Bo drove back to Hazzard in silence, his shock aside, he was smarter than to try discussing the matter on air with the other Dukes. He was at a loss, attempting to challenge the opinion of R.C Hunter was on a par with making a death wish, but at the same time he wanted everyone to know his side of the story before they judged him.
To Bo's surprise, he returned to find the Duke Farm vacant. After looking everywhere he chanced contacting them on the CB, but to no avail.
"They must be outta reach", he presumed.
So with nothing to do but wait until such times as they arrived home, he decided to finish some chores around the farm and take his mind off recent events.
It was several hours later that Dixie and Uncle Jesse's truck pulled in to the farm. Daisy saw the General parked alongside and rushed in to greet Bo, followed closely by Luke and Jesse. They found him sitting alert on the couch, but showing no signs of any emotion. When asked how his trip to Capitol City turned out, he broke down. They had failed to see that he was simply holding back the tears. As they poured out from him, so did his story, and what he feared his future would be.
"I think we all know what exactly this means-from tomorrow onwards, Bo will be in grave danger", explained Luke.
"Don't I just know it, Luke. Only this time, you ain't gonna be the one gettin' me out of it".
"You're right, Bo. I won't be. We all will".
"How?! We're just a bunch o' down-home country folk. Sure, we fight the system, but when the law has no better chance than we do, this is something we just can't fight".
"We'll do it somehow, Bo. You just gotta keep a low profile for now. Bein' half-awake would help us all so I say we get to bed", concluded Uncle Jesse.
The Duke Farm buzzed with activity early on in the morning, as the mood was tense and the pace rushed. Bo was the last to wake, he had only managed to get a couple of hours sleep. Being the day it was, nobody wanted to leave his side, so Cooter offered to fetch the Dukes a copy of the Hazzard Gazette.
As they expected, the front page was played-up to it's full capacity, most likely fulfilling the wish of R.C Hunter.
It stated "Bo Duke Main Suspect of Recent Heinous Crime", "Victim's father tells all inside".
This time Daisy turned the page, and began to read the extensive paragraph dedicated to the subject.
"We have received urgent information as to the cause of Alexa Hunter's misfortune. Her loving father, R.C Hunter, graciously agreed to a shocking interview, printed below".
"Sir, can you tell us exactly what caused your daughter's accident yesterday?"
"Yes. Alexa informed me that she was passing through Hazzard, and her car suddenly broke down. She approved the help of a stranger, who then 'fixed' her car. Subsequently, just a few miles from that very spot, she crashed".
"Do you happen to know the identity of that stranger?"
"From description, I am told it is Bo Duke. I believe he is a local around here, yes?"
"That would be correct, Sir. Have you identified the direct mechanical fault yet with the vehicle?"
"Yes, apparently this 'Bo Duke' informed my daughter that all was well when he adjusted her fuel line, but it seems her brake line was leaking. This caused her to lose all brake fluid, and therefore to have the accident".
"Now the final question-do you intend to issue legal proceedings against Bo Duke of Hazzard County?"
"No, for I have something even better lined up for him".
"Thank you very much for that eye-opening interview, Mr. Hunter. Please give your daughter our best wishes".
"You're welcome, and I shall. Good day".
"We at the Hazzard Gazette, shall show no bias toward either side, but we leave this decision for the people of Hazzard", the newspaper added at the very end.
"I'm sure the staff mean well, but when you're under the thumb of R.C Hunter you don't get much of a say to which side you're on", Daisy pointed out.
"I think you're right, Daisy. They may be following direct orders, but the end-note is their way of showing that it's unintentional", added Luke.
"I don't gotta ask what 'something better' is, do I?", enquired Bo.
"Sorry, Cousin, but you don't. Our worst fears have been confirmed. R.C Hunter's got your entire future planned out for you. And it's not 30 years o' farming".
After complete analysis of what had now become their predicament, the Dukes realized that they could declare a virtual war on R.C Hunter and submit Bo's interview, risking all their lives for justice. Or they could lay low until the matter died down, in the hope that nothing bad would happen. Being Dukes, unless it was entirely necessary, they would not cower in the dark like frightened possums, they would stand up for their beliefs. Knowing the sheer dare of R.C Hunter was enough to ensure he would follow through with his plans, the second option practically ruled itself out.
They had made their final decision-tomorrow Bo would give his side of the story to the Hazzard Gazette, and life would continue on as normal until such times as it could no longer remain the same.
While Bo was getting gussied up in preparation for his interview, R.C Hunter was wasting no time.
"Jasper, get me Candy Thames in Chickasaw County right away please".
"Yes, Sir. It's connected", replied his butler.
"Hello?", answered a sweet, yet sultry voice.
"Hello Candy, this is R.C Hunter in Capitol City. I was wondering if you were interested in a job I have lined up back in Hazzard".
"If the price is right, you could say I might be".
"How does fifty-thousand sound? It's a one-way hit, no mess".
"Why that sounds just fine, R.C. When shall I leave for Hazzard?"
"Tonight, sweetie, tonight. We need all the time we can get".
"As you wish. And the target?"
"Bo Duke. Tall, blonde, and with your looks, honey, you won't have too much trouble finding him. Or should I say, he'll be the one in trouble when he finds you".
Candy's evil laugh said it all.
Meanwhile, Bo was just finishing his interview, which was heading for the printer the next day. Little did he know what was heading straight for him.