Chapter Three

The week passed uneventfully, as far as Earl was concerned, he kept his distance. Work was another matter, where the girls were constantly running into men who leered at them and muttered comments under their breath about female Marshals. The old timers weren’t taking well to allowing the fairer sex among their ranks.

When Trixie was ordered to bring someone a cup of coffee, she feigned a stumble and dropped the coffee all over him.

“Oh sorry, my gopher days ended,” she smirked, drawing some snickers from the other Marshals.

Bo, however, was not amused when he was approached by another Marshal to get in on a betting pool.

“Check it out Duke,” Rocco unfolded a chart. “We got Rooney down as the first one to nail that little blonde Belden girl. Want in?”

“No,” he growled.

They had agreed to keep their friendship, and whatever else came along, on the quiet. It didn’t bode well for the workplace, and the girls had enough issues with most of the men not respecting them.

“We got half a dozen betters on you,” Rocco grinned. “You’re a legend you know.”

A few days ago, Bo would have laughed and gotten in on the pool. Now that Trixie was back in his life, and his heart, he wasn’t about to foul things up.

“No man, thanks though,” Bo took a sip of his coffee.

“All right. You want in on the pool that they’re lesbians?”

Bo choked on his coffee.

***

“They did what?” Trixie shouted.

“They done got a bettin’ pool on you gals, as to who can uh, sleep with you first. Rocco tried to get me in on it,” Bo said, hiding his smile.

“I hope you said no,” Trixie said with narrowed eyes, “or did you bet on yourself?”

“Of course not!” he protested. He wisely refrained from telling her about the number of guys betting on him.

“Yeah they asked me too,” Luke added. “And they also have a pool that you’ll turn everyone down because you’re lesbians.”

Trixie and Honey were horrified.

“How dare they!” Honey gasped.

Dan chuckled.

“Well, I put a hundred bucks in on each of you,” he smirked at the boys.

“Daniel Mangan, you did not!” Honey was appalled.

“Well, sure I did. I know you’re not lesbians.”

He barely dodged the fork Trixie threw at his head.

***

Daisy’s thin fingers began to unbutton Dan’s shirt, but his hand stopped hers.

“No, Daisy,” he said gently.

Daisy’s big green eyes looked up at him puzzled. “Dan-what’s wrong?”

Dan kissed her lips gently. “You’re ill.”

“No, I’m not. I feel fine-“

“Daisy, you’re too thin and fragile. Sweetie, look, I could snap your wrist if I wanted too.”

“I ain’t pretty anymore, is what you’re sayin’, and you don’t want me,” she started to sit up but Dan easily caught her and sat up next to her.

“Cool that Duke temper, sweetie, and listen to me. Daisy, you will always be the most beautiful girl in the world to me, but if I made love to you right now, I would be so worried about physically hurting you that neither of us would enjoy it,” he said softly, staring into her eyes.

Tears shimmered in her big green eyes and Dan gently wiped them away when they fell over.

“Daisy, I’m not rejecting you. I never would. But I want you want healthy. It worries me to see you so thin.”

“It was just a few pounds,” she whispered.

Dan shook his head. “No sweetheart, you’re dangerously thin.”

“Earl-it-he-“

“Earl is a thing of the past,” Dan said firmly but gently. “And I’m here now, and the girls. And we’re going to get your healthy again, because when I do make love to you, I want you to be screaming my name in joy, not pain,” his lips twitched and Daisy managed a small giggle.

“You could never hurt me, sugar.”

“Not intentionally. But my point is, you’re so fragile I could without ever intending to,” he held up her skeletal wrist so she could see how delicate it was.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

Dan shook his dark head. “Don’t apologize, Daisy. He did a real number on your head and now I’m going to fix it.”

Daisy smiled at him as he kissed her gently.

***

With the girls coaxing her into eating a few more bites each meal, and watching to make sure she didn’t try to regurgitate afterwards, Daisy started the long road back to healthy.

Daisy lit the wicks of the white candles. Dan would be here momentarily and she wanted everything to be perfect. Dinner was ready to be served, it was just the two of them tonight. She could eat almost an entire piece of chicken now. The urge to throw up wasn't so strong anymore. All she had to do was think of Dan's lean body and she could keep her food down. The thought of making love with him again was strong motivation. His lean frame had filled out into muscle the last couple of years since she had seen him, and she was eager to explore his body again.

Turning the tape player on, she smiled in satisfaction. She had borrowed one of Trixie's Peter Cetera tapes for their romantic evening.

Humming along, she checked her reflection one more time. The pale pink dress clung to her and she had swept her hair up, the way he liked it. He had a fondness for her neck, and Daisy wasn't about turn down his advances.

There was a knock at the door that made her laugh. Usually one of the Bob-Whites just stuck their head in the door and yelled 'yoo-hoo!’ At least Trixie did. Dan and Honey were more prone to asking if anyone was home. Dan was being unusually formal tonight. With a smile, she opened the door.

"You don't have to-" She tried to slam the door shut but Earl forced his way in. Daisy retreated, knowing she was no match for the big mechanic.

"You ain't throwin' me over for no cop!" he snarled.

"Get out of here Earl or I'll call the police!" Her eyes flitted around the room, looking for any weapon she could. Dan should be here any second, she thought, trying to remain calm.

"You ain't gonna take up with that boy and forgit me," he was advancing. Daisy tried to dash around him but he grabbed her delicate wrist and threw her back. Losing her balance, she fell into the small table holding the phone. Pain ripped through her wrist and she stared in horror at the angle it was hanging.

"Earl!"

He turned as Dan swung, sending Earl crashing back into the couch.

Daisy grabbed the phone and dialed the operator. "Operator, I need the police!"

"I told you not to come around here!" Dan growled, grabbing Earl by the collar.

But Dan underestimated Earl, and the thick set mechanic grabbed him back, throwing him into the door. Dan got to his feet as Earl charged, and dodged the bigger man, sweeping his legs out from under him. Earl hit the ground and Dan pounced, but Earl came roaring back up, landing a punch on Dan's jaw that had him reeling.

"She's mine!" Earl howled. Daisy screamed as Earl tackled Dan and the wrestling men fell over the couch. Earl had Dan under him and Dan's back crashed through the coffee table. Earl punched his meaty fist into Dan's face. Daisy grabbed the phone and hurled it at Earl's head. Snarling but dazed, he turned, getting to his feet. Dan wasn't moving.

"You're gonna pay for that," Earl hissed, making his way towards her.

Gripping her wrist with the other hand, Daisy backed up. She had to stall him until the police arrived.

Dan was up and moving slowly, blood leaking from his nose. Earl heard the movement and turned, then grinned.

"I'm gonna finish you off boy. You ain't man enough for Daisy."

Dan flipped him off right before he swung, but Daisy could see Dan was dazed. Pumped with fury, Earl ducked and grabbed the young Marshal by the shoulders, throwing him into the wall. Dan’s head and back slammed against the wall, and slumped to the floor, his head hitting the bookcase.

Daisy had opened the desk and pulled out the small revolver Bo had insisted on keeping there, loaded. Heat began to boil in her blood.

"You shouldn't've done it, Daisy," Earl sang, turning towards her. "You shouldn't've took up with another man when you know I'm the right one for you. You ain't goin' nowhere with him!"

"Dan!" Daisy screamed. She could see blood running down his face and he wasn't moving as he slumped against the wall.

"You just put that little toy down," Earl ordered. "You's gonna hurt yourself."

Daisy stared at the man she had dated for so long. Her green eyes moved to the man she loved, huddled on the floor and covered in blood. Her blood boiled faster.

"Daisy, you gimme that gun!" Earl said sharply.

Anger raced through her as she raised the gun towards him.

"Girl, you put that gun down!" he snapped.

"I'll shoot you Earl," she said softly. "You take another step forward and I swear I'll blow your damn brains out."

"Stop being stupid, girl," he growled.

Something sparked in Daisy. Stupid was one thing she wouldn't tolerated being called. She was Daisy Duke, the belle of Hazzard County, a former Hazzard police officer, and no one, no one, messed with her menfolk.

"Get out of here, Earl." The firmness in her voice surprised Earl and he stared at her.

Earl lunged and Daisy fired. The shot echoed loudly in the room, too loudly, she thought. Stunned, Earl looked down at his chest where blood was rapidly spreading through his shirt, then up at Daisy, and pitched forward to the ground.

Dan had pushed himself up with one arm, the other holding his 9mm. Blood streamed down his grimly set handsome face. The loud echo had been from his gun going off as welll.

Blood seeped through the back of Earl's shirt. Dan had fired at the same time.

"Dan," Daisy whispered, stepping over Earl and kneeling next to him. "Oh Dan!"

Dan pushed himself up straight, keeping his back against the wall for support, and pulling Daisy into his arms. Sirens could be heard approaching.

"Dan, I'm so sorry," she whispered.

"Hush," he said softly, running his hand over her hair as she cried into his chest. "I'm here. Everything's ok. Shh," he soothed her.

The sirens grew closer as the next song played, the song that would always be theirs.

I am the man who would fight for your honor
I'll be the hero you're dreamin' of
We'll live forever
Knowing together that we
Did it all for the glory of love

Dan held Daisy tightly as the police swarmed in.

***

Dan was on paid suspension, while Earl’s death was investigated. It was standard protocol and his shoulder had been dislocated in the fight, taking him off active duty for a few weeks.

“So what happened, with you and Red?” Bo asked, running his hand over Trixie’s arm.

They lay on a blanket in the backyard of the house Trixie shared with Honey and Dan. Fall hadn’t quite arrived yet and evenings were still warm. The stars twinkled at them from a velvety dark sky and only a sliver of the moon hung in the night sky.

Trixie sighed as she remembered that night. Their final breakup had been a long time coming. They grew into two very different people, with very different goals. His need to be in control of himself had begun to seep into other parts of his life, until he was obsessing over every little thing. He didn’t want to undergo any type of therapy, convinced he could handle his issues on his own. Jonesy’s treatment of him had began to haunt him.

This has led to multiple arguments between then, multiple break ups. They kept coming back together though, unable to stay away but unable to move forward. She found out after their final breakup that he had finally started therapy, dealing with the deep seeded implanted self loathing Jonesy had instilled in him. He had pushed himself hard in school, too hard, to graduate early, and open his school. Along the way he changed, and Trixie’s restlessness spurred her in a different direction. She had never forgotten the Hazzard adventure, and the seed longing for action took firm root to grow.

But it had been one night that changed things between them forever.

Trixie sat snuggled in Jim’s strong arms on the couch, his lips grazing her ear and upper neck. Things had been good for a few months, hardly any quarrels, and Jim had been more romantic than ever, actually listening to her.

His hand caressed her face gently, turning it so he could kiss her lips. Trixie felt the familiar rush of headiness that he always brought her as his hands slipped under her sweater. With a happy sigh, Trixie turned to him. They had put off making love until they agreed their relationship was on stable ground, and Trixie knew it would be tonight. She had even brought an overnight bag with extra condoms, in case he didn’t have any.

They lay silently for a few seconds, and Jim kissed her.

“I love you, Trixie,” he whispered. “I’m sorry you didn’t-climax.”

“It’s ok,” she smiled as she kissed him. “Just takes a little practice.”

It didn’t occur to Jim until much later, when she was in the shower, that she hadn’t said she loved him. And how would she know about practice? And how did she know to shift her pelvic area?

Getting up to change the sheets, Jim frowned when he realized there was no blood on the sheets. Hadn’t he read years ago how girls almost always bled the first time? Maybe Trix was one of those who didn’t. Unless--Jim’s body went stiff as the knowledge sunk it, and he half fell to the bed, stunned. She hadn’t hesitated to touch him, there was no clumsiness or timidty of a virgin.

In the shower, Trixie leaned her head against the shower. Six years of waiting for Jim Frayne to make love to her, and she had been thinking about Bo Duke. What was wrong with her? Jim was her first love, but Bo was her first lover, and she couldn’t help but compare the two, because they were so different. She and Jim had made love twice just a little while ago.

That’s not fair, she thought, it’s not fair to compare them but I can’t help it. And why wasn’t she able to say she loved him? She had certainly said it enough times when she was alone. She had waited to hear it for so long. And why the hell had she thought his eyes were blue?

Maybe because you wanted those eyes to be blue, a tiny voice inside her said.

Drying off, she sighed, looking in the mirror. Why didn’t she have the tingly after-feeling with Jim that she had had with him?

Dry, she stepped into his room, fishing out her favorite sweat pants from her bag. She had gone through the living room and picked up her jeans and sweater on the way.

“Your hot water supply is gone,” she said with a grin, pulling on the t-shirt she usually slept in. It was an old one of his. When he didn’t answer, she turned to look at him. “Jim?”

He sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes glazed, his freckles standing out against his pale skin.

“Jim, what’s wrong?” Trixie asked, worried as she placed her jeans and sweater in her bag before walking over to him, kneeling. “Jim, talk to me, you’re scaring me.”

“You aren’t a virgin,” his voice sounded odd, faraway.

Trixie burst into laughter. “Sex does tend to ruin that Jim. Jim, why do you look so funny?”

“I mean, you weren’t a virgin just a little while ago. When we made love.”

There it was. The conversation she had been dreading but knew would be coming someday. Pressing her lips together, she knew it was time.

“No, I wasn’t,” she said simply.

Jim stared up at her. “How could you?”

“How could I what?” Trixie demanded.

Suddenly feeling cold, Trixie rubbed her arms.

“How could you not wait for me?” he demanded.

An ominous feeling crashed over Trixie and she glanced around for her shoes. Somehow she knew she wouldn’t be spending the night.

“Did you wait for me?” she asked, meeting his gaze evenly. “Did you really wait all these years for me to be your first?”

Jim’s handsome face flushed red.

“I didn’t think so,” she said quietly.

“It’s different for guys, Trix, you know that.”

“Different how?” she challenged him, temper brewing.

“Girls shouldn’t be-you know.”

“Having sex? But it’s ok for you to go off to college and nail all the girls you want?”

The red in his face deepened and his hands clenched.

“There was one, Trix, only one! I wanted to have some idea of how to please you, so yes, I experimented a bit. A guy’s first time is awkward and rushed, I didn’t want to be clumsy, I wanted to be perfect for you!”

Trixie’s eyes narrowed. “Really.”

He turned redder. “We were so off and on-a guy has needs Trixie. I was seeing someone for a while and things progressed. It wasn’t a hooker or a one night stand. I did care about her.”

Trixie snorted as she picked up her bag. “You know, that’s a real nice double standard you got there, Frayne. You can have a woman as ‘practice’ but you expect me to stay a virgin for you. Real nice way to treat her.”

“It was mutual desire, she knew going into it my heart belonged to you. It was just physical. My heart has always been with you.”

Trixie just shook her head in disbelief and she slipped her sneakers on.

Jim rose to his feet, towering over her. “Who was it?”

“I don’t believe that’s any of your business,” she said coolly.

“Trixie-” he grabbed her arm, “It was Duke wasn’t it? That backwoods, redneck, hillbilly Bo Duke!”

“Yes, it was Bo,” she said calmly, her heart racing as her temper gathered into a storm. Here it came. The confrontation she had been dreading.

“In Atlanta? Or Sleepyside, right under my nose?” he demanded angrily. “How long did it take him to worm his way into your pants?”

Trixie pulled her arm away. “That’s not your business either and how dare you say such a thing!”

“Dammit Trix,” Jim’s face turned a deeper shade of scarlet. “How fast did it take him? I waited years for you and you just hopped into bed like a common slut with him!”

Trixie’s mouth fell open. Stepping forward she felt the anger rush through her as her next words came before she could stop them. “It was my decision, Jim. And Bo might be poor but he’s a gentleman and cared enough about me to be up front with his past, unlike you. He let me set the pace. It was my decision. He never pressured me, and he always put me first, again, unlike you. And he’s got all the honor that you seem to have lost.”

Jim felt as if she had slapped him. He would have preferred she had physically slapped him, her words cut so deep.

“We’re done, Frayne,” she said coldly. Quickly she grabbed her duffel bag and dashed from the room.

She didn’t see the color drain from his face, or him sink onto the bed, burying his head in his hands.

She made it to the car where she slumped down in the seat and burst into tears. Leaning on the steering wheel, she cried as if she’d never stop.

Trixie stared up at the velvety night sky. Bo didn’t need to know the details.

“We said some really ugly things to each other and I walked out. It took a long time until we could even be civil to each other. We went on a date one more time but we just couldn’t work. He had such a double standard it just infuriated me, and every time we argued, he brought you up. I finally told him to grow up and be a man, and some other really uncomplimentary things,” she shook her head in regret. “We made our peace before Honey and I left for training, but we’ve been over for a long time. Made a lot of get-togethers rather uncomfortable. He’s got his school running now, and well, here I am,” she tried to laugh.

Bo hugged Trixie tightly, burying his face in her blonde curls. “How did it effect the Bob-Whites?”

“It didn’t tear us apart,” she smiled up at the sky. “We managed. We’ll always be the Bob-Whites of the Glen. If one of us needs the others, even if Jim called tomorrow and was in trouble, I’d go. We were best friends before anything else, and he’ll always be special to me. Even if we can’t really stand to be in the same room,” she chuckled.

“That’s one of the things I admire most about you,” Bo brushed her stray curl back as he kissed her neck. “Your devotion to your friends. And Trix, I’m sorry it cost you the relationship, ‘cause I know you two was real close for a long time, but I gotta admit, I’m kinda glad,” he lifted his head and gave her his boyish smile, “’cause it opens the door for me and you. If you wanna pick up where we left, and to tell the truth, Trix, I want nothin’ more.”

Trixie stared into his deep blue eyes and smiled. “Me too,” she murmured, leaning over to kiss him gently. “Definitely me too,” she whispered against his lips.

Bo laid her back gently on the blanket, his lean body half covering hers. Heat rushed through them both as the kiss grew deeper, Trixie pulling him closer. Bo’s tongue met hers as his hands moved from her shoulders down to her breasts, gently caressing her full breasts. Trixie felt her back arch slightly at his touch, pressing her body into his. His leg pressed between hers as his hands slid under her halter top. His lips left hers as he nuzzled her neck, kissing her neck gently as he made his way to her breasts.

Trixie giggled and pushed him back. “Bo, stop.” He did at once, moving his hands to her waist, his blue eyes concerned. “Moving too fast?” he asked quietly.

“No,” she laughed. “Well, maybe. But Dan and Daisy are just inside the house!”

Bo looked puzzled for a minute then chuckled. “I think they’re pretty well occupied, sweetheart. But I can wait.” His hand stroked her face lovingly. “Remember our first time?”

“Do I ever,” she laughed, turning pink.

They had gone for a walk in the woods of Hazzard, not too far from the house but far enough for privacy.

Bo and Trixie walked in silence, hand in hand. Over Bo’s shoulder was slung a blanket, so they could sit on the grass.

He led her to his favorite spot, hidden away near some trees.

“This is where I used to sit and stare up at the stars,” he said, spreading the blanket down.

He and Trixie made themselves comfortable, Bo lying on his back, Trixie lying at his side, her head resting against his chest.

“I wish you didn’t have to go back tomorrow,” he sighed.

“I know,” she said wistfully, lying on her side, head propped up on one elbow. “I think I could have plenty of mystery fun down here in Hazzard.”

Bo laughed, rolled on his side and stared into her eyes. Trixie felt her heart racing, wondering if she had the nerve to do what her body wanted.

“Just mystery fun?” he whispered.

Touching her chin gently, Bo brought her into a sweet kiss that rapidly became passionate, his body leaning against hers.

“You sure ain’t like the girls around here,” he whispered, burying his head in her curly hair. Trixie laughed.

“Mart says no town could handle two of me.”

“No man either,” Bo murmured, his lips brushing against her ear. “You’re something special, Trix.”

“So are you. None of the guys are like you,” he ran her fingers through his soft hair. “They all lecture me. Except Dan.”

“No lectures here. You’re the most fun I’ve ever known. You’re my best girl,” he reminded her with a grin. She giggled.

“You’re the best guy I know,” she brushed her lips against his and his body pressed her down.

“My only girl,” he murmured, pulling her up against him.

Hesitantly, her hand moved to undo the remaining buttons on his shirt. She knew Mart and Di had been having sex for a while now, and she longed to know what it was like to be physically loved by a man. And particularly by Bo Duke.

“Trix,” his breath was ragged as he caught her hand. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Something I want to,” she murmured, tugging his shirt off.

Bo pulled back for a minute and searched her eyes.

“You deserve better than me,” he said quietly. “You deserve better than a boy with nothin’ from the country and no real future, and you really deserve better than your first time bein’ outside in the woods on a blanket.”

Trixie shook her head.

“I decide what’s good for me. And where, when and with who I want to take this step with,” she said quietly but firmly, “And I’m deciding you’re good for me. And here, now and you, are perfect.”

Bo hesitated again.

“I don’t wanna be remembered as some country boy who done took a real special part of you. I couldn’t bear to have you thinkin’ of me as a scalawag,” his beautiful sapphire eyes stared down at her.

“That won’t happen, Bo,” she murmured, pressing her lips against his. “I know what I want.”

“I don’t have no protection,” he murmured, his hands beginning to wander her soft curves.

Trixie giggled and reached into her jeans pocket.

“I do.”

Bo smiled. “You been plannin’ this?”

“Maybe,” she admitted. “Just a day or two.”

“Trix, I don’t wanna make you do somethin’ you ain’t ready to. It’s your first time, it’s supposed to be special.”

“It will be special,” she smiled at him. “I want it to be you, Bo.” Her smile faltered. “Don’t you want me?”

Bo nodded emphatically. “You bet your pretty blonde self I do. I just don’t want you to regret it tomorrow.”

“I won’t, I promise.” She leaned forward to kiss him. “Make love to me Bo, please.”

Bo caught her lips with his, his hand cupping her face as he drew closer.

Afterwards, he touched her face gently and she turned to smile at him.

“That was amazing,” she whispered. He grinned and kissed her gently.

“I’m real glad you that think that,” he chuckled. “Because I love makin’ you feel like that.”

Trixie smiled. “There’s more isn’t there?”

“Sure as shootin’,” he chuckled. It was a while before either spoke again.

“Oh sweetheart,” he murmured, brushing back her damp curly hair as he gave her a long kiss.

Trixie managed somehow to find her voice, and reached up to touch his face. “That was incredible.”

“Good,” he answered, his body relaxing.

“Is it always like that?” she asked shyly. He chuckled, and propped himself up on his elbows to look at her.

“I can try,” he grinned.

“You whipped out that condom and floored me,” he admitted. From the house they could hear strains of music.

“It took every ounce of courage I had,” she confessed. Bo leaned over and kissed her.

“You gotta be the most courageous girl I know,” he said softly. “One of the things I love most about you. You ain’t no sissy girl afraid of everythin’.”

Trixie laughed. “I grew up with three brothers, I had to keep up with them”

“We ain’t gotta get physical right off,” he said. “You just let me know when you’re ready.”

Trixie tried to push the thoughts of all the women he had been with from her mind. He was with her now.

“Can you really make a commitment?” she asked. “To one girl? To me?”

Bo pressed his lips together then smiled, making her heart roll over and her panties damp. His eyes were serious despite the smile.

“You gotta be patient with me, Trix. I ain’t a cheat, and I won’t stray, but bein’ with one woman, well, that’s somethin’ I ain’t never had to deal with. You gonna smack me if you catch me lookin’ at other women?” his dark eyes twinkled a bit.

“Depends on how hard you’re looking,” she said dryly. He chuckled and kissed her.

Bo Duke was an impatient man. But something in the back of his head told him to wait. Trixie would be worth the wait.

***

Author’s Notes:

-a huge yeee-haaa to Dana, my editor! Any mistakes are mine as there are parts tweaked and added after she saw it.

-911 Emergency services weren’t statewide in Georgia until 1990.Since this story takes place in the mid eighties, Daisy called the operator instead of 911.

-It’s a good thing Trixie fans are used to Tainted Timelines. “Glory of Love” was featured in 1985 as the theme song of to “the Karate Kid.” This story is somewhere around that time, so may be off a year or two. J

-Peter Cetera is one of my all time favorite singers of the 80s, along with his former band Chicago

-Jim fans – stay with me. Eventually we’ll see his story.

-and now that I can password, you got to see what *really* happened that summer night in Hazzard!

- Word Count, 5,033

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.

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