In celebration of Hump Day…here you go. This is dedicated to my boss in honor of Boss's Day tomorrow! Enjoy! -Jordyn

Silence followed Daisy Duke like a shadow when she stepped into the Boar's Nest later that night. Normally, she would walk briskly in, greet a few friends, grab her order pad and pen, and get to work.

Tonight she did none of that.

Instead she walked in slowly biting her lip as if afraid she would burst into tears at any moment. She took a stool by the bar and ordered her first drink of the night, doubting highly it would be her last.

Normally, she didn't turn to drink when she was upset. Having worked in the Boar's Nest for as many years as she did, she was no stranger to the effects alcohol had on the body, especially when someone was trying to drown their sorrows in it… but tonight she didn't care a bit.

"He's gone," answered Daisy in response to the stillness in the room. She choked a little as she spoke, the two words hard to say, harder still to believe.

Cooter Davenport hung his head over his coffee cup, biting his lip, before pushing himself away from the table and going to Daisy. He didn't know what to say: he along with the rest of Hazzard was in shock.

For so long it seemed that the Duke boys were invincible though that wasn't to say they never got hurt. It was true that both boys had had their fair share of brawls… with each other and in the bar room, and of course, no one could race cars and not expect to get hurt every once in a while. Doc Appleby was rumored to have a special drawer full of stitching supplies and bandages for Bo's special use because he was always falling or taking a chance of one sort or another, ever in a hurry. Luke seemed to be prone to bumps on the head. Boss Hogg would have said it was because of Luke sticking his nose into other people's business, namely his, but as many times, as he had incurred a bump to his skull or Bo a cut, none of these injuries were ever serious, and both boys always bounced back with redoubled vigor… at least, that was how it used to be.

"I'm sorry Daisy," offered Cooter quietly sitting beside her. "If there's anything I can do…"

Daisy nodded. "There is Cooter… buy me another drink."

Cooter bit his lip, not at all liking where this was going. Fortunately though, Charlie, the bartender, was watching out for Daisy too, putting special care to make the watered down beer even more watered down than normal so that by the time her fourth beer came around, she was closer to drowning than drunkenness.

Daisy stayed quiet all night, ever-faithful Cooter beside her. He knew she would talk when she was ready and until then, he'd be there to offer silent support.

She was swallowing the last amber liquid from the bottom of her glass when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

The female cousin looked up to see her uncle staring down at her, looking older than ever before. His laughing eyes had lost their twinkle. Now they just looked sad and weary.

Daisy started to say something, but could only sniff and slide off the stool, wrapping her arms around her uncle, hiding her face against him.

"Shhh…shhh…he ain't in no more pain…it's alright now…"

"I miss him!" cried Daisy, tears trickling down her face, the Boar's Nest patrons just sitting in silent sympathy.

"I know…we all do baby," said the old man, a world of understanding in his voice.

"Wh-where's Bo?"

Jesse sighed. "He didn't wanna come home tonight…"

"What…why?! Uncle Jesse we need to be together!"

"Daisy think about what you're sayin' now... all his life…he has shared a room with Luke…except for the four years Luke was in the Marines… and then he had a promise that he was coming back to hold on to… he said he just can't face seeing all the trophies they'd won together, the two of everything in that there room…his clothes and boots where he left 'em…" Jesse's voice cracked as he added. "I didn't blame him."

"Where's he gonna be though…he shouldn't be alone…" said Daisy, worried for him.

"He promised me that he'd sleep at either your place tonight Cooter or Enos's…." answered Jesse, though directing it at Cooter.

"I'll leave the light on for him," answered the mechanic without a moment's hesitation.

Jesse nodded. "Bo said as much…"

"How's he taking it?" Cooter couldn't help but ask.

Jesse sighed heavily. "He's doin' the best he can…" began the old man positively, "but Bo's a talker…an' he just ain't sayin much about it…that concerns me."

Cooter nodded his understanding.

"Maybe…a good night's sleep will help more than anything…"

"I hope so Uncle Jesse," answered Daisy meekly knowing full well that sleep wasn't what Bo needed most; he needed Luke.

Let me know what ya think! Click that itty bitty button…yeah you know the one…move your mouse over it and click! A comment box opens up! Wow! Use it! You know you want to….