Chapter Six

The clearing was empty, but it was evident there had been a camp. While there was no fire, a large square had been cleared for a tent, and several empty cans of beans were strewn about.

“Litterbugs,” Dan muttered, kicking the cans.

“They can’t have gone far.”

“Hey, fellas,” Bo said slowly, his brow furrowed.

“Spit it out cousin,” Luke answered.

“We didn’t check that shack,” Bo said.

“Right, but why would we? They know we’ve seen-“ Mart stopped and the four raced towards the cabin.

“Di should have Molinson on the perimeter by now!” Dan said as they ran for the cabin.

***

Trixie tried to wiggle out of the ropes that held her to the chair but it was futile. Instead her chair tipped over and she landed on her side with a groan. Honey tried wiggling free again.

Daisy’s head turned suddenly towards the door and she made strangled noises.

Someone was coming! Honey tried to scoot back to her corner as Daisy followed suit.

Bam! The door flew open and the girls winced as the bright light hit them.

“Trixie!” It was Bo!

Dan raced to Daisy’s side as Luke freed Honey.

“This is gonna hurt,” Bo warned, ripping the tape off Trixie who winced. His strong arms pulled her to him as he crushed her against his chest into a deep kiss. Her friends were in similar positions as they were freed and embraced.

“You had me real scared, Trix,” Bo murmured, smoothing her rumpled curls.

Her china blue eyes sparkled up at him.

“C’mere squaw,” Mart hugged his sister tightly, then Honey and Daisy.

“The poachers. They might have gotten away!” Trixie suddenly burst out.

“Let’s head towards Glen Road and see. Hopefully Di got Molinson there in time.”

***

They arrived to see the poachers being shoved into the back of Spider Webster’s car. Di, Matthew Wheeler, Regan and Chief Molinson stood talking as the others appeared. The makeshift ‘gate’ was open.

“You got ‘em!” Trixie shouted.

Molinson glared at her.

“Belden! You know better than to go running off after crooks like some damn rookie! You just had to interfere and go and get yourself kidnapped didn’t you!” he roared.

“Chief, I didn’t want them to get away!”

“You foolhardy kids are always mucking about! I thought you at least learned to keep your nose out of it this summer, Belden!”

“Now wait just a dang minute sir,” Bo stepped forward, finger pointing at Molinson, and towering over him, “Now I agree Trixie was foolish to go off on her own but she and Dan are the ones that put the clues together to catch them poachers!”

Molinson looked startled for a minute. “Who the hell are you?”

“Bo Duke, sir, up from Hazzard County, Georgia,” Bo held out his hand.

“Well Mr. Hazzard County, Georgia, these girls got a knack for getting in my-“

“Yeah and they even did it in Hazzard last year and managed to save the whole darn county because of Trixie’s dedication! Now I’d appreciate it if you let up off my girl!”

Molinson just stared agape at Bo. Finally he grunted and turned towards his police car.

“Good job, Belden,” he growled.

Trixie broke into a grin as Bo hugged her tightly, smiling.

A dark car raced towards them and slammed on the brakes. Jim and Brian jumped out, rushing towards them.

“You all right? What happened?”

“Celia told us-“

They both stopped short as they realized the girls were grinning, and very happy in the arms of Bo and Luke. Jim set his jaw.

“It looks like everything here is just fine,” he said tightly.

Spider came over just then.

“All right ladies, let me see those bruises. Then we need to get you down to the station for statements.”

The three girls held out their hands. Daisy’s were the worst, having been tied up over night, and face was red and irritated from trying to remove the blindfold.

Jim and Brian just glanced at each other. The Duke boys were the heroes this time. Not them. It hadn’t been them rushing in to save the girls. It was someone else.

***

Sleepyside returned to its normal calm state over the next few days after the initial headline splash. The Dukes prepared to head back home and the Bob Whites got ready to return to school.

Trixie led Bo through the preserve.

“Trix, sweetheart, I love traipsing through the woods with you but where are we goin’?” he laughed.

She was leading by the hand as her flashlight lit the way. The moon was bright tonight.

“You’ll see,” he could hear the smile in the voice.

Finally he recognized the tree that held the treehouse they had found, and grinned.

She led him inside and lit the lamp she had brought earlier, along with a few other things, including her sleeping bag.

“What’s this about?” he asked with a smile as she slipped her arms around him.

“I wanted some time alone with you before you guys leave.”

“Yeah?” he slipped his hands under her jaw and began to kiss her, “just some time?”

Trixie giggled as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Make love to me, Bo, like last time,” she murmured. “I have protection.”

***

Up at the schoolhouse, Dan set the sleeping bags out. Daisy had told Honey she was going to be with Dan tonight so she wouldn’t worry. Honey gave her a wink and wished she could be so bold with Luke, but not with Jim and Brian hanging around.

It was still warm enough outside they didn’t need to light a fire, and Dan suddenly found himself nervous. He had had a number of women, but Daisy was different. Maybe it was the genuine sweetness, or the big green eyes that hid her sparkling wit, or feistiness when she got riled up, usually over something her cousins had done, but he felt different when she was around. He felt better.

Daisy slipped up behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist. With a smile he turned to face her, brushing his lips against hers. Smiling, she reached up and undid his short ponytail. His black hair fell over his face but she lovingly pushed it back.

“You sure about this?” Dan asked.

Daisy nodded.

Afterwards, they lay snuggled in the sleeping bag, listening to the crickets outside.

“I didn’t know it was supposed to be like that,” she murmured against his muscled chest. Dan’s dark eyes were mostly closed but they snapped open when he registered what she’d said.

“Daisy,” he said hesitantly, “was I your first?”

There was a small hesitation before she answered. “No. But you’re the first man that’s made love to me.”

Dan had to puzzle over that a minute before she explained.

“There’s been a couple others, but it was never about being tender, and loving, the way you were,” she said quietly. “That’s actually how Bo got on probation before he ever turned eighteen. Billy Jo didn’t want to take no for an answer.”

Dan winced inwardly.

“Bo found out what he did. Luke was in the Marine Corps at the time, so Bo went and beat Billy Joe up. Judge Carter gave Bo probation, to keep him from goin’ to juvenile hall. He owed Uncle Jesse a couple of favors, and he knew Bo was just a good kid, takin’ vengeance for his kin. He had just gotten off his probation from that when he and Luke got caught chasin’ shine. Bo’s been on probation since he was ‘bout sixteen.”

“I commend him,” he sighed, resting one hand under his head, the other holding the curvy brunette close. “Mart, Brian, Jim and I would have done the same if it had been one of the girls.”

“Don’t say anythin’ to him, sugar. We don’t talk ‘bout it because he still gets mad.”

“Can’t say as I blame him,” Dan kissed the top of his head. “But I won’t mention it.”

“I don’t know if Enos will ever get around to askin’ me out, let alone somethin’ physical. He has a tendency to break out in hives when he gets nervous. I just didn’t think I’d ever meet a man so . . . lovin’,” she smiled.

Dan chuckled.

“You’re something special yourself,” he kissed her again. “And you deserve they best loving a man can give.”

***

Luke and Honey walked along the lake, and finally found themselves sitting on the dock.

“I’ve had such a good time with you here,” she murmured, leaning against him.

“Me too,” he kissed the top of her head as he wrapped his arm around her.

“Are you guys going to do the NASCAR stint?” she asked quietly.

Luke sighed. “I don’t know. The money would be helpful, and we could pay the mortgage off so Uncle Jesse wouldn’t have to worry ‘bout it.”

“If you win,” she said softly.

Luke chuckled.

“With Bo drivin’ we’re sure to.”

“I’m a little scared for you,” she admitted.

He squeezed her shoulders. “Don’t be. We’ll be all right.”

“What if I never see you again?” she turned and looked at him, her hazel eyes filled with tears.

“Then you should know, Miss Honey Wheeler, that I love you,” he said softly.

“I love you too,” she whispered as his lips touched hers.

***

The Bob-Whites gathered outside Crabapple Farm to say good bye to the Dukes.

There were hugs all around and Mrs. Belden handed them a large basket full of food. Honey had arrived with a similar present from their cook, which brought a big laugh from the group.

Their private good byes said last night, Trixie and Honey blinked back tears as Bo and Luke hugged everyone. Daisy kept a smile on but her heart was breaking. Dan was moodier than usual, hanging back in a sullen scowl, his eyes following Daisy everywhere.

Finally, Bo gave Trixie a final hug and kiss, Luke held Honey close, and Dan kissed Daisy, squeezing her hands tightly.

“You be careful driving back to Hazzard,” Mrs. Belden warned.

Bo gave her his roguish smile.

“Yes ma’am, I will. Thank you again for all your hospitality.”

A few more sentiments were expressed and Daisy slid into the General, taking her seat between Bo and Luke. Bo started up the engine.

“Yeeehaaa!” Bo yelled.

“Keep it ‘tween the ditches!” Luke hollered as Bo pulled out, tires sliding on the gravel. The Dixie horn played and the Dukes headed home to Hazzard County.

Authors Notes
- Thanks for reading! Join me this fall, for the next story in the Dukin’ It Out Uni, Down the Road!.
- You didn’t really think Daisy was in any real danger did you?
- As always, a huge yee-haa to Dana, my fabulous editor!
- There was never any implication in the show about the Dukes' past other than them being cousins and orphans, so I filled in some gaps on Daisy and Bo using creative license.
- Enos really does break out in hives when he gets really nervous.
- Word Count - 1,762

Disclaimer: Trixie Belden® is a registered trademark of Random House books. These pages are not affiliated with Random House Books or Warner Brothers Studios in any way, shape or form. No profit is made here, only entertainment. Images of Trixie Belden and other series characters are copyright © Random House books. Bo, Luke and Daisy Duke belong to Warner Brothers Studios. All references and characters and are used lovingly and respectfully, albeit without permission.

This website is © 2005-2025 Mal. All rights reserved. All graphics created by Mal and may not be used without permission.