Forbidden Love

Disclaimer: I don't own the Dukes of Hazzard, not making any money, just cheap thrills.


Warnings: Angst, Slash, Established Couple


Rating: FRT


* indicates thoughts


Forbidden Love
Chapter 15


When Bo was released from the Capital City hospital the next day, he insisted on going straight to the Hazzard jail. He knew his uncle and cousins didn't like it, but he needed to see Rosco, then he'd go home and rest. Luke pulled up in front of the Hazzard county jail and climbed out of Jesse's pick-up, hurrying to the other side, he helped his cousin to get out. Ignoring the way Bo tried to shake off his help, Luke took the younger man's arm to steady him as they went up the steps and inside.


"Hey Enos, I'm here to visit Rosco," Bo told the deputy as soon as he stepped into the jail.


Looking at him with deep regret, Enos sighed, "I'm sorry Bo, I can't let ya do that."


"What do ya mean? He's still got rights don't he?" Bo asked, getting angry and thinking this was some of Boss Hogg's doing.


"Sure he does Bo, it's just that the State Police are on their way here to talk to him. They called and told me I wasn't to let anybody talk to him, unless it was his lawyer, until they get here."


"Dang it Enos, that ain't right and you know it," Bo insisted, desperate to assure himself that Rosco was okay.


"I'm sure sorry Bo, if it was up to me I'd let ya see him, but I can't. If I let ya see him and they find out it could affect his case, you don't want that do ya?"


"No," Bo conceded, disappointed and angry that he wouldn't be able to see his lover. "When are they supposed to be here Enos?"


"I don't know for sure Bo, but I guess it'll probably be in about an hour," Enos told him. "Why don't you call this afternoon, I can tell ya then if you'll be allowed to see the sheriff."


"What do ya mean if? I thought once the State Police talk to him, he can have visitors."


"He probably can Bo, the thing is they're gonna need to talk to you so ya still may not be allowed to see him," Enos explained.


"Come on Bo," Luke said, clapping one hand onto Bo's shoulder, "Let's get you home so you can rest."


"Dang it Luke, I don't need to rest, I need to see Rosco," Bo snapped.


"Bo don't be like that, I know you're upset but ya ain't got to be taking it out on me and Enos."


"You're right Luke, I'm sorry y'all. Guess you're right cousin, might as well go home. Enos, could you at least let Rosco know I was here?" Bo asked his friend, wanting to make sure Rosco knew he hadn't deserted him.


"Sure Bo, I don't see any harm in that," Enos agreed, grinning at his friends in relief.

"Luke, do ya think they'll believe Rosco?" Bo asked as they drove home from the jail.


"Sure they will Bo," Luke assured his younger cousin. "It's like Rosco told ya, a man died and they have to investigate. As soon as they talk to Rosco and you, maybe the doctor that treated Steve, they'll know Rosco did what he had to. It's just gonna take a couple of days to get everything cleared up, that's all."

"I hope you're right Luke," Bo softly replied, turning to look out the side window at the scenery. "Luke, I'm scared...I can't lose him," Bo spoke suddenly, startling his cousin. Misunderstanding the reason for Luke's flinch, Bo muttered an apology before turning away.


"Bo, what are ya apologizing for?"


"For bringing it up, I know ya ain't comfortable with me and Rosco. It's okay Luke, I didn't mean to bother you," Bo offered, hoping Luke wasn't too mad at him.

Pulling the truck to the side of the road, Luke slammed on the brakes, bringing the truck to a sliding stop. Turning to his cousin, Luke reached across Bo and grabbed his right arm, forcing Bo to turn towards him. "Bo you're right I ain't comfortable with you and Rosco. I don't understand it, but you're my cousin and I love you, if Rosco makes you happy then fine. I don't ever want you to apologize to me for needing to talk, or for needing anything else from me, you understand?"


"Yeah Luke, I just thought...well you flinched and I figured it made you uncomfortable or mad to hear me talk about Rosco."


"Aw Bo, I was just startled is all. You were sitting over there, being so quiet I'd almost forgot you were in the truck. Bo? Ya ain't gonna lose Rosco, I promise ya it ain't gonna happen," Luke assured, giving his arm a gentle squeeze as he spoke.


"I hope you're right Luke, and thanks," Bo replied, a small smile playing across his face. "Guess we better get on home, start thinking about how we're gonna make Boss Hogg pay for what he's done."

"Let's go then," Luke said, putting the truck into gear and heading for home.






Forty-five minutes after Bo and Luke left the jail, two detectives from the State Police stepped through the door. "Deputy Strate?"


"Yes sir?" Enos answered the middle-aged man who stood in front of his desk.


"I'm Detective Lynch, this is Detective Johnson, we're with the State Police and need to see Rosco Coltrane."


"Oh my, yes sir, uh, right this way detectives," Enos stuttered out nervously, leading them down the stairs.


Looking up from where he sat on the cot, Rosco saw Enos leading two strangers down the stairs. Seeing the way they were dressed, he figured they were probably with the State Police.


"Sheriff, this here's Detective Lynch," Enos introduced the middle-aged detective. "And this is Detective Johnson," he continued, gesturing towards the thirty something man in a cheap gray suit. "They're with the State Police," Enos explained, still stuttering nervously.


"Detectives," Rosco greeted, aknowledging the introductions.


"Thank you deputy, we'll take it from here," Detective Johnson spoke dismissively.


"Yes sir," Enos replied, smiling supportively at the sheriff and moving towards the steps.


"Alright, Sheriff Coltrane are you ready to start or do you need to call a lawyer?" Detective Lynch asked.


"No sir I don't need a lawyer, let's just go ahead and start," Rosco replied.


"Alright then, let's start with how you came to be at the Perkin's place on the date in question," Detective Lynch began.

"Well I was in my office when the phone rang, it was a woman and she reported seeing a vagrant up at the Perkin's place."


" Who was the woman?" Detective Johnson asked.


"I don't know, she didn't say her name. I decided to go check it out myself, we weren't busy and I wanted to get out of the office. When I got there, I saw a pick-up I recognized as belonging to Jesse Duke. Well now I knew that anybody calling in would've known who any of the Dukes were, so I got suspicious. That's when I called Enos and asked him to join me. I headed inside, being careful since I didn't know what was going on. I could hear the sounds of somebody fighting and when I came around the corner into the parlor, I saw Steve Olsen flip Bo Duke onto his back. Guess Bo must've hit his head, cause he got knocked out, I yelled at Olsen to freeze. He looked at me and then he," Rosco paused, not knowing if they knew about him and Bo. *I ain't gonna keep pretending to be crooked* Rosco remembered his words to Bo and made his decision. "He said that if he couldn't have him, neither could I and he started to stab Bo, that's when I shot Olsen. I grabbed Bo and tried to stop the bleeding, at some point Enos came in and called an ambulance and they took both men to the hospital in Capital City."


"So the rumors we heard are true, you're involved with another man?" Detective Lynch asked, a little surprised that Coltrane wasn't trying to hide his relationship from them. Looking at the jailed sheriff, Bob Lynch let the respect he felt show clearly in his green eyes.


"Is that what really happened, or did you find your lover with another man and shoot your rival?" Detective Johnson asked with a sneer, contempt dripping from his voice and reflecting in his blue eyes.


"No sir, I told you what happened. Bo wasn't up there having a dalliance with Olsen, if you don't believe me why don't you just go talk to Bo. I guarantee after you see the bruises on his face and see the medical report over to the hospital, you'll know I did the only thing I could. And Detective, I would've done the same thing no matter who the victim was."


"Oh I'm sure you would've. Actually I'm surprised you had the nerve to act, damn faggot," Johnson muttered the last two words.


"Detective, you think what you like about me, I don't care. I'll tell ya right now though, you better not be taking that attitude out to the Dukes when you talk to Bo," Rosco warned.


"Is that a threat Mr. Coltrane?"


"Nope, it's a warning. Oh I ain't talking about me, I'm talking about Bo's family, for that matter Bo ain't gonna take to kindly to it either."


"Alright Sheriff Coltrane, let's go over this again," Lynch said, interrupting the other two men. Two hours later and after going over Rosco's story at least half a dozen times, the two detectives were satisfied. "Thank you Sheriff Coltrane, we'll be in touch," Lynch said, pushing his younger partner towards the stairs.


Coming upstairs, they asked Enos for directions to the Duke farm and a recommendation for lunch. Before heading to the diner, Johnson instructed Enos that no member of the Duke family was to see the prisoner until further notice.


By one o'clock that afternoon the two detectives were headed out to the Duke farm, hoping they would be able to talk to Bo Duke that day. Finding the driveway, they turned their car into the drive and slowly drove up to the house. Parking in the yard, next to an old white pick-up, they shook their heads in amusement at the orange Dodge Charger parked to the side of the drive. Walking up to the back door, they were surprised when an older man in overalls stepped outside before they could knock.


"Hello, can I help you gentlemen?"


"Yes sir, I'm Detective Lynch, this is Detective Johnson, we're with the State Police. We need to see a Bo Duke, regarding the shooting death of Steve Olsen."


"Hello, I'm Jesse Duke, Bo's my nephew. Could I see some i.d.?" Jesse asked, feeling a little more cautious than usual these days.


"Yes sir, of course," Lynch responded, holding out his badge for Jesse's inspection. Seemingly satisfied, Jesse turned towards the younger detective, who grudgingly held out his badge.


Satisfied that they were who they said they were, Jesse invited them inside. Stopping at the door, he turned to them, "Now I understand you men have a job to do, but you understand Bo's had a rough couple of days and ain't been home from the hospital long. I expect y'all will remember he's the victim, and he ain't done nothing wrong." Waiting until both men had nodded their understanding, Jesse then turned around and led them on into the kitchen.

Stepping into the cozy kitchen, the detectives saw a young man and woman sitting at the small table. "Detectives Lynch and Johnson, this is my niece Daisy and my nephew Luke. Kids these two detectives are from the State Police, they're here to talk to Bo."

"Nice to meet y'all," Lynch spoke for both men. "Mr. Duke, do you think it would be possible for us to speak with Bo?" Lynch asked, turning to Jesse as he spoke.


"Luke why don't you go see if Bo's awake, we'll wait for ya in the living room," Jesse told his nephew.


A few minutes later, Luke came out of the bedroom, followed by a not quite awake Bo. "Bo these are the detectives I told ya about, Detective Lynch and Detective Johnson," Luke introduced.


Looking up, the two detectives were surprised to see how young Bo Duke was. Judging by the sheriff's age they had expected somebody a little older. "Hello Bo, I know you've had a rough time of it lately. Do you think you could handle answering a few questions?" Lynch kindly asked, not forgetting Jesse's earlier warning.


"Yes sir, I just want to get this over with," Bo responded, wincing as speaking made the bruises on his face hurt.


"Well, we know you were at the Perkin's place with Steve Olsen. Could you tell us how you came to be there?" Lynch asked.


"Yeah, I got a call from some man, he said Rosco was up there and he was in trouble. I jumped in my uncle's truck and drove over there as fast as I could. When I got there, I found out that the only one there was Steve Olsen. He was the one who had called me, he said he just wanted to talk." Bo paused, licking his lips nervously, not sure if he should admit to a relationship with Rosco.


Sensing the problem, Lynch spoke up. "Bo, if you're wondering what we know about you and the sheriff, we already know the two of you are involved."


"Thanks, well Steve made a pass and I turned him down. That's when he got violent, said that I owed him a chance. I shoved him away and tried to leave, he tackled me and we started fighting. I don't know how long it went on, the last thing I remember is I was straddling him and then he flipped me. Next thing I knew, I was waking up in the hospital with a concussion, cracked ribs and a stab wound to my chest."


"So you didn't actually see Coltrane shoot Steve Olsen?" Johnson asked, his tone still thick with contempt.


"No I didn't, but I know Steve Olsen planned to rape me and probably would've killed me when he was done. If Rosco hadn't shot him, we wouldn't be having this conversation," Bo snapped at the detective.


"Calm down Bo," Luke cautioned, laying a supportive hand on Bo's shoulder.


"Rick, that's enough!" Lynch ordered the other man, knowing that he was letting his prejudices get in his way.


"I don't think it is Bob. I'll tell you what Bo, here's what I think happened. You were up at the Perkin's place with Steve Olsen, a man closer to your own age. Coltrane caught the two of you together, he shot Olsen and then beat and stabbed you in a jealous rage. Now you're covering for him, whether from fear or guilt I don't know, and I don't care, but I want the truth."


"I told you the truth, Rosco saved me from being raped and probably killed. If he says he had no choice but to shoot Steve, you can bet he had no choice," Bo insisted.

"I think maybe you need to leave now," Jesse said to the detectives. He didn't like the direction this conversation was taking, but he wouldn't stand by while these city men railroaded his nephew or Rosco.


"Yes Mr. Duke, I believe you're right. Thank you for your time, Bo if you remember anything else, please don't hesitate to call me." Bob Lynch told them, grabbing his younger partner by the arm and practically dragging him out the door.


"Oh Lord, they're gonna try to get Rosco sent to prison for murder," Bo moaned, wrapping his arms around himself and leaning forward.

"Now Bo, don't you worry about Rosco. We ain't about to let him go to prison for doing his job," Jesse assured him, pulling the younger man to his feet and embracing him. "I want you to go lay down and get some rest, now no arguements boy. You make sure he rests Luke, I'm gonna go into town and talk to a lawyer," Jesse told them. Turning Bo towards his older cousin, Jesse released his hold and headed outside to his truck.


That night, the peacefulness of the Duke farm was destroyed by the screams coming from the bedroom shared by the boys. "Bo! Bo snap out of it," Luke called, shaking his cousin by the shoulders, trying to wake him up.


"No please, don't do it, he's innocent," Bo cried out, eyes open but not yet awake.


"Move aside Luke," Jesse gruffly ordered, taking Luke's place on the bed. "Bo! Wake up now, it's just a nightmare. Bo!" Jesse called again, delivering a stinging slap to Bo's face, bringing him out of the nightmare.


"Uncle Jesse? What are y'all doing in here?" Bo asked, looking at his uncle and Daisy.


"Having ten years scared off my life. You were having a nightmare Bo, from the sounds of it a pretty bad one," Jesse explained. "You want to talk about it?"


"Not really, but guess y'all deserve to know why you're getting woke up. There was a trial and Rosco was found guilty of murder. They sentenced him...to death," Bo whispered, barely able to get the words out. Shuddering at the memory of the dream and praying that it would remain only a nightmare, Bo went on. "They had him in the gas chamber and I was screaming at them that he's innocent, that's all I remember."

"I can sure understand that scaring ya baby, but you got to have faith Bo. The good Lord ain't gonna let Rosco go to prison for saving your life." Jesse assured his youngest, drawing him in for a hug. Feeling the body he held shaking, Jesse spoke over his shoulder to Daisy. "Daisy honey, would you make some warm milk for Bo, put a little bit of shine in it?"


"Sure Uncle Jesse, Bo...Rosco's gonna be okay," Daisy offered, before leaving the room and going to the kitchen.

Returning a few minutes later, Daisy handed her uncle a mug filled with warm milk and a shot of shine. Taking the mug from his niece, Jesse gave the milk to Bo, helping him to hold it steady. After several sips, Bo finally stopped shaking. Finishing the warm drink, Bo scooted down under the covers at his uncle's instruction. Smiling contentedly, Bo enjoyed the comfort of his uncle tucking him in the way he used to when he had been little.




Over the next two days, the detectives talked to the doctor at the Capital City hospital, examined the physical evidence and spoke to several people around town. By the time they were done, public opinion was firmly on the side of Rosco and Bo. Even those who had previously been against the relationship were now giving their complete support to the two men. The only ones who were still against them, were the few die-hard troublemakers and JD Hogg. After having conducted several interviews and examined the evidence thoroughly, Lynch and Johnson ruled the shooting justified and Rosco was released.

Leaving the jail, Rosco took only enough time at home to shower and change, before heading to the Duke farm. Driving out to the Dukes as fast as he dared, it took every ounce of control Rosco had to keep from calling them on the cb. Turning into the drive, he forced himself to slow down as he pulled into the yard and parked near Jesse's pick-up. Climbing out of his car, he saw Jesse and Luke coming out of the barn, motioning them to silence he walked to them. "Jesse, Luke," before he could say anything else, Rosco suddenly found his hand being shook enthusiastically by first Jesse and then Luke.


"When did ya get out? Ya are out legally ain't ya?" Jesse asked.


"I got out about an hour ago and yeah it's legal. They ruled the shooting justified, I'm a free man. Um, ya know I appreciate the welcome y'all, but where's Bo?"


"He's in his room laying down. He's okay, just hasn't been sleeping real good and he's still healing," Jesse explained.


"Jesse, would it be okay if I went on in? I'd kind of like to surprise him," Rosco told the older man.


"Sure Rosco, he'll like that," Jesse agreed, surprising the other man with a smile of encouragement.


Heading inside, Rosco laid his finger over his lips when he saw Daisy about to greet him. Smiling at him, she nodded hello and went back to snapping beans for supper. Walking over to the bedroom door, Rosco quietly pushed it open and stood there watching his lover sleeping. For several minutes he didn't move, just enjoying the sight of the younger man safe and whole. When Bo began to move, Rosco stepped into the room and quietly closed the door. Walking over to the bed, he sat down next to Bo and waited. A minute later, Bo's eyes snapped open and he stared at the apparition sitting beside him.

Reaching upward, Bo moved his hand towards Rosco's cheek. Jerking his hand back at the last moment, he froze his movements, afraid to find out it was only a dream. As though sensing his doubts, Rosco ran his hand down the younger man's face, caressing him lovingly. "Rosco? I'm not dreaming?"


"You're not dreaming sweetheart, I'm here," Rosco said with a smile, eyes shimmering suspiciously.


"But how? I thought you're in...you didn't escape did ya?"

"No I didn't escape, I don't know why everybody keeps asking me that," Rosco said in mock outrage. "They cleared me Bo, the shooting was ruled justified."


"YEEHAW!" Bo hollered out, sitting up and grabbing Rosco in a tight hug. "Uncle Jesse was right, he said that God wouldn't let you go to prison for protecting me." Bo whispered, still having trouble believing that Rosco was really here and free.


"He said that?" Rosco asked, a little surprised to hear that.


"Yeah, him and Luke both have been real supportive cowboy. They kept reminding me that God would take care of ya, and that I wasn't going to lose you. They've really come around Rosco," Bo told him, smiling as he thought of the changes in their attitudes. "You should've seen 'em when them two detectives was here. That younger one was a real jerk, he tried to accuse you of killing Steve and beating me in a jealous rage. He didn't want to believe that you were just doing your job, and that Steve was the only criminal. When Uncle Jesse told them to leave, I tell ya Rosco if they hadn't, I think he would've thrown them out on their ear and Luke would've helped."

"That's great Bo, I can't tell ya how good it makes me feel to hear that," Rosco replied. Feeling that Bo needed to stop thinking about Rosco's time in jail, he asked a question. "Now, I told you I expect y'all to have plan ready for Boss, so what have ya come up with?"


"Um, well the thing is cowboy..." Bo stuttered, not wanting to admit that he'd been too worried to do much plotting.


"Actually Rosco, I have an idea, if y'all want to come out in the kitchen we can start making plans." Luke told them from the doorway, surprising both men. He hadn't meant to intrude, he had only to ask them if they wanted some lemonade. Hearing Rosco's question though and Bo's stuttered response, he had quietly opened the door.


Turning towards the door, Bo was surprised to see Luke standing in the open doorway, waiting for an answer. "Thanks Luke, we'll be out in a minute," Bo answered for both of them. Throwing back the covers, Bo climbed out of the bed and pulled Rosco to his feet. Wrapping his arms around the older man, Bo leaned in for a gentle kiss. "Sorry I didn't come up with anything," Bo apologized, wanting privacy for this conversation.


"It's okay Bo, after all ya did have other things on your mind," Rosco replied.


Smiling at his lover, Bo claimed his lips in another kiss. Reluctantly breaking the kiss, "I love you cowboy," he breathed out as their lips parted. Taking Rosco's hand, Bo led the other man into the kitchen, wondering just what Luke's plan was.


TBC


Yep, y'all still have to wait. You know what the muse wants, please review.