B.L. Davenport

Luke half smiles it's usually him trying to talk Bo into reason when he's in a temper. Only half joking knowing they don't have time to get into a big discussion over this and Bo needs him to be sensible and not let his emotions run his actions. "I'd feel alot better if I bashed their heads THEN they got put away for a good part if not the rest of their lives."

For the second time that day Luke's mouth opens and closes like a fish at Bo's words. The fire dies in his eyes being replaced by defeat "No Bo that's not what I want at all I just......damn it Bo they had you so scared you couldn't tell me what was going on and then I was being a jackass and on your case which wasn't a real good way to get you to tell me what was wrong even if ya wanted to. I just wanna hurt them as bad as they hurt you and the rest of the family. But mostly you"

Now it's Luke's turn to get the stubborn defiant look Bo had worn all day. Shaking his head he looks back at Bo his blue eyes having sparks in them even in the dark car. In the silence of the car his breath can be heard coming and going in angry puffs now that the worry he's felt all week has given way to pure and unconcealed hatred. "I can't promise that Bo not after what they've put you through,they almost killed you. I know they weren't there and they didn't shoot ya or nothin but they nearly killed ya just the same as if they had and I can't let that go so easy. I owe these guys at least a broken nose. I'd really love to break their necks."

Luke raises his own arm gripping Bo's hand for a few minutes smiling reassuringly although he's not quite as calm as he appears to be. If they weren't in the General he'd be pacing or trotting nervously by now. "No goin back.....let's show these city dudes what happens when ya mess with Hazzard County folk, Dukes in particular."

Cooter and the troopers hideout along the road waiting for the truck to come along so they can fence them in from their end. Cooter picks up his cb and tells Bo "Me and the troopers are ready to slam the backdoor when they come in." B.L. parks where Bo told her,shutting off the headlights tapping a nervous rythmn on the steeringwheel as she checks in with Bo "10-4 Bo ready and waitin here too"

Luke is slightly suprised when Bo moves the hand from shoulder to elbow, knowing how important doing things on his own is for Bo right now. But seeing the underlying tiredness beneath the excitement Luke understands. At Bo's words and Daisy's questioning look B.L. slides back in her window sticking an arm out giving a thumbs up that she remembers what it meant. The sad look in Bo's eyes when he asks Luke to help him get in the car makes Luke's heart do a flip flop. That one quiet question had to have practically killed Bo but with a nod and shakey smile of his own Luke discreetly lifted Bo's legs helping him slide into the General. Scrambling across the hood and sliding in the driver's seat. Silently cursing the men once again,this isn't how it's supposed to be it should be Bo driving and him giving orders. Cooter explained to Alan what Bo's signal meant before the agent and troopers got in their cars as he gets in the tow truck. Once everyone is ready to go Luke pulls out with Uncle Jesse not far behind leading the procession to the designated place and getting into position.

Luke smiles proudly as Bo gives out everyone's orders. Even though he's trembling and fear can be detected ever so slightly in his eyes Bo isn't letting on making Luke all the prouder. Everyone nods or says something to let Bo know they understand their jobs. Still wanting to give Bo support but not seem overly protective Luke puts a steadying hand on Bo's shoulder as everyone goes to their vehicles. Not sure Bo can quite make it in the General without help Luke waits to see if Bo will ask for help. Jesse climbs in his old pickup with a mixture of fear and the excitement of the younger folk. Although Bo seems to be ok Jesse still thinks he's much too sick to be participating,but realizing how important it is for Bo in order to get his life back together he doesn't say anything. Just waits for the General to pull out intending to be second in line so he's closest to Bo. B.L. climbs in the window of Red Fury forgoing the use of the door as she usually does it being quicker this way. Starting the car she taps the gas pedal revving the motor slightly the closer it gets to the showdown the antsier she is getting. Looking at her cb she remembers suddenly that nothing was mentioned about keeping in touch so sliding back out of the car onto the window ledge to ask the boys "We need to keep in touch so we know where these goons are what channel ya'll on?" Cooter is drawing a quick map to show the troopers where all the best hiding places are as they wait for the others to get ready to go.

Luke pats Bo on the back grinning proud of the fact the Agent is so impressed with his youngest cousin's plan. Claps once as Bo asks is everyone ready "Let's get the show on the road" Jesse nods a brief flutter of anxiety goes through his stomach but he takes a deep breath getting it under control smiling at the youngsters around him. "Let's teach those city boys a lesson they won't soon forget" B.L. for the first time has a gleam of retribution in her eye. It really hitting home how they had almost destroyed Bo as she sees a glimmer of the old Bo behind the pale face and dark circles under the eyes. "Ready as I'll ever be" Cooter eyes flash with revenge, eager to get his hands on the goons taking a piece of their hide for his own. "Ready Freddy"

Luke grins catching the excitement of both his cousins he's just itching to teach the thugs a lesson they won't soon forget. Noticing Bo preparing to stand he holds out his hand to help same as any other time not intending to do more than give Bo's arm a gentle but firm jerk to assist him to his feet. Suddenly mindful that Bo needs to appear in good health from this point on especially if the men who put him in this weakened state get a look at him so that they can see they didn't succeed in getting Bo down. Mutters to himself more than the others "Let's get this show on the road" Uncle Jesse walks out to greet his friend Alan Dredson from the state police. Shaking the agents hand "Alan it's goot ta see ya again, thanks for helpin us" Cooter pulls up a fraction of a second after the state police quickly jumping out of the tow truck striding toward the barn where everyone is congregated. Giving Daisy and B.L. both a hug and shaking the boys hands. "Lookin good Bo, sorry I didn't make it to the hospital but I was swamped at the Garage. Lucas lookin a little peaked there buddy" "I'm ok Coot be alot better when this is all over." Cooter and the girls nod knowing exactly what Luke means.

Luke smiles greatfully as Bo obeys without protest, he just hopes that Bo's in a cooperative mood tonight if things get ugly and there's a chase on foot and ensuing fist fight because there is no way he will let Bo out of the car to participate. That was the agreement that Bo got to go along was he stayed in the car and Luke intends to hold him to that promise. After making sure they have everything needed to make the arrows, Luke takes a seat on a bale of hay opposite Bo. Picking up an arrow and stick of dynamite. Uncle Jesse kisses Daisy's temple in silent thanks but lets the conversation drop as they are in earshot of the boys now. "You boys got things ready to go?" Luke looks up smiling as he nods "Yes sir, I just thought we might need a few more dynamite arrows." Jesse nods approvingly "Good idea" Inside the house as the cb crackles to life B.L. rolls off the couch to her knees startled at the sudden sound interrupting her sleep. "Craaaazy Cooter comin atcha any you Duke's home on the hazzardnet come on" Seeing and picking up the note B.L. reads it before getting to her feet and rushing over to the cb in the kitchen picking up the mic. "Crazy C ya got tinkerbell here what's up" The cb crackles again as Cooter keys his mic answering "Hey cousin, I was just wonderin how the lost sheep was and if things are all set for the rendesvous tonight." B.L. keys the mic answering not wanting to give too much information over the hazzardnet in case the theifs are listening "That's a big 10-4 we're just waiting on you and the other contestants of tonights game. The lost sheep is doing better than expected he's feeling his oats today." Cooter can be heard laughing before he answers "Can't keep that boy down for long.....I'll be there in 5, Crazy C down and gone" B.L. laughs at Cooter's assessment of Bo's ability to bounce back "10-4 Crazy C, Tinkerbell over and out" After hanging up the cb mic B.L. goes out the back door wandering over to the barn where the note said everyone was. "Hey ya'll Cooter just hollered on the cb and said he'd be here in 5 minutes" Uncle Jesse nods relieved things are about to get underway soon so this whole mess can be over. Luke looks up as he finishes another arrow. "Thanks for the info B.L."

Once inside the barn Luke guides Bo to a bail of hay gently but firmly depositing him there,although Bo won't say it the day has been long and beginning to catch up with him,but there's still things to do so Luke is bound and determined to make sure Bo at least takes it easy before things get underway pointing a warning finger at Bo before issuing an order in his best Marine tone of voice. "Stay put" After issuing the order Luke gathers arrows,a box of dynamite and a roll of duct tape bringing them back to Bo to construct the dynamite arrows. Jesse drawing in a deep breath as they exit into the yard lets it out slowly and some of the day's frustrations with it. Then giving Daisy a quizzical look asks "Scared for me?" They meander across the yard really in no hurry entering the barn after Luke has set Bo to work on the arrows. Jesse is at least relieved to see Luke has gotten Bo something to do that he can do sitting still instead of being up moving around.

Swinging Bo's legs off the General, Luke gives his hands a gentle tug to get him on his feet. Laying an arm across Bo's shoulders the two make their way slowly to the barn. Jesse returned the smile as he got to his feet "Girl if you don't beat all first ya so mad at Bo for his defiance ya walk on him now ya tellin me not to be too hard on him." Kisses Daisy's forehead before wrapping an arm around her waist as they leave the room going to get ready for the night's events "Don't worry I'm hopin after everythin is said and done I can just scare him good tomorra without resortin to actually switchin him."

Luke hugs Bo best he can with the two of them laying on the General's hood. "Your welcome cuz....I'll be glad when this is all over and things can get back to normal....well what passes for normal in Hazzard anyway." Luke looks at his watch to see how long it is before things get going. "Won't be long now till things get underway. Cooter and the troopers should be here soon." Uncle Jesse smiles a real smile this time "I know Dais, I ain't never doubted a day in you kids lives that ya didn't love me as much as I love ya'll." In the meantime while alone B.L. has dozed off truly being relaxed for the first time in a week.

Luke hugs Bo best he can with the two of them laying on the General's hood. "Your welcome cuz....I'll be glad when this is all over and things can get back to normal....well what passes for normal in Hazzard anyway." Luke looks at his watch to see how long it is before things get going. "Won't be long now till things get underway. Cooter and the troopers should be here soon." Uncle Jesse smiles a real smile this time "I know Dais, I ain't never doubted a day in you kids lives that ya didn't love me as much as I love ya'll." In the meantime while alone B.L. has dozed off truly being relaxed for the first time in a week.

Uncle Jesse smiles sadly "He no doubt feels three times worse than anyone else." Luke leans back against the windshield again next to Bo ruffling the blonde curls. "Ya coulda tried explainin I guess" *grins trying to make Bo feel better* "wouldn't have been near as excitin' as the show you put on" Luke laughs then says with a tone of admiration in his voice although he still doesn't approve of Bo's difiance "I don't know how you pulled it off either. It wasn't even me he was towering over and I was quaking in my boots. He's not been that mad in a very long time." Luke smiles reassuringly at Bo "You bet cousin....You ain't got nothin to worry about he won't hit ya least not anywhere but your backside and you's already got that coming." Luke grins teasingly as he says the last unable to help himself.

Uncle Jesse wraps his arms around Daisy thanking the lord again for his kids all three of them. "I hope ya right Daisy and Luke can get ta the bottom of all this. It's just not like Bo and I could just chew nails and spit horseshoes ever time I think of what them polecats has done to him." Luke can understand Bo's feelings but still winces inside when Bo admits to not being sorry for disobeying Uncle Jesse. "I don't think ya disappointed him just cos ya wanna get back to normal that he can understand. He's most likely disappointed in ya defiance but no matter what there ain't nothin Bo that ya can't make right with Uncle Jesse."

Luke rubs his hands down his face taking in another deep breath blowing it out. "Bo all I can tell ya is to try and if Uncle Jesse still don't see it as nothin but defiance and switches ya, then ya will just have ta try again once it's outta his system and his temper's cooled enough he'll listen. Ya know he's always made peace with us after a punishment and this time won't be any different. I know ya ain't afraid of a switchin, none of us has ever been afraid of one really we's just had a healthy dose of worry and if none of us has ever liked disappointin Uncle Jesse. *nods with a humorless chuckle* oh yeah you deserve it a'right". Uncle Jesse closes his eyes briefly it's been a long day and nowhere near over and his nerves are frayed. "I know baby......but just cos ya'll are grown don't stop me from worryin' "

Uncle Jesse raised his head from the pillow propping on one elbow as he heard Daisy call softly from the door. "Yes I'm here,just tryin ta figure out what's goin on with ma little boy this just ain't like Bo" Luke stays in the same position as Bo leans back again. Nodding as Bo seems to be pleading with him almost to understand. Luke hears the sincerity in Bo's voice when he says he feels guilty about disobeying their Uncle and hurting him. "I understand Bo but Uncle Jesse don't he thinks your just being stubborn and defying him. You might try explainin to him just like you did me you'd be surprised how he understands when we need him too most." Luke sincerely hopes Bo will make peace with Uncle Jesse he can see this rift between them at the moment is hurting them both.

B.L. realizes for the first time since she and Daisy came inside they haven't seen nor heard Uncle Jesse. "Maybe he went to his room to rest a while before tonight." Luke too sat up bending his knees and wrapping his arms around them the right hand clasping the left wrist as he let Bo's words sink in. "I understand your feelin's Bo really I do. I felt the same way when I was a POW in Nam. It was like we were slaves not allowed to think for ourselves just doing what the Vietnam soilders who'd captured us said do no choice in anything it was do it or be killed. I was afraid I'd not make it back home if I didn't do what they said so as much as it irked me I did." Touching Bo's chest briefly where his heart is "Ya got to think tho ya not only gonna get yourself hurt if Uncle Jesse switches ya but it hurts him too here. He's been worried sick moreso than the rest of us when you was so ill. We're goin after the guys that caused all this tonight and I can see it in his eyes he's worried,scared even that somethin will go wrong and he'll lose one of us. He's worried ya breathin will get bad or they'll go after you cos your weak still and not upto a fist fight." Luke sighs,rubbing his tired eyes as he finishes his speech hoping Bo will think long and hard before he crosses the line to the point of not being able to talk Uncle Jesse out of giving him a switching.

B.L. laughs as she looks over as Daisy looks back out the window "Only a sentence....hmm wouldn't ya like to be a fly on the general bout now and hear that conversation" Luke shakes his head not understanding one bit where Bo's thinking is coming from. "Maybe I'd understand if ya told me why ya don't care of Jesse warms ya britches or not? I just don't get it when we was kids the threat of a switchin was enough to make us shake in our boots. But now ya sayin ya don't care if he does knowin how close to reality it's gettin ta be."

Just as soon as the words leaves Bo's mouth Luke's jaw drops his chin nearly touching his chest with the shock and utter disbelief. Trying to recover Luke looks like a fish out of water his mouth opening and closing but no sounds comes out. Finally after about 5 minutes the shock passes enough he can speak in an incredulous tone "Bo you ain't got the sense the good Lord promised a turkey." B.L. raises up on one knee to peer out the window at the two cousin's lounging on the hood of General Lee. Turning back to sit beside Daisy giggling "Never mind a heart attack I think Luke's gonna go straight for kicking the bucket........he looks like a fish outta water now. That must be a heckuva explanation Bo gave him."

Luke returned Daisy's brief hug, taking his eyes off Bo only briefly as he watched the two girls go inside. Then turning back once more to watch Bo quickly get his breathing back under control. Jumping down from the hood of red fury Luke walks over to the opposite side of the general hoisting himself up next to Bo copying his younger cousin's relaxed position. Looking over at Bo,he draws in a deep breath blowing it out in one big swoosh. Taking Uncle Jesse's advice to just spit it out when somethin's on your mind Luke asks "Bo what in the world has got into you,ya act like ya don't even care that Uncle Jesse's gettin closer and closer to switchin ya with every defiance." B.L. flops down on the couch next to Daisy leaning her head against the back of the couch,stretching her long legs out in front of her.

B.L. leans against the fender of red fury smiling broadly as they watch Bo circle the general lee then hoist himself onto the hood leaning comfortabley against the windshield contentedly. Luke too has leaned against the red fury to watch Bo,but as he see's Uncle Jesse take a step toward Bo knowing what is to come,Luke grasps Uncle Jesse's arm whispering pleadingly "Uncle Jesse please don't not now just let Bo enjoy being home for now" Uncle Jesse looks at the restraining hand on his wrist and back up to Luke's face blue eyes meeting blue eyes one set pleading the other dancing with fire. Looking over at Bo though it's hard to miss just how happy and contented he really is nodding acceptance to Luke's request Jesse looks back at the hand still restraining him. "Alright Luke I'll leave it be till tamorra,now either turn me loose or you'll be joinin Bo" Luke instantly lets go and Jesse turns taking the bag of clothes inside the house. Sighing contentedly himself as he hoistes himself to sit on red fury's hood Luke continues to watch Bo.

B.L. nor Luke say a word on the ride either both lost in their own thoughts. Luke's of revenge along with a fair amount of worry that Uncle Jesse will really switch Bo and also anger with Bo for his refusal to cooperate just until they got home. B.L. wondering how she got herself in between this rock and hard place knowing either way she had went with her decison was likely to give someone the wrong impression. If she hadn't gave Bo a ride he would think she was mad at him but that wasn't exactly so only shocked and maybe a little confused at his defiance. Uncle Jesse reaches over squeezing Daisy's hand at her admission giving her a half smile "I know I'm not really mad at her, she's only trying to do what's best for Bo." Before long they turn onto the road that will lead them to the Duke farm. Pulling into the yard Uncle Jesse gets out going to stand watch as B.L. and Luke exit the driver's side of the car,taking the bag of clothes from B.L. as they carefully help Bo from the passenger side.

B.L. nor Luke say a word on the ride either both lost in their own thoughts. Luke's of revenge along with a fair amount of worry that Uncle Jesse will really switch Bo and also anger with Bo for his refusal to cooperate just until they got home. B.L. wondering how she got herself in between this rock and hard place knowing either way she had went with her decison was likely to give someone the wrong impression. If she hadn't gave Bo a ride he would think she was mad at him but that wasn't exactly so only shocked and maybe a little confused at his defiance. Uncle Jesse reaches over squeezing Daisy's hand at her admission giving her a half smile "I know I'm not really mad at her, she's only trying to do what's best for Bo." Before long they turn onto the road that will lead them to the Duke farm. Pulling into the yard Uncle Jesse gets out going to stand watch as B.L. and Luke exit the driver's side of the car,taking the bag of clothes from B.L. as they carefully help Bo from the passenger side.