Author's note: Thank you to Kimduke-79 for being my muse and Beta for this story. The idea for this story was all Kim's. Thanks so much, Kim, couldn't have written this story with you!
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters. Warner Bros owns them.
Luke and Jesse supported Bo as they followed the doctor, who introduced himself as Dr Whitmore, into a private room. "You can lay him on that bed." The doctor pointed to the bed in the middle of the room. Luke and Jesse helped Bo onto the bed. "And roll up his sleeve. I'll need to take his blood pressure as well as take some blood." Bo closed his eyes and took deep breaths, he didn't know whether it was the thought of the doctor taking his blood or whatever was making him sick but he was feeling nauseous again. Dr Whitmore took Bo's blood pressure and temperature. He frowned, "Your blood pressure is a little high but nothing to worry about, but your temperature is. I'm going to take some blood now and I'm going to need you to stay until the result comes back. Shouldn't take more than an hour." He said this as he tied a rubber tube around Bo's biceps. Bo turned his head when the doctor prepared the needle. Jesse put a comforting hand on his nephew's shoulder. Once the doctor was done the doctor nodded to the nurse standing near the door. "Nurse Melissa here is going to take you to a room. Nurse, I'll need you to set up an IV for Beauregard Duke. He's fever is causing him to become dehydrated."
"It's Bo." Luke said, "He hates the name Beauregard." Bo smiled at his cousin.
"Bo it is then." The nurse said as she smiled at her patient. She rolled in a wheelchair from outside the room while Luke helped Bo off the bed and into the chair. The fact that Bo didn't complain showed how bad he must be feeling.
Bo was lying in a bed with his shirt off and an IV in the back of his hand. "Are you feeling better?" Luke asked his cousin. Jesse had gone out to phone Daisy at the Boar's Nest and give her an update on Bo's condition.
Bo looked at Luke with tired eyes, "A little."
"Won't be long until the Doc comes back with the results. Hopefully it's just a bad cold." Luke knew he was being naïve but he was hoping it would make Bo feel better.
Bo gave a short chuckle, "I know you're the smarter one but that doesn't make me that stupid. I think I can tell if this was just a bad cold. I can barely lift my arm without my muscles screaming."
Luke smiled and shrugged, "It was worth a try." Jesse walked in then.
"Daisy's really worried about you but I told her there was no point in her coming over yet. I CB'ed Cooter as well to see if he could keep her company until we know more." Jesse reported, "How are you feeling, Son?"
"Tired."
Jesse nodded, "Close your eyes and rest. We'll wake you when the doctor gets in." Bo nodded and drifted off.
Jesse and Luke waited in silence. They were both too worried about their youngest to engage in any sort of conversation. It wasn't long before Dr. Whitmore came in. He had a look which told Luke and Jesse that the news wasn't good. Luke turned to his cousin and woke him up. "The Doc's here, Bo." The doctor injected something into the IV line.
Bo rubbed his eyes and let Luke help him sit up. "Hi Doc. What's the diagnosis?" Bo asked groggily.
The doctor looked up from his chart. "Looks like you'll be checking in here, Bo." The Doc started, "You have what is known as Listeriosis. It's caused by a bacteria called Listeria monocytogenes. It's a food-borne bacteria meaning you got it from something you ate."
"That can't be right, Doc. We all ate the same thing for the whole week. How is it that Bo got sick and we didn't?" Luke asked.
"Well, the only reason I can think of is that Bo must have been sick some time in this past week." the doctor looked at each of them.
"I just got over a cold about 4 or 5 days ago." Bo volunteered the information, "But it wasn't so bad."
Dr Whitmore nodded, "That's probably it. The cold was enough to weaken your immune system. Mr. Duke, you don't feel any of the symptoms Bo has had so far?" Jesse shook his head. "Well, come straight here if you do. The elderly, pregnant women, newborns and people with an illness are susceptible. In your case Bo, it's because you were sick. What have you eaten this past week that was different to what you usually eat?"
Bo was too tired and nauseous to think about food right now. Luke, however, was quick to come up with an answer. "The ham Daisy brought home a few nights ago."
The doctor nodded, "That's a likely source for the bacteria. It's rare for the symptoms to be so severe so quickly though. Have you been doing strenuous work since then?"
Jesse nodded, "It's harvesting season, the boys have been out in the field harvesting by hand because the tractor has broken down." Jesse was worried now that he had worked the boys too hard, "How bad is it, Doc?"
"We'll have to do further tests to know the extent of the damage. For now, I've given him anti-biotics straight through the IV to fight the infection."
"Will he be okay?" Luke asked, thinking that the Doctor was avoiding their questions.
"I can't say, I'm sorry. It's very serious. If the infection has gotten into his nervous system then it can be very bad. In a good case scenario, he'll need to be here for 2 weeks, which is what we are hoping for because Bo's young and strong."
"Two weeks!" Luke was shocked, "And worse case?'
"I'm not going to sugar coat this." The doctor said, grimly, "There is a possibility that Bo may not survive."
Luke and Jesse looked devastated. "This can't be happening. He was fine just a few days ago." Luke looked at Bo. Bo had gone pale but one look at his cousin and uncle and he knew he had to be strong.
"Hey! The doctor said worse case scenario! You two ready to give up on me already." He waited for them to look at him. "Everything's going to be fine, right Doc?"
The doctor smiled at his patient. "A positive attitude is always a good sign. We'll do everything in our power to help you get better." He turned to Luke and Jesse, "Bo's right, there's no point thinking the worse already. We still have tests to run. Bo's young, he can fight this. The nurse is going to come in soon and set up the heart monitor. We'll be monitoring Bo while he's here. If you need anything, press the button." The doctor walked out.
Jesse recovered from the shock and nodded, "You're right, Bo. You'll get through this."
Bo looked at his cousin and uncle, "You should get back to the farm and harvest the wheat."
"The harvest can wait. You're more important." Jesse pointed out to Bo, but Bo shook his head.
"We're relying on this harvest to pay this month's mortgage, Uncle Jesse. We can't leave it much longer or it'll be too late." Bo was getting distressed now. This was why Bo didn't mention he was feeling sick.
"Bo, we'll be fine. I promise you. We made enough last month to cover half of this month's mortgage. The work we've done so far will cover the other half." Jesse consoled his nephew. "You can't worry about us. I need you to concentrate on getting better."
Bo was worried but he knew that his family didn't need any more to worry about so he nodded.
"And while you're getting better I'll be talking to the Deli manager." Luke started pacing the room.
"Luke, don't." Bo tried.
"No, Bo. Boss Hogg owns that Deli and he never sells anything at half price so I'm guessing he knew there was something wrong with the ham. He's lucky that you're the only one who has gotten sick in the county." Bo could tell Luke was livid. "I'm not letting him get away with this."
Bo smiled tiredly at his cousin. "There's no stopping you, is there?"
"No." Luke was determined. "If it was me in that bed, you would already be in Boss's face!" It was true, Bo was more hot-headed than Luke, but he wouldn't have a plan. Luke would.
"What's the plan?" Jesse asked. Jesse was never one to get revenge but he couldn't let Boss get away with hurting his nephew.
"Simple. I'm going to walk right in there and confront him and I'm going to turn on his CB. I'll get him to admit what he did if it's the last thing I do."
"What are you going to do when he does confess?" Jesse asked.
"Well the least he can do is pay for Bo's hospital bills." Luke said, "I'll think of other things he can do as well."
Bo's eyes were growing heavy. He tried to stay awake but he couldn't. "Don't fight it, Son. You need your rest."
Bo opened his eyes one more time. "Go home. I'll be okay." Then drifted off.
"Come on, Luke. You heard him. Let's go home." Jesse pulled on Luke's arm.
"I don't think I should leave him." Luke kept looking at his cousin.
"There's nothing we can do, Son." Jesse told his oldest nephew, "Let's rest up and we can come in early tomorrow mornin'." Luke nodded and followed his uncle.
"Uncle Jesse, the Deli in town is still open. Can you swing by? I want to talk to the manager." Luke said.
"Alright, Son. I know when you decide on something nobody can change your mind, but you be gentle with Old Jenson. I'm sure he only did what he was told." Jesse warned Luke. Luke nodded.
In the Deli, Jesse and Luke walked up to the counter. Old man Jenson smiled when he saw Jesse. "Jesse! What brings you in here?"
"Hello Jenson. How's the wife?" Jesse asked.
"Oh same old, same old. Always nagging me to stop working for Mr. Hogg and open my own shop." Jenson answered, "Don't know where she expects me to get the money from."
"Listen, Sir," Luke wasn't in the mood for idle chatter, Jesse gave him a look of disapproval but Luke ignored it, "You sold my cousin, Daisy, a leg of ham a few days ago."
Jenson instantly looked guilty confirming that Luke's hunch was correct. "Did you know there was something wrong with that ham?"
Jenson started sweating, "well...you see...I..."
"My cousin, Bo, is in hospital right now because of that ham you sold, so unless you want me to call in the Sheriff I suggest you tell me everything!" Luke was getting impatient. He did not want to get the run around. Jesse put a hand on his arm to tell him to back off a little but Luke was too mad to notice.
Jenson started shaking now, "In...in...hospital?" He looked at Jesse, "You have to believe me, Jesse! I never meant no harm."
Jesse gestured for the old man to calm down. "Now Jenson, we only want to talk. No one's calling the Sheriff, are they Luke?"
"As long as he talks." Luke nodded.
"I didn't want to sell it. You see, it was the last one of the stock we got. I only ordered three because it ain't in demand at the moment and not many folks here in hazzard can afford a leg of ham. I had already sold two of them when the farmer who I ordered from called to tell me to stop selling them because a couple of families have gotten sick from them. Not anyone from Hazzard though." Jenson was looking very guilty now. "I called up the Boss and told him what I was told, but he said there was no way he was going to throw away the ham and he told me to do whatever it takes to sell it. He even let me sell it at half price! The Boss ain't never sold anything at half price!" Jenson finished.
Luke was clenching his fist and tightening his jaw. "You're saying that Boss Hogg knew that the ham was making people sick and he still sold it!" Jesse placed a hand on Luke's shoulder.
"Calm down, Luke."
Luke shoved his uncle's hand off his shoulder, "I will not calm down. The doctor said Bo could die!" Luke had tears in his eyes. "We could lose him because Boss wanted to make a few extra dollars!"
Jesse nodded and pulled his nephew into his arms. "I know, Son. I know." Luke pulled away and wiped his tears.
"I'm going to the Boar's Nest. I'm going to handle this right now." Luke walked out of the Deli.
"I'm so sorry, Jesse. I really didn't think it would be this serious." Jenson was sincerely sorry for his part. Jesse nodded that he understood and walked out after his nephew. Luke was already sitting in the pick-up waiting for Jesse.
Jesse started up the car and drove to the Boar's Nest. "I'll let you do this, Luke, but you promise me that you won't do anything that will get yourself arrested."
Luke stared out the window with his jaw clenched. He wasn't sure he could promise that. "You promise me or else I'm driving straight to the farm instead!"
Luke gave a stiff nodded, not trusting his own voice. They drove the rest of the way in silence. Jesse pulled into the parking lot of the Boar's Nest. "How do you want to do this?" Jesse asked as he shut off the engine.
"Uncle Jesse, I need you to get everybody in the Boar's Nest to get on the CB to get everybody they know onto the Hazzard Net. Tell them all to keep quiet because there's going to be a special broadcast today that they wouldn't want to miss. Also, get Cooter to record what the Boss has to say." Luke got out of the car without another word. Jesse followed.
Luke and Jesse walked into the Boar's nest and spotted Daisy. Daisy ran up to them. "How is he?" Luke didn't say anything, just went and sat down at the bar. Daisy frowned and looked at her uncle. "I'll tell you everything once this is over. Right now, I need you to quietly tell each of your customers to go out to their cars and get on the Hazzard Net. Tell them to call every one they know to do the same." Daisy nodded and did as she was told even though she didn't know what was going on. She made her way around the room and pretty soon the bar was empty. Luke nodded to Jesse to go CB Cooter.
Jesse got onto the CB in the pick-up. "Crazy Cooter, this is Shepherd. You got your ears on? Come back."
"Crazy Cooter here, I'm crazy but I ain't dumb! Uncle Jesse? How's Bo doing?"
"Cooter, Bo's fine for now. Listen I need you to get onto the Hazzard Net and record what you hear. Luke's about to get Boss to admit to something bad and we need a record of it as evidence. Can you do that? Come back."
"Of course Uncle Jesse. Sounds like one of Luke's plans."
"Who else? I'm gone!" Jesse grumbled. Luke always had a plan whether Jesse liked it or not. This time though, he knew J.D has it coming to him.
Inside the Boar's Nest Luke reckoned he had waited long enough. He nodded to Daisy to go wait outside. Daisy was worried about him but she knew Luke could look after himself.
Luke took a deep breath and then barged into J.D Hogg's office. Boss was napping in his barber chair when he was rudely interrupted. Luke walked right up to the CB in the office and flipped it on before Boss could even get out of his chair. He was too shocked to even notice what Luke had done. Luke was leaning in front of the CB with his arms folded.
"What's the meaning of this, Luke Duke?" Boss demanded, "I'm calling Rosco to have you arrested. He walked toward Luke and the CB. Luke pushed him back. "You sit down and you listen to me carefully, Boss."
"Just what is this about, Luke Duke." They were words of bravado but it came out shaking and high pitched.
Luke sat on the edge of the office table with his arms folded. "Bo's in the hospital."
"Well, that's sad for you but that means one less Duke to deal with for me!" J.D was about to get up when Luke yelled, "SIT DOWN!" J.D froze and stayed seated.
"Bo could die because you wanted to make a few extra dollars. I spoke to Old man Jenson and he told me that you made him sell the last leg of ham even when you knew people have gotten sick from it." Luke told him.
"A little sickness doesn't do anybody no harm." J.D defended.
Luke's face was stone, "A little sickness? Doc says that Bo has Listeriosis. Best case scenario, he'll be in hospital for two weeks. Worse case?" Luke walked over to J.D Hogg and leaned over him, "He could die!"
"What? You're lying! You're just trying to make me feel bad for selling that ham!"
"So you admit to selling the ham even though you knew it could make people sick?" Luke wanted J.D to admit it.
"I may have implied to Jenson that he should sell it." J.D said impishly.
"No. You told him to do whatever it takes to sell it, even sell it at half price." Luke told him.
"Maybe I did. So what? You can't prove diddly squat!" J.D said confidently.
"We haven't eaten all of the ham yet. I'm willing to bet that if we get it to the doctor at Tri-county hospital he would be more that willing to test it for the bacteria and once I get the results I will call the Centre for Disease Control and tell them what happened." Luke smiled, "You know what they will do? They will close down every establishment you own that sells food. I'm willing to bet you will be making quite a loss."
"NO! NO! Don't do that. I'll do whatever you want, just don't call the CDC, please!" J.D was begging now.
"So you admit to selling meat you knew was contaminated?" Luke asked again.
"Yes, yes, yes. I told Jenson that he had to sell it no matter what." J.D confessed, "You have to believe me when I say I didn't mean no harm to Bo."
"You didn't mean no harm?" Luke wanted to slap the man, "Your greed has my cousin in the hospital. The doctor doesn't know how bad it is until he does further tests. He had a fever of 104.5. You're lucky that it wasn't my whole family!"
"I'm sorry. I'll do whatever you want me to do. Anything!" J.D cried.
"Anything?"
"Anything!"
"Okay," Luke moved back to sitting on the edge of the office table. J.D relaxed a little now that Luke wasn't leaning over him. "You will pay for Bo's hospital bills."
"Done!"
"It's harvest season and with Bo in hospital we won't be able get the harvesting done in time. We need helpers. You'll pay their wages."
"What?"
Luke raised his eyebrows at him.
"Fine! Anything else?" J.D said grudgingly.
"I can't think of anything right now, but I'll let you know when I do." Luke smiled, "And in case you plan to go back on your word, because I know how good you are at that." Luke walked over to the CB and picked it up. "Cooter, you got that?"
"Loud and clear, Luke. Got every word down on tape. Boss can't weasel out of this."
"What's going on?" J.D got up.
"What's going on is that I don't trust you Boss, so I made sure I had some insurance before coming in here." Luke said, "Why don't you step outside the Boar's Nest?" Luke opened the door and allowed Boss out first.
In the parking lot, some very unhappy members of the County were waiting by their cars. Boss walked through the door to meet with the boos they were hurling. Jesse walked up to him.
"You've done some low down things in your life, J.D but this one takes the cake!" Jesse was so disappointed in him.
"I really am sorry, Jesse." J.D did sound sincere but Jesse didn't care.
Daisy had tears running down her cheeks. "How could you, Boss? Bo could die!" Jesse put a comforting hand around her. "I quit! I can not work for a low-down, heartless man like you."
"Daisy! Please..." But Daisy refused to listen.
Luke looked at Boss. "You remember what you said Boss. We'll be collecting." He turned his back on to Boss, "Come on, Uncle Jesse. Daisy. Let's go home." Luke took Daisy home in Dixie while Jesse took his pick-up.
They left a crowd filled with anger and sympathy behind as they drove away. J.D Hogg stood there feeling like the low-life everybody thought he was. He walked back into the Boar's Nest with his head bowed.