BeauregardDuke73

Why doesn't that surprise me?

Well, he keeps as much in that jacket as most guys do in a briefcase...no wonder he's about 10 pounds lighter without it. *chuckling, carefully carrying the black-clad 'outlaw' with the other 'ruffians' of my acquaintance.*

*watching, agape, as MaryAnne tranqs Brian, I can't help but chuckle as he staggers and goes down, knowing it won't hurt him, just knock him cold - which wouldn't be a bad thing with his injuries.* I'll get his legs, Alex. Luke, can you get the doors? *bending down to pick up Brian's legs.* Why do I always get the back end? *asked of no one in particular with a rueful shake of my head.*

See who go? *giving Luke a wry grin* I ain't seen anyone leave. And you're right, that's a very sweet Chevy. Did you notice the Olds next to it? *A dark red Olds 442 sits parked next to it.*

*Nudging Luke in the side with my elbow at the "mostly"* It is fun. But it is the people that count. Hazzard wouldn't seem like Hazzard without all of ya. And no offense to anyone intended, but it wouldn't be quite the same with Brian as the deputy and MaryAnne the Lady of the Outlaws. *smiling at both of them* You both look good with your rightful titles and adornments *taking in MaryAnne's badge, now pinned where it belongs, and Brian in his black jacket.*

*biting back my grin at the proposed turn of events...* She's got you there, Brian. *teasing*

*Watching as MaryAnne walks away, also wondering if Brian will stay put, then, seeing him taking the badge out and putting it on I can't help but burst into laughter...Only in Hazzard*

*smiling at the praise, chuckling softly at the thought of Luke and I as "thugs".* We ain't goin' nowhere, Brian. As Luke said, we can make an exception for you...anytime.

*chuckling* Anytime, Brian. You know we'll do what we can. *bright smile*

*shaking head at the 'these two' comment, giving Luke a quick glance and a shrug, watching as Brian gestures to the other blond.*

*walking up with Luke, one hand on Daney's arm to keep her between Luke and I, I look at the group assembled, visually assessing that everyone's okay - except for the knocked-out Duke, and even that, I notice that his breathing is even and regular - if shallow - so he doesn't appear to be in any real danger.* Brian...*quiet, giving a nod, respectfully greeting the black-clad man, who's obviously in charge of the current crowd. Nodding politely to MaryAnne, Alex and Garrett too, as well as the doctor.*

*sounding "Dixie" as we enter the town square, more from habit than anything else, screeching to a stop next to the assembled group.* See...I managed to get ya here without anyone being killed - or even maimed. *speaking to our weaker-stomached cousin*

Brian didn't say anything about Garrett...and no, we can't just drop you off somewhere, Daney. *shaking my head that the question was even asked.*

*Hardly waiting for Luke and Daney to settle into the car before gunning the engine and heading off toward town. Eager for action, any kind of action.*

Yes, Sir! *answering with customary enthusiasm for action* We'll be there as soon as we can - 20 minutes or so.

*Hearing the CB crackle to life, I give a short whistle to Luke, hoping he recognizes the signal, then quickly move over to the General and lean in the passenger window to grab the CB, having to chuckle at the new handle* You got your Black Sheep here, Blackbird. You okay? *not going into detail over the open airwaves, but checking anyway.*

*Watching Daney settle in again, my gaze darts to my cousin.* I'm gonna step outside for a few minutes. *Heading out the door and leaning against the side of the cabin, eyes closing briefly, worried about how Brian, MaryAnne and everyone else is doing in town.*

You're welcome. *taking her by the arm and leading her back to the cabin, offering her a small drink of water from a tin cup, then settling her back on the bed, tying her down once again. I'm not ungentle in my actions, but the caution is necessary.* (I'll be pausing here for the night...)

*looking over at our "guest", not completely trusting of her, despite the politeness* I'll help you. *not wanting that in the small space of the cabin. I quickly untie her feet, then her hands and help her up. Walking with her out of the cabin, I keep one hand on her arm until we're a few feet away from the cabin, then I let go of her arm, but get a grip on her belt, giving her some freedom of movement without completely letting go.*

Okay. *smiling at Luke* I was planning on tying her there later anyway...just figured for now. *heading back out to the car and bringing in a load of blankets. Tossing one of the blankets, the rattiest, as instructed, over one of the cots, I get it situated then look at our "guest".* You heard him...*moving to the table as I speak and cutting up one of the ropes into the appropriate lengths.*

Sure. *giving another glance around, then heading back out to the car, grabbing a length of rope from the trunk, leaving the lid open so that it's easily accessible. Going back inside I grab one of the chairs from the table and set it in the middle of the room, moving the table aside to be out of the way, and leave the chair standing alone. Moving the furniture throws up a cloud of dust, and it's all I can do not to sneeze* Have a seat, Daney. *brushing off the seat of the chair with my hand, then wiping my hand on my blue jeans.*

*watching warily as Luke gets Daney out of the car, I round the back of the car and grab my bow and arrows and a flashlight from the trunk, rejoining Luke, keeping well ahead of Daney.* Right *in response to Luke's warning. Cautiously approaching the cabin, I open the door and swing the flashlight in a wide arc inside, I hear a bit of scurrying and see a mouse dive for a hole in the corner.* Nothing but a couple of mice. The place is a mess though. *Inside it's plain to see that a family of mice has called this place home for a while. There's a broom in the corner that can be used to clean up, a small table in the center of the room with a rusty lantern that probably doesn't work on it. Along the back wall are a couple of cots, their mattresses old and lumpy-looking. Next to the door the small old wood stove looks serviceable enough, and there are enough trees nearby that will provide wood, if the need arises.*

*nodding at Luke's words, rounding a couple of more corners, then finally pulling off onto another cow path, another half mile goes by and a small cabin comes into view, peeking through the trees, I slow down as we approach, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings. At long last I pull to a stop in front of the old, run-down, cabin and glance toward Luke and Daney.* Here we are.

(I should mention I won't be around on Wednesday either..."Lukas_KD" has permission to move me around if necessary to allow the story to continue.)

Daney, why don't you just relax, huh? We'll be there soon enough. *edgy with her repeated glances to the CB. Not that anyone could find us right now - except an old ridge runner - and the only two I know of left in the county are in this car.*