B.L. Davenport

As Bo jerks his chin out of Luke's grasp then closing his eyes before turning his head away again, Luke sits in the chair beside the bed shoulders slumped with elbows resting on his knees with chin in hands dejectedly practically pleading all his resistance about spent "Bo don't do this cousin DON'T shut me out that's not going to help either of us. Please Bo."

As Daisy gets out of the car B.L. calls out "You gotta work till closin? I'll be back when the clinic closes and then we'll go back to my place then to the hospital in the mornin." Luke sighs taking Bo's chin in between his fingers forcing Bo to look at him as he tries to explain without loosing his temper. "You listen to me Beaureguard James Duke, my refusal to sleep ain't on accounta you Got It? So don't go blaming yaself,cos it wouldn't matter if it was Daisy or Uncle Jesse in the spot your in I still wouldn't be sleepin." Stressing again while still holding Bo's chin "It's not your fault Bo none of this you can't help being ill. It's my own stubborness that's all understand?"

Giving Bo a few more pieces of ice Uncle Jesse sits the cup back on the table beside the bed "You better take it easy so's ya don't irritate your throat anymore but you can have some more in a bit if ya want." Luke is now confused along with being exhausted, Bo won't even look at him. Tapping the notepad with his index finger giving Bo a dejected look. "Alright Bo you got just 10 seconds to tell me what's wrong,we's jokin around and all the sudden you won't even look at me." Uncle Jesse sighs he hopes the girls find out something to settle all this mess. B.L. pulls into the Boar's Nest parking lot to drop Daisy off for work "Good luck hope ya find somethin out, I gotta get back and open the vet clinic for my afternoon appointments. Rosco's sposed to bring Flash in for her checkup so hopefully he'll go babblin about stuff like usual and give me some clues"

Luke satisfied he's won this battle for now lets the silence hang around them. Uncle Jesse takes the note from Bo reading it "How about lettin some ice melt in ya mouth that should moisten your throat but shouldn't be as painful as trying to swallow somethin." Pouring some of the chipped ice the nurse had brought earlier into a cup Uncle Jesse feeds Bo a few pieces watching with breath held hoping that it doesn't cause Bo too much pain.

Luke gives Bo a mock glare "Yeah so what, there was also a threat of gettin the doctor to drug me again but as you can see that's all it was were threats!"

Luke just rolls his eyes at Bo's obvious amusement then sticking his tounge out at Bo "Gee thanks alot,ya know how embarassin it is to be bawled out by a girl especially one so much smaller than me?"

Grinding the palms of his hands into weary eyes Luke looks back at Bo shaking his head "Nothin Bo I'm just a little cranky is all, I'm sorry I didn't have no call to yell at ya. Seems to be all I'm doing today though is yelling at everybody. I even yelled at sweet lil B.L. earlier." chuckles "It didn't faze her none she just looked me in the eye and gave me what for."

Luke folds his arms over his chest with a scowl on his face "nag nag nag that's all everybody's done the past couple days at me, I'll sleep but just not right now. And just so ya know I can go alot longer than you can without sleep,there were times in the Marines we had to go days without for fear we'd get ambushed while we slept or wake up to find one of our buddies dead next to us. " Uncle Jesse looks up at Luke's tone and admonishes gently he knows that all their nerves are frayed "Luke don't take it out on Bo just cos your too stubborn to listen to the rest of us. Hanging his head Luke answers quietly "Yes sir, sorry Bo I'll try to get some sleep soon I promise."

Luke ruffles Bo's blonde curls "S'alright I been readin your chicken scratch for years there'll just be a few more bumps in it." Uncle Jesse sits down by the window watching the activity goin on outside of it and watching his nephews,giving thanks to the Lord above that although Bo isn't completely well he's at least able to write as a form of communication.

Luke gives Bo a mock pout as if he'd really been scolded. Seeing the concern in Bo's eyes the knowing look that that he Bo noticed he hasn't been sleeping, Luke closes his own eyes against the penatrating gaze from the blue ones in the bed. Opening his eyes again but avoiding looking directly into Bo's eyes, Luke pulls a small notepad and pencil out of his pocket and holding them up for Bo to see. He's not ready to question Bo but he knows there is so much Bo would like to say if his throat didn't hurt so bad. Smiling and with what he hopes is a stronger not quite so exhausted tone to his voice giving a playful wink "How about some note passing,I know I ain't a pretty as them girls in school ya used to pass notes to but I'll have to do. Ya upto it? I didn't think I'd ever hear myself say this but it's just to dang quiet without you talkin."

Luke squeezes Bo's hand back then seeing him struggle for breath makes Luke's own breath hitch in his throat. Laughing a real laugh this time when Bo offers him the mask. "No thanks I'm breathing just fine on my own." Uncle Jesse comes back to the room two cups of coffee in his hand giving one to Luke.

Luke smiles at Bo with shaky lips but taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly he gets himself more under control. Noticing Uncle Jesse had slipped from the room at some point probably to stretch his legs, Luke reassures Bo as best he can "I'm ok Bo but I'll be alot more ok when you get better cuz so you just concentrate on gettin well ya here. We'll get through this same as we always do ya just leave all the worryin to me I'm doin enough of it anyway for the whole county" Luke smiles faintly at his weak attempt at humor.

B.L. gives Daisy's shoulders a squeeze as they are walking toward the car not saying anything just lending her best friend all the comfort she can as they both get in the car and leave the hospital parking lot. The girls had indeed sent a nurse to check Bo's temperature which was indeed on the rise, giving Bo yet another drug to combat the rising fever. Uncle Jesse has taken Daisy's spot and hoding Bo's hand silently praying the girls and Cooter will soon discover what started all this. Luke feels the tightness in his shoulders and neck that B.L. had massaged out some begin to return with the near panicking worry since Bo had been moved into a regular room. Trying to keep his face as neutral as possible for Bo's sake now that he's awake and can see Luke's anxiety. Luke places a cool cloth on Bo's forehead to bring the fever down even faster as he once again sings hymns as much for his own comfort as Bo's.

Uncle Jesse smooths his hand over Bo's forehead frowning at the heat radiating there. Not really surprised though but still concerned deeply the antibiotics doesn't seem to be working like they should. B.L. pats Bo's knee then playfully shaking her finger at both the Duke boys she warns "Now you two don't give Uncle Jesse any trouble now,I'm going to take Daisy to work but we'll see ya later tonight or tomorrow." Luke brows furrowed just acknowledges her playfullness with a small grin. "C'mon Dais or you'll be late,we'll tell a nurse on the way out that Bo's fever needs checking 'k" 'ok thanks girls ya'll be careful" Uncle Jesse kisses Daisy on the cheek and gives her a hug the last part about Luke's plan being said in a lower voice "Don't worry baby we'll take care of Bo you just do what Luke asked ya to"

Uncle Jesse slowly releases Bo as the sick feeling passes and he is able to relax then taking the washcloth Jesse gently wipes away the sweat covering the pale drawn face. B.L. leans over whispering to Luke that she and Daisy need to get going at Luke's nod she goes over to Daisy whispering "We need to get goin hun so your not late for work we've got some investigating to do remember?"

Uncle Jesse just shakes his head forlornly at Daisy's silent question of what's wrong. Luke's steady gaze back at her yields no answers either he just hopes this is only a temporary sideeffect and once Bo gets everything out his body won't rebel again. "B.L. go find a nurse or the doctor see if they can do something" B.L. nods as she rushes for the door looking back over her shoulder "Hang in there Bo I'll be back with help in a sec" Snagging the first nurse she sees B.L. explains what is going on and is told it's most likely the lack of food along with maybe a slight concussion that the doctor may have missed at first but Bo can be given something to settle his stomach through the IV lines. Leaving B.L. the nurse goes to get the medication. B.L. returns to the room taking up her previous place next to Luke "The nurse will be here in a minute with something to help" Within a minute or two the nurse is there administering Kytril. "If he needs anything else just let us know." Luke nods to the nurse all of them too focused on Bo to respond.

B.L. grabbed one of the plastic pans sitting on the stand near Luke and placed it in his outstretched hand, wishing there was more she could do to offer her friend comfort. Uncle Jesse grabbing a washcloth stepped into the bathroom wetting it and bringing it back out ready to wash Bo's sweat drenched face, placing it on the bedrail as he supports the weight of Bo's body for him. "you alright Bo?" Luke holding the pan for Bo talks calmly to try and get Bo's mind off his pain and feeling of sickness "s'alright Bo just take it easy try to control it if ya can cos it's gonna hurt like hell."

Luke continues to wipe Bo's face relieved to see the green color fade even if it was only to be replaced by the pale whiteness of the past few days. "S'alright Bo just take slow easy breaths,ya let me know when you's ready to put the mask back on ok?" A nurse comes in carrying an IV bag full of liquid giving Luke a withering look as she sees him holding the mask in his hand "He needs to be wearing that" Jesse steps toward the nurse ready to do battle if necessary "He was feeling sick with it on so we let him take it off for a few minutes." softening his tone now though he asks "Is there any other way to help his breathin than wearin that mask or having the breathing tube down his throat" The nurse smiles kindly at the fatherly gentleman "I'll talk to the doctor and explain the situation." B.L. stands at the foot of the bed watching helplessly as Bo labors for each breath without the mask but the green sick color he had with it on was just as worriesome.

Uncle Jesse puts his finger to his lips in a gesture for Bo to keep quiet "No talkin Bo the doctor says ya throat's gonna be sore for few more days." Luke sees Bo turning green looking at Daisy "Daisy can ya get me a wet papertowel please" When Daisy hands him the wet papertowel Luke starts to bathe Bo's face deciding that removing the oxygen for a few minutes won't hurt as bad as being sick to his stomach. Luke lifts the mask removing it from around Bo's ears knowing Bo will let them know when he needs it back "Just take it easy Bo"

Uncle Jesse takes his turn giving Bo a hug as best he can and a kiss on the forehead stroking the loose curls from his forehead "Ya had us all worried Bo, but ya lookin better now it's good to have ya back" Luke seeing what Bo's about to do smacks his hand sharply giving Bo a menacing look "Leave that on or the tube goes back in"

Uncle Jesse nods "I imagine he defenitely feels a whole heap better with that thing outta his throat" B.L. gives Luke a cocky salute with her free hand at his orders for her and Daisy "Aye Aye captain" As the doctor looks up from the chart he is reading and noticing Bo's blue eyes looking around the room "Well hello young man feeling better?" looks at the nurse just coming in the room "Will you please go tell the Duke family they can see Beaureguard now he's awake" "Yes doctor" with that the nurse makes an about face and leaves the room entering the waiting room and going to where the Dukes and B.L. are still talking in the corner. "Beaureguard's awake if you'd like to see him now. He's on the 3rd floor room 345" Uncle Jesse smiles his thanks as the nurse turns to leave "Thankyou ma'am, well let's go see how Bo's feeling" Luke is the first one to make for the elevator more than a little ready to get back to Bo. Once on the third floor they quickly find the right room and entering the doctor looks over to them saying "He's still a long way from completely well but he's better,although the chest infection is still quite serious,we may have to change the antibiotics to get that to clear up more quickly." Luke listens to the doctor nodding as he stands next to Bo after the doctor leaves B.L. leans over kissing Bo's forehead "Hi sleepyhead you were out cold last time I saw you"

B.L. reaches up smoothing down her hair glaring at Luke in protest of his actions "Heeey what was that for....happy to hear you admit you was being a complete jackass no not this time but let's say satisfied." She flashes a quick grin then turns serious as Luke finishes telling his plans interjecting as Luke gets to the part of confronting Bo with what they know so he has to tell the rest, "Even if he still can't talk when we got the information we can make him write out a confession." At Daisy's laugh B.L. has to stifle one of her own as Uncle Jesse gives them all 'his look', then he tells them determinedly. "I'm a stayin rightcher 'til Bo can go home."

B.L. wraps an arm around Luke's waist falling into step beside him "You got it we'll get to the bottom of this thing. Ya think we can I can drag Daisy away from here? She's 'bout as stubborn as you!" At the thought all this could be because a girl wants to marry Bo, B.L. starts to scowl the expression getting worse by the minute "If all this is cos of some girl I'm gonna clobber BOTH her and Bo" As they enter the hospital again and head for the waiting room, Daisy and Uncle Jesse can still be seen at the window. Uncle Jesse turning at their approach B.L. grins slightly to let him know things are going to be ok; winking with a bit of teasing in her voice unable to resist making Luke think of his bad attitude recently "Look I went outside and found the real Luke hiding on that bench in the garden that was just his bad tempered twin walking around here biting eveyrbody's head off. Have ya heard anything else on Bo while we was gone?" Uncle Jesse smiles glad to see at least some of the tension gone from Luke's posture he's looking less like a man going to the gallows "No we ain't heard nothin yet but i spect we will pretty soon now"

Gasping shocked at the light slaps,Luke's faster than she thought today,B.L. shrieks and giggles as he tickles her then plopping down on the bench next to Luke when he lets go she's still smiling but there's a serious look in her eyes now patting Luke on the knee "well the only way to find out what's going on before Bo gets the chance to tell or not tell is to snoop around and find out. SOoo let's round up a posse and see what we can find out. If need be Uncle Jesse can handle things here at the hospital for a few hours but if you'd still rather stay here me 'n Cooter will poke around town in Hazzard see what we can come up with and let ya know." "Speakin of that cousin of yours I think I'll go check on him,you comin' or do ya need a few minutes alone to come up with a plan of action,to uncover Bo's secret?"

B.L. reguards Luke with the impish grin still on her face and the twinkle in her eye trying her best to get Luke to calm down enough to relax and even be playful all the stress and worry isn't going to solve anything. "I knew ya wouldn't hit me,for two reasons;one Uncle Jesse'd wear you out and two; you can't hit the broad side of a barn with your hat today." Stepping back a little B.L. gently pushes Luke down on the bench then going around behind him she starts to massage the kinks from his stiff muscles. "I know you and Bo are close and tell each other everything,shoot everybody around does;there has to be a reason he didn't tell ya and probably a dang good one it just might be he was protecting YOU this time." Leaning over Luke's head to present him with a comical upside down view of her face B.L. smiling innocently but the mischief still written clearly there "Try yelling at Bo when this is all over and he's home again, HE'S the one didn't tell you his problems not the rest of us." winks "or you could yell at him now he can't walk away he's hooked to the bed by wires and tubes,he can't yell at ya to leave him alone cos he ain't 'llowed to talk."