DaneyDuke

Daney let out a big sigh of relief seeing Brian and MaryAnne hug. A smile came over her face. The brunette glanced went quickly from Rosco moving toward his kin to her young blond cousin on the roof, Daisy walking pass Hilery and her friend. Luke heading back up the ladder. She waved to her oldest cousin, Min, Bo, Val, Enos, Cletus, Vicki and Sheriff Little. Then turned back to watch the Deputy and her favorite bad guy. The private investigator felt a gentle squeeze on her shoulders and grinned at Daisy.

Daisy had climbed down from the roof with Luke. They walked over to Hilery. Rosco had since walked to his cousins. "It ain't up to Rosco, Hazzard is his county not Chickasaw." Daisy told the young girl with a smile.

Daney's eyes got really wide hearing Brian and MaryAnne. She put a hand up to her mouth and bit on her lip, she didn't want to spoil it for anyone.

Rosco shook his head and threw the gun back to Daney, then ran toward MaryAnne and Brian.

Rosco was speechless for a moment, then angry. MaryAnne was dead or dying and no one was moving to help to her. Not even Daney who was frozen in shock except for the tears. His foot brushed againist something. He reached down and picked it up. The feel of the small warm metal piece was no comfort. "Sheriff, please don't. Brian had no choice." Daney's voice was a mere whisper. The Sheriff didn't care... He looked toward his cousins, then glanced around with revenge in his heart and mind.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Daney heard not just her voice but Rosco's as well. He was heartbroken at the shot. So was she. They were both in shock. She reached up to her necklace a second and held it tight. She pulled the item that had been held at her side... and looked toward the rooftop and the crowd. Then back to the MaryAnne and Brian... before she crumpled to the ground in tears, like a ragdoll that had been thrown. This wasn't suppose to happen. She could Rosco cussing as his feet kicked angrily at the ground.

Rosco bit his lip at the scene in front of him and figdeted with his shirt. He glanced to see the people on the roof and the rest of the damn crowd quiet... The Sheriff stopped where he was and stared at his younger cousins about twenty feet away. He turned for just a second to see Daney had managed to stop crying enough to come and stand behind him. He was shaking just as much as she was.

Daney took a deep breath and ran after the Sheriff. He had every right to stop them but he couldn't.. they had to finish this. "Sheriff Rosco," She paused to see the arrow land exactly where it had been targeted. She stopped in her tracks seeing Brian grab his weapon. "Oh god no," She screamed and started trembling, the tears began as she glanced up to her own cousins, then back to the Coltranes. Her and Rosco were closer than anyone else except for the people on the roof. They had walked that far in the few seconds.

Rosco shook his head, his eyes like wildfire seeing MaryAnne look toward her weapon... It was too much and he began to walk from the forest.

I'll be there if its still a go. =)

The salt and peppered haired man’s attention went momentarily toward the folks on the rooftop, the rowdy crowd on the side of the building. How could they all want to see this? Some folks thought of him as just a simple country law officer who followed the county commissioner around like a puppy dog. Others thought of him as the mean old Sheriff who had lost his pension. A few still believed he was the best lawman in the state. His cheeks were streaked from seeing his younger cousins still at it. The advantage had flip flopped like a dying fish being reeled in from a creek on a fishing line. That’s where he wished he was right now, when MaryAnne was about ten years old and enjoying a quiet Saturday afternoon. Seemed so long ago… so much had happened since then and it was no good hashing over what could not be changed. He was glad to have added Brian to the family in spite of everything. The uniformed man was comforted to know that there were still people who would give it all they had to keep Hazzard a peaceful town… no matter the price they paid. But that it had to be one of his cousins, it gave him a quiver in his liver just like this battle was doing. A gentle breeze brought the scent of blooming wildflowers to his nose. His ears strained to hear the fighters that his blue eyes viewed, but he heard the forest wildlife scurrying about the woods like it was a normal day. The man spun around hearing leaves and twigs crunch; a string snapped, an arrow flew and the bow in his hands dropped to the dirt and moss covered earth. The bow was level, arrow dead center pointed at the back door of the Boar’s Nest that led to Boss Hogg’s office. Rosco knew the tavern’s structure like one of his patrol routes. He just couldn't take it any more and he knew they'd be sore at him.

Daney lifted the binoculars to her face after her ears picked up noise from the direction of the woods. Her green brown eyes through the clear lenses observed a broad shouldered, average frame built long legged man in dark clothing. The metal in his slender fingers glistened when he turned sideways. The young woman hated to miss a moment of the duel. Maybe he was just someone looking for his family’s evening meal. She thought and turned her attention to MaryAnne and Brian. She was closer than any of the other spectators. The Deputy, former hitman now Syndicate Don and her had a list of enemies, an occupational hazard. Some of those shady types would do something sneaky. Her eyes glanced between the woods and the crowd from her cousins, the Strates and others on the roof to the folks on both sides of the one level gray brick tavern. It took her no more than thirty seconds to squeeze to the back of the crowd and over to Hunter. No one had interfered yet and no one would. She’d given Brian and MaryAnne a word of honor oath. And that meant as much as the ritual little kids do of being blood brothers or sisters. And it was the detective’s duty to investigate that fella. She leaned in the Plymouth's window and put the binoculars in the backpack that was placed on the front passenger side floor board. She stood up straight, a new tool of the trade in one hand. What worried the long haired brunette the most was that MaryAnne and Brian liked to finish what they started and this would be no exception. Suspicion and instinct told the private eye that the man in the woods was of the same kind. Daney could’ve have ran to Brian and MaryAnne to let them know about the fella but that wouldn’t be right. She could’ve gotten at least one if not all of her cousins or some of the folks in the crowd to walk with her. But she made the decision to go alone because she was not a damsel in distress. She glanced to the magnificent royal blue Firebird and sleek black Chevy, then to their owners still battling. The advantage had see sawed back and forth by the time she approached the edge of the woods.

Daney watched with wide, teary eyes. She couldn't believe that something hadn't happened to stop this. It would be so easy to climb down and interfere... but that would not solve anything, just create another problem. She saw Val praying and her other cousins talking. She trembled and wiped the tears that been falling down her cheeks since the cousins had made contact with each other. She didn't care who knew she was crying. She couldn't take it any more. It was making her sick to see this... two cousins who loved each other so much and had already been through hell fight like two alley cats at midnight. She started to reach for the ladder when one of her cousins looked at her. While Val and the other three Dukes continued to watch, Daisy walked over to her younger cousin. "You can't interfere!" "I have too, I'd rather have them hate me than see anymore of this!" Daisy shook her head when Daney disappeared over the side of the building down the ladder.

Val watched nervously. She glanced up at the roof where the five Duke cousins were at. One blond, the rest brunette. The two males with blue eyes like MaryAnne. Daisy and Daney had hazel and Min had dark eyes like Brian. She climbed up the ladder that the boys had put up so people could get on the roof. Her mouth formed the word oh when she saw something laying on the roof next to Daney. It was about the size of two small hands and looked like it could fit in a shoulder holster. “No one is suppose to interfere!†The Game Warden yelled and dove for the shiny gray metal. She looked up puzzled by the soft chuckles and a chorus of shhhh. Her eyes were still wide when the Duke boys helped the young woman to her feet. “It’s just a pair of binoculars,†Daney paused and stood up. “I was going to watch from over there on the hill by myself.†Val’s mouth repeated oh. She smiled feeling each of the boys pat a beige covered shoulder. Her eyes looked sad at the sight below of the two cousins so close. The Game Warden cringed when MaryAnne shove Brian. She glanced to each of the boys who had a hold of her. “No interfering, remember?†Luke reminded. She shook her head. Bo sat down and smiled up at the older woman. “Come on, Cletus and Enos’ll be bringing the popcorn and drinks any minute now.†“Ow,†He exclaimed and looked up to the person who had whacked him on the top of his head. “Would you shut the hell up?†Daney looked down at him, Val who had taken a seat and Luke next to Daisy. Their interest turned to more words being said below, each of them straining to hear. Daney paced nervously.

(Val gave me permission to post with her character) Val arrived at the Duke farm and frowned when she didn’t see the 72 dark green Plymouth Duster named Hunter. In fact the only vehicle around was the pick up truck. The Game Warden got back in her car and drove to the Boar’s Nest, a crowd had gathered. The General Lee, Hunter and Dixie were parked in front of the gas pumps. She waved to Min and Bo on the roof, and stepped up beside Luke, Daney and Daisy. “I’ll be right back,†Daney walked over to her vehicle. She was tense and needed an outlet before she yelled at someone. She got in and put the key in the ignition, turned it so the radio would come on. She was in her attire of blue jeans, brown cowboy boots and cotton t shirt. “I’ll Stand By You,†by The Pretenders played in the tape deck. She would always stand by MaryAnne and Brian. While she got strands of hair untangled from the silver necklace she had on, a tiny smile came to her face. She had so many memories of the cousins Coltrane. She turned the car off and went to join Min and Bo on the roof. Luke and Daisy followed her. She really didn't want to be that close, yet she did... if nothing more, out of respect for Brian and MaryAnne.

Unbeknowst to Min, Daney had taken the key from her cousin. She walks over and unlocks the closet. She looks at Hilery with a smile. "You better heed Brian's word or else." She whispers to the young woman, then the private investigator's glance goes to MaryAnne and Brian.

Daney just shakes her head at all the unneeded noise. This is about MaryAnne, Brian and a trip to hell... nothing more or less. She reaches a hand up to her silver necklace and thinks about helping Hilery...

I'd love to place a bet but Jesse said gambling is a vice and Dukes don't hold with vices. I can't very well go againist his word can I? 8) Daney

MaryAnne and Brian, Please don't do this. Where is there a need to shoot anyone? Can't you two just have a nice talk and a cold one at the Boar's Nest or some place. There's been enough violence... let's have peace. Daney

I appericate the vote, Essy. =) But I don't think I could do the dirty deed if given the chance.

I covered the things you mentioned just in a different way, Hilery. Besides I don't have time to waste words on you. I have more importnant matters to think about. This MaryAnne and Brian shooting thing... it's been done before. Let's look back at some of the facts... Rosco and Enos both arrested Brian but he got away and he's out walking the streets. What is wrong with that picture? Seems to me if the Hazzard County Sheriff's Department, the Atlanta cops, the Syndicate and the FBI couldn't get the job done... They need someone who can.

Tryin' to replace me are you, Davenport? Here is for the Tisdales... Feisty, if you are a female you have a crush on a Duke. You are also one of the nice, sweet people. And you drive a mean motorcycle. And you always want an id. =) Did I cover everything?

Why wait? A holiday is just another day on the calender. That is a tough decision... MaryAnne versus Brian. Nice to see you post, Sheep. =)

That was fun, thanks B. =) Nice to see you on the forums again. My answers were divided... 4 b's and 4 c's.

I wasn't making fun of your character, that paper thing happens to be what I do when I am done with a paper in real life. I didn't realize you would take it so damn serious. I was going to post this next part in a separate post... Ode to Chet Duke by Daney Duke and Hilery Davenport DaneyDuke (11:12:59 PM): Was it just a year ago this very month that I first met you. Now your gone like leaves in the fall when the days are turning into winter. (m) DaneyDuke (11:13:52 PM): I'm glad you were here even if it was just for a little awhile. DaneyDuke (11:14:49 PM): How to say good bye when you don't want too... but you know you must. I wish you the best in your endeavors. DaneyDuke (11:15:59 PM): (d) DaneyDuke (11:16:01 PM): your turn Scooter 986 (11:17:19 PM): but you will always be remembered, always welcome to return. We will never turn out backs on you. Scooter 986 (11:18:22 PM): our friendship will never be broken with you gone,it will jsut grow stronger from days paste, and even more if you are back. Scooter 986 (11:19:17 PM): you were like a member of the family, always to be loved, and always to be cherrished, you were like a sibling i never had. I always wished for a friend like you. Scooter 986 (11:31:38 PM): you were one of my best pals, kind and understanding, yet with a firey timper. At times you could be dangerous and wild. but to me, most people who were once friends, are always my friends. Scooter 986 (11:32:24 PM): (ur turn) DaneyDuke (11:35:28 PM): Some of us didn't get to know you as well as Hilery did but you were pretty cool. I don't know what else to say because I know there was a reason you came to Hazzard and a reason you have left. DaneyDuke (11:35:47 PM): (d) Scooter 986 (11:37:37 PM): But you were great to everyoen as long as they didn't tick you off. Anyone who made you mad had to look out cause you would get them one way or anther. Scooter 986 (11:44:16 PM): yoru turn DaneyDuke (11:44:30 PM): I cant think of anything else. Scooter 986 (11:45:59 PM): You were more like family then a friend. I hope you return to us one day my friend, for i am a little lost wihtout you pal. It don't matter how long you stay away. . . just come back to us someday soon. . . please. (d) ___________________________ Hazzard is a peaceful county... let's keep it that.