Ch. 5

As Rick came to the edge of town he became on edge as he started looking around for the dukes. He prayed that they weren't in town, he wasn't ready to see them and he didn't want them to see him. There would be a ton of questions coming his way that he was not ready to answer right now. Letting out a sigh of relief as Cooter's garage came into sight he pulled in, turned off the truck, and quickly got out of sight.

Cooter was leaning against the deputy's car. He had to chuckle at the thought of the chase and of course trying to do the jump to catch the duke boys. Once Rick came inside he straightened up and didn't waste time asking, "Does this mean you made up your mind?"

"Yes. I need to make a call, however I know Maybell listens in on the calls. Do you mind doing the call and relay my message?"

"Can do." Cooter went over and picked up the phone.

"Hey, Maybell. I need to make a call to Austin, Texas to a man named Hank Billings. He works for the Texas Rangers."

"Okay, it will take a while." While Maybell was connecting the call she wondered why Cooter needed a texas ranger. Cousin Hogg was going to need to know about this.

It took about twenty minutes but soon enough Cooter was talking to Mr. Billings.

"Mr. Billings, I'm calling on behalf of a friend we both know. He wanted me to let you know he appreciated working for you and getting to know you; however he is done. He just can't do anymore."

"I had a feeling he wasn't coming back. Tell him I'm sorry to see him go, and I hope he keeps in touch with us. He has a lot of friends if he ever has a need. Goodbye."

"Bye." Cooter then he put the phone down disconnected the line.

"How long do you think it will be before Maybell tells Boss about that call?"

"Oh, she's calling him right now. I can guarantee it."

Rick was about to reply when they heard footsteps and both heard Bo calling out for Cooter. There was no time for him to hide as Bo stepped into view. Holding his breath as he braced for Bo's reaction.

Bo stepped into the shop and was about to call out for Cooter again when he spotted HIM. He felt his temper rise and found himself pushing the man up against the car as he demanded to know what he was doing in town.

Rick just let Bo vent as he felt he deserved the anger coming at him. Once Bo was done chewing his butt out he calmly asked, "Can I speak now?"

Bo nodded.

"I have been back for alittle while. I kept myself hidden as I was not fit to be around people. I had some major thinking to do. I promised myself, Cooter, and…. Luke I would not show myself if I was just going to leave again. I hear Daisy hasn't been herself and I couldn't do more harm to her then what I apparently already did. Before you get mad at your cousins for not saying anything let me tell you I begged them to secret."

"If I hadn't come here today, would I have even known you were back? Or are you leaving again?"

"I'm staying. Cooter just got off the phone with my old boss." Slight grin on his face, "I'm now unemployed and I don't think Boss Hogg is going to be to happy that I am now back."

Bo and Cooter lost it laughing at that as they both agreed to that statement.

"Bo, can you let Luke know? How do you think I would be received if I showed up out at the farm?"

"Yea, I can tell him. Uncle Jesse probably will give you short lecture and then he'll welcome you with open arms. I don't know how Daisy will react though."

"I figured. Hopefully she'll let me talk before punching me."

Bo just smiled and after asking Cooter what he originally came for left town heading back to the farm.

~/~

Luke was working on Daisy jeep when he heard Bo arrive back. Looking up he saw his cousin's face and knew he wasn't happy. Straightening up he waited for Bo to speak.

"I saw him."

"Oh."

"He explained everything. He quit his job, Luke. Why didn't you say anything to me?"

"I promised him I wouldn't, Bo. I wanted to, and I almost did tell you more times then I can count. Is he staying?"

"Yea, he is. Though he isn't sure how welcomed he would be if he came out here. Luke, he looks so worn down and did you see that scar on his face. What happened to him?"

"Yea, I saw that scar. Think we should tell Uncle Jesse about him?"

"Yea, I think we should."