essyjane

Meanwhile, in Boss' office, they were in fact planning something illegal. "Boys as soon as you get those tool boxes, full of tools mind you, and get them to my new tools outlet," Boss Hogg grinned then chuckled. "You know that outlet I opened two months ago with the help of you boys?" Both of them nodded. "Good, well, the more people need tools, the more they will buy them," the Boss said. "And tamper with something they would need to use the tools for, I don't care if it would be their shingles on the roofs of their barns so they would need hammers, or what have you." "Yes Sir Mr. Hogg," the first man said. His hair was a fiery red, and the others was blue. Both punks hired off the streets of Atlanta. Both boys were 19 years old too. "Okay Mutt, where are we gonna hit first?" "Well Peter, Mr. Hogg keeps referring to those Dukes as trouble makers so I figure we skip stealing from them for a while. How about we do Mr. Winsels, and that old guy over on Samuel lane, then we hit the Hazzard Garage?" "yeah, they got a bunch of tools over there, but, that guy who owns the place, I think his name is Cooter, is workin' from dawn to dusk," Peter said. "How about we wait until he is on a tow job?" "Sounds good." Now while those bad boys were cleaning out the tool sets of their first two victims, Hilery and Essy had headed back to the Garage to relax and put the new radiator in Jumper. Cooter had found the problem, and the part was totalled so he had ordered a new one. It didn't take them too long to get it in. Cooter had been busy working on Janet Caravel’s car while they did that. The three of them finished at nearly the same time. "Whew, why don't you girls go fix something to drink while I clean up?" Cooter asked. Hilery and Essy ran up the stairs to get them all something to drink. It also gave them a chance to talk more, but before they could get the glasses out, Cooter yelled up the stairs to his second cousin and her friend to cancel his request, that he had a tow job. "Okay Coot, see ya later," Hilery called back down before shutting the door and sitting down on one of the stools in the small apartment. "So Hilery I have a question for you…humour me okay? Why haven't you told Bo how you feel yet?" "Look, how many times do I have to tell ya, I'm too shy," Hilery giggled turning red from embarrassment. "You want me to tell him?" "NO!" Hilery yelled, shocking herself. "Sorry Ess," Hilery blushed. "It's okay; I guess you want him to notice you on his own, don't you?" "Yeah, I do, but I guess if you absolutely want to tell him you could, but then I would be embarrassed and all that. Besides, he shouldn't have to worry about me liking him," Hilery said sippin' her root beer she had gotten out of the fridge a few moments before shutting the apartment door. "I mean, he already has a date and I don't want him to feel bad." "Oh, I see." Essy-Jane said. "Yeah, besides, I'm 3 years younger than he is..." Hilery said, seeming to start staring out into space. Something though caught Essy's attention though and she shook Hilery out of her day dream. "I think I heard something... there it is again!" "Sounds like Cooter's tool box..." Hilery said as she and Essy went towards the door. "Cooter wouldn't be back by now," she added. "Someone's down there." "Yeah, I think you're right," Essy said. The girls opened the door and looked down into the garage bay. "C'mon Essy, step where I step, so not to make a sound. If they wanted help, they would have hit the bell on the Desk which says ring for service," the Davenport said. "I gotcha." The girls walked down the stairs not making any noise. Essy had to smother a laugh. "Is there something I can do for you gentlemen?" Hilery asked. Both boys turned fast and seen both women. "Who are you?" They asked. "I'm Hilery Davenport and I work here, and this is one of my friends, but shouldn't I be asking you the same thing?" "A girl working in a garage?" Mutt said snickering. "That's hilarious," Peter said. Now Essy liked cars too. She and Hilery looked at each other, then to the truck backed up to the garage door, which had Cooter's tools in the trunk. "I suggest you put my cousin's tools back where you got them too." "No, we don't have to listen to no woman," Mutt said laughing loudly. Both girls lashed out suddenly in sheer fury, surprising the boys. "Don't you ever underestimate a couple of country girls," Hilery yelled as Essy got thrown across the garage, hitting her head on the concrete wall. "You jerks!" Hilery said watching her friend get thrown before kicking Mutt as Peter got into the trucks cab. "Essy!" Hilery yelled running over to her friend. A life was more important than some tools, besides they still had hers in the trunk of her car. The tarp was still on it so she knew they hadn't gotten to them. "C'mon Ess... wake up," Hilery said tapping her face. Essy was still out of it. Hilery tried to get her to wake up. "You're not doing this to me Essy...there's no way." Hilery picked up the CB and called an ambulance. Everyone heard the call over the CB. "Country girl this is Big Mama Tizdale...what's wrong with my Essy?" Emma asked. "Big Mama...she was slammed against a concrete wall over," Hilery replied. The channel went silent as the sound of the ambulance came along. "Country girl this is lost sheep one...is she okay?" Luke asked. "I don't know Luke...I just don't know," Hilery answered. "Hilery, who did this and which way was he heading?" Bo questioned. He wanted to get these guys. Bo was sick of people getting hurt. He didn't want it to happen anymore. "That doesn't matter right now Bo...I am gonna ride in jumper behind her to the hospital...Judd, if you're listening, meet us there." "That's a 10-4 Country girl...Killer Bees is on his way repeat, killer bees is on his way." Hours later, everyone was at the hospital except Luke and Daisy. Judd came out of her room. He looked at the crowd. They all wanted in on the news about Essy. "Judd...I am so sorry...I didn't think this was gonna happen. Before Essy could even react they had her. They were well trained men...I would have gone after them but..." Hilery mumbled. "Hil...it's okay, I don't blame you for what happened," Judd commented. "How is she Judd?" "Doctors say that they wouldn't know until she wakes up."

“I think I know where Hilery is,†Essy replied. Jesse looked at his niece in law. She seemed to know people very well. Uncle Jesse was glad she married into this family. “Well I am sure you will find her. Good luck with Hilery…I am sure you could talk more sense into her than I can. I am too authoritarian…I think she doesn’t want to tell me for that reason.†Could be love problems, Essy thought to herself. With that she walked out of the house. Essy took a deep breath and looked at the beauty of the farm. She stopped to listen to the birds flying across her head. Essy closed her eyes and smiled. She knew that she was ready to talk to her good friend. Essy knew that Hilery was in the barn. It was one of the best places to hide. Hilery was sitting on a barrel of hay. She leaned against the rough barn wall staring up at some light that was coming through the barn. Hilery turned her legs sideways…not paying attention to Essy. She was thinking as usual…a little bit too hard about what was going on. Every thought was like a knife stabbing into her heart. The more the sadness came into her heart the more she became angry. Hilery was playing with some hay as she stuck a piece in her mouth. Essy ran her fingers through her hair. She took a pony tail holder from her pocket and tied it back. She walked closer towards the hay barrel Hilery was sitting on. Essy took a seat in front of her. Hilery brushed her long hair out of her face and looked up at her friend. Hey kido," Essy commented. Hilery rolled her eyes. She was sick of being known as a child. Hilery was old enough…she wants to just have things happen her way and they never would…because she was still a child to everyone else. "You're only a year older than me and you still call me kido," Hilery answered. Essy thought about something for a minute. She knew she had to get Hilery out of this mood. "You know what I like to do when I am down in the dumps?" "Blow up stuff." Essy turned red. She hadn’t blown much up…but when she did, no one knew Essy had done it. So how come Hilery knew? “Okay, spill the beans.†"You think I didn't see you blow up the Boudry’s pick-up?" Essy laughed. She remembered doing that. "That's only because they weren't moving it and no one else can prove it was me so you better keep your mouth shut." Hilery smiled at Essy's comment. “You think I would tell on you for that?†"Knowing you, it's a possibility, so yeah, unfortunately." "Well, what else is there to do when you’re mad and you don't have a date?" Essy smacked her forehead with the palm of her hand. "Is that it? I thought you didn't care about something like that." "Well the person I want to go with is already going with Amy-Lou..." "Ah, Bo...well I know how much you like him...you always have liked him. I know that it would be hard seeing someone you like go with that..." "Flexible Barbie doll Amy-Lou?" "Yeah...exactly...if he doesn't respect that natural beauty you have going on there then maybe he doesn't deserve you. In the meantime, let's go to the gym...wear tight clothes and have guys stare at us." "Too girly and besides, I thought you hated doing stuff like that.†“I do, but I am willing to make a sacrifice for you. I don’t want you going there in sweats. You could get lots of guys just doing that.†“Yeah I still think it is girly...but it could work." "Yeah and we could get you an even hotter guy then Bo." Hilery shook her head. She wasn’t about to let Essy say that. Bo was one person who couldn’t be matched…no matter what Essy said. “You’re wrong.†"Okay, no one is better looking than Bo." "Well at least you have a date." "Honey, when you're married you have a built in date for life...Bo just ain't ready for that kind of commitment." Hilery smiled as she got off the hay barrel. She went into Essy's car and soon they drove off.

"I did...Boss Hogg and Enos are having a conversation about who makes better chicken...Lulu or Jesse. I don't want to hear about that because both you and I know who makes the better chicken." Bo rolled his eyes. He knew his cousin wasn't about to drop this topic. "I am sure Hazzard will pick up today and when it does I will tell you all about it." "You better...10-4." "10-4 cousin." “Poor Luke…I wish he was with us. I mean really, he would love it,†Essy commented. “Yeah well He will come with us sooner or later. We have to wait until we can slide him through the window.†Back at the Duke farm, Luke laid back. "Luke, you're not the only one who hates missing the action," Luke heard a woman’s voice say from the door way. "Oh hey Hilery, I thought you were helping Uncle Jesse and Daisy with the chores." "I was, till they made me come in here and make sure you don't need anything and they told me to stay in here," Hilery mumbled. She wasn't happy, and Luke could see that. "You know what, sooner you're better, the better,†Hilery said. Luke agreed completely. "Frankly, I'd rather be out bugging Rosco, no offence Luke." "None taken, I wouldn’t want to be stuck in the house either. I am just sorry I have caused so much trouble. Enough about me…let’s talk about you. Did you ever get Jumper fixed?" "No, sadly I haven't…been that busy." "Could you hand me my magazine I was looking at earlier?" "Luke, it's right next to you, what are you goin' to ask next, for me to read it to you!?" Hilery yelled. Luke was shocked by her tone and attitude. "You okay?" "Yeah, I'm sorry Luke. I guess Daisy ain't the only one who's been out of sorts with herself lately." Luke raised his eye brow questioningly. Out of all of them, Hilery had been holding up the best since he got hit, but that is because Hilery wasn't as close to him as everyone else too. She was a lot closer to Bo. "Look, my car is busted, and I am expected to wait on your three or four days a week. I ain't no waitress," Hilery said nearly crying. "Aw, come here," Luke said trying to give her a hug. She moved away afterwards and went into the kitchen to sit by herself. There was more to what was going on, but she didn't want to mention it. There was a dance commin' up, and nearly every guy was taken. She knew Luke wasn't going because of his condition, and more than likely because she hadn't a date, she would more than likely be stuck takin' care of him that night too. "What's wrong Hilery Ann?" The young Davenport looked up to see Uncle Jesse lookin' at her concerned. "I'll be fine, just a little cabin fever," she said and faked a smile. "Listen, I'm gonna go outside beings you're in here now. I'll finish feeding the animals for ya." "If you think you got cabin fever, imagine how Luke feels," Jesse told her. "Now if you wanna go outside and help Daisy, that's fine with me. I'll take care of Luke for a while and give you girls a break." Soon as Hilery was out of sight, Uncle Jesse picked up the CB. Somebody needed to talk to that girl, and the fact that Cooter was busy trying to fix her car beings she wasn't completely sure what was wrong with it that left Bo and Essy. "This here's Shepard callin' Lost Sheep 2 and Messy Essy; y'all got your ears on?" Uncle Jesse said. "This is Messy Essy, Shepard, what's goin on?" Essy replied. "Y'all almost done with Rosco?" "Yeah, just lost him a lil' bit 'go, why?" "I think someone needs to sit down and have a talk with Country Girl. She's upset." "Upset ain't the word Shepard," Luke called out on the CB that was put in his and Bo's room. "I thought she was 'bout to clock me one." "Hilery was about to hit you?" Essy asked astonished. "Yeah…that she was…so I thought. I know she’s hurting inside somehow and I don’t think it is just looking after me…" "That's why I think someone needs to talk to her. She was sittin' at the table like she was crying or something. I'm worried about her, and I know Cooter will be if he finds out how she's actin’,†Jesse mumbled. "Sounds like it Shepard. Lost Sheep 2 and I will try to get to the bottom of it," Essy said. She looked at Bo with a puzzled look on her face, a look that mirrored the one on Bo's. "Shouldn't I be talkin' to her Essy?" Bo asked. He seemed to get through to her a lot better these days. Essy knew that Bo was good at talking but she knew Hilery needed some female bonding. Hilery and Essy weren't exactly the total girls. They were complete tom boys. "If I know Hilery, she needs a drive. Since Jumper is broken, guess which vehicle I am taking?" Essy replied. "Uncle Sam naturally…without him it would be pretty hard to get around don’t you think?†“Oh yeah Bo, it would be horrible. I would rather drive my car than some of those ugly new ones that don’t run good.†“Hilery should like being with ya.†“Yeah, I am gonna talk to her alone Bo. I know you wanted to help but it is easier this way. I know that she will talk to me…there are just some things that Hil seems to respond better to when she’s this upset.†“You’re stepping into a snake pit of emotions Essy.†“Well sometimes you have to do that for a friend.†Bo tightened his grip on the steering wheel. He wondered if Essy was the right person for the job. Hilery talks to guys a lot better than she has ever talked to girls. Cooter was her best bet but he was busy. “I suppose.†“What is it Bo? You think I can’t handle one of my best friends.†Bo hesitated. He didn’t know what to say to her exactly. “Come on Bo, you know I am smart…I ain’t no idiot. I am not about to screw this up.†“I don’t know…Essy, are you sure you could talk some sense into her?" “So you do think I am gonna screw this up.†“I didn’t say that.†“You didn’t have to Bo.†Essy pushed her long bangs out of her eyes. She looked at Bo with an evil glare. Bo knew that this look meant trouble. Essy was like her Aunt…Emma could do anything at the age she was at. Essy figured that she could do anything that anyone else could do. “All I am saying is sometimes I am better at talking to her.†“Well today ain’t one of those days Bo.†“Essy…†"Hey, if I can deliver mail in an hour in Uncle Sam, I can talk to Hilery. Besides, with Auntie Emma workin' while I help with Luke, it gives me a lot more time. You also need to see what Boss Hogg is up to...it's been too quiet in Hazzard." "That usually means something is up...alright Hilery is your responsibility." Bo dropped Essy off at the farm. He pulled a U-turn and began to drive off. Uncle Jesse was inside the house. He was sipping on some ice cold lemonade when Essy walked in. “Well nice to see ya,†Uncle Jesse mumbled as he picked up the paper. Essy tapped her fingers on the table in a smooth pattern. “I don’t know where she went. I tried to talk to her and she stormed off. She needs you Essy…I know she does.â€

"Shh, its okay baby, hush now," he comforted her and looked at Hilery. "If you're gonna lie, you have to do a better job next time." "I wasn't trying too hard, and we're all feeling crummy because we're worried about Luke. Cooter sends his best wishes and regrets not being able to be here," Hilery replied. "Well I will tell you, Bo and Luke are still together as usual. Best friends until the end. Bo was driving the nurse’s nuts this morning. He was trying to make Luke feel better by asking women out for him," Uncle Jesse ranted. Essy laughed a little. "I wish I was in there to see it. You know what? I am going in there to see Luke...maybe cheer him up more," Essy commented. She walked over into Luke's room and saw the man laughing hysterically. Essy looked puzzled. She didn't understand what was going on. "Essy, you have got to see this," Luke said between laughs. As she walked in further, Essy saw Bo on his head turning red. "Oh hey Essy," Bo said through smothered breaths. "How long has he been at that?" Essy asked. "Ten minutes. I think he's killing brain cells." Essy tried to hide her smile. She tried but Bo fell on his face and she burst out in laughter. Once Essy started, Luke began to do the same thing. "Bo, you owe me ten bucks." "I'll give it to you after the room starts spinning," Bo replied. "You know what? I thought I was coming in here to cheer you up. Bo, you need to go to the paediatric ward...I am sure the kids would love to see a volunteer clown at work," Essy said. Bo began breathing heavily. He nodded his head. "That sounds fun...if it is okay with you Luke," Bo answered. All eyes were on Luke. "Don't let me stop you from having a good time," Luke commented. Bo ran out of the room and was caught by a nurse. He began to walk down the hall. "How are you really?" Essy questioned. "I look as good as I feel...you tell me." Essy grabbed Luke's hand. She looked at him lovingly. "You know what? I am proud of you...saving your cousin's life like you did. You're a miracle worker." Luke blushed...he couldn't believe Essy would say that. "Sometimes I am jealous of my brother...he got such a wonderful wife. I am still single. Mark my word though Essy-Jane, I ain't gonna stay in his shadow forever. I am gonna get a wife that is as great as you and then some." "I am glad...I wouldn't want you to be unhappy." She gave him a hug. They held each other tight. wo weeks later... Bo was rolling down the dirt roads with Essy in the side seat. There was a dip in the road. Of course Bo was going to take the jump…what Duke would refuse a nice jump? He began to do tricks in the middle of the road. "I ain't Luke but I will have to do," Essy-Jane commented. She looked at Bo who was worried about being caught by the law. "Man if that Rosco thinks he's catching me...he must be crazy," Bo replied. “Alright Bo Duke…you can just pull it over right now,†Rosco commented. He looked happy to catch anyone. “You ain’t having me pull over okay? You will just have to catch me.†Bo put the petal down to the floor. “Hey Rosco,†Essy said over the CB. “Essy, I should have known it was you. I could see that strawberry blonde hair from all the way over here,†Rosco answered. “Rosco, I didn’t know you cared. Now let me tell you what’s going to happen as it happens, right now folks…for those who have their ears on.†Cooter smiled up from his truck. He knew this was gonna be interesting. “Back to the General who is speeding up by the way, he’s making his way across the roads of Hazzard county.†“Essy, you ain’t no DJ.†“Rosco honey, you’re ruining my moment.†“Pull over, you were speeding.†“Look sir, my Great Grandma goes faster than that on with her walker. We weren’t speeding.†“Yes you were Essy; you were going 30 miles in a school zone…now that’s not allowed.†“There ain’t any schools around here and we weren’t going 30. Even if there was a school around, we’re only going 15 miles. Okay, back to your regular scheduled program With Essy the radio diva. We are turning left heading for a great place on the map where the Dukes love to do most of their jumping. Here goes Bo…over Hazzard pond.†“Y’all think I ain’t gonna make it just because I am Rosco.†“That and you never make it across the pond of doom.†“I have been practicing my driving skills.†Bo and Essy both roared out in laughter. “Rosco…no matter how much your mama tries to teach you how to drive you’ll never beat a Duke.†“I’ll show you all and then I’ll cuff ya and stuff ya khee. Okay, stand back!†Rosco rubbed his hands together. He looked around at revved his engine a few times. Rosco switched gears fast and jumped. “Rosco’s up…up…and…down.†He took a big jump across the Hazzard county police force’s favourite pond. Of course old Rosco didn't make it. "Bo, what happened? Did Rosco get in the pond? I wish I could see that look on his face…you know, where he waves his fist," Luke said over the CB. "Hey, I thought you were supposed to be resting," Bo commented. "I am resting...Uncle Jesse put the CB beside me that's all." "Now you're turning into me." "Well you try having Daisy and Hilery bring you food all day. You get magazines carried to ya. Uncle Jesse moved the Television in our room. I can't even get up to change channels. Daisy has to come in and do it for me. They keep asking if I need my pillows fluffed. I don’t know what drives me more crazy…the fact that it hurts when I sit up or them waiting on me hand and foot." "That's paradise Luke...I don't know what you're complaining about." Luke rolled his eyes. "Bo I am going crazy...if I don't hear about some adventure in Hazzard I am gonna pass out from boredom." "Tune into the police channel."

Come morning, Hilery and Daisy rode up to the Hospital, having left Jumper with Cooter for a second opinion. Judd and Essy woke up with Hilery's face in theirs tellin' them to "rise and shine, or at least try." Uncle Jesse watched, only mildly amused. Leave it to Hilery to try to cheer someone up. "How's Luke doing?" Daisy asked. "He’s doing fine child. Doctor says soon as his leg is out of traction he'll be free to come home . . . what happened to Hilery Ann?" "Nothing," Hilery said. "I sorta whacked myself getting up this morning," she lied, and Jesse knew it. "Okay, so I got angry and I couldn't help myself, I couldn't stop myself," Daisy said breaking down in her Uncles arms.

"Well Luke is gonna be okay...they say he'll be here for a little while though. I wish it wasn't happening to him," Judd mumbled. "Sweetie, I know you wish it didn't...I wish it didn't either." They gave each other a hug. Bo had enough of all the lovey dovey stuff. He waltzed up to the front desk. Bo was talking to the nurse. He wanted to see his cousin that moment. There was no stopping him and the nurse could see that. He was shown to Luke's room. Bo sat beside his cousin and looked him in the eye. Luke's eyes fluttered open as if by magic. "Luke...how are you?" Bo asked. Luke lifted his left arm and put it in Bo's hand. "I feel like I was hit by a bus," Luke whispered. He had a tube going into his gown. Luke's right hand had an IV in it. His left leg was broken and hung in a sling in the air. "You were hit by a bus...remember?" Luke giggled softly because of what he said. Luke’s expression suddenly changed as he remembered what happened. The man was swerving back in forth. Bo was about to get hit when Luke pushed him out of the way. He was a big hero as usual…saving Bo. Luke was glad he saved Bo…he wouldn’t have wanted his cousin to have been smashed in by a bus nor anything else. "So that was that big yellowish thing coming towards me." “Don’t joke about that it was serious!†Luke was only trying to lighten the mood. He didn’t want to be serious all the time. Luke knew how much this hurt him. He didn’t want Bo to feel so alone. Luke wished this didn’t happen…he knew how much his cousin loved him. Now Bo was in tears. “Bo…it’s okay honest,†Luke said a little bit louder. “It ain’t okay. It wasn’t okay. You were bleeding there in the middle of the road. We’s crowded around you and were all worried. I could barely move Luke. I couldn’t even use the CB to phone an ambulance. Cooter had to do it.†“It’s okay now. It ain’t your fault…I would have probably been the same way. I am okay. I woke up Bo Duke and that’s what matters.†“I didn’t know what was gonna happen. If Uncle Jesse hadn’t booted us all out of the hospital I wouldn’t have left you.†“Judd stayed.†“Yeah but he had to hide until Uncle Jesse slept probably.†“Either that or my brother is a little more persuasive than y’all were.†Bo smiled. “Sure, that makes you smile.†"Luke, are you sure you're okay? You sound like someone totally different." "The drugs these people put you on make you sound like a raving lunatic I guess. I was in a lot of pain before...they cut my chest open." “I am sorry…I know you must be in pain. I don’t know how it feels.†“I am glad you don’t…I wouldn’t put this fate on anyone. Do you know who hit me?†“Yeah I do know who hit you…Okay Luke…I am just glad you’re all right.†“I wouldn’t have gone anywhere Bo…I am always right here. I love you so much. Just for reference, were y’all worried about me?†“Luke, if we weren’t worried about you there would be something wrong.†Luke tried to sit up but was unsuccessful. He wished that this hadn’t have happened but it did all the same. Bo and Luke had a good friendship and this would bring them together even more. Daisy pulled into the drive in her jeep, and stopped. She was surprised when ten or twenty minutes went by and Jumper hadn't shown up yet. It puzzled her. "This is Bo Peep calling country girl, you got your ears on?" When Daisy didn't get an answer, she got right back into Dixie and called Cooter as she drove around to look for the young Davenport woman. "No, Daisy, I haven't heard anything from her," Cooter said on the CB. "Jumper's CB might be having problems again. There's a short in the mike wire." When Daisy found Jumper, Hilery was leaning under the hood with a small battery powered lamp hanging from it. "I told you I had to fix her," Hilery said after Daisy shut Dixie down. "Hil, I'm sorry," she said. Hilery waved the apology off. "I don't know what's wrong with her," she said, "But, I think that what ever it is will let me get to the farm for the night, at least," she continued and shut the hood. "She keeps over heating," she added before climbing in. "Stupid car," Hilery said as they pulled up outside the farm house. She hadn't any clue why the car was acting up; it had just started that day so suddenly. "Daisy…can you just give me a ride up to the hospital so we can see how Luke is doing?†"Well…I don't know if we should. I mean in all honesty…Luke has a lot of company." Hilery couldn't believe Daisy was talking here. Usually Daisy would be up and going before anyone could say a word. "Besides, I am kinda tired. I want to get that fence fixed so Bo and...I mean so Bo doesn't have to do it." "Daisy...are you crying?" Daisy wiped away a tear. She looked at Hilery. "Honey...what's wrong? I know you...ya wouldn't leave Luke alone." Daisy looked at Hilery with an angered expression on her face. She looked like she was gonna pop Hilery's nose off her face." "He's not alone! Uncle Jesse, Essy, Judd and Bo are with them. I have to do something nice for a change. I have to make things better for Bo. He's in pain right now; if it means fixing the fence well by golly that's what I'll do." Daisy looked at Hilery who seemed scared by Daisy's attitude. "This isn't you!" "It is me...this is me mad! This is me wanting to go in that jail cell and rip that man's head off. This is me ready to get someone. This is me wanting to fix that fence." "Daisy..." Hilery went towards her and Daisy ended up hitting her friend. She didn't want to hit her it just happened. "Hilery...I am..." "Forget it Daisy...I know you're not feeling great right now and I know that you didn’t mean it okay." "If you don't want to help me with the fence I understand." Hilery rubbed where she had been hit. "I am so sorry." Hilery laughed. "I thought you would have a weak right hook...geeze...I want to help you with the fence. Just promise me you will see your cousin sometime tomorrow." Daisy smiled and started laughing. She did hit Hilery pretty hard. "Okay." Within' two hours the fence was fixed and both women were lookin' over Jumpers engine. It was clear there was a radiator problem. "Well Hil, your car, and your the mechanic present, what you think is wrong?" "I think it's a leak in the radiator," she said, her voice low. "If I can't find the leak, or what is wrong with it, then I might need a new one." she added. "So I guess you're gonna have to call Cooter then?" "Yeah, I want another opinion first. C'mon, let's get some shut eye. I'm tired," Hilery yawned loudly. Meanwhile up at the hospital, Essy had fallen asleep in Judd's lap and Jesse was sitting in a chair nearby. He was awake by now of course. He had just gotten back from getting something from a snack machine. Just a pack of crackers till he could tide himself over. He had eaten them before commin' back to sit down. Bo was still in with Luke, both boys had dozed off.

"Daisy, I used to ride my bike more than I would drive," Hilery mumbled then moved away from the group. She sat down on Jumper's Trunk and sat down thinking. "Well then, you had some experience on wheels at least," Essy joked. She looked at her prize winning Uncle Sam. "Uncle Sam and I have won quite a few races." "Luke beat you many times Essy and you know it!" Bo exclaimed. Essy giggled. "Yeah...now you boys have to get Judd back on the road...oh shoot! My baby is at the hospital. I should get back there. Judd's gonna need all the support he can get. Sorry about that Bo. I'll finish the fence with ya later!" "It's okay Essy...I'll come with you." "Well okay then, so fixing the fence is off then," Hilery commented. "Hey, you guys forgot about me...I want to try to fix a fence. Hilery, can we forget about Jumper for one night and try it together?" Daisy asked. Hilery thought about it for a minute and smiled. She wanted to watch Daisy fix a fence in the shorts she was wearing. Hilery nodded and the two got in their vehicles. Daisy and Hilery waved as they headed towards the Duke farm. Essy and Bo went over to the hospital. Essy and Bo got into their cars. They drove over to the hospital together. When they walked in, the two found Judd and Uncle Jesse sleeping in the chairs. Essy smiled as she sat down beside her husband. She rubbed his hands softly and he woke up. "Honey...you look horrible," Essy commented.

A few weeks ago… It was dusk...and of course Bo was being chased as usual. It wasn't by the law and it wasn't by bad guys. Daisy was on his tail followed by Hilery. Bo wasn’t in the lead…this time anyway; he was in second. The light was just coming through the soft clouds as the engines roared throughout Hazzard County. It was a race to remember…a race that would be thought of for at least the rest of the week. Loose grass began to fly as Bo tried to speed up a little. You’re probably wondering why everyone was up so late. The Dukes were all having problems sleeping that night. Since Luke was in surgery, they were trying to keep their minds on something else. Uncle Jesse wanted them to get out of the hospital room. Bo thought for sure it was because the tears weren’t helping anyone and Uncle Jesse could see that. Bo wished he could have stayed even so. Right now though, Bo was in a race. He couldn’t concentrate on much right now but the road or he too would end up in the hospital. Bo looked in his review mirror. He could see that Jumper was right behind Daisy trying to beat the General. She too was worried about one of the best friends in her life. "Move your Tail Daisy, you're right in the middle of the road," Hilery barked over the CB. Daisy laughed softly to herself. She swerved back and forth. "You think I am gonna let you win that easily you have another thing coming," Daisy exclaimed. Hilery took a short cut and ended up ahead of the General but behind Uncle Sam...What a race this was turning into. "You ain't beating me either Hilery," Essy exclaimed. She began to speed up. There was a dip in the road and of course she took it. "You guys are mean...just because I am younger than y'all..." Hilery commented. "You are just as experienced as any Duke, kid we taught you all we know." “Why am I still behind?†“You ain’t a Duke,†Bo laughed. Bo sped ahead of Hilery and looked at her. He smiled...rubbing it in her face that he too was ahead of her. They finally got to the bridge...that meant the race was over. Essy had won this round but Bo would get her sooner or later. They all got out of their cars. Essy leaned against Jumper to bug Hilery and it was working. "I don't do that to Uncle Sam do I Essy?" Hilery snapped. "Calm down Hilery...yeesh. I wonder how Luke is doing. I hope he’s alright," Essy replied as she moved off of the teal car. There was a sudden silence. "I couldn't believe he was hit by that drunk driver...makes me think twice before drinking." "Yeah...or at least drinking and driving. I can't believe anyone would be that dumb and drink that many beers," Bo muttered. "How many do you suppose he had?" Essy asked. "Considering Luke and I saw him at the Boars Nest I would say a lot." Daisy nodded her head. They were all upset that day. No one wanted to see anyone get hurt. It happened...not because the Dukes weren't being careful but because this man decided to take too much. He was a total stranger to the Dukes. No one knew him at all in fact. Everyone had heard of what happened though...right up to a description of the guy who of course was arrested. "So what do we do now?" Hilery asked. Daisy looked at all of the sad faces. "I wish there was an all night gym open," Daisy muttered. "Are you sure we shouldn't be at the hospital?" "Uncle Jesse said he would call us on the CB when he was out of the OR." "Okay then Daisy...as long as you’re sure. Dang, I feel bad. There Luke is and here we are racing. It ain't fair...I wish he was with us." "So do I Hilery...so do I." The CB finally rang with Uncle Jesse's voice, Luke was out of the OR and the doctors said it looked good. Everyone felt a sense of relief. "'Least he's okay," Hilery said. Everyone nodded, agreeing with her. "Yeah, it’s a good thing too, I would go nuts if something happened to him," Bo said running a hand through his hair, a motion that made Hilery's heart skip a beat. "Bo, we know honey," Essy said giving him a hug. "All of us would go crazy if something had happened to Luke, and you know it Bo. It would be hard on all of us," Daisy added. "I know Daisy," Bo responded, then remembered about what Uncle Jesse said, then grinned. "So, before we all get our hides tanned, should we hit the sack and try sleeping, or should we go hang out in the barn, or maybe fix that fence?" Daisy asked she knew she wasn't normally one to do the hard labour chores like her cousins. Hilery and Essy did a lot of men’s work on the other hand. They both found it quite enjoyable. Essy had this attitude where it was a unisex world…if one could do it both could. Hilery lived basically by the same standard. "Sounds like a good idea," the Tisdale chirped. "I like it," the only man there said. "What 'bout you Hil?" "I dunno," she said and sighed. She hadn't liked being beaten like she had. She had forgotten to mention the problems she had been having with Jumper anyway. "Y'all know y'all have had more experience behind the wheel," Hilery said stubbornly. "I hardly ever drove before I turned 18 and now I am 20 and he is still cautious with me. When I was 18 it was usually Cooter who was behind the wheel. I was lucky as anything when ever he was willing to let me use one of his loaner cars," Hilery confessed. Quit your lying Hilery," Daisy said. "I used to see you drive all the time before you got your car."

He got himself into this mess and like a sucker I have to get him out of it, Hilery thought to herself. She grabbed Bo and pulled him up. He was quite heavy. It took a little bit of power to lift him. “You have got to start eating less. You are getting a little round there Bo Duke and heavy.†“You’re no spring chicken yourself.†Bo laughed. He loved to tease Hilery like a brother would tease a sister. “You’re still pretty though and I said you weren’t I would be lying. With all them boys around you it’s a wonder that you don’t go out with one of them.†That’s because I want to go out with you Beauregard, Hilery thought to herself. “Thank you Bo. I know you meant that…you can be really sweet sometimes.†“Don’t mention it. You’re a wonderful person and it is nice to see you smile.†Hilery looked at her crush and blushed at the sight of him. “You’re going to tell me what happened right now Bo. How could you go off without telling anyone! You’re lucky that we found you in time.†“I guess I am and I am sorry…I was sure I could handle these bad duds by myself.†“Tell me right now what’s going on.†“Okay.â€

“Hilery!†Bo screamed. He clenched on tighter to the ledge hoping help was coming but at the time Bo just wasn’t sure. The young Duke’s body shook with fear. He couldn’t believe he was hanging here. This was all a mess…just one big mess. He knew that he should have waited for help. Luke wasn’t there to help him this time. Thank goodness Hilery caught him in time…or he would have been dead. “Okay…I am coming, hang on!†Hilery called back. “I can’t hold on much longer!†The barn was taller than most of the ones in Hazzard County. She climbed up the tall steep ladder…Hilery climbed higher and higher...she couldn't believe she was going through with this. For one thing, heights weren't exactly her thing. This would be an event everyone would remember. Bo was loosing his balance. She leaned over and tried to help him but he was loosing his balance fast.

"You're not expecting me to..." Stephanie grumbled. Angel laughed at her younger sister. Stephanie looked at her and knew what Angel was planning. Make the boys fall madly in love with them. "Well if you want good money," Angel replied. "I do but..." "Boss paid us to be here but he's also going to let us have 50% of the winnings including the money he paid us upfront. Of course I took something of value from him...someone dropped it off at the hotel yesterday." "What?" "His Catilllac. Until he gives us the money, we keep that car. I saw him this morning. Anyway, we better get goin' or we're gonna loose these boys." "We haven't lost them before." "Just get moving." "Oh okay." Stephanie walked up to Bo and looked him directly in the eye. "Are your legs tired?" "Huh?" Bo questioned her. "They must be, you've been running through my mind all night long." Bo looked at her bewildered. Daisy walked past and Stephanie grabbed her by the shoulder. "Buy this man a beer...bring one for me and another sandwhich." Daisy nodded. "You know you look much cuter when you're not mad." "Okay, who are you and what did you do with Stephanie?" "Oh come on, you should have seen right through that act of mine. I am wild for you." Stephanie ran her fingers down Bo's chest undoing the top couple of buttons. She slowly slid her hands down his chest. Bo grabbed her hands and pulled them away. He did up the buttons that she had undone. "How can I prove to you I like ya?" "Actually spend time with me before undoin' my clothes. I don't work that way." "You're a country boy, raised right." "Yeah...that's the way a country boy should be right?" Stephanie raised her eyebrows. She smiled at him. This guy was different than what she thought Bo would be like. "Sure. How about horse back rididng? I have never taken a ride before and you have obviously need to know who I am and how long I'll be staying." "Okay, horse back riding it is."

The two ladies drove on down to the Boar's Nest as they had planned. Both parked and had a swarm of people checking out the other General. A young woman walked in with short shorts. "Now I know I am not in Pittsburgh anymore," Stephanie commented. "Well get used to it. If we're going to race with the General from the North, we're going to have to know everything about the people," Angel replied. She looked at the boar on the building and smiled. They both walked in and headed for a table. A fight broke out in the background and the sheriff broke them up with the sound of his shot gun. "I don't want any of this in our bar...well Boss' bar Khee," Rosco shouted. He sat back down and drank his ice water. The girl with the short shorts approched the two women. "Howdy, I am Daisy can I help you ladies?" Daisy asked nicely. "Yeah, I would like a brown cow special, the hero roast beef and the super sub," Stephanie answered. "Uh honey, those are mighty big sandwhiches." "My metobolic rate is very remakable. I can hack your sandwhiches." "What would you like?" "I would like a root beer and a grilled cheese if you can manage," Angel answered. "Comin' right up gals." Daisy walked away to get their orders.

The place got silent for a minute as Stephanie finished fixing the car. "I had a horse named Stephanie. The thing was stubborn and threw a shoe," Bo finally said. Luke bit on his bottom lip. "I bet you had a goat named Angel too," Stephanie replied. "Actually I did. We got rid of her, bad milk." Stephanie rollied her eyes. "On behalf of my family, I would like to appologize for anything my cousin might say," Luke said firmly. "Yeah, I figure you would say that. No woman is gonna win this race. I don't care how much better y'all are!" Bo said. "So this is about me being a woman huh?" Stephanie questioned. Angel came back within minutes. "You think I ain't a good mechanic or a good driver is that it? My sister can drive better than you in a heart beat." Stephanie got into the car. "And she looks better too." They drove away into the night. A few hours later, Bo and Luke were talking about their adventures with the two racing gals. Uncle Jesse laughed. "Battle of north and south. Well its about time that we get some action around here. It's been dead here for months. I don't know what you're worrying about," Uncle Jesse mumbled. He picked up the paper back he was reading and fell deep into it. "If we're gonna beat these northern big city girls, we're gonna have to get some extra parts for the General. Face it Bo, they're good. We ain't gonna have anything illeagal though," Luke said. "Wasn't plannin' on it. But if they play dirty I'll..." Bo began. Uncle Jesse cleared his throat. "Shake the dirty winner's hands." Bo walked out of the room. He needed some air. This conversation really made him mad. Bo was sick of always being pushed around. Always having to settle for second. He didn't really want to say those things but they came out all the same. Maybe tomorrow would be better...at least they hoped so.

Meanwhile.... Angel and Stephanie finally slowed down in front of the Hazzard garage. "Can you believe those two? They think we're going to slow our General down. Well I have news for them. They need to put that clown car down," Stephanie snapped. Angel rolled her eyes. "No, I should get them good." Stephanie jumped out of the car. She put some brown lipstick on. She looked around. The one thing Stephanie remembered was the courthouse they would have to visit after this little trip to the garage. It was ashame they even had to come here. Stephanie was sure she could fix it herself but Angel wasn't going to chance having their baby damaged. Besides, Stephanie would have to go to a part's store if anything was missing out of her tool box. "Need to gas this bad boy up. I think we got dinged too. I think I might have to ask this yokle if I can use his tools," Stephanie commented. She looked at the car. "Angel, give me the keys. Angel threw her sister the keys. Stephanie tried to pop the trunk. It wouldn't open. She put the gas in herself and soon the mechanic walked out suprised. "This ain't self serviced gas ma'am, I would have done that fer you," Cooter said. Stephanie circled the the mechanic. "You have tools?" "Yeah I do, why?" "Well I hurt my General. I have to fix him." "Another General in town? First the General Lee and now..." "General Sherman. Now, I need your tools to get mine out." "Can I have your name please ma'am?" "Not until I get yours." "Cooter Davenport." "Stephanie Wilson mechanic. Glad to meet a fellow person of the wrench. Now, while I use your tools you can warn Mr. Blonde that drives the orange wonder to hold off on the breaks." "That would be Bo. The brown haired one is Luke. Y'all crashed into them?" "Yeah, you could say that, we took a corner at the right speed and they just were too slow. Oh well." There was that orange car now. Bo got out. "You again!" Bo exclaimed. He looked at the two as Stephanie continued to fix the car. She looked quite busy. Stephanie finally got the trunk to open and looked at her tool box. The boz was a deep red with gold plated lettering. "Well honey, you just love bumping into us." "Cooter is the best mechanic in town." "Was honey." "Now listen here..." Luke put a hand over his cousin's mouth. "How do you deal with this Angel?" Luke asked.

"Yeah, the old fat boss told us that's the first thing we would smell remember," Stephanie replied. She slid her bangs back and pushed her small sunglasses forward. They continued to race down the long strip of Hazzard road just talking to each other calmly. Angel's driving didn't reflect on their conversation as laughs and giggles rang through the air. Angel took a corner a little too fast. They saw another car in front of them swerve out of the way into a ditch. Two country looking men climbed out of the odd orange painted car and crossed their arms. Angel put on the breaks and turned around. "You dang people almost killed us!" The blonde one exclaimed. "Look pal, I we've never been in Hazzard before and..." Stephanie began. "I don't care if you have never been to China, y'all shouldn't be driving that fast." "We were just testing the General's legs." The blonde male looked at Stephanie as if she were crazy. "General?" "General Sherman...our car." The blonde one examined the car while the brown haired one stayed silent. "The enemy of the south!" "Dang tootin'" Angel shook her head. Steph knew something was running through that mind of hers but what?

Sounds good,

I guess the same thing happened to me. Maybe I should have jumped in but sometimes you listen to others more than anyone else. I never wanted anything bad to happen

Well, birthdays are comin' around the corner, who will be next??? I think our creator of such characters as Riddick's birthday is comin' up soon.

*Essy comes out behind a corner and bows her head*

(((( Daney )))) Thank you for being a good friend. Lemme explain this post y'all You see, I have been upset for a long time about stuff. I have been sad about people ignoring others. For a long time I felt that Hazzard has lost the love it used to have. I finally broke down and cried. I tell you, I have never cried so much in my life!!!! Daney was a good friend and listened to me while I sobbed about what has been going on. Not just with the fight but with everything. People are drifting apart. I am afraid to talk to a lot of you because I was afraid y'all would bite my head off. Daney assured me that no one would be that way to me, everything was gonna be fine. I still am unsure about this. I pray that no more damage is done and we sit down and just love each other. I pray that I don't need to be afriad to talk to any one of ya. I have gotten some bad responses coming online before and I suppose they scared me away. Some people start a conversation and don't say more than three words to each other at a time...sometimes it's sad. I felt like I wasn't wanted or needed. I felt like people were ignoring me. Daney is a good friend, I am thankful she's around for me. I am also thankful for Kristy...without these two I would never have gotten through this!!!! Brian For making me feel more wanted. I know that a lot of beef has been going around Hazzard and no matter what happens I can only hope it'll be alright. PLEASE don't make things horrible by killing off characters or fighting or trying to show who's more of a man than the other. It takes a lot to make me cry. With all the fighting and the fact MA had to close Hazzard down for y'all to settle things out made me upset. Why should we all be acting like children? Hazzard is supposed to be a place where everyone gets along and loves each other. It's supposed to be a safe place. When all else seems like it's going down hill, I count on this place to help me out. I HAVE SEEN ONE BOARD FALL APART! I have seen parties drift apart and I have felt the loneliness. I have seen the horrors as one character rips another's head off. Or someone accused so and so of doing a wrong against them when they don't know the facts. M*A*S*H used to be a board I would post at all the time. I would write many stories and it was fun. Now, you see a few people but the stories are few and the fun isn't there like it used to be. Don't let it become that board. Make peace and please love each other. I don't wanna leave this place because of others, I want to keep coming back!!!!

Happy unbirthday everyone

All fixed

My AIM doesn't work, stupid piece of junk. Oh well. I still got Yahoo

hmmm *Rubs Chin* I didn't say I was gonna be bad. Sometimes it's nice to be the bad character that's all. I am a good girl honest. I deliver the mail well, that's my duty. Besides, people say that I am too nice to be bad

Hmmm, hard work comin' up with a new prank. Being bad is fun. I wish my character was bad sometimes but we need a good Tizdale. Then again...her sister could come to the great Hazzard County sometime and reap havic. Keep being the bad guy, it's a dirty job but somebody's gotta do it.