Chapter 14 – Coming Clean

"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future."

~ Paul Boese


The rest area was a small bump of civilization. A single brick building, numerous picnic tables and strategically planted trees emerged from the plains, providing a quiet oasis for weary travelers. The trailer systems had been checked, the horses were settled with plenty of hay and everyone relaxed while they waited for the miss-matched couple to return.

Everyone found a different way to enjoy the peace. Jaxon sat in the shade of a large ash tree, penciling in his leather bound journal. Luke reclined in the grass beneath the same tree, thoroughly engrossed in a car magazine.

It was a lovely fall morning, crisp and cool, but not yet cold. Enos and Jenny passed the time talking as they strolled around the picnic area, hand in hand.

Enos listened patiently as Jenny opened up about her mother's abandonment and the tragic events surrounding Finn's death. He was determined to be her solace and pillar of strength. When she stopped speaking and her eyes brimmed with tears, he put his arm around her and pulled her close. As they looked across the endless plains in companionable silence, he inwardly renewed his vow to protect her.

Unfortunately, this wide-open space felt as foreign as snow in the tropics. Hazzard's rocky ridges and forest-covered hills provided plenty of cover and a sense of security. Back home he had an advantage against Monroe and his hired killers. He could protect Jenny and Daisy, hide them if necessary, but here he felt dangerously exposed.

Jenny wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a squeeze. It felt good to have her by his side. As if it was always meant to be.

"Drake and Daisy should've been back by now," she said. "I hope the truck stop was just busy."

"We'll try calling them on the CB if they don't get back soon." Enos glanced at his watch. "The donuts they served at the hotel didn't come close to your home cooking. Maybe Drake took Daisy out for breakfast."

"Maybe." Jenny flashed a crooked grin. "They'd get along better if they'd feed their appetites."

"Yes ma'am. I know all about that. Gus says I get downright cranky when I'm hungry."

Jenny laughed. "You don't have a cranky bone in your body." She winked up at him and added, "But I wasn't talking about food."

Enos giggled, agreeing with her logic. Daisy and Drake did make a spirited couple.

He took Jenny's hand, kissing the sensitive skin inside her delicate wrist. Her pulse quickened beneath his lips, warm and strong. Jenny's response to his touch was always thrilling and his heart swelled with love.

"Stay close tonight when we get to Ogallala. Somebody is out there. I feel like a rabbit being stalked by a wolf."

"I'll be careful." Jenny looked across the interstate with concern. "My radar was pinging earlier, but I think we're okay now. Changing our lodging plan is a good idea. It might help us lose our tail."

"There's no way we would've made it to Casper tonight. Not with the way Abby's been acting." Enos held her hand over his heart and slid a finger across her cheek. "Jenny, I need to ask you something. It's about the shooting."

"The shooting," she said, clearly unnerved. "Okay. I'll get Jaxon."

She turned to leave and Enos caught her hand. "Wait. Hon, I don't want to talk to Jaxon. I want to hear it from you. I'm worried for you. The spells that you have? They scare me. Would you tell me what happened?"

"Yes, I'm fine, but I…" Jenny puffed a sigh and lowered apprehensive eyes. "I don't want to upset you."

Enos's heart twisted. Faces of lost loved ones flashed through his mind and a bone-grinding fear clawed at his soul. He could barely get out the words. "Y-you're going to be okay, though. R-right?"

"Yes," she said, sweeping her eyes to his. "It's nothing that won't heal with a little more time. I'm fine, but if you want the details, I need Jaxon to answer the questions I can't."

Enos gave her a puzzled look, then took her waist and moved her closer. "But, you can tell me anything, remember?"

"Yes, of course!" Jenny played with a button in his shirt. "I'd tell you if I could, but I don't remember much."

"What do you remember?"

Jenny closed her eyes. "I shot the tires out, but then I only have brief memories. Like, stumbling thru trees. Then, I fell. The next thing I remember I woke up in ICU." She blinked her eyes open and Enos clearly saw the tears threatening to spill over. Determined to go on, she said, "I was choking. Jaxon was there to help me calm down and breathe. I was on a ventilator. It was days later. He had found me passed out in the woods not far from the house."

Enos's eyes began to sting as the emotion dragged him down. A ventilator. ICU. "I nearly lost you."

"We nearly lost each other," Jenny replied. "I knew when I recovered that I would find my way back to you."

Enos kissed her forehead and held her in his arms. He said a little prayer thanking God she was still alive. "I'm going to fix it. You won't have to be afraid of Monroe anymore. I won't let anybody tear us apart. You believe that, don't ya'?"

"With all my heart." Jenny smiled and ran her hands down his chest. "It was real hard for Jaxon, too. Maybe you could talk to him? He can answer all your questions, but I think he needs a friend. He was under a lot of pressure while I was in the hospital and won't open up to me about it."

Squealing tires drew their attention back to the road as the red truc took the exit at a high rate of speed. Drake barreled down the ramp as if Rosco was on his tail.

"That's not a good sign," Jenny said.

"If those two are bickering again we will have to separate them. C'mon, Little Bit. Enos took her hand. "Let's go find out what's wrong now."

They crossed the picnic area and stepped off the curb as the truck skidded to a stop in front of the trailer. Drake stepped out, slamming the door so hard that the big dually gave a protesting shudder.

Daisy opened the passenger's door, but Drake flung a disgusted look back over his shoulder. She remained in her seat as he stormed toward his sister.

Even from here, Enos could see the blazing daggers shooting from her eyes. If they had been real, Drake would've gone up in flames.

"Oh my." Jenny slapped a hand over her mouth and sputtered.

Enos took a closer look at Drake. "Possum on a gumbush."

The man looked like a soaked cat. His hair was mussed and his clothes were covered in mud.

"Jenny!" Drake exploded, his brogue unusually thick. "I willnae put up with the it anymore!"

"Eww! Not so close!" Jenny waved at her nose. "You smell awful. Is that cow dung? What happened to you?"

"Daisy shoved me in the bloody pond!" he roared, his arms stretched wide. "The wench is pure mental!"

Jaxon and Luke arrived, but didn't speak. They both cleared their throats and coughed to cover the giggles.

Drake didn't appreciate the laughter at his expense. "Sod off! Both of ye!"

Jaxon shrugged, "What did I do!?"

"Shut yer geggie, Numpty!"

Luke stepped up, smiling. "Want to tell us what happened?"

Drake huffed, "No. Go have a word wi' yer kin! Tell her to stop risking her life and do as I ask! Guarding her is like protecting a bloody rattlesnake!"

"All right, take it easy." Jenny managed to suppress her giggles and took Drake's hand. "Come with me. The propane is on at the trailer and the kettle is still warm. Let's get you out of this wind and into a hot shower. Once you're cleaned up you can explain."

"Guess I'll go take my life in my hands and talk to Daisy." Luke sauntered away, slowly.

Jaxon asked, "Hey, wait a minute. Where's our breakfast biscuits?"

Drake lunged at him.

"Oh no you don't!" Jenny held a firm grip on his arm. "No more fights. You promised."

Drake checked himself and grumbled, "Sorry, Jenny." He turned a defeated gaze to his brother. "Please, Numpty. Dinna push me. I'm about to break out the whiskey, or shoot myself."

"There's a flask of Macallan in my suitcase, but stay away from my Colt." Jaxon went to put a hand on his shoulder, but wrinkled his nose at the filth on Drake's sleeve. "I'll get the tire on the trailer and hook up the rig. If you two need me, just call. Okay?"

"Thanks, Jaxon." Jenny said. While he went about his task, she turned her caring attention to Drake. "You look really tired. Trailer. Now."

Drake harrumphed and rattled off a short spiel in Gaelic before he marched away.

"What'd he say?" Enos asked.

"Something about a fight with a transient. I only caught bits and pieces. You might see if Daisy will tell you while I calm him down."

Enos hung his head. "Ding dang it. We ain't never gonna get to Wyoming."


Enos's mother, Beth, had left instructions in her Will asking Gus and Emily to purchase a top of the line horse trailer for her son. The living quarters had plenty of seating, a small bathroom and a mini kitchenette with built in appliances. Two televisions and a stereo system provided all the comforts of home.

Jenny returned the kettle to the burner and dropped the teabags in her Brown Betty pot. While it steeped, her eyes were drawn to the berth. It looked incredibly inviting. The queen size mattress was covered in a Navajo print comforter. Coordinating pillows in rich blue, green, and red, created a fluffy bank to sink into. Thoughts of being wrapped in Enos's arms, lost among the sheets, his body joined with hers, sent the butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

The water cut off, bringing her out of her reverie. Drake emerged from the shower wearing crisply pressed khakis. He dug around in his overnight bag while Jenny sat on the sofa and listened to his story.

There was an obvious omission.

"Let me get this straight. A homeless person attacked Daisy. She knocked him out and then she pushed you in the pond? She must've had a reason. C'mon, Drake. What did you do?"

Drake yanked his undershirt over his broad chest and snapped, "It does no' matter! She refuses to cooperate! If she had stayed put-"

"Wait." Jenny held up a hand and sat her teacup aside. "You two have been fighting like teenagers since she saw those pictures. Have you even discussed them with her?"

Drake made some guttural noise that and said, "What does that have to do with it?"

"You're hopeless. You care about her, but you're holding back. Tell me the truth. What did you say to upset her?"

"Does it matter? 'Tis always the wrong thing." Drake snapped the wrinkles out of his hunter green shirt and shrugged into it.

"Just admit it. You aren't innocent here." Jenny stood and cupped his face with her hand and worry crept into her expression. "Drake, you're a little warm. You're eyes are red, too. Are you running a fever or just upset?"

"I'm fine. I woke up with a headache and I'm a wee puggled. I need a good night's sleep, that's all." He tried to button his shirt and grumbled, "The girl is going to be the death of me."

"Don't be so dramatic." Jenny batted his hands away and took over the task of buttoning his shirt. "Tell me the truth. Are you ill?"

"No, I just got a little soap in my eyes. Doona fash yourself, precious one. It isnae good for ya."

"Don't change the subject. I'm not a little old lady. There, all done." Jenny said, straightening his collar. "So the police arrested the guy and you're sure he had no connection to Monroe?"

"Aye. We had to give statements, though. If Monroe isnae trailing us, he will be now."

"We'll be fine. Enos found a new place to layover tonight. Let's get back to this problem with Daisy."

"Bloody hell." Drake sat down to pull on his socks. "She's a fickle beast and a stubborn creature! She's always calling me names."

"You're being dramatic."

"I'm being serious! I dinna think she can say my real name unless she puckers her face or screams like a banshee!"

"Would you like my opin-"

"And she keeps changing her mind! I never know if she wants to be friends, or if she hates me!"

"Friends my foot. You should-"

"One minute she's thumpin me noggin and the next she's staring at me like she wants to…" Drake swore and said, "Never mind."

Jenny moved to the counter and poured him a cup of tea, curving her lips in an amused smile. "You're falling in love with her."

His eyebrows jumped. "Mo chreach, Jenny!"

"Convince me I'm wrong."

He picked up a boot and tugged it on. "I'm no' sure. I dinna expect to feel this way, but she isnae interested in me. Daisy wants your man."

"As if I'm worried. Drink this. It's apple cinnamon." She placed the cup on the built in table beside him and sat down. "Now, stay focused. At some point in your little adventure you fought with Daisy about Enos. Am I correct?"

Drake pinned her with a warning glare and she raised an eyebrow in silent challenge.

"Bah!" After slouching back into the couch he took a drink of his tea. Then, he sighed, giving in. "Aye, but she brought him up first. I asked how she could still be in love with Enos when she…um…"

Jenny tipped her head and finished his statement. "Kissed you?"

He nodded

"And that's when you took a swim?"

"Aye. I should no' have said the things I said. The girl is a right bampot when she's angry and has the temper of a wounded lioness." Drake frowned and peered into his tea as if it held the secrets to the universe.

"Jenny, I cannae watch her make the same mistake I did. Time is precious. Daisy is wasting it and will no' accept your relationship with Enos. She wants him back."

"That bothers you."

"Aye, it does." Drake's eyes sparkled like the stars. "I think she's grand, Jenny. Strong, with a lovely heart. She's a verra beautiful woman. Her smile is like warm sunshine on a winter morning. She gives me..."

"What?" Jenny prodded, gently.

"Hope," he said. "Hope that one day I'll have a joyful life again." The stars in his eyes dimmed significantly and his shoulders slumped. "She will no' even smile at me anymore."

"Oh, Drake. You should tell her how you feel. Exactly the way you told me."

"No, I cannae. She despises me."

He looked so vulnerable in that moment. His hair was fluffy from his shower, reminding her of the wild little boy she chased after as a tiny girl. He was always protective and so very brave. The losses in his life were many and because of that, he kept people at arms length. In fifteen years, only a few women had earned his trust and only two had been allowed in his heart.

She smiled. Jenny could add one to the list. Daisy had found a way in.

"You aren't a coward, Drake. You know grief all too well. There isn't a time limit on the process." Jenny slid closer and put a hand on his knee. "If she's not ready, you'll just have to be patient. You owe her that."

"Aye, but how do I protect her in the meantime? Today, when that man had her at his mercy, I thought I would watch her die in my arms, just like Tia. I could no' take it if that were to happen. Daisy willnae listen to a word I say even when it's for her own good!

"Of course she won't listen! You ran out on her and disappeared without saying a word. From what Enos told me, she thought you hung the moon. You know how important trust is. What do you expect from her?"

"I expect her to cooperate and no' get herself killed! She dinnae have to push me in the pond!"

"Well," she shrugged a shoulder. "You can be a real ass."

"Jenny…"

"Drake, bràthair, I know you're…" scared. Instead she said, "You're discouraged, but we aren't meant to wander this world alone. I'll always be here for you, but if you have a chance for love again, take it. Cynthia would want that for you. Open up and talk to Daisy. Try harder to be nice. Keep the fighting fair."

Drake put an arm around Jenny and kissed the top of her head. "I appreciate the talk. Yer a great comfort to me, ye ken? I can always count on ye."

"I certainly try." She patted his back and the warmth radiating from him caused the smile to die on her lips. "Do me a favor. Finish that tea and take some aspirin so we can get back on the road. It'll be lunchtime soon."

"I'll take the aspirin, but willnae leave this trailer until the fickle beast apologizes for ruining my shirt." Drake put his teacup down and pulled a box out of his bag. "It was my favorite."

"Don't be a baby." Jenny clicked her tongue and moved to the door. "You two can talk in the truck. Let's go."

"No." Drake left the box on the table and returned to the couch. He put a throw pillow behind his back, stretched his long legs and locked his fingers behind his head. With a big grin, he said, "I'll be right here waiting for my apology."


Enos was in trouble.

Those daggers in Daisy's eyes were turned on him now. She was highly upset and feeling betrayed. She even refused to discuss what happened with Drake. There were other issues on her mind and she delivered her tongue lashing as swiftly as her wise uncle.

"Enos Strate, you better be saying extra prayers tonight! A lie of omission is still a lie. How could you keep the truth from me?"

It had the same effect as if the Duke patriarch had said it himself. A pang of regret blazed through him. It was time to come clean.

"I'm sorry, Dais. I didn't think about it that way because … well … it was private, being a medical thing and all. I didn't mean to embarrass you and I'd never hurt ya' on purpose. It wouldn't be right telling people Jenny's personal business."

"People?" Daisy frowned. "I'm not people, I'm your friend. This thing is now my business, too, since y'all intentionally kept me in the dark. Did you know Jenny told me she had some riding injury and that was why she was in pain?"

Enos's jaw dropped, but he recovered quickly. "She's got a right to her privacy, Dais."

"With me? Yes. But sugar, she didn't tell you! That ain't right. She should've told you the details. She could've at least called to check on ya' when she could."

"Hey!" Jaxon's short temper got the better of him. He stood and threw the tire iron to the cement with a clang. "Don't talk about my sister when she's not here to defend herself! Enos is right about this being Jenny's business, not yours! Jenny didn't judge you over those pictures, so why are you constantly thinking the worst of her? She didn't call him because Drake wouldn't let her!"

"She couldn't drop a quarter in a pay phone?"

"We weren't in public until recently," Jaxon replied. "All she had access to was a sat phone. Drake kept it locked."

"So, that's what he meant about it being his fault." Daisy let out an exasperated sigh. "Look, I ain't judging anybody. Enos deserves the truth. All of it. Just like I do."

"I already know what happened, Dais. She told me what she could remember. She wasn't being mean about it."

"All of ya' just take a deep breath." Luke said, gathering the tools. "We can talk about it tonight over the campfire. Daisy, I understand you're upset. Enos said he was sorry. Let it go for now. Jaxon, ain't nothin' wrong with defending your kin, but the trailer's fixed and we need to get out of here."

"I agree. We need to move." Jaxon shoved his hands in his back pockets and turned a troubled expression to Enos. "When we were kids, Jenny tried so hard to fill mam's shoes. She just wants the best for everybody. She hates it when we worry and doesn't like anyone fussing over her. You two have that in common, Daisy. That's the only reason she didn't tell you. Maybe now that the truth is out, you'll give her a chance. I wanted to tell you about this myself, but you got so upset with me that night at the Boar's Nest. I didn't think you'd believe me. If you had asked, I would've been honest."

Daisy bristled and opened her mouth but Jaxon cut her off.

"I'm not saying it's your fault, or that she was right to keep the truth from you. I'm just saying she's human. So is Drake. He looks tired. Give him a break. I'll wait in the truck. Excuse me."

Jaxon walked off and Luke stepped up.

"Let him be for now, Daisy. Give him some space."

"Yeah." She gave a reluctant nod.

Luke hugged her and left to load the toolbox in the trailer.

Enos couldn't blame Daisy for being upset. At the same time, he struggled to keep a righteous anger from erupting and causing more damage. He cared deeply for both women and it stung that Daisy couldn't get along with Jenny. He was at least civil to Darcy, even if he had wanted to punch him a time or two.

Regardless of his surging defensiveness, he took steps to soothe his childhood friend. As he stood before her, it was tempting to twirl her hair around his finger. He wasn't sure why he couldn't, he'd done it most of his life, but now it felt wrong.

"I'm sorry for hurting your feelings and not telling ya' sooner, Dais. Would you forgive me? Please?"

"Oh, sugar. Of course I do." Daisy pulled a tissue from her pocket and dabbed at her eyes. She looked like she was about to hug him, but stiffened her back and cleared her throat. "I'm sorry, too. I really need to talk to ya'. It's about those pictures."

"That ain't nothin' to worry about. It's your business. If you like Drake, I'm happy for you."

She tensed and the air around them congealed into a thick fog.

"N-no, Enos. That's not-"

The conversation ended when the trailer door opened and closed with a whack.

Jenny was in protective-sister-mode and she closed in on Daisy.

"I am fed up with the two of you!" she said, her hands sweeping the air. Enos decided wild hand gesturing ran in the MacFarland family. "I don't know why you two insist on making the rest of us miserable, but Drake isn't moving until you apologize."

"Me!? Oh for cryin' out loud!" Daisy towered over Jenny by nearly a foot. She used it to her advantage, stretching to full height to make her point. "It seems to me, I ain't th' only one needing to make an apology."

Enos recoiled at the uncharacteristic bitterness in her tone. "D-Daisy, please go talk to Drake. We'll talk about th' other stuff tonight."

Daisy's eyes remained locked on Jenny. "You can count on it," she said. "I ain't gonna stand by and watch her hide things from you anymore. We're gonna clear th' air once and for all."

"Fine. It'll be just you and me." Jenny said, her voice cutting and sharp. "It's about time we set a few boundaries." She was ready for a fight and her body language screamed with hostility.

Enos was sure the sky would fall next. Uncle Jesse warned him. What had he said? "Putting two women who want the same man in a small space is a recipe for disaster."

Maybe he should fly Daisy and Luke ahead with Drake. He was debating a detour to the nearest airport when Jenny broke the stalemate.

"We don't have time for this, Daisy. We aren't safe here and the rest of us are hungry. Until you get in that trailer and talk to Drake, he's not going to budge. He's been through things you can't imagine. He hurts and bleeds, just like everyone else, but because of the past, he can't…he doesn't…" Jenny's voice broke and a deep-rooted sorrow clouded her eyes. She reached out to take Enos's hand. It was a long moment before she spoke again.

"I know you don't like me. I'm not sure how to fix that. Say what you want about me, but would you please let up on Drake a little? I've told him to do the same with you. Maybe that way we can all get through this without ripping each other apart."

Before Daisy could reply, Jenny walked away, taking Enos with her.


Back in Hazzard, Bo had plenty of farm chores to keep him busy. Luke and Daisy would be back in time for corn harvest, if they had much of one. If it didn't rain soon, they'd loose the whole crop. With Daisy's life at stake and the additional burden of financial problems on the horizon, Uncle Jesse tended to walk a little slower these days.

Bo was on his way to the Circle M this morning to put a bug in Sam Tucker's ear. With two-dozen horses arriving next month, Enos might be willing to hire some help. Bo wanted the job of harvesting his hayfields. Alleviating some of the financial pressure might get rid of that strained look taking residence on Uncle Jesse's face.

In Hazzard, things rarely work out the way a Duke expects. He glanced at the empty passenger's seat and longed to have his cousin's companionship. He had a feeling he'd need one of Luke's "I got it!" moments real soon.

Trouble was brewing, or in this case, traveling down Highway 20 behind the General. For the last two days, Rosco had followed him everywhere. Bo hadn't been pulled over, but without Luke to cover his back, he was playing it safe. He'd obeyed every traffic law in the book, even though it was getting on his last nerve.

Bo waved to Chester Miller and the Hazzard County Road Crew as he made a slow and deliberate turn off the highway. The road transitioned from smooth asphalt to a barely recognizable bumpy dirt lane. Rosco's cruiser was still in his rear view and a second look revealed Cletus back there eating his dust, too.

Old County was an obstacle course of potholes and washouts so Bo concentrated on the road. He gripped the wheel tight. The General bounced over deep gouges in the earth like a washing machine on a pogo stick. He was adding up the cost of a new suspension when he noticed Rosco fall back.

"Now what is he up to?" Bo reached for the C.B. to find out.

When he looked back to the road, he saw a big gaping section missing from the bridge. Not having enough speed to clear it, Bo dropped the mic, slammed on the brakes and braced himself against the wheel. In another millisecond, there'd be nothing but air between the General and a fifteen foot fall to the rocky creek.

There was a loud wham beneath the floorboard. The General lurched forward and came to an abrupt halt. The remaining section of wood decking creaked and popped, protesting under the weight of the car. He waited for the second impact, the one where Rosco and Cletus collided and sent him to the pearly gates, but it never came.

Gathering his wits, Bo climbed out the window and moved back to solid ground, brushing the dust from his sleeves. What remained of the bridge was a broken pile of timber in the shallow waters of Craggy Rock Creek. He was still inspecting the damage when Rosco walked up with his citation book in hand.

"Al-l-right, Bo Duke! I gotcha now! That's gonna be five days in the slammer for destruction of a County bridge! Gyu, gyu, gyu! I love it, I love it! Cletus! Cuff 'em and stuff 'em!" He scribbled out the citation with a pompous grin.

"What!?" Bo's jaw gaped. "Rosco, that ain't right!"

"Oh, yeah." Cletus said. "Ain't we supposed to read him his rights, Sheriff?"

"Ghit ghit! Cletus! Just get after it!"

"Sorry about this, Bo." Cletus pulled out his cuffs and gave a sheepish look. "You are under arrest. You have th' right to-"

"Now just hold on a cotton pickin' minute! Have y'all finally lost what's left of your minds? Look at this!" Bo gestured to the General and the front tires suspended in mid-air.

He continued his defense, "I ain't broke no law so I ain't goin' to jail! Ya'll knew that bridge was out before I got here! When Uncle Jesse finds out y'all didn't bother to give me a heads up, he's gonna read both of ya' the riot act! Whatever you're up to, I'm warnin' ya', I'm gonna find out!

"Oh, naughty-naughty. See, that there is threatenin' an officer of th' law. Times two." Rosco pushed up the brim of his hat with his pen and added another charge to his book. "That's six more days in the pokey. Finish readin' him his rights, Cletus."

"Rosco! I can't go to jail right now, I gotta help Uncle Jesse with the farm! You know Luke and Daisy are out of town! That's all Boss Hogg's fault, too!"

"Oh, hush! Tell it to the judge!" Rosco grinned. "He'll be back next week from his fishin' trip. Load him up, Cletus."

"Ain't nothin' personal, Bo. I would've told ya' about th' bridge, but I didn't know either. I thought they were supposed to be tearin' out Highway 20, not Old County."

"It ain't your fault, Cletus." Bo said. "Hey, I thought they were resurfacing Highway 20?"

"Cletus!" Rosco snapped. "Ya' ain't supposed to be gossipin' with th' prisoner! Get the lead out!"

"Yes sir." Cletus slapped the cuffs on Bo's wrists and recited the familiar words.

Bo wasn't a fool. Rosco was locking him up to keep him out of the way. While he was led to Cletus's cruiser, he looked over his shoulder at the demolished bridge. Without it, there was no way cars could access the ranch. He folded himself into the backseat and realization dawned.

The bridge hadn't just fallen from old age, Boss was behind its demise. He was probably behind the changes to the construction project, too. After three months of relative peace, Boss had made a play for Enos's ranch.

Bo would spend the long ride to jail thinking of a way to stop him.


There was no way to stop this. It had to be done. Daisy looked up at the trailer door and took another moment to muster her courage. The sooner they were back on the road, the sooner they could get to Ogallala where she planned to confront Jenny. She opened the latch and climbed in the trailer, shutting the door behind her.

The trailer was lovely and an apple scent wafted from the teapot. Across from the kitchenette, Drake reclined on a brightly upholstered couch. He didn't bother to speak or stand upon her arrival. Apparently, he left his courtesy at the pond.

Daisy stood in front of the bathroom door to keep plenty of distance between them. She crossed her arms and said, "Drake, this is ridiculous. Ain't nothin' hurt but your pride. If I have to swallow mine, I reckon you can do the same. Now let's just go."

Drake stood and her stomach cart wheeled. His body was perfection, forming a 'V' from his shoulders to his toes. He stalked towards her, his predatory gaze slicing through her defenses.

He halted his approach at arms length. "Is that supposed to be my apology?"

"You started this a long time ago, mister. Maybe I shouldn't have pushed ya' into th' pond, but you crossed a line. You owe me the apology. Cranky old mule."

"So, that's the way of then." Drake moved closer and put a hand on the wall, just to the left of her head. "I owe ya an apology and I'm cranky."

His spicy aftershave was intoxicating, causing warmth to pool in her belly. Daisy lifted her chin and willed the errant response away. She was in control.

"Yes. Th' way I see it, you're worse than Maudine with a sore hoof."

"Hmmm." Drake's concerned tone didn't match the mischief in his eyes.

She froze when he reached up to play with her hair. Drake rubbed a strand between his fingers and lifted it to his nose. His eyes closed and he indulged himself by inhaling deeply. It threw Daisy completely off-kilter.

When his eyes again met hers, they were like pools of melted glass. He swept the soft lock down her cheek in a slow caress.

"Daisy," he whispered. "I'm verra sorry about the pictures. It was a mistake."

She pursed her lips. "A mistake."

He quirked a brow, but didn't speak.

Drake was doing it again. Mixing his words, not to mention his actions, and picking a fight just to see where he stood. She was curious which part he believed was a mistake, but was too proud to ask.

She pulled her hair from his fingers and said, "You should be sorry about those pictures. You were the one who came to my house uninvited."

"Aye."

"You kissed me."

"Aye."

"And it was a mistake."

Silence.

Daisy locked her knees before she slid to the floor. Control. I'm in control. "B-because now…Enos knows what you did."

"What I did?" Drake slapped a second hand on the door, boxing her in place.

There was a quiet thump as Daisy plastered herself against the flat surface. Her control was slipping. "Yes, he knows what you did."

"We did it and Enos dinna seem to be bothered." Drake gestured to the fading bruise on his jaw. "Enos, dinna give me this. Tell me the truth. Why did ye push me in the pond?"

"Because you deserved it."

"So I did." He gave a sexy half-smile and inched closer. "Allow me to formally apologize."

Tilting his head, he brushed his lips against hers in a light, testing kiss. The moment they connected, every nerve in her body heated and cried out for more. She was falling, in every sense, and splayed a hand against the built in fridge to steady herself.

Drake placed velvet soft kisses along her jaw. When he moved down her neck, they grew in intensity, like he couldn't get close enough, even though his body was crushed against hers. His breath was hot on her skin and his desperation withered what was left of her resolve.

His voice became a husky pant, "Blimey, girl. I must have ya. Ya heat my blood in ways I cannae control, but…" He moaned and the rumble vibrated gently against her chest. She still hadn't moved her hands, but they itched to dispense of his shirt and feel those muscles ripple beneath her fingers.

His lips continued their ministrations as he said, "Answer my question, mo ghràdh. Tell me why ya pushed me."

Daisy's eyes slid shut and she took a hitched breath, "Because…you make me crazy."

He chuckled lowly and nibbled her ear. "But you're still here. With me. Like this."

Drake buried a hand deep in her hair and covered her mouth with his. She threw her arms around him, parted her lips and welcomed him in. His tongue dove and tasted, explored and caressed. It was all consuming pleasure that left her soul crying out for completion.

Closer. She needed him closer. A hand squeezed the back of her thigh, lifting her leg to his hip. Drake lifted her from the floor and pressed against her, holding her to the wall and eliciting a thrilled gasp from Daisy. She basked in the glow of his arousal, his kiss erasing all the angry words, his hands creating blissful new fantasies she never thought possible.

Daisy refused to end the moment by falling back to ugly reality. He came up for air, his eyes filled with some unreadable emotion, his chest heaving against her breast.

He held her gaze. "Tell me why."

"Wh-why?"

"Why you're with me, like this, but cannae let him go?"

Reality crashed like a derailed train. The answers peppered her brain like bullets from a machine gun. It was too soon. Too fast. Too risky. She was terrified and didn't want to feel vulnerable.

Daisy's heart was still broken over Enos, wasn't it? She had to keep the shattered pieces from being pulverized to dust. She knew Drake's basic character, but very little about his life. That fact alone was frightening.

Unable to put those thoughts into words, she said nothing. She didn't have to explain. Drake was always one step ahead.

He slowly lowered her to the floor, holding her steady until she was firmly on her feet. Drake tenderly ran his thumb over her cheek and stepped back. He retrieved what looked like a plain white shoebox from the table and put it in her hands.

"I want ye to have this. It's to remind you that I'll be here...to keep ye safe."

"B-but, Drake. What's-"

"Shh." He pressed his fingers against her lips. "Ye doona have to explain. You're in love with him and are no' ready. It does no' matter how much I want ye, I willnae take ye to bed. I willnae be second best."

"Drake, that's-"

"From now on, I ask only for your cooperation. I must…I need to keep ye alive." He tapped the box in her hands and said, "I will protect you, Daisy. With my life. I swear it."

Hearing the new parameters of their relationship was like running into a brick building. This was the end. No more mind-blowing kisses, or touching the sun. Daisy searched his eyes for any sign that she had misunderstood, but his gaze held no answers. If she gave up on Enos, would Drake believe he wasn't second best? Did she even have the right to ask? Did she even know how she felt anymore?

"Take your time, darlin' girl. I'll be waiting." Drake cupped her face, kissed her sweetly and walked away.

Did that mean there was hope? Or had he meant that in the immediate sense? She should stop him from leaving, but her tongue was stuck to the roof of her mouth and her limbs were paralyzed, as if invisible strings tethered them to the wall.

Pain sliced through her when the door clicked shut. Daisy was alone. She didn't realize she was crying until she tasted the salt on her lips. She wiped her tears and looked at the box in her hands. Taking a calming breath, she popped off the lid and moved back the layers of tissue paper.

A series of convulsive sobs broke the waterworks completely. Daisy slid down the wall until she was seated on the floor with the box in her lap. She covered her face, unable to stop the deluge of tears.

The box contained the wind chime, it's crystal cherub nestled in the tissue among finely tuned tubes. A gift, from her guardian angel.