James Duke

"My parents are probably worried..." Bo said, looking down.

Bo smiled a little, squeezing Jesse's hand a bit. "M'sorry I ran away..." Bo said quietly.

"Uncle...Jesse?" Bo asked tiredly.

Bo looked like he was asleep. His hospital gown was open and his ribs wrapped tightly, but not to tight that he couldn't breathe. Just resting, Bo opened his eyes a little when he heard someone come inside. It took a moment for his vision to clear from the stronge painkillers he was on, but when he saw who his visitor was, he smiled a bit.

The doctor walked over to them, looking at his clipboard, then to the Dukes before speaking. "We had to operate on your nephew to repair his broken ribs. One of the broken ribs did cut into the lung a bit, but fortunatly, it didn't collapse and we were able to repair it easily. We put in some steel pins and short curved rods in his ribs to help them heal properly. All in all, he's quite lucky. His injuries could've been much worse." He explained. "And if you wish to visit him, he's in room 345. Third floor, five rooms down the right hand side of the nurse's station and on the left side of the hall."

It was almost four hours later when a doctor finally came out with news on Bo. He looked around the waiting room, seeing a few families there. Clearing his throat, he spoke. "Family of Beauregard Duke?" He called, looking for anyone to stand up.

"I understand." Jesse said, proud of his oldest charge.

Jesse smiled, seeing how sure his nephew was. "Where is he?"

"Luke, son, did you really find Bo?" Jesse asked, hugging him.

On the way to the hospital, Jesse told Daisy what Luke had said. He wondered why the boys were at the hospital and if Luke had really found Bo.

"You found Bo?" Jesse asked, surprised. "I'll be there soon." With that, Jesse hung up and hurried to get ready. Grabbing his red cap on the way out, Jesse got in his truck and speed off to the hospital.

Jesse was fixing supper, having figured Luke was out looking for Bo again, since it had become a habit for the dark haired Duke to come home late in the evening. When the phone rang, jesse turned the stove down, then went to answer it. He cleared his throat, then picked up the reciever. "Duke farm, Jesse Duke speaking."

"Hope so..." Bo mumbled, closing his eyes once again.

Once he was fully awake, Bo realized the robbers didn't find them. He put his arms over his sides and put his head back against the seat.

Hearing a motor, Bo started to wake up. He groaned and opened his eyes, looking around. At first, Bo thought the robbers had gotten them, which made him move quickly. That proved to be a bad idea when it shot a sharp wave of pain went through his sides, the pain radiating through his chest this time.

Bo whimpered a little when Luke lifted him up, but settled down soon after, going back to sleep.

After what seemed like an eternity, Bo was finally caught his breath, but being worn out from the run, he soon fell asleep.

Bo leaned against a tree, breathing hard. He moved around and sat down heavily, fighting back tears of pain. Depsite that, Bo looked at Luke and gave him a thumbs up, telling him it was ok. Had he not been so busy trying to catch his breath, he would've answered verbally.

Bo nodded and followed Luke, breathing hard and fast. His ribs were killing him and he felt like he was going to collapse, but forced himself to keep going.

"I can try." Bo said. Taking as deep a breath as he could, Bo took off running towards the pines. It hurt like heck, but he was to determined to leave the cabin behind at the moment to care.

"Don't gotta tell me twice." Bo said, heading for the door.

Bo was doing as well as could be expected at the moment. He followed Luke, moving as quietly as he could.

Bo nodded, hoping the idea worked. He doubted he'd be much help, but he would still try his best to help Luke out.

When Bo was standing, he put a hand over his side, catching his breath real fast. When he was breathing normal again, he looked at Luke. "What's the plan exactly?"

Bo groaned and turned his head, opening his eyes. Blinking, he looked around the previous days events coming back to him. His ribs didn't hurt nearly as bad, but were still aching dully. Looking at Luke, Bo smiled a little. "We getting out of here?" He aked softly, able to breathe a bit easier now.