Not long after Jesse sat on the log Bo sat on the General's hood. The other three stood.
Bill was visibly shaken. "Now, I appreciate you boys explaining that everybody in Hazzard knows Boss is a crook and nobody will take these charges seriously."
The 3 Dukes nodded and Jesse muttered "Yep".
After a pause Bill continued. "But things are different out in the big 'ol world. Most law enforcement agencies have good folks running them so naturally whenever someone is arrested people draw assumptions."
Bo chimed in, "Well Mr. Elliott, folks is presumed innocent until proven guilty. That there is a genuine US of A right."
It was Luke's turn. "You're right about that Bo but that doesn't always match reality. Here everybody knows that most folks who Rosco arrests were set up by Boss Hogg and are most likely innocent. But in places where the law is respectable, most folks assume a person doesn't get arrested unless they deserve it."
Ernie added, "Including the press. I can just hear them now, all shocked that Bill Elliott is a two bit thief."
Bill looked real nervous now. "Just the very accusation could end my career. Even if it comes out later it was a set up. There's folks out there who just never forget things.....even if they should. I know what will happen. They will claim I'm guilty but bought my way out of it."
Jesse tried to reassure him. "I wouldn't worry quite yet. If Boss is trying to shake you down for money he'll want to keep this as low key as possible. It can still be contained. We just have to turn this ship around."