A Hazzard Surprise
By
Rebecca Duffy pulled her vintage 1965 Mustang convertible to the side of the road and picked up the map lying on the seat beside her. “Come on, come on, where is it?” she said to herself. “Okay, here it is. Hazzard County . I wonder what makes it so hazardous,” she giggled softly. “Oh well, I guess I'll find out soon enough.” She pulled back out onto the road and rolled down her window, enjoying the cool breeze that flowed into the car and stirred long, dark hair away from her face.
The brown-eyed young woman was on a quest. Six months ago, her mother, Gretchen, had finally told her the truth about her father. The man who had given her life wasn't the man that had raised her, she had been told. Gretchen had informed her that her real father was from Georgia , Hazzard County to be exact. Unfortunately, Becka didn't have a picture of her father, just a name.
As she drove over the two-lane highway leading into the county, Becka recalled a conversation she had had with her mother a few days earlier.
**”Mama, I understand your feelings, but I have to know where I came from,” she said . “And I can't do that until I find my father.”
“Yes, sweetheart, I know that,” replied Gretchen. “Just don't be disappointed when he tells you that he didn't know about you. I never told him that I was pregnant before I left town.”
“So he has absolutely no idea that he has a daughter?” asked Becka. “Well, he will soon enough,” she went on with a grin.
Gretchen handed her daughter a photocopy of her birth certificate. “This has your father's name on it, dear. I named him as the father knowing that some day I would have to tell you his true identity.”
Becka read the name and smiled. “Interesting name, Mama,” she commented. “You said he's from Hazzard County , Georgia ?”
“That's right, but I have no idea if he even still lives there. If not, all you have to do is ask someone. Hazzard is a very small town, so everyone knows each other, so someone might know where he is now.” Gretchen sighed wistfully. “I almost wish I was going with you. I have so many fond memories of that place.”
“You could,” encouraged Becka. “Maybe even catch up with old friends.”
Mrs. Duffy shook her head. “No, Rebecca. I've been gone too many years. Maybe if you do find your father, I'll join you, but not right now.”
“All right, Mama,” answered Becka. “I'll call you when I get there. I love you.”***
The young woman grinned in relief when she passed a sign informing her that she was now in Hazzard County . “About time,” she said to herself. “It feels like I've been driving forever.”
As she drove into the town itself, several people turned to watch her progress. She stopped her car and called out to an older, heavy-set woman wearing a flowered muumuu, who was crossing the street.”
“Excuse me, ma'am, but could you tell me where I might find a hotel?”
The woman approached and leaned down to peer into the car. “Right over there,” she said, pointing to a large, white building a block away. “It's clean and very reasonably priced.”
“Thank you, ma'am,” answered Becka.
Half an hour later, the young woman had secured a room and took her suitcases out of the trunk of her car. She busied herself with unpacking and laid out clean clothes on the bed. She undressed and went into the bathroom to get cleaned up.
Refreshed by her shower, Becka left the hotel and headed for the diner she had seen coming into town. As she walked down the street, she caught the eye of a young man loading packages into a bright orange Dodge Charger that was parked in front of the general store.
“Hey, Vance. You see what I see?” he asked his companion, pointing across the street.
“What's that, Coy?” he asked, straightening up. He followed his cousin's finger, finally noticing Becka. “Yeah, so there's a new girl in town. You want to stop gawkin' and give me a hand here?”
Coy blushed. “Spoilsport,” he muttered good-naturedly. “And I wasn't gawkin'. I was just lookin'.”
“Well, you can ‘look' later, cuz. Daisy's waiting for this stuff so she can cook dinner.”
“Okay, okay, I'm helpin',” grinned Coy, flashing his dimples. “I'm sure I'll see her again.” He put the last bundle in the trunk and climbed into the driver's seat. He started the engine and roared off down the street.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Duke Farm, That Evening
“Earth to Coy Duke,” chuckled his cousin, Daisy. “You feelin' all right, honey? You hardly touched your food.”
His cousin, Vance, laughed and poked an elbow into his ribs. “Don't mind him; he just moonin' over that new girl he saw in town.”
“What new girl?” asked Jesse Duke, their uncle.
“We saw her walkin' down the street when we were loadin' up the General,” answered dark-haired Vance.
“She must really be somethin' if she got your attention, Coy,” teased Daisy.
Blond-haired Coy looked down at his plate, blushing. “She is, Daisy. She's prettier than a shiny new penny,” he said softly.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Next Morning
After a good night's sleep, Becka left her room and explored the small town of Hazzard . Several people greeted her politely, including a fat, round-faced man clad in a pristine white suit and ten-gallon hat. He was accompanied by the heavy-set woman Becka had spoken to the day before.
“Good mornin', miss,” said the man. “You're new here, ain't you? Welcome to Hazzard. I'm J. D. Hogg, County Commissioner .”
“Pleased to meet you, sir,” replied the young woman, sticking out her hand. “Hello again, ma'am.”
“I see you found the hotel all right,” answered the woman. “I'm Lulu Hogg.”
“Rebecca Duffy. Most folks call me Becka. This is quite a nice little town you have here, Mr. Hogg.”
“Do you have business here?” asked Boss. “Maybe I can help you.”
“Actually, I'm looking for someone. I was told that he lived here in Hazzard County .”
Before Hogg could answer, Coy and Vance roared by in the General Lee. Coy's eyes lit up when he saw Becka.
“Vance, slow down! That's her!” he shouted.
“Wow! Nice car!” commented Becka. “Who owns it?” she asked Lulu.
“A couple of riff raff named Duke,” grumbled Boss. “You best stay away from them, miss. They ain't no good no how.”
“Now, J.D., Coy and Vance are perfectly nice boys,” scolded Lulu. “Don't go givin' Becka the wrong idea.”
“Yes, dumpling,” muttered Boss contritely. “It was real nice meetin' you, Becka. If I can help you in any way, my office is in the County Building . You just come right on in.”
“Thank you, sir,” replied the young woman. “I'll do that.”
She watched as the orange car screeched to a halt in front of Rhuebottom's General Store. She walked in that direction, suddenly decided that she needed to pick up a few things. A “Help Wanted” sign propped up in the window caught her eye. “Perfect reason to go to the store,” she chuckled. “And I might meet a couple of good-looking men to boot while I'm there.”
Becka entered the store, looking around for the owner. She spotted him standing behind the counter, chatting with the two young men from the orange car.
“Hello, miss,” said Homer Rhuebottom, the owner. “Help you?”
“Yes, sir, I hope so,” answered Becka. “I'm here about the job.”
“That's wonderful! I'm looking for someone to stock shelves and run the cash register. You got any experience?”
“I worked in a grocery store in Alabama , where I'm from, for three years,” replied the young woman. “Is that enough?”
“It sure is,” grinned Homer. “Lord, where are my manners? I'm Homer Rhuebottom, and these boys are Coy and Vance Duke.”
“My pleasure,” said Coy, smiling brightly. “Hello,” said Vance.
“Rebecca Duffy. Please call me Becka. Do you boys own that orange car I saw parked out front?”
“We sure do. The General Lee,” replied Coy.
“He's beautiful. Maybe you and I could race sometime, if you don't mind being beaten by a girl,” she joked.
“I don't know about that,” put in Vance. “The General's pretty fast when he gets cookin'.”
Becka smiled. “Well, my car's pretty fast, too. All those speeding tickets I get can attest to that.”
“What kind of car do you drive, Miss Becka?” Rhuebottom wanted to know.
“A 1965 Mustang convertible that I restored myself.”
“Wow! Really?” asked Coy, his eyes shining. “You think I could take a look at it some time?”
The young woman grinned. “I think that could be arranged,” she answered flirtatiously. “Y'all gonna be in town long? It's parked out in front of the hotel. Won't take but a minute to go fetch it.”
“Well, go ahead, darlin'. I'll wait right here for ya.”
As soon as Becka was out of earshot, Vance burst out laughing. “Very subtle, cousin,” he guffawed. “Should we start plannin' the wedding now, or wait until she's been in town a little longer?”
Coy grinned widely. “Give me a couple weeks,” he said with confidence. He whistled in awe as the Mustang sped towards them, screeching around a corner on two wheels. “Man, she drives almost as good as I do!”
Becka stopped the car, laying rubber on the street. She slid over the seat and leaned out the passenger window. “Just a little maneuver I picked up in Daytona,” she chuckled. “You still think you can out-race me, sweetheart?” she asked cheekily.
Homer leaned against the door frame, cackling with mirth. “I wouldn't try that again, Miss Becka,” he said, pointing down the street. “Looks like you attracted some attention from the local law.”
Enos Strate, one of Hazzard's finest, pulled up behind Becka's Mustang. He jumped out of his vehicle, his jaw hanging down to his chest. “Hoowee, that was some fancy drivin.',” he commented. “Could you step out of your car, miss?”
The young woman winked at the Duke boys and opened her door. “Is there a problem, deputy?” she questioned.
Coy and Vance laughed at the surprised look on their friend's face. “Before you ask, Enos, no, she's not a Duke,” snorted Vance.
“Why, you're not any bigger than a minute!” sputtered Enos. “Where did you learn to drive like that, miss, uh….”
“Becka Duffy,” filled in the young woman. “At Daytona, sir. If I promise not to do that again, can I avoid getting a ticket?” she asked, turning on the charm.
The deputy nodded, a sunny smile lighting up his face. “As long as Sheriff Coltrane don't see you, I guess I can let you off this time,” he replied.
“You're too kind.” She turned back to Coy. “So, what do you say, handsome? Still wanna race?”
“No, ma'am, not against someone who can drive like that! I'd end up losing my shirt.”
Becka snapped her fingers, feigning disappointment. “Just my luck,” she laughed. “Mr. Rhuebottom, about the job?”
“Oh, of course,” said Homer. “Can you start tomorrow, say around nine o'clock ?”
“I'll be here,” said Becka, getting back in her car. “Now if y'all will excuse me, I have some errands to run. Bye.” She drove off in a cloud of dust.
“Am I missin' somethin' here, or did that little gal turn pale when I mentioned the Sheriff?” asked Enos. “Y'all don't think she's runnin' from the law, do ya?”
“If she is, give me a uniform and sign me up,” grinned Coy. “It'd be a pleasure chasin' her .”
“Later, cuz. We have to back to the farm and help Uncle Jesse fix the tractor again. Did those parts come in, Mr. Rhuebottom?” said Vance.
“Yup, I got ‘em in the back. Come on, boys. I'll get ‘em for you”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Later That Day
Becka tapped her foot as she waited for her mother to answer the phone. She frowned when Charles Duffy, her stepfather, answered. “Hi, Charlie, Is Mama there?”
“Yeah, hold on. Gretchen! It's Rebecca!” He dropped the receiver on the table with a resounding thunk.
“Becka? I thought you were going to call me yesterday.”
“I'm sorry, Mama. I guess I fell asleep before I had the chance,” said Becka.
“Have you seen your father yet?” Gretchen wanted to know.
“No, but I did meet some very interesting young men,” grinned the young woman. “Coy and Vance Duke. Oh, and one of the deputies, Enos Strate.”
“Did you say ‘Duke'? Did they mention anyone named Jesse Duke?”
“Not that I recall. Do you know him or somethin'?”
Gretchen chuckled. “Jesse and I courted for a while before I met your father,” she said. “He was quite the gentleman.”
“Mama, do you know a man named J. D. Hogg?” Becka asked. “I met him this morning, too.”
“You stay away from that polecat!” raged her mother. “He's nothing but trouble with a capital T! That man has a finger in every illegal dealing from here to sunset! Keep clear of him, young lady.”
“Okay, Mama,” answered the young woman, startled by her mother's strange reaction. “I'll call you again after I find my father.” She leaned over and hung up the phone. “Whoever Mr. Hogg is, he sure has Mama riled up,” she said to herself.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Two Months Later
Vance watched with ill-concealed amusement as he watched Coy get ready for his date. “Goin' out with Becka again, I suppose?” he asked.
“What gave you that idea?” grumbled Coy, his hands shaking as he tried to knot his tie. “Dang blasted thing!” he said finally, tossing the necktie onto his bed.
“Maybe ‘cause I've never see you get this worked up about a girl before. Things getting' serious between you two?”
“Yeah, they are. She's quite a girl, Vance. I think I'm in love,” grinned Coy, his blue eyes twinkling.
“I've heard that before.” He looked up as their Uncle Jesse pushed open the door. “Coy, Becka's here,” he said.
“Thanks, Uncle Jesse. Tell her I'll be right down, as soon as I tie this noose around my neck,” he said, retrieving his tie.
“I'll go,” replied Vance, getting up. He left the room and smiled a greeting to Becka, who was sitting on the sofa chatting with Daisy.
“Hey there, Becka. Coy'll be right down. You goin' anyplace special tonight?”
The young woman smiled nervously. “To Capitol City ,” she said. “We have reservations at that Greek place that opened a couple weeks ago.”
“Greek, huh?” asked Daisy. “Don't they eat grape leaves or somethin'?” she joked.
Becka laughed. “I guess they do at that,” she smiled. “But Coy told me that he wanted to try somethin' new, so I suggested it.”
“As long as you're with me, darlin', anyplace is good in my book,” said Coy, coming into the room. “Don't you look pretty tonight, miss? Gonna make me the envy of every guy in town!”
“Have a good time, you two,” said Uncle Jesse. “Don't stay out too late now.”
“Yes sir,” answered Coy, offering Becka his arm. “After you, sugar.”
As they walked out to the car, Becka reflected back on the past two months. A few days after she started working at Rhuebottom's, Coy had shown up with a bouquet of wildflowers and asked her for a date. She had accepted and the couple had been inseparable ever since. For their first date, they had gone to the Boar's Nest, a local roadhouse. To Becka's embarrassment, they had been the center of attention as everyone wondered who she was.
***”Well, now, who do we have here?” asked Simon Landry, a local resident and friend of the Duke family. “Hi there, darlin'. You wanna dance?”
Becka raised an eyebrow. “I don't think my date would appreciate that,” she answered. “Maybe some other time.”
“Count on it, sweetheart,” grinned Simon as he walked away.
Coy grinned. “Sorry about that, honey. Guess I should have picked someplace a little less public.”
“It's all right. I'm used to dealin' with guys like him.” She leaned forward, lowering her voice. “Think they're God's gift to women and all that,” she teased.
Coy burst out laughing. “You sure pegged him right, sugar,” he joked. “And speakin' of dancin', how ‘bout it?”
“Why, Mr. Duke, I would be honored,” Becka flirted. “I'm not very good, but I'll give it whirl.”
As they danced across the floor Becka saw Boss Hogg, Sheriff Coltrane and Enos Strate sitting at a table in the corner. The deputy raised his beer mug to her in salute, smiling broadly.
“Enos, who is that gal?” Roscoe asked. “She looks kinda familiar.”
“That's Becka Duffy, Sheriff,” replied the deputy. “She's been working for Mr. Rhuebottom.”
Coltrane nodded, still trying to figure out where he knew the girl from. He was still thinking about it when Boss slapped his arm.
“Stop thinking, dodo, you'll only hurt yerself,” he grumbled. “If she's steppin' out with Coy Duke, she must be lookin' for trouble.”
“She seems like a perfectly nice girl, Mr. Hogg,” protested Enos. “Except for the way she drives. Oops, I promised her I wouldn't tell about that.”
“Tell about what?” demanded Roscoe.
“About her takin' a corner on two wheels,” replied Enos without thinking.
“Guess I better keep an eye on her then,” replied the Sheriff. “Make sure she don't get in no trouble.”
Becka looked over her date's shoulder, staring at Roscoe. “Coy, who's that man over there? The one sittin' with Enos and Mr. Hogg?”
Coy turned to look. “That's Roscoe,” he told her. “He's the local sheriff. Why do you ask?”
“Because he's been starin' at us ever since we got here. It's givin' me the creeps.”
“Maybe he's just got an eye for pretty gals,” chuckled Coy. “He's basically harmless, unless you're a Duke.”***
“You know, I feel kinda funny havin' a girl drive me around. You mind, sugar?”
“Not at all, Coy,” answered Becka, handing over her keys. “Just keep it below the speed limit, all right?”
“Sure, sweetheart.” He started the engine and roared off. A mile down the road, Roscoe was on patrol and watched them speed past. “Buckle up, darlin',” he said to his Basset hound, Flash. “Ooh, hot pursuit. I love it, I love it.” He pulled out and took off after the Mustang.
Becka turned around in her seat when she heard the siren. “Looks like we got company,” she commented.
“No worries, it's just Roscoe doin' what he does best: tryin' to catch a Duke. Hang on, sugar. I'm gonna lose him.”
He floored the accelerator and turned down a side road, the Sheriff close behind. Coy drove up a natural ramp in the road and, for a brief instant, the little Mustang was airborne. It landed with a jolt, making Becka gasp a little.
“Coy Duke, you're a nut, but I love it,” she said, laughing breathlessly. “Oh Lord, looks like the Sheriff didn't make it,” she said, looking back. “We better go back and see if he's okay.”
As Coy turned the car around, Coltrane crawled out of his patrol car, shaking his head. “You all right, Flash?” he said. He looked up as the Mustang slid to a stop a few yards away.
“Gone and scuffed my vehicle,” he grumbled, yanking open the driver's side door. “Step on outta there, Coy Duke! You too, miss!”
Becka started to apologize, her words halting when she saw the man's passenger looking out the driver's side window. Her eyes widened, focusing on the Basset hound. “You have a dog as a partner?!?” she asked incredulously, starting to laugh.
“That's no dog!” sputtered Roscoe. “That's Flash, my loyal companion. I got her out of a police gazette. It's all right, darlin'. She didn't mean to insult you.”
“I'm sorry, Sheriff,” replied the young woman, choking off her giggles. “Can I pet her?”
“I suppose it would be all right,” he allowed. “Where were you headed, drivin' like that?!?”
“We're just goin' into Capitol City for dinner, Roscoe,” said Coy, hiding a grin. He looked past the Sheriff as Becka bent down to pet Flash, quickly making friends with the animal.
“Hey there, Flash,” she was saying, stroking the dog's head affectionately. “Aren't you a sweet thing?” Flash wagged her tail vigorously, enjoying the extra attention.
“Well, as long as Flash likes her, I guess I'll let you off this time,” said Roscoe. “Just don't let me catch you doin' that again!”
“Thanks, Roscoe,” answered Coy. “Come on, sugar. We're gonna be late!”
“Keep your shirt on; I'm comin' Bye-bye, Flash. You be a good girl now.” She climbed back into the car, her eyes downcast to hide her amusement.
Sheriff Coltrane watched as the couple drove away. “I know I've seen that gal someplace before. It'll come to me sooner or later.”
Two Days Later
Becka stopped her car in front of the Dukes' farmhouse. The day before, Daisy had invited her to have Sunday dinner with the family. As she got out of her car, Becka was startled when a chicken came over and began pecking at her foot.
“Ouch, you crazy bird. Stop that, it hurts!” she cried.
“Hey, sugar,” called Coy as he came out of the house. “Shoo, chicken,” he said, nudging it away with his foot. He leaned over and kissed Becka on the cheek.
The young woman followed him into the house, smiling a greeting to Vance, Daisy, and Uncle Jesse. “Hi, y'all. Thanks for inviting me to supper. Anything I can do to help?”
“Nope, everything's about ready,” answered Daisy. “That's a pretty dress, Becka. Did you make it yourself?”
“Thank you,” replied Becka. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I did. I might even still have the pattern if you want it.”
“I'd love it!” grinned Daisy. “Come and sit down, everybody. Dinner's ready.”
As they ate, Becka related a funny incident that had occurred in Rhuebottom's the morning before. “So, anyways, this gentleman comes in and asks where he can find that ‘low-down, dirty scoundrel, Jefferson Davis Hogg,” she said. “I have no idea what Boss did to rile this fella up, but he was madder than a wet hen!”
Uncle Jesse chuckled. “Knowin' J.D., he probably scammed him outta somethin',” he commented.
“I don't doubt that for a minute!” giggled the young woman, her eyes sparkling. “I told him that most likely Mr. Hogg was in his office over at the County Building . He took off like a shot, headed in that direction. About a half hour later, I hear a ruckus down the street and looked out to see what was going on.” She brushed back a lock of hair, a wide grin on her pretty face. “This fella was chasin' Mr. Hogg down the street, hollerin' that he wanted the money he was owed, or there was gonna be trouble. Mr. Hogg, bein' as fat as he is, couldn't run very fast, but he made it down to the store about a cat's whisker before this dude, screamin' that his life was in danger and beggin' me to hide him.”
Vance and Coy laughed. “Boss runnin'. Now that's a sight I would have loved to see,” grinned Vance.
“Seein' how upset this fella was, I told Mr. Hogg to go hide in Mr. Rhuebottom's office until it was safe for him to show his face again. He goes in there, shuts the door, scarin' the pants offa Homer, and starts goin' on and on about how he's too young and rich to die. About that time, Sheriff Coltrane shows up and hauls this fella away, chewin' him out about disturbin' the peace and all. This fella gets all red in the face and tells Roscoe to stop protectin' his butterball boss and do somethin' about getting' him his money.”
“How did you finally get him to leave?” asked Daisy, laughing helplessly.
“I told him that if Mr. Hogg had cheated him somehow, I would get to the bottom of it and call him in a couple days. That settled him down enough to go back to the hotel. Once he's gone, Boss comes out of the office, blessin' me for ‘savin' his bacon', as he put it. Then he tells me some trumped up story about never seein' the guy before. He looked out the door to make sure this fella was gone and took off like a scared rabbit!”
Laughter erupted around the table. “What would you have done if this fella hadn't left?” asked Coy.
Becka grinned. “Gone into the office like Mr. Hogg,” she said.
Uncle Jesse smiled. “That's not the first time someone has come after J.D. after one of his scams blew up in his face. I'm sorry I missed seein' it.”
“One things for sure,” replied Becka, “life ain't dull with Mr. Hogg around.”
“No, it ain't,” agreed the elder Duke. “Um, Becka, I've been meanin' to ask you about somethin' that's been troublin' me. You look so much like a lady I once knew. Her name is Gretchen Douglas. Might you be a relative of some kind?”
“Yes, sir, she's my mother,” answered the young woman. “She mentioned you when I talked to her a few weeks ago.”
“Your mother? Well, how about that? Is that what brought you to town? Wantin' to see where she grew up?”
Becka looked down at her plate, considering her answer. “Not exactly,” she said finally. “I came to Hazzard because I'm looking for my father.”
“Does he live here?” asked Coy. “Maybe we know him. What's his name?”
“Oh, believe me, Coy, you definitely know him. His name is Roscoe Purvis Coltrane.”
Complete silence followed Becka's revelation. Four pair of eyes focused on the young woman, making her squirm in her chair uncomfortably.
Coy was the first to speak. “Did I just hear you right? Roscoe's your father ?” he said softly, his face pale with shock.
Becka nodded, her cheeks hot with embarrassment. “Yes, he is. Mr. Duke, you don't look all that surprised.”
The farmer and former ridge-runner nodded. “I knew your mother and Roscoe were seein' each other. I knew she was pregnant when she left Hazzard, too,” he replied.
Coy pushed his chair back and stood up. His cheeks were flushed with anger. “No!” he shouted. “There is no way in Hell I believe that! It's not possible!”
“Why?!?” demanded Becka hotly. “Do you hate Roscoe so much that you don't want to believe that I'm his daughter? Is that it?”
“Everybody just settle down,” said Uncle Jesse sternly. “Coy, it is possible that Becka here is Roscoe's child. I can tell just by lookin' at her. Now cool down!”
“Have you told him yet?” Vance asked, his eyes serious.
Becka shook her head. “No. Every time I'm around him, I mean to tell him, but I always end up losing my nerve. I'm beginnin' to wish I'd never come here!” she sobbed, getting up and running out the back door.
Daisy went after her, catching up to the young woman as she was getting into her car. “Honey, come on back inside. We can work this out. Don't be mad at Coy. You just caught him off guard, that's all.”
“Seems to me it's the other way around, Daisy,” answered Becka, her voice filled with bitterness. “He can't stomach the thought that I'm related to Sheriff Coltrane. Please, just let me go. I need time to think about this.”
Daisy stepped back. “All right,” she agreed, “but if you wanna talk, you know where to find me.” She watched Becka drive away, then went back into the house.
“I hope you're satisfied, Coy Duke,” scolded Uncle Jesse. “You really hurt that little gal. Just because she's related to Roscoe don't mean she ain't a nice girl.”
“Yeah, cousin,” put in Vance. “It's not like she's blood kin to Boss Hogg,” he added, trying to ease the tension in the room.
Coy shook his head. “I know what you're tryin' to do, but it ain't gonna work. She knew all along who her father was and she never said a blasted word!”
“Do you blame her, the way you acted?” asked Daisy. “Don't be surprised if she never speaks to you again.” She started to clear the table, dropping a plate when her hands trembled.
“I'm goin' for a walk,” said Coy, opening the back door. “I need to get out of here for a while.”
He walked across the yard and out into the road. The fact that the girl he loved was related to his nemesis was almost too much for him to bear. Adding to his confusion was the deep hurt he had seen in Becka's eyes. “Why is it that I always fall for the wrong gal?” he wondered.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Back in town, Becka parked her car and ran up to her room at the Hazzard Hotel. She unlocked the door and threw herself onto the bed, crying as if her heart was breaking. In a way, it was. By revealing her father's identity, she had driven away the man she loved.
After an hour, Becka sat up, wiped her wet cheeks, and reached for the phone. She dialed a number and waited for someone to answer.
“Hello? Is anyone there?”
“Mama, I need you,” wailed the young woman. “Can you come here please?”
“Becka? Baby, what's wrong?” asked Gretchen.
“Mama, do you remember that boy I told you about, Coy Duke? Well, I told him who my father is and he flipped out. He was so angry, Mama,” sniffled the young woman.
“I was afraid of that, sweetheart,” replied her mother sadly. “Stay right where you are. I'll pack a few things and leave as soon as I can. Will you be all right until I get there?”
“I think so,” answered Becka. “Oh, I almost forgot. I'm supposed to work at the store tomorrow. What if Coy comes in?”
“Just play it by ear, Rebecca. I take it you haven't told Roscoe who you are yet?”
“No, Mama, I haven't. Every time I try, I lose my nerve. Maybe we can tell him together?” she added hopefully.
“I think that would be best. Get some sleep, sweetheart. I'll be there as soon as I can.”
“I'm sorry about this, Mama,” said Becka. “Please don't be angry with me.”
“I'm not,” assured Gretchen. “Draw yourself a hot bath and go to bed. I'll see you soon.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When Coy returned to the farm, it was nearly midnight . He had walked for hours, trying to come to terms with Becka's secret. Uncle Jesse was waiting for him in the Duke living room when he came back into the house.
“Coy? You all right?” asked the farmer. “We've been worried about you.”
The young man ran a hand through his thick blond hair. “I really can't say, Uncle Jesse,” he answered, his eyes troubled. “How in blazes can Becka be related to Roscoe? It just don't make sense!”
“It makes perfect sense, considerin' the circumstances. You see, Gretchen and Roscoe was plannin' on getting' married until J.D. stepped in and put a stop to it. Gretchen left Hazzard not long after that, not tellin' anyone that she was carryin' Becka.” He paused, looking at his nephew closely. “If you love Becka as much as I think you do, who her daddy is shouldn't make no difference.”
“I do love her,” answered Coy softly. “I know, deep down, the fact that she's Roscoe's daughter don't matter, but I feel like she betrayed me by not tellin' me.”
“Maybe she was afraid you were gonna react the way you did,” replied Jesse calmly. “I can't tell you what to do, but I do think you should talk to her, and get her side of the story.”
“He's right, ya know,” said Vance from the doorway. “Becka's just upset over this as you are, cousin. I'd think long and hard before you break up with her.”
“I guess it couldn't do no harm,” said Coy. “I just need some more time to think about this. I'm goin' to bed. Night, Uncle Jesse.”
“I hope he follows my advice,” said Vance. “Becka's a nice girl. It'd be a shame if she and Coy couldn't get past this.”
Jesse smiled. “If she's anything like her Mama, she won't give up that easy.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Next Morning
“Good morning, Becka,” greeted Mr. Rhuebottom as the young woman came into the store. He paused, looking at her closely. “Are you all right? You look like you didn't sleep a wink last night.”
Becka smiled thinly. “I'm fine, Mr. Rhuebottom. Is it okay if I work in the back today? I'm a little under the weather and don't want to be around anyone, just in case I'm comin' down with somethin'.”
“I guess it would be all right, but if you start feelin' sick, let me know and I'll send you home.”
“Yes, sir.” For the rest of the morning, Becka busied herself cleaning and straightening the stockroom. As she left to go to lunch, the General Lee pulled up outside. She quickly ducked back into the store, but not before Coy spotted her. He drew back, his face freezing into hard lines.
“If you don't mind, Vance, I'll wait out here,” he said.
“Suit yourself. Hello, Becka. You okay?” asked Vance, taking note of the young woman's pale face and red-rimmed eyes.
Becka nodded but didn't speak. She brushed past him and went back to the storeroom, exiting through the rear door. She sat down on the loading dock and covered her face with her hands, fighting back tears.
“Becka, darlin', what's wrong?” asked a voice. The young woman looked up, straight into the face of Hazzard's ace mechanic, Cooter Davenport. She squared her shoulders and started to reply, intending on telling him she was fine. Before she could get the words out, the tears she had been holding back burst forth in a flood.
Cooter sat down beside her, wrapping his arms around the crying girl. “There now, tell old Cooter what's wrong.”
“Everything!” wailed Becka, leaning against his chest. “I'm all alone, in a strange place, and worst of all, Coy hates me!”
“Hates you? For what?”
“Because of who my father is,” sniffed Becka. “I can't help who he is!”
“Wait a minute. Back up, darlin'. Why would Coy hate you because of who your daddy is?” asked Cooter, totally lost.
The young woman pulled away, realizing that she had said too much. “Never mind; forget I said anything.”
“I think we need to talk about this, Becka. Come on; we'll go down to the garage and you can tell me what's goin' on, okay?”
Becka followed reluctantly. When they reached the garage, Cooter leaned against his truck and crossed his arms. “Okay, start talkin',” he said.
“I came to Hazzard to find my father,” she began. “My Mama lived here before she moved to Alabama . All she gave me was the man's name. How was I supposed to know he ain't exactly Mr. Popularity around here?”
“Are you tellin' me that Boss Hogg is your daddy?” asked Cooter, his eyes widening.
Becka burst out laughing at his expression. “No, no, not Mr. Hogg,” she giggled, “but someone almost as bad. Sheriff Coltrane is my father.”
The mechanic gaped at her for an instant then started to laugh. “ Roscoe ?!?” he hooted. “I never knew he had it in him!”
“Well, apparently he did, otherwise I wouldn't be here,” grumbled the young woman. “And before you ask, no, he doesn't know who I am yet.”
“I take it Coy wasn't exactly thrilled when you told him, huh? It must have been one heck of a shock, I'll give you that.”
Before Becka could reply, Coy himself walked into the garage. “Cooter, did you get those parts for the General in yet?” he asked, ignoring Becka.
“Excuse me, I have to get back to work,” said the young woman. “Cooter, about what we talked about? Can you keep it under your hat for now, please?”
“Sure, darlin'. See you around.”
“What were you talkin' to her about, Cooter?” demanded Coy. “She tell you about her roots?”
Davenport shook his head. “I ain't sayin' a word. Except for this: you're a dern fool if you let that little gal slip away. If I was you, I'd look at things from her point-of-view, instead of bein' all bullheaded about it. If she leaves town, you're gonna end up kickin' yourself.” He got to his feet and climbed into his truck, shooting Coy a disgusted look.
“ Her point-of-view? How can I do that?” He kicked at the dirt, muttering under his breath. “ I'm not the one related to Roscoe P. Coltrane.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Two Days Later
“Mama, are you sure this is the right way to do this?” asked Becka, walking behind her mother as the older woman shoved open the County Building 's front door. “Maybe we should tell him in private.”
Gretchen didn't answer as she strode into the Sheriff's office, her eyes searching for Roscoe. No one was in sight, except for Flash, who was sleeping on her blanket in the corner of the room.
“Sheriff! Where in blazes are you?” shouted Gretchen.
A door across the hall crashed open. “What in tarnation is goin' on out here?!?” blustered Boss Hogg. His eyes flew open wide when he recognized the woman. “Lord above, Gretchen Douglas! Is that you?”
“Hello, Jefferson . Where's Roscoe?” asked Gretchen. “I need to talk to him.”
“He went out to pick up my lunch,” informed Hogg. “He'll be back shortly. Please, come in and sit down. Where you been all these years?” He finally saw Becka standing in the doorway. “Why, hello, Miss Becka.”
“In Alabama ,” said Gretchen. “I see you've met my daughter.”
“Your daughter?!? Well, yes, yes, I have. Why, she looks just like you when you were her age, now don't she?” blustered Hogg.
“Boss, I got you the blue-plate special, triple helpin's,” chattered Roscoe as he came in. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Gretchen. “I don't believe my eyes!” he stammered. “What are you doing back in Hazzard?”
“The older woman stood up. “Roscoe, we need to talk. Can we go somewhere private? Away from prying ears?”
“Uh, sure we can. We can talk in my office. Now, what's this all about?”
“Roscoe, there's no easy way to tell you this, so I'll just come right out with it,” answered Gretchen. “When I left Hazzard all those years ago, I was pregnant. I had my baby, our baby, at my kinfolks' place in Alabama . That baby is all grown up now.” She turned and motioned for Becka to come forward. “Roscoe, I'd like you meet your daughter, Rebecca Anne Duffy, or should I say Coltrane .”
“She's your what ?!?!” blustered Boss Hogg. He sat quietly for a moment, digesting the news. After a moment, he started to chuckle. “I guess, technically, that makes her my niece.”
Becka frowned in confusion. “How do you figure that, Mr. Hogg?” she asked, glancing at her father.
“Because, child, I'm married to his sister, Lulu,” replied the man.
“You are ?” gasped the young woman. She bit her lip thoughtfully, then burst out laughing. “If this wasn't really happening,” she snorted breathlessly, “I'd swear I was living in one of those soap operas I've seen on television! Are there any more relatives you haven't told me about, Daddy?” She paused for a second and grinned. “I'm gonna have to get used to callin' you that.”
“If you're gonna stay in Hazzard, darlin', you're gonna have to stop hangin' around with them riff-raff Dukes,” said Roscoe. “I'll find you a nice, suitable fella to step out with.”
Becka's eyes saddened. “I doubt you'll have to worry about that,” she said quietly. “When Coy found out you were my daddy, he went ballistic. He probably won't even speak to me ever again.”
“It's for the best, Rebecca,” consoled the Sheriff. “He's not the kind of fella I would want my daughter to get mixed up with anyhow.”
The young woman's chin thrust out in defiance. “I don't think you have anything to say about it,” she growled. She turned to her mother, eyes blazing. “Can you believe this, Mama? He's known he's my father for all of five minutes, and is tryin' to run my life already.” She stood up, her chair bouncing off the wall with a sharp thud. “I need to get out of here for a while,” she said.
“Rebecca,” began Roscoe, only to have Gretchen cut him off.
“Let her go, Roscoe,” she said quietly. “She'll be back when she's a mind to. Give her time to think.”
Coltrane nodded reluctantly. “I can see she inherited her Mama's stubborn streak,” he joked lamely. “I hope she don't go and do somethin' foolish.”
“She won't,” replied Gretchen. “Our daughter may be bull-headed and temperamental, but she's got a good head on her shoulders.”
Becka walked down the street, muttering to herself. She didn't see Coy approaching her until she bumped into him head-on. “Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't see you,” she said, looking up. “Coy?”
“Hi, Becka,” mumbled the young man, his cheeks turning red. “I've been lookin' for you, sugar. Can we go someplace and talk? That is, if you're still speakin' to me.” His sky-blue eyes were hopeful.
The young woman smiled. “Of course I'm still speakin' to you, Coy. I thought you were mad at me ,” she stammered.
Coy grinned, flashing his dimples. “No, darlin', I'm not. Listen, I acted like an ass the other night, when I found out that Roscoe was your daddy. You think you could find it in your heart to forgive me?”
Before she could reply, Enos pulled up beside them in his patrol car. He flashed the couple a sunny grin, his eyes sparkling. “Hey, Coy. Good morning, Miss Becka. How y'all doin' today?”
Becka glanced at her companion and chuckled. “Pretty good, considerin' who my father is.” She paused, taking in the deputy's confused expression. “Hold on to your holster, Enos. This'll knock your socks off. Sheriff Coltrane is my father.”
“Are you serious? Well, possum on a gum bush! I had no idea he was your kin, Miss Becka. Does the Sheriff know that?”
“He does now,” laughed Becka. “I don't know who was more surprised: Roscoe or Mr. Hogg!”
“Uh, sugar, about that talk?” reminded Coy.
“Oh, right,” smiled the young woman. “Would you excuse us, Enos? Coy and me got some things to work out.”
“Sure. See y'all later,” answered the deputy, watching as the couple walked over to Becka's car and climbed in.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Following Coy's directions, Becka drove out to Bottomless Lake . She stopped the Mustang a few feet from the drop-off and turned to her passenger. “All right, Coy. Say your piece,” she said.
“First of all, I'm sorry I acted like a jackass the other night,” began the young man. “Just because Roscoe is your father, don't mean you're anythin' like him. Second, I really care about you. I'd like you to be my steady girl, if you want to, that is.”
Becka nodded. “You're forgiven,” she replied, reaching out and laying her hand on his cheek. “And I care about you, too. I've never met anyone like you in my life, Coy. I'd love to be your special girl,” she added, blushing rosily.
“Well then, I guess I'll have to dig out my old high school ring. That way, all these bachelors will know you're spoken for. But what about Roscoe?”
“Let me handle my Daddy,” reassured Becka. “If he wants me to be happy, he'll have to accept you as my steady fella.”
Coy chuckled. “It kinda funny datin' a gal that's kin to Boss Hogg. Did you know he ran ‘shine with Uncle Jesse?”
The young woman grinned. “No, I didn't. I bet he could tell some wild stories!”
“Why don't we go back to the farm and ask him? I'm sure he wouldn't mind sharin' a few tales.”
“You're on,” replied Becka, starting the car and backing away from the drop-off. She floored the accelerator, throwing up a cloud of dust. A mile down the road, a Hazzard County police cruiser gave chase. She grinned and pressed the gas pedal a little harder. “Let's see if I can out-run Enos,” she joked. “My Daddy must have sent him out on patrol after we saw him in town.”
The CB mounted under the dash crackled to life. “Hazzard Two to Lost Sheep. Y'all got your ears on?” said the deputy.
“One on each side of my head, Enos,” laughed Becka. “What's on your mind, good buddy?” she asked, winking saucily at Coy.
“Miss Becka? Is that you drivin'? Possum on a gum bush! You drive just like a Duke!”
“Catch us if you can, pal,” returned Becka as she took a sharp right turn as the car passed Hazzard Pond. “Say, Enos, I think your car needs a bath. Enjoy the trip!”
The patrol car flew through the air and landed in the water with a mighty splash. The young woman stopped her vehicle and climbed out. “Hey, Deputy?!?” she shouted. “How's the fishin'?” Coy burst out laughing as Enos waded out, his uniform dripping and covered in muck.
“Too bad Cletus ain't here,” he chuckled. Seeing Becka's confused look, he elaborated. “Cletus is Boss's nephew. He took over while Enos was in California working for the Metro Squad.”
Becka laughed and popped the trunk. She pulled out a towel and tossed it to the soaked deputy. “Get in, Enos. Maybe a piece of Daisy's pie would make you feel better while you're dryin' out.”
As they drove back to the Duke farm, Coy told her about Cletus. Before long, the young woman was laughing hard. “He sounds like a barrel of laughs,” she giggled.
Vance and Uncle Jesse were out front splitting wood when they drove up. The old farmer grinned widely when he saw the condition of Enos's uniform. “Been swimmin' in your car again, Enos?” he joked. “Howdy, Becka. I see you and Coy worked things out.”
“Yes, sir, we did,” grinned Becka, her eyes glowing. “He also told me that you ran moonshine with my Uncle Jefferson. Care to fill me in?”
For the next three hours, Jesse talked about his past dealings with Boss Hogg. “Even back then, he was a schemer,” he finished.
“That's what my Mama said,” answered Becka. “She called him some very colorful names when I mentioned him. Guess she don't like him much, huh?”
Jesse grinned. “You could say that. Say, Becka, have you ever even tasted good ‘shine?”
The young woman shook her head. “I'm not much of a drinker. My step-father, Charlie, has a problem with it, so I never really developed a taste for it.”
“I don't think a few sips would hurt you none,” answered the man, getting up and taking a brown glass bottle from the cupboard. He poured a small amount into a cup and handed it to her. “Now, don't gulp it, just sip it.”
Becka did as she was told. As the fiery liquid slid down her throat, her face flushed and she coughed violently. “Lord have mercy,” she wheezed. “This stuff kicks harder than an angry mule!” She coughed again, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“You all right, sugar?” asked Coy. “Maybe I should get you some water?”
“I'm fine, Coy. It just surprised me how potent this stuff is,” chuckled Becka.
The phone in the kitchen rang. Daisy rose to answer it. “Hello, Duke Farm. Yeah, she's here ; hold on a minute. Becka, it's Roscoe.”
“Hello? No, Daddy, I'm okay. Mr. Duke just gave me a taste of moonshine. You want me to meet you where ? No, no, I know where it is. All right, see you then. What? Sure, I'll bring him with me.” She hung up, a smile crossing her face. “Daddy wants to see me and Coy out by Hazzard Pond in fifteen minutes.”
“Do I have time to write my will?” joked Coy.
Becka laughed. “None of that, sweetie. Besides, where would he hide the body?” she teased.
“You've got a point, sugar,” Coy shot back, his eyes twinkling. “Come on, let's go. You drive.”