Thanks to everyone for reading and special thanks to those who took the time to comment. Once again, I don't own the characters, except for poor, crazy Laura, and I'm not making any money. So as Bette Davis would say, fasten your seatbelts. Things are about to get bumpy.

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Chapter Ten

Fading to Black

Bo parked the General Lee in front of the Boar's Nest at ten to eight on Friday night. He giggled when he glanced over at Luke who was nervously turning the small jewelry box in his hands. He suppressed his laugh when Luke shot him a menacing look.

"There ain't nothing funny about this, Bo," Luke said miserably.

"Sorry," Bo answered. "But you've been a nervous wreck all day and now you're sitting there like you're on your way to your execution. It ain't gonna be that bad. Just talk to her. Tell her straight out you're not interested. She'll get over it."

"That's easier said than done," Luke answered. "It's hard telling someone you don't care about them. Maybe even harder than hearing it sometimes."

"I doubt that, Luke. I'd much rather be on the giving end than on the receiving end. But she ain't gonna stop stalking you till you set her straight."

Luke cringed. "I wish you'd stop using that word. It ain't that bad. She ain't stalking me."

"Yes she is and she ain't gonna stop till you tell her to. I can tell you exactly what you should say to her."

"That's okay, Bo. I know what to say. It just ain't gonna be easy saying it. I don't need your advice."

"I guess not," Bo said with the beginning of a small grin. "You've been dumped enough times to have the words memorized. 'It ain't you, Luke, it's me…'"

"Bo…"

"All right, all right," Bo quickly responded, recognizing the warning tone in his cousin's voice. "But, I will offer you one piece of advice whether you want it or not, 'cause you do need it."

"What's that?" Luke asked reluctantly.

"Be sure to look before you sit down," Bo answered with a grin.

"We don't know she was the one who put the glass in here," Luke said, failing to see the humor.

"And we don't know she wasn't so be careful where you sit," Bo insisted.

Luke shook his head. "All right, Bo. I'll look before I sit but I don't think I'm the one who's gonna get hurt tonight. Considering Laura is still wearing that heart, it doesn't look like I told her nothing different last time we were here. I don't know if I told her something to lead her on. Now I have to tell her that I don't feel the way she does. I ain't looking forward to hurting her."

"I know, Luke," Bo said seriously. Trying to lighten the mood, he added, "But you better put an end to it tonight before she's sending out wedding invitations."

When Luke didn't even smile, Bo patted his cousin's shoulder. "Lighten up, Luke. It'll be okay. You'll tell her how you feel or don't feel and she'll get over it. It's not like she was really dating you. People break up all the time and then get over it."

"I guess you're right," Luke answered.

"And Luke…"

"What?"

"Don't drink too much tonight."

"I ain't planning on drinking more than one or two watered down beers," Luke assured his cousin. "I sure don't want a repeat performance of last week."

Bo smiled. "Me neither. Come on. Let's go inside. I'm meeting Marylee and I don't want to be late. She sure was mad about me leaving her last week."

Bo and Luke climbed out of the General. As they were walking to the entrance, Luke said, "Sorry about last week."

"I know, cousin," Bo said as he wrapped his arm around Luke's shoulder. "Forget it."

As soon as they were inside, Bo said, "Good luck. I see Marylee so I'll see you later, much later. Behavior yourself."

Luke watched Bo make his way to the other side of the room. He looked around for Laura but didn't see her. He found a seat at the bar. Daisy brought a beer over to him.

"Hi, sugar. Laura ain't here yet. Why don't you grab a table in the back while there are still a few? You'll want some privacy when you talk to her. And Luke, easy on the beers tonight. I'm gonna be counting them starting with this one."

Luke picked up his beer as he stood. "Thanks, Daisy. Don't worry. I'm planning on keeping my wits tonight. A couple of these are my limit. A table in the back sounds like a good idea. I sure hope she doesn't make a scene. Maybe we should've done this in private somewhere."

"No way, Luke," Daisy answered. "She's less likely to make a scene in public. And you don't want to give her the wrong idea by being alone with her somewhere."

"I hope you're right. If you see her come in, let her know where I am."

Daisy leaned across the bar to kiss Luke's cheek. "I will."

Luke found a quiet table in the corner to wait for Laura. At precisely eight o'clock, he saw her making her way through the crowd with a glass of beer in her hand. He noticed again that she looked softer with her hair down and wearing jeans. He might've even found her attractive in a subtle way if the circumstances hadn't been so bizarre. She looked vulnerable, which made Luke feel worse for what he was about to do. When she got to the table, he stood to greet her and pull out a chair.

"It's so nice to see you, Luke. I was afraid that your family would keep you away," Laura said as she sat at the table. "But I see Bo is here to keep an eye on you."

Puzzled, Luke said, "We keep an eye out for each other but Bo's busy tonight with Marylee."

Laura glanced over at Bo and Marylee. Maybe this would be easier than she thought. Bo was sure to be preoccupied with his pretty date. She wouldn't miss this opportunity. She sat contently taking in Luke's presence, thrilled to be alone with him even though they were in a crowded bar with his cousin nearby.

Luke knew there was no sense delaying or making small talk. He said, "I want to apologize again for last week. I don't remember drinking so much but I guess I lost count. I'm ashamed to admit that I don't remember a whole lot of what we said to each other."

Laura kept smiling serenely. "Words aren't necessary between us."

"They are necessary. We need to set things straight," Luke said, looking down at his beer as he tried to find the right words.

Laura leaned over and placed her index finger on Luke's lips, startling him. She said, "Shh…I know how you feel. I understand."

Luke shook his head, flustered. "I don't think you do. I don't remember what happened last week. I don't remember what I said so we've got to start again. I'm really sorry."

"I love you, Luke. I know you feel the same," Laura said confidently. "We don't need to say anything else."

Luke leaned forward, trying again to remember what happened last week but it was lost. He said, "I'm sorry but I don't feel the same way. We hardly know each other. It takes time to develop feelings like that. I'm sorry if I said something last week that made you think that I felt the same way. I'm sorry but I don't remember."

Laura smiled. "I know you're only saying that because you're afraid of your family. You're afraid of what they'll do to you because they don't approve of us. But it will be okay. I can help you get away from them."

Luke stared at Laura in disbelief. He couldn't imagine where she got those ideas. It couldn't have been something he said even if he had too much to drink. This was going to be harder than he thought. She wasn't listening to him. He was saying one thing and she was hearing something else. She believed his family was keeping them apart.

He took another mouthful of beer as he sat back in his chair trying to figure out how to get through to her. He reached in his pocket and pulled out the small box containing the heart. He slid it across the table to Laura.

Laura picked up the box and opened it, surprised to see the other half of the heart. She looked intently at Luke.

"I'm sorry but I can't accept this gift," he said.

"It's because of them isn't it? Your uncle told you to give it back, didn't he?" Laura demanded, showing the first hint of anger.

"He did," Luke admitted and then quickly added, "but I already knew I had to give it back, Laura. We don't know each other well enough to be giving an intimate gift like this."

Laura could see that Luke was becoming stressed. She would have to keep her emotions under control for his sake. Just the mention of his family was enough to upset him. They had too much control over him even when they weren't at this side. Bo was in the bar and his presence was contributing to Luke's stress. He was afraid that Bo was watching them.

Laura knew that Luke needed to relax but he wasn't going to be able to do that without a little help. She had the bottle of Rohypnol in her purse. She wouldn't make the same mistake of giving him too much like the last time. One little pill would do—just enough to take the edge off, make him more compliant. He needed to let go of his fears and stop resisting her. It was for his own good. She opened her bag under the table and felt around its contents. She felt the cold metal of the small revolver that fit easily in her hand. If she needed it, she wouldn't hesitate to use the gun but it wasn't what she was searching for. She finally found the small bottle of Rohypnol and carefully removed a small white pill. She would find an opportunity to put it in Luke's beer.

Luke was at a loss. This wasn't going well. He was becoming frustrated. It didn't seem to matter what he said. Laura was hearing what she wanted to hear. She kept staring at him with that wide-eyed innocent expression that he couldn't even begin to understand belied her inner thoughts. He needed to get away from those penetrating eyes for a few moments so he could think. He startled her as he suddenly stood, causing her to drop the small pill.

He said, "I'll get us a couple more beer. Be right back."

When he was gone, Laura searched the floor for the roofie but couldn't find it in the dimly lit corner. She quickly removed another pill from the bottle and waited for Luke to return with the beers.

When Luke got to the bar, Daisy asked, "How's it going, sugar?"

"Not so good"

"Is she very upset?" Daisy asked compassionately

"That's just it, Daisy," Luke said, dumbfounded. "She ain't upset at all. She doesn't seem to believe me when I tell her I don't love her. Give me a couple more beers, please."

Daisy frowned. "I thought you were going easy on the beers tonight."

"I am," Luke answered. "This is my second one and that's it for the night. The other one is for her. She ain't listening to me, Daisy."

"Try a little harder," Daisy said as she handed two beers to her cousin. "Go easy on these."

"I am trying hard, Daisy. I might as well be talking to a brick wall—or Bo."

Daisy laughed. "It can't be bad as that."

Luke allowed himself a small grin. "Just about. I best be getting back for round two."

Luke returned to the table, hesitating before he sat down to check his chair for any sharp objects. He almost laughed at himself for letting Bo spook him like that. Of course the chair was clear. He sat down and handed a beer to Laura.

Laura knocked the jewelry box with the heart off the table as she reached for her beer. When Luke reached down to pick it up, she quickly slipped the pill in his beer. It dissolved into the foamy head without a trace. Luke handed her the box but she placed it down in front of him.

"It's yours," she said. "I won't take it back. I know you really want to keep it. You don't have to be afraid of your family. You can get away from them. I'll help. I know what it's like to be controlled like that. There are ways to get away from them. I know. I made my family go away."

Not liking the sound of that, Luke said, "I don't want my family to go away." He hesitated before adding, "I thought your parents passed away."

"So they did," Laura said without emotion.

Laura looked content, almost serene as she stared lovingly at Luke. It gave him a chill. He sat back in his chair to get a little distance, almost as if he actually felt the icy coldness of her response. What did she mean by that?

"I know you really love me," she said with invincible knowledge.

Luke stared at Laura in disbelief. Bo was right. Something wasn't right with her. She wasn't making any sense. She was oblivious to anything but her own unrealistic thoughts. He knew this wouldn't be easy but she was making it impossible. He picked up his beer and drank for a few minutes trying to figure out how to get through to Laura.

He tried again. "Laura, we don't even know each other. We're not in love."

"I believe in love at first sight," Laura answered with a smile. And then she repeated, "I know you really love me."

As Luke looked at Laura, her face started to lose focus. It seemed to float in front of him. He closed his eyes hoping the dizziness would pass but the spinning felt worse. When he opened his eyes again, Laura was still smiling at him. The room appeared distorted with people moving in slow motion and mumbling incoherent words. It was hard to think straight.

Laura leaned in close and whispered, "Don't you feel better now, my love? More relaxed. Everything will be all right. I promise. Let's go."

"Where're we going?" Luke asked slowly, trying to focus.

"Home."

"Good…I want…to go…home."

Luke stumbled as he stood knocking over his chair and nearly falling. Bo saw from across the room and hurried over to his cousin.

"Luke, are you okay?" Bo asked as he grabbed his cousin's arm to steady him. Luke swayed in his tight grasp. When he saw the state Luke was in and the four empty beer glasses on the table, he said, "I can't believe you did this again."

"I'm fine," Luke mumbled.

"You ain't fine. You're drunk again," Bo said with disgust. "But you ain't gonna spoil another night for me and Marylee."

When Bo turned to Laura to apologize, she was gone. He grabbed Luke's arm and said, "Come on, Luke. At least you got rid of Laura Dawson."

Luke allowed himself to be led outside by Bo. He didn't have any choice even if he did want to resist. He felt powerless and confused enough to just do what he was told. When they got to the stockcar, Bo leaned Luke against the passenger door.

Laura watched Bo and Luke from between two nearby parked cars considering her options. She wasn't going to let Bo ruin her plans this time. She felt in her purse for the small, fist-sized gun. She would use it if she had to but it would be risky with people going in and out of the Boar's Nest. She would have to choose her moment carefully. She moved closer to listen to what Bo was saying. His voice was angry. She would protect Luke from him if she had to regardless of the risks.

"Luke, I ain't ruining another night with Marylee because of you. She was mad enough last time. She's not going to keep giving me another chance so I ain't taking you home," Bo said with annoyance. "I can't believe you did this again after last time. You can't be making a habit of this."

"S…s…sorry," Luke muttered.

"You and me both."

"I don't feel too good," Luke said. "Head hurts."

"You ain't got nobody to blame but yourself," Bo answered without sympathy. "You can sleep it off this time here in the General. I'll drive us both home later."

"I…ain't…drunk," Luke slurred.

"You are. Sleep it off," Bo said again with annoyance.

Luke nodded although he wasn't following what Bo was saying except that he should sleep in the car. Bo was angry but Luke didn't know why. He tried to do as he was told and pulled on the door handle to open it.

Exasperated, Bo said, "What are you doing, Luke? You know the doors are welded shut. Go through the window."

Irritated, Bo shook his head. He said, "I ain't gonna struggle with you. Get in yourself. Marylee is waiting for me and I ain't got time for this. I'll see you later."

Bo turned his back and headed for the entrance to the bar. He crossed a few feet in front of Laura without noticing her. She relaxed her tight grip on the gun. It was best to let him go inside. It was too risky. There would be other opportunities. She needed time to rescue Luke. As soon as Bo was inside, she emerged from the shadows. She hurried over to Luke as he struggled to get into the General. The drug would be at the height of its effects within a couple of hours and then she had few more hours while it wore off. She needed to act fast.

Luke leaned back against the stockcar when Laura grabbed his arm. "Come on," she said. "I'm here to help you."

The face floating before him was familiar. "I…need to get…in."

"No. You need to come with me," a voice insisted.

"Bo…"

"Forget Bo. He's very angry with you. He doesn't want you ruining his night. He doesn't want you ruining his life. He wants you to go away. He doesn't care about you. You heard him."

Luke tried to remember what Bo said but he couldn't think straight. He knew Bo was angry but he wasn't sure why. He tried hard to focus on what Laura was saying. Bo did say he was ruining something, although he wasn't sure what.

"I want to…go home," Luke finally managed. He needed to be someplace that felt safe and secure. He wanted to go home. He needed to go home.

"I'll take you home," Laura said as she urgently pulled on Luke's arm.

When he didn't move, she added, "You want to go home, don't you?"

"Yes," Luke answered.

"I'll take you home. Come with me," Laura said intently. She wrapped her arm around Luke's waist and pulled him away from the General Lee. She awkwardly guided him to her car as he leaned against her for support. She opened the door and helped Luke into the passenger seat before hurrying around to the driver's seat. When she pulled out of the parking space, she forced herself to drive slowly out to the road. She didn't want to attract attention.

Laura was euphoric. She glanced over at Luke, absorbing his presence. She finally succeeded in rescuing him from his family. She did it. He belonged to her now. She would keep him safe. No one would take him away from her. It might take time to break the sick emotional control his family had over him but she had time. She had all the time in the world.

Luke leaned his head back against the seat and closed his eyes. He needed to rest just for a while. Maybe he would be able to think straight. He wanted to go home. Laura said she was taking him home. But it didn't feel right. He struggled to stay awake but it was a losing battle. As they drove into the darkness of the night, his world faded to black.