by: Essy Jane

Bo was just buttoning the last button when Uncle Jesse walked in that morning. He looked at his uncle and smiled. “Boy, you’re going to bed when you get home,” Uncle Jesse said. Bo shook his head.

“You know, if I would have said that to you when you got out of the hospital you would have whooped me,” Bo answered. He looked at Uncle Jesse and winked with his good eye. Bo’s other eye looked like a round plum.

“I hadn’t gotten beaten up by two thugs with guns.”

“Well, I hadn’t just had surgery when I got out of the hospital. You know Uncle Jesse, I do believe your condition was way worse than mine ever was.” Bo smiled as he stood up Uncle Jesse growled at him. “Come on, I just want to help.”

“Okay, Luke wants to use you in his plan.”

“Alright…”

“He wants you to go to Darren, his old friend from the marines.”

“Oh you mean the one who moved here to get some time off?”

“Yes.”

“The one who was the police artist before he retired?”

“Bo, he’s one and the same person. Luke wants a picture of these two men who beat you up.”

“Alright, I can handle that. Then what?”

“You’re gonna go to bed.”

“Uncle Jesse, can’t I do something more?”

“Nope.”

“Why not?”

“Think about it Bo, you were just beaten up.”

“I may have been beaten up but I can still do things.” Uncle Jesse shook his head. He looked at Bo with his big caring eyes. Bo smiled and put his eyebrows up, tucking his chin to his right shoulder. He clasped his hands together and begged. “Oh come on Uncle Jesse.”

“Bo, you’re more stubborn than a mule. My goodness, can’t you listen to reason?”

“If I could, I wouldn’t be a Duke.”

“I guess I have to take that one into consideration. Bo, humour me a minute, close your right eye.” Bo did as his Uncle told him. “Now, how many fingers do you see?” Bo tried to open his bad eye up more.

“Three.”

“Okay, you’re fine.” Bo smiled and let out a yee-haa. He grabbed his Uncle and swung him around the room.

“You’re awesome. So, what is ol’ Luke’s plan?”

“Daisy’s gonna be running the garage when these fools come back and we’re gonna use her to get to them.”

“Put her in danger? Uncle Jesse, I don’t think that I am up to something like that. I don’t want my cousin…”

“We’s gotta catch these guys before they run off and I ain’t gonna have them find you or Cooter. They’re gonna go right back into jail where they truly belong.”

“Uncle Jesse, they’ll kill anyone who is a friend of Cooter.”

“Luke has got an eye on Daisy at all times. He’s up in the small apartment above the garage. Bows and arrows included. He won’t let anything happen to her.”

“Are you sure it will be okay?”

“Oh yeah, Luke made sure of everything.”

“These guys are crafty but I found their weakness. One of the boys doesn’t want to actually do any of the things the older one wants him to do. He wants to go to Mexico. Maybe we can use that against them and me.”

“Why you?”

“Well Uncle Jesse, think about it. If the one guy that’s so dang worried about Mexico talks to me, he’ll use it as an excuse to stay.”

“Bo, I ain’t putting you in jeopardy either.”

“Why not? It’ll work.” Jesse rolled his eyes. “You know, I have a better plan than Luke for once.”

“Oh you think so?”

“Nope, I know so. Luke’s plan is interesting but I know of a way to get them where we want them without all the hassle of pretending Cooter’s gone. I think I can get Essy’s help with this one.”

“Essy?”

“Yeah, if she’s anything like her Aunt she’ll be the perfect candidate.”

“You better tell me what you’re planning here Bo.”

“Well, when we’re all together I will.” Now, Bo and Jesse went over to Cooter’s garage and pretended like they were getting their car fixed. Uncle Jesse went over to see Essy-Jane to take her over to Bo so he could finally hear Bo’s big plan. Uh huh, complicated ain’t it? I told you Hazzard ain’t like any other County.

Jesse knocked at the door, fiddling with his overalls and tiding his hair. Essy answered the door. She looked at Jesse standing there. “Why Jesse Duke, what a surprise, Auntie Emma will be tickled right pink when she sees you here. I was about to finish my Gumbo Filé. You should Come on in,” Essy said with enthusiasm.

“Sure Essy-Jane but I can only stay a few minutes,” Jesse mumbled. She looked into his eyes.

“Okay, what’s wrong?”

“Bo has some sort of plan to catch the guys that beat him up.” Essy rolled her eyes.

“He would try to show off after not being able to show up for the date.” Essy shook her head and sat down. “I can’t believe him, Bo’s so stubborn, and he never will change.”

“What do mean never change? I knew you’d been here before. Sure, when you were really young but I mean recently. Diana Grayson?”

“Cat’s out of the bag.”

“Bo and Luke both thought you were out of their league.” Essy laughed.

“Yeah I know. Now, come on in and say hi to Auntie while I finish this here dinner for her.”

“Alright, I might as well.” Jesse walked up the stairs slowly. He took a deep breath and let it out slow. Now friends, remember what he told the boys, Jesse is a shy man when it comes to Miss Emma Tizdale. Anyway, the aging man looked at her door and swallowed hard. He knocked on it softly.

“Who is it?” Emma said, in a soft voice.

“It’s me Emma, are you decent.”

“Ooh Jesse, you sweet man, come on in here,” Emma’s voice perked up. She tidied up her hair and sat up in the bed. Jesse opened the door as gentle as he could. He looked up at Emma with her hair down in wisps above her forehead. Her eyes shone through her glasses.

“Why Miss Emma, for a sick person you look pretty good today.”

“Doctor says I’ll be out for the barn bash. Oooh Jesse, I would be tickled ninety shades of pink if you’d ask me.”

“Emma…”

“It would do me proud.”

“Emma, I can’t resist your charm. Of course I will take you.” Jesse seals his date with a kiss. Essy stands at the door with a tray in her hand. She smiles at the dear couple.

“My, my, Auntie, you’ve got a date,” Essy announced. Jesse went red in the face. Uh huh, that’s real love my friends. After giving Miss Tizdale her soup, Essy-Jane went over to the garage to see what this plan was. Bo and Luke were shooting arrows and Daisy was keeping score.

“Bo, you’re out shooting him by two,” Daisy commented.

“Yeah and I even have a bad eye,” Bo added.

“So, what’s this plan of yours, Bo?” Luke shot another arrow into the bull’s eye. Daisy ticked it off on the score board.

“Well Daisy, it’s close to Luke’s plan but with differences.” Bo shot his arrow and split Luke’s. Daisy laughed. She ticked down another for Bo. “Daisy, you’re gonna run the garage.” Luke aimed for the target. “Instead of Cooter going on vacation, he got banged up by his girl.” Luke lost concentration and missed the target all together. The arrow ricocheted off a hub cap on the wall and hit the tools on Cooter’s wall which was behind him.

“Cooter doesn’t have a girl friend right now,” Luke grumbled. Then he smiled. “Which is why you’re gonna use Essy.”

“Yep,” Bo answered.

“Oh no, what if something goes wrong? Do you think for one minute Essy can handle it?”

“You didn’t let me finish my plan.” Bo finished explaining to Luke what was gonna happen. Now that Luke knew the whole plan, he liked it. He was sure it was gonna work. Bo was thrilled Luke was pleased with him. “So you don’t mind?”

“Mind, I love it. Bo, you know what I said to you earlier…”

“Luke, don’t, you already apologized.”

“No, Bo I mean it. You ain’t dumb.”

“Why thank you.”

“Bo, I think you ain’t usin’ your head. This is gonna work sure but you ain’t exactly in shape. Now Bo, why do you have to put yourself in trouble?” Jesse asked.

“It’s for Cooter, besides, I think I deserve a little bit of that old fashioned revenge for what they did to me. Making me miss my horse back riding was a crime to my friend Miss Essy here.”

“Bo, put your manhood aside. Maybe your Uncle is right,” Essy mumbled.

“You don’t believe in me do ya Essy?”

“No, I just don’t want you getting hurt.”

“You really do care about me don’t you?”

“You better believe it bub.”

“Well, that’s sweet but Essy?”

“Yeah, I know, you’re still gonna go through with this but let me give you one thing.”

“Oh and what’s that?”

“Something for luck.” Essy leaned in and gave Bo a kiss on the cheek. Bo and Essy stared at each other for a minute before moving on.

“Wow.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Bo, I want you to be careful.”

“Oh you better believe it. There ain’t no way I’m gonna miss my date with you this time.”

“Can y’all hurry this up? I have got to close up my garage,” Daisy said. Everyone began laughing. Okay y’all now you better get some sleep, we’re gonna have some real action coming and I don’t want you to fall asleep. If you don’t have any sheep to count we will provide.

by: Essy Jane

When at last Bo got into see the doctor, he was covered up in a lot of blankets. They had warmed up IV bags dripping lukewarm saline into his veins. Bo had a cut on his leg that went to the bone. He had to get stitches. Of course Bo tried to be a man when that lady doctor walked in but in the end, well let’s just say he cried a little when the needle went in.

Other than a broken nose, Bo had mostly scratches and scrapes on his body. Bo was really lucky. If he had hung there any longer, the doctors were more than sure that poor ol’ Bo would have died. “Are you satisfied? I have two IV’s in both of my hands,” Bo grumbled.

“You’re only going to be here for a couple more hours. Isn’t that better than being dead?” Luke asked him. Bo sighed. He looked up at his cousin who was concerned.

“Yeah but I missed my date. I was gonna trump around mad for a while and then go out with Essy. I bet she’s plum mad. I wouldn’t be surprised if she shoved a bean-shooter up my nose and pulled the trigger.”

“Oh Bo, come on. This is kind of a good excuse.”

“Oh you say that now.”

“Look, by now she knows where you are.” Luke pulled up the blankets on Bo as he tried to throw them off. Bo’s eyebrows lowered. He crossed his arms under the blanket. “You were a Popsicle Bo. Just be thankful we got you here on time.”

“Oh I am but I wish this didn’t happen.”

“You know what cousin?”

“What, Luke?”

“I wish it didn’t happen either.”

“I guess some good came out of it.” Luke straightened himself out. Bo took a deep breath and let it out real slow. “Cooter could have been…and I would have never forgiven myself.”

“I guess you were supposed to be there. Sometimes things happen for a reason. Even if we don’t like where we are, we’re still put there. We have all have trials to overcome but we face them.”

“I know. Hey you know what else I know?”

“What, Bo?”

“You were supposed to find me.”

“Good thing huh?”

“Yeah but it still doesn’t change how mad I am. I mean shoot, I should be able to have some sort of fun.”

“You will, Essy ain’t going anywhere right now, Bo. Miss Tizdale’s still sick. Essy loves her aunt to pieces and she loves the mail system.”

“I know. I guess I’m jealous.”

“Of me?”

“Yeah.”

“Don’t be, you’ll get your chance soon enough.”

“How was it?”

“The race, oh it was extraordinary! Essy drives just like Uncle Jesse and Miss Tizdale put together.” Bo started laughing. He pulled his arms out from under the blankets again and put them under his head. Luke cleared his throat, trying to signal Bo to put them back under the blankets. “I won’t say another word until they’re back under the blankets.”

“Luke…”

“Now, Bo.”

“Fine, Luke you win.” Bo put his arms back under and Luke pulled the blanket back over his cousin. “Now tell me more about your date.”

“It wasn’t really a date with Essy. She pulled all sorts of tricks and knew how to get ahead. I almost beat her but she was just too darn fast. Uncle Sam has a few more parts than the General.”

“How was she?”

“She was—I don’t know how to describe it. Essy was everything I wanted in a girl. Kind, willing to show her own personality…sweet and wild yet so kind, yep, that was Essy. I have never seen anyone like her. I don’t know—I feel like I knew her from somewhere before.” Luke glanced over at Bo. He was sound asleep. Luke smiled. “Goodnight cousin.”

Luke walked out of Bo’s hospital room and made his way into the hallway. He watched as nurses and doctors leisurely strolled passed him. Luke shook his head and sighed. He went into the hospital’s waiting room and sat down gradually.

Luke closed his eyes tight for a minute. He look another deep breath and let it out slow. He pushed his hair back with his hands, shaking his head ever so lightly. Luke shoved the tears out of his eyes like they hurt him in some way.

The Duke boys were always close and that’s the truth. Luke really felt for his cousin. They were funny kids those two. When Bo got a licking, Bo wouldn’t cry at all. Instead, Luke would cry. If Luke got a spanking, Bo would cry. Jesse could never quite understand it.

Right now, poor Luke didn’t want to show his fear. He couldn’t believe how Bo was acting. His cousin was pretending to be brave yet he was hurting. Luke just wished he could do something for Bo. What could he do though? Bo was in the hospital bed and there was nothing ol’ Luke could do about it.

Another thing that really was bothering Luke was when Bo wanted him to leave and get help for Cooter. Here his cousin was shivering and shaking. Bo was cold to the bone and he was begging Luke to help Cooter. What if the younger cousin died that night? That was something Luke couldn’t accept.

Daisy wandered into the hospital, looking around for a familiar face. Her eyes were sunken. Daisy wore her hair up in a ponytail, something she hadn’t done in a long time. When she saw her cousin just sitting there, Daisy approached him. Luke didn’t look up once. He kept breathing softly. Even when Daisy sat beside him, Luke didn’t look up.

The young woman tapped Luke’s shoulder ever so slightly. Luke jumped and looked up at Daisy, relieved it was her. He sat with his elbows on his knees. Both of Luke’s fists were clenched, holding up his face. Daisy pulled Luke’s arms down. She pulled her cousin’s face up to her level. “How is he?” Daisy asked.

“He just fell asleep,” Luke answered.

“Poor guy.”

“Yeah, I can’t believe what he’s been through. I knew something was wrong.”

“One great thing about our cousin is he never gives up.”

“Yeah right, Daisy.”

“Luke, Bo’s a strong guy.”

“Yeah I know.” Luke shook his head. He looked right into Daisy’s eyes. “You know, if it wasn’t for me, this wouldn’t have happened.”

“That’s not true. How were you supposed to know that Bo would end up over there when two bad dudes were trying to…”

“I told him he was stupid. I should never have done that. I didn’t mean to say it either.”

“He knows that.”

“No, I don’t think he does.” Luke turned away as the tears started to push their way forward. He took a deep breath and let it out real slow. Daisy put a hand on his shoulder. She took a quivering breath, trying to be the strong one. “I let him down—that’s worse than anything I could ever have done to him.”

“Luke, because of you, Bo’s okay.”

“Thank goodness for that huh? I am no hero.” There was a sudden silence between the two of them. Daisy sighed. She looked out the shadowy window of the hospital.

“You know, I have always hated hospitals. They bring on so much pain. It’s funny though, your life seems to start out in a hospital nowadays.”

“Not Bo and I. Uncle Jesse delivered us both.”

“Okay, I was born in a hospital.”

“Yep you were and we’re all glad everything went well.”

“Anyway, they’re born in hospitals and the little sun spots are so beautiful. These babies grow up to have a mind of their own.”

“Yeah and babies like me hurt babies like Bo.”

“Luke, you’re family. Bo loves you no matter what. He’s adored you from the minute he met you. You two were always joined at the hip. In fact, sometimes I was jealous when I was younger.”

“Daisy…”

“Then I realized that you and Bo will always have a special bond no matter what. You and I have a different bond.”

“We weren’t exactly nice to you at first.”

“I was so different compared to you two. You had known each other since Bo was born and I was a newcomer. Me and my piggy tails flying. Bo took one look at them and began tugging.” Luke chuckled.

“Yeah, that sounds like him.”

“Luke, you were Uncle Jesse’s official peace maker. You always were kind to me—even when Bo liked to play those tricks. You always made sure I was okay.”

“Well at least I did right to you. Not like the way I have messed up tonight.”

“Will you stop beating yourself up Luke? Bo is okay. You said it yourself, he’s sleeping.”

“I can’t help it, I feel so dang bad.”

“Luke, in the same way you made sure I was alright, you always made sure Bo was okay.”

“Then why do I feel as though I let him down?”

“Bo knows how much you care about him.”

“Are you sure about that, Daisy?”

“Oh come on Luke think about it, you two were raised up like brothers. The only one he wanted to be like was you. When you went to Vietnam, he was plum worried. He wanted to be there.” Daisy smiled and looked at her cousin. “You know, Bo was so thrilled when he got the mail. A letter was there from you telling him that you were coming home. I never saw a smile so big on his face.”

“I had a lot of problems back then.”

“Oh he didn’t care, he wanted to be there with you. He would have walked through fire for you.” Luke smiled.

“Thanks Daisy.”

“You’re welcome.”

“You always seem to know what to say.”

“Oh, by the way, Uncle Jesse told me to tell you that Cooter’s okay. We’re gonna take care of the garage while he’s gone. Do you think we’ll find the perspective killers?”

“With Bo’s help, of course we will but we’re gonna need you too. You’re gonna be in the garage. We’re gonna convince them that Cooter’s on vacation.”

“I like the sound of it already.”

by: Essy Jane

Eight hours later, the Duke farm had quieted down. Cooter was back at his garage working on cars. The crickets were chirping softly in the background and Essy was waiting at the Duke farm for Bo. Yep, she had raced the General Lee and had a lot of fun with Luke.

Essy remembered how much fun Luke was the last time she went out with him. Now their date was over and Essy was ready for her double header. If only Bo would show up. She did want to go on that date with Bo. She sat on the porch looking at the stars in the sky. She saw one of them shoot past her. Daisy came out onto the porch and looked at them.

“Beautiful ain’t they?” Daisy asked. Essy nodded. She pointed to the big dipper. “Nah, that’s not the best one. I have a telescope in my room Bo gave it to me as a birthday present. Actually, he kind of bought it so he could use it too.” Essy laughed. “We could look at planets if you want to.”

“I would love to,” Essy replied. She let out a huge sigh. Essy began to kick her feet back and forth. Daisy put a hand on Essy’s shoulder but she pulled away. “I can’t believe Bo stood me up.” Daisy nodded.

“Well sometimes men don’t think.” They both laughed.

“You got that right. Bo really looked nervous.”

“Well, he also had a fight with me earlier. He ran off mad. Luke also told me he called him stupid compared to you.”

“I know Bo pretty well, he’s anything but stupid.”

“Well I know that but sometimes, he doubts it. You know how he can be. Bo’s always worried about what people think but he hides it with his super man ego. Bo can’t seem to hide it around you though, Essy-Jane.” Essy laughed.

“Well, I bring out the babies in men.”

“I’ll be right back with the telescope.” Daisy walked into the house. She looked at Luke who was pacing.

“He wouldn’t have been gone this long,” Luke mumbled.

“Luke, you know how he gets when he’s mad. Remember that one time, he was out all night. We looked everywhere for him. Bo just doesn’t want to be found right now,” Daisy answered. Luke shook his head. He peered out the window hoping to see Bo’s shadow walking towards them. No, all Luke could see was the dark cold night.

“Daisy, that was more like four hours. Bo’s been gone since…about 11:00 AM. That ain’t normal for him. You know as well as I do…”

“Okay I admit it was four hours but he was still mad when you found him. He would rather hide right now than have you chase after him.”

“Yeah but he needed me that time. Remember, he forgot a jacket and he was shivering.”

“He just built a fire, Luke, come on. Leave him alone. He always finds his way back.”

“Maybe so, but I still want to look for him. I feel horrible. What I said to him last night, wasn’t very nice.”

“What I said wasn’t all that nice either but…”

“Daisy, he was upset, I know he was. Bo tried to prove me wrong today and I just blew it up. Not to mention what happened with Essy…”

“Luke, leave him alone for a while, he’ll come back when he’s good and ready.” Luke sighed. Uncle Jesse looked up from the paper he was reading.

“Usually I would agree with Daisy but I have that feeling in my left toe. Check the woods. That’s where he normally goes to clear his head. Bring the first aid kit and a few blankets. He wasn’t wearing a coat was he?” Uncle Jesse asked.

“No sir,” Luke answered.

“Dang that boy!”

“Uncle Jesse, don’t be too hard on him, it’s all my fault.”

“Don’t think about that right now.”

“Yes sir.”

“Luke, you be careful out there and don’t you go forgetting your jacket. We already have one out there without one. Bring him back in one piece if you can. I don’t want you hitting him.”

“I won’t, Uncle Jesse.”

“Be careful.”

“I will.”

“Uncle Jesse, can I go?” Daisy asked.

“No, I want you to stay here in case something bigger happens. Besides, Essy needs some company,” Uncle Jesse answered.

“Okay.” Luke walked out the door at that instant to try to find his cousin. Now friends, let’s hope he’s not too late. Luke drove as far as he could and then stopped. He had to take the rest of the way on foot. He put a backpack filled with supplies he might need.

Luke was really getting worried. He looked for Bo calling his name. Hoping that by some miracle he would answer back. However, there was no sign of Bo. All Luke could hear was his pitter patter of his own feet and the animals as they slithered by him.

Luke continued on knowing he couldn’t give up. He held onto the small backpack. The flash light was in his right hand. “Bo!” Luke screamed out. He waited for a response. Luke didn’t hear anything. Owls hooted softly. Animals scampered along. Just as he thought he wasn’t getting anywhere, Luke finally had some success. A shadow on a tree—a silhouette that looked like two fists.

The body was leaning over to one side. The arms were in the shape of a distorted diamond. Luke ran to Bo. He dropped his backpack on the ground and opened it up. Luke grabbed the itchy wool blanket and threw it over Bo’s shoulders. He shook his limp body lightly. Bo’s head came up and hit Luke in the face.

“Bo, it’s me,” Luke commented. Bo looked up at Luke and began to sob. Luke took out his knife and began to cut the tape off. The cousins shared in the silence as it continued to fill the place. As the last strand of rope and tape were cut from Bo’s wrists, he fell down into Luke’s arms.

Luke brought Bo down to the ground. He shone the light on his cousin’s battered skin. Luke slowly pulled the bandanna off of Bo’s face. He didn’t know what to say at that moment, all Bo could do was lay there—happy he could finally move. Luke wrapped another blanket around poor Bo.

“I didn’t think anyone was coming—you know how I am when I’m angry,” Bo mumbled as his teeth chattered. Luke rubbed his arms.

“Bo, you’re as cold as ice. Are you okay?” Luke questioned. Bo nodded. Luke took a deep breath and let it out slow. Bo licked his sore lips. “I’ve got to warm you up now, we’s gotta get back to the general now.”

“Luke, my legs—they’s just too numb, I won’t be able to walk. Ya need to help Cooter—they’re gonna kill him. Make a fire and leave me be,” Bo said between his teeth. Luke’s eyes opened wide.

“What?”

“That’s why I’m here, they’s gonna kill him.”

“No!”

“Please, don’t worry about me.”

“Bo, I’m your cousin, it’s sort of my job.”

“Look, I would rather sleep here all night in my underwear than have Cooter be killed.” Luke shook his head.

“I can’t leave you.”

“You’re gonna have to. You can run to the General and back probably in five minutes. With me on your back it’s gonna take longer. Call Cooter on the CB and tell him someone’s gonna put a slug in his noodle and he’ll be much obliged.” Luke nodded.

“I’ll throw Cooter a line and then come back. I’ll run back to the General and get the sleeping bag out of the back seat and grab some fire wood.”

“Take your time.” Luke ran as Bo lied there doing nothing. Luke didn’t want to leave his cousin but it was necessary. Cooter needed to be warned. He was working on cars and of course he wouldn’t be suspecting anything. Luke knew his way around these woods better than anyone around.

Luke grabbed the CB receiver. He took a deep breath and paused hoping this would get to his friend before someone else did. Cooter and Luke had been friends a long time and he wasn’t about to loose that friendship now.

“This is lost sheep number one calling crazy Cooter come on,” Luke announced. Cooter bumped his head on the bumper of the car. He rubbed it and put the wrench down. “Cooter are you there, come back.” Cooter slid out from the car and brushed up on his hair. “Cooter, I need to talk to you, come back!”

He grabbed the receiver of his CB and held it close. Cooter cleared his throat as he leaned on his desk. “I may be crazy but I ain’t dumb crazy Cooter comin’ at ya is that Lukas Duke on the Hazard net come back,” Cooter answered.

From the other end, Luke was relieved to find Cooter alive. Come on folks, wouldn’t you be thrilled too? Luke got his senses together and took a deep breath in. He let it out slow and pushed the button on the CB. “Cooter, someone is trying to kill you.”

“Ah can you repeat that Lukas? I think I have static on my end. I thought you said someone was trying to kill me”

“Uh huh, that’s what I said.”

“No way.”

“Someone is trying to kill you—repeat someone is trying to kill you git out of your shop now!”

“You don’t have to tell me twice 10-4 out and gone. I’m gonna be at shine mining number two.”

“Lay low ‘till I find ya.”

“That’s a big 10-4 over and out.”

“This is Shepard calling lost sheep number one come on in little lamb,” Uncle Jesse commented.

“This is the lost sheep number one, come back,” Luke answered.

“Did you find little boy Bo?”

“Affirmative I have found him.”

“Damage report if you please, over.”

“Bo’s colder than a hairless polar bear in the arctic over.”

“Anything else you wanna tell me?”

“My cousin has some scratches and stuff but he should be okay.”

“That’s buffalo bagels!”

“He says he’s gonna be okay.”

“Bo always says he’s gonna be okay.” Luke had to laugh. “What happened to him anyway?”

“He got involved with some bad dudes. I don’t exactly what’s going on but I know one thing, I’m taking Bo over to the hospital just to make sure he is okay. Watch out for Cooter for me?”

“No problem Luke, 10-4 and good luck.”

“Thanks Uncle Jesse, 10-4.” Luke sighed. He looked up at the sky for a second. “Bo is gonna kill me for this.” Luke ran back to Bo with the sleeping bag in hand. He wasn’t about to grab the axe and chop wood. Bo was just gonna have to go to the hospital.

Luke walked back and looked at his cousin as he tried to get up. He fell back on his butt. Bo shook his head. He couldn’t even get up. He tried once again but failed miserably. Luke giggled softly to himself. Of course Bo picked it up. “It ain’t funny,” Bo growled. Luke unrolled the sleeping bag. He crouched beside Bo.

Luke opened the brown bag up and pushed one side under his cousin’s back. He rolled Bo towards him and pulled the sleeping bag out so that it was even on Bo’s back. Luke then zipped the sleeping bag back up.

Bo was shivering through his teeth. His eye was extremely swollen and red. There was a small paper cut like scratch going from Bo’s eyebrow to just underneath his eye. Luke bit on his bottom lip. He picked up his cousin and cradled him. Luke placed the flashlight on Bo. He carried the first aid kit in between his index and middle finger.

“What are you doing?” Bo asked.

“Uncle Jesse is on the case, I have gotta get you to a hospital,” Luke answered. Bo rolled his eyes.

“I thought we discussed this already.”

“No, you discussed this with me without any response from the peanut gallery.”

“You’re supposed to help Cooter and I am supposed to stay here. Cooter could die.”

“So could you.”

“I ain’t gonna die, I am gonna be just fine.”

“Wasn’t it you who couldn’t get yourself up or was I dreaming.”

“Luke, you would be a little stiff too if you had been hanging off a tree for hours. Now go help Cooter and leave me here. You’re the best one for the job.”

“No, you need medical attention. Besides, Uncle Jesse is just as capable as I am.” Luke continued to walk back towards the General. “I ain’t gonna let you die in the woods.” Bo shook his head. He knew that he was okay. Why couldn’t Luke accept it?

“Luke, I’m fine.”

“No you’re not.”

“Yeah I am, now go and help Cooter.”

“What if those guys come back for you?” Bo shrugged.

“I would think of something.”

“That doesn’t change the fact that you need medical attention.”

“Bo if you could see the colour of your lips, you would be taking yourself to the hospital.”

“Luke you are as stubborn as a jack ass. I can’t believe you would risk Cooter’s life.” Bo started hacking and coughing. “Just to take me to the hospital.”

“Listen to yourself! We’re still going there no matter what you think.”

by: Essy Jane

Two hours later, Cooter was on his way to the Dukes for dinner. Cooter loved two things more than anything in the world Uncle Jesse’s cooking and fixing cars. Whenever he got asked over, Cooter took the opportunity. He just pulled up at the Duke farm. Cooter could smell the stew from here. He walked in the door. “Hey Uncle Jesse,” Cooter said.

“Boy, how many times do I have to tell you, I’m not your Uncle Jesse,” Jesse scolded.

“Yes Uncle…”

“Cooter, you’re testing me.”

“Yes Uncle…I mean, Jesse, I mean, Mr. Duke.” Luke walked into the house and sat down. Daisy was already setting the table. “Don’t y’all need an extra chair? I mean ain’t Bo eating?”

“Forget about Bo, I know he ain’t comin’ tonight,” Luke grumbled.

“Okay, sorry I asked.”

“I apologize Cooter, I didn’t mean to be so harsh.”

“Apology accepted.”

“So why ain’t y’all gonna set a spot for him?”

“He ran off,” Daisy commented.

“Yeah, and we don’t know when he’s gonna be back. You know how Bo is,” Luke added.

“Set a spot for him anyway, Daisy in case he does come home,” Uncle Jesse said.

“Yes sir,” Daisy answered. She took out the plate, glass and silverware. She set them down in Bo’s usual spot. Everyone sat down. Uncle Jesse straightened up.

“Lord, please bless this bountiful feast and bless Bo Lord, that he may find his way home tonight.”

“Amen.”

“Amen,” Everyone else commented at the same time. Uncle Jesse grabbed the plates and began serving everyone’s food for them.

“So what happened to ol’ Bo anyway?” Cooter asked.

“Ah, don’t worry about it, he said something to Daisy and he felt kinda bad about it,” Luke commented.

“Yeah, he’ll be back soon with an apology and a big hug,” Daisy added. They continued eating.

“He’ll be so sorry that he’ll be upset.”

“Look, in your cousin’s defence, I would like to say that you have been makin’ him upset the last couple of days. First with those comments about him being dumb. Bo ain’t a stupid person yet you make him out to be that way,” Uncle Jesse commented.

“Do you ever ask him what he thinks?”

“No.”

“Do you ask him if he has a plan.”

“Well…”

“I didn’t think so. Yet you can sit here and tell him how sorry he’s gonna have to be.”

“I didn’t think…”

“Yep, I know you didn’t think about it Luke. Daisy’s comments were just the lettering on the cake. You were the main course.”

“I feel like a monster.”

“I’m glad because you’re gonna go apologize to him first.”

“Yes sir, when he comes home I will.”

“That’s better, now, let’s eat instead of spreading gossip.”

“Yes sir,” Cooter commented.

“Yes Uncle Jesse,” Daisy said.

“Sorry Uncle Jesse,” Luke added.

Meanwhile, over by Cooter’s garage, the two bad guys were waiting for their prey to come home. Deke kept moving in the car. He couldn’t seem to stay still. Tate rolled his eyes at his brother. He glared into the moonlight. The two seemed to share the same frustration. Cooter Davenport hadn’t been seen since they left Bo out in the woods.

“Should we go back and untie him?” Tate asked Deke. Deke rolled his eyes and clipped his brother in the head.

“Are you a moron or something? If we let that guy go, he’ll go straight to Cooter. If he goes to Cooter, he won’t be around anymore. The only way out of this is to kill…” Deke began.

“No! Can’t we put him in some old warehouse until the job is done? He’ll be out of the way.”

“No, he’ll pin us with the murder. No tracks remember?”

“Yeah, I guess.” Tate shook his head as he thought about the poor young man freezing out there. He wanted to go over and help him but he knew his older brother was right. Cooter could put them back in jail. The young man in the woods could rat them out. There was a deep silence again in the car. The only sound was Deke moving. “Hey Deke?”

“Yes, little brother?”

“Why did we leave his clothes by Hazzard pond?”

“Well, I didn’t want anyone to look in the woods for him. If they thought he went skinny dipping and died…”

“Man, you think of everything don’t you?”

“Obviously not little brother, Cooter’s still not here.” Deke started up the car. He put it in reverse.

“Where are we going?”

“Cooter’s place.”

“Didn’t someone tell us that he works here a lot?”

“Do you see him here you bone head?”

“No.”

“Well, he has to go to bed some time right?”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“When he does we’ll be waiting for him right?”

“Uh huh.”

“So why would we sit here if we didn’t know that he was coming back here for sure.”

“Okay, I get your point.”

Back in the woods, Bo was struggling away. He looked down at his boots remembering the knife he had stuck in it in the morning. Bo tried to climb up the tree. This has got to work, He thought to himself, Maybe if I can open the knife with my… Bo rolled his eyes. I can’t do that, my hands are tapped together. What am I gonna do? Bo took a deep breath and let it out slow. He tried to pull his hands apart. Bo seemed to be getting nowhere. He wished that he had never gone into the woods. Bo couldn’t change it now. He couldn’t go back and fix things. All he could do was hope Luke would come looking for him.

by: Essy Jane

Bo walked for a very long time just thinking about how much thought he really put to what he did back there. Now Jesse always told the boys that they needed to slow down and think. Bo was never really at ease with that advice. No matter how much he tried to slow down, his mouth was always three steps ahead of him.

Bo was sort of glad that Luke didn’t catch up to him at first. It was nice to walk around and see the scenery. Nothing could really hurt him there. Nothing bad could happen…or so he thought. Bo was walking in the woods. He saw smoke from a distance and being the Duke boy it was normal to go help people. Bo didn’t know what trouble was in store for him.

He stumbled in on a conversation that would make all the difference in his day. “You think he knows we’re here Tate?” One of the men asked. Bo looked at their faces; there was nothing really familiar to them.

“Look Deke, I think I have had enough of this game of cat and mouse. I want to find Cooter and kill him,” Tate replied.

“I know you’re mad at him but that’s no reason to rush into this.”

“I have been waiting 12 years to get Cooter and now I have my chance.”

“Cooter…”

“Cooter should have been the one to go to jail not us.”

“Why? We were the bank robbers.”

“If we would have just kept him…”

“Tate, I don’t know how wonderful you found it but I thought it was a nightmare.” Bo’s eyes widened.

“I didn’t like prison. I didn’t like worrying about a fight going on.”

“You were always into them though.”

“Yeah, to fight for my very own life if that’s what you mean. I would rather live than die.”

“We were good at fighting though. What else didn’t you like about prison?”

“I didn’t like asking to go use the porcelain you know what. I didn’t like being hit for being so tired. You think it wasn’t hard on me either? Well let me tell you Deke, I had a horrible time.”

“It’s his fault we’re here…but it’s kind of your fault too Tate, you said to let the hostage go.” Tate stood up and glared violently at Deke.

“It was a long time ago! I can’t believe you still blame me.”

“You were supposed to be my partner.”

“I didn’t want to do it in the first place. I blame you on the whole matter.”

“Me? You chose to do it.”

“I became desperate and I would have gone with anything you said and I did. I robbed a bank, went against all my principals. Now here we are, escaped prisoners ready to seek revenge on a guy for picking us out of a line up. How do we know it was him?”

“Cooter Davenport was the only one who saw our faces.”

“Exactly, but instead of running off to Mexico and trying again, we’re here. Haven’t we learned anything?”

“If we’re found before we get to Mexico, he’s the one who will help us get back to prison. I am thinking.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Tate’s head lowered. He didn’t want to do it, just like he didn’t want to do it back then. Now if you need a little background, let me enlighten you. They were robbing banks.

The brothers used to rob small town banks with small security systems. Deke was power hungry and very angry. He decided to rob more and retire after a while. Cooter was his hostage and a very smart one at that. He managed to pick the two men out of a line-up. They didn’t know his name at first but soon it was evident.

Now they were out of prison and Cooter was about to get nailed. Bo wasn’t about to let that happen. Warning Cooter was the only way to get him out of this. He went to go back to town when Bo stepped on a branch. As it snapped, Bo wished that Luke had come after him. They pointed a gun at his back.

“Uh…Parlez-vous français?” Bo asked trying to cover up. His accent in French wasn’t as clean as it should have been but he hoped it was enough to get out of this situation.

“What do you think Deke?” Tate asked.

“I think he looks too—country to be French,” Deke replied as he pulled out his gun. Bo put his hands up.

“I’ll tie him up.” Tate grabbed his rope and tied Bo’s hands onto a strong thick branch. Bo struggled to get out but this man obviously was good at what he did. “Are you a friend of Cooter?” Bo didn’t answer. He didn’t want to get Cooter out here. Tate slapped Bo across the face. “Tell me now!” Bo spit on Tate. Deke kicked him in the nose.

“Big mistake pal. Now give us the right answer. Do you know Cooter Davenport?” Bo felt the blood run down his face.

“I wouldn’t tell you even if you was a cop,” Bo answered.

“I won’t ask again!”

“Good ‘cause I won’t tell you again.” They hit Bo in the face four times and looked at him. Bo shook his head a couple of times trying to keep from fainting.

“Now are you gonna answer me or not?”

“Not.” Deke kicked Bo in the stomach. Tate grabbed Bo by the hair and hit him under his chin. Bo began breathing hard.

“Why are you doing this to me?”

“You have a big mouth that’s why.”

“You know what they say, better to have a big mouth and a big brain then to have a small mouth and no brain.”

“This guy is getting on my nerves! You either tell us or you’re going to regret it,” Deke commented.

“The only thing I am regretting right now is your bad breath and his stench ain’t the smell of roses either.” Tate clenched his fists. He looked at Deke and smiled. Tate whispered in his ear. They walked back over to Bo and ripped off his shirt and took off his pants. “What are you doing?” Deke punched Bo in the stomach.

“We’re leaving you to die.” Bo’s eyes widened.

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Oh wouldn’t I? We’re hardened criminals remember?”

“No, look I…”

“You’ll tell us what we want to know?”

“Of course not, I wouldn’t tell you even if my life depended on it…Mr. Criminal.”

“Well your life does depend on it. Do you know the guy or not?” Bo sighed as he nodded. “Good, I am glad you could finally admit it.” Deke and Tate began to walk away.

“Hey, you said…”

“The animals are gonna pick up your scent—your blood and your sweat. Boy, they’ll get you better than we could.” Bo tried to get out of the rope but it was too tightly tied.

“If the animals don’t get you, the hypothermia will. Hazard may be a warm place but it can get awful cold at night,” Tate reminded Bo.

“You’re too far in the woods for anyone to see ya.”

“Don’t do this!” Bo screamed. He was punched in the stomach again.

“Any friend of Cooter’s ain’t a friend of ours,” Tate said as he pulled out his bandanna. He gagged Bo and walked over to the car. Deke grabbed a role a of duct tape and ripped a long piece off. He put it around Bo’s hands and feet. “There, good luck warnin’ your friend now.” Both laughed. Deke smiled as he packed up the camp. Bo continued to struggle but soon, he lost strength.