This is an alternate universe where Kelly Davenport comes back to Hazzard instead of going to LA, so I hope you guys aren't confused.

The sun shone overhead in the cloudless sky as a Greyhound bus pulled away from the Hazzard County Bus Depot, leaving its one-time passengers by the side of the road. Many of them greeted friends and family, while a few looked like they didn’t have a clue as to where they were.

Balladeer: Not a day goes by that the ol’ depot don’t bring somethin’ new ta HazzardCounty. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing, well, ya usually can’t tell until after the trouble happens, but there is the rare occasion where ya can spot trouble comin’ as soon as ya see it.

In the middle of the crowd stood a young woman with blonde hair pulled loosely back. She wore a green blouse, a pair of black slacks, and shiny black flats that clearly indicated a more urban lifestyle; even the sunglasses that covered her eyes and the black leather backpack slung over one shoulder screamed designer. She looked around until she spotted Cooter’s Garage on the other side of the town square, and a familiar orange Charger parked outside; she grinned.

Balladeer: Remember what I said about spottin’ trouble just by lookin’ at it? Well, from my experience, when a pretty gal smiles like that, a whole mess of trouble usually follows.

The young woman quickly crossed the street, cutting through the square, maneuvering around people and then vehicles as she stepped off the curb, making a beeline for the open garage doors. She paused briefly to run her fingers along the shiny hood, then she looked over when she heard laughter coming from inside.

“I’m just sayin’,” Bo replied as he leaned against the side of a burgundy late model Chevy, “I just think it’s high time that someone else takes over as county commissioner.”

“And who would you have in mind?” Luke asked, smirking his cousin. “You?”

“Heck no,” Bo replied, almost insulted. “Uncle Jesse’d be spinnin’ in his grave if a Duke got inta politics.”

Balladeer: Yeah, ya heard that right, folks. Uncle Jesse, God rest his soul, passed away a few years ago. It had been hard on the Dukes fer awhile--it’d been hard on everyone in Hazzard, ta be honest. Jesse had been a good man, and while he wasn’t here anymore, his spirit was still around, guidin’ the Dukes--and Davenports--in their lives.

“He didn’t seem ta mind it when Cooter went ta DC,” Luke replied, nodding at the elder mechanic, who worked under the hood of the car.

“Well, Cooter ain’t a Duke,” Bo countered.

“Gee, thanks, Bo,” Cooter replied, smiling as he looked up from the engine, his face and clothes with oil and grease.

“Ya know what I mean, Coot,” Bo said.

Luke smirked at his cousin before looking at the mechanic. “Ya know, Cooter, all things considered, ya really -”

“Now, Luke, I ain’t gonna tell ya again,” Cooter replied as he looked up from the engine, “I ain’t doin’ politics no more. I got out of that when I left Washington.”

“Cooter, ya know people would support ya all the way,” Luke replied.

“Yeah, and ya’ve had more real experience in politics than anyone here,” Bo added. “Ya’d be perfect.”

“And ya could make so many changes ta this place,” Luke replied, “fix what Boss and Rosco have caused.”

“I’d rather do that the way I always fix things around here,” Cooter replied, “from the sidelines.” He pointed his wrench at the two cousins. “And that’s final, ya hear?”

“Yeah, y’all should know when he makes up his mind,” the blonde woman said as she walked into the garage, grinning, “it’s nearly impossible ta get him ta change it.” She almost laughed at Bo and Luke’s blank expressions as she removed her sunglasses, showing off her blue and brown eyes. “Believe me, I’ve tried.”

“Kelly?” Bo asked, his eyebrows rising as he recognized the familiar fire in the young woman’s eyes.

“Hi, Uncle Bo Bo,” Kelly replied, grinning.

"Well, as I live and breath," Bo grinned as he crossed the garage in two strides. “Jellybean!” He picked up the young woman and hugged her tightly as he swung her around; she hugged him tightly around his neck. After a few moments he put her down and pulled back. Immediately, Luke pounced on her, and she giggled and hugged him as he squeezed her tightly.

Balladeer: For those of y’all who don’t know, Kelly is –

As soon as Luke let go of the young woman, she immediately pounced on Cooter, ignoring the oil and grease covering him, hugging him tightly.

“Hi, Daddy,” she replied, nuzzling him.

“Hey, Pumpkin,” Cooter answered, smiling as he hugged her back.

Balladeer: chuckles Cooter’s daughter.

Cooter pulled back enough to give his daughter a peck on the cheek. “I thought ya weren’t supposed ta be back until tomorrow,” he said.

“I know,” Kelly replied, “but I got my stuff done earlier, and I was able ta get my flight changed.”

“And ya just thought ya’d surprise us?” Cooter asked, smiling.

“Like surprisin’ us with that new hair color of hers,” Luke remarked, taking a lock of Kelly’s hair and holding it up a little.

Balladeer: The reason fer Luke’s comment is that when Kelly left Hazzard almost ten years ago at the ripe age of thirteen--she graduated early and left ta attend college--her hair had been a nice brown. Don’t ask me when she changed it, though, ‘cause I don’t know.

Kelly grinned at her father. “Ya really didn’t tell ‘em?” she asked.

“Ya asked me not to,” Cooter replied.

“Ya knew?” Bo asked, a little upset. Cooter nodded. “When did this happen?”

“Shortly before my … hospitalization,” Kelly replied, shifting a little on her feet.

Balladeer: Okay, I’m gonna take this time ta fill y’all in on a few things before this gets too confusin’. Ya see, twenty-four years ago, Cooter met a pretty red-head named Jenny, who was passin’ on her way through Hazzard back ta CapitolCity. Well, ta make a long story short, Cooter and Jenny ended up gettin’ real friendly one evenin’ before Jenny left the next mornin’. Nine months later, Kelly was born, but Cooter didn’t learn he was a daddy until much later. Kelly was ten months old when her momma was killed by a loan shark, and Kelly ended up livin’ with Cooter, which--needless ta say--kinda turned Cooter’s world upside down. But with the help of the Dukes, he raised the young gal and became one of the best daddies in the world.

Now, about why Kelly’s expression changed , I can tell ya only what I know. Ya see, Kelly turned out ta be really smart, like genius-smart, meanin’ she managed ta do a lot of learnin’ and readin’ until she was completely done with her schoolin’ by the time she was thirteen, and because of her interest in huntin’ and death (thanks ta Cooter’s cousin, Earl--the mortician, remember?) Kelly decided that she wanted ta be one of them people who hunts serial killers, so she left Hazzard ta study that stuff. Well, long and short of it, she managed ta excel in her classes, and ended up workin’ at the FBI, solvin’ some really nasty cases. Well, from what I’ve been able ta gather from the townsfolk, Kelly had been workin’ a case out in Los Angeles, when the serial killer had started targetin’ her. By the time everyone figured out what was goin’ on, Kelly had been attacked by the killer--and she’d been injured pretty badly as a result. It was that incident that caused Kelly ta wanna step out of the world of profilin’ and go back ta a less complicated world. Can’t say I blame her.

“Kelly had actually been wantin’ ta surprise all of us,” Cooter explained, “but then I went and saw her in the hospital…well, she asked me not ta tell y’all.”

“Kinda wanted ta do it in person,” Kelly added, shrugging. “Y’all ain’t mad, are ya?”

“Naw, of course not,” Bo replied, smiling.

Balladeer: Even though ya might not notice it, Bo was a little upset by the fact Kelly hadn’t been honest with him about her hair--when she was growin’ up, those two had shared a special bond--and I guess with her growin’ up, Kelly just seemed ta be confidin’ in Bo less as less as the years went by.

“So, how ya holdin’ up?’ Luke asked, deciding to change the subject.

Kelly shrugged. “Not bad, considerin’,” she replied. “Just glad ta be back home, really.”

“Well, we’re glad ta have ya back,” Cooter replied before kissing her cheek.

“So, did my stuff get here okay?” Kelly asked.

“Yeah, came yesterday,” Bo answered. “Got everything all set up and ready fer ya.”

“Thanks, guys,” Kelly replied. “I can’t wait ta get changed inta some decent clothes.”

“Better hope those stains come out,” Luke said, noting the grease and oil stains on the young woman’s clothes. “Clothes look expensive.”

Kelly shrugged. “I’ll just soak ‘em,” she replied. “They’ll be fine.” She took a deep breath and let it out. “So, I couldn’t help but overhear that county elections are comin’ up again.”

“Yeah, and yer uncles are tryin’ ta get me ta run against Rosco,” Cooter replied, going back to work on the car.

“Daddy, ya’d be a shoe-in ta win,” Kelly replied. “Think of the changes ya could make.”

“That’s just what we was sayin’,” Luke said.

“And who would run the garage while I was runnin’ the county?” Cooter asked, looking up. Kelly grinned as Bo and Luke pointed at her; Cooter shook his head. “No.”

“Aw, Daddy, I could run this place,” Kelly protested. “I learned everything I know from you.”

“I know ya could, Pumpkin,” Cooter replied, “but I ain’t ready ta give up this place…and I certainly ain’t gonna get back inta politics; I gave ‘em up last year fer good.”

“Which means we get another term with Rosco in charge,” Bo said annoyed.

Balladeer: Now, folks, while Rosco as Boss seems like a bad thing--and it has known ta cause quite a few problems with the Dukes and other citizens of Hazzard Coutny--it hasn’t been as bad as it was when J.D. was in charge.

“Speakin’ of which,” Kelly said, “I think I’m gonna go pop in and say hi before I head out ta the farm. Only wish I had a camera right now.”

“Why?” Cooter asked.

“Rosco’s gonna flip when he sees my new hair color,” Kelly replied, smirking. The four shared a laugh before the young woman leaned over and kissed her father’s cheek; she hugged the Dukes and heading out of the garage.

“So, how’s she really doin’?” Bo asked as they watched Kelly cross the street to the courthouse.

“Still havin’ nightmares,” Cooter answered, “but after all she went through ya can’t blame her.” He sighed. “She seems ta be doin’ better, though,” he shrugged, “but it’s just gonna take time.”

“Well, bein’ here should really help,” Luke said. “Nothin’ like family ta help get ya through the rough patches in life…and it ain’t like we haven’t been through rough patches before.” Cooter nodded before going back to work on the car.

“Ya dipsticks!"

Enos and Cletus stood in Rosco’s office, their heads lowered as Rosco paced back and forth.

Balladeer: In case yer wonderin’, that is Rosco chewin’ Enos and Cletus out. Ya see, after Boss passed away a few years back, God rest his soul, he left everything ta Rosco, with the stipulation that Rosco had ta be County Commissioner; Rosco promoted Cletus ta Sheriff, which was really no surprise (Rosco had wanted someone workin’ fer him who would actually do his biddin’, no matter what…and Enos just wasn’t up ta the task.) So, Rosco became Boss, Cletus became Sheriff, Enos remained Deputy Sheriff, and the morale of Hazzard County dropped like a sack of potatoes.

“Now, what do ya have ta say fer yerselves?” Rosco asked.

“Well, ya see,” Cletus replied, “what happened -”

“Hush!” Rosco interrupted. “I don’t wanna hear any of yer jibber jabber.”

“Then how do ya expect them ta explain themselves if ya won’t even let ‘em talk, Rosco?”

Everyone looked over as Kelly walked into the office, grinning. She knew they didn’t recognize her, even covered in grease and oil, but she wasn’t about to reveal herself…not without having a little fun in the processes. “Hey, guys,” she replied.

“And just who in tarnation are you?” Rosco asked.

“Now, Rosco, I’m hurt,” Kelly replied, feigning being hurt. “Ya’ve known me since I was learnin’ how ta walk.”

“Well, as I live and breathe,” Enos said, smiling as he got a good look at the young woman, “it’s Kelly Davenport!”

“What?” Rosco asked, confused, glancing at the woman; he finally recognized her, grinning and giving his trademark laugh. “Oh, darlin’!” He forgot Enos and Cletus for the moment and walked over, hugging the young woman. “I knew it was ya all the time.”

Cletus looked confused. “But, Rosco, you just said that -”

“Hush!” Rosco interrupted. “I know what I said, dipstick.” He turned his attention back to Kelly. “Yer not s’posed ta be here, yet…yer Daddy said ya was comin’ back tomorrow.”

“I thought I’d surprise everyone,” Kelly replied. “I’ve already seen Daddy, Bo, and Luke.”

“Yeah, I can tell by them oil stains that ya’ve already been at the garage,” Rosco said, giving another quick laugh.

Kelly grinned at Enos and Cletus before breaking away and hugging them. “And it looks like I’ve succeeded in surprisin’ y’all as well.”

“So, what does yer Daddy think about yer hair?” Enos asked, nodding at the blonde locks.

“He knew about it when he came ta see me in LA,” Kelly explained. “It was a little bit of a shock, but he really liked it. Bo and Luke did, too, once they got over their shock.”

“Well, I think it makes ya look real perty, babygirl,” Enos replied, smiling.

“Thanks, Enos,” Kelly said before kissing his cheek; Enos grinned sheepishly.

“Excuse me, I’m lookin’ fer the County Commissioner.”

Everyone looked over and saw a young man standing in the open doorway. He was a little over six feet tall, with black hair, brown eyes, and a slight athletic build. He wore a black button-down shirt, blue jeans, and brown boots; a white Stetson rested on his head, and he smiled warmly at the group.

“I’m the County Commissioner,” Rosco said. “Boss Rosco P. Coltrane, at yer service. What can I do fer ya?”

“My name’s Roy Mayjors,” the newcomer said. “I’m here ta put in my name fer the County Commissioner election, figure it’s time for a change here in Hazzard.” He glanced over at Kelly and nodded, tipping his hat. “Ma’am.” Kelly just stared at him, blinking, her mouth forming a small ‘o’. Roy smiled, amused by her expression.

“Have we met before?” Kelly asked, finally finding her ability to talk. “Ya look mighty familiar.”

Roy smiled, shrugging. “Must have one of those faces,” he replied before turning back to Rosco. “So, who do I talk to?”

“No one,” Rosco replied defensively, “‘cause there ain’t an election ta put yer name in.”

“Actually, Boss,” Enos spoke up, “the ballot is way -”

“Hush!” Rosco interrupted. “Ya can’t just come in off the street lookin’ like ya just fell off the turnip truck and expect ta run fer the highest position in the county. We have rules, ya know.”

“But ya wouldn’t know it with the way Rosco’s constantly breakin’ ‘em,” Kelly spoke up.

“Now, Kelly, you hush,” Rosco said. “Ya keep that up, and I’ll arrest ya fer disturbin’ the peace.”

“First of all,” Kelly replied, unwavering as she put her hands on her hips, “ya can’t arrest me anymore--only Enos and Cletus can do that.”

“She’s got ya there,” Cletus said.

“And, second,” Kelly replied, “I do believe that the only requirement ta run fer County Commissioner is that the person be over the age of eighteen,” she quickly, but appreciatively, looked Roy up and down, “and I do believe that Mr. Mayjors has more than met that requirement.”

Balladeer: Uh oh…she’s makin’ puppy eyes at that Mayjors fella. Somethin’ tells me Cooter’s gonna have his hands full--with a shotgun.

“Now,” Kelly continued, folding her arms, “I know we ain’t gonna have any problems with lettin’ Mr. Mayjors run…‘cause I’d hate ta have ta call up my friend in Atlanta.”

“Yer friend?” Rosco asked.

“Yeah,” Kelly replied, “Special Agent Hart--of the FBI.” She almost smirked as Rosco paled. “I’ll take that as a ‘no’.” She smiled at Mayjors. “Mr. Mayjors, yer on the ballot.”

“Ya fight dirty, ya know that,” Rosco muttered.

Kelly held out her hand. “Welcome ta Hazzard County, Mr. Mayjors.”

Roy smiled, holding out his hand. “Thank ya,” he replied, “Miss….”

“Davenport,” Kelly replied, taking his hand and shaking it. “Kelly Davenport.”

Mayjors nodded again. “Well, Kelly, call me Roy, please.” The two people stared at each other, still holding hands.

“Both of y’all just git,” Rosco suddenly shouted. “This is private property, and I want ya off!”

“Rosco, this is public property!” Kelly replied, getting angry.

“Only when I say it is!” Rosco countered. “Now git!”

Kelly glared at Rosco, but she didn’t say anything as she turned and left. Roy glanced at Rosco briefly before following the young woman. Outside, he saw her marching down the steps, arms folded; he stopped and watched her. She made it to the curb before she stopped and turned around, marching back to him.

“Ya comin’ or what?” she asked.

“What do ya mean?” Roy asked, confused.

“Well, we gotta get started on yer campaign,” Kelly replied.

“‘We’?” Roy asked.

“Yeah, yer the candidate,” Kelly answered, “and I’m gonna be yer campaign manager.” She saw Roy raise an eyebrow. “Oh, don’t worry. I have tons of experience; I helped with my daddy’s campaign fer Congress--and he won.” She suddenly grinned as she grabbed his arm. “County Commissioner should be a shoe-in, but we don’t have much time ta get yer campaign runnin’.” She pulled him with her as she walked away.

“Okay,” Roy replied slowly, allowing Kelly to lead him down the street.

Balladeer: Ya know what, folks? I can’t put my finger on it, but like Kelly said earlier, there is somethin’ about that Roy fella that seems mighty familiar….

“Rosco, don’t ya think ya was bein’ a bit hard on ‘em?” Enos asked, “especially since Kelly’d just gotten back?”

“I wasn’t bein’ hard on no one!” Rosco barked. “Now, I want the two of ya ta keep an eye on ‘em, and make sure they don’t get a change ta start their campaign. Last thing I need fer this election is any competition.”

“Ya want us ta hurt ‘em?” Cletus asked dismayed.

“No, of course not, ya dipstick,” Rosco said. “I don’t want ‘em hurt, I just want ‘em locked up.”

“Well, we can’t exactly do that unless they break the law,” Enos replied.

“Them follow ‘em and make sure they do,” Rosco ordered, “even if ya have ta make somethin’ up ta do it! Now git!” The two officers scrambled out of the office as Rosco walked over to his phone, intending on making a phone call that he knew would cause Roy and Kelly’s campaign to get off to a really bumpy start.

“Guys, we got ourselves another candidate,” Kelly announced proudly. The three men stopped their conversation and looked over. They saw the young woman pulling the arm of a strange young man; the trio instinctively went on guard.

“What do ya mean, Kelly?” Luke said, he and the others pretending to look calm and collected as he and Bo walked over.

“Guys, this is Roy Mayjors,” Kelly replied, keeping her hands around Roy’s arm, smiling. “Roy, this is my daddy, Cooter Davenport, and Bo and Luke Duke.”

“Nice ta meet y’all,” Roy smiled warmly, holding out his hand.

“So, where ya from?” Cooter asked, folding his arms as he eyed Roy suspiciously.

“Tennessee,” Roy replied. He lowered his hand when he saw Cooter didn’t look pleased; he glanced at Bo and Luke, seeing the same problem, and he swallowed nervously.

“And ya just decided one day ta come ta a place ya’ve never been ta run fer County Commissioner?” Luke asked.

“Actually, this ain’t my first time in Hazzard,” Roy replied. “I use ta live here.”

“Really,” Kelly asked, surprised, “when?”

“Yeah, ‘cause we’ve lived here all our lives,” Bo replied, “and I know fer certain that I ain’t never seen yer face around here before.”

“Well, I lived here fer about nine years,” Roy said.

Kelly gently turned his head toward her until she was staring right into his eyes. She furrowed her eyebrows, studying them. After a few minutes she raised her eyebrows. “Huh,” she said.

“What?” Bo asked, suspicious and curious.

“Well, while I can’t say fer certain that I know him,” Kelly replied, “or that he used ta live here, but there is somethin’ familiar about him.”

Balladeer: See, told ya.

Roy simply smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

“So, if ya left,” Luke replied, “why’d ya come back now?”

“‘Cause I think it’s about high-time some changes were made in this county,” Roy replied seriously. “J.D. Hogg caused a lot of problems fer the people of Hazzard County, and from what I’ve been seein’ with Rosco…things don’t look much better.”

“And with the election in four days,” Kelly replied, “we don’t have much ta get his campaign goin’.”

“‘We’?” Cooter asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah, I’m Roy’s campaign manager,” Kelly replied cheerfully. She saw her father and her ‘uncles’ raise their eyebrows. “Look, I know it’s a li’l sudden, but the election’s in four days, so we don’t have much time ta get things goin’.”

“Kelly, bein’ a campaign manager is a lot of hard work,” Cooter replied. “Ya oughta know that better than anyone.” He was genuinely concerned about his daughter, but he also wasn’t sure what to make of the newcomer, and Cooter didn’t want Kelly near Roy until he checked out with Cooter--which meant never.

“Daddy, I can do it,” Kelly replied, “and I already got a plan. First, we’re gonna find a campaign headquarters, and I think I know just the spot.”

“Where?” Bo asked.

“The Boar’s Nest,” Kelly answered. “With Daisy managin’ it now, it’d be a perfect place ta run things--and it has a steady flow of patrons, so people will get ta see Roy.”

Balladeer: Well, even though I ain’t sure about Roy anymore than Cooter and the Duke boys are, ya gotta admit that Kelly’s reasonin’ does make sense.

“But first thing’s first,” Kelly continued, “the fabric store.”

“I don’t need new clothes,” Roy smiled a little, looking a little embarrassed.

Kelly shook her head, amused. “No, it’s just ta get swatches so we can decide on yer campaign colors,” she replied. “There’s a whole science ta pickin’ out the right colors; learned about that in college.”

“Ya went ta college?” Roy asked, intrigued.

“Well, if yer really from Hazzard,” Cooter said defensively, “ya’d know that Kelly’s smarter’n a whip. ‘Course she went ta college, became a doctor ’n everything.”

Roy looked impressed. “Wow, congratulations,” he said to Kelly.

“Thanks,” Kelly replied, blushing. She cleared her throat before turning back to her father. “Is the Angel still here, Daddy?”

“‘Course she is,” Cooter replied, “haven’t moved her since the last time ya were here. Why?”

“Well, it ain’t exactly a hop, skip, and a jump ta the fabric shop or the Boar’s Nest,” Kelly replied, “and I seriously doubt Bo and Luke are gonna lend us the General.”

“Yeah, keep dreamin’ on that one,” Bo replied.

“Kelly, ya just got in from DC,” Cooter said. “Ya sure ya don’t wanna get some rest?” He knew he was getting a little desperate, but he did not like the idea of his daughter being with some strange guy he had a funny feeling about. He would do anything to keep her away from Roy, but he also knew if he came out and said anything against the young man right now--especially without any proof--she wouldn’t believe him.

“Daddy, it ain’t like I changed time zones,” Kelly replied, smiling. “I’ll be fine.”

Cooter sighed, knowing she wasn’t going listen to him. “Keys are in the office desk,” he replied, “top right drawer.”

“Thanks, Daddy,” Kelly replied, kissing his cheek before heading into the office. As soon as she was out of sight, Cooter and the Dukes looked over at Roy, folding their arms and giving him an expression that clearly stated they did not like him. The young man shifted uncomfortably, looking nervous, and he was glad Kelly came out of the office with the key. “Okay, Roy, let’s go.” She headed out of the garage and around the back, and Roy quickly followed her, beating a hasty retreat from the watchful eyes.

“Guys, do me a favor, will ya?” Cooter asked.

“Ya want us ta tail him?” Luke asked.

“I’d do it myself,” Cooter replied, “but Old Man Hickory needs his car taday, and ya know how he is if things ain’t done on time.”

“Consider Mayjors tailed,” Bo said. “I just don’t see how Kelly doesn’t see right through him; she’s studied how people behave…how can she not see that he’s pullin’ a fast one over on her?”

“‘Cause she’s smitten with him,” Luke replied. “Which is gonna make it harder ta get her away from him if he turns out ta be dishonest.”

“Which is why ya better have proof,” Cooter said. “And it better be good proof.” The Duke boys nodded and headed out for the General. “And don’t let her catch y’all followin’ her, either!”

Balladeer: Now, Cooter should know better’n ta say that--Bo and Luke are gonna be in the General, and it’s kinda hard ta miss that car…no matter how much ya try ta hide it.

A royal blue 1967 Ford Mustang GT drove lazily down the dirt road; it had sharp red, orange, and yellow flames on the front and top of the hood. Two white zeroes were painted on both doors, and the hubcaps shown like silver. Inside, Kelly grinned as she sat behind the wheel, while Roy sat beside her.

Balladeer: Now, there’s a sight fer sore eyes. Meet Kelly’s pride and joy, the Blue Angel. This car is ta Kelly what the General is ta Bo and Luke; it’s fast, and--like the General--seems ta have a spirit in it that makes it sprout wings on the road. It’s also the only car in Hazzard County ta have actually beaten the General once, though Bo and Luke would contest that Kelly hadn’t exactly played fair durin’ that race. Either way the Blue Angel has become an important part of Hazzard life…and it’s mighty nice ta see her on the road again.

“So, what do ya think of her?” Kelly asked.

“Nice,” Roy replied, smiling. “She runs really smooth.”

“Thanks,” Kelly said. “Daddy and I worked really hard ta get her runnin’ right.”

“Well, it looks like y’all did a good job,” Roy said. Kelly grinned as they pulled into the Boar’s Nest parking lot, parking next to the door. The two climbed out and headed into the bar, neither of them aware of the patrol cars pulling in behind them.

The inside of the place hadn’t changed much since the last time Kelly had been there. For a few minutes the young woman just looked around, taking in the familiar sights, from the old jukebox and pool table, to the bar and tables; Kelly sighed, remembering all the good times she had had there in her life.

“Hi, welcome ta the Boar’s Nest,” a brunette woman said as she came over to the two. She wore black slacks, and matching blouse and flats, and she smiled warmly. “I’m Daisy Duke, the manager of this establishment. Y’all just passin’ through?”

Balladeer: Ya know, even though Daisy’s running the Boar’s Nest now, she ain’t showin’ off those pretty legs of hers in them shorts no more. I tell ya, it was a sad day in Hazzard when that happened.

“Not really,” Kelly replied, grinning at the fact that her ‘aunt’ didn’t seem to know who she was. “We was plannin’ on stayin’ in town fer a while … Aunt Daisy.”

Daisy looked at the woman, confused, and then it suddenly clicked. Her mouth formed a small ‘o’ as she stared at the young woman. “Kelly?” she asked. Kelly nodded, still grinning. Daisy suddenly grinned and hugged the young woman. “Oh, my goodness, darlin’, how are ya? When did ya get in town? What did ya do ta yer hair?”

Kelly laughed as she pulled back. “Slow down, Daisy,” she replied. “I’m fine, I got in taday, and I dyed it.”

“Well, anyone can see that,” Daisy said, smiling, “but I thought ya wasn’t supposed ta be in until tomorrow.”

“Wanted ta surprise everyone,” Kelly replied.

“I think ya accomplished that,” Daisy said. “I’d ask ya if yer daddy know yer here, but by look of ya, I’d say it’d be pointless. So, I take it he’s okay with yer new color?”

“Yep, and Bo and Luke,” Kelly answered, “and Rosco, Enos, and Cletus, too.”

“Well, that’s practically the whole town,” Daisy smiled. “I do have ta say, it does look good on ya.” She glanced at Roy, smiling. “So, who’s yer friend?”

“This is Roy Mayjors,” Kelly said. “Roy just got inta town taday. Roy, this is Daisy Duke; she’s Bo and Luke’s cousin.”

“Nice ta meet ya, ma’am,” Roy replied, tipping his hat and nodding.

Daisy glanced at Kelly, one eyebrow raised, but Kelly mouthed ‘don’t ask now’, and Daisy nodded slightly; she smiled brightly. “So, can I get y’all anything?” she asked.

“Well, we was wonderin’ if we could use the Boar’s Nest this week,” Kelly replied. “Roy’s runnin’ against Rosco fer County Commissioner, and I’m his campaign manager, and we need a campaign headquarters.” She smiled sheepishly. “Please?”

“Oh, darlin’, ya know I’d help ya out in a pinch,” Daisy replied, “but Rosco won’t let that happen. He just called me and said if I let y’all use this place as yer campaign headquarters then he’d fire me faster’n I can blink.”

Kelly sighed, frustrated. “Right,” she replied. “Well, I guess we better keep lookin’.”

“Sorry, sweetie,” Daisy said sincerely. “Look, why don’t y’all have a drink before ya head out, okay? Rosco said y’all can’t campaign here, but he said nothin’ about drinkin’ here.”

“Thanks, Daisy, but can we take a raincheck on that?” Kelly asked. “We gotta get started on Roy’s campaign.”

“Sure thing,” Daisy replied.

“Uh, Ms. Duke,” Roy said, looking a little embarrassed, “could ya tell me where the bathroom is?”

“Right through there, darlin’,” Daisy replied, pointing to the back of the bar.

“Thank you,” Roy said before leaving the two. Daisy glanced over and saw Kelly watching Roy leave; the older woman could see Kelly’s gaze was focused a little farther south than Cooter would have preferred, and Daisy smiled, amused.

“I can see why yer his campaign manager,” she said. “He is kinda cute.”

“That has nothin’ ta do with it,” Kelly said defensively, embarrassed.

“Kelly, I’ve known ya practically all yer life,” Daisy replied as she headed to the bar; Kelly followed. “Ya can’t fool me.”

Kelly sighed as she leaned against the bar, knowing her ‘aunt’ was right. “Okay, I admit, he’s cute,” she said, “but he really wants ta run against Rosco, and I think it’d be good ta have someone else in office ta fix this town up.”

“Well, I can certainly agree with that,” Daisy replied as she grabbed two mugs and started filling them with beer, “but if he’s runnin’ against Rosco, ya might wanna warn him about how hard it’s gonna be; Rosco ain’t gonna make it easy ta compete, much less win, against him.”

“Well, that’s the thing,” Kelly replied. “I don’t think I have ta tell Roy about Rosco; I think he’s lived here before.”

“Ya ain’t sure?” Daisy asked. “Kelly, Hazzard ain’t that big; either he’s lived here or he ain’t.”

“He knows a lot about this town,” Kelly said, “and he really seems familiar, like we’ve met before.”

“Well, ya have done a lot of travelin’,” Daisy replied, “and ya did have a lot of reporters here interviewin’ us over the years ‘cause of you and yer daddy.” She handed the beers to a waitress, who left to take them to a couple of customers. “But if’n ya don’t know who this guy is, why are ya helpin’ him with his campaign?” Kelly shrugged, and Daisy smiled. “Like I said before, he is cute.” She grinned when she saw Kelly blush a little. “Look, I know yer an adult and all, but I just want ya ta be careful, okay?”

“I always am,” Kelly replied as Roy came over; she smiled. “Ready?”

“Yup,” Roy said. “Lead the way.” Kelly grinned and headed for the exit with Roy following.

Balladeer: I wonder how long it’s gonna take fer Kelly ta take Daisy’s sound advice…or how long it’s gonna take fer Kelly ta notice she and Roy are bein’ followed. Place yer bets, anyone?

(End of Act I)