Garrett Duke

"Good morning Hazzard County!" the chipper DJ on the radio yells out as the sun begins to shine through the darkness of the early morning, "It's the morning of J.D. Hogg's big annual race and this DJ just got word that there is a big NASCAR name that will be in the mix. If any of y'all watch NASCAR, y'all will be excited to know that I got an inside source that says that Bill Elliott will be racing his number nine car in today's race!" The DJ goes silent on the radio momentarily, "Which may put a dinger in the normal outcome of the annual race that has been won by them Duke boys in the orange General Lee in the past few years. Will the Dukes be able to outrace the legend himself or will the legend be able to ruin the Dukes' good luck?" "Good luck?" Cooter questions the radio that plays in his shop, "Luck got nothing to do with them boys winning!" "I also go word that Garrett Duke got himself arrested last night as he got in the way of the sheriff's pursuit," the DJ continues on, "so that will be one less contender the Duke boys, as in Bo and Luke, will have to worry about. Now my source says his driver will have the horse power to win today's race with their eyes shut. So the money is on line as to who will win the race. If you are wanting to come by to watch the race and put a friendly wager on who the winner will be, the race will start at noon sharp and the winner will win Hogg's annual $1000 plus a year full of bragging rights. I wonder if all this has got them Duke boys nervous for once as their good luck will be bound to come to end sooner or later. And with my source's driver being so good plus Elliott himself being in the race, this year may be the year their luck runs dry." "Fat chance Hogg lover," Cooter rolls his eyes and angrily turns the radio off before stopping to stare blankly at his own racing car that he had signed up to race in today's race. "Mr. Davenport," an unknown voice thickly laced in southern drawl breaks through the thick silence to force Cooter to jump in surprise before slowly turning around to see a man with a red racing hat over light brown hair. "Sorry sir. I didn't mean to startle you." "Oh no. Not at all. I was just lost in thought," Cooter slowly stands up, "May I help you?" The man shyly shrugs as he shoves a hand out towards Cooter. "I'm Ernie Elliott. I'm Bill Elliott's crew chief and brother. You may have heard a thing or two about him." He firmly shakes Cooter's hand. "If what you heard was good, it's true. Anything bad, is a lie." Cooter laughs. "Yeah I heard a thing or two about your brother and I'm pretty sure they are all true," Cooter states as they drop hands and he motions his newcomer into his garage, "I do believe this is the first that a professional crew chief has come seeking me." Ernie laughs nervously. "Well I am sure your shop is the best around, but I am here seeking help in town. Rather for my car," Ernie slowly starts. "I have heard a thing or two about how you and Garrett Duke don't normally see eye to eye on things, so I am willing to accept that you may not want to help me out." "Woa wait a minute here," Cooter states with a smile, "I just heard about Garrett being arrested. I am not too big of a fan of him, but I am not a fan of our law either." Ernie nods. "Y'all got a crooked law system here. It's almost funny," Ernie slowly states before he slowly goes into the past couple of days of how he met Garrett and then the Dukes. "Bo and Luke are out practicing with my Bill. Bill really didn't want to go out and practice. He feels reliable for Garrett since Garrett has stuck his head out to help us to make all this possible. So Bo and Luke sent me to you. So here I am." Ernie shrugs. "This is what I get for running through the stop sign and into Garrett's car...right after he left your shop the other day." "Karma!" Cooter yells with a smile. "I say that towards Garrett. Not you. He comes running his attitude at me. He deserves to get hit. Sadly it collected you and Bill," Cooter slyly shrugs, "But with that said, I'll be glad to help you get Garrett out. But first, what he do to get arrested?" Ernie stares at Cooter for a long moment before slowly telling him what he heard that had gotten Garrett arrested. "Sounds like ol' Rosco at his finest," Cooter responds, "surprisingly he actually was able to arrest someone. Bo and Luke are always smart enough to escape from his schemes." "Always?" Ernie asks unbelieving and Cooter slowly shrugs, "Because the only reason they escaped, was because Garrett shoved him off the road." "Oh, yeah, that," Cooter slowly responds, "so what all do you need of me?" Ernie shrugs. "Well at least take me to whoever I need to see to pay for his bail so that he can at least race in today's race," he responds. "Let's do it," Cooter tosses down his grease stained rag and walks out of his garage and motions Ernie to follow him and they walk across the street and into the police station. "Alrighty alrighty, hold it right there," a familiar voice rings out from behind them as they step into the police station and they both turn around to find Sheriff Coltrane standing behind them with his hands on his hips, "why is this grease bum in my building?" "He's actually helping me. I'm Ernie Elliott," Ernie responds, "I'm here to bail Garrett Duke out of jail." "Garrett Duke?" he questions in disbelief, "Who would want that lowlife out of jail?" "Well," Ernie responds, "my brother for one. You may have heard of him. Bill Elliott." "I ain't no dummy!" Rosco yells, "Of course I've heard of him. But why would he want Garrett out of jail?" "First of all. That's a double negative. Which makes a positive. So you just called yourself a dummy," Ernie states with a smirk. "You hush it boy! You are working on joining that jail bird downstairs!" Sheriff snaps at him. "Just saying it as it is," Ernie shrugs, "but back to Garrett. Bill has made it clear that if you want him in your race today you will drop your charges against Garrett Duke before the race or else Bill and I are leaving and taking our sponsors with us." "OK. Well good bye," Rosco shrugs nonchalantly. "Wait a minute Sheriff," a short round man in a three piece white suit jumps out through a door way, "didn't you just hear what he asked you?" "Well um yeah," the sheriff stutters, "he wants us to drop all the charges that I have against Garrett and let him walk free." "Good. Go do it," the short man states lighting a cigar. "But Boss. I arrested Garrett fair and square. He broke the law. He ran into me. He assaulted me. Your sworn officer," Sheriff Coltrane argues, "you can't just expect me to drop all charges against him on what he says." "Oh yes I can you numbskull! You refuse his request a well known NASCAR driver is withdrawing from my race. He withdraws with his sponsors so does the fans that will come to watch as will all the money they will be bringing in for me. Um...I mean for Hazzard!" Hogg holds his cigar up in anger. "Now go down there and drop the charges against the Duke boy." "He also deserves an apology," Ernie states, enjoying the skit before him, "I mean he was only looking out for the best interest of his cousins that you were wrongfully going after. You have caused him great trauma through all this!" Rosco glares at Ernie for a long moment before looking at Boss who nods in agreement. "This is the worst day of my life!" Rosco sulks as he turns around and goes down the stairs to where Garrett is locked away at. Garrett looks up from staring down at the floor as he had been trying to listen into the conversation that was taking place upstairs, but only to hear voices that he couldn't place. As foot steps echo down the stairs, he looks up to see the sheriff angrily walking down the stairs and as he reaches the cell where Garrett sits, he reluctantly takes out a set of keys. "OK Duke," Rosco's voice is stern and full of anger, "your luck has finally went your way. For now." Garrett watches him slowly open the door before he stiffly stands up. "What you talking about, Sheriff?" he slowly asks, waiting for a trap. "I am here to release you and drop all of my charges that I rightly had against you," Rosco slowly responds. "Rosco!" Boss' voice echoes down the stairs. "And to tell you that I am sorry for arresting you and putting such trauma upon you," Rosco states as he rolls his eyes at Garrett. "You are free to go." Garrett flashes a rare smile at the sheriff before nodding in appreciation at him. "Why thank you sheriff," he slowly states and Rosco motions him up the stairs. "Next time," the sheriff whispers in his ear as they get to the stairs, "you aren't going to be so lucky. Next time, you'll be getting your free trip to Atlanta. Understood?" "Yes sir. Loud and clear," Garrett states as he quickens his step up the stairs and as they reach the top floor he is relieved to see Ernie and Cooter. "Ernie and Cooter. A sight for sore eyes." Cooter forces a smile at him. "I'm sure you didn't get much sleep last night," Ernie places a hand around Garrett's tense shoulders, "but I spent last night working on your car. You think you will be ready to race against Bill this afternoon?" "Really?" Garrett's eyes light up as they walk out of the sheriff's station and Ernie nods. "I'll be ready!" "Great. I'll take you to your car. Bo, Luke, and Bill are practicing now. You and Cooter can join them," Ernie responds as they head outside and back across the street to Cooter's Garage.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

football (from Cowboy)

I ordered them from Columbia House I think. They sent them two at a time every so often.

Welcome back Joseph. You are always welcomed here.

Thank you Hoss. I should have looked up more. Yeah I got them all on DVD and VHS. LOL

Ice (Vanilla Ice - AC Hammer) LOL

Thank you

OK I got a dumb question. Available where? I've had all the episodes on DVD for some time now.

Crocodile

Water

Garrett Duke slowly steps out of the diner where he had stopped after he had left the old family farm and glances around the small town before lighting a cigarette and walking over to his beloved car. Momentarily his gaze rests upon the old garage where Cooter is seen outside working on a car and shakes his head before climbing into his car and slowly driving away from his parking spot. Originally he had planned on going back to his apartment after supper, but feeling lost and alone, he finds himself driving back out in the country area just to get out of town and to just drive and clear out the thoughts of the past events. The loud wail of the sheriff's familiar siren interrupts his thoughts and he sees the bright orange car far down the road with the sheriff's car right behind him. Part of Garrett would love to see the sheriff win just one time to arrest Bo and Luke and to see them locked away in jail. Then they wouldn't give him such a hard time and he could go on and live his life without them pestering him and interrupting his life. Then again, it's not their fault he is stuck in this dumpy town. And the sheriff and his partner are corrupt and dirty and don't deserve the chance to ruin anyone's lives; even Bo and Luke's. Shaking his head he quickly turns onto off road and parks between a couple of big bushy trees and watches from afar as Bo maneuvers the orange muscle car down the road in attempt to shake the pesky sheriff off their tails and to limit their chances of being arrested. Part of Garrett feels he should stay out of it. They could outrun the sheriff with their eyes covered. But the other part of him refers back to his old street life of crime and would love the opportunity to ruin any chance of any police achieving what they want...especially Hazzard's. Garrett grins as the orange car goes by in a blur and glances and waits for the sheriff's car and just as the loud annoying siren gets closer, Garrett pulls out and braces himself as the old patrol car runs right into him. He grimaces at the damage he just did to his own car, once again, but he did what he had to do. Garrett shoves his car into park as he watches Rosco throw his driver's door open and stumbles out of the car, landing on his hands and knees before angrily getting up pointing at him. As Rosco approaches his car, Garrett slowly rolls down his window and says, "Sheriff Coltrane," he pauses to light a cigarette, "it's fancy meeting you out here. In the middle of no where." "You hush boy!" the sheriff yells at him, "You gone and done it! You pulled right out in front of me and banged up my patrol car!" Garrett shrugs. "So it seems like I did. But I'm sure it's use to it by now," Garrett pauses momentarily, "I'm sure your buddy Cooter will give you your member discount for how much service you bring to his crummy shop." "My ol' buddy! Any friend of Bo and Luke's ain't no buddy of mine!" Rosco angrily sputters pulling out his handcuffs. "Well then. I guess that makes us friends, then!" Garrett grins coldly at the sheriff. "You hush it boy!" Rosco yells again at him, "I ain't got no friends with the last name of Duke. All you Dukes are trouble!" Rosco pauses in frustration at the conversation . "Never mind about who my friends are and who aren't my friends. That's none of your business! What is your business, is, is that you are under arrest for damage of public property and aiding and abetting Bo and Luke!" Rosco giggles, "You finally get your wish to return to Atlanta, Garrett. This time you'll be wearing orange and behind bars." Rosco laughs again at his own jokes. Garrett only shrugs. "It won't be the first time I'll be wearing orange behind bars in Atlanta," he smirks, blowing smoke at Rosco who coughs and tries to wave it away, "and trust me when I say, it's a lot better than this trashy town of yours." "Trashy town?! Duke! You make Bo and Luke look like angels! At least they see the beauty of Hazzard and working their own way to protect their beloved town. You on the other hand only disgrace us with your ugly face and bad attitude. I'm doing everyone here a favor by arresting you!" he yells at him before taking a deep breath and continues on with an authoritative voice, "OK Garrett. I need to put out your cigarette, get rid of the butt, and step out of the car. Nice and easy. With your hands up." Garrett eyes the sheriff with cold smokey gray eyes as he smashes out his cigarette and puts it in the ash tray. "Well I did the first part, but as you clearly see," he motions to the patrol car that continues to be smashed against his drivers door, "I can't get out." "Don't be a smarty pants dummy!" Rosco yells motioning across Garrett's car, "Give me your keys!" Rosco throws his hand open and waits for Garrett who slowly complies by throwing the keys way past Rosco and into the ditch. Without flinching or looking at the keys, Rosco points across Garrett's car again and sternly says, "Slide over, nice and slow. Keep your hands above your head where I can see them and get out the passenger door!" Garrett sighs heavily and disappointed by the fact that Rosco thought about his keys and then wasn't distracted by him throwing them past him to disarm his idea of running away from him. "OK, OK!" Garrett yells at him as Rosco impatiently points again across the car and Garrett slowly climbs across to the passenger side with his hands up while Rosco runs around the hood of the car to the other side. As Garrett gets to the passenger door with his hands up, Rosco pulls the door open and pulls Garrett the rest of the way out and shoves him against his car, face forward. "Garrett Duke," Rosco states in his authoritative voice once again, "you are under arrest for aiding and abetting and getting in the way of the police as well as for damaging public property. Namely my car. And attempting to harm a police officer." He continues on reciting the Miranda Rights. "Let's go punk!" he giggles as he walks Garrett past his car and to the backseat of his patrol car. He shoves Garrett into the back of the police car and states, "It's a shame you did all this for Bo and Luke and they are no where to be seen to help you. They are probably celebrating the face that you will now be out of their hairs for the next thirty years!" With that, Rosco slams the door shut and climbs back into the patrol car where he backs up and drives back to town where they ride in silence. After what seems to be an eternity, they arrive and Rosco pulls Garrett out of the car and leads him into the sheriff's station where they are greeted by Boss Hogg. "Looky, looky Boss at who I caught!" Rosco giggles, "Fair and square too!" "Oh yeah?" Boss asks smugly, "What charges?" "Well, I was after Bo and Luke, and he came out of nowhere and forced me to run into him. So I got him on aiding and abetting Bo and Luke, damage to my police car, and attempting to harm a police officer. That's me," Rosco states confidently. "I'm glad we all figured out who the police officer is," Garrett sarcastically states as he eyes Boss with cold hard eyes. "You hush it!" Rosco yells at him. "Nice work, sheriff," Boss smugly smiles at him, attempting to ignore Garrett. "Lock him downstairs and call Atlanta to come retrieve their criminal before yesterday! We want this punk out of our town and for good!" "I'm on it, Boss," Rosco giggles as he shoves Garrett forward and down the stairs where Rosco fingerprints him on the table before shoving him into the jail cell and slams the door shut as hard as possible before locking it and pocketing the keys. "Enjoy your stay, Garrett. Because them Atlanta boys will be here soon to take you back home...where you belong!" Garrett coldly eyes the sheriff who slowly turns away and walks up the stairs. Garrett listens in as he hears Rosco on the phone before going and sitting back down on the old, tattered bed that hangs on the wall. "Well there goes the race," he mutters as he begins to ponder on how many times Bo and Luke were here on wrongful charges.

If that's your favorite driver or team that dominates, it's fun and exciting, but not so much for everyone else. Or if you are just a fan of the sport. That's a lot of races to win and only a few that he didn't win. That is always disappointing when the officials get a call wrong that determines how the game goes and who wins...

Do you like Max?

Yes...I am sad and disappointed with Fields being out. I have him on all three of my fantasy teams that I am in. I do have others, but I'm not as excited about them as I am with him. I really hope he is able to return sometime soon. I hope you enjoyed your time with the grandkids. I bet that was fun and tiring. LOL.

Thank you. I do feel bad for letting y'all down on my reports. I am hoping next season will be better or that I'll do better. There is only 104 days until the Daytona 500...a very long 104 days. UGH...no baseball. No NASCAR. I have football...but my Bears are having just as a hard season as poor ol' Chase Elliott had. Someone save me...LOL

I am bummed that my Hendrick boys didn't do it, but Blaney is a great guy. So I will be happy for him...but it would have been soooooo good to see the 24 car back in the championship circle. I am so ready for next season and hope Chase Elliott will be back to his winning ways... I apologize...I've failed at the NASCAR reporting this season. Between the lack of time due to work and college and Chase not being much of a threat in any of the races, I've found it hard. I also don't have the channels, so I've been just following the leaderboard on my phone. I am hoping to do better next season. Whether Chase is in it or not...

Garrett glances in his rearview mirror to make sure Bill and Ernie were still following him as well as to make sure that Rosco has yet made his way out of the pond that they lost him in several miles back. Sighing heavily, he looks back ahead just in time to see the old Duke farm coming into view. His heart sinks with dread at the thought of delivering Bill and Ernie at Bo and Luke's door step and know how excited they will be when they see the NASCAR legend at their farm, seeking their help. Despite the dread and anger the thought brings to Garrett, he knows that there is no other option and that if he wants Ernie and Bill to be taken care of as well as their vehicles, that there is no other option. Other than maybe Cooter's and after his earlier encounter with the mechanic, this seemed to be the better option. Pulling into the Duke farm, his emotions swarm heavily within him to see Jesse standing out front with Bo, Luke, and Daisy all stepping out of the farm house to see who was coming. Garrett ignores them and pulls through the barn to the opposite side, so that Ernie can pull his car and trailer into the barn in a vague attempt to hide it. Watching them pull up and park in the garage, Garrett pulls his car back around out front. Climbing out of his car, Garrett takes a deep breath in attempt to calm or hide his emotions. "Jesse," he nods at his uncle and then at Bo, Luke, and Daisy. "So I um..." he lets his sentence drag and Ernie and Bill slowly walk out of the barn, "I like to introduce you to a couple of friends who are in need of hiding from your law." Garett pauses to let them join them, "This is -" "You think we're dumb, Garrett?" Bo snaps, "That there is Ernie and Bill Elliott! How were they so unfortunate to run into the likes of you?!" "Bo," Jesse states sternly in attempt to halt any upcoming fights, "be nice." "Yes sir," Bo sighs reluctantly. "Well," Bill dryly speaks, poking his brother in the side, "it's Garrett that's the unfortunate one as my brother here literally ran into him." "Will you give me a break, already? I mean you were there and the stop sign was clearly covered by the tree branch," Ernie jokingly covers for himself before turning to face the family in front of him, "But he's right...Garrett's the unfortunate victim here. We're the fortunate ones as he has been able to protect us from your clown like law you got. If it weren't for him, we'd be having to sign a deal with a fat man in a white suit and he'd probably have the man he called a sheriff driving my car. " Bill nods. "But now they know where our car was and where we were hiding to get our car ready for the race," Bill continues Ernie's story, "the sheriff was there to do something with it. He was spying on us." "If that's what you want to call it," Ernie interrupts his brother, "he couldn't have been any more obvious." "Sounds like ol' Rosco," Luke chuckles. "So thanks to Garrett here," Bill continues, pointing at Garrett who leans back against his car; wishing he was invisible to it all, "he suggested y'all are the ones to trust during this time so that we can protect our car and get it ready for the race. I. . .I," Bill stutters nervously, glancing at the family in front of him, "I'm sorry to just welcome ourselves to your farm and to show up uninvited. If y'all would rather we go else where, we would be glad to go and fully understand." "Leave?" Luke questions, "Not a chance that will happen until you are ready to leave. We can shut them doors and have someone out here to guard the barn at all hours until the race comes and you have to leave." Jesse nods. "The boy's right. You are always welcome here," he smiles welcoming, "anyone who disagrees with the law here, are friends of ours." "We appreciate it," Bill responds looking from person to person. "Since Garrett forgot who we are," Bo rudely states, "I'm Bo Duke, this is my cousin, Luke Duke," he points at Luke and then points at Daisy, "this is our cousin, Daisy Duke. And then," he motions at Jesse, "that's our uncle, Jesse Duke." "So..." Ernie slowly states, "I take it that y'all and Garrett here don't get along." Jesse glares over at Bo momentarily and then at Garrett. "Those two are twins," he slowly states, "who don't see eye to eye." Jesse finally answers. "They all have different views and attituded. Garrett here grew up in Atlanta and in the city life. Bo here, grew up here in Hazzard in a small town. Maybe one day, they'll be mature enough to put their differences aside and accept each other." "It's not just me," Bo says defensively, "we've all had our issues with him. Even ask Cooter." "Cooter's not here to ask," Jesse quickly snaps at him, "we are here to welcome these folks to our farm, not scare them away with your rudeness! I am sorry Ernie and Bill. Not all of us are as rude as Bo here is." "I agree. For now, let's just forget about Garrett," Luke responds, "no, no not forget about him. But about our differences with him." Luke shakes his head in disgust with himself at how that came out. "I think we should focus on helping you all out. Thank you Garrett," Luke nods at Garrett, "for bringing them to the farm and allowing us to help you all." "Bravo Garrett!" Daisy claps her hands in excitement, "You brought NASCAR legend to our farm! Thanks to you, we all will be able to race alongside the great Bill Elliott!" she cheers. "Well not us all. Jesse and I will be spectators, but the boys, Garrett will be out there racing." Garrett nods in appreciation at her. "Don't thank me," he dryly shrugs off the appreciation, "I did it for them. So maybe thank the tree branch for hiding the stop sign that allowed them to hit me." "In other words," Luke laughs, "thank Rosco for all his speed traps?!" Everyone laughs at Luke's comment. "Talking of which," Ernie states after the laughter fades away, "he should be climbing out of the pond right about now that Garrett shoved him into on the way here. I'm sure he won't be too happy with us." More laughter erupts. "Well, we will be ready for him if he makes his way to the farm," Jesse slowly states as he eyes the sky for a moment, "but for now, supper should be about ready. Is there enough for everyone, Daisy?" "Sure is," she smiles around at everyone. "We better get to it before it gets too cold." Bill looks unsurely at them and the back at the barn and Luke catches up on it. "We can keep an eye on it from the table by keeping the door open. It'll be fine." Garrett watches them move to the house before Jesse stops and motions him in. "Thank you Jesse, but I got to get back to my apartment," Garrett nods at his elderly uncle before turning around and getting back into his car and drives down the drive way. He stops at the road before stopping and watching everyone disappears inside the old farm house before he lights another cigarette and drives away. CUE ROGER OR SKIPPER

back

Garrett looks up from what he was doing after Ernie called his attention to Rosco. "What in the world is he doing now?" he questions as he glares at the sheriff who is standing half way behind a large old tree. "Looks like he's trying to spy on us," Bill comments as he motions to the sheriff's binoculars. "Looks like it," Garrett nods, "wouldn't be the first time he's done something like that. That fat commissioner probably put him up to it to get to us. Probably going to try to sabotage our cars so we can't race against him." He gives a sarcastic laugh, "He knows that's the only way he can win." Bill quietly shakes his head. "You really got a messed up law around here," Ernie states as he readjusts his hat, "You know what we should do?" Bill and Garrett look at each other before glancing at Ernie and shake their heads at him. Ernie motions them closer and they slowly take a step closer to him. "C'mon Ernie," Bill states impatiently, "what is it?" "We should go," Ernie states, "we came to Hazzard to support our sponsors as well as spread some light on some small town racing. But no sponsor is worth this hassle of being stalked by the sheriff and the crooked law. Garrett," he pauses to look at Garrett, "I don't know where that will put you, but it's been fun running into you." "Rather literally," Bill comments sarcastically. "I should have known how this would turn out just by that hidden stop sign," Ernie cusses under his breath. Bill shakes his head to draw more silence as Garrett lights a cigarette. "We can't just leave our new friend to deal with that loser," Bill firmly states. "We should leave this area and find a more secure place that will be safe from him. Then come race time, show him who's boss." Ernie slowly nods. "But where would that more secure place be?" he asks and they both look at Garrett. "Uh. Um," Garrett stutters as he glances around, "I really hate to say this," he pauses to blow out smoke, "but the only place I can think of that would be safe from them would be at my uncle's farm. My cousins and brother have a beef with them over a mile wide and they'd do anything to protect anyone from them." "Why you hate to say it?" Ernie raises a bushy eye brow at him. "It's a long story. To make it short, we don't always get along," Garrett sighs heavily, "I wish I could say my place, but my apartment wouldn't hold all of us not alone these cars. They have a big barn to store them in and they'd make sure Rosco wouldn't get to it." Garrett goes quiet as he tosses the butt of the cigarette onto the ground and smashes it up with his heavy leather work boots. Looking at Ernie and Bill, he reluctantly says, "They're all honest to a fault. You can trust them with your cars...and your life if you want to take it that far." "Sweet," Ernie quickly replies, "What are we waiting for? How about you lead the way." "Now hold on, Ern," Bill calmly states, "Just because Garrett says we can trust them, doesn't mean we should go. How would you like it if some random people just randomly show up at your door, because someone said you'd be trusted." Ernie laughs hysterically. "Who would that be?" Ernie finally asks, "Someone not very smart," Bill quickly responds, "But that's besides the point. How'd you feel?" Ernie shrugs thoughtfully for a moment. "Don't worry about it," Garrett says impatiently, "they will be excited to have a local NASCAR hero showing up at their door unannounced. They'll be even more excited to help keep Boss and Rosco away from your cars. That's just how they are." Bill reluctantly nods. "What about your's?" he questions. Garrett shrugs it off. "There's no time to worry about that right now. We just got to go," he takes a step to his car, "I'll lead you to the Duke farm and I'll introduce you to them. You'll love them and I'm sure they'll love you. I'm sure they are preparing their own car for the race." "Heck ya!" Ernie shouts as they all go to their cars and quickly speed away from the sheriff who angrily goes to his car only to trip on a stick and land in a pile of mud. CUE ROGER OR SKIPPER

Silence fills the air as the spotless white Cadillac comes to a halt and the driver promptly hops out of the driver's seat to hold open the door as a short round man dressed in a white three piece suit slowly steps out with his signature cigar wrapped tightly with his thick finger. Taking a few steps towards the men working on cars before coming to a halt as the sound of a loud car coming towards them clouds the silent farm land only for his sheriff's car to quickly pull in behind the Cadillac, barely missing it. "Numbskull," he mutters before turning to face the men with the cars and begins to walk towards them once more. "Nice afternoon, fellas," he states to break the silence as the sheriff's car door slams shut behind him, "I'm Commissioner J.D. Hogg. I run this nice town of Hazzard." "Well Boss," Garrett is the first to speak up with an ornery look on his face, "that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me." "Garrett!" Boss yells angrily, "I was talking to them," he points to Bill and Ernie with his cigar, "not you!" "You hush, Garrett," Sheriff Coltrane says from behind Boss, "he wasn't talking to you!" Boss stares at his sheriff momentarily. "Nice of you to finally join me," he states to him before turning to Bill and Ernie, "Now boys," he pauses dramatically, "rumor has it, y'all are a big name in that big racing community." "You mean, in NASCAR?" Garrett says with a sly smile. "Will you stay out of this, Duke?!" Boss scolds him, "What are you doing here with the likes of them anyway?" Garrett looks at them coldly for a long moment. "I don't know how to respond that. You tell me to stay out of this," Garrett motions around at Bill and Ernie before turning around to face Boss and Rosco, " and then ask me a question?" "Oh never mind you. You wouldn't understand if I were to ask what you're dumb name is," Hogg angrily responds to Garrett, "anyway. Let's forget about him." "Nah, I don't want to forget him," Ernie interrupts Hogg to earn an angry dark look from the man in white, "I like him. He's nice. You don't seem so nice with your attitude and name calling." Rosco begins to laugh before Hogg turns his angry glare upon him. "OK you hush you big city man," Rosco snaps after seeing Hogg's look, "Boss Hogg is the commissioner of this nice town and he is to be respected and liked." "This nice town?" Ernie questions, "If it was a nice town, y'all would have your trees trimmed so we could see the stop signs and we'd be receiving a warm welcoming. Instead of whatever you call this..." "What stop signs covered in trees?" Rosco asks, pretending to care. "You numbskull. This is getting us nowhere!" Hogg snaps at his sheriff before turning back to Bill and Ernie, "As I was saying," he pauses to suck on the butt of his cigar and lets out of a cloud of smoke before continuing, "Rumor has it, y'all got a big name. And I like big names. They attract people. And people attract money. And I like money." Garrett laughs. "Do you even know what they're names are, Boss?" he questions and Hogg glares angrily at him, "I'm just asking, because it seems like you are clueless." "I've been told it's Elliott Bill," Hogg slowly and unsurely responds to receive a laugh from Bill and Ernie before Rosco whispers something in his ear and Hogg forces a smile. "I was wanting to see if y'all were awake or not. Of course I know who he is. It's Bill Elliott, he races cars." "What ya know," Garrett is the first to speak up, "the ol' sheriff does know something. Did Flash tell you?" "You hush, Duke!" Rosco yells at Garrett. "Who is Flash?" Ernie questions, "Sounds like a race car's name!" Rosco laughs. "He's even better than a race car!" he states proudly, "He's my police dog!" Boss rolls his dark eyes. "Gentlemen!" he yells, "I'm here to talk about my race tomorrow, not some dumb dog!" "I beg your pardon. Flash is not dumb. He must be smarter than you to know who Bill Elliott is," Rosco snaps back, "I think you owe him a num-num when we get back to the station." "A num-num?! I'll give you a num-num!" Hogg yells lift up his fat fist before Garrett lighting up a cigarette brings his attention back to Bill and Ernie and he forces a smile. "I'm sorry gentleman. My sheriff doesn't have much of a brain and gets to me sometimes. I'll deal with him later." "Brain or no brain," Ernie grins, "he's still nicer than you have been." "If you don't hush, I'll have my brainless sheriff lock you behind bars!" Boss yells at him and Rosco yanks out his handcuffs with a smile on his face before Boss blocks him, "As I was saying, I'm here to talk about tomorrow's race. I have a big time driver to drive for me -" "You have a big time driver to drive for you?" Garrett is quick to interrupt him, "Now who is that, Boss? Ol' Rosco here?" Boss stares coldly at Garrett. "I told you to stay out of this! I'm not here for the lousy likes of you!" Boss yells, "Never mind. It don't matter, because Rosco here is going to arrest you." "For what?" Garrett asks, eyeing Boss coldly and Boss steps back into Rosco, "For asking who your driver is?" "For being obstinate and getting in the way of justice," Boss spits back at him. "Rosco. Do your job!" "Hold on a minute!" Bill breaks his silence, "Garrett hasn't done anything wrong other than to question you and your foolishness! You lie hands on him, I'll have my lawyer down here so fast you won't know what hits you! By the time he gets down here, he'll have the sheriff's badge and your job!" Boss eyes him. "You wouldn't!" he yells. "I would," Bill confidently states, "what you are doing is wrong and you know it. Even your sheriff knows it. Now step back and put the cuffs away!" Boss slowly nods and motions Rosco to step back and put his cuffs away. "Fine. But our eyes are on you boy. One step out of the line and we'll have you in jail before you can light your filthy cigarette," Hogg threatens Garrett, "in the meantime, you get. I got business to do with Bill here." "I am not here to do business with you or anyone," Bill cuts in, "Garrett was here before you. So if anyone is to leave, it's you and your sorry law." "Well then. I guess I'll tell my driver he still has the job and the paycheck," Boss states smugly. "Oooh, I get a paycheck now too!" Rosco giggles. "Shut up!" Boss yells at him, blowing smoke in his face. "If I was your driver," Bill draws, "I would quit and come race for me tomorrow. No one deserves the lack of respect you show everyone. They are undeserving of your paycheck. I wouldn't want to even touch your paycheck. It's probably as filthy as you are!" Hogg angrily looks around at everyone. "I should have all of you arrested!" he yells before turning and walking back to his car where his driver closes the door behind him. "Come on Rosco. We got practice to do to win that race tomorrow!" Bill, Ernie, and Garrett all watch the two vehicles quickly drive away, throwing dirt from the road behind them. As silence starts to build, they turn back to face each other and their vehicles. "Wow," Ernie breaks the silence, "they're a piece of work." CUE ROGER OR SKIPPER

OK

I love ol' Waylon. My older cat is named Waylon after him. He is the absolute best in that era or generation. I can't remember if I knew before this thread that he had son named Whey or not. Though I know I haven't heard him sing. I have heard Shooter sing and even saw him in person when he was at one of the Duke Fests. His music was a lot more rock and hard than Waylon, but it was still cool seeing him!

Hearing Ernie's and Bill's compliment to Garrett, brings a rare smile to his face. "Well thank you," he responds, "nothing compared to you all, I'm sure. Thanks for the part and your help." Bill and Ernie nod. "Well, we kinda owed it to you due to my brother's lousy driving ability," Bill jokingly elbows Ernie in the stomach, "That's why I'm the one behind the wheel and he's the one on top of the tool box." "Hey now," Ernie responds jokingly, "to my defense, the stop sign was completely covered!" "Regardless of your sorry excuses, you generally stop before crossing the road," Bill rolls his eyes at his brother, "and you failed to do that. But thanks to your failure we met Garrett here who gave us the tour and information about this here town you somehow found. At least we will be prepared to compete against the locals." "I'm sure you'd be able to compete against us locals with your eyes closed and stepping foot here," Garrett states as the notorious white Cadillac slowly pulls into the drive way of the old barn. Garrett rolls his eyes and points to it, "Speak of the devil himself. Here comes Commissioner J.D. Hogg. Better known as Boss. Y'all better hold onto your money."

Garrett Duke shakes his head in disgust as he abruptly turns onto a dusty dirt road as his thoughts return to his argument with Cooter, of the orange car, and of his supposed family. Only to enforce more anger to run deeply within him and to build his yearning to return back to his gang in Atlanta. His true family. The only people that truly understood him. Appreciated him for who he is. Yet thanks to his dad, he's stuck in this little hick town where everyone glares judgmentally at him and where he stands out from everyone else. Where he clearly doesn't belong or fit in. Yet here he is stuck. Sucking on the last draw of his cigarette, he allows his anger to swell deeply within him before blowing out the smoke and smashing the cigarette butt into the ashtray. "I'll show them and that ugly orange car who's the better mechanic and the better driver...and who has the best car!" he yells out at no one as an old truck runs past the stop sign on the adjoining road. Garrett slams on his breaks while cussing out loud and his heart sinks deeply within him as he hears the screech of metal, and he watches an old black truck run into the passenger door of his beloved car. Shoving his car into park, he angrily gets out and runs across the hood of his car and out of the side of his eyes, he sees two guys climb out of the truck. Ignoring the people in the truck, he runs over to the passenger door to eye the damage and is slightly relieved at seeing the damage is only to the paint the and the door. "Damn it," he cusses, his anger boils deeply within him despite the minimal damage. This was his car. His baby. And it was supposed to prove Cooter and his friends who the real driver was. "Hey sir," a thick southern drawl voice interrupts his angered thoughts, "we are deeply sorry. I. . .I didn't see the stop sign back there and -" "You didn't see the stop sign?!" Garrett yells turning to finally face the men in the truck, "What are you, blind?!" He goes silent as he looks at the two newcomer who hit his car and he is struck with excitement and anger all at once as he sees Bill Elliott standing near the passenger door of the truck before he looks at his car to reinforce his anger. Sighing deeply, he takes out a cigarette and lights it. "You're Bill Elliott," he states matter of fact, hiding his excitement, and then pointing to the driver, "And you're his brother. His car chief. What in the world would bring you two to this little hick town?" Bill laughs to break the tension. "Ask my idiot brother who ran into you. I've been asking him the same dang thing." Ernie rolls his eyes. "Look sir. I'm sorry about your car. I have insurance and papers that we can show you. We will make this right to you," he drawls pointing to the damage he created before pointing back to the stop sign that is covered in thick green leaves from the large tree that hangs above it, "through the tree branches, I didn't see the stop sign, at all. And being new to town and all, I drove through it." Garrett eyes the hidden stop sign and nods. "Well. I'll give you credit that it is hidden," he pauses to blow out smoke away from the two men, "but all the same, y'all hit my car. But at least, the damage seems to be minimal." He laughs sarcastically. "That there covered stop sign...pretty much represents this hick town and the law they have around here. But," he pauses to drop the cigarette butt onto the dirt road and steps on it with this black boot, "that doesn't answer my question. What brings a well known NASCAR driver and his crew chief, here?" "Yeah Ernie..." Bill echoes him. "Well y'all have this race coming up," Ernie finally comes to the answer that they were waiting for, "with the break in our schedule, it is a great opportunity to enter the race to put in some none meaningful practice laps, support our sponsors, and to hang out with the good people that may not have the opportunity to meet my brother here." "Your brother don't look too happy," Garrett dryly points out. "Well truth be known," Ernie grins mischievously, "my brother's just an old grump who doesn't like change or to do anything unless it's his way. I'm here to steer him in the right direction whether he appreciates it or not." Garrett eyes him momentarily as his answer sends him back a couple of years of his dad kicking him out of the house and sending him to Hazzard to supposedly send his life in the right direction despite his anger and hatred towards it. "I'm ever so thankful," Bill breaks the silence, "I am sure your town and your race will be great. I just have a family I'd like to spend the break with." Garrett silently nods. "I'm sure people around here will be excited to see you all and to race against you. They don't get this opportunity very often," Garrett answers to break his silence. Ernie nods in agreement. "We all come from a small town. We know and understand how it is like. We want y'all know we support you and all that you do," he finally responds as he wipes the sweat from his hair before motioning towards Garrett's car behind him, "you race? You enter this race?" Garrett glances back at Spittin' Cobra. "Yep. That's Spittin' Cobra y'all just ran into," he smiles proudly, "I am entered to race with him, but I am on my way to Atlanta for a part, because the hick mechanic wouldn't order it for me. He think's he's too good for me and wants to support his friend's and their clunker oranger car. So, I'm off to pick it up myself and show him how's it done." "I love your enthusiasm," Ernie grins at him and takes in Garrett's car. "Forget Atlanta," Bill pipes in, "we got some boys bringing parts with our car in our trailer. If we got your part, it's your's. Our boys will even fix the damage ol' Ernie did to Spittin' Cobra." "For real?" Garrett asks with an hint of excitement "For real," Ernie responds, "our boys scouted out an old abandoned barn up a couple of miles that isn't in use last week. They were able to convince Commissioner J. D. Hogg to let us use it until after the race. So if you meet us there we can get you set up. Our boys should be in town in another hour or so." Bill glances at Ernie. "What we do until then?" he questions. "Well Garrett's gonna take us a ride in his car and show us around town and give us all the information we need about this place, the race, and the people we are up against," Ernie grins and wraps a grease stained arm around Garrett's tense shoulders, "Aren't you?" "Heck yeah!" Garrett yells, his anger subsiding into excitement that he has gained the trust and friendship of Bill Elliott, even more so knowing how jealous Cooter, Bo, and Luke will be once they find out. "How about I follow you to the barn to drop off your truck, and y'all can climb on in?" "That's a ten four," Ernie drawls as he opens his drivers door and him and Bill get in. *************************************************************************** "So Garrett," Ernie breaks the silence as he climbs into back seat of Spitting Cobra as Bill climbs into the passenger door, they both close their doors and the sound thunders against the old wood of the abandoned barn, "what brings you to Hazzard?" Garrett eyes him momentarily before backing back out onto the dirt road and pulling forward, heading towards the small town. "What makes you so sure, I'm not from here?" "Well," Bill drawls as he eyes the farm scenery around them, "you have more of a city boy vibe than a country boy attitude to you." Garrett nods and gives a brief smile as he drives a moment in silence before he slowly and cautiously explains some of his past and what all brought him to Hazzard as well as some of what he feels about Hazzard, his supposed family, and the people in Hazzard. Cue Roger or Skipper