Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Dukes of Hazzard Characters or any of the Magnificent Seven characters.

Warning: Again, this hasn't been beta-ed. I apologise in advance for all the grammatical and spelling errors.

The next day…

Joe woke up when the sun came through the window of the clinic. He put his hand up to block out the light when the pain in his head made itself known.

"You're awake," Joe looked at over to where the voice came from. "Sorry about that. I should've known the sunlight would be bad for your head." Nathan pulled the curtains closed.

"Thanks." Joe croaked, putting his hand back down. "Nathan, right?"

Nathan smiled, "That's right. Looks like the hit to the head hasn't caused any brain damage. Vin would be glad to hear that." He helped Joe to sit up and then handed him a glass of water.

"Vin…he the guy who gave me this headache?" Nathan nodded in confirmation, chuckling. Joe handed the glass back and looked around until he found his cousin sleeping in a cot in the corner of the room.

"He wouldn't listen to me when I told him to rest. He was gonna stay up with you all night so I gave him some tea." The way Nathan said tea told Joe that it was more than tea he had given Hank. He should've been annoyed that this man had drugged his cousin but he only want to give the best care to his patients.

"He's gonna be more ornery than a grizzly bear when he wakes up and works out what ya did."

"Joe, let me tell you about the people I have to deal with in this town. There's J.D, who's like a little kid on candy," Joe chuckled at the description. The kid does seem a bit overactive. "Ezra's five dollars words become 10 dollar words when he's sick," Nathan started preparing another tea for Bo as he spoke, "Buck Wilmington milks the situation for way more than it's worth, tries to con women into giving him a sponge bath because he can't reach his back." Joe found the descriptions more and more hilarious as they went on, "Josiah…actually Josiah's not too bad." Nathan handed the tea to Joe. "Drink up, it'll help with the headache and nausea. Vin," he continued, "is just plain ridiculous. I strip him and hide his clothes so he can't leave." Joe almost choked on his tea at that one, "And that leaves us with Chris. Chris is just…how did you describe your cousin? More ornery than a grizzly bear?" Joe nodded, laughing, "That's Chris. So, I am more than apt to deal with your cousin."

Hank was woken up by laughter. Rubbing his eyes he looked around. He was lying in a cot. He frowned at the blanket on him and the shoes beside the cot. I don't even remember getting into bed. "Mornin', Hank." Hank looked up at the main bed in the small clinic. Throwing off the covers, he got up and moved over to his cousin.

"How are you feelin'?" Hank asked, clearly still concerned for his cousin.

Joe smiled, tiredly. "Better. The sleep helped heaps and this tea is making my head stop pounding."

Hank was relieved, "That's good to hear. Hopefully, we can get out of town once Dixie arrives." He looked at Nathan, "No offense, we appreciate everything you've done for Joe, but this town ain't brought us nothin' but trouble since we step foot in the border."

"No offense taken, but it'll be better for Joe, here, if he wait a few more days before he rides out." Nathan advised.

Hank nodded, "If that's your opinion, I trust it."

"A few days seems a while, Hank. Our Pas are expectin' us home by the end of the week." Joe warned, "And you know how crazy worry my ma gets."

"And you know what my uncle will do to me if I bring you back with a bandage around you head?" Hank asked, "Anyway, I'll send them a telegram."

Joe's eyes widened and jumped up. "Telegram!" He cried out, then closed his eyes and grabbed his head, "Ow!"

"Take it easy, Joe." Hank, gently, pushed him back down. "What's got you so fired up. "We promised Uncle Jeremiah to send word when we get here."

"Dang it. He must be worried as heck." Hank cursed. "I'll go do it now. You gonna be okay?"

"Hank, I ain't a kid." Joe drawled, still holding his head. "Just go send the telegram before Uncle Jeremiah and Aunt Jenny starts ridin' over here."

"Don't worry, Hank. I'll keep an eye on him." Nathan offered.

"Thanks." Hank got his boots on and ran out the door.

Once Hank was out the door, Joe turned back to Nathan, the pain subsiding. "So are you one of the seven peacekeepers in this town?"

Nathan smiled, "Yes, I am."

"Hank and me get in a lot of trouble together. I don't even remember how many jailhouses we've escaped from. In the last town we visited, Dixie, my cousin, helped Hank bust out of his cell. We do it so often, I'm not sure there's a cell in the west that could hold us." Joe yawned, then grinned at Nathan, "You and your friends are so famous, we didn't even attempt to bust out and it got nothing to do with my head."

Nathan nodded, "Smart move."

Joe yawned again and shrugged, "What's the point of getting out of the cell if we can't get out of town?" Joe's eyes started feeling heavy. He frowned and looked down at his empty cup. "Heck, Nathan, you lace the tea with somethin'?"

"You need to rest. Last time, I promise." Nathan gave his word, taking the cup out of Joe's hand as his eyes slowly closed.

Telegraph Office

Hank walked into the telegraph office to send his telegram. "Thanks, Mister." He heard as a little tornado ran passed him through the door. Strange for a kid to be sending a telegram. Hank walked up to the counter.

"How can I help you, Sir?" Wilbur, the clerk asked him.

"Need to send me a telegram to Sleepy City." Hank replied.

"That'll be a half dime." Hank handed over the coin. "Who will it be addressed to?"

"Jeremiah Duke. Tell him that Joe and Hank have arrived in Four Corners safely."

"Joe…Hank…arrive…safely." Wilbur gave him a smile, "That will be sent, Sir. Anything else I can do for you?"

Hank thought about that, "As a matter of fact…Do you get children sendin' telegrams a lot?"

"No, Sir, but Tommy said he was helping a man out."

"By any chance…"

"I'm sorry, Sir, but I can't reveal another man's telegram to anyone else." Wilbur interrupted.

Hank nodded, he knew that would be the answer but he had to try, "Thanks anyway." Hank exited, feeling a little concerned. He had a bad feeling that something was going to happen. "Dang it, I always get into trouble when I'm with Joe. Man's a trouble magnet." He cursed as he strode back over to the clinic.

Outskirts of Four Corners

Frank Audron made a cooing sound before entering his camp. It was the gang's signal, so they don't accidentally shoot each other, especially at a time like this. Frank was angry. The man the two cowboys had shot was his cousin, Jake and he wasn't about to let that slide. In another hour or so, Frank will be sending in Jeremy, the youngest in his group to check the bank. Jeremy had such a baby face, no one would suspect him. If Hogg still hasn't wired over their payment, he'll be raising hell in this town before he heads back to Sleepy City and make Hogg regret hiring him and his gang. Little did he know that Thaddeus Hogg already regrets hiring him. They've been hanging low since yesterday's shoot out at the Wells's property. He needed his men calm and clear minded. He's heard about Four Corners and the seven peacekeepers. Causing a problem without a plan will only dig them an early grave. No, he will bide his time and then those Cowboys will pay for what they did. Nobody took on the Audron Gang and lived to tell the tale.

Later that afternoon.

Dieter Davenport smiled when he saw the town of Four Corners. "We're here, Dixie." Dixie sat next to him on the cart Dieter had brought along with him so that he could bring back the supplies he needed from Eagle Bend. Dixie sat up taller. Finally, they have arrived and she would see her cousins again. Ever since she had met Michael, Hank and Joe had become her brothers, and she loved them every bit as much as Michael did. "Relax Dixie, we're here." Dieter told her.

"If you don't mind, Dieter, I'll relax when I see Hank and Joe." Dixie said nervously. She's been having a bad feeling since they left Sleepy City.

In town.

Buck came out of the Saloon. Ezra had just cleaned him out for the month, so unless someone bought him a drink, he'd have to stay dry until the next pay day. He sat down in the chairs and was about to start reading the local paper when the horse coming into town got his attention. "Ezra, we got company!" Buck yelled out to his colleague. Ezra exited the saloon and looked in the direction Buck was looking. When the people sitting on the cart got clearer, Buck start pushing at Ezra's shoulder, trying to shove him back into the saloon, "Actually, I think I can handle this one on my own."

Ezra pushed Buck's hand off his jacket and brushed at his shoulder, as if Buck had dirtied it. "Mr Wilmington, I am not a butler at your beck and call. Now, what…" Ezra finally saw what Buck saw, "I do believe you may be in need of my assistance, Mr Wilmington." Ezra jumped in front of Buck and headed for the new arrivals as quickly as his civilised self would allow him. Buck, annoyed that Ezra got the jump on him, ran to catch up. He grabbed Ezra's arm and pulled him behind him.

"Seriously, Ezra. I can handle this one on my own."

"I beg to differ, Mr Wilmington. A woman of this calibre will require a man with sophistication and style." Ezra returned, pulling Buck back. Finally after a couple more pushes and pulls, they got to the new arrivals.

Buck was that one step ahead of Ezra and held out his hand to the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. "Ma'am, my name's Buck Wilmington, peacekeeper in the good town of Four Corners." Dixie looked over at Dieter and gave sly smile. Dieter shook his head. He may not have known Dixie for long, but he knew about the effect she can have on the opposite sex. Dixie was about to give her hand to Buck when Ezra interceded and took her hand, smoothly sliding himself between Buck and Dixie.

"Ezra P. Standish, Ma'am, at your service." He kissed her hand and helped her off the cart.

"Mr Standish, Mr Wilmington," she nodded to both men, "My, my, are all the men in this town as handsome as you?" Dixie flirted in her sultry voice. It came so naturally to her, sometimes she didn't even know she was doing it.

"Well, I don't like to boast but, I have to say, there's no available men as handsome as me." Wilmington held out his arm to her, which she politely took, much to Ezra's chagrin. "Ezra, why don't ya help this beautiful lady's friend stable his horse and get her bags to the hotel?" Buck wagged his eyebrow at the steaming gambler before walking away from them. "So what brings you to Four Corners, Ma'am?"

"Please, Mr Wilmington, my name's Dixie, Ma'am is just too…old…for me. Don't you think?" Dixie continued flirting.

"Of course, Dixie and please, call me Buck." Buck was leading her to the Saloon.

Hank was just coming out of the clinic for some fresh air. He had been sitting with Joe for most of the day. Whatever Nathan had given Joe knocked him out for rest of the afternoon. Hank leaned on the railing of the balcony, looking over the town. He looked down when heard movement from the livery below. "Dieter!" He grinned when Dieter looked around for source of the voice. "Up here!"

Dieter Davenport looked up. "Hank!" Hank took the steps, two at a time. "Hank, we've been worried about you." He slapped Hank on the arm, then looked around, "Where's Joe?"

"Don't worry about Joe, yet." Hank had a few questions and he didn't want to waste time on telling Dieter what happened. "I thought you weren't due to arrive for another day."

Dieter scratched his grey beard, "We weren't, but I overheard Hogg talking to Rosco about men he hired to do a job and they said they were headed to Four Corners. We were worried you boys would get into trouble."

Hank nodded, "Yeah, we got into trouble alright. Where's Dixie?"

Dieter pointed in the direction that Wilmington fellow led Daisy, "A Buck Wilmington led her that way."

"Come on. Let's go find her and then you can tell me what you heard in detail." Hank pulled him along towards the Saloon, guessing that was where Wilmington was taking his cousin-in-law.

Saloon

Vin sat at the table in the corner of the bar. It was his table when no one else was sitting with him. The position allowed him a view of the entire Saloon. Diagonally opposite the entrance, he was able to gage each patron who entered without them noticing him. However, the most important reason is that his back was to the wall, no one could make a surprise attack on him. Having a bounty on his head taught him a few things and one of them was to never leave your back exposed.

Vin's eyes switched to the swing doors when another patron entered. He shook his head when Buck entered with another woman. However, this one, he approved of. She was easily the most beautiful of all the women, Buck has courted. All the men's eyes in the Saloon followed the beautiful woman as Buck led her to a table not far from his. He could tell by the way she walked and the way she looked around at all the patrons, assessing each of them carefully, that this woman could take care of herself. Maybe even handle herself in a gunfight. Vin chuckled, Buck was going to have his hands full with this one.

"So Dixie, what brings you to Four Corners?" Vin heard Buck ask her. That named sounded familiar to him but he couldn't seem to place it.

"I'm here lookin' for a couple of people." Dixie answered him flirtatiously. The way she rested her chin in her hand and batted her eyes at Buck, Vin could see that this girl knew exactly what she was doin' and Buck did not have a chance.

"Well, I know almost everyone in this town. I'm a right, sociable fella. You tell me who you're looking for and I'll tell you where they are." Buck boasted.

Vin looked up when the doors swung open again. He frowned when he saw it was Hank and he didn't look happy again. Please don't cause any trouble. I don't want to arrest ya again. Vin thought as he sat up, readying himself for any trouble. "Dixie!" Hank called out. That's where I heard that name. Dixie's Hank and Joe's cousin! Vin visibly relaxed when the lady turned around and beamed at Hank.

"Hank!" Dixie navigated her way through the tables and chairs and flung her arms around Hank. "We were so worried about you and Joe." She looked around Hank to Dieter, then moved to look around him. "Where's Joe?" She asked worriedly.

"Joe's in the clinic." Hank answered.

"Clinic! What happened? Is he hurt bad?"

"He's fine. Just sleepin' right now." Hank answered before the water works started. Dixie was a strong woman, but she was also very caring. She couldn't bare the thought of anyone she loved hurt.

"What happened?" She asked again.

Hank looked over at Vin before answering, "He was hit over the head by one of the peacekeepers in this town."

"Peacekeeper?" Dixie's eyes widened then turned around, thinking that Hank was looking at Buck. She saw Buck swallow nervously. Her eyes narrowed and she stormed over to him.

Buck got up, putting her hands out to stop her from getting any closer. "Now, Ms Dixie, if you'll just listen to me explain…"

"So you are the one who hurt my cousin!" Dixie glared at him.

"No, no, no…" Buck turned to look at Vin, but Vin just raised his bottle at him, grinning. Buck's eyes widened, then turned back to Dixie. "No…I'm not the one who hurt him. Just ask your cousin!" Buck gestured to Hank. Hank was hanging back enjoying the show, but he figured he better step in before Dixie did something to get herself arrested. Michael will never forgive him if Hank didn't stop that from happening.

Dixie turned to Hank and Hank nodded his confirmation, "He ain't the one Dixie." He held out his arm to her, "Come on, let's go up to the clinic to check on Joe, then I'll tell you everythin'."

Dixie nodded but before she headed over she turned back to Buck and smiled sweetly, "We'll talk later, Sugar. About what, will depend on what I find out about how my cousin Joe ended up in your Clinic." Dixie exited the Saloon with her cousin and Dieter.

Buck let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and then turned Vin. "What the hell just happened?"

Vin laughed, shaking his head. "Bucklin, you need to learn to read people better. That lady is more head strong than Ines. Just count your lucky stars she left you in one piece."

"That's too damn bad. She's one hell of a woman." Buck dropped himself down on the chair next to Vin and took his bottle, drinking the remaining down in one gulp. Vin was about to protest, but judging by the sweat running down Buck's face, Buck needed it more than he did.