Disclaimer: Blah blah, i don't own the Dukes...blah, blah..
A.N: Aagain i'd like to thank all who supported me thought this story. This chappie is much over due!
Chapter 5: The Victory Celebration
Balladeer: The after race celebration had died down a bit by now and every one was heading for the Boar's Nest for the after party.
'Hey y'all are coming to the Boar's Nest?' Daisy asked.
'Later, we gotta go to the garage first.' Konrad answered.
'I tell ya what Daisy, you take the pickup and I'll take ya jeep to pick up the boys.' Jesse suggested.
'Ok Uncle Jesse.' Daisy agreed.
'You and Bo go ahead to the Boar's Nest, we'll be there later.' Jesse waved them off. They all said their goodbyes and Daisy walked over to the pickup while Bo slid into the General. They both departed heading for the Boar's Nest.
Konrad turned to see Cooter under the Wrecker's hood. He sighed and went over to his friend with a sorry look still planted on his face.
'Will it make it to the garage?' He asked the mechanic.
'Yeah, it might.' Cooter answered in a far away tone. He was looking over the damage, calculating how much it would cost to fix. Konrad leaned on the front looking at the damage as well. It didn't look as bad as he imagined but it was still bad to say the least. The radiator was completely ruined among other things. After a little while of fiddling around, satisfied that the wrecker will last till they get it to the garage Cooter closed the hood. Carefully starting it he took off towards the garage. Luke brought the Messiah over and Konrad got in threw the windows. Jesse followed them towards town.
When they had got there Cooter had unlocked the doors and the wrecker was sitting in the garage. He beckoned Luke to bring the Messiah around the back. He opened the gates and Luke parked it by some other cars. Cooter came over with a large tarp to put over the top of the Mustang to keep it hidden.
'She'll be safe here.' He said. Konrad made sure nothing could be seen from under the tarp.
'Yeah.' Konrad agreed, satisfied that the Messiah was concealed out of sight. Once that was done they made their way back inside to get a bit of work done to the Wrecker and assess if the damage done to it was worse then it looked.
Time flew by for the boys as they worked planning to get as much done as possible but also keeping in mind the party at the Boar's Nest. They had taken the bonnet off of the Wrecker so they had more access to the engine. Even Jesse had gotten into the act. Feeling a bit dizzy, Konrad decided that he needed some air. Putting the wrench down that he was using then he wiped off the grease and dirt and made his way out of the garage. Sitting down on a chair he rubbed his face with his hands. He took a long breath and looked around at the almost empty town square in mild interest.
After a few minutes Jesse had noticed that one of the boys was not there anymore and saw that is was Konrad that was missing he went outside to look for him. He sat down beside his nephew and stared out not really at anything but enjoying the peace and quiet. After awhile Jesse broke the silence.
'Are you alright?' Jesse asked. Konrad looked at his uncle.
'I just felt a bit dizzy that's all.' Konrad answered. The both went silent again. Jesse studied his nephew's face.
'What are ya thinking about?' He asked. Konrad looked at the older man wondering what to say.
'Nothin' really.' He answered turning back to the square.
'Now somehow I don't think that was what you were thinking about. It has been a big day and I can see that you have a lot on your mind. Now what is it?' Jesse continued respectfully. Konrad screwed up his face at the comment.
'You're right is has been a big day. And I've had a lot of things on my mind these past few days I s'pose, I don't know where to start.' He shrugged.
'Well what's bugging ya the most?' Jesse asked.
'Umm…well I guess it has to be that I put Luke's life in danger today by letting him drive instead of me. I should've never of suggested it.' He said angrily.
'How did you know that it was going to turn out like it did today?' Jesse asked, keeping his voice calm.
'I don't know. But I keep running through my head what if I didn't make it in time?'
'Don't keep thinking that, it's not going to do ya any good. Luke is still with us and I'm thanking the Lord that it didn't turn out differently. I know Luke would have done the same if it was you driving your car.' Jesse said seriously. 'Now that's enough for me it should be for you too.'
'I still owe Cooter for the damages on the Wrecker.' Konrad added.
'That maybe so, but I bet Cooter one on the happiest men in Hazzard.' Jesse grinned.
'Why's that?' Konrad asked with a confused look on his face. Jesse leaned in closer to his nephew.
'Because he still has his best friends.' Jesse said with a knowing look on his face.
'You're right Uncle Jesse.' Konrad smiled, he knew Jesse was right and there was no need to beat himself up about the events of the day
'Of course I'm right.' Jesse smiled. 'Now are you coming with us to the Boar's Nest?'
'Na I got a headache comin' along so I think I might go home.'
'We'll drop ya off home.' Jesse said patting Konrad's knee with a smile.
'Thanks.'
'Just stay out here a bit longer if ya need to get some fresh air.' The elderly man smiled at his nephew and returned inside.
Balladeer: Now if I'm right, he's got more on his mind then he's lettin' on…I'm smellin' trouble.
'Thanks Uncle Jesse.' Konrad said as he got out of the jeep. He headed towards the house.
'Now you take care of yerself ok?' Jesse said.
'Yeah I will. It's only a headache Uncle Jesse.'
'That's not the only thing I'm worried about.' Jesse said. Konrad looked at him not understanding what his uncle said. He finally got what his uncle meant and couldn't help looking around at the surroundings of the farm.
'See ya's when ya get home.' He said and went into the house. Jesse nodded and took off to the Boar's Nest. Konrad watched them go through the curtains before going around and locking every door that could be locked as well as the windows.
Maybe he was being paranoid…but for a good reason, he thought, they tried something on Luke today and he was still felt badly for putting Luke in danger like that. It proved that they would do whatever in their power to get that fortune back, no matter who got in they way. He shivered, wondering what their next move would be. He tried to massage a kink out of his neck but it stayed there determinedly. Going to the lounge room he looked at the shotgun hanging above the doorway and hoped he did have to use it. He laid down on the couch and stared at the ceiling.
When Jesse, Luke and Cooter had gotten to the Boar's Nest the party was in full swing. Giving Bo a few slaps on the back for congratulations they quickly joined in the festivities. From the corner booth at the furthest side of the establishment two pairs of eyes scanned the crowd. The smaller of the two sipped his beer thoughtfully.
'You see him?' He asked re-adjusting the beanie on his bald head.
'No, but I do see that brown haired broad that was with him at the race.' The other observed.
'Ya know. Maybe we could ask her where the jewels are. She might know since she obviously knows the guy who's got them.' Paul suggested.
'It's worth a try.' The one called Chuck answered
'Well talk to her when the bar closes up.' Paul finished.
After a few near brawls and a lot of beer later the night drew to a close and every one headed home.
'Jacob?' Daisy said softly to a sleeping form. The elderly man came awake. 'It's time to go home sugar.' She said.
'Oh uhh. Well then, I 'spose I better get on home then?' He smiled and got up. Daisy guided him out the door. Bo, Luke, Jesse and Cooter had stayed behind to help clean up. After a few minutes Daisy felt that she could handle the rest herself.
'You boys can go home if you like. I can do the rest.'
'Ya sure ya don't want any help?' Jesse asked his niece.
'No it's fine Uncle Jesse.' She replied.
'Alright, we'll see ya home then,' He accepted her offer at going home. 'Come on boys, let's go home.' Jesse got up as Daisy cleared the empty beer mugs off the table and set them on the bar before saying goodbyes to the boys.
'Bye Uncle Jesse, Bo, Luke, Cooter,' She waved them off.
'Bye Miss Daisy.' Cooter waved back. Luke being the designated driver took the General with Bo and Cooter while Jesse took the pickup leaving Daisy her jeep.
Daisy went back inside to finish cleaning up. It took longer then usual due to the state the Boar's Nest was left in. Finally the last thing to do before locking up for the night was to wipe down the bar. The door opened and two men walked in.
'Sorry boys, we're closed.' Daisy said cheerfully.
'That's not what we came for.' The taller man said. The smile faded from Daisy's face.
'What do you want?' She asked.
'Answers,' the other said.
'What kind of answers?' She asked, taking a step backward.
'We want to know where that yellow Mustang is,' Paul said.
'I don't know where it is, why do you want to know?' Daisy asked a question of her own.
'I don't-' the bald one started to say but was cut off by the other raising his hand.
'Now I know that you know about the car and possibly what it holds,' He took a step toward Daisy, who automatically backed away. 'And you know who owns it and we wanna know where they are.' The sound of his voice became low and hostile. Daisy considered her options…try and run for the jeep or tell them where to find her brother. Making a quick glance at the door then back at the two men without a second thought she made for the door. She had made it to the door before an arm wrapped around her middle and lifter her off the ground. She struggled as hard as she could but she couldn't break loose from the firm grip.
'Let me go!' She yelled.
'I don't think so.' Said her captor.
'You're gonna tell us where the jewels are. If not were going for a little ride.'
'I don't know where they are.' She said desperately.
'Take her out to the car.' Paul said.
Chuck hauled her out the door. Paul followed. Daisy tried with all her might to get free but was unable. Opening the trunk of the car Paul took out a rope and a sack. He tied her hands together and her feet then put the sack over her head.
'She can't see where we're going.' Paul said. Chuck put her in the back seat and got in after her.
'Don't try nothing Miss, otherwise you won't be seeing anyone again.' He said. Daisy went completely still. Paul got in the drivers side and started the car and headed out to their hideout.
Balladeer: Now this really gets me railed up kidnappin' Daisy.