MacGyver

Slight correction there, Doc... Happy Birthday General Lee isn't part of season 2, but rather season 7! Its a great episode that showed how Bo and Luke got the General Lee! and one of my all-time favorites! Jax

Alex watched her with the rope and two things came to his mind. Either she was going to relieve him of the horses, or she was going to make a noose and relieve him of his life. He had told her the truth about how it was he got the horses, and she claimed to believe him. A third option for the rope suddenly popped into his head, maybe she planned on taking him back to Hazzard. But no matter the reason, Alex knew he had little choice but to comply; he had voluntarily given up his guns and he hoped that counted for something. Maybe it meant his head wasn't about to find its way into a noose. There was only one way to find out. Alex lowered his arms and both hands touched the saddle horn in front of him. He kept his gaze steady on her, either the rope would be placed around his wrists or looped over his hat and around his neck. He raised his chin, his face showing no fear. The choice now lie literally in the hands of the lady Deputy and whichever her preference, he would accept it. (Cue MaryAnne!)

Alex grinned at this, his hands still in the air. "Well that badge on your chest says that you've got the law on your side and you wouldn't be wearing that badge if you hadn't taken down a few outlaws. But there's another reason that I'm not going to test your fast draw skills besides that star--" His grin faded a little, his dark eyes serious. "I don't know your name Deputy, but I'm willing to bet its Coltrane." He watched the Deputy's eyes widen and his grin somewhat returned. "I better explain how I know that." Alex started then and told the Deputy everything...from his arrival in town, to befriending Brian, Chet Duke's theft of the horses and the gunbattle that had left Brian wounded and the departure of the two outlaws. "I didn't want to leave Brian but his gun in my face didn't leave much room for arguing." He stopped then peering at the Deputy waiting for her reaction to everything he had said... (Cue MaryAnne!)

Alex saw the lady Deputy tense, her spine grew rigid and the gaze in her blue eyes intensified. "Yeah, I understand that Deputy--" He nudged Showdown closer and let go of his reins, raising his hands. "I know you probably think I'm trying to get the drop on you but I'm not." Moving extremely slow and carefully, Alex brought his right hand down and touched his belt. His fingers worked open the buckle on his holster and gave the thick leather a tug. He pulled until the holster with a pair of pistols emerged from beneath his coat and he stretched his arm out towards her. "Here... I've got more guns in my coat pockets, you can take them if you want." He waited to see if she would take the guns and more importantly.. if she would believe what he was about to say... (Cue MaryAnne!)

*She knows they're stolen, and now she's about to haul you off to the pokey. But it doesn't have to be this way! Just draw your gun and get the drop on her and then you can get away!* Alex's instincts were welling inside him again screaming at him to do something. The lady Deputy probably knew the horses were stolen, or at least suspected they were and now here he was practically delivering them into the hands of the law. His fingers gripped the reins so tight his knuckles were white and his right hand especially itched to draw his gun yet he fought this and kept his hands were they were. "My name is Alex Jackson..." He started; the Deputy was gazing at him, a gaze so intense that it somehow seemed familiar. But where had he seen it before? He saw a tuft of dark hair peeking out from under the brim of her hat and a pair of intense blue eyes. For a brief moment he flashed on a pair of dark eyes that were just as stern and a wave of realization broke over him. *Brian...she looks like Brian!* That shut up all of the nagging instincts that were going off in Alex's head, if this lady law officer was indeed related to Brian, he wasn't about to harm her. The blond man's spine stiffened and he raised his chin slightly; his white knuckled grip on Showdown's reins vanished as he relaxed and stared the Deputy straight in the eye. "If I tell you the truth Deputy, you just might be hauling me back to Hazzard in irons." (cue MaryAnne!)

Alex gave a small smile then glanced over his shoulder at the horses. "Thanks...they're good animals but just a little high strung." He swallowed hard, trying to keep his expression from betraying his pounding heart. The horses were stolen, not by him but they were stolen just the same and here he was caught literally red handed by a Deputy. But how much did she know? And why was it that she looked so familiar? He looked at her a moment trying to place her face but then realized he was staring and cleared his throat. "I'm new around here and was just heading down the road, seeing what's around these parts." Alex watched her and waited, whether she bought his story or not he couldn't tell. (Cue MaryAnne!)

"Whoa Showdown--" Alex pulled the buckskin to a stop, taking a moment. The road had been clear up until this point, but now that was about to change. The dense forest lay up ahead and the thick foliage and heavy trees were a perfect spot for bandits and other undesirables that might make his trip a little more dangerous then he planned. Alex unbuttoned his coat and moved it aside away from his holster, if trouble came he'd be ready for it. He took a quick glance over his shoulder, seeing the horses were all right and turned back in the saddle. "All right Showdown, let's go--" He nudged his horse to walk; the trail up ahead appeared overgrown, the long branches reaching out on either side of them. "So far so good--" Alex said to himself as he looked around, his senses on alert. The road took a sharp curve ahead and Showdown followed it, they had just come around the bend when Alex suddenly pulled his buckskin to a stop. He saw a horse and rider smack dab in the middle of the road. His first reaction was to go for his gun and put his right hand on his leg. Letting Showdown take a few more steps closer, his dark eyes widened when he saw that the rider blocking the way was a woman. His right hand moved away from his gun, once more gripping the reins. Now Alex and Showdown stood in front of the lady rider and her horse. He watched her a moment, something seemed familiar about her face but what was even more recognizable was the shining badge on her suede vest and he swallowed hard. Not wanting to rile the law officer, and to make sure he kept his hands in plain sight, he gave her a respectful nod. "Deputy--" Alex kept his gaze locked on her and his demeanor calm as he waited to see if this chance meeting with the local law was simply that or if this had to do with the shootout in town. Either way, things were about to get interesting... (cue MaryAnne!)

Alex gripped the lead line tightly and pulled his horse to stop. He glanced in one direction down the dirt road. The left would lead him back to Hazzard, where the shootout had been. "That's no good Show, we can't go back to Hazzard, not after what me and Brian did." He then glanced to the right and gave a heavy sigh. "That's the road that leads to a couple small towns, then Atlanta. That might be our best bet, maybe I can find some sucker to take these horses off my hands." Showdown tossed his head back, taking a few steps backwards. Alex steadied him a moment petting his neck. "Easy Show...I know, I'm not fond of this either. Believe me, I'm thinking about ditching these horses or maybe just leaving them in the livery in the next town we come to. But we can't do nothing with them just standing here so come on, let's get going." Turning Showdown towards the right he nudged the buckskin into a jog, the three horses following closely behind. (cue MaryAnne!)

Alex paced back and forth, his arms crossed over his chest. He didnt like hiding out, and he grew more and more agitated with each passing minute. From the center of the barn, the horses watched him. "Maybe we shouldnt wait Show, maybe we best get out of here now." The more he walked across the rickety barn's floor, the better the idea sounded. Finally he stopped; his mind having been made up he went over to barn doors and pulled back the latch, then gave the big doors a shove. He gathered up the lead line and then going over to Showdown, Alex gripped the horn on the saddle and mounted. Taking a hold of the reins he gave them a flick. "Come on Showdown, the sooner we get rid of these horses the better off we'll be." Nudging the horse to walk, Showdown made it through the open doors and out into the open air. (cue anyone!)

EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!! Why cant the man have moonshine and donuts for breakfast like the rest of us? *shudder* Jax

Alex tied the horses together, their three lines made into one. He left the horses alone and poked his head out a moment having another look around. "Maybe we should wait till it gets dark Show, that's how we moved these horses the first time. It might be best to wait until then, use the darkness to hide us." He slipped back into the barn and closed the door, preparing to wait until the sun went down before he made his move.

Alex pushed Showdown to his breaking point, the buckskin panting heavily by the time they had arrived at a wooded area on the edge of town. Looking around, Alex checked to make sure they hadn’t been followed. The coast appeared clear, the dust kicked up by his arrival had settled and he sighed with relief as he took his hat and wiped his forearm across his sweating brow. “Looks like we made it Show, there’s no one back there.†His hat placed back on his head, he slowly climbed down from his horse. With a grasp of the reins he guided Showdown down a small path that went from the dirt road to the line of trees. “Things went down bad in town Show; I just hope Brian is all right. I didn’t want to leave him but he had a reason I couldn’t argue with, namely his Colt in my face.†He kicked up a few rocks as he walked, sighing. “He’s right of course, given the choice between my trail and his, they’ll take his once they see the blood.†It suddenly grew darker; the tall trees overhead had swallowed up the sunshine and the air grew cooler thanks to the canopy. Alex brushed back some wildly overgrown foliage and high grass, a rickety barn revealed. The wood had faded to a slate grey with age and part of the gambrel roof had become perforated; the timbers lay scattered on the ground around the doors. “And there it is Show.†Alex released the buckskin reins, the leather strips dragging on the ground as the butter-hued horse followed his master. With a tug, the pair of wooden doors swung open, the rusting hinges creaking in protest. The smell of rotten hay and mildew greeted Alex and he waved his hand in front of his face. He looked around at the old bales, dusty grain barrels and the rusting equipment that lined one wall. He felt a nudge at his back and started, whipping around he saw a pair of big brown eyes looking at him and he sighed. “This place is creepy enough without you sneaking up on me Showdown.†The horse looked apologetic and nudged Alex in the chest with his nose. “All right all right, you’re forgiven.†He chuckled, then raised the horse’s head and stroked his fingers over Showdown’s velvety nose. “Let’s go check on your buddies.†Turning back around Alex walked through the center of the barn, his boots crunching on the fetid hay that covered the floor. The race horses were situated in the last three stalls on the right and snorted at his approach. They eyed the blond man suspiciously and marched in place, their hooves stomping the ground. “Hey Boys, remember me? Sorry to spoil the fun but I have to relocate you and this time I’m all by my lonesome so I’d appreciate it if you cooperated.†Showdown moved closer, the buckskin staring at the three thoroughbreds. They seemed to calm down at his presence and Alex breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks Show.†He opened the first stall and gently gripped the first horse by the halter and led him out, then attached a lead line. “Don’t worry; the next place will be much nicer. I promise.†(cue anyone!)

The gunshot rang out and the last rider fell from the saddle. He hit the ground with a heavy thud, a large gaping bullet wound in his back oozing blood. Alex lowered his arm, the barrel of one pistol smoking, the other had been emptied and put away. His breath came in fast pants as he looked around, making sure the coast was clear. Brian watched the last rider go down just as he galloped by. The enemy shot had never been fired, and Brian knew who to thank. He slowed Damascus and rode over to Alex, reaching up to tip the brim of his black hat at him. "Mighty kind of ya." Alex gave a nod. "You were about to save my backside from this rider, the least I can do is return the favor." He quickly tucked his pistol away and retrieved the two he had dropped earlier. "I took care of Chet, the pesky varmit was almost free." He looked back at the saloon and saw Showdown tied there. "We need to get out of here Brian. The whole damn town's bound to have heard all that. Let's get Showdown and make a break for it." Brian turned in the saddle and looked at the litter of bodies in the street. He then looked at Chet. "Is he still breathin'?" Alex followed Brian's gaze, glancing over his shoulder. "I don't know, and we don't really have a lot of time to find out. The Sheriff was heading this way before all the commotion started. Let's get Showdown and then get out of here. I've got some money in the saddlebags we're going to need to lay low for awhile." "I hear ya." Brian pocketed his gun, and took a boot from the saddle stirrup, gesturing for Alex to use it to climb up behind him. "Nevahmind how it looks, we're in a hurry." "A big hurry!" Alex took Brian's outstretched hand and hopped up in the saddle behind him. They rode over to Showdown and Alex climbed down and as calmly and nonchalantly as possible he untied the buckskin from the hitching post and climbed up on him. "Which way do we go?" "It don't matter....." Brian looked back at the town once more. People were starting to mill around and look at the mess. Everyone had seen them leave the saloon with Chet....and now the local rustler was probably dead, or would be shortly. Chet's friends were already attracting buzzards. Brian tucked his left elblow in tightly to his body. He turned Damacsus so that his right side was facing Alex. "Maybe we should split up. This wasn't your fight, man, ah started in with that rustler, and you backed me up is all." Alex watched Brian's movements and raised an eyebrow. "Chet stared at both of us in the saloon and spied on us. I think it's safe to say we're in this together." He guided Showdown closer and looked at Brian's dark clothes a moment, narrowing his eyes as he stared at Brian's left side. A droplet of red dripped down from within Brian's open coat, to stain against the black hide of Damascus. The tucked-in arm was hiding a saturated stain of the coat, as well as the wound beneath it. "Ride," Brian said quietly. "G'wan." "I'm not leaving you like this." Alex said firmly, shaking his head. "We saved each other's butt's a moment ago. You took down some of those riders that were gunning for me." He looked around and touched the pockets of his coat pulling out a bandana, folding it in a square he passed it to Brian. "I know of a place we can lay low on the outskirts of town. It's the same place I stashed the horses and we can take care of your wound there, all right?" Brian accepted the bandana, and tucked it within his coat, pressing his left arm against his side to hold the material in place. "Ah appreciate the thought. But you've done enuff. Go get those horses and hightail it outta Hazzard County. Ah'll lead a trail away from ya." Leaving no room for arguement, Brian reached to his holster beneath the coat, and brought up his gun. He spun it in hand once, and pointed it at Alex. "Go. Ah've got one bullet left, and if it's the only thing that keeps you from the law's reckoning....ah'll use it." The hammer clicked back. "RIDE!" Alex stared down the barrel a moment and sighed. There was no disputing that Brian was going to get his way on this despite the best arguments that could be offered. Turning away, Alex coaxed Showdown to take off kicking up a dust trail as he headed for the outskirts of Hazzard. Brian watched as Alex rode off. Satisfied that the blonde drifter was taking the smart route, Brian turned Damascus to ride out of town in the opposite direction. He purposely backtracked and rode through the scene of the crime, letting himself be noticed. Just to be sure the trail was hot enough, Brian dropped the blood-soaked bandana as he hit the edge of town. He then cantered Damascus down the dirt road towards nowhere in particular, leaving a trail of hoofprints - and the occassional drop of blood - to follow. (Cue anyone!)

Alex saw the horses coming upon them and drew his gun, the stampede of galloping horses was approaching fast and as he watched them come closer, a wave of instinct encompassed the blond man. Instinct he hadn’t used in a while that suddenly came screaming back, his spine stiffening. Quick as lightning his arm shot straight out when he saw Chet freeing himself, the handkerchief Brian had secured around his hands had been nearly worked off, dangling from one wrist. Taking aim at the soon to be escaping rustler he lined the barrel up with Chet’s midsection and fired. He watched the rustler cry out in pain and grab his stomach as he keeled over onto his side; a crimson stain began spreading from between his clenched fingers. Going over to the fallen man, Alex scooped up his hunting knife and tucked it into his own belt. His chin elevating slightly a cold look came to his face; his dark eyes deadly they held no pity or mercy for the now fallen rustler. Turning back Alex quickly pulled out another gun, one of the ones that Chet had surrendered in the bar. Raising both arms, he aimed at the thundering herd. Walking toward them Alex began to fire the guns, the loud shots echoing. The noise caused by the gunshot blasts scattered the horses, the herd parting like the Red Sea around him sending the huffing beasts into many directions, the wind from their escape blowing back his long hair and the open ends of his tan coat. The fleeing horses didn’t phase him, he quickly dropped the now spent guns and pulled two more of Chet’s pistols out from beneath his coat, the barrels pointing at the approaching gang. (Cue Brian)

(Howd you get your knife with your hands tied behind your back jackass? I dont think youre Houdini Chet...)

Alex heard the rather colorful shout and gripped his gun firmly. He bent over the dusty form and grabbed the kid by the back of his coat and hauled him to his feet. "Come on you, looks to me like you're getting a one way ticket to Hell." He guided the kid over to where Brian was, keeping his gun jabbed into the now doomed rustler's back and a hand on his shoulder. Gazing up at the now dangling rope Alex gave a nod. "Nice noose. You best keep him covered while I get him ready." With that, Alex tucked his gun away; Brian had the varmit covered and in a matter of seconds the hanging noose had been snagged and put over the dark haired kid's head, pulled taut enough to do the job once Brian's big horse was nudged into moving. Stepping back Alex went over to where Brian sat on his horse. He glanced up at the dark haired man seeing he had a firm grip on the big horse's reigns. The determined look in Brian's eyes said that he was about ready to give those reigns a flick and send Damascus into a slow easy walk that would stretch the rustler's neck. "He's all ready to meet his maker Brian."

Alex fell to the ground on his butt, his knee aching from the kick. Luckily though the tan chaps he wore and the thick denim beneath them had protected his kneecap from the sharp spurs. He glanced down at his leg, seeing only a thin line where the spur had grazed. Scowling he got up fast and kicked the kid in the butt, sending him down to the ground. "You like to kick? How's this?" Alex drew his leg back and let it fly, connecting with the dark haired kid's side; he cried out in pain, the force of the blow rolling him in the dirt. "Son of----!" He did it again, the fire of his temper now beginning to burn. His breathing ragged, he watched the dark haired kid moan, writhing on the ground in pain. (cue Brian)

Alex walked beside Brian, he turned his head to hear what the dark haired man had to say and nearly stumbled at the words. He squeezed his eyes shut and bit his lip, trying not to burst out into laughter. Lucky for him that the dark haired kid had his back to both men. He cleared his throat, hoping his voice didnt quiver. "I dont know Brian, considering what we saw this kid pull on Rosco in that alley with that gun to his head, he might not be so professional. He might just measure that rope a might too long if you know what I mean." Alex wrapped his hand around his own throat and made a gagging face.

Alex sat on the bar room floor, shaking his head out. He touched the side of his head where the beer mug had hit, lucky he hadnt been cut by the glass but his hat did little to cushion the blow either. His bell having been rung but good, he blinked a moment seeing Brian's angry face. He quickly shifted and drew his pistol, cocked it back and joined the dark haired man. His own anger began to build now at being blindsided by a mug of beer. Alex leaned with his back to the bar, his pistol pointed barrel up. "How do you want to do this Brian? Take him from either side or what?"

Something Jesse Duke once said comes to mind... "I'd take my hat off to that girl, if I had one on." Dont know if thats exactly what he said, and please forgive me if that was a misquote, but accurate or NOT I think its fitting none the less... Jax

Alex heard what the dark haired kid said, then raised an eyebrow. "15 grand for stallions and 10 grand for mares? That's a lot of serious bucks, race horses or not." He glanced at Brian, a questioning in his dark eyes. "What kind of man has THAT kind of money Brian? Or better yet, what kind of man is WILLING to fork out that kind of money to a gang of thieves?" Alex then looked at the kid, his hanging head had all the look of a defeated man, but was he really or was he simply giving his gang time to regroup and come back for the remaining three horses. "What do you think Brian? Think he's telling the truth or just feeding us a load of bunk?"

“Last one.†Alex opened the third stall, there a light grey horse back up at his approach and he reached up and gently took a hold of his bridle. “Hey Pal, don’t worry, you’re other buddies trusted me and Garrett here, so just take it easy.†He led the horse out and handed him to Garrett then looked around. “Well, some rope would be nice.†He spotted a bundle on the far side of the barn and tossed it to Garrett. “Think you can tie these boys together? There’s enough rope here to tie a lead rope from each one, then tie them all together into a main rope.†"Yeah no problem," Garrett answers as he catches the rope that was tossed to him. Turning to the three muscular animals that stand testily in front of him, he begins to measure out the rope in order to get them ready to be moved. “Thanks.†Alex went back over by the doors and opened one; he poked his head out and checked to make sure no one had taken a sudden interest in the livery. “So far so good--†He drew back and then pushed both doors wide open then rejoined Garrett, who had finished tying the horses together and handed Alex a thick main rope, it split off three ways one for each horse. “Good job Garrett, thank you.†A smile then came to his face. “Mount up, time to go.†Alex then swung up on Showdown, the main rope held tight in his hands. He then nudged Showdown in the sides. “Come on Show, let’s get out of here.†The horse walked to the doors, with everything still quiet and serene Alex nudged the buckskin again; this time the horse began to jog; the three race horses following behind along with Garrett. With the horses safely tucked away and Garrett paid nicely for his help, the two men parted ways and Alex returned to town. He climbed down from Showdown, tying the buckskin to the hitching post right outside the saloon. “Well Show, that seemed to work out all right after all.†He gave his horse’s thick neck a pat, then headed inside to wait for Brian’s return.

"As I said, I know of a place we can hide them." Alex approached the three stalls where the race horses were. The first out housed a big Chestnut and he reached out and gently touched the big brown horse's head. "Hey Big Boy...its all right I'm not going to hurt you." His voice low and calm, he glanced behind his shoulder at Garrett. "Help me, we need to get these three tied together so we can move them. Our own horses should help keep these guys calm." Opening the stall door, Alex gently grasped the bridle and led the first racehorse out.

"Alex Jackson--" The two men shook hands and with a sigh of relief that he had found some help, Alex motioned down the street towards the livery. "Bring your house and come on, we have to get those horses relocated and fast." Leading the way, Alex and Garrett made their way towards the livery stable, using the darkness in between the buildings as a cover. Yanking back the set of double doors, Alex motioned Garrett inside. "Heard some talk in the saloon, I've got an idea of where we can hide the horses." With Garrett and his horse inside, Alex took one last look around to make sure the coast was clear as he closed the double doors behind him.

Alex looked around again and moved closer, he kept his hands up so the stranger would see them. For now the street was clear, though the hustle and bustle within the saloon raged on. "I've got myself into a predicament and I need someone with a strong back to help me move three very valuable horses." He spoke in a low voice, guaranteeing that only the stranger would hear. "If you're willing to help I'll pay you handsomely for your trouble and your silence. What do you say? Will you help me?" Alex stepped back and waited for the stranger to reply, hoping this man would help or he would have to move those race horses alone.