Doug and Dave directed Cooter and Bo to their hideout. They were careful to keep watch as they went down the road, but there was no sign of anyone that could be a witness to what was happening. When they arrived at the old farmhouse, they forced everyone out of the cars and into the house where they were tied up and gagged, with the exception of Angel. Doug kept a sharp eye and a tight grip on her.
"Dave, check those ropes and make sure they're tight. I don't care if their arms turn purple and fall off, ya make sure they ain't gonna get away from here."
He sure don't know the Dukes if he thinks a few ropes'll keep 'em put when someone's in trouble.
Dave made his way through them and made sure that their bindings were biting into their arms and legs. He then checked all of them for anything that could help them escape. He found Bo and Luke's pocket knives and stuffed them into his own pocket.
Hmmmm...well without them pocket knives it may make it a mite bit more complicated.
"There ain't no way they're gettin' outta here."
"Good!" He turned to Angel. "Now, you're gonna show us exactly where that money is, you hear me!"
Angel nodded meekly. She took one last look at Bo, Luke, Cooter, Daisy, and Jesse before she was practically dragged from the house. Doug shoved her into the back of their black car and then climbed in, never taking the gun from her. Dave followed and climbed into the driver's seat.
"Now, where is the money?" Anel remained silent. She merely sat in the car staring at the floor. Doug grabbed her by the chin and forced her head up until she was forced to look at him. His face was controrted into a look of pure anger. There seemed to be a fire burning in his eyes. "I ain't gonna ask you anymore. WHERE IS THE MONEY!" He shoved the barrel of the gun into her side, causing her to hiss in pain.
"I-I-I p-put it in t-the loft of the D-Duke's b-barn." Her voice shook so much from fear that Doug was barely able to register what she said, but managed to piece it together.
"You know where to go, Dave. Hit it!"
Everyone inside of the farm listened carefully as the sound of a car starting ouside could be heard. They could hear it begin to roll down the driveway to the main road. As soon as the car could no longer be heard, Bo and Luke began struggling with their bonds, but no amount of tugging would loosen them. They looked around the room in search of something that would help with their plight. The room was except for a few ragged pieces of furniture.
Suddenly, Luke began nudging Bo. Bo turned to see what Luke wanted. He was nodding his head to an old wooden chair that was sitting close to Cooter. There seemed to be a large, wooden fragment that was breaking off of it. Bo and Luke managed to direct Cooter's attention to it. He then scooted over to it as best he could and began to rub his ropes against it. After much struggling and many splinters, Cooter felt them loosen and fall off. He reached up and pulled off his gag and untied his feet.
Weeeelll, ain't those Duke boys clever! I never woulda thought o' that.
"Wellll, ain't you clever Lucas!"
That's what I said.
Cooter started to untie eveyone else in the room, starting with Daisy and Jesse and finishing with Bo.
"Is everyone alright?" Luke questioned.
Uncle Jesse stood up. "I think we're all okay here, but it ain't us we need ta worry about."
"Uncle Jesse's right! We gotta do something ta help Angel. They must be headed for our farm if she told them where the money is! We can cut 'em off if we hurry!"
"Whoa now Daisy! I'm as worried about her as everyone here is, but you heard those guys! Goin' after them could not only get us killed, but her too! I hate ta say it but I think we need Roscoe and Cletus ta help. They're the only law enforcement we got 'round here."
They all nodded their agreement and Uncle Jesse headed for the door. "Now, if we're gonna try an' get Roscoe's help, we gotta find 'im fast! We can't go a-wastin' any more time!"
They all ran out to the barn and found the General sitting inside where Doug and Dave had made them hide it. After everyone had squeezed into the car, Bo put his foot to the floor and left a trail of dust behind them as they went in search of Roscoe and Cletus.
Ain't it amazin' how Roscoe and Cletus are always there when ya don't want 'em ta be and when ya need 'em most, they ain't nowhere to be found! And, if they find 'em, them Dukes are still wanted for kidnappin' Angel themselves! I hope they'll listen ta the Dukes' side 'o the story! Ya'll know how hard-headed they can be...
Sorry it's late and a little on the short side. School is winding down now (YAY), the SOL's are comin' up (BOOO), I'm getting more work to do, and don't have as much time in the evenings. But thanks for being so patient. I'm glad you like the story and I hope you like this chapter.