisy, can I talk to Danny for a spell by myself?” Bo questioned. Daisy nodded delicately. Bo smiled at his cousin, appreciating what she had been doing for him. Daisy got up and stretched again, letting out long-drawn-out yawn. She walked out the door, pulling it shut. Bo cleared his throat.

“I told you to leave those guys alone,” Danny commented. Bo gave Danny a sour look. “No really, I thought you would be smarter than that. You went against five guys?”

“No I didn’t, they came after me.” Now Danny looked confused. “Look, the boys said the only thing worse than having a black person around was a white person who hung around them.”

“That’s horrible.”

“Yeah I know.”

“What happened exactly?”

“You really wanna know, Danny?”

“Of course I do, Bo.”

“I don’t know, I haven’t even told this to Luke yet.”

“Well that’s because you know he’ll beat on the guy.”

“Yeah I know.”

“You can tell me.”

“How do I know you won’t hit him?”

“Just tell the story, Bo.”

“Alright, alright, keep your pants on Danny.” Danny rolled his eyes softly. He couldn’t believe Bo was being like this.

“Okay anytime now.”

“You can’t rush these things.”

“Bo, I just wanna know what happened.”

“I know you do.”

“Can’t you satisfy my need here?”

“I guess so but you better not go out and do anything stupid in my name. You have got to promise me that one Danny.”

“Bo, I promise I won’t do anything stupid. Now can you get on with it before you fall asleep?”

“Okay, it was…” As Bo began to chatter on, the pictures flooded Danny’s mind, creating a story in his head.

* * * * * *

(Bo’s story)

The day was invigorating for young Bo. He couldn’t believe how the sun was shinning. The clouds resembled the fibers of cotton. It was so beautiful in fact that he wanted to hike. Bo wanted to get his new boots just so he could break them in. What better way to do so then to walk in them.

As Bo walked over there, all he could see was the brightness of the sunshine piercing on his shoulders. Stabbing him with warmth and happiness, the sun came and went as he walked past the soaring trees. It was a dazzling enchanting afternoon alright.

On the way, Bo thought of nothing but sauntering through the stunning woodlands with Uncle Jesse by his side. He could remember all of the amazing summers he spent with his wonderful Uncle. There was only one place in the world where he would be so energized during a hike. That place was surely Hazzard County.

Bo always enjoyed the attractiveness of the countryside. He would cuddle the likes of the natural world. It was the most beautiful area on the face of the planet. To young Bo, nothing compared to the scenery of Hazzard County.

He looked down at the earth. The dirt was like the radiant light tanned sand he would see on the Californian coastline. The grassland was greener than the greenest emerald. The wood looked like whipped chocolate. Moss seemed to grow where ever this young man looked. The clouds moved softly along.

Butterflies flowed all around him. Crickets could be heard chirping softly like the strings of the guitar as you move your fingers to change chords. Even the cars momentarily passing seemed to fashion a velvety music that only Bo could become conscious of.

Life for this young man was more superior than ever anticipated. A good number of people would dream of a day like this. Not many get to marinate themselves with this much splendor. Bo knew he was fortunate. He got to see these sights everyday.

As he got closer to the town, the hustle and bustle of Hazzard became more apparent. The scenery seemed to almost completely grow fainter by the second. Still, Bo didn’t mind looking at the buildings. He watched for a few minutes. Each person seemed to be on their own TV show. As people collided, it seemed as if a crossover took place…even if just for a moment.

Only in Hazzard County could some things be seen. No, there was no litter on the grounds of this fair place. It was like a tale out of the 50’s, the styles hadn’t mutated too much. Values were primarily preserved. Life was based on good and wholesome.

He walked into his Great Uncle Derrick’s store, greeting him first. Of course Mr. Rhuebottom asked, “What can I do for you?”

“Uncle Derrick, I need some boots,” Bo commented.

“What happened to your other ones?” Bo smiled, he showed his Uncle Derrick the bottom of if his boot. Derrick laughed.

“You know back in my day, I repaired my own boots.”

“I would but I am also growing out of these ones. They’re hurting my toes. Now, I need a nice pair. I like brown leather.” Great Uncle Derrick pulled out the type that Bo generally purchased. The young man had a big smile on his face.

“How did you know?”

“Oh come on Bo, I’m your Great Uncle. I do remember some things in my old age.” Bo began to laugh. He smiled as he slipped the boots on.

“You even got them in my size!”

“After working in this business for—well since dinosaurs roamed the earth, I have been able to determine a lot of things. Especially shoe sizes or in your case, boot sizes.”

“I hate to pay and run but Luke’s expecting me home in an hour or so.”

“I know how slow you can be at times, I’ll see you later Bo.”

“Bye Uncle Derrick.” Bo walked out onto the street. He saw a man staring at a map. Bo tapped him on the shoulder. “Do you need help fella?”

“Bonjour parlez-vous français? (Do you speak French?)” The man asked Bo. He smiled, laughing. He couldn’t believe the French lessons he had been taking actually came in handy.

“Oui, Mon prénom est Bo et mon dernier nom est Duke. (Yes, my first name is Bo and my last name is Duke.) ”

“J’avais essayé de rechercher un homme. Son nom est Jacob-Daily Hogg et il travaille dans votre comté. Je suis son frère jumeau, Dale-John Harrison. (I am looking for a man. His name is Jacob-Daley Hogg, he’s my twin brother. I am Dale-John Harrison.”

“Le patron Hogg a un frère ? (Boss Hogg has a brother?)”

“Oui, oui je frère. (Yes, Yes, I am his brother)”

“Il est dans le tribunal. Juste descendez cette route et prenez une gauche. He is in the courthouse. Just go down that road and take a left.

“Merci tellement. Je suis désolé que je vous aie préoccupé avec toutes ces questions. Je sais que vous avez de meilleures choses pour faire cela pour parler à un vieil imbécile comme moi. Je voudrais vous donner quelque chose pour vous m’aidant avec tous mes problèmes. Svp ne dites non au cadeau. Vous l’avez gagné. Vous m’avez aidé à trouver mon frère. (Thank you so much. I am sorry I troubled you with all these questions. I know that you have better things to do that to talk to an old fool like me. I would like to give you something for you helping me with all of my problems. Please do not say no to the gift. You have earned it. You have helped me find my brother.)”

“Merci. (Thank you)” The man pulled out a black velvet box out of his pocket. It was filled to the gills with old styles of money. Bo went to give the box back but the man was too far away. Although Bo knew he could catch up with him, Dale-John was giving something that meant the world to him. In return, he hoped to meet his brother. Bo smiled as he walked away.

As he kept going, a green pick-up truck pulled beside him, following him slowly. Bo didn’t notice it at first. He just kept walking in the beauty of the day. As the horn blasted, Bo jumped. He looked at the guys in there, the same guys that had been bugging Danny.

“Hey boy, you wanna go for a ride with us?” Reeve asked. He looked at Lucas’ tattoo. It had a confederate flag with a noose on it. Bo swallowed hard. He had a bad feeling about this.

“Come on kid, you know you want to be with us,” Lucas added. Bo began to run faster. The car sped up to match him. Bo grabbed his pocket knife and slashed the tire. He began running even faster than before as he heard the truck pull over and the doors slam. Now remember, Bo runs pretty fast.

“Come back here boy! We ain’t done with you.”

“I’ll get him!” Lucas was just as fast as Bo. He caught up with him, dragging Bo down to the ground. The boys surrounded Bo, right by Miss Paterson’s farm.

“Leave me alone,” Bo finally said.

“If we did that then you wouldn’t learn anything. Do you know what diversity is?”

“A mixture of nationalities.”

“Don’t you understand? You are giving into the devil.” Bo crocked an eyebrow. He didn’t understand. “You see, the devil hates diversity. He wants only one race, one culture. Race mixing is wrong, don’t you get it?”

“I am not marrying Danny.”

“But he’s dating one of our people.”

“Who are our people? We’re all Americans here.”

“Haven’t you ever wanted to be white and proud?” Reeve questioned.

“The only thing that I am proud of is to be a pure American with good values. That includes dating who ever I want. Whenever I want, date a girl who loves me for me and I love her because she’s her.”

“All your life you have had the media to distort your views.”

“Yeah well the TV suits me just fine.” Bo pushed through the group and walked away. He looked behind his shoulder…they were following him. Lucas hit him in the back with a piece of the fence that was coming off. Bo couldn’t stand up.

“Pick him up!” Jonah and Johan did as their brother said. Each one of them took a turn beating on Bo. When Bo was almost loosing consciousness, they stopped. Johan released him, letting Bo drop to the ground.

“Go get a truck!” Bernard commanded. Lucas did as he said, stealing Ms. Patterson’s pickup. Bo was picked up by the two and thrown in the back of the truck. They drove for a while until they came back to the woods, close to where the Dukes lived. Bernard walked up to Bo sneering at the young man. Reeve stared into the back as well.

“You know, my Pa warned me about people like you who care only for the minorities. What about us?”

“Well bro, I guess he’ll never truly understand.” Bo was breathing with some difficulty. It was generally because of the apprehension that he felt in his heart. “Well say something boy.”

“God, bless these boys—even in their wrong doings. Bless them that they may become better,” Bo started.

“Stop it!” Bernard screamed.

“Bless them that they will learn love and tolerance instead of hatred.”

“You are a jerk! How dare you utter prayers to me you mangy…” He was about to hit him when his brother stopped him.

“Bernard, I have a better idea. We’ll dump him here. Then we’ll dispose of the truck, Jonah commented.

“I like it.”

“Good, then Reeve, help your brother.”

“Sure thing Jonah,” Reeve replied. He cackled almost as if he were a witch. Reeve and Bernard picked him up and threw him down the hill.

* * *

Danny shook his head. “You could have killed them,” Danny commented. Tears rolled down his face. “I mean you really could have beaten them up if you wanted to.”

“Hey, you enlightened me earlier remember? You said that it wouldn’t resolve anything. Besides, the force of the wood, made it so I couldn’t stand up,” Bo replied. Danny wiped his tears away. “Oh come on, I’m alive ain’t I? I didn’t die or anything.”

“Look at you though.”

“Yeah, look at me. They really did pull the wool over my eyes this time. I can’t walk, Danny. I can barely sit up. If I close my one eye you look like an alien out of my other.”

“You’re goanna get better right?”

“My eyes will heal and so will my ribs. My arm is goanna be fine.”

“What about your legs? Are you goanna walk again?”

“I hope so.”

“All of this because you’re my friend, that is the worst thing in the world—I have basically put you in danger. Because you wanted to be my best friend, you’re hurt.”

“Don’t you dare blame yourself!”

“What do you mean?”

“You had nothing to do with this. You’re not a bad person.”

“Is there anything I can do for you? You name it and I’ll do it.” Bo nodded softly. “What is it?”

“Figure out a plan how we can hide this from my Uncle Jose.”

“Are you kidding me? Your Uncle Jose is smart. He’ll figure it out pretty fast.”

“Come on, you said anything.”

“Pretend you’re sick.”

“Sick?”

“Yeah, how else do you think you’re goanna get away with it?” Bo shrugged.

“I guess we’re going with your plan. Mine was to live at someone’s house for a week.” Danny began to laugh.

“That would be quite the sight now wouldn’t it?”

“Sure would.” Well let’s see if Jose takes the bait. After all, he has Duke Blood in him. Hold on to your shirts y’all, Jose’s plane is landing tomorrow.

10

Luke was pacing back and forth. He was so concerned as regards to how Bo was doing. It seemed to be hurting Luke more than anything. Bo and Luke had always been together when the other one was sick. Now Luke was standing here, worrying to death.

He wanted to stay home with his cousin. Daisy wouldn’t let him. Nope, he had to come with her. Jose would have been suspicious if Luke would have stayed home. That and Daisy had already left Dodger and Danny home with Bo.

I bet you’re wondering what happened to Cooter Davenport. Yep, Bo sent Cooter back to work for a while. He seemed so stressed out. Dodger on the other hand was pretty carefree. He was sure that everything would turn out.

Anyway, back to Luke. This guy wouldn’t stop walking back and forth. Daisy finally stopped him. She was getting dizzy from her cousin’s action. Luke sighed, staring right at her.

“Why did I have to come?” Luke questioned.

“If you weren’t here, he would have worried about you. Trust me cousin, it is one thing to leave Bo Duke at home but to leave Luke Duke at home as well, tell me that doesn’t bring on suspicion. More to the point, when Uncle Jose phoned last night he said bring both Generals. He wants to race,” Daisy replied.

“Is that all we do in this county?” Luke asked. Daisy began laughing. She pushed her wavy hair to the right shoulder, playing with the long vibrant ends.

“You know, I can’t wait until Bo is better so that you can enjoy driving again.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes really.”

“Well who says I will want to drive when he gets better?” Daisy shook her head and then rolled her eyes. She knew he didn’t mean it but still, something about that comment made her feel bad.

“Right now you have Dukes rolling in your grave with what you’re saying.” Luke shook his head. “Luke you should be a shamed. A Duke that doesn’t like driving.”

“I didn’t say I didn’t like it.”

“Sure you did.” Luke sighed and pulled away. “You said you didn’t like it at all.”

“I don’t mean it.” Daisy winked and raised her eyebrows.

“Gotcha!”

“You’re not funny.” Jose walked into the hanger. He jumped at the sight of Luke. “What’s wrong Uncle Jose?”

“You look just like my Dad…well except your hair style,” Jose replied. He gave Daisy a hug and then Luke. “You two look wonderful. It is a shame that Bo ain’t feeling good.”

“Yeah well it happens sometimes.”

“Who is with him?”

“Dodger and…”

“Danny?”

“How did you know?”

“I heard his voice last night in the background while I was on the phone with Daisy.” Jose looked into Luke’s eyes. He knew that the young man hadn’t been sleeping well. “You know, we had a tornado a couple of days back.”

“Yeah you told me.”

“Did I tell you that your Uncle’s big toe has been hurting?”

“On his left foot?” Daisy questioned.

“Yeah Daisy, he thinks you kids are in some sort of trouble.” He looked at her. Although she had a cheery disposition, Daisy too had signs of lack of sleep. “He’s been staying up tormenting himself, wondering what is up in Hazzard County.”

“Oh—I wonder why.”

“That’s the funny thing about Dukes, they stay up when they’re worried.” Jose knew that something was wrong. “So what does Bo have?”

“Flu…” Daisy said…but as she was saying it, Luke said, “Cold.”

“Well what is it, cold or flu?”

“A bit of both,” Luke replied. He whacked his head.

“Actually, we haven’t really figured it out. After he was done throwing up, he was sneezing,” Daisy mumbled. Now Jose really knew something was wrong. Those two didn’t often lie. Jesse had told him so. They seemed to be throwing answers at him faster than lightning.

“Daisy, I want to race you. Luke, I want you to drive with me,” Jose announced. He figured he could read more of Luke’s emotions. Daisy seemed cheerful but Luke seemed to mask it only slightly.

“You wanna race me? Well then you’re goanna get burned. You are used to Kansas driving cowboy, I am a purely Hazzard taught driver.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

Meanwhile, back at the Duke farm, Dodger was driving the room crazy. He had jazz music up high. He had picked Bo up out of the bed and put him on a rolling chair. Danny thought it was funny.

Bo wanted to go back to bed. His ribs weren’t 100% yet but they were looking better. The bruises looked a lot lighter too. His stitches were out as he was a fast healer. Bo’s arm was still in the cast.

Dodger began playing with the chair as if he were dancing with Bo. “You are insane you know that? “Come on Bo, lighten up. You know that you can put on a smile every once in a while,” Dodger stated.

“What if I don’t want to?” Bo asked. Dodger’s eyebrows rose. He began tickling Bo under his arms. The young Duke tried to hold it in but ended up bursting out the ears with laughter until he fell on the floor. Dodger picked him up and put him back on the chair.

“That’s the spirit!” Bo shook his head.

“You are impossible.”

“Yep, now time to dance.” Bo held onto the arms of the computer chair as he was swayed back and forth to the music. Danny grabbed the other half of the chair and helped dance with it.

“Come on Bo, smile,” Danny commented. Bo began laughing once again. He couldn’t believe how nice it was to have Dodger and Danny around. They were the ultimate clowns. The song was finally over.

“You two are nuts,” Bo announced.

“You didn’t have to tell us that!” Dodger exclaimed.

“Yeah, we already know that,” Danny answered. Dodger picked Bo back up. His legs dangled as if that part of him was dead. Dodger didn’t worry about it too much.

“Time to go and lay on the couch and relax for a while.” Dodger walked down the stairs. You have been sitting up for how long now?”

“He’s been up for an hour.”

“Right, no amount of complaining will get you back into bed.” Bo shook his head.

“Man, you’re making me start to miss Cooter,” Bo grumbled Dodger began to laugh.

“Ah, come on Dodger’s in the house.” Danny put another CD in the stereo. Danny looked at the raw ribs on the table. He put them on cookie sheets and covered them in spices. Danny flipped the spices in all sorts of directions. “Go Danny!”

“Whoo Danny!” He grabbed the barbeque sauce, flipping the glass jar. He almost dropped it. Bo could see everything from the kitchen.

“We better begin before Jose comes home.” Dodger started doing exercises for Bo’s legs. Rubbing them and moving them up and down—to the sides.

“You have my undivided attention—especially since I can’t feel this and I don’t see the point.”

“Don’t be negative Beauregard, it ain’t your style.”

“Don’t call me that retched name.”

“It matches you when you’re angry, Beauregard.” Bo shook his head.

“I wish I could kick you.”

“So do I.” Dodger winked. Danny took the ribs outside. Dodger kept working with Bo’s legs. “So, you wanna go outside before they suspect that you can’t walk?”

“Yeah, great plan.” Dodger finally stopped the exercises and picked up Bo, putting him in the chair outside. It was Uncle Jesse’s favorite lounging chair. It was a long lawn chair. Very nice for just laying there.

“What do you think about a scooter for my wheelchair?”

“I don’t think you need to be thinking about that.” Bo shrugged. “No really, it is like waving the flag.”

“It’s been four days and nothing.”

“The doctor did say that it took time.” Dodger put the chair up a bit allowing Bo to sit up. Just then, Daisy walked into the backyard. “Dang, I didn’t even hear you two pull up.”

“Has he been up all day?” Daisy asked.

“Cooter would have let me stay in bed but this is Dodger,” Bo replied.

“Well I am glad you’re feeling somewhat better. You at least have more color in your cheeks.”

“Yes, this much is true.”

“What have you been doing with him?” Daisy looked right at Dodger. Dodger smiled and rubbed his hands together.

“Ah a little of this—a little of that,” Dodger replied.

“You weren’t driving him over the deep end were you?” Bo began to laugh. He shook his head.

“Of course.”

“You’re nuts.”

“Where are Luke and Uncle Jose?” Bo asked, laughing all the way through the sentence.

“I beat Jose.” Bo smiled. He knew this was goanna be funny. “Yeah, I know that is really goanna do a number on his pride.”

“To be beat by someone younger?” Daisy shrugged and sat down in the lawn chair beside Bo. She took off her high heels. “Of course it will break his pride down a few notches.”

About ten miles to the Duke farm, the General Lee two was sitting there. Two out of four tires had been deflated, cut right through. “If you didn’t go over that last rock we would have been there right now,” Luke said as he sat on the hood of the car.

“Luke, I didn’t mean to,” Jose lied. He did mean to. He wanted to get something out of Luke and knew that he wouldn’t be able to do it at the Duke farm.

“Yeah right, I can see it in your eyes.”

“Just the same way I can see it in yours?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Come on Luke, you think I don’t see it. You have the same eyes of my father when something was wrong. You can’t hide it from me Luke, anymore than I can hide it from you.” Luke sighed.

“Well, too bad, I ain’t saying anything.”

“Then I’ll find out on my own. I know you may be smart but whatever it is, you can’t hide it from me.” Luke nodded, he loved a challenge. This being the only one he had come across in the past few days made it a good one.

“Fine with me.”

“You know, you’re just as immovable, if not more mulish, than Jesse and I were at your age, but I’ll get it. I always do. Your brother Vance thinks he’s smarter than me at times…never is.”

“Vance thinks he’s smarter than everyone on the planet.”

“Come on Luke, you know that’s not true. You two just don’t get along.” Suddenly, Cooter pulled up.

“Never will either.”

“Did someone order a taxi cab?” Cooter questioned. Jose nodded.

“Right on time, Cooter Davenport,” Jose replied.

“I live to please.”

“Well then you’re doing a great job.” Cooter hooked The General to the car and pulled it and the boys to the garage. Of course they told Danny and the rest where they were. Luke was still being cross examined over at the garage while they were waiting.

The Hansen Boys were walking down the street. Luke walked out to greet them. “How are y’all doing?” Luke questioned. Bernard smiled.

“Oh we’re fine. How are you?” Bernard asked. Something about the way these boys looked was a bit off to Luke. They seemed more cheerful than usual.

“Why are you so happy?”

“We got some of our work done is all, nothing to worry about Luke,” Reeve answered. They looked at each other and began laughing. “So we were wondering if you wanted to show us some moves over at your place?”

“I can’t, my Uncle’s out of town.”

“I am a shamed to share the same name as you. Come on Luke, you know you wanna, it would be a lot of fun. You need some fun around here,” Lucas mumbled.

“Maybe next time.” Luke walked back into the garage and waited for the General Lee.

“Who were those guys?” Jose asked.

“New guys in my school—I don’t know about them though. They always seem to be doing something,” Luke replied.

“What do you mean?”

“Well since they have been here—Bo got in trouble with some kids. He wouldn’t tell me their names or anything.”

“That’s weird even for Bo.”

“I am beginning to wonder if that was them.”

“What else happened?”

“A truck was stolen.”

“Yeah and just today, Mr. Brinier’s crops were all burned up,” Cooter added from under the hood. Luke stared at Cooter. “What? It is hard not to over hear ya.”

“Are you saying all of his crops are gone?”

“Oh yeah—you know, it happened this afternoon.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, Boss Hogg rolled on the volunteer fire truck and tried to put it out.”

“His house…”

“Oh, don’t worry, the volunteer firefighters saved Mr. Brinier’s house and barn from being burned down, luckily.” Luke and Jose looked at each other. Now ain’t it all coming together for the Dukes?

“Mr. Brinier—Danny…Bo, what do they have in common?”

“That’s a big mystery. If Bo wasn’t in the picture I would call it a hate crime,” Jose cut in. Uh huh, that’s what I would call it too. Good point Jose, good point indeed.

“The question is, how Bo got involved?”

“I’ll ask him.”

“He won’t tell you.”

“I can still try. I really want to help you solve a Hazzard Case. I haven’t been here for so long that I…”

“Nah, I think Luke is right, you should drop it,” Cooter added. Everything was weird. Now Cooter was defending Luke’s point of view? Everyone seemed to know something that Jose didn’t.

“I will ask him. Make no mistake about that. I will try and get something out of him.” Luke shook his head. He hoped that nothing would slip out about Bo. Luke knew that Bo was ready for almost anything when it came to questions.

“Alright but he won’t tell you,” Luke pointed out.

“You say that now.”

“No, I know that now.” This is goanna be interesting. If Jose really asks, what kind of answer will he get? Bo is pretty solid. Well, most of the time. In this case—oh wait, you have to find that out for yourself. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

11

Luke tapped Bo on the shoulder that morning. He looked at his cousin. “Okay, now this is how it is goanna work. We have a half day at school today. I am goanna turn you now. Cooter and Dodger are goanna make two mock visits to check on you and on Jose,” Luke announces.

“Great thinking,” Bo replies as he stretches. He stares at Luke for a second. “Okay, are you sure this will work or do you think that we’ll be caught?” Luke shook his head.

“You know I had the notion that you, my own cousin, had more confidence in me. Now I am wondering if you are wrong.”

“Well you never know Luke.” Bo scratched his nose with his index finger. He pushed back his somewhat long, Californian hair. “Us Dukes make marvelous plans and sometimes they’re messed up.”

“We will be home at one o’clock…one thirty at the latest.”

“No bed sores for Bo Duke.”

“Not today there won’t be. Bo, I would never let you go and get a bed sore. That’s not like me.”

“I do have a question for you Luke. In between all of this, when are we doing the range of motion exercises?”

“Oh you mean the leg moving action?”

“Yeah, when are we doing them?”

“Uh…”

“Luke you know what Daisy would say if you didn’t get those done for me.”

“Yeah I know, I know.”

“Doc says we need to do them as often as possible.”

“You know what else he said?”

“What?”

“We have got to get your arm strength up.”

“My legs are injured, not my arms. What do I need arm strength for?”

“If you’re goanna get better, you need more strength in your arms so you can hold yourself up on crutches.”

“Yeah, I knew that.”

“You haven’t been doing too well in that category, arm strength I mean.”

“No, I haven’t had to do any lifting.”

“Doc says if you don’t use your arms, you’re goanna loose the ability to move them too.”

“Okay, you convinced me. What’s the game plan coach?”

“What do you mean by game plan?”

“I mean how are we goanna do this? The only weights I own are the bails of hay outside. I am sure we don’t want those in the house.”

“I am goanna borrow some of Dodger’s weights. We’ll get a bar so you can do chin-ups and such.”

“How is that supposed to help…my cold?”

“Huh?”

“Hi Uncle Jose, how are you doing?” Luke turned around. Sure enough, there was his Uncle.

“Can’t complain, can’t complain at all. Luke, I was wondering how you got the chores done in the early hours of the morning?” Jose questioned. Bo laughed and did a mock cough.

“Well, it’s a little something I like to call motivation,” Luke replied, trying to sound chipper. Of course Jose could see through his act but he decided not to say anything. Bo and Luke seemed to be having fun trying to trick him. What it was about, Jose had no clue.

“If there is one thing I have learned about teenaged boys and girls, they don’t like to get up before noon. Unless you two are mutants from outer space, I do trust that you’re normal American teenagers.” Bo began to laugh, he did another mock cough.

“Well, we’ll be working on becoming more of the teenagers you want us to be. Now if you will excuse me, Daisy’s waiting for me to drive her to school.” Luke walked down the stairs. Jose looked at Bo.

“It looks like it is just you and me today, kid.”

“I guess so.”

“You wanna sit outside for a while?”

“Nah, I would rather stay up here.”

“How about go lay on the couch. At least you would have some sort of company.” Bo’s eyes lit up. He would be thrilled. However, he knew that if he showed interest and then didn’t act on it, Jose would figure it out.”

“Walking’s not my thing today.”

“Running is.”

“Yeah so what if I like to run? Uncle Jesse says when I am sick, I stay in bed until he decides I am really ill. You don’t want me to go against my uncle now do you?”

“Bo, how is he goanna know? Jesse’s out of town. Besides, the midday air would be good for your cold.” Bo shook his head no. “Come on Bo, I could take you for a run and…”

“LOOK! I don’t wanna run ever again. I am not getting out of this bed so go downstairs and do whatever it is you do.” Bo realized what he had said. He shook his head. “I’m sorry, I guess I am a little down.”

“How did you break your arm?”

“I had some trouble with some kids, I thought we told Uncle Jesse that already. I know he told you.” Jose nodded and sat down on the edge of Bo’s bed. He acidently sat on his leg. Bo of course, not being able to feel it, didn’t react at all.

“Yeah, he did tell me. He told me that Luke told him.”

“So?”

“So, Jesse told me that you tell him everything.”

“Not everything, almost everything though.” Jose finally noticed where he was sitting.

“OH I’M SORRY!” Jose jumped up.

“Sorry for what?” Suddenly, Jose seemed confused by Bo’s response. It was as if it hadn’t happened at all. Like Jose was just sitting on a pile of blankets instead of Bo’s leg. “You didn’t do anything wrong. Why would you apologize for nothing?”

“Bo, close your eyes.” Not knowing Jose was on to him, Bo did as his uncle asked.

“Alright, they’re closed.” Jose exposed Bo’s foot. He began pinching it.

“You don’t feel me touching your knee?”

“Yeah, ouch, that hurts! Quit poking my knee.”

“Bo, you can open your eyes now, I know you’re paralyzed.” Jose took his hand off Bo’s foot. Bo’s eyes popped open almost immediately. “Why did you lie? You said everything was fine.”

“We told the truth, I was in a fight.”

“You didn’t tell all of the truth, that’s lying.” Bo sighed and shook his head no. He couldn’t believe this, now Jose knew. “Hey kid, think about it. Your Uncle has had a pain in his left toe for a week and two days now.”

“Really, he’s had that pain for that long?”

“Oh yeah, he has been worrying and worrying about you boys. He wanted to go home until I convinced him not to.”

“Can you convince him to stay longer in Kansas?”

“Why?”

“Doc says the swelling should go down—I don’t want him to see me like this.”

“I could probably get him to stay a week longer but that’s about it.”

“Jose, you ain’t goanna tell him are you?”

“I want to, but no, it should be you that tells him.” Bo’s head lowered. He looked at his NASCAR necklace that his Grandpa had given him. Bo began playing with it.

“Yeah, I know.”

“Bo, were those guys the Hansen Brothers? The ones that went after you I mean?”

“Yeah, I didn’t wanna tell Luke.”

“Why didn’t you wanna tell him? Bo, listen, sometimes your pride will get in the way. You know what? You shouldn’t loose your head over something like that.”

“What? What do you mean by my pride?”

“You better believe it.”

“No, it ain’t that, I don’t want Luke to kill them. He would you know.” Jose laughed. “What?”

“I get it now.” Jose pulled off Bo’s covers. He picked Bo up. “Tired of being in your bed?”

“Yeah, that and being dressed by Luke in the morning—I can get my shirt on alright but my pants are a whole other situation.” Jose began laughing. He shook his head.

“We’re going out. The best thing for fluid on a spinal cord is a dip in cold water.”

“Thank goodness I am wearing a splint.” Jose smiled.

“You have a great sense of humor.” Bo shrugged and pushed his hair back.

“Some times I have something to laugh about, other times, I do not. I guess it depends on how I am feeling.”

“Yeah I guess so.”

“Hey, this beats walking.” Jose began to chuckle, he shook his head. Jose grinned and heaved out a massive sigh, trying to make the laughter stop. “You get to be carried everywhere. First off, you get a innovative fresh new point of view.”

“How so?”

“Well you’re so short.” Jose bit on his bottom lip. “Oh don’t think that’s a bad thing.”

“What’s the second thing?” Bo rubbed his chin with his index finger and thumb.

“Second of all, you feel like a king.”

“Well I am just so surprised that you…”

“Have a sense of humor right now?” Jose began to walk down the stairs.

“Yeah…a lot of people…”

“Would be gloomy Gus’?”

“Yeah, it’s like you’re reading my mind.”

“Don’t you trouble your strong willed head there Jose, Luke says that all the time.”

“Well I think it gets pretty annoying from an adult.”

“Well, you do remind me a lot of him—Luke I mean. He is always pressing me for answers.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“I don’t know really. I’ll have to think about that one.” Bo’s legs were frozen, motionless. They were flopping back and forth as Jose took him down went down the stairs. They looked like two dead fish in a glacial stream. Jose suddenly stopped.

“Are your legs okay?”

“They’re fine. After all Jose, I can’t feel them at all.” Bo shrugged as Jose looked at them again.

“Luke does that too? The whole, poke you until you talk scenario? I used to do that to Jesse all the time.” Bo could tell that Jose was uncomfortable. Altering the area under discussion was the easiest method for him to deal with it. Bo didn’t mind it at all.

“He sure does.” Bo smiled as he thought about Luke. “Even if I don’t want to have a discussion, he makes me anyway. A batch of people would describe it as the most bothersome thing any single person has ever done to them.”

“You don’t?” Jose got down the stairs and went backwards through the door, pushing it with his back to get out.

“No, I don’t at all. Personally, I like it.” Jose opened the truck door. He put Bo in the seat. “It is nice to have you and him around.”

“I would think so.”

“I am just glad that you are here.”

“You know Bo, I really think that I am goanna enjoy being here. I didn’t realize how much I missed Hazzard until…”

“You spent the few days with Uncle Jesse up taking care of Great Uncle Luke?”

“That was a mouthful.”

“But it is true is it not?”

“Oh yeah, it is true.” Jose closed the door and walked into the other side. He stared at the door for a second. He remembered a time when he and Jesse would get into the many vehicles.

Suddenly, Jose realized something. If Bo never walked again, he couldn’t get in the General Lee ever—unless they broke tradition and un-welded the door. Jesse and Bo Duke senior would never go for that. So if Bo never walked again, he would have to get the car made especially for him so that he could drive. If Bo never walked again, he would never go on another Hazzard Adventure.

Jose couldn’t believe it. He just couldn’t. Jose had so much fun being a Duke, being a kid. Now he realized how hard it would be for this young man. Jose knew that Bo would have so many challenges.

“Are you getting in the truck or not?” Bo asked through the open window. Jose nodded softly.

“Yeah as soon as I get the tire tube,” Jose replied.

“Well it is in the barn up in the loft.” Jose nodded.

“Okay, I’m on my way.”

“You better be.”

“Why?”

“I can’t wait anymore.” Jose laughed and shook his head.

“Alright, I’m going.” He ran over to the barn and grabbed it. “I hope this works, I really do.” Jose ran back to the truck. He threw the tire in the back. Jose grasped the handle of the door which was a cold shapely metal. He got in the truck and closed his door.

“Are you alright? You look like you have been hit by a truck, Uncle Jose.”

“No, I’m fine.”

“That’s another thing you have in common with Luke.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“No you’re not alright. You’re upset about something and it is written all over your face.”

“Yeah I guess I never was good at that one.”

“Actually, you are.”

“I don’t quite follow.” Jose started up the car and revved the engine. Bo smiled and laid back.

“It’s quite simple. Luke and Jose Duke can hide their emotions fine. That’s how I know they’re hurting. You two perform in a play. It’s like you’re playing the part of a person who has no emotion—as if you don’t feel any pain. Still, it radiates off you both.”

“Bo?”

“Yeah Jose?”

“You’re wise beyond your years.” Bo smiled. Jose put the truck into drive and they were off.

12

Meanwhile in town, Boss Hogg was happier than a goose. Roscoe was a little bored but he was pretty happy too. Oh yeah, the Dukes hadn’t been bugging Boss JD Hogg in days.

“The Dukes haven’t been bugging me in days,” Boss Hogg told Roscoe. That Boss Hogg is a copy cat. I thought of it first. “I met my brother, paid for his name to be changed to Hogg.”

“Khee, oh Boss you lucky little turnip you,” Roscoe said, pinching his cheeks.

“ACK! Don’t you do that to me Roscoe!”

“Or you’ll make me sell gas.”

“Or I’ll make you sell gas.”

“At Cooter’s.”

“Nope, door to door.” Boss cleared his throat. “Now what was I saying?”

“You have a brother?”

“Yes, he’s a little too Enos like for me but we’ll work on him after he becomes an American citizen and after he learns English.”

“Jit-jit…khee, I can’t wait.”

“Now, about my horse scheme…how’s it running?”

“Great, we’ve got them suckers—well, suckered Khee.”

“And how about the speed traps?”

“Racking in the dough.”

“The Dukes?”

“Going to school and coming home.”

“Who ever did it deserves a big sloppy kiss from me.” Boss Hogg suddenly went all deceitful eyed. “Roscoe, who got those Duke boys off my back? Am I next? Are they goanna come after everyone in Hazzard County?”

“Umm…”

“What are they doing there?”

“Well…”

“Don’t you know anything? Roscoe, I told you once and I told you all over again, keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”

“That was grand Boss Khee…did you note down that little tidbit?”

“Yes…” Boss Hogg smiled and shifted his eyes. “Yes I did.”

“Well it was stunning.”

“Yeah it was smart too.”

“You’re gifted.”

“I know I am.”

“You know Boss, if I could write stuff like that…”

“You would have a few more IQ points under your belt now wouldn’t you?” Roscoe waved his fist. Boss Hogg rebelliously gazed at Roscoe—making him stop his action. “I have two words for you and they’re not happy words.” Roscoe swallowed hard. He tried to make it up by fixing Boss’ shirt.

“I’m sorry Boss, I really am.”

“You waved your fist at me.”

“No, I was giving you a—thumbs up.” Now Roscoe should eat his hat right about now. “Yes, my thumbs went way up.”

“Your thumbs weren’t up.”

“Well—uh—they were a, a ‘thumbs up’ in spirit. Hee hee jit-jit ooo, I am sorry Boss, I am really sorry. I think you are a…”

“A jerk.”

“Yes a big fat jerk.”

“I knew you hated me!”

“I don’t hate you Boss, I like everything you stand for and then some.”

“Why did you call me a big fat jerk then?” Roscoe backed up. Boss kept coming at him. “Don’t even think of going for that door.”

“Boss, you were putting words into my mouth. I didn’t mean that.”

“Why did you wave your fist?”

“Well you see…”

“I do see Roscoe, I saw your fist.”

“Boss, I think you’re excellent.”

“Keep going, flattery will get you everywhere.” Okay, I think Boss Hogg loves himself a little too much. I think he does anyway. I don’t know what y’all think of him.

“Well, you’re well-dressed.”

“I better be.”

“You’re uh…”

“I’m what?”

“You have authority and a huge amount of power.”

“Don’t forget wealth.”

“Yep, I was just getting to that.”

“Sure you were.”

“I was.”

“Keep on going before your name turns to Deputy Coltrane. I don’t care if I am married to your fat sister or not.”

“Leila would get mad if you demoted her baby brother.”

“AH YOU’RE IMPOSSIBLE! Where’s the flattery, I miss it.”

“You are—a great kisser.” Boss’ eyes opened wide.

“I never in my life kissed you.”

“No Boss…I mean Leila.”

“How would you know?”

“She told me so.”

“ROSCOE!”

“Okay, on with the flattery. You drive a very nice car.”

“Well I better have. It sure is hard to find the classic Cadillac when it is so much money.” Boss Hogg Boss smiled thinking of his prized winning car. His facial expression changed from a loving amusement in his face to an unyielding inflexible outer shell.

“Now, spy on the Dukes and do it like you mean it.”

“You bet Boss, I’m gone.” Boss Hogg walked over to his desk. On there was a big plate of wings. He put four between each of his fingers—in both hands. Now friends, that’s advanced eating. Soon, the bones were clean.

“He better not screw this one up.”

“Screw what one up?” Enos asked. Boss Hogg jumped nearly a mile high. Enos looked confused. “Did I scare you?”

“No, I am always this jumpy.”

“No you ain’t, I scared you huh ha! I did it good.”

“You and Roscoe have the combined IQ of an egg plant. What are you doing here?”

“To tell you that I think that those meters outside, they’s broken.”

“How so?”

“Well the people put their money in and almost right after—well, the flags pop up.”

“Protecting us against people who are late.”

“Ain’t that illegal?”

“Well everyone lies.”

“I don’t lie Mr. Hogg and neither do the Duke boys.”

“Well then you’s guys are the only ones.” Boss went to grab his cigar and ended up grabbing a chicken wing. He tried to smoke it but nothing came out. As the barbeque sauce went into his mouth, he smiled and ate the rest.

“No sir Mr. Hogg sir, Hazzard is filled with honest people.”

“Well then Enos, you stick to your principals and I’ll stick to mine. Now get out there and write some tickets.”

“Yes sir, Mr. Hogg sir.” Enos ran out of the office. He shook his head. “I got better things to do than do your dirty work.” Enos walked over to the post office. He stood in an invisible line after grabbing a numbed.

“Number two,” Emma-Lee called. Enos went up in line and looked at her. Emma smiled. She applied some lipstick and smoothed her lips. “I need some ID from you Enos.”

“Yes ma’am.” He pulled out his driver’s license. She seems to be looking at it with awareness.

“Now what’s wrong Enos? You look glum.”

“Miss Emma, I feel ding dang glum. You know I haven’t seen Bo and Luke for almost a week. Sure, I see the General Lee and chase it but I don’t get to talk to my good buddies.”

“Don’t worry Enos, I am suffering too. That cute Uncle Jesse’s gone on vacation. When I catch wind of that man—Oooo my heart melts.” Enos sighed. “It ain’t the same is it?” Enos shook his head no.

“All this stuff with Boss Hogg and all—well, that makes me miss them boys that much more.”

“Oh Enos, I know you miss them, I would miss them just as much. Don’t worry, the Dukes will invite you over when they’re ready.” Yep, they just know Enos can’t keep a secret.

“I got a bad feeling Miss Tizdale, I really do.” Emma-Lee pulled back her shoulder length graying hair. She smiled at him. “What is it Miss Tizdale?”

“Well think about it, you care a lot about them boys.” She turned around and grabbed Enos some stamps with Mickey Mouse of them. Enos smiled. That boy always did like those kind of postage stamps. “I think that you’re a great friend.”

“You really think so Miss Tizdale?”

“Oh come on Enos, I know so. I know that you have always been a good friend to Bo and Luke. They have always respected you for every little thing that you have done.” Enos’ head lowered.

“I don’t respect myself. I have run them in for such stupid things and they still are nice to me.” Emma-Lee shook her head.

“No sir, you are not a bad man. You know as well as I do that you only do those things because Roscoe tells you to do them.” Enos paid Emma for the stamps.

“Miss Tizdale?”

“Yes Enos?”

“What would you get for Daisy?” Enos blushed and turned away. Emma smiled. You always did know that young Enos Strait had a crush on Miss Daisy Duke.

“Well Enos…”

“I really want to do something special for her.”

“Flowers—gals love flowers.” Enos’ eyes widened. He ran out the door. Enos opened it again.

“Thanks Miss Tizdale.”

“Anytime, Enos.” He closed the door again and ran to his car. Now friends, that boy is truly in love.

13

Cooter walked into the Duke farmhouse. He looked around and listened. It was too quiet. “Hey Jose, I thought I would check to see how you were doing,” Cooter called. Cooter continued to look around the house. There was no Jose in sight. As he walked up the stairs, Cooter still heard nothing. “Bo? Jose? Anyone home?”

Cooter opened Bo and Luke’s door. He was shocked at what he saw. Bo’s bed was vacant. The covers were all pushed to the end of the bed. Cooter walked over to the bed to make sure Bo hadn’t fallen out or anything like that. Nope, no one was there.

Now Cooter was getting worried. He was more than sure that he had been kidnapped. You know what assuming does to a person though don’t you? It makes a fool out of you and me. So Cooter knew before he would take any action, he knew to make the call on the CB. Thank goodness Jose had been down before.

“Breaker one breaker one, I might be crazy but don’t call me dumb, Crazy Cooter comin’ at ya, I am scanning the Hazzard net for the lone and hitched Sheep Herder are you on the CB or up a tree come on?” Cooter questioned over the CB.

He waited for a few seconds, there was no answer. Now silence isn’t a good thing in Hazzard County—well sometimes it is. Now you know as well as I do, Cooter was worried.

“Sheep Herder, come on Sheep Herder are you on the Hazzard net?” Cooter questioned. Cooter changed the channel. “Breaker one breaker one I may be crazy but I ain’t all that dumb, Crazy Cooter coming at you. I have my ears uncontaminated and purely cleaned to perfection. I am waiting for the one and only Sheep Herder…come on in Sheep Herder.”

“Hello Crazy C, this is Sheep Herder, the only Sheep Herder in the land now what can I do for you there buddy, come back?” Jose asked back over the CB. Cooter breathed a sigh of relief.

“Do you have Lost sheep two with ya, come back.”

“You mean a kid with blonde hair and blue eyes? I sure do…he’s around with me in the good ol swimming hole.”

“Roll that one by me again Sheep Herder, I thought I heard you say swimming hole.”

“That’s a positive Crazy Cooter…he’s at the swimming hole. Don’t worry about it Cooter, I know the family secret, come back.” Cooter sighed he smiled. “We’re trying to get circulation back.”

“Ah, continue, I’ll tell Bullet Dodger to lay off of the turn over. Catch you on the flip flop—over and out I’m gone.”

“Ten four,” Jose said as he put down the CB in the truck. He looked at his nephew, sitting in a bathing suit. His clothes were beside him on the grass.

“I told you they would worry about me,” Bo said, wrapping a towel around his top end. Jose shrugged. Bo grabbed a hat and put it on. He stretched a little bit.

“Yeah, they would worry. After all, you are paralyzed and you were supposed to be home.”

“Yeah I was wasn’t I?” Bo began slapping his legs. He still couldn’t feel it. Bo didn’t worry too much about it though. Something about this experience made him worry less and love life more. At first he felt as if everything was going wrong for him. Soon after, Bo realized that he wasn’t going to have as many problems as he thought.

“Yeah, you should have told me that the first time. I would have left a note.”

“You wanna try again?” Jose looked confused. “Go in the water again I mean. Do we wanna give it another shot?”

“Bo we have already driven back to get a bathing suit and a towel.”

“That’s because you forgot it.”

“We have dipped you in once.”

“Which was fun.”

“Yes, it was fun but it has been a long day for you. I know that you wanna get better Bo but, do you really want to go again? I don’t wanna do this too much and have you sick.” Bo nodded his head, indicating that he wanted to go for sure. Jose sighed.

“What? First of all, I am a Duke, I don’t get sick.”

“Yeah right.” Bo was beginning to get a little impatient. He scratched his eyebrow and looked at his uncle. “You get sick just like the rest of us Dukes.”

“Maybe so but it doesn’t last very long now does it?” Jose shrugged. “You said you wanted me to get better did you not?”

“Of course I do.”

“How am I supposed to walk if we don’t fix the legs?”

“It’s not your legs that are broken.”

“My back ain’t either.”

“I know that.”

“So how else can we fix it? Are we goanna be like a half robot half man and attach some sort of implants?” Jose looked at his nephew funny. “Come on, let’s do this thing.” Jose shook his head and laughed.

“You are way too much like Jesse.” Jose picked him up. He kicked the rubber tube into the water. As they got deeper, Jose put Bo inside.

“How am I like him?”

“Like who?”

“Like Uncle Jesse. You know, he’s so much better than me. He has way more patience. He knows almost everything.”

“That’s because he has tried it all.”

“Sometimes I wonder if he has.” Jose crocked an eyebrow. “No really, I honestly wonder if he has tried it all. You know, all the stories he has said.”

“Don’t question them, I was there.” Jose cleared his throat. “If you want to know Uncle Jesse then you have to look at yourself.”

“You have got to be joking.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Well he can’t be like me. He’s not that kind of person.”

“He’s a little bit nutty like you. He has a big streak of your Grandpa in him. Your Uncle Jesse would go out all night and…” Bo’s eyes widened suddenly. He looked out into the distance. “Are you listening to me?”

“Oh my goodness, you have got to be kidding me.”

“No I am not…”

“Oh I believe you Uncle Jose, look out yonder. You’ll understand what I mean.” Jose did as his nephew instructed. He saw the group of boys.

“Those were the ones that Luke said were a bit batty.”

“A bit? They think that black people shouldn’t marry white people. They think I shouldn’t be friends with Danny. They also said that Joan Krakauer shouldn’t date him.”

“Keep your hat on, they won’t know it’s you.”

“Yeah but they’re against whites and any ethnic group hanging out together.”

“I can handle them. You just stay in the water.”

“Like I have a choice on that one Uncle Jose. I can’t exactly paddle my way out of this.” Jose rolled his eyes. He got out of the water, letting Bo fend for himself. Now at least this way, Jose Duke took the attention off Bo. He looked at the group of boys who seemed to be coming towards Jose with purpose.

“What can I do for you gentlemen?” Jose asked calmly. The boys circled him slowly.

“Are you talking to us old man?” Bernard asked. Jose’s eyebrows rose. His fists clenched slightly. He tried to relax.

“Yes, I am talking to you.”

“What nationality are you, friend?” Lucas said, exaggerating the friend part.

“I am American.”

“No, what is your family historical background?”

“Well I am Mexican and Caucasian—a mix.” The boys glared at each other, whispering amongst themselves. Jose on the other hand kept his cool. He looked smart and unruffled even though the boys were driving him right up the wall. “You boys have a problem with that? You know I am happy with my nationality.”

“We just think…”

“What? That mixing races is wrong or the colored people all together are wrong. I have Aunties that are black. My Grandfather married a wonderful woman after his first wife died. She had one girl and three boys. All of which carry the name of Duke.”

“So you’re Luke’s family huh?”

“You got that right.”

“I see.”

“What do you see?”

“I see what their kind have done to white pride.”

“White pride? Prideful people are just hurting themselves.”

“The government forced the schools to integrate! We didn’t want them in there.”

“Oh? Did you know that African-American children who weren’t allowed to integrate had poorer education ratings?”

“That’s because THEY didn’t take care of their education.”

“No sonny, they did the best they could. There is so much against them now. So much.”

“Yeah sure, you coloreds all stick together.” Jose wanted to do something drastic to those kids. Shake them—something. He knew it wouldn’t do anything. Jose would just have to come up with something else. Suddenly, it hit him.

“Have you ever heard of Charles Richard Drew?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“Charles Drew worked on something called plasma…it is a way of taking the white cells out of the blood. You see boys, here’s your biology lesson. Whole blood doesn’t store as long. Without plasma, many people would have died.”

“What is your point?” Reeve questioned.

“Trust me, I have a point.”

“Then make it quick.”

“Charles Drew got in a car accident.”

“So?”

“He died and do you know why?” Reeve rolled his eyes. He looked at his watch and looked up. “Pay attention son. This is a key point. Do you know why Charles Drew died?”

“Why?”

“It was a hospital for whites only—he bled to death.” They all went silent for a minute.

“He was black?” Lucas questioned.

“That’s right, he was black. The man who helped people store blood longer died because of people who didn’t believe in color mixing.”

“He was…”

“They thought that blacks should remain in their hospitals and whites in theirs.” The boys looked at each other.

“So he was…”

“Yes! People are people, Gentlemen, no matter what color they are.”

“Our Daddy said…”

“Look at me boys, give me your undivided attention for two minutes.” The boys all did as Jose said. “Thank you. Parents, no matter how wonderful they seem never truly get it.”

“How so?”

“I’m a parent and I make bad decisions. I am in no way perfect. My opinions are mine. My kids share some of my values. However, they find their own way.”

“So you think that we could do better?”

“No son, I know you could do better than your father. Do you know how many people you’re missing in your circle of friends? You put a label on them and then you have no friends.”

“Well don’t have a lot of them,” Johan commented.

“That’s right…you have each other because you share similar values. Look at you though. You have talked to me for the last ten minutes. Did it kill you?”

“No.”

“That’s right. You know people are people.” Jose took a deep breath and let it out slow. “No matter how they act. I don’t care if they wear glasses or not. I don’t care if they’re missing half their body. People are people. Now why don’t you gentlemen go and ponder on that for a little while.”

“Thanks for everything Mister…umm…”

“Jose Duke.”

“Thanks Mr. Duke,” Jonah replied.

“You’re welcome.”

“No, this is new but we’ll try,” Bernard said.

“Oh I know you will. Look at people for who they are not what they have on the outside. Otherwise, you will never know what you missed.”

“Alright. They walked away.

“Ponder it!” Jose called out.

Bernard turned around and gave Jose a “thumbs up”. He continued walking with his brothers. Jose smiled. Maybe one day they would talk to more people. Someday, those boys might be teaching their dad a thing or two.

Jose had stopped a major confrontation with only his words. Bo couldn’t believe it. Danny was mistaken, one person can make a difference. Now Bo knew this with all his heart and nothing—nothing was goanna take that away from him.

14

Coy had just walked in the house—well over in Wichita. He sat down on the couch beside his uncle. Jesse seemed depressed and upset. “What’s wrong, Uncle Jesse?” Coy asked. Jesse looked up at his nephew and put on a weak smile.

“Oh don’t worry about it young man,” Jesse answered. His head lowered again. Jesse played with his Great Uncle’s pocket watch that had been passed down to him. Coy poked at him and Jesse turned towards his nephew.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s my anniversary today,” Jesse mumbled. He looked at his wedding ring and suddenly closed his eyes. “Sometimes, when it comes around, I think about my Laurel—your aunt. I think about all the things we did together. We solved Hazzard cases and went from place to place when the crops weren’t doing well. I would drive in races trying to make it.”

“What would she do?”

“Sell her strawberry jam. Your aunt sure knew how to make the stuff.” Jesse smiled and began to play with his beard. “She always said I was a better cook than her.”

“What do you think?”

“I would rather have her meals than anyone else’s food.” Suddenly the phone rang.

“I’ll get it,” Coy screamed. He ran over to the phone and picked it up. He pushed the button. “Hello, Duke farm, Coy speaking—how can I help you?” Coy asked normally.

“Hey Dork Burger, you still sound like a secretary for a law firm,” Bo replied. Bo began to laugh. Coy pressed his lips together hard. He wasn’t impressed with his brother’s comment.

“Must you always be like this?”

“Like what?”

“Like a big giant jerk.” Bo sighed. Coy’s eyes opened wide. He leaned on the cupboard. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Look, I need to talk to Uncle Jesse.” Coy walked over to his room and lied on his bed.

“About what?”

“None of your business Coy—oh please just forget what I just said, I don’t wanna fight with you right now.” Now Coy knew there was something wrong. Bo and him loved to fight. It was a national sport to them.

“Come on Bo, you can tell me what’s up.” Coy heard Bo sniffle on the other end.

“Look, I can’t.”

“You’re crying? You by no means cry in front of other men.”

“Coy, I am not getting into this. It took me a lot of courage to call Uncle Jesse up now I need to tell him this.”

“Tell him what?”

“You wanna know?”

“Yes, something is wrong. Just because we fight a lot doesn’t mean you ain’t my brother.” Bo sighed.

“Alright fine, you win.” Bo cleared his throat.

“Does this have something to do with the fight Uncle Jesse was telling us about?”

“Yup…Coy, I don’t know how to sugar coat it so I am just goanna say it. I am paralyzed.” Coy began laughing. He shook his head.

“Nice joke Bo.”

“No, I am serious about this one, brother.”

“Sure you are. You have to be pulling my leg. Next you’re goanna tell me that it is permanent.” Coy began laughing even harder. “You have pulled pranks on me before. I know you too well.”

“It could be permanent and I am not kidding. No tomfoolery and no hype stunts. I am truly without a shadow of a doubt, paralyzed.” Coy’s eyes widened as he stopped laughing. “That’s right Coy, this ain’t a joke. I wish it was.”

“No but…”

“I am paralyzed from the waist down—I cannot move my legs at all.” Coy dropped the phone almost immediately. His shoulder’s dropped. “Are you there Coy?” There was a sudden silence. “Come on kid, snap out of it. COY! Come on brother.” The young Duke Boy picked up the phone and put it back to his ear.

“I’m here…sorry Bo.”

“That’s why I didn’t wanna tell you or him.”

“I’ll tell Uncle Jesse about this. Then I’m coming back to Hazzard until I see those toes move.”

“That could be a long time.”

“Bro, I would do anything for you. I really would.”

“I don’t want you to come for me. If you come for anyone it would be for Luke.”

“Why Luke?”

“He’s really mixed up right now. Daisy tries to cheer him up but…”

“Never fear, Coy is on the case. Now, I am goanna tell Uncle Jesse now. You get some rest and keep working on the legs.”

“I will.”

“Bye bro.”

“Bye.” Coy walked out of his room and looked at Uncle Jesse who was now in the kitchen.

“Decided to make some cookies, do you want some?” Uncle Jesse questioned. He looked into Coy’s eyes. “What’s wrong kid?” Just as Coy was about to open his mouth, Paige and Vance walked in. The two had boxes in their hands—parcels. They all sat at the kitchen table, placing the two boxes on the table.

“Jesse, I know how much you were missing Laurel so, I got Daddy to send over some pictures,” Paige commented. Jesse walked over to the table. The boxes were opened and out came the pictures. Jesse looked through a few and then looked up.

“Coy, you were goanna tell me something.”

“Like what?”

“Well…”

“Uncle Jesse, family, you might wanna sit down for this one,” Coy replied. They all did as Coy requested. “Bo’s paralyzed from the waist down. That’s what the toe thing was all about.”

“What?”

“Uncle Jesse look…Bo didn’t want you to worry—he didn’t know if it was permanent.” Jesse stood up and walked to the guest room. Paige followed him. He was packing faster than he ever had before. Paige put a hand on his shoulder.

“I should have known!”

“Jesse…” Paige began.

“What’s worse is Jose didn’t tell me! How could he do this to me? Those two boys are like my kids.” Jesse’s face went red, he couldn’t hold it in anymore. He began to moan as if the pain was coming purely out of this throat.

“Jesse, you know that Jose wouldn’t have done it to spite you.” Jesse shook his head. He began packing again. “Bo probably asked him not to. You know that as well as I do.” Jesse sighed.

“My nephew can’t walk. That’s all I can think about. He can’t move his legs.”

“Jesse, that’s right, he can’t walk. He was scared and felt alone. However, Luke was there for him—Daisy was there. I am more than sure Cooter and Dodger Davenport were there as well.” Jesse sighed.

“I wasn’t. Now I know how Dad felt when Great Uncle Luke didn’t invite him.”

“But you understood his reasons?”

“Yeah, I knew that Dad would make a big fuss.” Paige looked at Jesse closely. “Okay you have made your point, Paige.” Coy knocked on the door.

“I made a few calls. Tom, Catherine and Johnny are flying out tonight. They’ll be over there by midnight. Johnny said not to go home yet—wait until your plane tickets say to come home,” Coy replied. Jesse’s eyes filled with tears.

“My kids are amazing creatures.”

“Coy, that was really nice of you,” Paige commented.

“Yeah it was very nice of you, Coy.”

“Well I thought they would wanna help and yeah—I wanted you to stay longer, I miss you a lot, Uncle Jesse,” Coy answered. Jesse smiled.

“I miss you too boy.” They gave each other a hug.” Now this is goanna be interesting. I think Boss Hogg is goanna tear his hair out. Seven Dukes in Hazzard County. I think all the swindles are goanna be out the window.

15

Johnny, Catherine and Tom walked in the door of the farmhouse. Jose was cooking dinner and Bo was sitting up in a wheelchair donated by Doc Applebee himself. Luke was reading a book in the corner. Bo tapped his cousin’s shoulder. Luke looked up. “What are you two doing here?” Luke questioned. Now Jose looked up.

“Can’t a couple of good men come home without questions?” Johnny asked. Catherine cleared her throat. “Oh and Cat here of course.” Daisy walked into the kitchen. As she saw Catherine, Daisy ran over and gave her cousin a hug.

“Why are you really here?”

“Coy called us,” Tom answered.

“And it is a good thing he did. Did you know Roscoe’s out in your bushes spying on you?” Catherine added. Bo nodded and began to laugh.

“Boss wants to know what we’re up to and why we’re not fighting back,” Bo laughed. Everyone smiled. Bo shrugged. “I am not sure but…I think he wants to know if I am getting up and walking anytime soon.”

“Well Bo Duke, we also noticed a few of Hazzard’s spots being overly populated.”

“Ah more trouble?”

“Naturally.” Okay, you know where this conversation is leading. Now let’s go and look to Roscoe who is still spying outside.

Roscoe was in green fatigues—all accustomed with beautiful leaves and bushes. A squirrel landed on his head. He picked it up. “Listen critter, you’s messin with police business Khee! Now scat,” Roscoe said as he put the squirrel down.

The squirrel stood there for a moment, knowing Roscoe wasn’t very dangerous. Now friends, you look at Roscoe and tell me how mean he is. Heck, Roscoe can’t even tell a mean joke. I know one thing, Roscoe did like that squirrel.

“Boss Hogg, this is Roscoe P. Coltrane, do ya got your ears on fat buddy, come on?” Roscoe said of the CB.

“Roscoe, enough with your dang CB talk, why don’t you talk in normal everyday English like everyone else around here,” Boss Hogg replied.

“Okay, I think Bo Duke is pretending to be paralyzed from the waist down as to get all of his family members out here. That’s pretty low huh Boss, Over?”

“How many Dukes?”

“Six including the original Dukes—I heard them say that Uncle Jesse and Coy were coming back.”

“Roscoe, how dumb are you? First of all, he ain’t your Uncle Jesse. Second of all, think about it numbskull, if all the family is down there, he is paralyzed. Now, they’s goanna end up finding out my schemes and then where will we be? Roscoe, get back here immediately!
Ya hear?”

“Yes sir, I’m gone Khee.”

Ah, the plot thickens, Boss Hogg knows as well as we do with extra Dukes in Hazzard County, something is goanna give way. We don’t know what yet but I am more than sure we’s goanna find out. After all, this is Hazzard County.

Later on that night, Luke along with Catherine, Tom and Johnny went over to this new Hazzard Horse Derby. They of course had to knock out the gaurds before getting there which wasn’t too hard considering they had Catherine with them. Catherine, like all the Duke women, was dead gorgeous and could tempt any man.

Catherine gave them a soda each, knocking them each to the ground with what was in it. Soon it was time to get to work. No one would dispute that one. Luke began by checking out the booth where all the action happens. Tom, the more experienced Duke hit the track itself. Catherine and Johnny decided to check out the stables. Where do we wanna start? I know, we’ll go with Catherine and Johnny first.

“Hey Johnny, you have got to see this,” Catherine commented. Her brother followed her of course. Now watch closely ladies and gentlemen because we ain’t goanna show this more than once. Catherine put her finger on a button that was under a saddle. A secret door opened.

“Great work big sister. Now, I wonder what’s down there?” Johnny answered. They walked down a long set of stairs. Down there was a poster with every picture of the horse. By each name was the one who won the last derby. To the left of the poster was a large refrigerator. Inside there were hundreds of needles.

“Recognize these?”

“They look like the horse tranquilizers that we used on Dolly. Hmm, this means that Boss Hogg is drugging the horses. Obviously not with the whole thing though. This mixture looks like it has been dyed.”

“It has, looks like it is one of the shots that we gave our horses to avoid worms.”

“I was goanna say it looks like green Kool-Aid but I like your response better.” Catherine smiled. She rubbed her hands together. “What?”

“That’s what we’ll do to make the race fair…green Kool-Aid. Johnny you’re a genius.” Johnny smiled softly. He nodded his head with pride.

“I am a genius ain’t I?”

Now what was Tom discovering? Well, he saw parts where
the grass had been slightly lifted. How? Well even with the race disguising it, you could see dirt traces where they shouldn’t be. Tom picked up his walky talky. “Hey Luke, what do you see up there, over?” Tom asked.

“There are all these buttons that have no place being in a sound booth and I should know. I worked for the drama productions up on the stage booth. There are ones that open up traps. Like the one below where your standing, is a fake mouse, over,” Luke answered.

“What do you think we can do about it?”

“Simple, I can take the wiring down. I know that they have hidden it under the stands. I will just need to get in there.”

“You hear that Daisy, take Bo out of the car, we need his lock picking skills.”

“That’s a big 10-4 there, Tom,” Daisy replied over the walky talky. As Bo entered the stadium he had a large smile on his face. He held onto the walky talky.

“Ah, Luke, this is Catherine—we’re goanna take the General and go pick up something. Y’all think you’ll be okay while we’re gone?” Catherine asked over the walky talky.

“Oh come on Catherine, we’s Dukes,” Luke answered her.

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Luke shook his head.

“Don’t worry, there’s enough Dukes to handle it. “Where you going anyway, Johnny and Catherine, come back?”

“We’re goanna make the horse races look cleaner.”

“That’s a big happy 10-4.”

Tom grabbed Bo out of his wheelchair. Daisy folded up the chair and carried it up the seating area until they found a large door.

“Daisy girl, put the wheelchair down. I assume this is what we’re looking for,” Tom commented as he pointed to the door. There was a sign on it reading, ‘Keep out, wiring unit’. Daisy did as her cousin Tom said. She put the wheelchair back to the way it was. Bo was put back inside.

“Okay y’all now give me some room to work,” Bo mumbled. He took a few supplies out and began working his way through the lock. Luke made his way over to his cousins. He stared at Bo who had just opened the door.

“Now tell me cousin, where did you learn this one?” Daisy asked him softly. Bo smiled as his eyebrows rose.

“Do you remember when the principal’s office was filled with popped corn?”

“Yeah, of course I remember.”

“Well, Cooter helped me do it. I watched him and learned carefully.”

“And where did Cooter learn it?”

“You have to ask him that question.” Daisy shook her head. She couldn’t believe how juvenile Bo seemed yet he was so smart. Luke finally walked in. “I better give him again. I am good at ruining things like this.” Bo wheeled himself inside. He began to play with the wires right along with Luke.

“Who invited you in here anyway?” Luke asked.

“Who helped you while you were doing the drama productions for Hazzard County?”

“You did.”

“Yeah I did, didn’t I? Now let’s get to work. And no comments about how I am in a wheelchair, I am just as good as you. No matter how much you think you’re better than me.” As Bo and Luke were working away, Catherine and Johnny had just gotten back.

They mixed the kool-aid powder with water. Johnny made the kool-aid as Catherine cleaned and emptied each and every needle. Johnny grabbed mixture and began filling each needle—along with Catherine of course.

“There we’re done,” Johnny said.

“You know, we Dukes sure know what we’re doing,” Catherine replied. She brushed her hair back softly. “We’ll show Boss Hogg who is Boss.”

“Or the real Boss.”

“Exactly.” They walked out of the stables and over to the other Dukes. Everyone smiled at them.

“Where were you guys?” Tom asked.

“Oh just horsing around, Johnny replied. Tom rolled his eyes.

“Real cute, Johnny. Now you know just as well as I do…”

“What that you’re a dork?”

“You are immature.” Daisy started laughing. She put her hand over her mouth to muffle it.

“What’s so funny Daisy?”

“Johnny, you and Tom sound just like Bo and Luke.” Johnny looked at his brother and smiled.

“Yeah, I guess we do.”

“No brother, we always will act like that,” Tom replied. Catherine nodded her head.

“I can vouch for that one Daisy,” She told her cousin.

“Hey!”

“Well you have always acted like that.”

“I have not.”

“Have too.”

Now remember, the plan was going great, that don’t always mean the Dukes are goanna get away with it. Now think of the shift change for security guards. Boss didn’t want people who would ask a lot of questions, he wanted people who were loyal to him in every way.

So Boss Hogg’s guards were actually hired thugs with good fire power. So now, about the change of the guards, it was happening right now. When the thugs found the men who weren’t moving at all, of course they wondered what in the world was going on.

They walked into the arena just as Bo and Luke finished the last wire. Daisy alerted the boys. Luke simply told her, “Stay with Bo, we’ll take care of these morons.”

There was a fight between them. Luke, Johnny, Catherine and Tom were taking on the six guys out fairly easily. First of course, they took the guns out of the thugs’ hands. Second of all, they punched their lights out. Bo wished he could join in this little battle but knew he was stuck up there.

Soon, Tom was back up grabbing Bo. Luke picked up the chair. Daisy and the rest of the gang ran with them. “This whole being paralyzed thing sucks,” Bo mumbled to Tom.

“Yeah but we couldn’t have done this without you Bo,” Tom said, trying to reassure him. Bo shrugged. “Hey, I mean that cousin, heck; I would have probably got us caught a lot faster.” Bo smiled.

“I suppose so.”

“And I know so.”

“You think so?”

“Bo, you were totally awesome. I would have blown the door down with dynamite,” Johnny said.

“Sounds about right for you little brother,” Catherine replied.

“What would have you done, lipsticked it to death?” Everyone began laughing. “What?”

“Oh come on Johnny, what do you think?”

“Yeah I made a funny didn’t I?” Uh huh, the Dukes are always together on everything. Now, I wonder what was goanna happen tomorrow?

16

The next day, everyone got ready to see the horse races. Since Tom was the only one who could bet, they all dressed up in disguises just to watch. Well, everyone but Bo. He wanted to stay in the truck. Luke tried to convince him to come out but you know how hard that is folks.

Bo has always seemed to go his own way on things. Besides, he felt more comfortable not having to sit so close. He leaned back in the truck and turned on the radio. That way, he could listen to all the goings on.

Ladies and gentlemen, I never did say Bo was a dumb young man. Bo laughed softly to himself as the whole horse race began. You could hear the music ring through the place. Bo shook his head and shrugged. He took a deep breath out at let it go real slow like and then began laughing again.

“Boss is goanna have a heart attack when none of his tricks work,” Bo said to himself.

Boss Hogg was watching—with some of his thugs beside him. “Why is Posy winnin’ this race? She won yesterday. All the good money has been bet on her. If she wins…” Boss Hogg said.

“Woe Boss, look—I told my boys to give her a shot. If they didn’t…” The thug began.

“Look Günter, you better be on top of this. Your men said that some people broke in last night. Are you sure that they got the right stuff?” Günter, the thug seemed distracted. He looked in his binoculars out at the crowd. “What’s wrong with your brain, did you hear me?”

“It’s those people from last night. They gave our boys quite the beating and drugged the others.”

“Did some of them have blonde hair and cheesey grins?”

“Looked like pure hicks?”

“Yes, you have been hit by the Duke Boys. You better go get them ya hear?”

“Yes sir.”

Günter signaled for his twenty men to go after the Dukes. Luke caught sight of this crowd coming toward them and of course, go up and warned the others. They began to run for the door when all of a sudden, they were blocked in. Daisy kicked one of them and then another. They ran through the exit into the parking lot.

The twenty men were right on their tail. Bo saw his family being chased. He knew he had to do something. Bo opened the side door and took his wheelchair out. He unfolded it himself. Bo slid himself inside of it. He grabbed a metal poll out of the back of the pickup truck.

Bo began using all the power within him to get there. He picked up speed and held out the poll, knocking down one man after another. Up ahead, Luke, Daisy, Catherine, Tom and Johnny were fighting by the pond. Again, having to kick the guns into the water—so they would have no possession of guns. That’s a slick way to keep the men away.

Back at Bo’s end he got to the nine that he could knock down, no one noticed what was going on—why the last nine? Well think about it, the number of footprint sounds stopped. One of Günter’s men turned around and caught sight of Bo in the wheelchair—holding the poll.

As they were getting closer to the small pond, one of the thugs grabbed a large branch and threw it into Bo’s wheel. This sent Bo flying through the air. He hit the dirt, directly beside the pond.

“Bo are you okay?” Daisy asked as she punched another
man.

“I’m fine Daisy,” Bo answered.

“Just stay there cousin,” Tom mumbled. The group continued to throw the weapons into the water. Or in Luke’s case, kick it away. Unfortunately for them, one gun remained close to Bo. As the one thug saw this, he came towards the gun. Bo wasn’t willing to let his cousin’s get hurt. He kept trying to sit up to get the gun.

He couldn’t seem to do it. Out of the blue, as if by some sort of supernatural force, Bo’s leg moved upwards slowly and surely by chance. Bo was sure that he wouldn’t make his leg go high enough. What was more important though? His family or him?

The exertion was so tough for Bo that the sweat began to wave off of his forehead as he continued to make his leg go up. The thug was running too fast to avoid the leg. Bo ended up kicking the man in the face hard. The thug fell to the ground.

And Bo, oh Bo stared at his leg as he was able to unsteadily but surely put it down. He was breathing was heavy-handed as he was out of breath by this feat. Bo took in a gulp of air finally slowing down his pant to a simple light puff of air.

As the last man was knocked out, everyone surrounded their cousin, the hero of the hour. Bo had saved them all but more than that he had just moved his leg. Everyone stared at him.

“What? You have never seen a guy raise his leg before?” Bo said, moving the leg back and forth slowly. Everyone was thrilled, cheering and letting out giant ‘Yahoo’s’ and ‘Yee-haw’s’.

“Bo you can walk!” Luke exclaimed. Bo shook his head no. Luke stared at him in disbelief. “What do you mean by that?”

“If I stood up right now, I would fall on my butt.” Everyone began laughing.

“Let’s go home,” Tom announced. Everyone agreed with him.

Well I bet you’re wondering how Boss Hogg feels right now. He’s crying and he just grabbed Roscoe’s hat. “Now Boss, you don’t wanna do that,” Roscoe commented.

“Oh yes I do!” Boss exclaimed, throwing the hat down.

And wouldn’t you know it? When Uncle Jesse came back, Bo was already using the walker? Now that my friend is a good old fashion fairytale ending—in Hazzard County.