Chapter 13 – Chaotic Travels
The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
~ Thomas Paine
Two days later...
Enos stood beside Jenny's trailer and looked out into the distance while he counted to ten. The day had barely begun and another flat tire had left them stranded at a rest area along I-80, thirty miles west of Lincoln, Nebraska. The last two days had been riddled with mechanical mishaps, putting them a full day behind schedule
"Three nails in one tire." Luke said, wrestling the flat off the trailer. "That's th' second one in two hundred miles. These aren't accidents."
"Whoever cut the trailer plug off the cord last night meant business, too. They took the time to snap off the socket pins." Jenny folded her arms and leaned a shoulder against the trailer. "We better check these systems carefully before we reach the steep grades."
"We should do it now." Jaxon said. "If we have a serious saboteur, he'll find another way to take out the trailer brakes. I think one of us should stay at the stable tonight."
"I reckon that's a real good idea." Enos said.
Luke dropped the useless tire onto the oil-stained parking lot and wiped his hands with a rag. "Now what?"
"Y'all won't get it changed by staring at it." Daisy stepped up and grabbed the tire iron. "Where's the spare?"
"That is the spare." Drake snorted.
Daisy shot him a black glare. "I wasn't asking you, dummy."
Enos rubbed the tension in his neck. The non-stop bickering between Daisy and Drake was wearing on everyone's nerves, but he suspected the man enjoyed bringing out her inner shrew. Enos had caught the heated way Drake looked at her when he thought no one was watching. Jenny went so far as to call their fights foreplay.
"Now, sugar." Daisy said, startling Enos out of his psychological evaluation. "We have two trailers out here. What about the other spare?"
Drake tossed his hands up and moved off a few paces. Enos thought he heard "Bah!" or "Gah!" or it could've been that foreign language the man was so found of cursing in.
"They aren't the same size, Dais." Enos sighed, heavily. "I suppose one of us needs to go back to that truck stop. The service center ought to be open by now."
"I don't mind going." Daisy said. "Why don't-"
"Great! Drake will take you." Jaxon said, suddenly energetic. "I'll get the other tire loaded."
"I'll unhook Jenny's trailer." Luke said with a slap to Jaxon's shoulder. "We'll give both of them a good once over while they're gone."
"Let me grab the toolbag." Jaxon tossed the keys to Drake and said, "You two can pick up a few breakfast biscuits from the diner while you're at it. Egg and cheese, extra bacon on mine."
Both men quickly scrambled beneath the gooseneck before they got stuck making the trip into town.
Daisy held her palms out. "Everybody slow down. Enos, I though we could go. I'd like to talk to you about a few things."
"I'm sorry, Dais. I gotta help Jenny get the horses settled and watered. It's Abby's first big trip and she's been a little spooked. I don't wanna deal with a colic on top of everything else."
Jenny was already untying Abby's lead line and called over her shoulder, "Drake, pick up another connector plug and socket for each rig. I used the only ones I had to repair the damage yesterday."
"Aye, sister." Drake said on a sigh.
Daisy looked like a bull ready to charge, but Enos wasn't giving up the opportunity to spend time alone with Jenny. He tried to appease her, saying, "It won't take long to get there and back. Is there something wrong?"
It was a loaded question. He knew it, but he promised Uncle Jesse.
"Yes, but I suppose it can wait." Daisy nibbled on her bottom lip. "Will you make time for me later? I don't like this ... this thing ... hanging over us."
"Thing?"
Daisy sighed, lowering her eyes sadly. "I know you have a lot to do, but I need to clear the air. That's all."
Enos's stomach dropped. He had avoided the topic as long as he could, but this thing was about the pictures. Or maybe it was about how Jenny shouldn't have left in June, or how he shouldn't shower her with so much attention, or that he was moving too fast, or...
Enos tamper down the frustration. There were bigger problems, like finding the person, or persons, following them.
"I'll make time for you today, Daisy. I promise. If we can't make time when you get back, we will talk after dinner. Okay?"
Daisy brightened immediately. "Thank you, sugar. It means a lot." She quickly stepped up, kissed his cheek, and backed away with a smile. "It makes me feel better already."
Forcing his carefree grin, he said, "Ya'll be real careful now. Whoever damaged th' trailers could be anywhere."
Daisy nodded and Enos walked away to help Jenny.
Behind Daisy, the moody Scot jingled the keys and grit out, "I'm driving."
Across the interstate, a mint green 69 Ford Fairlane was parked on the shoulder. While the two men pretended to work under the hood, they discussed their next move.
"Should we follow the couple or stay with the group?"
"Neither. We move ahead to the next exit and wait for them there. We can't risk being spotted. Do you have a plan for tonight? Remember, Monroe wants us to send them a reminder. Not kill them."
"Yet." The second man shut the hood with a sinister grin. "I saved the best for last. While they're cozy in their motel rooms, we're going to torch the trailers."
The five mile drive back to the Seward exit was completed in silence and the loneliness tore at the gaping hole in Daisy's heart. She was trying so hard to hold onto hope that Enos would realize his mistake, but even she had to admit Enos's affection for Jenny was getting stronger each day.
Daisy was miserable and struggled to keep her jealousy in check. The magnetic pull linking her to Drake continued to complicate matters and added to her already conflicted state of mind.
Drake had kept his distance emotionally and physically since leaving Hazzard. His withdrawal from their undefined relationship stirred the anger over the photos like a boiling cauldron of witch's brew. She should be relieved about Drake's lack of attention, but instead felt abandoned, sad, and helpless, like she was trapped at the bottom of a deep, dark well.
Drake parked the truck and stepped out without saying a word. The silence prevailed as they walked across the parking lot. The morning was brisk and she hugged herself to ward off the wind's chill. Her reflection in the truck stop windows revealed stress filled eyes and a sullen face. She brushed back her hair and chanced a look at Drake.
His face was filled with an unreadable emotion. The bruises from his fight with Jaxon had faded, but he looked tired this morning, Daisy couldn't tell if it was just too early in the morning, or if he was weary of being her emotional punching bag. When Drake stepped ahead to open the door for her, she hit that bag with another verbal barb.
"I can open my own door, Drake."
"Just doing my gentlemanly duty, my lady." Drake extended his arm and bowed in a dramatic fashion.
"Didn't your ma teach you any manners? Sarcasm is rude."
He flinched, but flashed a devilish half-grin and fired back, "Aye, but 'tis my favorite hobby. You're always walking around like something smells. I was only doing my job and trying to make ye smile."
"Making me smile ain't part of your job." Daisy couldn't resist the use of air quotes. "Good thing. Ya' ain't any good at it."
Drake's face crumpled into an irritated scowl.
Score one for team Daisy.
Daisy strolled past him with her head held high. Inside, strong coffee, fried bacon, and other delicious breakfast smells wafted into the gift shop from the diner on the left. People mingled amid rows of souvenirs and a young woman straightening a display of Husker's beanies and scarves. The girl paused her task to gawk at the handsome Scot. A territorial part of Daisy roared like an angry bear, but she banished the feeling into oblivion.
"It's this way." Drake said.
He put a hand to the small of her back to guide her along. It was the lightest touch. The tender gesture was the first time he'd touched her in three days. Daisy felt a little dizzy. It was madly conflicting to suddenly be fawned over by all that male virility again. Especially when she was just getting use to not having his attention. Like it or not, being the focus of Drake's attention felt like falling through the air. Flying out of control. Exciting and risky.
Dangerous.
Drake led her down an aisle where wind chimes hung from a long latticework arch. A small fan stirred the air and light shimmered off colorful crystals and stones in all shapes and sizes. A floating angel caught Daisy's eye. It was the palest shade of pink and its tiny crystal hands were steepled in prayer. She couldn't resist tapping the figure as she walked by, creating a tinkling symphony of harmonious sound.
Drake pointed to the swaying cherub and asked, "Do ye fancy the wind chimes, lass?"
"What?" Daisy was taken off guard by the question. She loved it, but wouldn't give him a reason to be nice by making a gift out of it. "It's nothing I need. Let's just get finished and get back."
They reached the service counter and Drake spoke to the attendant. While his endless green-gaze was focused on business, the magnetic energy drew her back in. As if under some hypnotic suggestion, Daisy's eyes traced the chiseled line of his jaw.
He had such a handsome face. His straight nose and high cheekbones looked like they were sculpted by an artist. The lines created striking contours that perfected his regal appearance. Her gaze dropped to the tan button-down shirt that stretched across his broad chest in a most pleasing way. The top two buttons were open, revealing an interesting ridge of muscle that her fingers itched to explore.
When she raised shuttered eyes to his face, he was staring at her with that sinful half-smile. She whipped her gaze back towards the gift shop; unsure why being caught looking at his fine form should bother her so.
Daisy was far from shy, but with Drake it was different. She felt vulnerable. The brooding Highlander was unpredictable, like a wild horse that couldn't be broken. Yet his presence tempted her to throw caution to the wind and see what it was like to lay in his arms after a long night of passion. Daisy shook her head to get those thoughts out of her mind. She was waiting for Enos, just like he'd waited for her.
Drake took her shoulders, startling her.
"Easy, lass. Yer safe wi' me." He steadied her and turned her around, gently, like she might crumble if he held on too tight.
Daisy looked up to see fire in his eyes. The dancing embers wove an intoxicating spell and her breath caught. Was he going to kiss her? Right here? In front of all these people?
Then he blinked, checking himself and extinguishing the flames.
"Poor wee hen," he said, dropping his hands to his sides. "Doona worry. We'll find the scunner following us. It will take thirty minutes to fix the tires so let's grab a bite to eat. Stay right here and wait while I pick up the trailer supplies."
His meaning of "right here" wasn't lost on her. She wasn't to leave this spot. This simply would not do. Two could play that game.
Daisy jabbed her hands on her hips and stared up at him. "Look at all these people. Nothing is going to happen with all these witnesses around. I'll go get us a table and order breakfast for the others."
"No. I willnae risk it considering the trouble we've had." A finger pointed to the floor and his eyes turned dangerous. "Stay."
Daisy bristled. "I'm not wearing a dog collar and I don't sit, roll over, or heel, either."
"I'm simply keeping ye safe," Drake said. "Stop arguing and do as ask!"
"Neanderthal."
"She-devil."
"South end of a northbound mule."
Drake's dark brows connected. "I said, stay. Right. Here. I will no' be long. When I'm finished, we will go together. I'll be right over here." He gestured to a display on the back wall and walked off.
She felt his retreat in ways she didn't want to admit. Daisy was fed up with riding this roller coaster. One minute she ached for her lost relationship with Enos. The next she was yearning for Drake, only to be left crestfallen and rejected when he pulled away.
Just one more day. Then she'd have Emily's comforting shoulder and wise advice to lean on.
Daisy needed space and Drake needed to learn that he couldn't boss her around. She waited until he was engrossed in his task and made her escape.
Before approaching the diner, Daisy strolled along a long hallway covered in brown industrial carpet. It led to the bathrooms and a less-used back door. Beyond the tinted glass, an adjacent field of cattle provided a reminder of home. The animals grazed lazily along a small pond, undisturbed by the noisy trucks that roared along the interstate.
The bathroom door was on her right and she ducked inside to take care of her needs. When she walked back out into the hallway, a disheveled man was slumped against the wall near the door.
The man was thin as a rail, with a long scruffy beard and severely matted hair. His long coat was torn and dirty, his t-shirt and jeans were stained and threadbare. He was obviously a transient. A very filthy one.
There was no one else in sight so Daisy moved to the far side of the hall as she passed. The man grabbed her arm and stood quickly, startling her. He was much faster and taller than she would've expected.
He asked, "Hey, got any money?"
The man stank like he'd never been introduced to soap and water. The rancid scent of alcohol, body odor, and some other horrid stench sent bile rising in Daisy's throat. By sheer force of will, she managed to stay calm.
"No," she said, her voice firm and non-threatening. "My husband carries the money. I'll thank you to let go of my arm before he gets here."
She pulled back, but the smelly man tightened his grip. He got in her face and snarled, "I don't see no husband 'round here."
He curled his lip in a mocking smirk. The rotten-tooth grin added to the madness in his eyes and tendrils of fear oozed into Daisy's calm demeanor like oily sludge.
"Don't see no ring neither," he said, yanking her closer and giving her a hard shake.
Daisy yelped.
"Shut up!" His fetid breath blew hot in her face. "You're just like them others. Liars. Whores. Only good for one thing. Too weak to take care of yourself. Need a man around to make you feel useful. Give me your money."
Being called a whore just ticked her off, but being told she was useless stung, even though it shouldn't. "Mister, you're messin' with th' wrong girl. You let me go or I'll-"
"I said shut up!" Smelly thrust a grimy hand over her mouth and shoved her against the wall. "You need a good ass whoopin'! Maybe if'n I beat it out of ya', you'll do what your told!"
Daisy's scream was muffled and the odor surrounding her was about to make her retch. She tried to break free, but the man was surprisingly strong.
Drake's voice boomed in the small corridor. "Get yer hands off her! Now! Before I break yer bloody neck!"
Smelly grasped a fistful of her hair and moved her in front of him like a human shield. He yanked her head back and shouted, "Stay back! I gotta gun and I'll use it!"
Daisy's knees went weak. Unable to form a logical sentence, she watched Drake, unsure what to do next. His face held a menacing rage and his fists clenched and released at his sides. The power that dripped off him should've been enough to send Smelly fleeing, but he was too drunk or stupid to heed the warning.
"I willnae tell ye again." Drake took a step forward with a hand at his back. Daisy heard the snap of his holster.
So did Smelly. He shoved Daisy down and bolted out the back exit.
"Daisy!" Drake reached her so fast she wasn't sure she truly hit the floor.
His strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her tightly against his chest. Daisy was engulfed in Drake's aura of masculine power. She welcomed his embrace and threw her arms around him. His comforting scent washed over her and she buried her face in his shoulder, taking deep breaths to ablate the stench that lingered.
"Blimey, girl. I told ye not to run off!" He moved her back and his hands gently framed her face. "Did the arse hurt ye anywhere? Are ye well?"
His eyes glittered with worry as he inspected every inch of her.
"Y-yes," she croaked. "I'm fine."
"Call the police. I'm going after him." Drake released her and took off in pursuit.
Daisy gasped at the cold air that was left in his wake. She grabbed the wall to steady herself and put a hand over her heart. It thumped beneath her palm like a rabbit on the run.
Breathe. She had to breathe. She looked over her shoulder to see the drunk climb over the pasture fence. He was as agile as he was strong. Thoughts of that unseen gun niggled at her mind and the comment about her uselessness spurred her into action. She whirled and opened the door.
Drake was already near the split-rail fence. With confident strides, he gracefully vaulted over the barrier.
Concerned for his safety, Daisy darted after him. She was not useless and she'd prove it to the world. She reached the fence and saw Drake catch up to the man near the edge of the pond. Just as she feared, the hairy beast spun around to confront him. He reached in his jacket and instead of a gun, he pulled a dangerous looking knife, just perfect for throwing. She climbed over the fence and searched the ground for some sort of weapon.
Drake saw the knife and crouched in a defensive posture, holding one arm forward. The pond was low and the bank where they stood was covered in stinky, slippery muck.
Drake stepped closer to the man and said, "Drop it, or regret it. Makes no difference to me."
"Stay back!" The drunk said, brandishing the blade. "If you try to pull that gun I'll bury this in your throat! I can throw a knife better than anybody! Before I hit the ground, you'll be bleeding out! Just get outta here! I don't want no trouble!"
"Too late! Ye should no' have touched my girl!" Drake said. "The police are coming! Put the knife down!"
The police. Daisy cringed. She wasn't use to actually needing the local authorities. Rosco and Cletus were usually more trouble than it was worth. It didn't matter now. She wouldn't risk leaving Drake alone with this drunk.
Thanks to Drake holding Smelly's attention, she was able to move behind him undetected. She retrieved a long piece of tree limb from the ground and crept closer, her fingers curled tightly around the wood.
"Y-you ain't gotta take me in," he pleaded, his tone remorseful. "I ain't hurt her none! I just wanted a few bucks for a drink, but she wouldn't listen!"
"Aye, she's a stubborn creature, but ye cannae hit a woman when ye dinna get yer way."
Daisy was almost within reach. She raised the makeshift weapon over her shoulder.
"You think you know it all, don't ya'." Smelly taunted. "If you're such a big man, why didn't ya' teach her a woman's place and give her a smack now and then?"
"Ye dinna ken a woman's mind." Drake said. Then he quirked a brow. "But yer about to."
"Take that!" Daisy brought the stick down across his shoulders with all her might. The loud thump vibrated all the way up her arms.
Smelly dropped to the ground like a rock and stayed there.
"This woman ain't useless!" Daisy resisted the urge to kick the man while he was down. Uncle Jesse wouldn't approve. She raised her arms in victory with a "yee-haw" that would've made Bo proud.
"Did ya' see that, Drake? I got him! He's gonna think twice before he tries that again!"
When Drake stood to his full height, Daisy's victory celebration ended abruptly. His face turned a frightening shade of red.
He put his hands on his hips, narrowed those oh-so-green eyes and roared, "What the bloody hell did I tell ye to do!? I said call the police!"
"I was worried about you!"
"Mo chreach!" He gestured wildly with his hands as he continued his tirade. "Are ye daft!? I said wait for me! I said dinna run off! I said stay put! Why must ye be so bloody uncooperative?"
Daisy dropped the stick before she whacked him with it. "Didn't I just prove to you that I can take care of myself? I ain't some wilting flower or swooning princess! I could've handled it if you hadn't shown up with that Glock on your back!"
Drake shot her an icy look that said he knew she was bluffing.
"It's a Ruger and this would no' have happened if ye stayed at the counter! What if the arse had been one of Monroe's men? You'd be long gone, or worse!"
"It wasn't and I ain't! I used to be a sheriff's deputy! I can take care of myself!" Surely if Bo and Luke could figure out she didn't like being coddled, this idiot would, too. Maybe.
Maybe not.
Drake scrubbed his face with his hand and she fully expected smoke to pour from his ears. She'd never seen him this angry. He was reacting like he was…scared.
"No more!" He pointed that blasted finger at her again. "I willnae tolerate yer reckless behavior! From now on ye do as I say, when I say!"
"I was just going to the bathroom! It could've happened to anyone!" Something deep inside Daisy snapped. She advanced on the stubborn man, shoving him back with both hands. He slipped in the mud but quickly regained his footing. She shoved him again to emphasize her point.
"Look," she said. "I didn't ask for you to be my bodyguard!"
"Aye! But ye need one just the same! Ye dinna see anyone else stepping up for the bloody job!"
"Don't make this about Enos!"
"I dinna say anything about Enos! But since ye brought it up, ye need to move on with yer life! He's in love with my sister!"
"You insensitive pig!" Daisy gave him another shove, moving him right to the edge of the pond. "You know how I feel about him!"
The heartbreak was strangling Daisy and she was on the verge of losing control of her senses. She lashed out in her pain, pummeling her emotional punching bag with the sharpest weapon in her arsenal.
She poked him in the chest and yelled, "You wouldn't know love if it bit your nose off and neither would your sister! If she loved Enos, she never would've ran off after the shooting! She just left both of ya' to die!"
Drake's lip curled in a snarl and his brogue thickened. "Bloody hell she did! She was shot and passed out on the way back to the Scout! Jaxon almost dinna find her in time! She dinna even know we were injured!"
Daisy's heart skidded to a halt. Jenny hadn't bothered to correct her during their brief discussion on the issue. Enos hadn't told her either. Hurt pierced her soul like thousands of tiny arrows.
"The twins dinna think I know how bad it was, but I do." That familiar sadness returned to Drake's eyes and expanded like a living thing. "The wee lass was in a coma for five days and lost so much blood that they dinna think she would wake again. Jenny would never leave me behind. She's my sister and she's precious to me, but I failed her. I went to the twins as soon as I was strong enough."
"I would've been there for you. If you'd let me." Daisy choked back the sobs threatening to drag her away. Drake had held his heart out of reach to protect himself. There was far more to learn about this man, but she doubted he'd ever open up to her. "Is Jenny alright now? She looked like she was in pain the day we left. She said it was a riding injury, but it's not. Is it?"
"No, but she'll be fine. She just needs time." Drake took a calming breath and raked a hand through his hair. "It was my fault Jenny dinna come to Hazzard sooner. She loves Enos, Daisy. He loves her, too. I think we both know that."
Daisy whisked a tear from her eye and said, "Enos knows she was shot. Doesn't he."
It wasn't a question.
"Aye, but no' the details. Jenny will tell him when she's ready."
"How could ya' keep something so important from me?"
"What a bloody mess." Drake puffed a long sigh and glanced at the unconscious drunk, probably to make sure he wasn't getting up anytime soon. "I made a mistake. I should have handled it better. I'm verra sorry, lass. I dinnae mean to upset ye so."
"Well, you did." Tears began to slide down her cheeks faster than she could stop them. "How many times am I gonna be humiliated?"
"Ye cannae be so hard on yourself. Ye stand up for what ye believe in. Never be ashamed of that, darlin' girl. Enos cares for ye and he always will. Jenny willnae change that."
Daisy crossed her arms and whispered, "But he doesn't love me the way he used to. I never thought I'd be in this position. Loving Enos and not being loved back."
Drake dropped his eyes to the ground and hooked a thumb in his belt. Except for the rapid heaving of his chest, he went absolutely still. They just stood there, facing each other, the breeze ruffling their hair and sending small ripples dancing across the water.
The moment stretched. She was about to walk away when he looked up. Their eyes collided. His gaze smoldered with intense, primal heat and the air between them crackled with energy and life.
Daisy couldn't breathe. She was drowning in conflicting emotions. Sharp anger. Hot passion. Cold grief. Her heart beat a fanatical rhythm, creating a loud pulsing whoosh between her ears. She wanted Drake, but she hated him. She loved Enos, but she lost him. Life was cruel and she felt unbelievable despair mixed with open-ended, undefinable need.
Drake reached for her face, stopping the move with his long fingers suspended a hairsbreadth from her skin. When he finally spoke, his voice was husky and low.
"Daisy," he said, her name a whispered promise on his lips. "Mo ghràdh, how can ye be in love with Enos, but kiss me the way ye do?"
