Boss Hogg sat behind his desk in the county jail, laughing greedily as he counted a large sum of cash and puffed on a fat cigar. Roscoe, the county sheriff, stood behind him watching. Although their titles identified them as representatives of the law, the pair was so crooked they made a paperclip look straight. Boss's figures ran into the thousands as Roscoe snaked a hand around his side and attempted to pluck a bill from the stack. Without batting an eye, Boss smacked his hand away without breaking stride in his counting.
As Roscoe stood there nursing his stinging hand, Jesse Duke stormed into his office with Enos close behind.
"J.D.!" He exclaimed, thrusting the foreclosure notice on top of Boss's cash. "What is this?"
Boss stopped long enough to remove his cigar and look up at Jesse. "Why Jesse, I didn't know you were having trouble with your eyesight. Let me help. IT'S A FORCLOSURE NOTICE!" He shouted before gruffly replacing the cigar between his lips and continuing to count.
"I know what it is, my question is, why?"
Boss became frustrated as he lost count of his money. He then looked sternly at Jesse again before removing the cigar a second time. "Well, for one thing, it's because the Frothy Brewing Company is looking to build a facility in Hazzard County, and your farm is the desirable location for the plant. Second of all, I own the title to said farm, and I can do what I want!"
"J.D., after all these years, you would kick us out for a little profit on a land sale?"
Boss shook his head. "No not just a little profit. It just so happens that Frothy is building in Hazzard because I bought enough stock in their company to influence the decision. That plant is gonna make me rich! Rich I tell you!"
Jesse had a look between stern and confused. "I know you're the richest man in Hazzard County, but just how is it that you were able to invest enough money to influence the board at Frothy? It's the largest manufacturer of beer in the whole U.S. of A! Your wealth is small potatoes compared to a corporation like that!"
"My wealth may be, but Big Daddy's wasn't." Boss removed his hat and placed it on his chest, followed by Roscoe. "May he rest in peace."
Jesse looked shocked. "Your father passed away? I'm sorry J.D."
"Yeah, me too." Boss replied as he replaced his hat and again attempted to count the money.
"But why wasn't I notified?" Jesse asked.
"Notified? Why would you have been?" Boss asked.
Jesse felt himself getting angry again. "You and I both know why, J.D. Your father entrusted me to be the executor of his estate, although it is bad that he couldn't trust his own son."
Boss had a look of interest on his face. "Oh you wanted to be the executor, huh? Well, let's see. Big Daddy had two sons; me and Abraham. Unfortunately Abraham died of a stroke last year…" He removed his hat again and was once again followed by Roscoe. "…..may he rest in peace." He and Rosco replaced their hats again. "He took special pains to write those no account nephews of mine, Hughie and Dewey, out of the will after they tried to forage checks from his account. Seeing how he has no other close family that anyone knows of, that makes me, Jefferson Davis Hogg, the lone surviving heir. Case closed….unless…." He continued, leaning forward. "You, for some reason, would like to challenge the will."
Jesse stood staring coolly for a long time before shaking his head. "I just want to get this business with the foreclosure notice taken care of."
"The only thing for you to take care of is your things. I want the lot of you off of my farm before the weekend!"
"This will not stand up in a court of law!" Jesse shouted.
"Oh, you want to go to court?" Boss asked. He took the small plaque on his desk that read "County Commissioner" and flipped it around to read "Judge Hogg." "I call to order the case of Jesse Duke vs. Hogg Savings and Loan in the matter of his unpaid mortgage. After several late payments on what is known as the Duke farm, it has been decided that it would be in the best interest of the bank to foreclose on said property to introduce new mortgage holders who are better able to manage their finances. I find in favor of Hogg Savings and Loan and grant their request to proceed with the foreclosure. Case closed." He ended by banging a gavel and replacing his cigar.
Jesse shook his head and turned toward the door.
Boss stared after him. "It doesn't have to end like this, Jesse. Your family can keep your farm and have a part in the Frothy business right along with me. You know what you have to do."
"I certainly do." Jesse replied, opening the door. "I have to go home and pack."