runningwild

"You're right, Bo. I guess all that thinking I got done in my cell didn't include logical thinking much." Luke nodded mostly to himself. "Hey, thanks for busting me out back there."

Luke just ignored the fact that Bo didn't answer. Sometimes he could just be hardheaded like that. "That sounds like a good spot. You planning on radioing Uncle Jesse once we get there?"

"I know you've always had asthma Bo, but I didn't know that it'd gotten worse." Luke looked concerned, "You never needed the inhaler before on one of our usual high speed jail breaks." Resting his elbow on the inside the door panel, he looked out into the countryside. This was the first time that he had been able to breathe fresh air in a long time. "Where're we going anyhow?"

Luke had to resist the urge of jumping through the window. Instead, he gathered himself and calming opening the door getting in. "Fancy ride." He looked the interior over once, then his eyes rested on the inhaler. "Since when?" That's all he knew he could say about the inhaler. Enos had already realized that the Dukes had pulled a fast one on him and was running back up the stairs. "Sheriff! Sheriff! Luke's been sprung! Sheriff!"

Luke could hear Bo and could only wish he could see the job he was doing. Making sure he was out of sight, he waited for a moment. Before he knew it, Enos came stumbling down the stairs to inspect. "Luke! Luke!.." He blew past Luke and was in such a fuss that he didn't realize at first that there was no one in the cell. Luke crept back up the stairs and then took off for it. "Come on!" He whispered and hurried through the jail and out the front door. "Which car's yours?"

Enos turned around so fast in his chair that he nearly lost his hat. Clinging to his hat with one hand, he stood up. Obviously, he was flustered mostly because that's how Enos usually was. "What is it Bo?!" His other hand went to his gun and he dashed for the door to the stairs. He stopped at Bo just so he wouldn't run him over going down the stairs.

"Oh," Luke muttered to himself as he stepped back into the shadow that was usually casted in the basement. "Well this goes without saying, but make it believable Cous--, Bo." Luke had managed to catch himself before he let it slip.

Luke shook off Bo's cold shoulder. "Okay, well.." He thought for a moment and before he knew it he had a plan. "Now, bear with me because I know you ain't up to taking no direction from me right now, but you need to go upstairs. Get Enos all wound up thinking that whoever that fella was that was down here with me done something to me. I'll stand back here in the shadow, then once Enos is past me I'll jet up the stairs. You just wait for me at the top." He paused, "I'll apologize to Enos about this a little later. Is the General out front?"

Luke took his jaw into his hand and laughed it off a little. "Fair enough, Bo. See I do think about more than just Cassie." Stepping forward after a second, he shook the punch off. " In trying to keep the mood light he smirked, "You still hit like a girl." There was a pause, "Now, who's upstairs that we've got to get past?"

Regaining his feet, he stood before Bo shaking his head. "It meant everything!" He showed Bo his own palm and gasped for breath. "Maybe I did see the outline of the tape, Bo! But, you have no idea what I'm thinking about ever. I thought you'd be safe out there racing. You'd be out of sight and traveling so I didn't worry about you. Now, you're here and who's out there to protect you. You can hold your own, but I couldn't protect you from Sawyer before. I'd risk everything to protect you this time, Cousin!" He paused and let his voice lower, "So, stop being a selfish jackass and get me out of here so we can straighten things out. Cassie's in jail for all I know now. I don't get much word down here. But, you're standing there as a free man and you're fair game to a killer. So, just get me out of here and we'll take care of Sawyer. You've got the tape and I've got the plan." With his last few words he smirked knowing that's exactly how he and Bo worked. Bo was the muscle and Luke thought up the plans. Only Duke cousins could work together like that.

Luke yelled, "BO!" He gritted his teeth, "If I'm not still your cousin, then why did you record Sawyer? Huh? I saw you. I saw you and I didn't even let on because I thought maybe this was my chance." He paused, "So don't walk away from me! Let's figure something out so that we can put that bastard back where he belongs because I sure as hell don't belong here!" Enos flinched at Luke's booming voice that traveled upstairs, but he didn't say anything.

Luke just sighed and tightened his grip on the bars. "If that's how you want it Bo, then fine we're not cousins. We don't share the same blood." It seemed so funny to Luke that Bo would cast him off even now. "I've been trapped in this cell for weeks. I've had time to do a lot of thinking. I wondered when you were going to bust me out. Or, when I was going to hear the General's horn outside of the window in the square?" He sighed again looking Bo right in the eye, "I'm still the guy you grew up with. More so now than ever, Bo. Why would you say I'm not? Is it because of Cassie? Think about it Bo. The guy you grew up with could see the good in people because that's how Uncle Jesse raised us. She's a good person deep down and I want her to get her second chance. Don't good people deserve second chances? Don't I deserve a second chance, Bo?"

Luke looked up at the second sound of foot steps that had descended down into the basement. The sight of Bo made Luke freeze in time, which was something that Luke hadn't found the time to do. Inwardly, Luke was almost over joyed at seeing the sight of his cousin, his brother. But, he wasn't sure if he should show that to Bo. He wasn't sure if things between them had gotten any better. "What brings you to this neck of the woods, Cousin?" Luke was unaware that Bo had heard what Sawyer had talked to him about. Sawyer shot Bo, or maybe he had forgotten that, which would never have helped Luke's case. Sawyer smirked to himself as he walked past Enos and out into the sunlight. He had already busted Cassie out of jail. Luke didn't know that but what did it matter anyway. Lucas K. Duke was going to be behind bars because of Sawyer. If anyone had taken the time to look at the situation, everyone was innocent except for Sawyer, who was the real criminal.

A few weeks sitting in the same jail cell did a lot for a man. Luke looked older and more worn with his beard thick and dark hair shagged. He was always grateful to see Daisy and Uncle Jesse, when they stopped by. That was about his only means of conversation except for when Rosco or Enos brought him his meals. Sometimes Enos would stay an extra few minutes and strike up a conversation, but Rosco hadn't done much to try to make the stay easier for Luke. Uncle Jesse had mentioned once that it had been hard for the first few days, but he thought that Daisy and him could take care of the farm. With two less mouths to feed, they could get things paid. Bo had written to Uncle Jesse telling him that he'd send money just as soon as he got enough that seemed fit to send. But, he hadn't mentioned anything about Luke. He wasn't exactly bitter, but more apathetic to his cousin. Yet, still in the back of his mind he always wondered what jail was like for him. Most days, Luke spent a few hours sitting on his bunk with his back against the wall. Sometimes he'd hum to himself, but mostly he let himself drift into deep thought. A lot had happened in just a few short weeks with Bo leaving and Cassie showing up and then having her stay in the hospital. By now, Luke figured that if she'd made it, he hadn't heard if she had lived through her surgery, then she must've been spending time in the state prison. On occasion, Luke would scratch a few words on the tablet Uncle Jesse had dropped off for him. Mostly, he wrote letters to people with no intention of delivering them. A lot of his letters were titled "To My Dearest Cassie" which meant that his heart was still with her. To this day no one could understand that and he knew deep down that they never would. Cassie had survived her bout with death in the hospital. Up until now she had been pretty bad off, but she was strong which meant that she could survive. Nothing could happen to Luke until Cassie was set for a court date which is why he had been in jail for so long. Luke was innocent and the only thing that Cassie was guilty of was aiding a criminal in his escape. She would do anything to see Luke. Now, she was clean and had the right head on her shoulders. The door to the jail opened and in walked a well-dressed man with a smirk on his face. "Hello there." His voice was directed towards Enos. Enos looked up from his desk, "Can I help you with something?" "I'm here to see a Mr. Luke Duke," he stood patiently. "May I ask your name, Sir?" Sawyer smirked, "Sawyer Holloway. I'm here on legal matters with Mr. Duke." He lied through his teeth well. Contemplating the information for a second, Enos nodded and directed Sawyer downstairs to Luke's cell. "You can talk to him through the bars." Sawyer nodded and proceeded down the steps. The sound of footsteps alerted Luke and he was curious as to who they belonged to since no one ever visited him this time of day. As soon as the man came into view, Luke looked suspicious. "Who're you?" A cracked grin let a chuckle escape through Sawyer's lips, "I come bearing news." He stepped into the light so that Luke could see him. Luke recognized him after a hard look, "Sawyer. What're you doing here? You're the reason I'm here to begin with!" "Calm down. Calm down. Like I said I bring news." "What that you're planning on killing me right here? That's what you are isn't it? A killer?" Luke stepped forward. "No, not at all. I thought that you would like to know that I heard wind of Cassie's mishap and I don't want her to take the heat for what I done." Sawyer seemed genuine in what he was saying. Luke narrowed his eyes, "That seems to nice of you." "The girl's a life changer what can I say?" Sawyer nodded slowly. "I figure that I can get her out and you can rot forever." This angered Luke, but he considered what Sawyer was saying. "How do you suppose you're going to get her out?" Right now, that was all that was important to Luke that Cassie could live her life right. Sawyer sighed, "Anonymous tip that I saw solely you involved in the whole thing and she was no where in site. Fair enough?" Luke thought about this for a second. This conversation seemed strange to him, but promising all the same. "Get her out." Sawyer nodded and turned to go up the stairs. Before he made it to the top he stopped, "That girl can make any man do crazy things." With that he headed through the door. Luke sighed and let his fingers grasp the bars. Maybe what Sawyer said was true, but there was no way of him knowing that just yet. All he wanted was for Cassie to be safe. He didn't care what happened to him.

Nodding to herself, Daisy answered him, "Fair enough. Do the Duke name good." She paused, "I know you'll win. I'll send Uncle Jesse your love. Oh and Bo, don't be a stranger." With that Daisy let go of the CB and hung it up. For now, that was all she could say to Bo.

Daisy held her breath for a moment. It would be wise for her to choose her words carefully. "I understand that Bo. I really do. But, Honey Cassie hasn't been able to make it out of the hospital. She's had a few complications. Luke's been trying to give up the thought of her because he knows that she's gone. Nobody's had the heart to tell him her condition. If she's guilty she'll get what's coming to her soon enough and if she's not well then I guess it's out of our hands." Pausing, Daisy refused to let her finger off of the button. She wanted Bo to get the full effect of the tone of her voice. She was being as calm and serious as possible. "He knows your gone Bo. I visited him the other day and the most he could say was how he'd lost the two people in his life that meant the most to him. He paused and then asked me how it happened. Sugar, that's not a question I'm fit to answer, but I can tell he's beating himself up about it. He regrets a lot, but I know he wants you to keep racing because you're finally able to do something you love." It was at that moment that she finally released the button for Bo to have the chance to speak. She wanted him to take everything in.

With a closed fist she let it tap the table in defeat. "I know Bo. It was worth a try though wasn't it?" Daisy paused and let her finger slide off of the CB's two way button. This was her opportunity to think; to say something profound. "Do you want to know how Luke is?" Luke was fine. He spent the last few days sitting in his cell, talking to Uncle Jesse once a day and Daisy, when she could find the time to stop in. His only good company was Enos and that was even getting a little old to him. Things hadn't been straightened out, but the wheels were turning and something was going to happen soon. On the other hand, Sawyer had made himself a quiet little place in town staying in the Hazzard Hotel. He used his free time to float unnoticed around the city, picking up useless pieces of information. Still he always managed to pick up a good word or two about Luke Duke at the Boarsnest. Everybody was asking Daisy how he was and what they were going to make of him. It wasn't until his ears perked at the mention of Cassie Morgan's name that Sawyer was put back into focus. Having overheard Boss Hogg telling Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane a bit of information about the girl, he sighed to himself. Apparently, Cassie had successfully went through her surgery. She had lived. Someone that had abused drugs for so long was lucky to live through an overdose and such a complicated surgery. The odds weren't always likely. Cassie was recovering in the hospital, before the state police arrive to move her to their medical facility in the state prison. Sawyer had to see her as soon as possible.

Daisy's face held a softness that became apparent in her smile. "Bo, I don't need to get me anything nice. That's sweet, but the farm needs all the money that can be spared." She paused, "When do you think you'll come home for a visit? Everyone misses you. It's just not the same around here." In truth, it really wasn't the same. Luke was still in jail and Uncle Jesse was trying his best to run the farm along with Daisy's help. That's all they could do.

Daisy's eyes came to life for a brief second because Bo's voice held some kind of hope for her. "Hey Cousin," she smiled to herself. "How's the racing circuit? You bringing fame to the Duke name?"

As Daisy sat at the farm, her fingernails drummed on the dinner table. This wasn't like her to just sit around, but with everything that was happening she needed a minute to herself. She mostly spent this minute thinking and considering the situation. Suddenly, she rose to her feet and picked up the CB. "Bo Peep to Lost Sheep.. Bo Peep to Lost Sheep." In her attempt to contact Bo, she hoped that somehow he could hear her and would respond.

A strange car pulled into Hazzard and looked only slightly out of place. Usually people from Hazzard only thought that anyone driving a fancy car must be there to see Boss Hogg. Sawyer hadn't even bothered to check his rearview mirror. He wasn't so much afraid because he figured that time would tell whether his memory lingered in Hazzard. For now, he looked like a classy businessman. His hair was cut shorter, but still dirty blonde. His beard was trimmed a little neater and he didn't walk with such a hickish sway. There was more class in this man than anybody in Hazzard. The sad thing was that he was a murderer. Pulling into town, his eyes scanned the sidewalks, as he scoped out people. They were just tending to their everyday business. He shrugged his shoulders and parked his car. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and got out. Never had the sun shined so brightly, causing him to squint. Closing the door behind him, he headed down the sidewalk. Once again, he wanted to give this town the once over. However, before he had taken a handful of steps, he froze at the sight of the jail. That was no place for him to loiter. He needed to stay out, but he needed to find out what was going on with Cassie.

News had spread all over the state of the fugitive that had been caught and was currently receiving medical treatment. People were breathing easier, but most hadn't worried about this girl. She was but a girl; however, most, like those in Hazzard, refused to believe there was any innocence to her. The ones in Hazzard that felt this way thought that they had some kind of insight to what was going on, but in reality, they had the wrong person. Sitting in a bar, he had his elbows propped up on the counter top, when the whole place was interrupted by a special bulletin on the television. The newscaster was reporting that Cassidy Morgan had been taken into police custody after eight months of legal issues and finally they decided to issue an official warrant for her arrest. The man because interested in what the television had to tell him, but his facial expression didn't change. It was a solemn one and he refused to give way to an emotions he felt. Still he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Did this finally mean that he was off the hook? He had in fact committed those crimes that Cassie was taking all the blame for. But, she wasn't intentionally taking the blame because of the situation she was put in that's just where the blame fell. Tossing a few dollar bills on the counter, he nodded to the bartender and walked out to his car. Sawyer had planned to head back into Hazzard, figuring that no one remembered him enough to pen him to the murder of Jimmy. Revving the engine, he sped off down an old country road. His trip back to Georgia just got a whole lot more interesting. In the Hazzard hospital, doctors had been keeping a close eye on Cassie since she'd been brought in. Because her kidney had begun to fail, they had prepped her for surgery. Her mind was so scrambled that she couldn't tell them what was going on or why she was there. That's what a couple good years of drugs can do to a person. But still she was little Cassie Morgan on the inside. A real southern belle that had enough charm to bring a man to his knees with a ring. If anyone really got to know her, they'd know that she was fiesty and could scrap with the best of them. That's what brought her up with the Dukes. She's threatened to beat the mess out of Bo when they were toddlers and ever since she had been friends with them. Poor Bo. Now, he can't even stand the site of Cassie, but if his memory serves him right it wasn't Cassie that pulled the trigger that shot him. He'd been shot by Sawyer, in order to cause a distraction. Two lackeys grabbed Cassie and high tailed it to an old abandoned warehouse. There she was injected with a chemical that slowed her heart and put her in a comatose state. To anyone that didn't take the time to really notice, she was dead. But, it was Luke that noticed her body temperature was still right. But, before he could do anything both he and Sawyer were carted off to jail, leaving an injured Bo and Cassie to figure out how to get him out. But, as soon as Sawyer's boss told her that Harvey, her ex-boyfriend, knew where she was, Cassie panicked. Now, she was battled for her life in the hospital and undergoing surgery to remove one of her kidneys. The procedure would be painful and the recovering even more so, but that's only if she makes it. With the rate her body is declining from all the medicine there was a good chance she could bleed out. May God have mercy on her.

Luke sighed hard and his back was to his cousin. (Uncle Jesse had left the courthouse) "How am I doing? As well as can be expected.. I'm worried about Cassie.. I'm going to be doing some hard time in the state prison.. and I guess all those lucky breaks I got in the past are over." In truth, that's how it seemed. Nothing was going as planned and Luke couldn't be informed of what was going on. Cassie was potentially dying in the hospital and Luke was pushing his family away so that he could harden his heart. "You should go too Uncle Jesse's going to need all the help he can get.. him and Daisy can't handle all this by themselves. And, they shouldn't have to."

Luke just nodded. "Bo's gone Uncle Jesse.. I'm in jail. There's no hope for anybody getting the truth. You believe what you want. I'm done trying to convince you. Now, go on and take of Daisy I'm sure she's worried sick. I'll be leaving soon to head to the hospital." The cold of a man's heart is scary and is enough to send a chill through anyone. Luke knew the truth and what he had been saying the whole time was what had happened. (Yeah, it is.) "Thanks for stopping by." He was officially done with hearing everything his uncle had to say. There was nothing left to say. No one believed him and here he'd rot for the rest of his life.

So, Bo had saved Cassie from a slow but somewhat instant death. Good thing he hadn't let his hatred for the girl get in the way of his humanity. Unfortunately, she was still clinging onto life at the hospital. In the time she had been there, one of her kidney's had began to shut down and the doctor's weren't sure what they could do for her. Ultimately, they would have to perform surgery. Luke was helpless to how everyone felt about the situation. Maybe at one time he had felt the same way, but he knew what happened that day. The day when everybody's lives changed. Nothing he could say to his uncle would change his mind. The events were forever imprinted in his mind just the way he wanted to remember them. "How noble of Bo to rescue her. Remind me to thank him, if he ever comes to visit me in jail." Luke didn't sound bitter; he didn't really even carry any emotion in his tone. It was as if he was coming to peaceful acceptance for everything that was happening. "Cassie and Bo were trying to find a way to get me out of jail that afternoon. They'd been with each other for almost two days and had gotten no sleep. Sawyer's boss had told him to capture Cassie, so he could pick up the reward for returning her to her boyfriend. Except this fella didn't care if she was dead or alive, when he got threw with her. There was a struggle..after the fella got Cassie.. Bo tried to save her and he got shot. Cassie had nothing and I mean absolutely nothing to do with that." He paused and took in a long breath. "You can't accept her.. I accept that. There's nothing I can say to change your mind. I never thought I'd see the day when Jesse Duke would be blind to the truth. Now, the family's broken.. and it's uncertain that'll we'll ever see another day together at the supper table." Luke looked his uncle straight in the eye, "I respect you Uncle Jesse, but I'll be damned if you or anybody's going to give up on her.. you might as well give up on me to."