Chapter 2 - Patience...

"Patience: A minor form of despair disguised as a virtue."

~ Ambrose Bierce


As the sun continued its morning climb, the heat rose into the high nineties, blasting the parched ground and wilting acres of crops on the Duke farm. Taking a break from digging another irrigation trench, Bo and Luke moved the General Lee into the shade of the stalwart oak tree that had stood guard over the farmhouse since it was built nearly a century ago.

In preparation to replace the thermostat, Bo crawled under the car and released the bleeder valve while Luke worked to loosen the radiator hose clamps. A flash of sun off a windshield drew his attention to the driveway, where Enos's patrol car had turned into the gate.

Luke stood and with hands on his hips, he watched the car approach. There was a time when it was commonplace to see Enos at the farm, but impromptu visits with Daisy had ceased months ago. He doubted this was a social visit.

Luke wondered if their friend's experience in Wyoming had forever damaged his happy-go-lucky ways. Rumors of a brief love affair had spread through town over the summer, but the talk was short lived. Most people dismissed the crazy notion. Those that knew Daisy and Enos believed the oldest virgin in Hazzard to forever be in love with the town beauty. It simply wasn't possible for him to pine away for some mysterious woman he'd only known for a few days.

Luke leaned against the General and reflected on his encounters with Jenny MacFarland. There was much, much more to the rumors then the town could possibly know. The eldest Duke only spent several stressful days in the woman's company. He thought the petite Scottish girl was intelligent, highly skilled, and rather intriguing. What really stood out was the obvious connection she shared with Enos. It was something otherworldly and unexplainable, although he would never admit that to Daisy given her severe dislike for 'the other' woman. He'd never acknowledge how sweet, pretty, and down-to-earth he thought Jenny was either.

"Hey, Bo." Luke knocked on the quarter panel. "We've got company. Enos is here."

"No kidding?" Bo replied with a touch of surprise. Climbing out from under the car, he took over Luke's unfinished job while glancing up on occasion to watch the patrol car move closer. "Well, would you look at that. Wonder what he's up to?"

"I reckon we'll find out soon enough."

Enos parked the car and as he approached, Luke wiped his hands on his jeans and was ready with an outstretched hand. "Hey, buddy roe!" he said. "We ain't seen you in a month of Sundays. What brings you out this way?"

"Hey, Luke." Enos shook his hand while bestowing his signature smile, then leaned over to wave under the hood. "Hi, Bo. Staying cool under there?

"Trying to," he replied. "It's about time you stopped by for a visit. I'm surprised you remembered the way to the farm!"

"I know it's been awhile. The ranch keeps me awful busy. I need to talk with ya'll about something important. Can you spare a minute or two?"

"Sure we can!" Luke said, wondering what scheme Boss had come up with now.

"This sounds serious," Bo wiped his hands clean on a rag as he moved to stand beside his cousin. "What's up?"

"Hold on a second. Come on inside the house." He gestured to the front door. "Daisy made some fresh lemonade this morning. "I know she'd love to see you."

"N-no, I really don't have that much time," Enos balked, taking a step back. "I have to get back out on patrol. Thanks anyway. Have you two heard about that silver Mercedes that caused trouble over the weekend?"

"Sure have," Luke said. "Uncle Jesse said it scared Mr. Anderson's horses so badly they knocked a fence down. Lots of folks have similar stories. It's a convertible, right? With dark tint on the windows?"

"That's it," Enos nodded, "We've had all kinds of complaints about it."

"That guy is gonna hurt somebody if he doesn't slow down," Luke said, crossing his arms. "I take it you haven't run into it yet?"

"No, but I'm gonna be ready." Enos put his thumbs in his gun belt and shook his head. "I was off this weekend when the Sheriff and Cletus tried to stop him. Rosco was in a really bad mood this morning."

Bo snickered and said, "Luke and I ain't seen it either, but I heard about Rosco and Cletus driving into the pond."

"Six times, wasn't it?" Luke elbowed Enos. "That ain't so unusual for Hazzard's finest."

"Like I said," Enos's lips formed a straight line. "I ain't had my shot at it yet."

"Oh, we're just funnin' with ya'." Bo squinted a curious eye. "You been out in the heat too much lately?"

Enos grinned and relaxed. "If Cooter can't fix the a/c in my patrol car on the down-low, I'm gonna melt. Boss says it's a comfort expense and the County won't pay for it. The only time I'm not in the heat is when I'm sleeping."

"Then come on in the house and have that lemonade." Bo hung an arm around his shoulder and grinned. "It's Daisy's day off. When was the last time you saw her in a sundress?"

"Um... Bo, I really don't-"

"Oh c'mon, Enos! Stay for just a minute or two. She sure misses you." Luke wasn't giving up, despite the deputy's reluctance to face his fears.

"I-I don't know," Enos said, backing away. "I really shouldn't. Would you tell her about the convertible for me? I gotta go." He turned to leave but the boys took him by the arms, picking him up and turning him around. Together they marched him toward the house, ignoring his protestations. "Fellas! Wait a minute! I-"

"You're gonna come in the house and say hello." Luke stopped walking and poked an index finger in Enos's chest. "Hey, it's your duty to protect the citizens of this county, ain't it?"

The deputy's face became deadly serious. "It's the most important part of my job. You know that."

"Good. Because if you don't walk through that door and talk to Daisy, she's gonna tear into my hide for letting you leave without saying hello. She might even get out the cast iron."

"Guess that settles it!" Bo said with a friendly smack to Enos's chest. "I'm afraid you're gonna have to tell her about that convertible yourself."


While Bo and Luke washed up, Enos sat in the Duke kitchen with his heart beating like he was running in place. This had been his second home when he was young and he should feel safe here, but he was walking on eggshells instead. He would always be Daisy's friend and she would always be his first love, but he didn't want to give her false hope about their future.

The last time they spoke had been over a month ago. Things had been tense and uncomfortable. Daisy had made it known that she wanted to resume dating in an effort to heal their 'relationship' but he couldn't give her anything more. He wasn't open to dating any woman right now ... except one.

Enos carried a whole mess of feelings for Jenny that he couldn't let go of, no matter how unresolved they had left their relationship. He couldn't forget her, or the hopes and dreams he had for their future. He prayed every day that she would come back into his life and make him the happiest man in the world. If she didn't return soon, he was going after her.

Enos smiled at the thought of looking into Jenny's eyes again. They'd been the prettiest shade of green, like spring grass after the rain. Just being in her presence had been the best feeling he'd ever known. Holding her hand, touching her, kissing her ... that had been heaven. He smiled, remembering the sound of her melodic laughter.

That's when Daisy walked around the corner, not wearing a sundress, but dressed for work at the Boar's Nest ... and she hadn't noticed he was there.

"Luke? Would you tell Uncle Jesse that Daphne called in sick and I gotta go to work? I..." She stopped short, her blue eyes open wide in surprise. "Enos!"

He wiped the smile off his face and stood too fast, banging his knee on the table in the process. "Ow! Ding dang it," he muttered. Then with a flustered sigh, he looked at the woman who once held his heart. "H-hey, Dais."


Daisy was momentarily struck dumb as she was flooded with multiple thoughts and assessments. At first, it was pleasant, an elated bliss over Enos's presence. After weeks of no communication, now he was in the kitchen, alone ... with her. Then the doubt crept in.

What had that smile been about? And where had it gone? She looked into his eyes - saw the same loneliness and pain that Jenny had left like a scar on his soul - and knew nothing had changed. She quickly lowered her expectations and walked across the floor to greet him.

"Hey, Enos," she said, smiling sweetly up at him as she moved into his space. She could feel the heat of his body and smell his aftershave. It was an intoxicating, heady feeling to be so close after so long apart. When he dropped his arms, she moved in closer and said in a sultry voice, "It sure is good to see you. How have you been?"

He blushed and said, "Shoot, Dais. I'm fine, just busy."

"The ranch is giving you quite the workout. You look so good, sugar." Daisy put her hands on his shoulders and a kiss on his cheek to test the waters. Her heart went still when he pulled away without returning her affection.

"Dais, I need to talk to you about police business. Do you have a minute?" Enos offered her a chair and remained standing to assist her.

He was the perfect gentleman, unlike certain people she'd met recently. Mentally scolding herself for thinking of Drake MacFarland for yet another time, she gave Enos her best smile and had a seat.

"I always have time for you, sugar," she said. "At supper just last night we were saying how glad we are that you're feeling better and are back at work." Daisy casually placed her hand on his forearm. "It was so sweet of you to come all the way out here just to talk to little ol' me."

"Daisy, I dropped by because of police business."

"Yes, but you could've called. You didn't have to drive all the way out here to see me."

"You know Sheriff Rosco wouldn't be happy if he-"

"There she is!" Bo said, barging in on her conversation with a grin on his face.

Luke was right on his heels and and matched his cousin's teasing smirk as he said, "Hey Daisy, Enos is here."

The deputy slid his arm out from under her hand, dropping it under the table and out of her reach.

"Yes, I see that boys." Chagrined by her cousins and trying her best to ignore the sting to her pride, she forced a smile on her face. "We were just about to have a nice little chat. Alone."

Bo flinched, just a little, and awkwardly said, "I'll just ... um ... get that lemonade."

"I'll give you a hand," Luke reached for the cabinet where the drinking glasses were kept.

Daisy turned on the charm and gave Enos all of her attention. "Okay, sugar. What is this about?"

"This weekend, there were several complaints about a silver car driving recklessly and speeding up and down the roads. It's causing a lot of problems with livestock and upsetting the residents. We don't have an ID on the driver just yet. The car is a Mercedes 560SL convertible model with tinted windows. The ragtop is black and is always up. Cletus got close enough to him Saturday to get his tags, but he..." Enos cleared his throat. "Well, he forgot."

"Oh, poor Cletus." Daisy laughed and rolled her eyes. "What was he thinking?"

"I reckon he just got excited. He did say the car had dealers tags, but he can't recall the name of the dealer, either. If you happen to come across it, I want you to keep your distance. Give me a holler instead. I don't want you tangling with it and getting hurt. Okay?"

Daisy's heart swelled and the tiniest shred of hope fluttered deep in her belly. As long as he still cared about her safety, there was a future for them. Only time would tell if that future would be as friends ... or lovers.

"I'll be very careful. Thank you for telling me." Daisy leaned forward, looking deep into his hazel eyes. "Enos, I've been thinking. It's been a long time since we've been riding together. Do you think we could go again sometime? I had so much fun when you hosted the joint Scout Troop picnic. I just loved seeing your beautiful ranch."

Luke put a glass of lemonade in front of their guest and took a seat. "It's mighty hot out there, Daisy," he said. "When the Scouts had their field trip it wasn't nearly this bad. You sure riding in this heat is the best idea?"

Lasering him with a how-dare-you glare, she clenched her back teeth and said, "I was thinking we could go later in the day. You know, when it's cooler?" She emphasized 'cooler' with a kick under the table.

"OW! I mean, oh. In that case..." Luke was silenced by another icy look from Daisy. "Nevermind."

When she flicked her gaze back to Enos, he appeared to have missed the tension. He took a sip of his lemonade and grinned as if nothing had happened. "It's right tolerable out in the trees at sundown. Sam and I have cleared a trail through the woods all the way around the ranch. It makes for a nice ride. Anytime you want to come out, Daisy, just give Sam a call. He can saddle up one of the horses for you. If you give him enough notice, he would probably take one of the green broke three-year-olds out for a ride, too."

Daisy sat back in her chair and prayed for patience. "Enos, that isn't exactly what I had in mind. I thought that you and I could go together. We haven't spent time alone or just had fun with each other in weeks. Sugar, you need to let go of the past and start living your life again."

"But, Daisy, it isn't that simple. I don't have any free time these days."

"Breaker one, breaker one, Crazy Cooter comin' at ya'. Hazzard Two, you got your ears on?"

Luke pushed his chair back but hesitated when Enos moved at the same time. He extended his hand toward the radio and said, "Make yourself at home."

"Thanks," Enos was out of his chair and away from Daisy in a flash.


The radio call couldn't have come at a better time for Enos. He had tried to ignore it, but the tension in the room was growing oppressive. It ramped up to unbearable when Daisy smacked her cousin, unaware he could see everything out of the corner of his eye. When he stepped over to the radio, Bo was already there to offer him the mic.

Bo indicated Daisy with his eyes and whispered, "Sorry. Women. You never know."

His back turned to the table, Enos raised his brows and gave a very subtle nod. He took the mic Bo offered and answered his call. "10-4 Cooter. This is Hazzard Two, go ahead."

"Hey Enos! I had a cancellation so I stopped by early to take a look at this here truck of yours. Partner, we need to talk! Have you ever looked under the hood of this thing?"

"I haven't had much time lately. Why? What's wrong with it?"

"It ain't what's wrong with it that you need to see! I'm gonna be here for awhile, do you think you can swing by?"

Enos doubted his life would ever slow down. "I reckon I can take my lunch break early. Give me about thirty minutes?"

"10-4 Enos. I'z gone."

Enos closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh before forcing his usual grin and turning to face his friends. "I gotta go, y'all. Thanks for the lemonade. Let me know if you see that convertible."

"Anytime, buddy roe," Luke said.

Bo added, "Take it easy."

Retrieving his hat from the table, Enos waved to Daisy, and said, "See ya', Dais!" then bolted for the door.

"Enos, wait!" Daisy's voice cut right through him.

Her heels clicked against the floor like an ominous countdown as she hurried to catch him, which she did.

Within seconds, Daisy had a firm grasp on his arm and was blinking up at him with heartfelt sincerity. "I know you can't stay but I really think we should spend some time alone. I need to talk with you about some things. With your truck broken down, won't you need a ride home tonight? I could pick you up after your shift. Then we'd have the rest of the evening to ourselves." Daisy nibbled on her lower lip and looked up through her lashes. "That is unless you're driving Emily's truck and want to pick me up instead."

"Emily's truck?" Enos grimaced, this was exactly what he was afraid of.

"Yeah, Emily's. That pretty red truck she drove when she came to visit. I saw it parked in your driveway when I was there with my Girl Scouts for the field trip."

Resigning himself to his fate, he tried to let her down gently. "Dais, the red truck is the one that Cooter is trying to fix, but it's not Emily's. It's Jenny's. She left it behind in Wyoming and told Gus to use it to move the horses back to Hazzard. I have her trailer here, too. I gotta get her truck running so I can pick up the rest of Beth's herd next month."

"Jenny. Here we go again." Daisy released him and her expression turned murderous. "You mean to tell me you had her truck and trailer all this time and didn't tell me? Why?"

Luke stood and hurried to the door, the traitor. "We've gotta get back out there and finish replacing that thermostat. We'll keep our eyes peeled for that car, right Bo?"

"Yeah, right. Times a'wastin'! Later, Enos!" Bo waved and followed his cousin out the door.

"See ya', fellas." Enos put on his hat and caught the screen door before it slammed. "Daisy, I mean it now. Don't go chasing that Mercedes." He hurried out on the porch, but she followed him.

"Enos, please…" She caught the sleeve of his uniform and swung herself around him like a professional square dancer. Her eyes pleaded with him while the hurt in her voice poured a new layer of guilt all over him. "I don't understand! Don't you know how much it hurts when you shut me out? Why are you still pushing me away?"

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to hurt you." Enos looked past her, across dry, dusty farmland and wondered how to get out of this without hurting her again. "Daisy, I can't be what you want me to be."

"Oh, Enos. Don't say things like that. You're everything I ever wanted. I think you're pushing me away because you think she's coming back to you." Daisy put her hands on his shoulders and leaned into him. "Sugar, it's past time to face the truth. It was only a few days."

Feeling suffocated, he again stepped back. "Daisy, let's not do this to each other again."

"Do what? You want me to stop being honest with you? Stop being your friend? That will never happen Enos Strate so you just get that through your head right now! You've always told me when I was messing up and now it's my turn!" Daisy eased back on her tone. This time when she stepped up to him, she draped her arms around his neck and her fingers caressed and played with the fine hair at his nape. "Let her go, sugar. If she cared about you at all, she would've called. I'm telling you this for your own good. Send her truck back to Gus and be done with her. Have you forgotten? I was there when you were attacked. I saw you get shot. Where was she?"

Enos's heart was pounding so hard he thought surely she could hear it. "You ain't got room to throw stones, Daisy." He took her arms and physically disentangled her from his body.

She huffed as if swallowing the bitter retort on the tip of her tongue. Then jamming her fists on her hips, she visibly trembled as she tried to keep her temper in check. "I know I made mistakes, but I apologized for using Drake to hurt you. I'm here now and I see what she's done to you. We all miss your smile. You're so unhappy, sugar. Please, for your own good, let her go and move on."

"I can't change how I feel. I can't let go of what I feel for Jenny, either." Enos slipped around her and stepped off the porch.

"You can't? Or you won't!?" she shouted after him. Stop right there, Enos Strate! Don't you dare walk away from me!"

He stopped in the middle of the drive where the heat blasted down on him and cracked the dry earth in long, tiny crevices. He refused to look at her and didn't speak.

Daisy again took his arm and tried to turn him around. He stood firm, unwilling to see the pain in her eyes or be sliced apart by her anger. She didn't give up. When he turned to avoid her, she followed him move for move, which did nothing to ease her anger. With each failed attempt, her voice grew more hostile, and the verbal barbs became increasingly hard to tolerate.

"Enos, this is a dead end!" she shouted. "You're gonna end up alone in that house forever if you don't start thinking right! It was only a few days! You've been waiting for her longer than you even knew her! You have to face the fact that you never really knew her at all! She doesn't care for you the way I do! After everything you've gone through, recovering from your riding accident, trying to live a new life on that big ranch, grieving for Beth all over again, and she never even checked on you! That's not the actions of a person that cares for you! But I've been here! Even when she left you and her brother to die in a pool of blood, she didn't even call!"

Enos had heard all he could take. He spun around and snapped, "That's enough!"


Daisy took a step back, realizing she had pushed him too far. He looked like a wounded animal caught in a trap and she was the hunter poking him with a sharp stick. His eyes turned dark while the silence stretched between them. She clung to one hope and knew he clung to another. Once upon a time, those hazel eyes came to life when they were together, but now they were empty and full of pain; all because he longed for a woman who couldn't be bothered to pick up a phone.

As the sun blazed higher, a chill crept in raising gooseflesh on Daisy's arms. The chasm between them had just grown wider and deeper, and she was the one to blame.

Tears pooled in her eyes as she apologized, "I'm sorry, Enos. I never should've said those things. I'm so, so sorry. Will you forgive me?"

Without another word, Enos turned and walked to his car at a fast clip.

Daisy didn't follow him this time. She knew there was nothing more she could say. She walked into the shade of the oak tree and watched him speed away from his problems. She understood he needed more time, but she feared Enos would choose to pine away forever instead of coming back to her ... where he belonged.


Enos was still upset with Daisy when he turned down the rutted twelve mile stretch of Old County Road. He pulled an emerald pendant from his pocket to rub between his fingers while he made the familiar drive.

The pendant was the only touchable part of Jenny he had. When he missed her the most, he would sit and gaze into the stone. He could still picture the funny little way she looked at him. Her eyes twinkled and her smile lit her face like a blossoming flower when she tilted her head to the side to say, "Oh, Deputy. You say the funniest things."

He'd do anything to find her and was still trying to track Monroe, but he wasn't making significant progress in gathering evidence against the man. His only glimmer of hope had been the visit from Jaxon MacFarland, Jenny's twin, several weeks ago. He'd offered to take a note to his sister for him and Enos had jumped at the chance.

"My Dearest Jenny,

I can't stop thinking about you and the time we spent together. You've become the breath I take, the world around me, and the sun that warms my world. Life isn't the same now that you're gone. I go to bed at night feeling empty and hopeless, but then I find you in my dreams. For those precious moments, we are together again and my heart is healed as I hold you in my arms, then the moment ends and you're gone. I wake in the middle of the night calling your name, aching to hear your voice, but my room is dark and empty. I'm alone and missing you. I don't know where you are, but I know I must find you. I need to be with you again.

Whenever you look up at the stars, know that I am under the same sky, dreaming of you. Come back to me, Jenny. I'll forever wait for you by the fire - with marshmallows.

Yours Always,

Enos


After Enos left the Duke Farm, Daisy had finished her chores and developed a bad case of the blues. She'd have to leave for work soon, but she pulled the tiny pillbox containing her engagement ring from the dresser and stretched out to rest a few minutes. As she lay gazing into the diamond, she grieved her losses and wondered if there was some other way to get through to Enos.

They shared a lifetime of memories and it was shocking that somehow it wasn't enough. Daisy was waiting for him to remember the way he kissed her at Bear Creek. Enos couldn't possibly feel anything that significant for Jenny. Not after a kiss like that. She had a head injury at the time and some details were still fuzzy, but Enos had allowed his true feelings to rule.

He had kissed her with a fiery passion she had only dreamed of. The memory of that kiss made her knees weak and caused her temperature to rise. Regardless of his inability to discuss it and his silent denials that it happened, he was either embarrassed or afraid to admit his true feelings to her. Once again, it was because of some misplaced obligation to Jenny.

As the fan hummed quietly and sent a cool breeze across her skin, Daisy slipped into a dreamy half-sleep. Missing the man she needed, she rolled to her side and tried to recall every last detail of that mind-blowing kiss at Bear Creek.

Her hands had reached up and took his face, he hesitated, only for a fraction of a second, then his lips pressed against hers. The dreamy feelings returned, like the way his lips hungrily moved against hers, needy, yet confident. She remembered his strong arms embracing her, the feel of his hand slowly moving down her body, over the curve of her hip and holding tight, crushing her body against him as his lips demanded her surrender. Daisy had put her fingers in dark chestnut hair and looked in swirling green pools of mystery.

Daisy's eyes flew open. "Green? Enos doesn't have green eyes."

Suddenly the memory cleared and Daisy shot straight up in the bed. "No. Oh, no. That isn't possible!"

Surely she was mistaken about her memory! She had to be! Daisy had kissed Enos! Then again, wasn't she still on the horse when the kiss happened? That would mean...

"Oh, no!" Daisy slapped her hands over her face. She was in his arms. The Neanderthal. Drake MacFarland. Enos wasn't anywhere near them!

Furious, she stomped around the room looking for something to throw. "Drake MacFarland!? Oh, how could you!?"


As Enos walked along the narrow pathway beside his house, the sprinklers came on in the flowerbed and gently misted the parched plants. The sun reflected against the cement like a blast furnace and sent heat radiating into the air around Jenny's pickup. This was where he found Cooter, sweat dripping and shirt nearly soaked, as he worked under the hood.

"Hey, Cooter." Enos opened the garage door to get a little air moving. "You sounded like a kid on Christmas morning. What did you find?"

"You ain't gonna believe the beauty you had sitting here!" Cooter stepped back and held out his arms. "Feast your eyes on a work of art. This truck has modifications I ain't never seen before! I'd like to take a lesson or two from the guy who did this!"

"I knew it had modifications, but I didn't know they were that impressive."

"Are you telling me that you never even driven it?!"

Enos shrugged a shoulder, "It quit running before I got the chance."

"Shoo-doggie! That's what I call a crying shame." Cooter stepped to the side of the truck and waved a hand under the hood. "Come take a gander at this!"

Enos looked underneath the hood. "Possum on a gumbush!"

"You can say that again!" Cooter preened, as if in the presence of greatness. "She's one slick machine ain't she!?"

Stepping over to the truck, Enos looked down into a powerful custom engine. The truck sported aftermarket add-ons, expensive ones, to increase airflow, speed, and performance. Some of the enhancements were so unique he suspected they were one of a kind or experimental in nature. Then his eyes went to something else. There were eight bullet shape gadgets measuring approximately eight inches in diameter and twelve inches long attached to the firewall. Steel tubes ran from these gadgets to various parts of the engine and chassis.

Pointing to the strange objects, Enos asked, "Cooter? What are those?"

"I was asking myself the same question, so when in doubt, follow the wiring! I found something pretty strange." Cooter opened the driver's door and said, "Slide behind the wheel a minute."

Enos hopped into the truck and looked over the dash. "I don't see anything out of the ordinary. What am I supposed to be looking at?"

"It's right over there," Cooter leaned through the open window and pointed to a place below the radio. "See that there cigarette lighter?"

"Yeah."

"Some of those gadgets are wired to a box behind that panel and that box is hard-wired into the radio."

"The radio? Why the radio?" Enos was as perplexed as the mechanic.

"Beat's me, but I just kept messing with things until I found something. Reach down there and pull the lighter out."

Enos did as he was told.

"Now twist the knob off, turn it over, and put it back in the plug backward."

"Huh? Won't that short circuit something?"

"Nope, heck of a thing, ain't it?" Cooter pointed again. "Enos, trust me. This is gonna blow your mind! Just do it!"

"Okay, here goes nothin'." Enos twisted the knob off and flipped it over before placing it back in the hole, upside down. A red switch popped out of the end of it. "What is that thing supposed to do!?"

Cooter had a boyish grin on his face like he had just received the best birthday present ever. "At first I thought it was a nitrous boost, but that ain't it. Now my gut tells me it's either a hidden compartment or some sort of anti-theft device! It looks awful secret agent lookin' don't it?"

"I'll say." Enos stared at the red switch uncomfortably. "Could you do me a favor and find out what it does? I'd appreciate it if you kept it real quiet though."

Cooter slapped a palm over his heart. "I'd die of heartbreak if I couldn't keep working on it. All I know for sure, whatever it is, it ain't working because there's no power. The battery is dead. Other than that, a good tune up should do the trick. I got a buddy I can call in Hot-lanta who would give his eye teeth to see this. He'll keep it quiet." Cooter again wiped the sweat from his brow. "I gotta know something. Where in the world did you find this thing?"

"Would you believe it's a loaner?" A light breeze kicked up, blowing across the front seat and carrying the slightest whiff of Jenny's perfume wafting to his senses.

"Yeah, and I got prime real estate in the Hazzard Swamp to sell ya'." Cooter narrowed his eyes. "That ain't after-shave I'm smelling and Daisy don't wear that kinda perfume. Would this loaner be a girl? Say a girl you met in Wyoming?"

Enos blushed to his toes then glossed over Cooter's observation. "Be real careful when you start working on it. Some of these modifications might be dangerous, or even ... um ... weapons, maybe."

Cooter guffawed, "Weapons!? Like in the movies?"

"I ain't sure, Cooter! That's why I'm asking you to be careful until you find out what it is. I just have a hunch that it ain't an anti-theft thing."

Sobering, Cooter asked, "Why would this gal have a truck with weapons on it?"

"Probably because she-" Enos caught himself a little too late. Frustrated with Cooter's prodding, he stepped out of the truck and said. "Let's just say the person who owns this truck is always watching their back. Okay?"

"You're really hung up on this gal, huh? What's her name and when do I get to meet her?"

"Jenny. Her name is Jenny." Enos's heart ached all over again. He wanted to tell the world about her, but without knowing when she was coming back it didn't feel right.

His feelings must've been written all over his face because Cooter heaved a sigh and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, Enos. I'll figure this out and get back to you."

"Thanks," he replied, meaning it. "I'm really not too worried about the other stuff working. I just need it running."

Cooter squinted up toward the sun, doffing his hat. "How much time can you give me with it?"

"I gotta leave for Wyoming in a little over three weeks."

"I can work faster if I take it back to the garage. The schedule is light so it shouldn't take too long." With an amused chuckle, he added, "That is if ya'll keep the patrol cars outta the pond."

"I'll do my best," Enos smiled and offered his hand.

"I'll call when I know somethin' more."

"Thanks, Cooter. I appreciate it."

While Cooter prepared Jenny's truck for the tow into town, Enos strolled back to his cruiser, again thinking of her and the many mysteries she held. The modifications didn't sit well with him and he wondered just how modified the truck would turn out to be.

He stopped at his patrol car to look out through the trees into the sun-baked field on the opposite side of his house. Several mounds of dirt erupted from the ground, planting beds for a new garden. He'd turned over the soil a few weeks ago, leaving a large grassy area in the center where he would eventually build a picnic table and an arbor for shade. Now all that was in this space was a circle of bricks protruding from the ground. Next year, it would look completely different. He hoped lots of things would be different.

The sound of hoof beats reached his ears just as a male voice called out, "Enos, do you have a second?"

Enos turned with a smile to greet his foreman. Sam Tucker was riding a three-year-old sorrel. As usual, he was covered with dust from head to toe and sweat had caked the stuff into a muddy concoction on his shirt. He'd probably change his clothes three or four more times before the day was out. This heat was a strain on everyone.

"Hey, Sam! How is Abby coming along?" He took a moment to acknowledge the filly, patting her shoulder firmly then reaching up to scratch behind her ear. The horse nickered, obviously enjoying the attention.

"She's learning fast and loves to jump," Sam said, sitting back in the saddle with a cheerful smile. "She still kicks out a little though when she gets excited, but she'll get over that. Hey, I know you're on duty, but the well near Honeysuckle Hollow went dry and the biggest pond will probably be empty by the end of the week. We need that extra help to haul the water tank out to the horses on the back property several times a day. It's either that or bring all of them into the hay fields so they can drink from the well. That's gonna cut into our hay supply come harvest and it's not looking great as it is. I can do the primary interviewing. What do you think?"

"Well, we can't keep going like this. Let's hire three more hands, maybe four. We're gonna double in size when I get back from the Rafter G and I want you to have help before I leave. Go ahead and call Gabby at the Hazzard Gazette and take out an ad. Ask them to send the bill to Tom Grady in Atlanta. His address is in the grey index card box on your desk. When I get home tonight we can talk about the salary and job requirements. I'm afraid it's gonna be another late night."

"That's alright, boss. I don't mind."

Enos visibly cringed. "Sam, do you mind just calling me Enos? When you meet Boss Hogg, you'll understand why."

"Sorry, it's just a habit from the last job." Sam gathered his reins. "I'll make that call right away and see if we can get the ad in tomorrow's paper. I'll come up to the house around 9:30 with the daily report. It's my turn to cook so save room. It's meatloaf and mashed potatoes night."

"Did I tell you how glad I am that your ma taught you how to cook?"

"When you have five sisters, it happens naturally."

"I reckon it does," Enos chuckled. "See ya' later, Sam!"

"Later!" Sam moved Abby into a slow trot back to the barn, waving over his shoulder as he went.

"Five sisters," Enos said to himself as he got back into his patrol car. "Ding dang. Maybe being an only child wasn't so bad after all."


Tucked away in a quiet Wyoming river valley, Gus and Emily Rafferty relaxed on the back deck of their cabin, enjoying the breeze and the cool temperatures of the morning. Having been together for over thirty-five years, the couple shared a loving bond that that was as immovable as the mountains that surrounded them. They had leaned heavily on that bond over the past summer.

Gus was slouched in his chair with his feet propped on the rail. His cowboy hat was pulled over his eyes and he snored on occasion. This was their usual routine when the ranch was between large events. They'd finish morning chores and relax for an hour together, sometimes talking, sometimes just enjoying the peaceful quiet of the wilderness around them. As long as they were able to be in one another's presence, that was all that they needed.

This morning Emily found it difficult to focus on her knitting. She had left a big piece of her heart back in Hazzard County. She tried to convince herself that things were going better for her godson. In some ways, she supposed they were. Enos now called every Sunday instead of several times a week. Perhaps he had finally settled into a routine, or else he was working too hard. She feared it was the latter.

Without lifting his hat, Gus said, "He's fine, darlin'. Give the boy some time to adjust to being alone. I haven't seen a rider yet that couldn't find something to smile about during the Fall Color Ride."

"Pfft. That's three weeks away! Right now he's miserable and we both know it." Emily's hands slowed and she lowered her knitting. "This whole thing is just so unfair. What on earth is Drake doing? I understand why he had to take Jenny off our ranch, but why did he keep them apart after the shooting? And why is he keeping them apart now?" She shook her head and resumed knitting, the needles clicked together like battling swords. "You mark my words, Augustus. The next time I see that Drake MacFarland, the two of us are gonna have a come to Jesus meeting."

Gus chuckled, "Now woman, you'll need a miracle if you're gonna change Drake's mind. Trying to reason with a stubborn cuss like him is like trying to reason with a wood splitter. You go pokin' around where you aren't supposed to and you'll pull back a bloody stump. Besides, neither one of us has much mind left to waste these days."

The knitting needles froze and Emily turned an evil eye on her husband. "You just speak for yourself, Augustus, or I'll hide the rest of those peanut butter cookies I made this morning."

Gus dropped his feet to the deck and sat straight, pulling his hat from his head. "Oh hush and gimmie a kiss."

"You're such a romantic," Emily giggled and kissed him. He could always put a smile on her face.

"Don't be messin' with my cookies, woman," he teased, replacing his hat. "Let's talk about the Fall Color Ride for just a second. Are we booked or do we have any openings?"

"We're almost full, sweetheart." Emily again resumed her knitting. "Don't you worry though. I'm holding a few rooms open in the main cabin, just in case they show up."

"Good. That's good." Gus reached out and patted her forearm. "I want you to do me a favor."

Emily looked over her glasses with worry. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, not really, but I'd like to keep her room open. Even if she doesn't show, I'd rather have it empty. I just..." Gus dabbed his eyes. "I ain't got the heart to see someone else in it."

"Oh, Gus. I'll take care of it." Emily laced their fingers together and held tight. "Don't give up hope. Not until the very last minute."


As the late afternoon dragged into the dinner hour, the heat brought a small crowd into the Boar's Nest for refreshments. Daisy was grateful for the crowd, but it failed to provide the distraction from her problems that she yearned for.

The recollection of the kiss at Bear Creek was an embarrassment that clung to her like filthy, torn clothing. Daisy had mistaken Drake for Enos because of a severe concussion and shock, but she could not accept that she failed to recognize the difference between the two men. The bottom line and most condemning fact being that Enos had never, ever, kissed her in that way before.

Daisy returned to the bar and filled another pitcher of beer, wondering how she would come to terms with this new perspective. The Kiss at Bear Creek now meant something completely different and changed everything. It meant that Enos hadn't come for her, hadn't saved her, and hadn't kissed her after meeting that girl, the boyfriend-thieving-crusher-of-dreams.

All these months Enos had been pushing away Daisy's advances and she was convinced he was in denial. Now she knew his feelings for Jenny went deep. That wasn't even the worst of it. It wasn't that The Kiss had happened that was driving her crazy, or even that it had happened with Drake.

It was that she had enjoyed it so much. So very much.

Why hadn't Drake told her the truth? No wonder he ran off at the first opportunity. He was probably as mortified as she was and preferred to forget it ever happened. Which is exactly what she planned to do, too. The Kiss would be banished from her memories. Somehow.

"Good evening, Daisy."

Immediately her problems disappeared. Daisy turned to greet the young businessman who had made a habit of dropping by to see her when he was in the area. She didn't know his name, but she looked forward to his unannounced visits and their easy banter. He was nice on the eyes, too.

Lean and well-groomed, dressed in a suit that looked a lot like Italian silk, Mr. Smooth was average height with thick brown hair and bright green eyes. His smile revealed perfect white teeth and a friendly disposition. He stood with his head tilted slightly to the side as he leaned against the bar, his eyes slowly checking out her features.

Daisy beamed. This was exactly what her bruised ego needed. "Well look who came to see me! Hey, sugar! What brings you to Hazzard?"

Dropping his keys on the bar, the man checked over his shoulder then leaned in close. "Don't tell anyone, but I'm having a secret love affair with a gorgeous waitress who serves watered down beer."

Daisy laughed at his lame joke. "Ohh, sounds very dangerous. It's nice to see you again. What can I get for you?"

"I'll have some iced tea, please." The man loosened his tie and asked, "How have you been? Everything going okay at the farm? I've heard the drought is bad here."

Daisy grabbed the pitcher of tea and a mug. While she poured, she replied, "Yes, it's really bad. We aren't sure how we are going to be affected just yet, but we've lost about two acres. I've heard some people have already lost the majority of their crops. It's a scary time, but my job helps and my two cousins usually find odd jobs to bring in a little extra when we need it."

"That's good. I've heard there is an assistance fund being set up to help the farmers in the Tri-County area. The fund gives priority to multi-generational farm owners. I can bring you some applications and more information in the next couple of days if you'd like. Maybe you can help spread the word. I'd hate to see your County Commissioner benefit from the hardship foreclosures."

Daisy sat down the pitcher. "Boss Hogg will be ready with greedy palms, too. That is so sweet of you to think of all those families. Thank you, sugar. I'll make sure the whole town knows about the fund and where to get an application."

"I knew I could count on you, Daisy. You have a generous heart." Taking her hand, he kissed her fingers lightly, like a romantic prince would bestow on his princess, then set those fathomless eyes back on her face.

Humbled, she said, "You know, I've been thinking. You've been dropping by all summer and I don't even know your name. That just isn't fair."

"I never told you my name?" his green eyes, bright as gemstones, sparkled at her playfully. "Well, you're right. That's not fair at all."

Daisy turned things up a notch by flipping her hair back, then said in a seductive whisper, "Tell me your name, mister."

Somehow, her hand found its way to his arm and gently explored the pliable but strong muscles beneath a very expensive dress shirt. He was so easy to be with that the effect was almost supernatural. Daisy imagined this man had women lined up just to be near him. He was so comfortable.

His free hand took hers and his voice took on a husky tone. "It's good to see you again, Daisy. My name is Jack Young. Just call me Jack."

The chemistry that had sparked to life the day he walked in burst forth with unexpected heat. Daisy's cheeks began to feel warm as a blush crept across her face.

"It's very nice to meet you, Jack Young." Daisy was enamored with the way he held her gaze and his hand sent a tingling sensation up her arm, where it spread out, sending signals to various other places. They were caught up in the moment, neither speaking until the front door creaked open and closed as Enos walked in.

Daisy released Jack and backed away as if he were on fire. How could she get carried away so easily? What if Enos had seen them?

"Is something wrong, Daisy?" Jack gave her a little space, his face reflecting concern. "You're a little pale, luv."

"I just realized I have other customers," she said. "It was nice talking with you. Can I get you anything else?"

"No, thank you, Daisy. I have to go soon anyway. I have a late appointment this evening."

She grabbed her tray and whispered, "All this hard work without play isn't healthy, Jack."

"Perhaps we can do something about that one of these days. Thanks for the tea." He lifted his glass in a salute and said, "Go get those tips. We will see each other again soon."

"You bet." Daisy shook herself out and hurried to her next table to take their order.

She didn't need another man complicating her life, but as long as she kept Jack in the innocent flirting category, everything would be fine. Sometimes she just needed the ego boost and Jack certainly fit the bill.

Daisy took several orders and on her way back to the bar, her heart shot to her throat when she spotted Jack and Enos together near the door. The deputy looked angry, unusually so. The men seemed to be locking horns over something, but they were keeping their voices low. She watched in morbid horror. Could Enos actually be ... jealous?!

Her hope burst like an overfilled balloon when Jack put a placating had up and suddenly calmed the conversation. After a few more words, Jack walked out and Enos took a seat at the bar, looking more upset and sad than usual.

She wasted no time in getting to the end of the bar. "Enos? Sugar, are you okay?" He didn't respond. He just sat there with his hat in his hands and a tortured look on his face.

"Enos!"

He started in place before acknowledging Daisy. "Oh, hey Dais. Can I get some buttermilk and a BLT to go?"

She was taken aback by his response. "I asked if you were okay. Didn't you hear me? What happened with Jack?"

"I'm sorry. I have some things on my mind. That's all." His forehead crinkled and he looked at her curiously. "Who's Jack?

Daisy gave a hard stare. "You're really starting to worry me. You just finished talking to him. Jack Young? Expensive suit? Dark hair? Average height?"

"Oh, Jack Young! We were just talking about a job he's helping me with. Really Daisy, you don't have to go fussin' over me."

"I'll fuss over you if I want to." Daisy replied, smiling. She'd already put the pieces of the puzzle together. The fund Jack told her about was probably backed by O'Connell money ... Enos's money now. "Jack tells me he's a strategist and looks into investment opportunities. I reckon he would be of real help to you. Have you hired him to do any special jobs for you lately? Like a charitable fund for local victims of the drought?"

Enos's eyes popped wide and he moved closer, keeping his voice low. "Please don't tell anybody. I asked if he would look for matching donations for the drought assistance fund. That's all. "

"Oh, sugar." Daisy's put a compassionate hand on his. "I am so proud of you. I know Beth would be, too. Don't worry. I'll won't say a word." Running a finger along the side of his face, she asked, "Are you sure you're alright? I thought the two of you were arguing about something. You still seem upset and tired."

"It's nothing for you to worry about, Dais. I've had to learn the ranch business fast and I reckon I'm working too hard. Things are about to get better though. Sam and I are hiring more help. Once they start I won't have to go home and work several more hours before hitting the sack."

"I'm glad to hear that. Sit tight, sugar," Daisy said, patting his hand and hiding her disappointment. "I'll just get your sandwich ready."

Daisy watched him as she went about fixing his meal. That blithe grin of his wasn't fooling her in the least. There was more to the conversation with Jack, but once again Enos had shut her out instead of trusting their lifelong friendship. She knew from experience that he pushed people away when he was hurting. He'd done so all of his life. The sadness and pain looked far worse than it had this morning. He looked exhausted.

Concerned that he wasn't eating well either, Daisy added a fresh apple, a bag of potato chips, and cut a large piece of pecan pie to his order and carefully placed everything into a sturdy bag. When she delivered it, along with a to-go cup of buttermilk, she found him sound asleep with his head propped on his hand.

"Aw, Enos." Daisy slipped her fingertips through the hair along his forehead, wishing she could wake up to him every morning. Then she moved closer to wake him before the sheriff or Boss caught him sleeping on duty.

"Enos, wake up sugar."

He didn't stir.

"Enos, you have to wake up." Daisy leaned in close and tenderly stroked his cheek. "C'mon sleepyhead, what's it gonna take to get you outta here?"

He released a content sigh as his lips curved into a relaxed, satisfied smile. With his eyes closed, he said in a deeply seductive voice, "My boots are on the floor by the bed, Jenny. But I still got ten minutes to kiss you."

Jenny. It was always Jenny! Her pride singed black, she shoved the entire meal into Enos's chest and shouted, "Here's your food, Enos!"


It was a wonderful dream. One of the rare ones, where Drake didn't interfere. Then an ice cold liquid splashed on his face and soaked through his shirt as a to-go cup was crushed against his chest. The frigid buttermilk went everywhere, soaking his uniform and his meal. Enos instinctively grabbed the contents pushed against him and looked across the bar at Daisy.

"Enjoy your lunch!" With a black glare, she spun around and stomped away.

Muffled laughter broke out and began to spread across the room, so Enos made a hasty exit. There was no salvaging his uniform without washing it, so he ate his now soggy sandwich in the car on the drive back to the ranch. This was turning out to be a really rotten day. On top of everything else, Daisy was apparently furious with him.

As much as he wanted peace with his childhood friend, he couldn't stop his mind from replaying the short conversation he'd just had with Jaxon. He'd been thrilled to finally see Jenny's twin but frustrated that he couldn't talk freely in that environment. The news he delivered about his sister was another arrow to his heart.

Jenny and Drake had finally come to blows over his meddling in her life. From the sounds of it, the fight had been ugly and the eldest MacFarland had threatened to take the twins out of the country. Things ended with Jenny walking out.

That was three days ago.

The worry was obvious on Jaxon's face as he spoke. He had said, "I know you're worried. So are we, but I did get a call from her this morning. She wouldn't tell me where she was, just that she was nearby and that she's safe."

"She's in more danger alone! Why hasn't she called me? What about the note I gave you? Jaxon, you did give it to her right?

He smiled and put a reassuring hand up. "Yes, I gave her your note. Her feelings for you haven't changed since the day we left Wyoming. Jenny even tried to write you back, but my brother caught her with the note and that's what set all of this in motion."

Enos's heart shriveled at the obvious."That's not what love is about. That's control. What Drake is doing can be considered kidnapping. If Jenny wanted to press charges, she could."

"Slow down. You need to understand everything that's going on here and you don't. Drake is dealing with very heavy emotions surrounding traumatic things that he went through. You know about his fianceè, Cynthia. There are many more experiences that you aren't aware of. Right now he needs us, that's all. He's not a bad person. The three of us are family and nothing comes between that."

"I'm trying to understand, but I don't know where I fit into all of this. I need to see her, Jaxon. I need to talk to Jenny!"

"You will, soon." Jaxon took Enos's shoulder and gave him a firm shake. "I said nothing comes between family. That doesn't mean we're opposed to adding people to it. She's going to come back to her family, but I suspect she will try to reach you first.

"I sure hope you're right. Jenny deserves to have the kind of life that Drake had with Cynthia. I want her to have the freedom to live that life, too. With me."


As dusk fell on Hazzard County, the silver car sat in the trees with the police scanner on. The driver had been there since early afternoon and knew the Sheriff was at the station, Hazzard Three was also somewhere in town, and the target was driving into the far corner of the county alone.

The finely tuned engine purred to life and the car slid along the road like a low flying plane. The driver eased off the road and parked in the trees along Pond Creek Road, not far from the Highway 20 intersection to wait.

This was it. Tonight, he would put a stop to the deputy meddling in his business ... for good.