A/N: The man Badger refers to, Zeke Harvey, was the leader of Monroe's strike team from The Diaries of Circle M Ranch. Zeke first appeared in Chapter 35 of DOCMR when he prepared to attack Daisy and Enos on the porch swing. Jenny also mentions a previous altercation with him to Jaxon (DOCMR - Chapter 36) saying "He's no match for my Mossberg."

Sorry this took longer than expected, but life is keeping me busy and I didn't want to leave everyone hanging for a week or two after this chapter. Part 2 is complete and I will post it in 24-48 hours. Thanks so much for the PM's and reviews! Enjoy!


Chapter 44 – The Exchange, Part I

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together
is progress. Working together is success."

~ Henry Ford


It had been two days since Agent Chuck Ferguson enjoyed a decent meal. As he stood beside his car, he watched the Hazzard Ladies Auxiliary serve a down home country breakfast to the hungry masses gathered at the command post. He could smell the sausage gravy and biscuits from here, but his hope to partake fizzled when Sheriff Little added another problem to his ever-growing list.

He pulled the radio mic through the car window and said, "I didn't quite get that, Sheriff. She's where?"

"The roadblock at Jimson Lane and Highway 20. Said she's picking you up after lunch to set up at Hazzard Lake?"

"Set up? But we didn't…" Chuck dropped his head and contemplated searching for a random boulder to bash it against. "Right, Hazzard Lake. Please tell Becky I made a change in our accommodations. Would you ask her to drive straight to the Circle M Ranch instead? I'm tied up and she'll be safe there. Also, make sure she knows to call me when she arrives, like we discussed." His voice squeaked on the lie.

Sheriff Little's laughter came through loud and clear. "If I didn't know you better, I'd say you were a little peeved at Mrs. Ferguson."

"No, just want her off the roads before things with Monroe get worse."

"I understand. Enjoy your visit. I'll pass the message along and flag her right through. Hey, you want Deputy Hogg to give her a police escort? Sheriff Coltrane is sending him out to the Grigg Farm. It's right on the way for him and would keep Becky from stopping again at Old County."

Chuck was sure his rolling eyes bounced off the back of his head. "That would be great. Can you tell me if Agent Simmons has left yet?"

"Negative. He's still waiting for that armored car and he is not happy."

Chuck glanced at his watch and sighed. "Copy that. I'll make some calls about the delay and get back to him ASAP. Thanks again for taking care of my wife."

"No problem, Chuck."

"Ferguson out." Chuck tossed the mic through the window and propped his head on a fist.

Chuck was a smart man. He suspected something was going on when he discovered Jenny was late. It was simple logic. The armored truck was also mysteriously AWOL and that just didn't happen with five million dollars of private funds. He looked into the crowd and worried.

His wife's unscheduled departure from their lake house in Timpson Cove made him want to grind his teeth into pulverized chalk particles. There was a big, fat, sneaky plot underway and now Becky was right in the middle of it. Why else would she throw her weight around as a special agent's wife at the roadblock? There were so many things wrong with that picture he didn't know where to begin. Whatever she was doing, he just became an accessory and was sure to be held accountable if she got caught.

"Jaxon is behind this," he muttered angrily.

An icy chill unrelated to the frigid morning caused something deep inside him to crack. Chuck could handle many things, but Becky being in danger was not one of them. He needed answers and pushed through the crowd of hungry people in search of the one person who might have them. When he spotted Katie chatting with Rosco, he bore down on the pair like a tornado on the open prairie.


Katie had just refilled her coffee and was unaware of the fury headed her way. She smiled and tried to warm her fingers around the flimsy cup as she listened to Rosco complain. He was watching Lori Jean speed out of the parking area with his brow tightly furrowed.

"Dang barracudas. That Lori Jean carries on like a jilted teenager. No wonder Obadiah ain't answering his phone. I reckon she's th' reason he didn't show up at th' town meeting in th' first place! She don't know when to quit! I had to pull Cletus off th' roadblock just to get rid of her!"

Katie put a compassionate hand on his arm and said, "You poor guys. I completely understand. Those girls are downright wicked. You should've seen them at the bachelor's auction."

"Gyu, I don't regret missing that one bit." Rosco stared into his cup with a very distinct frown. "Ya' know, this unleaded coffee should be against th' law. Takes all th' fun out of it."

"Doctor McMillan!"

Chuck's voice hit Katie like a sonic boom and her coffee splashed over the edge of her cup. She threw him an icy stare and said, "Thanks a lot, Chuck!"

"Ghit-ghit!" Rosco dropped his coffee altogether and snapped at the agent. "What did ya' do that for!? Don't ya' know better than to sneak up on a man with a heart condition!?"

Chuck wasn't to be deterred and said to Katie, "We need to talk. Now. Come with me."

"Hey! What are you-" Katie yelped when Chuck took her by the elbow and led her away.

Heads turned as he dragged her through the maze of tables in search of privacy. Rosco scurried after them with Flash lumbering behind as fast as her little legs could carry her. She wasn't leaving her master's side anytime soon.

When Chuck pulled Katie behind the command post, he kept his voice down, but it took great restraint. "Tell me what Jaxon is trying to pull!"

Kate gasped at his harsh tone. "I beg your pardon!?"

Chuck didn't let go of Katie's arm and it sent Rosco into orbit. He bristled like a cat in a dogfight and lashed out at the unruly agent. "Just hold on a pea-pickin' minute! The FBI might have come into my County like th' bully who took over my tree house, but ya' ain't gonna treat Katie thataway!"

"You stay out of this!" Chuck's face turned the shade of an over-ripe tomato and he took both of Katie's arms. "Young lady, this is important. I'm more than willing to help the MacFarlands. You know that. I can't do that if I don't know what's going on. Sheriff Little called to tell me my wife is in Hazzard."

Katie's irritation was evident in the high pitch of her voice. "Seriously? That's what this is about? What does your wife have to do with Jaxon?"

He scoffed, "Everything! Jaxon had a member of Ian's security detail watching our lake house! She wouldn't have left unless Jaxon told her to!"

"Jaxon would've called me if he was back! You men are all the same! Did you stop to think that maybe Becky just wanted to spend time with you?" Katie wrestled away from him and fidgeted with Jaxon's ring. Her eyes were misty when she said, "If I knew where Jaxon was, I'd drive through fire to reach him."

Chuck took a deep calming breath. "Becky coming to visit might not seem all that strange to you, but I thought her bringing the RV into Hazzard was damn peculiar, considering I don't have one!"

"W-wait a minute." Rosco's eyebrows connected. "You don't have a wife, or an RV?"

Chuck snapped, "So help me Sheriff if you don't butt out…!"

"Gh-ghit!" Rosco held up a clenched fist. "Well, I just oughta…gyu…ya' ain't gotta be so dang prickly about it!"

Katie's eyes snapped to Chuck and she blinked rapidly. "Jaxon? My Jaxon and your wife are together? In an RV!?"

"Shh!" Chuck slapped a finger over his lips. "Someone is gonna hear you! I don't know if he's in that RV or not! That's what I'm trying to find out!"

"He didn't call me," she muttered. Katie's face slowly turned a bright shade of pink and the frustration radiated from her like an exploding star. "How should I know what Jaxon is doing?! Apparently I'm not important to him! He hasn't called, or bothered to send me a cryptic note, or a telegram, or even a psychic message since he was arrested in Hatchape! I gave up everything to move to Podunkville and the first thing he did was get himself thrown in jail for bootlegging!"

"Allegedly." Rosco added sheepishly. "Th' charges ain't gonna stick without evidence and Loomis ain't got no evidence. Cooter said th' Scout is in more pieces than-"

"Rosco, please!" Katie shook with anger and Chuck flinched when she poked him in the chest. "Let me explain something to you, Agent Ferguson! It is not my fault that you can't keep up with your wife any better than I can keep up with my wandering boyfriend! I don't have any idea what's going on, but I do know Jaxon wouldn't put Becky in danger!"

Katie's bottom lip began to quiver and her pale blue eyes filled with tears. "Although, I'm starting to wonder if I really know him like I thought I did. Why didn't he ask me for help? He said he loved me, but all he does is shut me out." The pressure of Jaxon's absence and all the unanswered questions finally broke her and the tears took charge.

"Oh good grief." Rosco awkwardly put an arm around her and bemoaned, "I've seen more cryin' women in three days than I've seen in thirty years."

"I'm sorry, Katie." Chuck raked his hand through his hair and left brown spikes standing in its wake. He offered her his handkerchief and waited under she settled to ask, "Can you at least tell me where to find Jenny?"

Katie sniffled as she dabbed her eyes. After an awkward pause she said, "I...um...haven't seen Jenny. Have you seen her Rosco? Maybe Cynthia has seen her. I'll go ask. Just wait right here and I'll be back in a few." She spun around to leave.

"Freeeeze! You just get back here!" Rosco hooked Katie's arm and Chuck snagged the other, dragging her back like a slingshot. "Alright, you ain't about to snooker me, Katie McMillan! That's th' same look ya' had on your face when ya said you were gonna leave me cuffed to that wheelchair in th' supply closet! You're up to no good! Does this have anything to do with th' Dukes not being here for their shift?"

"The Dukes aren't here either? Crap. I knew it!" Chuck backed Katie into a tree and towered over her with an intimidating glare. "Tell me where they are!"

Katie folded her arms across her chest and raised a defiant chin. "After what the FBI did to Jaxon's father? Not on your life!"

"That was Parks and he's CIA! I didn't have anything to do with it! Simmons was the one who tipped of Ranger Montgomery and he called Loch Delany! If it wasn't for the FBI, Parks would've gotten away with it!" Chuck sighed heavily and tired to soften his approach. He took Katie's hands and said, "Listen to me carefully. Jenny is in serious danger. She's pregnant and about to face down a man that the FBI hasn't been able to stop. Enos probably won't be able to help her. For all we know, Monroe...h-he may have killed him two days ago. Are you going to be able to live with yourself if something happens to Jenny or her baby?"

Rosco dropped his head and went perfectly still.

Katie's eyes became gigantic blue orbs. "B-but she made me promise. She doesn't trust the FBI!"

"I'm not asking you to trust the FBI. I'm asking you to trust me. If there's a chance we can still save Enos, I want to help. Please, Katie. He's not just another cop. He's my friend."

She put a trembling hand on her forehead and said, "If you mess this up, she'll never forgive me. I'm coming with you, but we need to hurry. They're probably already there."


The wind was oppressive in the open expanse of Morgan's Meadow. Jenny stood beside the chopper with one hand on her father's dirk, sizing up Monroe and his bodyguards while they waited against the cargo van. The wind howled as it whipped the tall winter grass and tugged at her chignon. The sound was a lonely cry, a wailing protest to the evil lurking at the end of the runway.

Jenny examined each man, assessing his attributes and level of threat with great alacrity. The first was of American Indian heritage, big and brawny, with bronze skin and straight black hair that reached his shoulders. He wore a bulletproof vest that belonged to Enos and kept his hand loosely balanced on the revolver strapped to his thigh. The other man was built like an athlete, tall and slender, with red hair that barely peeked beneath his black stocking cap. He had deep-set eyes and held his rifle firmly. The gun belt on his waist was Enos's property as well.

Jenny dragged her gaze to Monroe and blinked against the sand that spiraled in the wind to catch in her lashes. His soulless eyes and menacing face were hidden beneath dark glasses and a grey scarf.

He looks taller, bigger. At least, she thought he did. Something was different, but it was hard to tell if her first impression of the man had been accurate.

While Monroe stared back at her, he stood ramrod straight, a massive bundle of rigid apprehension. Jenny reached back to release Edward and gauged the men's responses. The guards tensed, but Monroe's shoulders dropped a little, as if he were more relaxed, despite Edward's vicious snarls and aggressive stance. Interesting.

Before she could dwell on the matter, Badger called out, "Start walking, Mrs. Strate! If that dog attacks, I'll gut him!"

"Likewise!" She drew Ian's dirk in a show of strength and whooshed out the breath she didn't realize she was holding.

Jenny blinked when she caught the slight bounce of Monroe's shoulders. Was he laughing at her? There really was something wrong and it sent waves of anxiety crashing over her. She ran her thumb over the engraved hilt of the dagger, centering herself, slowing the pulse that beat like fervent drums in her ears. Breathe. Don't let them see your fear.

Luke's voice came through the radio, "Jenny? Ya' gotta calm down. We can hear ya' breathing like Boss Hogg after an aerobics class. Stick with the plan."

Bo added, "We got your back. Tell them ya' want to see Enos."

"Stick with the plan. Got it. Thanks, guys. I'm okay." Jenny clung to their voices as much as their words, grateful for the connection to trustworthy friends. She took a few deep breaths, adjusted her scarf and called across the meadow, "Hey, moron! I'm not taking a single step until I see my husband!"

"The name is Badger!" shouted the man with black hair. "You already know Monroe! Next to him is Mack and let me introduce Wade!"

Badger whistled. Jenny carefully repeated the information back to her support while a fourth man pulled Enos from behind the van.

"I reckon that's Wade." Daisy said.

Jenny gasped when she saw Enos's poor condition. He was seriously injured and cuffs bound his hands. Wade had a firm grasp on his collar and dragged him backward across the ground. Unable to maintain his footing, his limbs flailed as they sought purchase. Blood seeped through the burlap sack over his head and another wound of some sort soaked the sleeve of his coat. He had never looked so frail.

Jenny's hand went to her heart in an effort to ease the painful clenching that resided there. "Oh, Deputy. Just hold on a little longer."

Wade crossed the runway and moved into the field on Jenny's right. The tall grass obscured Enos from her view. When his captor stopped and dropped him to the ground, the position of the three parties formed the points of a short triangle: Enos in the grass, Monroe on one end of the runway and Jenny on the other.

Enos was yanked to his knees, but he was too weak to hold himself up. He immediately slumped forward and didn't move. All Jenny could see was a hint of motionless dark fabric between ever-swaying stems. Wade kicked him and then stood tall to point the rifle at his captive.

Jenny was furious and yelled at Monroe. "If Wade puts so much as a finger on him again, it's going to cost you! He needs a doctor!"

Badger pulled the Colt from his holster and leveled it at Jenny while he shouted over the wind. "You're outnumbered and unless you want me to shoot, you'll meet me halfway! No funny business or he dies! Keep your hands where I can see them!"

Red flags again went up over Monroe's lack of involvement. Jenny carefully told her support, "Guys, Monroe isn't in charge."

Daisy replied, "I think you're right. Unless you can see a gun, he ain't even armed."

"That might be what he wants us to think." Luke suggested. "He could have a gun in his pocket. Okay, ya'll. Let's set it up. Daisy, get to the trees behind Enos. Mitch, can you crawl through the grass and reach the back of that van?"

"On my way." Mitch said. "But someone needs to cover Monroe and his buddies until I get there."

Daisy clicked her tongue. "Don't worry, sugar. He makes one aggressive move and I'll skewer him like a Thanksgiving turkey."

"No way, Daisy." Luke's frustration was clearly transmitted. "I told you to let Mitch handle Monroe! Now just get behind Enos so you can help Jenny move him to the trees when it's time. We'll cover things until you get there. They ain't gonna try nothin' until they get the money."

"But what if-"

"Go now, Daisy." Jenny said. "We don't have time to argue and I'll need your help. I won't be able to move him alone. Mitch, take her and get going. Enos looks bad and I want to get him out of there. Edward, trobhad."

Jenny held her hands out to the side and took that frightening first step down the runway.


After separating from Mitch, Daisy moved through the forest with the silent ease of a lioness. She picked her way down the hill, sneaking behind rocks and tree trunks until she reached a huge cluster of kudzu that hadn't succumbed to the cold weather. She pulled out her knife and quietly burrowed her way through the tangled mass of vines to the meadow's edge. The foliage provided a natural wall, the perfect spot for cover until it was time to take action.

The sunlight bled through the vines and she moved aside a few wilted leaves with the back of her hand to peek into the meadow. Wade was standing over Enos several yards away and she found herself estimating the steps it would take to reach him. The grass rocked back and forth in a hypnotic motion, promising stealth and safety if she kept her head down. If only Wade wasn't there...

Looking to her right, Daisy could see the van parked across the runway with the Chevelle. The back doors butted against the edge of the grass, allowing Mitch to crawl right up to it. When the time was right, he would take Monroe by surprise.

Daisy hunkered down and aimed her crossbow at Wade. The waiting was horrible and she worried her teeth on her lip to stave off the nervous jitters. Long minutes passed and Enos didn't move a muscle. She shivered from the cold and her mind wandered to Drake, her body yearning for the warmth of his touch, for the safety of his arms. The ache in her stomach became painful. When the tears came, she let them fall unhindered. It helped to release a little of the worrisome tension that coiled around her in tight bands.

Her finger played near the trigger as she shifted her aim to Monroe; the man who caused it all. "Don't hesitate," she whispered to herself.

Wallace Monroe was right there in the meadow, within easy range of her weapon. He had no idea she was there as he watched Badger and Jenny talk on the runway. The need to exact justice was powerful, a nearly overwhelming pull. She knew it wasn't her place to right the wrongs inflicted upon Drake's family and her lifelong friend, but it would be so easy. Daisy resigned herself to do the right thing, but a dark part of her began hoping Monroe would give her a reason. One wrong move, one threatening act towards the people she loved, and Daisy would make sure it was the last thing he did.


Jenny mentally bemoaned her inferior height as she looked up at Badger. She could tell by his eyes that he lacked the guts to pull the trigger. He was a thief, a two-bit con, too chicken to get blood on his hands...not directly anyway. He was in it for the money and killing was something he delegated. He was nothing like the lowlife standing over her husband. Wade would drop any of them in second to save his own hide.

So far, Badger wasn't cooperating and she might be forced to take a tougher approach. Edward stood beside her, his sharp brown eyes locked on the large arm holding the revolver on his charge.

Badger's dark eyes glittered as he said, "You keep forgetting your place, little girl. You're not in charge here."

"And who do you think is in charge? Because it certainly isn't Monroe. He'd never allow a loser like you to steal his bragging rights."

"Looks can be deceiving, pretty lady." Badger grinned in amusement and took a step forward. "Even criminal masterminds get laryngitis."

"Laryngitis," she mimed, skeptically. "Stay back. Don't take another step."

"Monroe told me all about you," he said in a suggestive tone. "Said you were a feisty little thing. He even said you were smart. Are you going to prove him wrong by breaking his rules?"

"Some rules were made to be broken."

"In that case, I better frisk you for weapons." Badger smiled lasciviously and took another step forward.

The dirk made a whistling swoosh as Jenny went on the offense. Before Badger could react, the blade was pressed against his throat and a narrow stream of red trickled down his neck.

"Touch me and pull back a bloody stump. If I had a gun, all of you would be dead by now. Monroe should've explained that little detail when you planned this fiasco." She raised a dark brow and said, "That was your reason for saying, no guns. Correct?"

Badger pointed his weapon to the sky and stared down at her, his face unusually calm. "Yes, he's mentioned the fact you're a crack shot. Zeke Harvey said the same thing. I learned from his stupid mistake."

"Newsflash, you're actions tell me you're not a quick learner. Allow me to educate you further." Jenny's eyes sparked angry flares as she hissed, "No one touches me without permission. Ever. You will never have permission and this-" she gestured to his neck with her eyes. "-is your only warning. Is that clear?"

Wade shouted, "That's enough, Mrs. Strate! Let him go or I'll kill the cop! Three seconds! One!"

Jenny tilted the knife and Badger winced as a second bead of blood appeared below his ear and dribbled down his throat. "I said are we clear?"

"Two!"

Badger was holding his breath when he squeaked, "Crystal."

Jenny stepped back, using his shoulder to wipe the blood from her blade as she did. "Good. Now stop wasting my time and tell Wade to take the cuffs off my husband and move away."

Badger wiped his neck with his hand and glanced at the blood on his fingers. "I knew you would keep it interesting. Monroe also told me all about your mother. Is it true? What he says about your hands?"

"This hand?" Jenny opened her fist, revealing a stainless steel cylinder with a switch on the top. "Listen to me you sick pervert. Unless you want Edward to free you from your testicals while I blow pretty red paint all over your five million dollars, you'll do what I tell you. While you're at it, get that Peacemaker out of my face before I take it from you and end this once and for all."

He didn't move. Jenny shouted, "Edward, gabh chuige!"

The dog barked ferociously and lunged forward, his jaw snapping like a bear trap. Badger recoiled and his free hand went to his crotch.

Bo called over the radio, "Did ya'll see that? It looked like Monroe was laughing!"

Jenny called the dog off and took a quick glance at Monroe. There might have been a chuckle beneath all that fabric, but he went stiff as a board when his bodyguard spoke to him. Mack looked particularly displeased. It was just another confirmation that her instincts were spot on. Monroe wasn't in charge. In fact, she suspected he was a prisoner.

"Deagh cuilean, Edward. It's amazing how easily a dog can be trained." Jenny let the implication hang in the air a moment and said, "Put the gun in the holster, Badger."

Badger's lips formed a grim line and his eyes flashed with rage. He holstered his gun and said, "You're on thin ice, little girl. All we want is the money and the chopper. Wade's flying us out. I'll offer a compromise to the boss, but you're pushing it. Put that blade away and we'll talk."

Jenny slid the dirk back into the sheath at her waist. Convinced Monroe wasn't in charge, she raised her chin and played along. "Let's hear his terms."

"For starters, Wade and I are going to check that chopper for your brothers and pull the charges out of the money. I hope you marked the stacks."

"I thought we already covered this." Jenny pointed to herself and said, "Not the stupid one. I'll tell you how to identify the stacks when I hear something in my favor. I want those handcuffs off my husband."

"Okay. It's not like he's a threat anymore. Once those cuffs are off, you tell me what I need to know. I'll toss the charges a safe distance from the chopper and you're going to blow them. Stay out of reach of your husband until the deed is done or Mack shoots both of you. That's the offer. Take it or leave it. Agreed?"

Jenny gave a wry grin. "Agreed."


Enos couldn't stand the sight of Badger so close to his wife. When Jenny put her knife away, the black tendrils of fear he held at bay crept through his mental fortress and wrapped around his heart with a painful squeeze. He didn't want to think about what was said that caused her to put a blade to the man's throat in the first place. At least Edward was taking good care of her, but it still wasn't enough. One blow could cost them their child and it scared him to death.

Mack was hyper-focused on Edward and Enos took advantage of his distraction to make another small step back. He was almost in the perfect position to grab the 9mm, but it would be tricky to wrestle the rifle away from his captor at the same time. If a bullet doesn't drop me first.

Badger looked over his shoulder and yelled across the distance, "Mr. Monroe, Mrs. Strate has a switch to set off explosive dye! I proposed a fair compromise, but I need you to stay with Mack while Wade and I clear the chopper! We're removing the cop's handcuffs, but he's unconscious! She is not to touch Strate until the money is secure and the charges are no longer a threat!"

Mack looked at Enos and paused before he answered, "Monroe says it's a go, but be sure you check that money over real good!" He then aimed his rifle into the field where Monroe was slumped over in Enos's uniform.

Enos would've snickered if it weren't for all that duct tape. This is where your buddies leave ya' behind. Bet ya' don't even know it.


In the trees near the chopper, Luke was cautiously optimistic. So far, Badger had rolled over and given them everything they needed without having to slip into Plan B. Things were far from over and he retrieved his backpack to prepare for the next step. They had to get the arrows in the ground at the same time Jenny activated the switch to provide cover for her and Daisy to get Enos to safety. Luke rubbed his temples as the stress pounded in his head like millions of tiny jackhammers.

Bo crouched next to him and said, "You holdin' up okay? Ya' look real out of sorts."

"Of course I'm out of sorts. Those are real guns and hired mafia killers out there. Did ya' see the shape Enos is in?"

"Yeah and did you see Jenny stand up to that ol' hound dog? Ain't things going better than expected? C'mon, Luke. Ya' need to relax a bit. I'll take care of Wade, you handle Badger. Ain't no different than the last fight at the Boar's Nest. Just think 'Darcy' and let 'er rip."

Leave it to Bo to think of this as another one of their wild adventures. Once the explosions started, it would be all out combat, a war zone, with the potential for death assailing them at every angle. Because of his injuries, Enos was the most vulnerable and Jenny was right out in the open with him. Protecting her pregnancy and keeping Daisy out of the fight weighed heaviest on his mind. Truth be told, Luke envied Bo's youthful ability to take it in stride.

"Alright, Bo. Watch out for that rifle. Just give me a second to check on th' others." Luke ran his hand down his face and opened his mic. "Mitch? Daisy? Ya'll in position?"

"I'm ready to go." Daisy said.

"That makes two of us." Mitch replied in a hushed tone. "Not complaining, but how did I get stuck with two guys?"

"Ya'll just sit tight. Crazy Cooter is on the way. I'll grab a tire iron and help Mitch with his plus one!"

Luke stood to toss his bag over his shoulder and said, "Thanks, Cooter. Uncle Jesse, any chatter on the CB from our pals at the FBI?"

Uncle Jesse replied, "You bet there's been chatter. Agent Simmons is one angry grizzly bear. We ain't got much time. He called for air support to search for Jenny's helicopter."

"We better move this along." Bo said. "If we go now, we can get closer."

"Yeah, that's a good idea. Bo, this ain't the Boar's Nest. Watch out for Wade. He may have a handgun, too."

"This ain't my first fight, Luke."

"Yeah, I know. Just humor me." Luke looked towards the chopper and said, "Uncle Jesse, ya' start down th' ridge as soon as Jenny blows th' charges."

"Be careful, boys," he replied.

Luke swallowed, the lump in his throat complicating the process. "That's a promise, Uncle Jesse. Bo and I are going in."