runningwild

Luke looked over at Bo, "Why'd you put the General in storage?" The question was simple and he figured there was more than a simple answer to it. "I mean this is a nice car, but I figured you'd take the General with you. It'd been your car." Jesse had talked to Cooter, who was keen on the idea. Of course, Jesse was smart enough not to give away their true conversation. All anybody who would overhear the conversation would know was that Cooter was hauling a car for the Dukes. Luckily, Cooter knew which car they wanted hauled with minimal detail.

"I'm on it Bo, just get Luke back to the farm," Daisy smiled at Bo because she was happy that he wasn't been too ruthless towards Luke. Turning on her heels, she headed to her jeep. "I can keep Enos busy for a while. Bye Ya'll and good luck." Uncle Jesse shook his head, "I'm going back to the farm. I'll give Cooter the call to tow Rosco's car. Ya'll get on scat!" Jesse headed back over to his truck to get the CB. Luke headed over to the passenger's side of the car, "I know you're doing this for yourself, but thanks. Now, come on let's go back to the farm. Once we get there you can avoid me by walking into another room."

The surprising logic let Luke with a surprised look on his face. Never once did he expect Bo to be so cooperative with everything. Actually, Luke's face fell into a look of relief and happiness. "Cousin that's the best thing you've said all day!" A huge grin fell on his face, "Does that mean I'm now the one with the good looks and you've got the brains?" Daisy shook her head as humor touched her face. On the other hand, Uncle Jesse shook his head. "Well that means we've got to get everybody back to the farm and make sure that Rosco and Enos don't come there for Luke."

"You want to just play into his hands then, Cousin?" Luke stressed the last part of that out of frustration. "I don't know what to do anymore. I'm trying to figure out how to make everybody else happy, to make things right. And, the only thing that I can come up with is this plan. I'll admit that its not my best, but come on what do you think we should do? Wait around until Sawyer decides to kill us?" Luke let out a hard sigh and didn't dare look over at Jesse or Daisy because he knew that both of them weren't going to get in the middle of this conversation. At least, not yet.

Luke looked over at Bo, "You don't care about that Bo. Why would you even ask? I'm trying to show you that I meant everything I said. If I have to push her out of my life so that you'll forgive me, then so be it. If she wants to contact me she will, but I know that she knows what kind of shambles my life's in." In truth, Cassie was only with Sawyer because she was going to contact Luke as soon as Sawyer got him out of jail. However, Sawyer's plan was going to let Cassie's plans play right into his hand.

"Well Bo Duke if I catch you sleepin' then you're gonna get it," Daisy said crossing her arm giving him a stern look before breaking into a smile. Jesse leaned against Bo's car to keep an eye on Bo and to get comfortable to listen. He figured that Luke had a decent plan on how to get that fella put behind bars. Luke moved closer to the group, "Alright, just hear me out. I'm still fuzzy on how some of this is going to work out, but I think we can do it." He smiled, "Well that Sawyer fella's in town and I'm sure he's not going to stick around for too long. He's either going to leave later on tonight or tomorrow. There ain't no place for him to stay in Hazzard except for the hotel. So, we need to set up a stake out around town to watch his every move. We don't need for him to get out of our sight. Once we catch him out of his room, I'm going to sneak in. Then, if Bo's willing I might need for him to go with me. But, then I'm going to need Daisy to get Enos and bring him to that room." He looked over at Daisy and winked, "Just turn on your charm, Honey. You'll get him right there. But, you can't bring him until we give you a signal. That we're going to have to work out once we figure out which room he's in because it'll be hard to let you know when to head in without a radio." Turning to his Uncle Jesse, he started telling him his job. "You just need to stay put in a place where you can see the hotel real good. Read the newspaper or something. I don't want him seein' you." "Now, we're going to need Cooter's help, so whoever wants to get in touch with him can because I can't use the CB without drawing attention to myself. We have to be sure to keep Rosco and Boss Hogg as far away from this little operation as possible. Once we put everything in motion, we'll mostly have to play it by ear. This guy's dangerous so if you're put in a dangerous situation get out of there fast." Luke looked from Daisy, to Jesse, to Bo before nodding, "So, what d'yall think about it?" He half waited for Bo to object, but what he wanted was some input, somebody to try to help him out with this.

It wasn't too long before the sound of vehicles could be heard coming up the dirt path. Well it wasn't so much as path, but over the years its come to that because of the tire tracks. First, Uncle Jesse pulled up in his truck, then Daisy right up behind him. Jesse got out of his truck slowly while Daisy was a little more zealous about jumping out. "Okay, let's get the talking started, I'm sure before too long Rosco and Enos are going to catch up to you boys." Daisy hurried over to Luke and gave him a hug, which he returned graciously. Then, she turned to Bo, "Come on Bo, sit up can't nobody count on you listening when you're all sprawled out like that."

"Yeah, you're right. I guess I'm just jumping the gun." Luke lingered in his spot for a few extra seconds, before turning his back to Bo and walking back to his seat. He guessed that there was no reason for him to just stand there because Bo didn't want to talk to him. Daisy had pulled back into the driveway, in a hurry. Dust was flying every which-a-way along with her hair. "Uncle Jesse! Uncle Jesse!" She had caught wind at the Boarsnest that Luke had been busted out of jail. Jesse stepped out of the house wiping his hands off with a dry dish towel. "What is it, Daisy?" "Luke's been busted out!" Daisy was a little worried and over excited all at the same time. "I know Darlin'. Bo got him out a while ago and they're waiting on us up at one of the still sites." He paused, "Come on it's time for us to get up there and see what's going on." Daisy nodded and headed back to her Jeep and waited on her Uncle Jesse to hop into his old pickup. Once he pulled out she followed him with a whole mess of excitement building up in her. Meanwhile, in town Sawyer had made it back to his rented hotel room without any trouble. No one had recognized him and if they did they wouldn't remember what he did for anything. He was high on his own horse and happy that he could bury that Duke boy farther into the ground with charges. He was sure that Luke Duke would never see the day of light again. Sitting in the available chair placed in the room, the bathroom door swung open. "Did you get him out?" The female voice sounded hopeful. Sawyer smirked, "He's out." Cassie was overjoyed by this news, "Oh, thank you Sawyer! Thank you!" He just simply nodded, "Don't mention it, Dimples." Sawyer's plan was coming along beautifully. Cassie had been released from jail and he picked up right up. He told her that he could get Luke out of jail, when in reality he was feeding Luke lies about how he was going to let him rot. Actually, he had caught wind from a few buddies of his that Bo Duke would be heading back to Hazzard and he knew today would be the day to put his plan into action. There was no doubt in his mind that Bo Duke wouldn't help his cousin bust out of jail today. Bo hated Sawyer that much and wanted him to get what was coming to him. On the other hand, he didn't tell Cassie how Luke got out of jail, which is what made his plan perfect. She would think that he had helped her as repayment for her helping him evade the police. In reality, he wanted all along to get both Duke boys and Cassie together so he could finish his job. To him, that didn't seem to be too hard.

I'm glad to see some interested people. I'll try to set up the site here within the next week, but don't shoot me if I can't get it done. It's suppose to snow here this weekend, so maybe that'll give me some time. I may just have to check out BoJames' site. I didn't know anyone on here had one, so I'm glad to see that there's one I can check out. I'll get back to people on whether I think their original characters can work because I share the same view that some originals, especially the long lost family and the hundreds of Duke cousins, do get old. I like to keep things simple with the original cast and so made up characters that add to the plot creatively not those that come bouncing out of the hills.

Luke held his hand out for a second longer before pulling it back in. He excepted his defeat in trying to take a step forward in the long process of regaining Bo trust. Slowly he just nodded look toward the ground, then his gaze went back up to Bo. "Thank you." That was all he could say to Bo for telling him about Cassie. He was grateful that his cousin wasn't mad enough not to let him know just that. "So, you want me to go ahead and fill you in on what I figure we should do about Sawyer?"

"I'll try to give you proof Bo because I know I'm not fit to have my word taken anymore." Luke let out a deep sigh and looked Bo square in the eye. "I don't expect you to forgive me, but I think I could forgive you. There's where we differ, Cousin." Pushing around the dirt beneath his feet with the toe of his right boot, he shook his head. That seemed to be the only thing anyone could do while talking to Bo mostly because there was nothing to say to him that could change his mind. Luke wanted to be spiteful, but still his next question was asked whole heartedly. "I don't even know if she's still alive. I lost you both, Bo. It's like you're hanging over the edge of a cliff and here's my chance to pull you back over just so I can save you." Holding out his hand, he wanted to show Bo that he meant business and that he wanted to mend things between them.

Luke was almost speechless, after hearing what Bo had to say to him. Every word he said hurt Luke a little more and he was truly disappointed in himself. But, at the same time he wanted to make Bo understand even when it wasn't his place to. "Bo, I'm sorry. I know.. I should've known.. I should've thought. I'm glad you turned out to be nothing like me. You wouldn't want to be the man that killed dreams. Why would'you want to be like me anyhow? You've got everything going for you with racing and all. You ain't got no problem gettin' the girls. I've known a time or two that you took my girl from me, which is a whole nother conversation." In no way shape or form did Luke try to coax Bo to turn around and face him. There was no reason to because the younger Duke had to make that decision for himself. "I'm only human.. just like you. We bleed the same blood, Bo. I made mistakes. Big mistakes that just so happened to come one right after another. I'm man enough to own up to those mistakes and I'm sorry that I made them. Most of all, I'm sorry that I killed you. What kind of man would do that to his own brother? It had to happen some day, but not like this never like this. Maybe when I got married that bond would break a little, but everything that happened just seems too crazy. Too much like some movie you'd go to Atlanta to see."

Luke just nodded, "Fair enough because this conversation is about me and you not her." He wanted to say her name, but figured that Bo wouldn't take too kindly to that. "Look Bo, I know things haven't been the best between us and all. I know that I've got myself into a whole mess of trouble and broke a promise I made to you. Now, in my defense I tried to do things that I thought were right and in doing so I didn't make the best decisions. That deal I made with Sawyer was out of desperation. Yeah Bo, I sunk that low because I had already figured that I'd be sittin' behind bars for a long time. But, you have to understand.. I barely recognized him and I knew that the police weren't going to arrest him again. He would've walked free anyway." The older Duke cousin took his hands out of his pockets and crossed them casually over his chest. "I'd took that bullet for you Bo if I could. You're my brother and that's whether or not you'd admit it now or not. I'm sorry for everything. I can't take none of it back, but if I had it all to do over again I'd change it. I would've taken the bullet for you. I would've never let things get as far as they did. I wanted to save her. I know I ain't suppose to mention her, but that's all I can say about it. And, in my attempt at rescuin' her everything went to hell and not only did I lose her.. I lost my brother. That, Bo, is what hurt more than anything. You can hate me all you want because that's only fair. Hell, you don't even have to accept my apology. You can get up right now and leave, but I'll tell you without your help I'll never be able to set things straight and put that Sawyer fella behind bars."

I definitely will take made up characters mostly because the character I play is made up. Plus, I think they add to the story. I think everything'll be just fine with the site as long as we get the usual Luke, Bo, Uncle Jesse, Daisy, Rosco, Cooter, Enos, and Boss Hogg. Maybe not all of them at once, but a few at least Bo and Luke to get things off the ground. Once I get the site up and running I will definitely get in touch with anyone interested with the link. I'm sure that it won't be too long. Who knows I may even come up with something tonight, but don't keep your fingers crossed. Lol I'm glad that at least one person is interested. Thanks for the reply LoriDavenport

Luke shook his head, "Sounds fine." He paused and looked at Bo for a moment, "So, you plan on soaking up the sun until they get here? Because as fascinating as it is to watch you sunbathe, I figured I'd tried to talk to you." The sun was shining brightly and the glare off the hood of the car caught Luke in the eye. Stepping to the side, he stuck his hands in his pockets. "I've got a few things to say to ya, Cousin." Luke didn't care if Bo wanted him to call him Cousin or not.

I was thinking about opening up a RP site so that people can play particular characters and what not. I know you guys know how all that works because I believe I may have rp'd with some of you all before. I'm thinking about making it through greatestjournal because I've had a lot of experience with that and find that I like it the best. I don't have all the details right now, but those of you who are interested let me know what you think. Either post here or leave me a message. I'm really interested in getting this started and hope that I can find some more people that are willing to participate. Just thought I'd throw the idea out there. Thanks Ya'll.

Luke looked up when Bo arrive. Just watching him try to get a sun tan made Luke laugh to himself. What was his cousin doing? Standing up he headed over to Bo's car. "Alright Pretty Boy, where's Uncle Jesse and Daisy?" The entire time that he'd seen Bo he tried to be light hearted even if it was uncalled for. Somehow he just wanted everything to be back to normal with him and Bo.

Jesse just shook his head and sighed. As he picked up the basket of eggs, he could hear Bo pulling out of the yard. He hoped that the boys could straighten things out among themselves because something this big could ruin them for life. Luke had looked around the site a little while, before finding him a place to sit. Luckily for him, there was a set up like a chair that he could use as his seat. To him it seemed like Bo was gone forever, but the thought never crossed his mind that his cousin wouldn't come back. That's because he had that kind of faith in Bo, but he didn't know if he could set things straight with him. He figured that once Bo got back he'd try to talk to him.

Jesse gave his nephew a stern look, "Well don't beat him to death, before you get things straightened out." He shook his head only because this was exactly what he expected from the boys. It didn't appear that Luke had hit him back so that was a good sign. "I'll get Daisy and bring her up there. She'll be home soon. Go on and see what Luke's plan is, but don't lose your temper. To be fair, let him ask you about Cassie if he wants. He hasn't been able to hear much about her and I ain't had the heart to tell him, when he asks." Cassie had pulled through her surgery, but had sustained a long recovery. The entire process had been a medical rehab for her. It had been painful and an experience she never wanted to go through again. Finally, Cassie Morgan was sober and miraculously out of jail. However, she had only managed to get out because of Sawyer. He had done just what he said and so smoothly that no one knew that the real criminal had set the girl free. Whatever evidence he submitted was enough to clear Cassie on her charges. There was no reason for Luke to know she was out.

"Bo, that's the best thing you can do. I'm going to try to help you through this because I know you understand even when you don't want to. I'll tell you like I told Luke before it's his life and if he feels like there's a place for Cassie in it, then so be it." Jesse paused and stared at Bo stricken with grief. The sight of him tore Jesse's nerves up and he knew that he had to be strong for Bo. There was nothing that he could to to immediately take the pain away, but he would if he could. "I'd like to think that Luke could be happy with Cassie and that's because I want Luke to be happy. But, I know you're hurt Bo and Luke did promise the blood brother pact with you. This is just one bump in a dirt road, Son. Be civil to Luke, like you said, and I know things will patch themselves up." He paused, "Now, do you wanna go back to site? You can't just leave'm out there no matter how mad you are at him. If a part of you didn't want to forgive him, you wouldn't have gotten him out of jail."

Uncle Jesse just stared at Bo almost in disbelief. The gears in the old man's mind were turning and he wanted to try to say just the right thing to his nephew. However, he was finding it hard to make an argument right off hand because his heart ached for Bo and it ached for Luke. "Bo, just listen to me," he started off softly. "Now, I know things over the past year have been crazy around here. I know Cassie made a mistake, but I know her side of the story and I see her point. I will say that I thank the good Lord every day that didn't want to risk you boys in her problems with that Conrad fella. I respect that and that makes her a decent person." He paused knowing that Bo wouldn't like his comment, "However, I also see your side to things Bo. She was you friend since you'ns was little and she in a way betrayed you. That's something that you can't forgive overnight. Cassie let that fella out of jail and she took Luke from you. She got herself into a whole mess of trouble, and I do hope that she can straighten things out for herself. If I didn't know any better, I would've sworn as a child that she was your sister. You and her were both pistols." Jesse sighed taking a few steps and grabbing Bo softly by the shoulder. His big dirty hand clasped Bo's shoulder and he looked him right in the eye. "Luke loves her and because he loves her he refuses to see anything but the good in her. Right now, he has to try hard to see that good, when you are oblivious to it, Son. I know you're hurting over what's going on between you and Luke. But, you've got to show him that you sympathize with what he thinks just a tad or you're going to push him away forever. Luke told me a hundred times, while he was in jail, that he wished that he'd been the one shot not you. That he wished he could make things right with you, but that he knew that he couldn't because you had left and he was going to be sitting in that jail cell for a long, long time. I can only imagine what went through his mind when he saw you today. I know it must've cheered him up, Bo. You two are practically brothers and what is a man without his brother?" Letting his hand fall off of Bo's shoulder, he added his last thoughts. "Luke's love for Cassie isn't going to just go away overnight. He's going to ache for her for years. Don't preach to him about Cassie. He doesn't want to hear it. You said so yourself and everybody knows that. If she's gone, then his healing will start. Don't be angry with him Bo. Because if I know Luke, he would take the bullet for both of you in the street so that he would never have to see the two people he cares about the most hurt."

Jesse just looked at Bo it was as if he was studying the young boys face. There was no sign of excited, but it was washed out in apathy. The old man couldn't understand it; yet, at the the same time he understood everything fully. "You plannin' on leavin' him up there?" Uncle Jesse asked out of curiosity, "because that tone you're carryin' doesn't seem that you came much." He shook his head slowly, "Bo, I don't blame ya for how you feel, you can't help that. I just wish you boys could work something out. I knew you wouldn't stay on the farm forever, but its hard gettin' use to not having you boys around much less knowin' that you're fussin'." The whole situation sadden Jesse Duke because he watched the boys fall apart between each other and then each one separately. "I'm not asking you to understand Luke's side of the story, and I ain't askin' ya to forgive him neither. But, I think both of ya need to find some common ground to stand on whether its the back 40 or whatever'n ya choose." Falling quiet for a moment, the old man spoke again. "What do ya want from him Bo? Specifically, what'do ya want? I know Luke don't know how to make things right with ya. He told me that a million times in jail and the only advice I could offer him was that in good time you would come to forgive him. But, that's only when your ready too, which by the looks on your face, Bo, seems to be in another lifetime."

Jesse Duke looked up from gathering the eggs, "Bo! It's good to see ya." He looked rather jolly, but paused because Bo didn't look equally as cheerful. "Is everything all right?" The old man held onto his basket and didn't reach for anymore eggs. What matter to him was the well being of his nephew and that was the only thing on his mind.

Uncle Jesse found some kind of busy joy in his heart to whistle a tune softly to himself while in the barn. It helped to pass the time while he gathered the eggs and made sure that everything was tended to that needed it. Since Luke and Bo wasn't around to have extra sets of hands, he found himself doing a good amount of the outside work, while Daisy tended to the house. Jesse was a humble man and even if he was down on his luck he still did it with a smile. He was old, but not out so he could get by if need be. The money that Bo sent was a big help, but it just didn't make up for the long hours he pulled everyday. Right now, Daisy was at the Boar's Nest putting in a few extra hours. They could use the extra money. Luke pushed around some of the dirt around him with the toe of his boot, then he decided to take a look around. The site looked like he always remembered it, but still it was a new world to him. Jail can do that to a man so can women. He may have been infatuated with Cassie, but it seemed to go that much more deeper than that. So deep that he would hold her above anyone else because in his heart her love for him was just as good as family. There was no making Bo understand that though because he was a stubborn fool. But, Luke knew that there were times when he should've considered Bo, Uncle Jesse, and Daisy over Cassie. He wanted to save her, but that crossed his name out of Bo's book. Luke could only wish that Bo could have been in his shoes so that he could make the decision to save the love of his life, if he had the chance.

"I know, but I still respect you enough to be grateful that you did it at all." Luke got out of the car, but before he closed the door he replied, "Okay, just try not to leave me stranded out here." Closing the door, he looked around and remembered the old still site. It seemed like forever since he'd been out there. Still the site was memorable and he was just glad to see something familiar that didn't hate him.