Chapter 11 - Leaving Safe Harbor
"What you've done becomes the judge of what
you're going to do – especially in other people's minds."
~ William Least Heat Moon
On the far side of Old County Road, Steven Cunningham trudged through a maze of oaks, sycamores and pines. Overgrown shrubs competed for turf and provided ample cover to protect him from the curious eyes at the Circle M Ranch. As Monroe's second in command, Steven was in Hazzard County to establish their backup plan and make the Commissioner an offer he wouldn't refuse, but first he was checking on the MacFarlands and the cop who provided them safe harbor.
Built like an NFL linebacker, the blond-haired middle-age man knelt beside a large oak and raised his binoculars to spy across the road. Sturdy fences stretched across gentle slopes of sun-baked grass and the occasional tree provided shade. Several horses dotted the landscape and two barns sat at the base of two hills, one structure dwarfing the other in size.
The main barn had a massive gambrel roof. It was painted to match the house and the hayloft door in the gable had brightly painted trim. The barn was three times larger than any others in Hazzard County and its immense double-doors stood open, allowing the air to circulate as the ranch hands went about their morning chores.
At the top of the hill and in front of another, a two-story home with a wrap-around porch was the crowning jewel of the storybook setting. Its bright yellow paint, neatly trimmed dormer windows and rich green shutters made it stand out against the backdrop of trees. It glowed in the early morning sun as if it were an independent light source.
A simple gate marked the long drive and a wrecker arrived to deliver a red pickup. Steven watched the deputy greet the man at the porch steps and within minutes the pickup was disconnected, hooked to a horse trailer and parked side by side with another rig.
"Well, what have we here?" Steven muttered. "Are you leaving early?"
Steven continued to watch. The mechanic opened the hood of the red truck and was pointing something out to the deputy when Jenny strolled out of the house. She carried two large cases to the truck before joining the men. Steven's suspicions were confirmed. They were leaving. He quickly gathered his things. He had to get to a payphone and alert his people in Wyoming before he met the Commissioner in town.
When Enos closed the truck hood, Jenny's smile seemed a little too forced for his liking. She sat behind the wheel and chatted with Cooter about the modifications and other unique add-ons he discovered on her pickup. Cooter leaned through the window of the open door, salivating like a starved dog at a steak dinner over the switch he found in the cigarette lighter. Jenny's furtive answers to his questions had stoked his interest even more.
Jenny was more than willing to explain the other gadgets under the hood, which were nothing more than storage units constructed of the same material used to make fire safes. They popped open easily after she used the radio tuner like a combination lock. The compartments were intended to hold passports, new ID's, cash and weapons when she traveled.
If she had to disappear in a hurry, the truck acted as a self-contained go bag. Army rations, bottled water and everything she needed to survive off the grid for several days were packed in the toolbox. She could drive off and vanish without a trace, a concept that made Enos's stomach turn at the thought.
Enos walked around the truck and joined in on the conversation.
"Sure I took her for a spin!" Cooter said to Jenny. "Lemme tell ya', this truck could give ol' Spike Loomis a run for his money."
"No doubt about that." Enos said. "Ya' should've seen th' look on Emily's face when she outran Daisy in it this past summer."
"She's a mighty fine machine." Cooter lovingly patted the door. "Miss Jenny, c'mon now. Won't ya' give me just a little hint? Tell me how that there switch in the cigarette lighter works."
Jenny hesitated and played with the jeweled pendant on her necklace. Eventually she answered, "Well, I can't explain exactly how it works. My father hasn't patented the technology yet. It's a little complicated, but it's used for evasion and I'm the only one who can activate it. How's that?"
"I knew it." Cooter pushed his hat up and his eyes glittered. "You're some kinda secret agent, ain't ya'."
Jenny laughed. "No. I'm not a secret agent. My father just likes his gadgets."
"I think you'd make th' purdiest-"
"Cooter!" Enos rolled his eyes. "How much do I owe ya' for the ding dang tune up?"
"Don't get all bent outta shape, Enos. I ain't movin' in on your territory. This one's on th' house, but I would like for th' little lady to answer just one more question." Cooter turned back to Jenny with his carefree smile. "I'll even buy ya' a beer and save ya' a dance at th' Boar's Nest if ya' answer it."
"She ain't going to th' Boar's Nest with you Cooter." Enos huffed.
"Relax, handsome." Jenny hopped out of the truck. "My dance card belongs to you. Alright, Cooter. One more question."
Cooter rubbed his hands together enthusiastically. "Now, it would've been downright inappropriate to disassemble this fine piece of ingenuity, but that didn't stop me from taking a peek at things, like th' secret compartment in th' floor?"
Enos could've sworn Jenny flinched. "The compartment? But, it's welded shut."
"Yes ma'am." Cooter continued, "I didn't crack into it, but I'm dyin' to know what's in there. Ya' got yourself a nitrous tank or something tucked away to give ya' more power?"
Jenny let out a breath and smiled easily. "Something like that, yes. Let's just say that activating that switch will keep me out of Monroe's clutches. It can only be activated once, but there's no need for it now that my family is back together. We keep each other safe. Thanks so much for the tune up, Cooter. The truck hasn't run this well in ages."
"We appreciate ya' bringing it out so early, too." Enos said as he put his arm around Jenny. "Time got away from us last night."
"Hey, it was my pleasure." Cooter doffed his hat. "Ma'am, it was nice to meet ya'. Ya'll have a safe trip and come back in one piece. We need ol' Enos here to keep Rosco on his toes."
"It's a deal," she said. "It was nice meeting you, too. If you'll excuse me, I need to put the cases in the trailer and say goodbye to my mare. She's in foal and isn't making the trip with us."
Before she could get away, Enos cupped her face and tenderly ran his thumb across her cheek. "Ya' leave those heavy cases to me. Go on and see Bella. I'll join ya' in a minute."
"Thanks. Take your time." Jenny stood on her tiptoes and Enos bent down to take the tender kiss she offered.
When Jenny strolled away to the pasture, both men stood quietly and watched the graceful sway of her hips.
Cooter shut the truck door and moved to rest his elbow high on Enos's shoulder. "Shoo-doggie. I'll be plum impressed if any of ya' make it through the next three days without defensive wounds. Daisy is gonna be about as cuddly as a wild boar. No wonder she's been all in a tizzy. Jenny is one fine lookin' little lady. It's a cryin' shame th' twins ain't identical."
"Cooter!"
"Did I say that out loud?"
"Yeah, ya' sure did."
Cooter shrugged and gave Enos a friendly slap to the chest. "There's somethin' ya' need to know about that switch."
"What?" Enos sobered immediately. "Did ya' find out what it's for?"
"Nope, but I know what it ain't." With a quick glance to check Jenny's position, Cooter led Enos to his tow-truck and explained, "Jenny ain't lying about it being an evasion technique, but that switch ain't gonna make th' truck go faster."
"If it doesn't make it go faster, how does she get away from Monroe?"
"Ya' ain't gonna like it. Th' wires from th' secret compartment connect to several smaller ones, each one is about th' size of a small brick." Cooter held out his hands to demonstrate. "They're positioned along the frame from front to back with several around th' gas tank. What does that sound like to you?"
Enos shivered when an eerie chill crawled down his spine. He heaved a sigh and looked Jenny's direction. "Trouble."
After Cooter left the ranch, Enos's hair was still on end about the switch. Knowing that Jenny didn't plan on using it helped a little, but it infuriated him that Monroe had put her in this situation. Jenny had lost enough time running for her life and Enos was determined to put a stop to it. The plans he made for her in Wyoming would be a new beginning for both of them.
He found his beautiful girlfriend at the bottom of the hill, leaning against the fence while she watched Bella. Enos strolled up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his cheek against her hair.
"Promise me ya' ain't gonna use that switch. I ain't askin' ya' to tell me what it does, but I know it ain't good. I just found ya' and I won't lose ya' that way."
Jenny startled and looked over her shoulder. "I'm no coward, Deputy. I didn't ask for the technology and don't want it. I'd never use it that way. I'll fight Monroe until my last breath. I promise."
"Aw, Jenny. I'm gonna put an end to this. I'll find him and stop him. You're gonna get that normal life."
"We'll work on it together."
"Yes ma'am."
Jenny crossed her arms over his and drew lazy circles on his skin as they gazed across the pasture. Neither spoke after that. They stood in a tender embrace and watched Bella graze as the rising sun sent brilliant streaks of color across the sky. The world was blissfully quiet, peaceful and untainted by the turmoil that always seemed to find them. It was a moment to treasure, the perfect moment. Tell her. Tell her now…tell her you love her…
Enos nuzzled her head aside and brushed his lips along the curve of her neck until he reached her ear. Before he could speak, Jenny's voice declared the end of their solitude and the moment was forever lost.
"Mo ghràdh," my love, she whispered. "We have company."
Enos looked up as Drake's Scout pulled in the gate. Daisy was here and it was time to keep his promise to Uncle Jesse. Healing couldn't begin until he picked up the shattered pieces of his friendship.
Forgiving Daisy was easy. Forgetting would take a little more time.
Saying goodbye to Uncle Jesse and Bo had been incredibly difficult for Daisy. Uncle Jesse's eyes had been moist as he wished her a safe trip and Bo's farewell hug was filled with desperation. Seeing her family so deeply affected by her mistake brought on wave after wave of guilt. When the farm disappeared in the back window, the fear nearly consumed her. None of them knew what Monroe might have planned and Daisy likened it to being set adrift in the ocean, separated from her loved ones and uncertain if she would survive to see them again. It took most of the drive and a lot of reassurance from Luke to regain her composure.
Daisy blinked as she stood beside the Scout, the bright sun burning her tear-swollen eyes. She absently scanned the porch, searching for Enos while she half-heartedly listened to the unique cadence of Drake's voice.
"I'll take these to the trailer." Drake said as he pulled Daisy's luggage from the Scout. "Both of ya will ride in Enos's truck with me. Feel free to go inside and get out of the heat. Jenny always keeps the coffee fresh."
Daisy pulled her eyes from the house and said, "I appreciate it sugar, but I really should find Enos."
"He's down by the fence with Jenny." Luke said as he grabbed the rest of the bags. "Do ya' want me to go talk to him with you?"
"He's where?" Daisy looked down the hill and nearly choked.
Her eyes landed on the couple just in time to see Enos pick Jenny up and put her on the fence. He buried his hands in her hair and kissed her like there was no tomorrow. Daisy had no tears remaining, but she was sure her heart bled.
Luke shifted the luggage and put his arm around her. "I'm sorry, Daisy. Are you okay?"
"Of course I am, Luke. Why shouldn't I be? I'll just wait for him to come find me when he's ready." Daisy could hear the insincerity laced in her answer. Even her voice was betraying her these days.
Daisy blindly walked with Luke to the trailer, desperate for something, anything, to distract her from the pain. She found that distraction in Drake. She didn't understand how she could love one man, hurt over his rejection, and have such an intense physical attraction to another. At the moment, she didn't care.
Watching Drake's muscles flex and ripple beneath his t-shirt was a powerful painkiller. He moved fluidly, a work of art in motion as he stowed the luggage. She sat on the narrow step leading to the living quarters and let her cares float away.
Drake bent down to secure the compartment door and his lips curved in a devilish half-smile when he caught Daisy appreciating his masculine form. She rewarded him with an icy glare before averting her eyes to the hills.
"Anyone like to join me for a cuppa?" Drake's voice was tinged with amusement. "I'll be right peched without caffeine."
"Coffee sounds good." Luke replied. He knelt in front of Daisy and took her hands. "I know you're trying to be tough, but ya' ain't gotta do this by yourself. Enos is on the way over. I can stay if ya' want."
Daisy narrowed her eyes and sat taller in a show of strength. "Sugar, I'm fine. It's just Enos. He's harmless."
Luke knew better than to argue. "Okay. You know where to find me."
When Luke followed Drake to the house, Daisy was left to face the music on her own. She stood and took a deep breath to calm her nerves when Enos walked around the trailer. He looked handsome as ever in dark jeans and a soft denim shirt. That confidence was back and he wore it well.
"Morning, Dais."
"Hey, Enos." Daisy folded her arms to keep from fidgeting with her clothes. "I bet you're excited about seeing Emily and Gus." Great, Daisy. Small talk? Maybe you can talk about the weather next. Hot, dry, and by the way, sorry for selling you out to Boss.
"I talked to Emily last night and she's looking forward to seeing you, too. I sure enjoyed having them here this summer. Daisy, we should talk before we get on th' road. Are ya' holding up alright?"
"Not really, but I reckon I ain't got no one to blame but myself." Daisy paused and lowered her eyes. The shame burned in her stomach, making it ten times harder to apologize. "Enos, I'm so sorry for th' trouble I caused. I didn't know about Boss's plans and I hope that someday you'll be able to forgive me. I don't blame ya' for avoiding me the last two weeks."
"Shoot, Daisy. That ain't why I've stayed away. I just needed a little space. I forgive ya'. I'll get over it eventually, but I'm real upset with Boss for putting you in danger."
Daisy stepped forward and ran her hand down his arm. "I appreciate that, sugar. I've missed you." As usual, Enos moved away from her touch and the ache in her heart grew.
"There's something else. About what happened last night with Drake, it's probably best if-"
"L-last night?!" Daisy forced the bland expression in place as that kiss replayed in her mind. "Nothing happened last night with Drake."
Enos's forehead crinkled in confusion. "You caught him watching th' farm, didn't ya?"
"Yeah, but how did you know that?"
"Because he drove ya' over here. I probably should've told ya that he's been taking turns with Jaxon to keep an eye on things, but we were worried you'd ditch them. Please don't be mad about it."
"Oh, so that's what you meant!" Daisy chuckled nervously. What a relief! "I'm not mad! We'll, maybe a little, but I'm grateful for the extra protection. Agent Ferguson had some pretty scary things to say about Monroe."
"He's real dangerous." Enos said. "Daisy, I promised Uncle Jesse that I'd take care of ya'. I know ya' might not be comfortable with things the way they are, especially with Drake and Jaxon being Jenny's kin and all. I want ya' to let me know if ya' have any problems, okay? I want this to be as easy for ya' as possible."
Daisy regained a bit of her bravado and shook her head. "Oh, Enos. I can handle those MacFarland boys. It's Bo and Luke hovering over me like a couple of hens that's been getting on my nerves. Besides," she moved closer to play with the buttons on his shirt, "you're the one I really care about."
"Um…yeah." Enos took her wrists and gently moved her hands away from his chest. "Daisy, I'm with Jenny now."
"Oh, sugar. Why can't ya' see it? How long do you think she will stay this time?"
"Daisy, that ain't fair."
"No, none of this is fair. I'm trying to accept the way things are, but it ain't easy. I still think you're rebounding, sugar. I don't want you to get hurt again. You deserve-"
"The absolute best of everything." Jenny hooked her arm through Enos's with a confident smile.
Daisy's voice lodged in her throat. Hadn't she been humiliated enough lately? The anger opened the express lane for jealousy and the green-monster tried to rear its ugly head. She bit her tongue to hold back the bitter response begging to be flung through the air like a weapon.
Enos put his arm around Jenny and pulled her snug against him. His pride was obvious. "I reckon it's about time ya'll met proper like. Daisy, this is Jenny MacFarland. Jenny, this is my friend, Daisy Duke."
Friend. Daisy's face muscles burned with the effort it took to smile. She hadn't actually talked to Jenny, even though she had seen her several times before.
Jenny extended her hand and said, "It's nice to finally meet you, Daisy. Enos has told me such wonderful stories about you and your family. Can I offer you a cup of tea before we hit the road?"
It took Daisy another second to find her Duke pride, but she shook Jenny's hand and said, "Nice to meet you, too. I think I'll pass on th' tea. We need to get on the road, don't we Enos?"
"Yes ma'am, but I haven't loaded Tag and Abby yet. You have enough time to have tea with Jenny. Ya'll can start getting to know each other."
"I'd really like that." Jenny said. "I want us to be friends."
"That's real nice, but I think I'll pass on th' tea." Daisy shot Enos a look that could curdle milk and the morning birdsong created a deafening roar in the silence that followed.
Jenny came to the rescue when she said to Enos, "I tied the horses to the trailer. Why don't you load them while I run inside and fix you some coffee?"
"Thanks, hon. Would ya' light a fire under Jaxon? I ain't seen him load his stuff yet. It's gonna be too hot this afternoon for the horses to travel and I'd like to get as far north as we can."
"I'll hurry him along." Jenny raised her chin and Enos took her face in his hands to kiss her before walking away.
Daisy wanted to retch. She found herself alone with the midget dream crusher and nothing to say.
Jenny waited until Enos was out of sight before allowing her displeasure to show. Daisy clearly saw the protective streak and the steel-like determination in her eyes. It matched Drake's closely.
Jenny was at a loss. She didn't expect Daisy to be happy about this, but something was preventing her from letting go of Enos. She wasn't sure what it was, but she wasn't going to cut her any slack. They had to get along and focus on survival.
"Daisy, I know this is hard, but I really do want to be your friend. Enos cares deeply for you. I don't want him to lose that relationship. Will you meet me halfway?"
"I want to. I really do, but I just can't get over your running out on him in June. Your brother was bleeding to death in my arms, Enos was unconscious on the floor of his home, but you just disappeared, without even bothering to check on them. How could you do that?"
"Ran off!? Is that what you think I-"
"Enos almost died, Jenny! He woke in the hospital calling your name, but you weren't there! He still defends your behavior! You don't deserve him! After watching him go through that and suffer all summer, how can you expect me not to be angry about it?"
"You don't have your facts straight. I didn't run off. I was gone because-" Jenny gasped and grabbed her side.
"Jenny, what's wrong?"
She held the bed of the truck while she tried to catch her breath. "It's an old...riding injury. J-just…give me a second."
The pain from the shooting still gave her fits, especially when she lifted too much, or got upset. This morning she had done both. The doctors assured her that the pain would eventually go away, but she didn't want Enos to know how bad things had been. If she explained her absence to Daisy, he'd find out. He'd find out soon enough. As intimate as they were becoming, it was only a matter of time before he saw the scars, but she wanted to put it off as long as possible. It was hard enough to see that fearful look in Jaxon's eyes.
Daisy was staring at her. Jenny wasn't sure if she was concerned or silently demanding an explanation for her sins, but she wouldn't get an answer either way. She ignored the physical pain, even though all the color had blanched from her cheeks, and established the battle lines. If Daisy were to stay mad at her, she wouldn't push for an answer.
"We both know this isn't about the shooting, Daisy. It's a convenient excuse for you to stay angry about losing Enos. Take all the time you need to get over him. I'll still be here when you do. The offer still stands if you'd like to come in for tea."
Jenny walked away before Daisy could respond. Her boots pounded against the wood of the porch and she steadied herself with the banister. When she reached the front door, she met Luke walking out. He held a coffee mug in one hand and a blueberry scone in the other.
"Hey, Jenny! Thanks for th' coffee and these blueberry things are real good. You okay? Ya' look kinda pale."
"I'm fine. Just a little hot." Jenny brushed her hand across her cheek. "Have you seen Drake and Jaxon?"
"Yes ma'am." Luke held the door for her. "Drake just went upstairs to find Jaxon. Jenny, we appreciate everything you're doing for Daisy."
"You're welcome. We'll keep her safe. I'll be right out." Jenny moved inside and the screen door shut behind her. She stood at the bottom of the stairs and called up, "Drake!? Jaxon!? What's taking you so long? We need to go!"
Jaxon's outraged voice traveled down the hall. "You're a damn liar, Drake! Admit it!"
"Have ya lost your bloody mind!?" There was heavy footfall and Drake roared, "Get back here! Ya willnae walk out until ya explain! Ya owe me that!"
"I don't owe you jack squat!"
When glass shattered and a loud crash caused the walls to shake, Jenny bolted up the stairs.
