runningwild

Bo Duke made Cassie so mad, even when they were children. All she could do was question whether she was hurt enough by his words not to say anything or whether she should try to match him. "I didn't mean to hurt Luke you stubborn bast----!" This is what the younger Duke did to her. "And, yes I do like the city, so Atlanta should be superb." Enos' eyes widen as he started pulled Cassie towards the stairs, "Come on Darlin'." Her feet carried her along with Enos, "I guess you can't understand what its like to really try to survive." Cassie's voice was bitter. Enos wasn't going to let her stay out on the street having a yelling match with Bo. People were staring. Cooter came out of the post office and heard the commotion. Seeing Bo, he figured he'd have to check out what was going on. "Hey there Bo," he held his usual comical look on his face. "What's the trouble? Little lady didn't want to date ya?" He grinned slightly, then he took the time to actually see who the woman was. Quickly, any touch of humor to his faced died and he looked back at Bo, "Oh..."

Cassie looked down; his words were anticipated but still she hurt just the same. She didn't say a word, as Enos fastened the handcuffs on her wrists. "You'll have these back off in a second don't worry," he said calmly to her. Enos heard Bo and looked at him walking away, "I'm taking her inside..don't get yourself all worked up." With that he took Cassie by the forearm. "Wait Enos.." Cassie decided to speak up. "Bo, why don't you come with us inside and we'll talk. I think we need to." She knew that he'd reject the idea so she had to add a little more to it. "You can yell if you want even curse me; I just think it'd do some good to the situation. I mean word does travel fast in Hazzard."

Enos was naturally polite and was still stalling before he had to put the handcuffs on Cassie. "Howdy Bo, Boss Hogg issued a warrant for her arrest a while back. We're just now catching her." Turning so that Bo could get a better look at her, Cassie spoke up. "You're singing a different tune," that was all she had to say. Bo wasn't exactly very fond of Cassie, before she left. He cursed Luke several times for not turning her in to Rosco. Her negligence killed someone that was very dear to his cousin Daisy, so he struggled with resentment for Cassie. Only God knew what was in store for her now that a Duke knew she was back in town. Cassie looked uneasy waiting for Bo's reaction when he realized who she was. Time would tell if he'd grown to forgive her for making a mistake when trying to save her own life. It's always been said "a life for a life"; her's was sparred and so someone had to die.

Once she stepped foot on the sidewalk, Hazzard seemed like home again; still she was viewing it as a stranger. The crisp air from the transition from summer to fall gently blew around her tossing tree branches slightly back and forth. Today's weather made it a day to remember. The click of her high heels on the pavement gave away any hope that she would go unnoticed. Who wouldn't take notice of a blonde in oversized sunglasses in town in Hazzard County. Her attire was simple; a fitted sun dress and the black high heels she wore to match it. The dress was red, but it was the shade of red that remained subtle and not too flashy. Even though she loved to stand out, Hazzard wasn't the place and it wasn't the time. See her name was well known in these parts not only because she grew up here but because she was involved in one of the county's few murders. Without actually pulling the trigger, she requested that during a jailbreak for Luke Duke that another man be released, also. This other man was apart of her master plan to rid the world of her ex-boyfriend and spare her own life without hurting any of her friends; namely The Dukes. Everything was going as planned; the man she got out of jail had held up his end of the bargain and protected her from a visit from Harvey Conrad, her ex-boyfriend. Harvey was a "mobster", the head man. He had a lot of power and felt as if he were entitled to the rights of his girlfriend. Long story short, Harvey left vowing to get revenge on this man and the man in return fired a shot that took a life. After that, she didn't have many friends because things were now complicated. Luke her longtime love didn't know what to do with her anymore and so they stopped speaking, but that didn't mean they still didn't love each other. Passing infront of the courthouse on her way to see what outstanding fees she may have on her house, she was stopped dead in her tracks as Enos Strate came down the courthouse steps infront of her. She couldn't avoid him. "Howdy Ma'm," he said with a nod instantly noticing that she looked out of place. At first, she didn't want to reply; still it was all apart of her southern hospitality to answer when spoken to, "Hi." Enos tilted his head a little to examine her a little more closely, since her voice triggered a faint recognization. "I'm Deputy.." "Enos Strate. I know," she smiled sweetly. Lifting her sunglasses on top of her head, she spoke again. "Hi, Enos." Blinking a few times, he cursed himself under his breath and wished a thousand times that she wasn't who she was. "Cassie? Cassie Morgan," she accompanied this with a nod. Pausing for a long moment, he sighed, "It's nice to see you back in town Cassie, but I'm sorry. I'm going to have to place you under arrest." Cassie just stared at him, "And, here I was thinking that I was cleared of all that.." She didn't resist all she could do was hold her wrists together out in front, for Enos to handcuff her. Without failue, the General Lee could be heard and then saw barrelling into town around the corner. The Dukes always had to make a trip into town atleast once a day. This sounds made Enos pause and contemplate what to do in any given situation they could present him with. He knew that if The Dukes saw Cassie there was going to be a whole lot of heartache and disgust depending on which Dukes it was.

Cooter paused as he hugged her, "I'll kill that damn fool." He muttered still comforting Dusty. Enos looked down and tried to laugh, but it came out sounding nervous and awkward. "Now, Cooter it's okay.. everything's been taken care of you don't need to worry yourself with that Hogg." Cassie sighed, "Oh lord, this is going great," she muttered. Luke, on the other hand, followed Enos' lead, "Cooter don't get so worked up.."

Luke looked at Cooter and Dusty. Finally, they were together, and it seemed like the best thing for both of them. He stared at his cousin and best friend and wondered what exactly what going to happen next. Enos nodded as he stayed silent, but Cassie decided to break the silent seeing that Cooter wasn't exactly saying anything "I think that's enough drama for one day.. " For a second, she almost lost her temper and didn't know why. Enos caught on to that and darted his eyes in her direction. "Cass, why don't you take Luke out for something to eat.. or " Luke was the one to interupt him, "Or why don't you take her.. now's not a great time for me to eat. Seeing as I'm not hungry and all." Suddenly, it was as if attitudes had changed and Cassie didn't particularly care for the company of anyone at the moment.

Enos shook his head, "Wasn't me; Cassie's the one that wanted to get Cooter out here." Luke kissed Cassie ontop of her head, "You did a good thing," he whispered. Cassie nodded. She understood what it was like to do the good deed. "Hey Cooter.. uhh Welcome to Amara Daylen.. I guess the stores open to whatever you guys want.." Her tears had dried. "You sure?" Enos knew that Cassie was a charitable person, but to open her business up for free gifts?.. "Of course I'm sure," she shrugged, "I ain't got nothing better to do.." Enos nodded, "Well then Darlin' you're changing for the better.." He smiled and her, giving her a wink.

Dusty did not know Cassie had been pregnant at one time, and she would never find out. Cassie choked her tears back as Luke held her close. Luke spoke softly, "We look like a mess out on the sidewalk... let's go inside." He lead her back into the store. Enos looked up and smiled at them as he tried to comfort Dusty still. "Ya'll alright?" He asked concerned for them both. "We're better," Luke answered truthfully. Looking up, Cassie shook her head. "We're in a limbo.." Luke had his arm around her and managed to rub her lower back. Silently, he agreed with her; they were caught inbetween hate and love. "I just wish things had been different," Enos spoke up. "For all of you.." Suddenly, the door of Cassie's boutique and in walked Cooter Davenport. He cautiously looked around, seeing as he wasn't sure if he was in the right place or not. Pausing, he looked past some customers and saw Luke, Cassie, Enos, and Dusty. There was Dusty. "Howdy ya'll.." He approached him slowly. Luke turned around, "Hey Cooter.." The sound of his voice was calm and collected. It looked like everyone had been crying except for Enos. "Who died?" Cooter tried to break the ice.

Cassie gathered herself and slowly approached the door. Before she got to it, she could already see Luke pacing outside. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door and stepped outside. Immediately, Luke stopped and stared at her. At first, it was as if he had no idea what to say, then he spoke. "Look I'm sorry..." She didn't let him finish, "You had all the right in the world to do that, and I deserved it because of everything I've done to you." This kept Luke quiet as he stared at her wondering where she was going with this. "Luke, I started pushing you away after.." Cassie almost choked on her words. This is the first time she'd relived this event since she told Enos years ago. "I lost the baby.." Luke's eyes went wide as he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "The baby?" Now, he understood why she couldn't look him in the eye. Who would want to tell someone they loved that their baby was gone. "I was pregnant, and I kept taking those pills. So, I killed our baby.." Tears streamed her face, "There was no way I could face you and keep on living in Hazzard knowing that's what I've done." Letting out a hard breath, he reached out and pulled her into his arms. "Don't cry. It's okay... Shh" Silently, Luke's heart broke at the news, but because he loved her he could forgive her. This made things easier between them; however, he didn't know if they could ever be together again. "Cassie, I would have helped you..God, I would have went to hell and back to do whatever I could to help you.." A stray tear slid down his cheek. Sobbing into his chest, she took in every word he had spoken. "I'm so sorry...so so sorry.." Enos held Dusty inside and looked from where he was sitting out to Luke and Cassie. They had made up, or atleast they were hugging. He couldn't tell that Cassie was crying, but he had the hunch that she was.

Enos slowed and shook his head, "Ladies.. don't cry." Suddenly, everything managed to get out of control. Cassie quickly forced her tears to dry as she took control of her emotions. "I'm okay Enos you didn't need to come. Dusty just overreacted to the situation." Shrugging, she glanced past Enos at Luke. The LA lawman stared at her, "He doesn't know what to do with you." Directing his attention to Dusty, Enos smiled softly. "Just wait until I tell everyone on the force that Dusty Duke cried." He winked playfully trying to lighten the mood. Luke paced back and forth outside, kicking at a few stray rocks. He'd cooled down and knew he couldn't go back in there. Cassie pulled away from Dusty and Enos, "I should.." Enos gladly finished it for her, "Go talk to Luke. Honey, you've got to tell him something; he doesn't know.." He didn't want to give too much away because Dusty didn't know either. Nodding Cassie walked outside, leaving Dusty and Enos behind. This was her shot to be completely honest with Lucas K. Duke. Enos looked over at Dusty, "We should give them their time, so what do you want to do?"

Cassie didn't know what to say, "Wow." After a moment, she found a place to sit down near where she and Dusty stood. "He got so angry.. I'm trying really hard.." After about ten minutes, Enos came hurrying down the sidewalk;but, he slowed seeing Luke. "Hey Luke. What's going on?" The dark-haired Duke shook his head, "I don't know. It was like she was pushing me away all over again and.." Enos sighed, "Luke ya'll didn't try a sequel to your first argument did ya?" He nodded, "I never know with her. She's always saying and doing things I can't account for." "Is she inside?" Enos had no idea what had fueled his friend's fire, but he had to set things straight. "Yeah," Luke paused, "Why can't she just come clean about what's been going on with her?" "Because she wants to shield you from it.. " Cassie despite everything and everyone around her pulled her knees to her chest and made herself into a ball. "I try to do the right thing.. Cooter.." she paused looking up at Dusty, "I'm flying him out here for you; he should be out here in another hour or so."

Cassie returned and handed Dusty the jeans, "Here you go." She looked from Luke to Dusty. "So, is there anything else I can help you two with?" Suddenly, it was as if she was trying to get them to leave. "I'm set," Luke said softly. His voice was accompanied by a look of confusion. "Is everything okay?" He asked raising an eyebrow. "Everything's fine Lucas," she muttered. "I just have more customers to tend to and.." "And.. what?" Luke narrowed his eyes. "You won't even look at me." Cassie looked at Dusty for some help, "I'm trying to do the right thing over here..you said.." "I don't give a damn about what I said," his pain was venting anger. "That was a long time ago; can't we just be adults about this?" Her eyes went wide as she remembered seeing him get made like this before. "I'm being an adult about this. I'm doing everything I can to make ya'lls visit more pleasant...I wanna be on your good graces.." Luke just stared at her, "My good graces?" He laughed, "You pushed me away and you hid things from me Cassie!" People were beginning to stare and walk by the doorway to see what was going on. [Cue - Dusty Rose Duke]

Cassie nodded, "Excuse me," she left the room which left Dusty and Luke alone. Luke followed the rows of shoes, "She seems different..." Picking up a shoe, he thought about getting it. "Is she clean?" This he wondered outloud. Looking through some jeans she found what Dusty would like. Using her woman's intuition and designer know how she picked a size. Cue: Dusty Rose Duke. [it was fine]

Cassie knew what the face was for, also. Sighing she tried to steer the conversation in a different direction. "Is there anything else you need, Luke?" He looked at her and thought twice before he spoke, "I uhh need some shoes." The last part came out fast and he was stalling. "I can get you some shoes," she motioned for him to follow her. They entered a room that looked as if it had a million shoes in it. "Pick a pair, any pair." "Dusty you want anything while you're here? I'm in the giving mood today..." Cue: Dusty Rose Duke [Oh by the way.. my computer is broken at home so I won't be posting a whole lot until it gets fixed. Sorry.]

Cassie glanced up at Dusty, "He called and said he'd be at headquarters doing some unfinished paperwork." She smiled and fidgeted with Luke's suit, before looking at him. "Is this sort of what you wanted?" The suit was black except for the white collared shirt and the satin sapphire tie with black diagonal stripes. Luke nodded as he looked at it, "It's exactly what I wanted. You did a good job." "Do you want to try it on?" "I trust you got it right," Luke smiled. "Dusty, what do you think?" He hoped she didn't do what she usually did and actually say what she thinks about the situation instead of the object. Cue Dusty Rose Duke

Cassie had gathered everything she needed for Luke's suit. She started pieceing different coats with pants. It took her a while, but finally she managed to get a black suit with a blue and black diagonally stripped tie. Would he like it? Of course she didn't know. Enos had called to tell Cassie that Cooter agreed to come on out and he should be on the next flight. Also, he said there was some unfinished paperwork at headquarters that needed tending to. Plus, he hadn't caught up with Daisy yet. Shrugging Cassie hung up Luke's suit and waited for him to stop back by to try it on. Somehow her work day got a little more stressful. Cue Dusty Rose Duke

Cassie sighed as she slowly headed back over to pick up the paper she had filled out for Luke. Pausing for a second to herself, she shook her head and closed her eyes. Enos mysteriously came up behind her, "Cass, it'll be alright," he tried to look her in the eye. "Luke's still hurtin' Honey." She stopped him as her eyes opened, "I know.. I wish I hadn't came back to Hazzard when I did because then we would have never been together." It was impossible for her to breathe correctly, so the blonde took in a deep breath. "What are you thinking?" Enos didn't want Cassie to stay too quiet for too long since that's how she got into a mess anyway. "That the best thing that ever happened to me just walked in and out of my store and I couldn't stop him." Cassie sighed once again. "Do you still love him?" Without a word Cassie nodded, "How could I not?" Her response was soft and almost pitiful sounding. Enos smiled and pulled her into a hug, "Well, Darlin' that's fine.. it shows that you've got some heart." He grinned. "Dusty was commenting on the fact that Cooter didn't come out with the Dukes." Cassie found her smile and pulled away to look up at him, "Fly him out." "What?" He looked puzzled. "Take my credit card, give him a call, and tell him to get his country bumpkin self out here." While she spoke, Cassie had walked around the counter and retrieved one of her many credit cards for a locked drawer. "I know Dusty hates me; atleast, I can do something nice for her while her families here." Her whole idea made sense to Enos, "I'll get right on it." He kissed her cheek and made a beeline for the door. CUE: Dusty Rose Duke

"When should I come back?" Luke seemed hesitant to speak to her. Cassie's eyes stared aimlessly, "In a few hours, I'll be able to get it picked out and everything. If you don't like it, then it'll be a little longer." There conversation had uncomfortable written all over it, "I thought about letting Dusty show me around.. uhh.. " "Don't kill yourself.. This conversation isn't going to get any better," she nodded. "Just go out and I promise I'll have the suit for you." "Thanks," there was some kind of self pity in his voice, "I'll see you later." Luke turned slowly and walked over to Dusty and Enos. Just as he got to them for a split second he turned and looked back at Cassie. Enos noticed this and placed his hand on Luke's shoulder, "You alright?" He didn't want to press, but if Luke had anything to say then he wanted to be the one to hear it. Cassie had a sad look on her face as the silence was broken by a loud voice, "AMARA!" Turning around she saw an associate with a customer, "We need some information on some cashmere sweaters." Forcing a pleasant smile, she went over to help them. "Yeah, I'm fine. She looks good," he directed this mostly to Dusty. Enos, however, moved in on the comment, "One of the prettiest things in LA except for ol' Dusty here." He grinned trying to lighten the mood. [Cue: Dusty Rose Duke]

Cassie nodded as she grabbed her tape measure, "Hold your arm straight out to the side." Everything was going very business between them and somehow that bothered her. Luke obeyed and looked ahead of him as she took his measurements, "Looks like you're doing good for yourself.." "Yeah, things have been going well business-wise," Cassie continously circled Luke getting the precise numbers. As Cassie stood behind him, Luke's eyes drifted to the magazine she and Enos had been looking at. "Los Angeles had changed ya'll.." "Oh, that?" She went over to the counter to write down the measurements from memory. "I think Enos was missing Daisy a little too much," the blonde shrugged. "Oh.." Luke was trying to smile, "So, about that suit?" "You like blue right?" Cassie was suprised that she remembered that. "I'll find you something nice, and you can pay whenever you come back to pick it up." Luke nodded slowly, "Okay," he was stopped when he saw her rummaging for something. This triggered the thought of seeing her rummage through her purse many times for the bottle of pills she kept with her. So many times she had taken them to get her through one moment to the next. Thankfully, she was only looking for a tag to attach to the paper with his measurements. His heart dropped to his stomach. Enos had stopped short of the doorway leading them to Cassie and Luke, "If I hated her for what she did back then, I wouldn't be where I am with her." He paused, "She keeps me company and I swear sometimes she says the right thing that makes me think that Daisy and I can make it. That all this waiting is for the best. Cassie's hurt from love, Dusty, and she hates herself enough for the both of you." [Cue: Dusty Rose Duke.]

Cassie sighed heavily as she seen Dusty come in and take Luke's attention away from her; she was grateful. Turning back around, she continued to straighten up the folded clothes on the table. Enos noticed what was going on, "Excuse me ya'll," he stepped away from Dusty and Luke. "He needed a suit, and I told him this was the best place to get one." "I can get it for him," she spoke calmly. The whole time she kept her back to the duo with Enos at her side. "Honey, don't worry about it; its the past." Enos had a feeling that a million things were going through her mind. Luke had managed to take their conversation closer to Enos and Cassie. "He's the best candidate for ya then." Cassie spoke to Enos softly, "Well, should we worry about this?" She picked up the tabloid magazine with their picture on the front. The headline read, Amara After Hours. Enos's eyes widen, "We know the truth behind this picture; so, how about that suit." He turned back towards Luke and Dusty. "I can start getting measurements whenever Luke's ready," Cassie too had turned back around.

Another long day at work tired the body but not the mind. The mind recalled a time in her life that left her crushed, and this is the moment that made her. Before she could clearly see the face standing infront of her, a voice awakened her. "Cassie?" The voice was accompanied by a gentle shake. "Wake up, Honey," she slowly opened her eyes. "I'm up," she groaned, taking a look around. Once again, she had fallen asleep at work. Fortuantely for her, she owned the place. "What time is it?" Enos Strate checked his watch, "Five-thirty; I had a feeling I needed to stop by." He pasued with a smile, "I didn't want you to forget about dinner tonight." Cassie smiled sweetly parring her hair, "I wouldn't miss it for the world." Giving her back a good stretch, she got up to get her bag. "I should probably go home and fix myself up, before we leave." Almost instantly, Enos shook his head, "No, you look fine; we can leave straight from here." He knew she was beautiful and that she was the only thing he had. "Now, come on we ain't gonna miss our reservation." "I'm coming, I'm coming.." Cassied picked up her purse. Everyone had left the store, so she figured her manager had closed the front. Her office was her sanctuary and occassionally her bedroom. All and all, Amara Daylen was her home away from home. It's often mistakenly assumed as her identity. Holding out his hand, Enos waited to lead Cassie out of the back door to his unmarked police car. The force was still going well for him, and it got easier when Daisy Duke sent her usual letters. Absentmindedly, Cassie slid her hand into his as they made their eway to Enos's car. Exercising his manners, he opened the door for her. "Thank you," she smiled. Enos circled the car and got into the driver's sear. Buckling up, just like the abiding officer he was, Enos started the engine. The low rumble didn't interrupt their conversation, "You know that Daisy said they might come out here soon." She nodded, "It'd be good to see them." There was a pause, "Do they know I moved out here?" "Well Darlin' all they know is that your in Europe." "Oh, so you haven't mentioned my newfound success in Los Angeles?" Cassie nodded, "That's good I suppose." "Come on Cass what was I suppose to say? You're the only thing I've got all to myself out here, and if I'm not mistaken your a completely different girl than I knew ten years ago." This caught Cassie's attention as she looked at him intently. "I"m the only one you let call you Cassie anymore. Don't get me wrong, I'm flattered by that, but sometimes its hard to say I know you." "Enos you know me; I'm Cassie. You know little Cassie Morgan that use to get into all the trouble in the world, before the age of five. You know all of my nicknames; Cass, Lo, Casserole, Mo." A smile touched her lips, "Plus, I like being mysterious." "Is that why you turned into some kind of.." "Socialite? Media Whore?" "I wasn't going to say that.." "But, you were thinking it," Cassie grinned. Changing lanes, Enos pulled the car into a valet parking section. The valet went around to open the lady's. "Thank you," Cassie gracefully got out of the vehicle. Enos, on the other hand, opened his own door and tossed his keys to the valet. Shaking her head, Cassie followed Enos inside the resuarant. "When you said soon, how soon are they coming exactly?" At first, he didn't want to tell her, but the stubborn look in her eye advised him to do otherwise. "Tomorrow," the answer was short and regretful. "Oh, well bring them by," she paused before smiling. "It'd be good to see some familar faces." "Yeah it would..." Enos's lips held a warm smile. "Are you planning to take Daisy out to dinner?" Cassie knew that answer already, but she figured it wouldn't hurt to ask. "I had thought about it. Where would you recommend?" He stopped infront of the host. "Strate," he spoke clearly and without much of a southern accent. After a moment of scanning the reservation list, the man looked up and smiled. "Right this way Mr. Strate and Ms. Daylen." If anyone who lived in Los Angeles didn't know Cassie or her fasion line, they didn't get out much."A waitor will be right with you." Enos was still a gentleman and pulled his date's chair out for her. "You're such a gentleman," she chuckled softly as she sat down. The host walked away and Enos took a seat picking up the provided menu. "What are you going to get?" Cassie followed suit and began studying the menu. "I was thinking the crab salad." "When are you ever going to eat real food?" He laughed and continued, "Honey, you're getting skinnier and skinnier; you got to eat something." Rolling her eyes, Cassie set her menu down. "Do you remember me ten years ago? I was a bean pole; now, I'm well rounded." "Keep in mind you were on cocaine. Plus, now your curves are redefined and mighty nice, if I say so myself." Cassie nodded, "I now its the heroin era," she paused, "Which I am not taking part in." "You're clean I know," he smiled and quieted as the waitor approached them. Puling out his expensive pen and classy notepad, "What may I get the lady?" "A crab salad." "And, you sir?" "The lobster," Enos folded h is menu and took Cassie's. "And, a bottle of your finest red wine." "Enos!" Cassie exclaimed suprised at his request. "You don't drink." "I'm going to live a little," he laughed, "It's just wine; it ain't like its a beer at the Boarsnest." "Good point. Plus, I don't plan on letting you get sloppy drunk." "We'll see," Enos winked at her. Time had passed and finally the food had been served. The wine was opened and the bottle diminished quickly. Given about an hour and a half, Cassie and Enos stumbled out of the restuarant. They weren't exactly relying on each other to stand up, but they were on the first level of being drunk. Of course, this was a prime time for the paparazzi to show up, which they did. Bulb after bulb flashed and the pictures for the morning's tabloids were being taken. --------------------------------------- Giving her manager the day off, Cassie was running the showroom and helping customers find the garments they needed. Just as he had promised the Dukes had arrived in Los Angeles as planned. Daisy and Bo had went sight seeing while Luke wanted to look for a new 'LA-type' suit to were to a premiere or show. So, being the friend he was, Enos decided to take Luke to Amara Daylen. The door to the store opened, but there being other customers in the store Cassie failed to look up. Enos looked nervous as his laugh showed it, "Well Luke this is the finest store in Los Angeles, if you go talk to that lady," he pointed towards Cassie who's back was to them, "I have a feeling she could help you." Luke looked around and glanced in the direction of Cassie; he didn't recognize her, which was a good thing. "Alright, Enos thanks I'll see what I can do. You don't have to stay if you don't want to.." Enos almost bolted for the door, "I'm going to get some coffee I'll be back in a minute." With that he exited the boutique. Luke shrugged and decided to ask for help, "Excuse me miss?.." It was as if he was searching for a name. "Miss Daylen.." Cassie didn't carry her southern dialect as a business woman. Also, she failed to turn around figuring it was a simple question with a simple answer. "Well Miss Daylen I'm looking for a classy suit, and I'm sure I need some help getting fit for it." Cassie stopped what she was doing and turned around, "Well I..." Her eyes tripled in size as she couldn't believe that it was Luke Duke standing infront of her. "Cassie?" His expression didn't hold any recognizable feeling. "Hi Luke," she tried to keep a calm smile on her lips. They stood there staring at each other as they both ironically remembered their last meeting. It was ten years ago when they were dating; Cassie had a drug problem and Luke wanted to help her. Of course, it ended in a big fight where they both said things they shouldn't have. Sadly, she left before an apology could be given, and that was the last time she had seen him. For all he knew she could have fell off of the face of the earth. [Tag: Anyone wanting to continue the drama by being Luke..or bringing in another character..go for it guys!]

Luke stood in the pouring rain watching the General leave the parking lot with Bo behind the wheel. "Be careful Bo.." he muttered before scratching his head and going back inside. Uncle Jesse was already ranting about everything that was going on and upset that Bo went out, but proud of him all the same. Luke entered dripping wet, "He's a danged fool," shaking his head he ran his fingers through his hair. Brooke was already ontop of things once again bringing Luke a dry towel to stop the dripping. "Here can't have you dripping everywhere." Taking it he wiped his face, "Thanks." --------------------------------------- Bo raced down the muddy Hazzard roads like a bat out of hell. He had to get the blood Rosco needed; he had to save this man. Coming into a curve Bo slide almost out of control, but he managed to keep control and straighten everything out. Cursing under his breath the Duke kept on.. (CUE:edit)

Everyone stayed in the waiting room; Daisy sat beside her uncle as she rested her head on his shoulder, Luke leaned against the wall beside of Brooke who hadn't said much of anything since they'd arrived. "I can't believe I'm sitting here.." she muttered staring at the floor. Luke watched her from the corner of his eye, "None of us can..atleast not again..." "That's not what I mean..I'm still a stranger to ya'll and now I'm sitting with you in the hospital for a man I barely know, and it's all so much that I feel like I can't breathe..." Sighing she sat back in her seat. Uncle Jesse looked up watching Brooke talk, when he saw her close her eyes for a moment he motioned for Luke to do something for her. Nodding he obeyed, "It'll be alright.." Now, he took the seat beside of her. A single tear forced itself from her right eye as she opened both of them, "I don't expect comfort.." she smiled. "Because I know that you three need it more right now than I do.." Reaching out as soon as the tear surfaced on her face, Luke wiped it away, "Don't say that..If I were in your shoes I'd feel the same way.." Brooke smiled trying to compose herself into something other than the weeping state she felt like. (CUE) (OOC: Sorry I've missed a lot and couldn't post much..but I thought I'd give Brooke life.)

Bo stood up a little straighter and refused to look at her, "N--.." Before he could get it out he was interupted. "Don't you go lying to me..I've been nothing but nice to you since we've met.." This time she looked to the ground for a second, "Just stop now..try to eat and keep it down..because if you don't you won't be able to stop.." Hearing this he looked at her, "What are you saying?" "I'm saying..I spent the better part of three years ..doing the same thing.." She sighed and smiled, "How else do you think I got a body that looked this good." A grin touched Bo's lips for a second and they both had a faint laugh. "You still?" "No..though I do catch myself wanting to sometimes..but Bo it ain't healthy..so what your legs hurt...you've still got plenty of other body parts that work twice as good." "That's not the point.." He said weakly. "It's every bit of the point. Your going to leave your home, friends, and family all because of an injury? The way you've been acting you wouldn't last by yourself anywhere..and I'm sorry that it's the cold, hard truth, but you've got to forgive Rosco,,and learn what you can do despite things." Bo just stared at her... (CUE ANYONE) -------------------------------------------------- "I've got to say I give her credit," Luke spoke absentmindedly after Brooke had walked outside. "Why?" Daisy asked pouring another customer a beer. "She ain't giving up on Bo..not that we are..it's just it looks like she's trying harder than we are to get through to him.." (CUE ANYONE)

Luke stayed still for moment as the realization nearly knocked him over. Becoming frustrated with the situation was one thing, but now Luke didn't know if he could bear what was happening. Suddenly, there was a crash and it happened to be Luke's fist and the wall. Uncle Jesse hurried to see what had happened, "Dangit Luke what are you doing?" He said in a huff. Pulling his hand out of the wall he looked at it then his Uncle, "I'll fix it tomorrow Jesse..." With that he moved past his uncle and started for the front door, but met Daisy halfway. "Luke! Your hands bleeding!" she exclaimed and tried to hold it so she could apply some pressure. "I'll be alright Daisy.." he kept his hand at his side, "I'm going outside." Coming in the living room just as Luke stepped out the door Jesse stopped Daisy, "Let him go..this whole accident is bound to tear our family apart at the rate it's going.." Collasping in a chair Daisy gave her uncle an encouraging hug. ------------------------------- Bo had heard the crash, but only ignored it as he sat silently on his bed. Why did everything have to turn out like this? There were big plans that I had for myself. I wanted to be a Nascar Driver and now what I'll be lucky if I can walk right. All of the thoughts swarmed inside of his mind and the depression was eating him alive.