DaneyDuke

Daney quietly joins MaryAnne. A worried expression, having observed all of the fight and heard the last exchange words between Brian and Chet.

What Is Respect Respect is something you earn. Not something you receive just because you want it. If you are in a bad mood... everyone else doesn't have to be. Just because you want to fight... or continue something, doesn’t mean other parties will agree. Threats don’t get you anywhere here in Cyber Hazzard (or real life), but lost peers and respect. Do not EXPECT others to do something or be online every time you want them to be. Respect others and they will respect you. I know y’all are gonna say I am lecturing but this is just a gentle reminder... we never know what kind of day the other person we are talking to has had. Respect like a lot of things in life is a two way street.

Blue would've been nice. My choices are black ala ep #95 A Little Game Of Pool and dark green ala ep #36 Southern Cumforts. 8)

(MaryAnne is used in this post per her written consent. Thank you.) “Oh my lord,†Daney muttered under her breath. Her hazel eyes and the mild blue eyes of MaryAnne Coltrane took in the sight of Brian and the blond fella MacGyver in the quick sand. “Belts?†“Could lose their grip.†“Yeah, but-†“We’ll get them out.†MaryAnne reached into the back of the jeep and grabbed a rope. Brian and the blond man were tall and with the added weigh of the quick sand, Daney and her might not be able to get both of them out. Daney quietly followed the three weeks younger brunette over with hurried, uneasy steps. She kept her stare on Brian the entire time it took for MaryAnne to put the rope around her cousin’s chest the best the young woman could. Brian being a bit smaller was the more logical of the two for her and MaryAnne to try and pull out, they could not pull both of them out at the same time. “Just hold on Mac, we’re gonna need Brian’s help to get you out.†MaryAnne spoke softly. “Daney...†She held a length of the ropes in her hands. “Sorry, MaryAnne.†Daney grabbed the rope and gave it a good tug. Old moon shining/running instincts came back in the second it took for them to pull Brian out. Her and MaryAnne smiled at Brian. He took hold of the rope and helped pull MacGyver out of the muck.

Why involve MaryAnne? From her post I think she's tired of being placed in the middle of everything that goes on. I don't blame her one bit... we make choices and decisions without consulting her, then expect her to be the judge. If Brian and Chet want to settle unfinished business... so be it. I talked about peace for a reason... All I have heard this week from everyone is 'You don't understand', 'things change', 'nothing will be the same', etc. I'm not making a speech... just sharing my thoughts.

Daney saw Chet being brought back by Bo, Luke and Daisy several minutes later. She gave Brian a hug and then walked over to the dart board, picking up the darts from the counter. Hazel eyes looked at each person present.... Then, Daney threw one of the darts over her head toward the board. "What the hell is going on?! Why can't there be a peace morning, afternoon, evening, or night around here! Just once," The long haired, slender brunette waitress and private investigator spoke loudly but gently. She threw another dart behind her. She glanced around at people. "I am glad I have everyone's attention. I am asking, begging, pleading, what ever it takes for folks to get along for a short period time." Her voice was soft and gentle. Another dart was thrown toward the board. "Is that too much to ask." She paused and sighed heavily. "Aren't we all friends and families?" Daney turned and tossed the last three darts from her hand one after the other, a grin on her face. All 6 of them were in the bull's eye. She went over and leaned back on the counter. "There is a time to compete and a time not too. Aren't we each suppose to be our own person, not like others. Or trying to be the best or who is in power," She folded her arms over her chest and blew some wisps of hair from her eyes. "There is no reason for any of it..."

Vicki, Take care of yourself and that new baby due soon. =) I'm sure everything will be ok. It was nice to meet you. Good luck Daney

*leans close and whispers* I'm sorry, Brian. *gives a quick hug and steps back to start cleaning the counter off.* MaryAnne, are we suppose to leave the cash and receipts here tonight? Or Boss want 'em in the night deposit slot at the bank?

It's gotten too serious lately. *thinks silently, with a look around the tavern. Gets a beer, takes it over and sits it quietly down in front of Brian.* Please excuse Hilery, I think she got a little carried away. No one has fun around here anymore.

Hilery, it's ok. *finishes filling another frosty mug of root beer for MaryAnne. Grabs two clean towels from under the counter and wets them in the sink. Then, places them in front of Brian with a smile.*

"Min, Mac and Gillian are all back in L.A.," *squeezes Val's shoulder for a moment and clears throat* "Hey, Kristy! C'mon over and join us, Val is buyin' everyone drinks." *Goes back behind bar to server drinks again. Smiles as Kristy approaches*

“Yeah.†Everyone turned in the direction of the quiet voice that commented. They saw a familiar brunette Duke clad in a black leather jacket, black tank top, black jeans and black high heel sandals. Sunglasses covered her eyes. She began to stroll casually toward them with a smile. The group collectively rubbed their eyes, blinked or let out a gasp seeing Alex aka Bad Mac and Gillian by the booking room doors. Daney walked a straight and narrow path to the cell and let Val out, not saying anything. Daisy had called her from Doc Appleby’s and told her of the latest happenings. Then she hurried over to the jacket’s owner. Daney stood in front of Brian. She smiled at the Deputy uniformed city Coltrane. "Wanna play cops and robbers, sweet cheeks?†She flipped the sunglasses down and winked at him. (Next post reserved for MaryAnne Coltrane, thank you)

"Thank you, Hilery." Daney smiled and took a sip of hers, then sat the mug on the counter.

Daney laughed and smiled. She looked at MaryAnne for a moment, then back to Brian. "And what did the horse reply?"

(Hilery is used with permission per her request/wish) The tow truck pulled up along Maverick’s driver’s side. “Howdy,†both Davenports greeted the Coltrane clan with a crooked smile. “Didn’t want to miss the big fireworks we heard about,†Cooter announced. Hazzard’s beloved mechanic chuckled at the raised eyebrows he received. He pointed toward the General Lee through the window. The Duke boys were ready for hunting. Bo and Luke had their bows in one hand, dynamite arrow in the other. Enos and Cletus were also holding bow and arrows. Val appeared to be giving them advice or something as they all headed toward some bushes. Daisy was no where in sight. “Shouldn’t I go help them?†Hilery asked. “We will,†Cooter replied and tipped his ball cap toward MaryAnne, Rosco, Cully and Brian with a wink. He then sped the vehicle up to the bright orange stock car, dust swirling around the tow truck when it came to a stop. He jumped out and didn’t bother to shut the door. Hilery followed her cousin around to the back and assisted him with getting some heavy duty chains. They joined Bo, Luke, Enos, Cletus and Val... the sound of galloping hooves not far off. “Cousin, how did you think of this?†Daisy asked as her and Daney rode toward the boys and their friends from the opposite direction. One on a chestnut colored Palomino with white mane and tail. The other on a Mustang. “After swimming,†Daney paused. “I’m just glad we got this arranged without anyone noticin’,†She chuckled and lightly kicked her heels to make the pure black stallion run. “Whoa Honey,†Daisy gave the mare a light tap and pulled on the reins. She smiled seeing Daney lean forward and hold tight as Dreamer took flight... Bo and Luke whistled. “Shoot fire and a box of matches,†Cooter hollered. “Flapjacks on a ferris wheel,†Cletus exclaimed. "Possum on a gumbush," Enos hugged Val. They ran to where the horse and had landed safely on the legs of two bodies. The front right horse hoof in the back of the blond man, the left one rested along side the red hair of the woman’s head. A riding crop gently pointed in his neck. His rider with a gentle smile. “Cool,†Hilery grinned. Daisy came cantering up as the boys aimed the bows at Mac and Gillian. The Davenports were in position with the chains. Val, Enos and Cletus looked ready to pounce too. The deputies with their weapons drawn. The criminals were surrounded, there was no way they were getting away... between police, a Strate, Dukes, Hilery and Cooter... they were surrounded with four more people running up. “Glad y’all could make it,†Daney shouted to MaryAnne, Rosco, Brian and a fella who looked like Rosco but without the uniform. I seen him somewhere before. She thought and looked down at Mac and Gillian with a poker face. “Khee.†Then she glanced to Brian and MaryAnne. “Wanna go horse back riding?†(Cue MaryAnne or Brian)

The youngest brunette Duke stood outside the door to the back room of the Boar’s Nest. The tune from the jukebox was perfect and ironic. Hazzard had brought her and everyone else times of joy and sorrow, days of sunshine and rain. Seemed just like yesterday that a black leather jacketed city fella had walked into town and started Prelude To Mass Confusion. Daney smiled and began to walk around the one level, gray cement building. She stopped for a moment seeing Riddick. Her hazel eyes held a troubled expression. This was a person looking for trouble and out to destroy anyone he thought despised him. Yet, she didn’t know of one person that did. He was still too new in the area. Maybe he’ll find his place around here without too much ruckus, she thought and went back into the tavern. She heard the last bit of conversation between her two best friends... MaryAnne and Brian, walking back up to the bar. “I never thought the beer could be improved, thanks Deputy, Bri.†Daney meant that for everything. She grabbed her beer and took a sip with a grin.

A dark green early 70s Plymouth muscle car came cruising down that road. It's driver taking the long way home after the monthly family trip to Atlanta for supplies and visiting friends. The Duster stopped along side the patrol vehicle. Daney left Hunter's engine running and got out of her car. Hazel eyes looked around after not seeing anyone in the Plymouth Fury. She walked over and took the note off the windshield. A frown crossed her lips reading what it said. The brunette Duke took the hat off the mirror and bent down to pick the gun belt on the ground. She stood back up and took another look around before getting in the patrol cruiser. Daney picked up the cb and clicked the talk button. "Scout here, anyone out there on the Hazzardnet? Rosco, MaryAnne... I found a Deputy hat and gun belt with missing cuffs, patrol car with note abandoned on Hwy 36, not far from the Cotton Mill. I'm going to head to the woods and see if I can't find who did this. Scout signing off the Hazzardnet." Daney dropped the mic back to the floor and got out of the patrol car. The keys in her hand, along with the other items that she had mentioned. She locked it and put the gun belt around her waist. She walked over to Hunter and locked him up after getting her special backpack full of goodies needed for her private investigation work. Then Daney took a deep breath and walked toward the woods... with a confident expression on her face.

Happy belated Birthday to Vicki and Kristy... anyone else I missed. Daney

Daney quietly helped her cousins get Val, Enos and Cletus untied. She told them she was truly sorry, explained why she did what she did and asked Daisy to tell MaryAnne, Rosco and Brian. While the three officers were getting attired again, her cousins chatted about what had happened... the youngest brunette Duke slipped to the edge of the woods feeling like a fool. She stopped for a moment and looked over her shoulder. As she continued walking... warm, salty tears began to run down her cheeks. Daney kept going until she came to Styx River on the other side of the woods. She stood there with her arms crossed over her chest, and a troubled expression in her hazel eyes. She took a deep breath, looked up at the sky and sighed. Then she dove in... the cold water would wash away the mud from the cat fight with Gillian but it wouldn't take the pain from her heart or make her feelings go away. While Daney was trying to sort things out... the General had caught up to Maverick, who was closing in on the stolen police car. Cletus, Val, and Enos were in the back of the orange stock car. Bo in the passenger seat, Daisy in the middle and Luke in the driver's seat at the wheel. The older female Duke woman picked up the cb. "Songbird, you out there on the Hazzardnet?"

*smiles and then comes out from around counter. Leaves the room, stops at the sign that says No returns or complaints. Gives everyone a final look and whispers.* Good luck and good bye. I will miss you all. *Walks out of the Boar's Nest.*

While the Coltrane cousins were talking, the Duke clan walked over to the patrol car. “You sure about this?†Daisy asked. Daney nodded and looked at the boys. “Didn’t you say to forgive and forget? No grudges once...†“I did,†Luke smiled and Bo chuckled. The oldest brunette led the blond and middle brunette over to where Enos, Cletus and Val stood. The three were boasting about the capture. Daney made sure the Strates and Deputy Hogg were not looking. She quickly opened a patrol cruiser’s back door of the patrol cruiser. Hazel eyes looked at the red haired woman and blond man. “I owe you both for not killing me or Brian, and I hope this pays the debt.†Her voice was low and respectful. She reached into her jeans pocket and got the bobby pin out. “No grudges Gillian, right?†Daney whispered and used the metal to spring the lock on the cuffs of the woman. "Right...no grudges." Gillian sighed in relief as the tight cuffs were opened. “Good luck. Thank you, Mac for not killing me or Brian.†Daney pressed the bobby pin in Gillian’s hand and squeezed it gently. MacGyver's hands were released and he rubbed his wrists as he stared at the brunette woman. "I wasn't paid to kill him, Daney." He looked through the window at the three people. "You better go, we'll take it from here." Daney glanced curiously at the group of folks... did Val, Enos and Cletus hire Mac and Gillian? Or my cousins? She shook her head, then smiled at Mac and Gillian. She turned to her cousins and motioned with an old ridge runner sign that everything was ok to go. She closed the door so it looked like it was shut. Her cousins came up beside her. They walked back toward the Coltranes. Daney was grateful that everyone she loved was ok.

*Finishes serving another customers. Gets a tray with four glasses filled amber liquid. Takes a few steps and places one of the beverages in front of MaryAnne, Brian and Riddick. Then picks up the last one and looks at Riddick* Nice to see ya back in town, Riddick. Just remember this is a nice, peaceful community, with lots of places to put people who stir trouble up for no reason. *smiles*

(co authored with Mac) "Oh Lord," Daisy muttered watching Daney and Gillian stop in mid fight about twenty five feet from the cabin, just on the edge of the woods. Her cousin and the red head had been fighting since Bo and Luke standing at the window whistled at Daney when she came out of the cabin with the woman. Their eyes widening, masks of horror etched on their faces at the gunshot and birds flying everywhere. Bo and Luke were close to the pit of mud, holding ready bows... in case MacGyver's assistant tried to escape. Daney turned to Gillian covered in mud from head to toe. She glared at her. Gillian stood up, wiping her hand across her face and flinging the mud onto the ground. "Never should have crossed him Daney, now look what he's done because of it." "This isn't my fault!" Daney shoved the red haired woman hard to the ground for the third time in two minutes. She watched Gillian’s eyes go shut like she was taking a nap. Daisy, Bo and Luke came closer. Daisy began to hog tie Gillian up with help from Luke. With tears in her eyes, Daney wrenched the bow from her blond cousin's hands with a half hearted growl. She turned and ran to back to the cabin, not caring if she looked like a swamp monster or not. Daney stopped in the door way with the bow raised and ready to shoot.... With a hard kick, the cabin door was opened and the sight that met her eyes was MacGyver. He was lying in the bed with his arms tucked under his head. "Hi Daney, welcome back." He sat up slowly seeing her grab the bow string and pull it taut, the black arrow point poised to shoot him in the chest. "I see…nice bow." The weapon dropped from her hands to the floor. Her heart sunk, not seeing Brian. A cold shiver went up her spine. "You bas----," She hissed at the blond man and picked the weapon up... "I am indeed, and you only now figured that out?" He turned in his side and touched the mattress, raising his hand. The tip of his fingers were bloody. "Wondering where Brian is? Well I'm wondering where Gillian is." He rubbed his fingers together. “She’s safe,†Daney let go of the string.... and then threw the bow at the wall. Mac’s eyes didn’t dart away as the tip of the arrow imbedded itself just above his blond head of hair. “Where is Brian?†She tried to sound brave even through she was heartbroken and felt like she was going to throw up. "Around." MacGyver got up from the bed and pulled the arrow from the wall. "If Gillian is in the hands of your cousins, then all you've done is sealed Brian's fate." “What are you talking about?†Daney inquired as Mac walked toward her. "Gillian belongs to me and I want her. Have those two cousins of yours bring her back." MacGyver circled around her slowly as he spoke, his eyes never leaving her. "Tell me where Brian is, you son ----," Daney grabbed Mac's throat with one hand and a handful of his hair with the other hand. Mac rolled his eyes as he grabbed Daney's wrists and pulled her hands off of him. He threw her down on the bed and straddled her waist, pinning her with his weight. "I've got all the power Daney and you know it. Your life and Brian's hangs in the balance. Give Gillian to me and you just might survive this." He leaned close to her dark hair and nosed it gently as he whispered in her ear. Daney shivered, wondering what he was going to do next. She glanced over to see Bo, Luke, and Daisy with Gillian in the open doorway. Her female cousin had the bow ready to shoot an arrow in Mac’s backside. Her oldest and youngest male cousins had a tight grip on the red haired woman’s arms. Gillian was tied at her hands and ankles. “She’s right behind you,†Daney paused. “Gillian wasn’t harmed, where is Brian... Mac, please.†She pleaded with the blond man. Mac's eyes narrowed as he climbed off the bed, pulling Daney up. His grip around her waist firm as he pressed her back to his chest. "I don't think so, lower it or you'll never know." He focused his stare at Daisy. "I still have the gun. Daisy, you know I'll use it. Do you really want to see it go down like this? You shoot, I shoot and things getting bloody... Lower the bow and I'll show you Brian." Daisy saw how pale her younger cousin was underneath the mud that was still smeared on Daney's face. She was scared something had happened to her friend, the boys and her were too. The older Duke woman lowered the bow and removed the arrow without taking her eyes off Mac and her cousin. Mac kept a firm hold of Daney as he motioned to a small closet on the other side of the little room. "Daisy, open that door." Daisy looked at Bo and Luke who nodded, then she walked over to the door. Hesitantly, she obeyed the man's order. A small gasp came back from her mouth seeing Brian in a police uniform, the collar stained with crimson. His arms behind his back, like he was cuffed. It was eerie... but he appeared ok from the dark eyes that stared at her. She smiled at him and turned back to rest of the room. MacGyver lifted his head. "You got what you wanted; now give me what I want." He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a small key, tossing it at Bo, who caught it. "Untie Gillian and we'll trade women." "What are you gonna do after that?" Luke asked suspiciously. Mac's gaze flicked to Gillian, who gave a small nod of agreement to him. "Walk away…" Bo and Luke looked from Daney over to Brian... then at Mac, before untying Gillian as quickly as they could. "Who hired you?" Daisy asked. "No, that information stays with us. It's what's going to keep us alive for not completing the job." MacGyver looked at Brian. "Watch your back Brian, someone wants you out of the way." The boys let go of Gillian and smiled at her. Then they walked over to the closet. A minute later... Daisy, Bo, Luke and an uncuffed Brian stood waiting for Mac to hold up his end of the deal. Mac let go of Daney and the two women passed one another. Gillian hugged Mac around the waist. "We better go." "Yeah." They said nothing more; simply walked across the room passing the group of people cautiously. They never looked back as they disappeared into the forest. Bo, Luke and Daisy went outside as their cousin began to fuss over Brian to make sure he was really ok. They couldn't help but grin watching through the window until Daney and Brian came out of the cabin a few seconds later.

Daney bit her lip and looked over at Brian apologetically. She didn't want to leave him. She should’ve gotten him loose first. Now it was too late... Please forgive me, Brian. A smile came over her lips remembering a friend’s advice. She was going to have to take another risk... sixth sense told her that Mac was a soulless creep with no mercy. But his vice was the woman, who Daney had ahold of. She could tell by how the couple had interacted. “No Mac, I don’t think so.†She kept a firm grip on the belt and moved toward the door with Gillian, her back stayed against the wall and her hazel eyes focused on Mac and Brian. She made a quick reach for the door handle and opened it... “If anything happens to Brian... you’ll never see Gillian again, Mac.†Daney promised and before she could hear his reply, disappeared outside with the red haired woman.

Mac and Gillian were in deep hushed conversation with their backs to their prisoners... Daney lips were in a smile under the gag from Brian’s unspoken words. She saw how nervous Brian was in this position and did the only thing she could to give him a little piece of mind and comfort. She scooted over enough and rubbed noses with him, it was the Indian sign for affection/friendship. She took a peek at Gillian and Mac again, then decided to risk the idea that had been in her brain since the handcuffs had been placed on her. 30 seconds later, Daney had the cuffs off thanks to a bobby pin from her hair. She took the gag off and smiled at Brian. Then she slid off the bed and crept over behind the couple. She took her belt off and snaked it around Gillian's neck, while her right leg came up and kicked Mac in the head. She kept the grip on the belt tight enough that Gillian could not get away. She moved around until her back was against the window, Gillian was a shield and if Mac tried to get her, he'd sent both of them through the glass. The blonde man groaned as he lay dazed on the floor. Daney looked over at Brian and winked. She adored him, he was a great friend. He seemed a little more comfortable now. She turned a fiery stare to Mac. "Though you were dealin' with just some country hick? I don't think so! I happen to be a P.I., and been in way more difficult spots than what you just did." Daney paused and cleared her throat. "Here in Hazzard, we got something called Southern Justice." Daney grinned seeing some friendly faces in the window behind Mac. "Don't move Mac and cheese or I'll take your wife here to the flip side." Daney fibbed, she would never hurt someone on purpose.