Enos lay back on a mound of pillows on his bed looking at a car magazine. He was home now from L.A. after injuring his back in a car wreck. The doctors told him to take some time off from the force and heal before going back to work. Now Enos was starting to get home sick so he decided to head home and heal back in Hazzard. He also realized he wasn’t ready for L.A. life. As the former L.A. cop lay on his back with a magazine he heard the gravel crunch in the driveway outside.

"Someone’s here?" He whispered to himself, "But who’d come here… Mama’s downstairs fixin’ supper? Pappy’s out getting’ hay and won’t be home for a couple of hours? Who’d be coming’ here?"

He squirmed in his bed to try to see out the window, which would allow him see the drive. He heard a car door slam which made him even more curious.

"Ding Dang it!" he breathed as he wiggled around on the bed. He could hear voices outside and the house door open. He could almost see up over the window ledge but suddenly felt himself loose balance as he inched forward. THUD!

* * * * *

Downstairs, the Strate Matriarch was washing dishes and making soup for her son. When she seen the taxi cab pull in the drive. She walked to the driveway and looked at who was emerging from the cab. Joanne was a small woman with short curly gray hair. It was a strawberry blond when she was younger, but now after three children and a marriage that has lasted thirty-six years and going strong, that color left her. Her oldest daughter, she named Josephine. Josephine grew up, married an optometrist in Alabama. She then had twins' four years after Josephine, a little boy and a little girl. She named them Enos and Valerie. Enos was first; he grew up and became a deputy sheriff after graduating from the academy. Valerie went off to college in Ohio, and became a park ranger in one of the local parks along Lake Erie. Valerie left when she was eighteen to pursue her dreams. Joanne knew her girls were happy. Josephine had a daughter herself and was happy in her marriage. Valerie was doing what she always wanted in life, studying the earth and trying to preserve it. Now her son was the only child that she really worried about at the moment. It wasn’t that he wasn’t capable of caring for himself, that wasn’t the case at all. She just cared about him too much. He was her only son and would always be her only son.

Joanne watched as a tall female figure emerged from the yellow taxicab. The woman was in her early thirties/late twenties with long brown pigtails on either side of her head. Her frame was slender and lanky but her face held a genuine smile as she approached the brick farmhouse. A smile spread across the old woman’s face when she realized one of her babies returned home again. She opened the screen door and stepped out on the porch to meet her daughter.

"Valerie!" Joanne replied opening her arms and hugging her youngest.

"Mama! Oh it’s so good to see you again." Valerie replied to her mother.

"Oh, sugar, I’m glad you're here." Joanne smiled as she held the door open for Valerie to carry in her bags.

As Valerie entered the house she asked her mother, "So how’s Enos? I hope he’s not in a lot of pain?"

Joanne was about to answer her when they entered the kitchen and heard a thud, then a whimpering coming from the upstairs.

"Oh! That must be Enos…" Joanne panicked as she and Valerie went to the stairs and headed for his room.

Sure enough, Enos was on his belly looking up at his mother and sister. He was in blue jeans and cotton t-shirt. He lifted his head and half smiled at his mother, "Hi Mama!"

"Enos Michael Strate! You get into more trouble…" His mother shook her head and with Valerie’s help, got him up off the floor and sitting propped up in bed, "There… you nice and comfy?" Joanne asked.

"Yes, Mama…" Enos grinned and nodded slightly then turned to his sister, "Val! You're home!"

Valerie grinned, "You could say that. I came home cause I was worried about you. That and I missed ya. I’d give you a hug but I don’t want to hurt you."

Enos’s grin turned into a smile, "You can hug me Val. Just a lit’ one, won’t hurt."

Valerie leaned down and gently hugged him and replied softly, "I missed you."

"I missed you too!" Enos replied as he let go of her. Joanne smiled at her children, "Well, I better check on that soup that I’m cooking. I’ll let you two visit for a bit."

"Mama, is supper going to be soon?" Enos asked.

"Yes, sugar. Your paw should be home by the time soup is done. I’ll call you two when it’s done." Their mother replied and left the room.

"Have a seat Val, stay a while!" Enos gestured to the foot of his bed. Valerie sat down, "So… I got your letter and mom’s phone call… that’s kind of why I felt I should probably take some time off and come home."

"How is Ohio? You like it there?" he asked her.

"It’s nice. I made a lot of friends there. I like my job. It doesn’t pay a lot but I’m happy. How are you? How did you hurt your back? You said in your letter it was a car wreck?"

"Yeah, I was in hot pursuit of a suspect when, I hit gravely spot in a road. The car swerved and back slammed into a telephone pole. I was lucky I came away with just pulled muscles in my back. The doctor says I got lucky and it’s a good thing I wear my seatbelt. Mama says it’s angels’ lookin’ over me."

"Well, I say it’s both, and I’m glad you’re ok. How was L.A.? You miss it?"

"L.A.’s ok. It was fun while I was there but I’m glad to be home. I’m glad you're home too."

Valerie smiled slightly as she looked at the floor then looked at Enos and sighed, "I’m sorry but you do know I’m only visiting…"

"Yeah… but it’s good to see ya home sis. I wish I wasn’t all banged up. Then we could go hang out at the Nest like we use to." Enos replied, "Or toss around the ol’ ball in the back yard while we caught up on stuff."

"Yeah those times were fun. I just wish you weren’t hurting the way you are."

"Aw, Val don’t worry. I’m on pain pills. Doc’s orders, Mama gives them to me before meals."

Valerie just shook her head and smiled as she took hold of his hand and squeezed it gently, "Well, those angels must be taking good care of you if you can keep smiling the way you are."

"I’m smiling cause my sis came home."

"I’m glad to see you home too." She replied as she stood up.

"Val…"

"Yeah?"

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure!" she said then sat back down.

"Please don’t get mad, but I have to ask you this. It’s been bugging me for along time."

"Ok… what is it?"

"Why'd you go to OSU? Why didn’t you go to GU like me? Or Texas A&M, or Oklahoma even? You had scholarships to pretty much any school you wanted to go to. Why so far?" He asked with concerned eyes.

She sighed and looked at her brother, "Sometimes when you leave home you learn to appreciate what you have there. Hence, absence makes the heart grow fonder…"

He sat there in thought as she got up. She walked over and kissed him on the fore head, "Love ya buddy roe bro… I’m going to go help mom now."

"Kay… Tell mama to put lotta crackers out for my soup."

"Okay." Valerie called as she walked out of his room. He was right. She could go anywhere she wanted but she took one of the farthest schools from her home. Why? Curiosity she supposed. To see what the world held out there? She walked down the hallway to her old bedroom she shared with Josephine. The walls were still painted light pink with rose colored carpet. It was a sewing room now. Valerie smiled though when she walked into the tiny closet space that was built into the wall, and seen a few boxes sitting on the floor. She knew those boxes held her some of Josephine and her baby items. She didn’t dare look in them. Just turned around and walked out of the room and down the steps to meet her mother.

"Hi" she said.

"Hi… he feeling’ all right?" Joanne asked.

"Yes, he is. He said he wants lots of crackers with his soup." Valerie smiled.

Joanne smiled, "It’s good to have you two home."

"I know mama. It’s good to be home." She replied as she followed her mother into the kitchen.

"We only see you on holidays anymore. Your father will be happy to see you here." Joanne replied as she walked over to her soup.

"Well, I figured… I haven’t seen you since Christmas. That was only two days, which I stayed here. Plus, with Enos being hurt and coming home from L.A. I thought, maybe it’s time I come to visit ya’ll." She said as she pulled out some blows from the cupboard.

"Well, you're a busy woman now Val… you went to college. Got your degree. Your papa and I knew you kids would all fly the coop. Heck, the babies have to leave the nest sometime sugar. In order to know if they can fly or not." Joanne chuckled slightly, "You all sure flew… soared like eagles! We are proud of all three of you."

Val just grinned as she set the table. Then shook her head, "Yeah but some of us didn’t have to fly so far…"

"Val… honey. You went there cause you that felt you needed too. We knew you'd come back to see us. You never would forget where you come from."

The screen door squeaked as it opened and an old man about Joanne’s age walked into the room. He was tall and slender build. His hair was gray. He looked over to see his daughter, "Valerie! Well, howdy sugar! Fancy seeing you home!"

"Paw!" she smiled and gave him a big hug.

"Mm, you always did give good hugs. How are you?" her father replied.

"I’m fine Dad. How are you? The farm doing ok?" she asked.

"Oh! We’ll manage… after our prime farm hand left. I’m just lucky to stay in business." He smiled as he eyed Valerie.

"Dad!" Valerie giggled. She knew he was talking about her. She loved helping her father with the chores and farm work. Ed Strate loved his three kids dearly, but his "prime farm hand" was always Valerie.

Joanne turned off the stove and looked at the pair, "Well soup is done. I think you should go help Enos down here to have supper with us.

"I can do that. You just relax paw." She smiled as she walked out of the kitchen and up the steps. That’s when she seen her brother walking slowly toward her in the hallway.

"What are you doing up?" she asked him and folded her arms.

"I smell soup." Enos replied.

"Well, you could have waited till I came to help you."

"I was hungry." He whimpered.

Valerie shook her head and walked back to the steps and stayed ahead of Enos till he made it down the steps.

"How you feeling son?" Ed asked Enos as his son entered the kitchen.

"Ok, those pills I been taking’ must be working’ cause I don’t hurt that much." Enos said as he slowly hobbled over to the table and sat down.

"What would ya’ll like to drink?" Joanne asked.

"Mom, here let me get that." Valerie replied as she got up and walked over to the frig where her mother stood.

"No, sugar… you just sit down. It’s my house and I wanna serve my family to a good meal. Now, what do you want to drink?"

"Milk is fine, mama." Valerie replied as she watched her mother pour her milk and handed her the glass.

Joanne got everyone what he or she wanted for drink and set back down to the table. They said grace and began to eat their meals.

"This is good soup mama." Enos replied.

"Thank you sweetie… so you both are off for a couple of days right?" Joanne asked.

"Yeah, I took two weeks off." Valerie replied.

"Two weeks? Ain’t that quite a bit for a visit?" Ed asked his daughter.

"Yeah but I kind of need it." Valerie answered as she looked at her soup.

"Something wrong sugar?" Joanne asked her daughter.

"No, nothing’s wrong. I just need to come home for a bit." She replied.

"Ok… uh well, Enos you’re off for six weeks right?" Ed asked.

"Actually Dad, I might quit." Enos replied.

"Quit!" Joanne looked shock.

"Mama, it just ain’t time for me to go there." Enos replied, "I missed home."

"Well, you might want to consider what you're doing." Ed replied.

"I did. I don’t wanna stay in L.A. Last night, I lye awake in bed and for the first time in weeks all I could hear outside was crickets chirping’. I miss Hazzard, plus the Captain told me I could come back any time I wanted."

"What you going do around Hazzard then?" Ed asked.

"Get my old job back. Maybe settle down with some gal here in Hazzard." Enos replied.

"Well, anyhow, since the two of you are here. I made a call to Josephine. Sunday, we’re all going to church together and go out for breakfast. How does that sound?" Joanne asked.

"That sounds great! Mama when’d you call Joesy?" Enos asked.

"While you and Valerie were upstairs talking’. I thought why not all of us get together again." Joanne smiled.

"Mom that’s wonderful. I can’t wait to see Josephine again. Is Alan and Annie coming too?" Val asked.

"Yes, she’s bringing them too. It will be like old times having all of you home." Joanne smiled.

"So where are we having breakfast at?" Enos asked.

"Well, I’m not sure of that…" Joanne replied.

"Why don’t we just have breakfast here. I’ll cook." Valerie stated.

"Well, I suppose we could do that." Joanne answered her daughter.

"That sounds like a great idea." Ed grinned as he took a sip of his coffee.

"Oh! You just want to stay home cause the game is on." Joanne chuckled.

"That does sound like a good idea!" Enos’s grin grew wider to match his fathers.

The family chuckled at Enos’s reply. Then Joanne spoke, "Alright, then Valerie you can fix breakfast after church. We’re all going to service. Your father and I go every Sunday. We’re not missing one cause family is home. We’re all going as a family."

"Yes, mama." Valerie replied humbly, and her brother echoed after her.

* * * * * * *

It was a sunny Saturday morning, when Valerie helped her father with chores. As they began finishing feeding the chickens, Valerie turned to her father, "Do you still have him?"

"Still have who?" Ed asked her.

"You know! Cricket!" she asked eagerly.

"Cricket? OH! Cricket! Yes, he’s in storage." Ed replied.

"Well, are we finished with chores?"

"Yeah…"

"Do you got anything really important to be doing?" Valerie asked sheepishly.

"Well, I was going get hay from Herburts, then I got a load of fertilizer at the elevator I was going to pick up for the fields. But other than that… I’m free. I thought about going to an auction in Chickasaw." Ed replied to his daughter.

"Well, I was wondering if I could go see him." Valerie asked.

"He’s at Davenport’s. All you have to do is call Cooter." Ed replied.

"I don’t wanna leave if you need me?" she replied fidgeting with her pigtails.

"Nah, I’m fine Val. You just go see’em." Ed replied, "You're on vacation, have fun with it."

"Ok. Thanks Daddy." She replied as she gave him a big hug as they walked toward the house, "Uh, one problem Dad?"

"What’s that?"

"I have no car to get over there."

"I’ll drop you off on my way to Herburts." Ed smiled.

"Well, I’m going call Cooter first and let him know I’m coming." She told her father as they entered the house and took off their light jackets and muck boots.

"That would be a good idea."

She took off her boots and rushed over to the phone. Picking it up off the receiver she dialed the number to Cooter’s Garage. Ed walked over the to teakettle on the stove that was making a pot of boiling water so he could have his instant coffee this morning. Joanne was folding laundry on the table and Enos was still upstairs sleeping.

Valerie eagerly waited for Cooter to answer.

At the Garage, Cooter was busy cleaning an air flitter. Bo and Luke were there shooting the breeze with the mechanic. It was Saturday and the three men were having their weekly "donuts and beer" breakfast that came on Saturday mornings.

"Hey, ya’ll guess who’s home from L.A.?" Cooter replied as he poured himself some coffee.

"Enos came back home?" Bo asked as he looked at Cooter weirdly.

"Yeah, ya’ll… He’s at home right now with a bad back injury. I heard it from Cletus, who heard it from the Hazzard Grapevine." Cooter replied.

"Do they know if he’s going to be OK?" Luke asked taking a sip of his beer.

"I think he’s going to be all right but I don’t know how bad a shape he is in. If he’s just bed rest or what?" Cooter shrugged as he took a bite of a white frosted donut.

Just then the garage phone rang. Cooter got up and walked over to the phone. As Cooter was answering the phone Rosco came over to the Garage when he seen the Dukes. The Sheriff was about to turn back and go back to the courthouse before entering the garage but the boys spotted him.

"Hey, Rosco!" Luke smiled holding a donut as he sat on a crate and gently slid his beer out of the sheriff’s eye view.

"Where’s Cooter?" Rosco asked quickly.

"Donut?" Bo offered.

"No, I’m here to talk to him about my patrol cars." Rosco replied.

"Ah, shoot I thought cops love donuts." Bo chuckled as he took a bite of his.

Luke shook his head and smiled, "He’s on the phone with somebody."

Just then Cooter came over to the doorway where everyone else was, "Hey ya’ll! Guess who came home!"

"Ya told us already Cooter… Enos is home with a bad back." Bo replied.

"Nope that isn't who I’m talking’ ‘bout, but you're close…" Cooter smiled then laughed.

"Shoot… ain’t nobody else left except Enos." Rosco grumbled, "Been working more overtime ever since he left. The dipstick I got now only works twelve hours a day instead of fourteen like he did."

"Well, this person has been gone a lot longer time then her brother." Cooter smiled.

"Nah, she ain’t coming’ home." Luke replied wide-eyed.

"Who?" Bo and Rosco asked at the same time.

Cooter let out a belly laughed, "Val Strate! She’s already home, that was her on the phone and she’s coming’ for Cricket!"

* * * * *

Val looked at the phone as she hung it up. She couldn’t wait to see the old car again, but something inside her wanted someone else to be there with her. She turned around to see Enos standing behind her.

"Hi, feeling ok?" Val asked.

"Yeah…I suppose. Lil’ stiff." He yawned, "Feeling’ cooped up."

Valerie smiled then took him by the arm, "Brother, would you like to come see an old friend with me again?"

"Old friend?" Enos looked at her strangely.

"Yep, Cricket." She smiled.

A huge grin spread across his face, "I’d love to Val."

"You sure you’re well enough?" Valerie asked.

"Yeah, I’m ok Val. I can handle it. I’ll take a pillow to rest against. Just as long as I don’t lift nothing or go running around I’ll be ok. Need some moving’ around here and there." He smiled.

Valerie smiled and entered the kitchen. Where her father was putting on his John Deer ball cap he wears when he goes out, and finishing his coffee.

"Dad, I’m ready to go, and Enos is coming with us." She smiled.

Ed nodded as he took down the last sip of his java, then put the mug in the sink. He took his keys off of the rack, went over to Joanne and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Now, you're going to the grain elevator and dropping Enos and Val off at Cooter’s right?" She asked.

"Yep… do I have go get you two when I’m done or…?" Ed asked.

"No, I’ll drive him home." Valerie replied. Ed nodded in response. The three went out the door. Joanne called out as they left, "Love you have a good time."

"Love you too Mama." Enos replied and Valerie repeated.

They got into the truck and headed to Cooter’s.

* * * * * *

"She’s coming’ for Cricket? You been keeping’ that Chevelle in storage for her?" Luke asked.

"Yep, she pays me $10.00 a month to keep it at my farm and in shape." Cooter replied wiping his hands on a rag.

"So that means you have to go pick it up and bring it here?" Bo asked.

"Yep. She’s coming’ here so I got to leave now. I was hoping ya’ll would give me a ride over to my place and I’ll drive’em back." Cooter replied.

Rosco looked at Cooter, "You mean to tell me… Enos Strate is back home but he injured his back and his sister Valerie is home now too?"

"Yep, apparently she needed to come home. Maybe to visit Enos and her folks again." Cooter replied.

"Isn’t she a park ranger or some thing like that?" Rosco questioned.

"Yeah, didn’t she go to Ohio to study environmental science at Ohio State University?" Luke asked.

"I think so. I don’t remember. Look, ya’ll can ask her when she comes. Right now we got to get back to my place and get that Chevelle before she gets here." Cooter stated.

"I have to get back to work. Oh! Cooter, I need to talk to you about one of my patrol cars. It’s in the ditch again, and I need a tow out. When you got a minute could you pull it out and bring it back to be worked on? It’s out on Cripple Creek road." Rosco asked.

"Well, how come you’re here when your patrol car’s there?" Bo asked.

"Jit Jit! That's none of your concern. Sides, I hitched a ride from Cletus." Rosco stated.

"Sure Rosco I’ll take care of it." Cooter replied as he hopped in the General’s window and slid into the back seat. The boys did the same. Bo started the Charger up and gave a Dixie whistle goodbye to the Sheriff.

"And don’t you boys be speeding’ neither!" Rosco hollered back.

The General headed down the roads and over the hills till they came to Cooter’s farm. They pulled in the dirt driveway and slid out of the windows. Cooter walked to the barn. He opened the barn doors and walked in. The boys followed him in. They noticed there was about four cars in the barn. One the boys knew was Cooter’s racer under one of the sheets. The other car that was covered they were unsure of. Cooter walked over to the unknown car and unveiled it.

"Helloooooo Cricket!" Cooter replied as he whisked off the sheet.

There before them was a 1970 maroon with white racing stripes, Chevelle. The chrome glistened off of the wheels slightly through the thin layer of dust that still collected on the hubcaps even though it was covered.

Bo let out a low whistle, "That’s Cricket? He ain’t as pretty as the General but he’s still kind of cool."

"Where’d she get this?" Luke asked.

She came home for Christmas from college in 1970 and got this as a Christmas present from somebody. She didn’t tell me who or how but that’s what she told me. She also said for me to hold it for her till she was ready for it. At first I didn’t want to but when she said she’d give me $10.00 a month I realized how much he meant to her. I told her if it means that much to her I’d store it for free but she insisted." Cooter replied.

"He must mean something to her if she’s willing to do that." Bo said.

"Well, we need to get this guy over to the garage so I can look at him before she gets there." Cooter replied as he pulled a set of keys from his pocket and slid behind the wheel.

The boys followed Cooter back to the garage in the General. When they approached they seen Enos and a tall thin woman with pigtails waiting outside the garage. Enos had on blue jeans and green t-shirt and the lady had on blue jeans and a lavender blouse. The woman’s facial expression turned from a grin to a full-face smile when she seen the Chevelle. The cars stopped and Cooter got out of the Chevelle when he received a big hug from the lady.

"Cooter! Oh thank you!" She exclaimed as she gave him a hug. Then she seen Bo and Luke, "Bo and Luke Duke? Crickets and Crocodiles boys! I haven’t seen you two in ages!" The lady giggled as she ran over to them and gave them both a hug.

"Nice to see you too Val." Luke grinned after the bear hug, "You got a lot stronger then I remembered."

"Valerie Strate! I remember you now! I use to pull on your pigtails in Sunday school." Bo laughed, "You're all grown up now."

Valerie laughed, "Bo, how could I ever forget you. After you’d pull on my pigtails you usually got a raspberry from me. And I look who’s calling who grown up. You sure grown yourself."

"Maybe physically but we're still waiting for the mentally part." Luke replied looking at Bo who obviously didn't get the joke. Enos didn't either but Cooter, and Val lightly chucked. Luke then asked, "So how's your back Enos? I heard you hurt it."

"Yeah pulled some muscles in it. Nothing to serious, just have to stay away from even lifting and can't be up and around too much." He replied, "Nice to be home though."

Luke grinned, "Well, Bo we need to be getting to the farm. Jesse probably wants us to help mend that fence we ran through with the General.

"Yeah, well nice seeing' ya'll again." Bo replied as he started to follow Luke to the General. He then turned back to Valerie and took her hand and kissed it, "Nice to see you again Miss Strate." The Duke winked at her and ran off as Luke started up the General and he slipped in the passenger side window. Val stood there in confusion watching them go then spoke to relieve the awkwardness, "They welded the doors shut on that Charger? You'd think they would get tired of doing that."

Cooter and Enos chuckled. Enos just smiled at Val, "Yep, them boys didn't change much Val since you were gone."

"You can say that again." Valerie said then shook her head and looked to her Chevelle, "You aged well Cricket."

Cooter and Enos looked at the parked Chevelle. Enos looked at Cooter, "How's he running?"

"Well, considering I give him a Sunday drive once a month to make sure he stays purring like a kitten. I'd say he's running pretty good."

"It's been eleven years," she said softly to the car as she put her hand on the hood.

The two men watched as Val stared at the Chevelle. They could tell something was running through the woman's mind yet they didn't know what it was.

"I almost thought about selling him once…" she smiled softly with a misty sound to her voice, "Yet, I knew I'd be home someday. I wonder how long this'll last, Cricket."

Enos then spoke up, "Val, you OK?"

"I'll be fine." She replied, "I think I'd like to take him home now. Cooter how much I owe you for this month."

"Just $5.00 cause I only had him at my place two weeks. But as far as I'm concerned, you don't have to…" Cooter replied when she slipped a five dollar bill into his palm and closed it.

"Take it. He means more to me than you'll ever know." Val replied.

"Oh, Val I know but you’re a friend…" Cooter replied.

"Take it Cooter…and Thank you." She replied as she nonchalantly wiped away a tear that collected in her eye.

"Any time. Take it easy, now." Cooter smiled.

Valerie nodded and headed to the car. They filled Cricket with a full tank of gas. Enos got into the passenger side and sat down gently. Val then paid Cooter for the gas then got in and started the old Chevelle. Enos sat still as he watched her drive out of the square. Then he noticed the tears starting to drip down her face. She just silently drove as a few rolled down her cheek.

"What's wrong?" he asked her.

"I miss home." She replied as she wiped away a few tears.

Enos didn't know what to say. She had been gone for twelve years now. Then she came back saying she missed home. He knew a little of how she felt. L.A. just didn't seem right to him and he did miss Hazzard a lot. He had a stack of letters at home to prove it. Valerie always seemed to be happy with where she went. Now after a decade of being gone his sister was now home. Her hair was still done in the same style as when she was young. She still wore clothes that were similar style to the ones she use to wear, but more modern looking. She still loved doing chores with their father. Yet, he knew there was a difference. It was inside. She just didn't seem like the carefree little girl that was his sister. She was now a more humble person. The things that he knew gave her pleasure when they were kids now seemed important to her. Things she use to take for granted.

"Val, you need to talk 'bout something?" Enos asked.

She nodded and pulled the Chevelle off the side of the road. She parked the car and sat still.

"When ever you need to…" he whispered.

She took a deep breath then let it out. Her eyes watered slightly and she chuckled nervously, "Gosh… there is so much to say."

"Well, just take it one sentence at a time."

She nodded, "I miss home. I really do."

Enos just sat silent. He figured she did, but why?

"I mean… It happened a couple of months ago. I had been working with this guy in Ohio on a project. I kind of fell for him, in a matter of speaking'. We dated for a while. I was going to bring him here during this week to tell Mom and Dad but…" Valerie replied.

"But?" Enos asked.

"He broke it off. He told me about two weeks ago. We were so interested in making some of those projects work and together I thought maybe we could make a difference but…"

Enos sat silently.

"Then Mama called. She said you came home and you hurt your back. It was then that I felt I needed to go home. I started to question what I'm doing in life. I have all this knowledge and I have all these people who care about me and love me. Why am I going so far away to help others when the folks at home need me just as much?" She sniffled.

"So you don't want to go back to Ohio?" Enos asked.

"I don't know. Enos I'm so confused. I have a great job up there, but I feel like a fool every time I see that person. I got friends there but something… I don't know." She began to cry, "If I could find something here I would stay, but there is nothing here. Except become a Deputy… and I'd rather go back to what I know up there than try something totally new."

"Then just enjoy the time you have here Val." Enos replied with concern laced in his voice, "We'll always be here. Hazzard will always be here for you."

"That's just it, Enos. Hazzard made me and here I leave it behind." She sniffled drying her eyes.

He took her hand off of the steering wheel and gently held it, "Do what makes you feel happy. Because if you aren't happy Val, you can't make others happy. If Hazzard makes you happy stay in Hazzard, if Ohio makes you happy stay there, don't do something that leaves you feeling miserable." His blue green eyes stared intensely into her eyes with sincerity.

She nodded and dropped her head back to the steering wheel of the Chevelle, squeezed his hand tightly and then let go, "Let's get going home. Mama would be worried."

"Yeah." He answered.

She started the old Chevelle and took him back home. The ride was silent but the atmosphere was warm and understanding, as if nothing needed to be said. They arrived at the farm and went inside. Enos went to his room to take a nap. Val decided to read a magazine on the couch. Her mother was in her rocking chair crocheting. Her father wouldn’t be home for a while. He was still over at Herburts getting hay. She wanted so much to tell her parents she was staying in Hazzard. Yet, she herself didn’t even know. It’d be something she would just have to think about for herself. Like Enos told her, whatever makes her happy.

"Mom, when is Joesy coming? She is going to church with us tomorrow?" Valerie asked as she flipped a page.

"She said they would be here around supper time." Joanne replied as she kept at her crocheting.

There was a knock at the door. Val looked up from her magazine; "I’ll get the door Mama."

"Ok…"

Valerie got up from the couch and walked out of the living room and into the kitchen. Her socked feet slid across the linoleum floor as she approached the door. A smile spread across her face as she opened it.

"Joesy! Alan, and Annie! Oh, howdy! Good to see you…" Valerie replied as she held the door open and let them in. Joanne had already gotten up from her crocheting and seen her daughters reuniting again.

"Oh, Valerie Marie!" Josephine replied as she wrapped her arms around her sister, "It’s good to see you again."

"It’s good to see you too Joesy." Val replied then looked down to someone pulling on her jeans.

"Aunt Val!" the little voice called with arms stretched wide. Valerie scooped the little girl up into her arms, "Annie! How are you sweetheart?"

"I’m Grrrrrrrrreat!" she giggled and hugged Valerie, "Can we hunt fire flies tonight Aunt Val?"

Val laughed, "Sure if it’s ok with your Mama."

"Mommy can me and Aunt "V" got fire fly hunting, tonight?" Annie asked.

Josephine smiled at her daughter, "I think your Aunt Val would love that."

Valerie smiled at Josephine; "It’s been a long time."

"Yes, it has." Josephine replied, "Where’s Enos?"

"Sleeping… he went to Cooters with me to pick up Cricket." Valerie replied as she held Annie in her arms.

Josephine got a sly smile, "You do love that car don’t you?"

"Hey, he’s the best present I ever got! Of course I’m going to. I love him." Valerie giggled then turned her attention to Annie who was giggling as her Aunt held her. She then gave Annie a peck on the forehead, "Just like how I love this little giggle bug."

"Aunt "V"…" Annie giggled.

"Yes, giggle bug?"

"Could you put me down now…" Annie giggled.

"I suppose." Val replied with a smile then gently put Annie down on her feet.

"Hello, Val… Josephine, darling where do you want the bags." A tall slender sandy brown haired man with glasses and two suitcases in hand asked Josephine.

"Oh Alan, ask Mama. She could tell you." Josephine replied.

Then the screen door opened again. The women turned around to see their father enter the kitchen.

"GRANDPA!" Annie shouted with her arms stretched out for a hug.

"SSSSSSShhhhh! Annie Valerie Niles! Your Uncle is sleeping!" Josephine scolded her daughter.

"It’s ok… I’m up." Enos replied and Josephine turned around to see her brother in front of her.

"Enos! How you feeling?" she asked, "I hope Annie didn’t…"

"No she didn’t. Tired but happy…" he smiled.

"Well, I suppose I should make supper for everyone." Joanne replied.

"I can help you Mama." Josephine and Valerie replied at the same time. They then giggled.

"Ok, you both can help me." Joanne smiled.

"Oooo! Grandma! Grandma! Can me help too!" Annie asked anxiously.

Joanne let out a laugh. It was good to have a bunch of help. She smiled, "Yes sugar you can."

That night was filled with a feast of Joanne’s fried chicken, mash potatoes, green beans and huge bowl of slaw graced the table. The family ate talked about old times. The men the retreated to the living room and watched a race on TV while the women did the dishes. Annie played with her crayons on some paper at the table. The women were almost done with the dishes when Annie approached with a deck of playing cards in hand, "Can we play cards?"

"Oh, Annie sure we can play cards. Just as soon as I’m done with the dishes." Joanne replied, "Why don’t you go get your Grandfather, Uncle and Daddy to play too."

"Ok…" the little girl smiled and marched into the living room with the deck of cards.

"You’re really going have us play cards?" Josephine asked.

"Why not? You two got hot dates or something?" Joanne asked.

Val and Josephine looked at each other and giggled. That’s when Valerie remember she needed to go to Rhuebottom's to get groceries for breakfast.

"Mom, actually I have to go to Ruhebottom’s to get some things for breakfast tomorrow." Val replied.

"All right, well while you two are getting things, I’ll play cards with my granddaughter." Joanne answered as she drained the dishwater.

Val put the last plate away as Josephine hung up the towels.

"Let me get my purse Val. You can drive that cool car of yours." Josephine smiled slyly.

"Kay!" Val giggled grasping her keys, "See you Mama when we get back."

Joanne nodded and the women walked out the door. Val followed Josephine out onto the porch when she looked up and seen the 1962 corvette that sat in the drive next to Cricket. Her jaw dropped, "whose vett is that!"

"Mine." Josephine replied, "But I ride in that all the time. Come on; Cricket needs to stretch his tires! Ain’t you itching to drive him."

"Ok." Valerie grinned. She felt honored that her sister let her drive.

The women got into the Chevelle. Valerie started the engine and backed out of the drive. The leather steering wheel felt nice under her fingers as she gripped the wheel.

"Let’s go to Nest." Josephine proclaimed.

"But we need to go to Rhuebottoms to get stuff for tomorrow. They close at seven and I want to get there before it closes." Valerie replied.

"Well, lets go to Rhuebottoms then we’re going to the Boar’s Nest." Josephine grinned.

"Joe, you’re going to get me in trouble." Val laughed.

"It’s been along time since I heard you utter that phrase!" Josephine cackled, "Oh please! Val lets just go to see what the old place is like. I haven’t been there since I left Hazzard and married Alan. The same could be said for you probably. We’re adults. Let’s just get lemonades and see what the place is like."

"All right sounds fair. But I'd rather have chocolate milk." Val smiled. Soon the Chevelle pulled up to the dry goods store and the women got out and went inside. They purchase fresh fruit, sausage, and pancake mix.

"Joesy you think we need eggs and milk?" Val asked.

"No, mama has plenty I seen a lot in the frig." Josephine replied as they approached the cash register.

Mr. Rhuebottom began ringing items up when he looked at the women in front of him, "Do I know you gals?"

"Don’t you recognize us Mr. Rhuebottom?" Val asked.

He looked at the women closer.

"Josephine and Valerie Strate?" Josephine replied.

"Oh! Good Golly! You two have sure grown up. How’s the family? I heard your brother is back from L.A." Mr. Rhuebottom asked.

"The folks are fine. Enos doing alright." Josephine smiled sweetly.

"Well, you gals have a good afternoon. It was good seeing you again." Mr. Rhuebottom replied.

The women nodded and paid for their items. Valerie chuckled as she started the car, "Boar’s Nest?"

"Yep." Josephine replied.

* * * * *

Bo took a sip of his beer and looked at his cousin, "That Chevelle sure was pretty Luke."

"You sure we're talking about the Chevelle Bo?" Luke eyed his cousin.

Bo smiled and chuckled as he held the frosty mug to his lips, "What else would I talk about besides cars, cousin?"

Luke shook his head, "Yeah you would date a crane."

"What! Can't I give her a decent welcome on back home?" Bo snapped back.

"Speak of the…" Luke replied as he watched the two women walk into the Nest.

"Well, lets go greet the pretty ladies." Bo smiled as he took his beer and walked over to the table where they sat, "Well, Howdy Valerie… this seat taken?"

Josephine grinned, "It is now."

Luke came over and pulled up a chair. Josephine looked up at Luke and grinned, "Luke Duke! How are you?"

"Good. How are you Josephine?" Luke asked.

"Joesy Strate? I'm sorry sugar I didn't realize it was you!" Bo exclaimed as he looked at Josephine in shock.

"Yep, Josephine came home too." Valerie smiled as she stirred her chocolate milk with her straw.

"It's just for the weekend… Just to be with the folks and see Enos and Val again." Josephine grinned then gently hugged her sister with her right arm.

"So what you two been up to? We didn't get to talk much at Cooters." Luke asked.

The girls looked at each other then Josephine spoke, "Well, I got married and been living with my husband for six years now. Plus I have a four year old daughter."

The Dukes looked a little shocked at the fact that Josephine was now all grown up.

"So uh Val… you got a family and husband yet?" Bo asked.

Valerie smiled, "No. I don't…I'm kind of married to my work."

"So what are you doing these days?" Luke asked.

"I'm a ranger for a park in Ohio that's by the northwestern corner of the state and lake Erie." Valerie answered then took a sip of chocolate milk.

"So you rescue lost hikers and stuff?" Luke asked as he took a sip of beer.

"Well, sort of… I’m kind of working with the Fish and Wildlife service doing a study on the park right now." Val blushed. She loved her work. It was a shame that she couldn’t do the same work in Hazzard.

"So what you two boys been up to?" Josephine asked with a smile on her face.

"Just the usual, winning races and helping Jesse with the farm." Bo smiled.

"And stealing girls hearts…" a female voice chuckled as the woman approached the table.

The group turned to the sound of the voice and seen Daisy Duke approach them. Daisy smiled as she came over to the table. Valerie and Josephine smiled back. Valerie pulled out a chair, "Daisy Duke! You got time for a break?"

Daisy took a seat quick next to Valerie and smiled, "Valerie and Joesy Strate! It’s good to see you two back in the Nest. It’s been a long time!"

"Well, we’re visiting the folks and Enos, right now. Val took me into Rhuebottom’s to get some things for breakfast tomorrow. I told her to stop by the Nest and I’d buy her a drink." Josephine smiled at her sister.

"Breakfast? Who’s cooking?" Bo asked.

"I am." Valerie replied.

"So what you cooking?" Luke asked as he took a sip of his beer.

"Sausage, pancakes, eggs, fruit…" Valerie started to name off when Bo piped up, "Oh that sounds good! Can we come too?"

"BO!" Daisy and Luke scolded.

Valerie and Josephine laughed. Then Val spoke up, "I’m sure Mama wouldn’t mind. What do you think Joesy?"

"I think Mama would enjoy having you all over. Plus Enos might like it if friends came to see him." Josephine replied, "And if you boys come… you got to bring Jesse and Daisy."

"What do you think Daisy? Would Jesse mind if we all went to the Strates for breakfast tomorrow after church?" Bo asked.

"I don’t think Uncle Jesse would mind, but you would have to talk to him." Daisy replied.

"It's settled then!" Val smiled, "We'll see you after church for breakfast. Bring your appetites!"

Bo got a huge grin on his face as he looked at his cousins. They too were glad to be invited. Soon the Strate sisters finished their drinks they headed for home. They said their goodbyes to the Dukes, paid for their refreshments and walked out the door.

* * * * * *

In the courthouse, Hazzard County’s government was hard at work. Boss didn't like what he was reading on the sheet of paper in front him; "Hazzard County has not yet proclaimed a certified Wildlife Officer for their county for the year. Therefore the state has decided to withhold highway funds if a qualified individual does not fill the position, within twenty days of receiving this notice." The county commissioner huffed as he put down the notice and chewed on his cigar.

He looked at his brother-in-law Sheriff who was sitting across from him, "Rosco you know what this means?"

"What Boss?" Rosco asked looking aimlessly at Commissioner Hogg.

"It means… I gotta find another nitwit to fill a job which Hazzard don't need." Boss grumbled.

"But Boss, I don't think Atlanta would be sending you that notice if we didn't need a uh… Wildlife Officer." Rosco replied.

"Did I ask for your opinion Rosco?" Boss glared at the Sheriff.

"No Boss ya didn't." Rosco replied.

"Then don't give it to me if I don't ask for it!" Boss barked, "I have to find someone who knows Hazzard but don't know Hazzard."

Rosco looked confused at Boss. Well Rosco it's kind of hard to figure out just what Boss does mean sometimes cause I don't even know what he means.

"So where we going to find someone like that, Boss?" Rosco asked.

Boss sat there looking at the paper pondering a way to get around this.

"You know Boss, I could use a day off or another Deputy. Cause I’ve been working so much lately. Cletus does the job but those two hours less…" Rosco stammered.

"Rosco! I got enough to worry about with this official notice! I don’t need to listen to your blabbering’ too." Boss snorted.

* * * * * * *

The morning light shown through the windows of the little country church. Bo and Luke sat in the pew with their cousin Daisy and their Uncle Jesse. In front of the Dukes sat the Strate family. The Strates were in their Sunday best as well. Ed had on a light gray suit jacket that had flecks of black in the weave and black pants to match. Joanne stood next to him with a navy dress, which the hem stopped at her shins. Her navy hat that she wore covered her short curly gray locks. Beside her, her eldest daughter stood with her husband holding their child Annie. Alan had a light tan suit with brown suede shoes. Josephine wore a sky blue suit jacket and pleated skirt. In her arms her little angel, wore a plaid jumper with a white blouse. Enos stood next to Alan and wore a dark blue suit and Val had on a lavender princess cut dress that went to her knees. Boss Hogg and his wife Lulu sat in the front pew of the church Boss of course was dressed in his best white suit and Lulu was in a purple dress with a big flower hat. The service lasted about forty-five minutes and after the service was over Lulu came over to Joanne and smiled, "Joanne, it’s so nice to see your daughters come home again. They sure got grown!"

Joanne smiled and turned to Alan and Josephine, "Yeah, you remember Alan don’t you?"

"Oh, yes I remember… and this must be Miss Annie" Lulu smiled at the little girl who leaned her head on Josephine's shoulder. Annie looked tired as she looked at Lulu but gave her a tired smile.

"She got up early for church this morning." Josephine grinned as she brushed away a strand of hair in the child’s eyes, "Annie, honey this is Mrs. Lulu Hogg. She’s a friend of Grandma’s."

"Does Mrs. Lulu know how to play ‘Go Fish’?" Annie asked wearily.

Lulu looked questionably at Annie, "Yes, I sure do."

"Mommy can Mrs. Lulu come over and have pancakes and play ‘Go Fish’ with me and Grammy?" Annie asked gently lifting her head to her mother.

"Well, if it’s ok with Mrs. Hogg and your Aunt Val. She’s the one who has to cook." Josephine replied.

Val was talking to Daisy when she felt a small tug on her dress and she looked down. It was Annie, she had asked her mother to put her down so she could ask her Aunt permission, "Aunt Val can Mrs. Lulu come over for pancakes and ‘Go Fish’?"

Val smiled at Annie then looked over to see Lulu talking to Joanne, "I don’t mind if Grandma and Mrs. Lulu don’t."

Annie scurried over to Lulu and Joanne, "Grandma! Grandma! Can Mrs. Lulu come over!"

"Lulu would you and J.D. like to join us for breakfast?" Joanne grinned.

"I’d love too." Lulu replied.

Then Enos came over with Cooter and the Duke boys, "Hey Mama can Cooter come over too. I mean we invited the Dukes over so…"

"Valerie is the one cooking!" Joanne laughed.

"Val can…" Enos was about to ask her when she smiled, "Sure Cooter can come over… I’m going to have to make enough food for an army!"

"Well, what all were you going to fix?" Daisy asked.

"Pancakes, sausage, fruit salad, scrambled eggs…" Valerie replied.

"Oh, Val I can make the sausage and Ms. Lulu can bring the fruit salad." Daisy replied.

"I can bring scramble eggs" Cooter replied, "The chickens been laying’em something fierce."

"All right then! We’ll see you all at 11:00am. It’s brunch actually but, it’s Sunday." Val replied.

"Why don’t we just move it to noon and we can have lunch instead." Joanne suggested, "We could have corn chowder instead because that’s what I was going to fix anyhow."

"I can make biscuits" Daisy replied.

"I’ll bring salad." Lulu exclaimed.

"I can bring Brownies!" Cooter answered.

"Cooter you know how to make Brownies?" Bo asked.

"Yep sure can!" Cooter grinned, "Betty Crocker and me are good friends."

It was settled everyone would meet over at the Strates for some of Joanne’s corn chowder. Of course Val would have to help make it but it was Joanne’s recipe. The Strates and Niles (Josephine's family) left after church to get ready for the meal.

* * * * * * *

J.D. looked at his wife who was putting a lid on the big bowl of salad.

"Why’d you get us into this?" Boss whined to his wife.

"Oh, relax! Joanne Strate and I get along quite well. I don’t know why you and Edward don’t see eye to eye on things." Lulu huffed, "Besides please be polite at least while you are there. I don’t want to lose another member of my book club."

J.D. rolled his eyes. He really didn’t mind the Strates. Infact he use to be friends with Edward Strate because of Lulu. The Strate and Coltrane families got along well throughout time. Strates were known to be hospitable people who didn’t care to stir the pot. At the Strate house a similar conversation was taking place.

"So what if Lulu brings J.D. along. I mean you can’t say… OH! Lulu I’d love to have you over but don’t bring your husband! I mean what am I suppose to say!" Joanne replied to her husband.

Ed scratched his head and looked sheepishly at his wife and sighed, "You know I don’t care for his… "Politics"."

"Then don’t talk politics… talk about something else. Like farming! You love that subject dear, talk about that." Joanne suggested as she was peeling potatoes for the corn chowder she was making.

Ed sighed and shook his head, "Yes dear." Then smiled at her.

"Oh just be nice." Joanne grinned at her husband, "For me… besides the kids are home."

"I will. I always am ain’t I." Ed gave her a grin and put his John Deer cap on his head, "I will be in the barn, getting some of the folding chairs. Alan can you give me a hand."

His son-in-law nodded and walked out the door after him. Valerie was opening a can of corn for the soup. She walked over to her mother and smiled, "It's so good to be home."

"So how is Ohio… you haven't talked about your job all week. Something wrong?" Joanne asked her.

"I don't know Mom. I'm working on this really hard project with the ODNR. It's fun, but…" Val's smile turned to a slight frown as she added the corn to the pot.

"But what?" Joanne asked looking at her daughter.

Valerie sighed, "It's hard to explain… but everything's going all right. Let's just not talk about work for right now."

"Valerie… something is bugging you. You know you can talk about it." Joanne replied.

"I know… and I will when I'm ready, Mama." She replied and gave her a mother a hug and a peck on the forehead.

Joanne smiled at her daughter she was proud that Valerie knew she could come to her. She knew when the time was right she would open up. Val took some bowls out of the cupboard and took them to the dinning room table. Josephine came into the dinning room with Annie and looked at the table, "Well, where do you want us to sit?"

"Over there, is fine." Val motioned to the over side of the table. Josephine picked up some bundles of silverware and began setting them on the table when Daisy Duke entered the dinning room.

"Daisy. You're early." Val smiled at her friend.

"Yeah, Bo wanted to get here quick. So of course we took the General and he took a few short cuts." Daisy laughed. Val and Josephine laughed as well.

"Howdy, All!" the women hear then turn around to see Cooter Davenport standing at the dinning room/kitchen door with a basket of Brownies in hand.

Daisy smiled at Cooter with her arms folded, "Did Betty help you bake those Brownies?"

"She sure did and she's quite the cook you know. Just try'em." Cooter smiled.

Daisy picked up a Brownie broke it in half and took a bite of the other half, "Mmmm, these are good." She then handed the other half to Josephine and Val. The ladies tried Cooter's Brownies.

"These are good!" Josephine smiled, "What box mix you use Cooter?"

"Me try!!" Annie whimpered.

"That's for Betty and me to know." Cooter laughed. He then handed a Brownie to Annie, who gobbled it down.

"Well, whatever the recipe is it's sure good!" Val replied.

"And who says a way to a lady's heart ain't through her lips." Cooter laughed.

"Hey as long as you bring chocolate. You're welcome to my house any time." Josephine laughed.

"Mmmm hhhhhmmm." Val replied savoring her last bite of her brownie.

As Cooter was laughing with the girls, outside a white Cadillac pulled into the Strate's drive. Ed came out of the barn with two folding chairs in his arms and Alan his son-in-law followed behind him. The driver of the caddy got out and helped the two passengers out of the white car. It was Lulu and JD Hogg. The driver and Lulu headed to the house with the salad. JD figured he better be sociable to Ed and walked over to the farmer.

"Howdy! JD, how are ya?" Ed called out to the portly man dressed in white, which approached him.

"Hello Edward… I'm doing well. How's your family? I seen those girls and that son of yours all came home." Boss replied as he puffed his cigar.

"Yeah, Enos came home after hurting his back in LA on the job. Not sure what he's going to do after it heals. He said he's not ready to go back to LA right yet. Josephine is just here for the weekend with her daughter and husband Alan here… You remember Alan don't you?" Ed replied gesturing to Alan.

"Oh, yes… you're that city slicker Optometrist that came and swept little Joesy off her feet and out of Hazzard." JD replied extending his hand, "Well, good to see ya again son. You ever think about investing in some of Hazzard?"

"Uh…Well it's nice to see you too again sir… but no I haven't. Been saving for little Annie's future. College." Alan sheepishly replied. When a patrol car pulled up. The Sheriff himself stepped out of the car. Ed got a smile on his face, for two reasons. One, Boss was now distracted from grilling Alan on his finical profile and two Rosco P. Coltrane was here, an old friend.

"Hello Sheriff! How are you?" Ed smiled and extended his hand out to Rosco as he approached the group.

"Hello Ed. Sorry to bother ya but I need to talk to Boss about something." Rosco replied shaking Ed's hand. "Boss, you know how you were wondering who to hire for that job you got open…"

"Rosco can we talk about this later. Can't you see I'm having dinner with some of my constituents." Boss replied the took Rosco off to the side whispering, "Sides, constituents mean votes, and votes mean money."

"Oh! Well, Boss, Ummm I got a phone call from the Georgia Department of Wildlife. They told me they would like to see a few resumes of some of the applicants you got for the job." Rosco replied.

"Is that so?" JD huffed has he smoked his cigar.

"Yeah, that's so. I'm getting a little worried Boss. That guy on the phone sounded pretty serious about you getting someone to fill that position." Rosco replied.

JD sighed, "Well, I'm not going to worry 'bout it now. Lulu and I have been invited to have dinner here at Ed's. So I'm going to go and enjoy myself and my dinner, and you are going to go…"

"Hey! Rosco it's almost noon. Why don't you join us for dinner." Ed called to them.

"OOOOO! I'd love to! What does Joanne got cooking?" Rosco replied as Boss was cut off.

Boss looked at his watch. It was noon and Rosco did get a lunch break.

"What do you say Boss? Can Rosco join us for dinner?" Ed grinned.

"Yeah. Come on Rosco." Boss replied as they headed into the house.

The men entered the house the women had the table set. Cooter, Jesse, Bo and Luke were talking to Enos about LA. Enos took a nap and rested his back for a while. So he would feel refreshed for dinner. Ed, Alan, Boss, and Rosco all sat down to the dinner table.

"Who wishes to say grace?" Ed asked.

Everyone looked at each other when Valerie spoke up, "I will Daddy."

She took a deep breath, "Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the blessing of food you have given us. We also thank you for bringing us here together in peace and harmony. Thank you for giving us family and friends in which we can share this delicious meal with. In Your Name we pray… Amen."

She then looked up at the group and smiled discreetly and put her napkin on her lap, "Well, let's eat."

The soup was served and the salad was passed around. The huge table was filled with conversations and laughter. Enos was sitting between the Dukes and the Sheriff. He felt a little nervous about asking Sheriff Rosco about getting his old job back but he felt this might be a good time. Rosco was talking to Boss about some things in between bites of his meal. He wanted to talk to Enos about LA and talk about police procedures, but he felt unsure about how his former Deputy felt about LA Aw heck, talk to the kid. Maybe he might come back to the Sheriff Department. It'd really help.

"So… uh Enos, I heard you got hurt in LA. What happened?" Rosco asked.

"Oh, I was in hot pursuit of a suspect when I crashed. I just pulled some muscles in my back nothing too serious. Doctor says, I have to be off for a few weeks." He replied.

"So you going to go back to LA?" Rosco asked.

Enos looked at the Sheriff then looked at his lap then to the Sheriff again, "Well… I was wondering if I could come back to Hazzard…"

A grin passed across Rosco's face, "Well, I'll see what I can do. I know tho' that Boss has an opening for a Game Warden. But the state demands that you have pervious training in wildlife."

"Aaaww, shucks, I don't have training in Wildlife…." Enos replied but stopped as he looked across the table at his little sister. Her words echoed in the back of his mind. If I could find something here I would stay, but there is nothing here. Except become a Deputy… and I'd rather go back to what I know up there than try something totally new. "Sheriff, um I would love to get a job as a Deputy but I do know someone who could fill that position… that's if she's interested."

Rosco raised his eyebrow "She?"

"Well, Sheriff sir… Val is a park ranger in Ohio. She's got a college degree in Natural Resources and stuff. She and I talked earlier this week. Val said she'd come back home to Hazzard permanent, if she had a job similar to the one she's working at now." Enos replied, "And I know it's kind of unprofessional to say this Sheriff… but I would really like to see my sister come back home."

Rosco grinned lightly, "Khee! I'll talk to Boss. You talk to Val and both of you should update your resumes."

A huge smile spread across Enos's face, "OH! Thank ya Sheriff!"

"Don't thank me yet. Nothing has happened yet." Rosco replied taking a sip of the coffee he had to drink.

* * * * * * *

A few weeks later, Val stood in front of the bathroom mirror looking at her tan and green uniform. A huge grin spread across her face as she adjusted her olive green hat.

"Um, I got you something for your first day…" someone said behind her. She turned around and it was Enos.

"Enos… you startled me a bit. You didn't have to get me anything. Heck, you're the one who got me the job!" She smiled proudly.

Enos grinned, "I know Val… but you're my sister and well… probably my best friend. I just want to wish you well on your first day. You're a Game Warden now."

Valerie smiled brightly and wrapped her arms around him in a hug, "Thank you…"

"Thank you Val. For being my sis… these are for you." He handed her a white box. She opened the white box and gently pushed away the tissue paper to reveal a spring bouquet of lilies. She smiled at Enos and hugged him again, "I can't wait till you come back to the Sheriff's Department."

"Just two more weeks… I'll be there Val." Enos grinned.

"Yep… Rosco will get his number one dipstick back." Val grinned.

"Yeah, he'll have two dipsticks to deal with now. Cletus and me!" he laughed.

Val giggled, "Well, I better put these in water quick downstairs and get going to work. Don't want to be late on the first day."

"Oh I can do that for you. You just go on to work and have a good day. Oh, Mama and I packed you a lunch it's in the frig." Enos replied taking the box from her and following her downstairs and to the kitchen. Val picked up her lunch in the refrigerator and headed to the door. Joanne stopped her daughter, "Ms. Game Warden, you ain't leaving until you give me a hug!"

Valerie laughed and gave her mother a big hug, "Thanks Mom."

"Have a good day at work Val." Joanne replied. Ed came up behind JoAnne, "See you when you get home Val."

"Bye, I'll see you all when I get home!" Val waved as she took her lunch and headed out the door after her family's send off on her first day. Enos looked out the window and watched the maroon Chevelle head down the dirt road into Hazzard. Yes, Enos Strate your twin sister is finally home.

The End