"I can't. . . I can't make this choice. . . time is running out. . . either way I lose. . . oh God, what do I do?

He felt a shiver of fear ripple through him, body and soul.

    It started like any other normal day in Hazzard County--with a car chase.
 
    "We're going to be late." Luke pointed out.
 
    "I know, I know. I'll lose Rosco around the next bend."

     The General took the corner like a theif in the night, circling back around, and leaving Rosco ahead of the Dukes, rather

than behind.

    "You know, you impress me, Bo."
 
    "Thanks," Bo said with pride
 
     ". . .Sometimes," Luke finished
 
     "Cute, cousin, real cute."

     The boys were in a hurry today, more so than usual. They were picking up Luke's brother Judd. Judd was coming for a

week's visit and Luke didn't want to waste one minute of it.

     When Judd first entered Luke's life, Luke was afraid of how Bo would react. After all, Bo was the brother Luke never had.

They had been closer than any two best friends. They had promised as children to always care for and protect each other.

     But Bo never batted an eyelash. He had accepted Judd as another member of the family, caring for Judd as much as any of

his cousins. Luke was relieved. Luke was glad Bo never put him in a postion to have to choose between them.

    "Judd!" Luke called out, spotting his brother at the bus stop. Luke was cuaght up in a brotherly hug by Judd, who was
 
shaking Bo's hand as well. "Howdy, cousin," Bo drawled, "whatcha been up to?"

   Judd filled the boys in on his goings-ons. It never ceased to amaze Judd that cars flying through the air seemed so normal to

 Bo and Luke.

    The week went by so fast for Luke. All the cousins went hiking, camping, fishing, and of course, racing. They were at the

 Boar's Nest when Luke had an idea

   "Why don't we go to Atlanta for your last day, Judd. We can catch the races, see a show, or whatever you want."

   "Fine by me. Can Jesse spare you for the day?" Judd asked.
 
    "Well i dont' see why not," Bo replied, "it ain't harvestin season or anything like that."
    "Y'ant to or not," Luke asked, getting impatient.

   "Fine, " Bo and Judd replied at once.

    Luke felt bad about raising his voice to his brother and cousin. He just didn't want Judd's visit to end. Luke rarely saw his

 brother and seeing time slip away, just didn't sit to well.

    The boys made their plans to go to Atlanta for the day. They had invited Daisy along, but she couldn't go since there was no

way Boss would give her a day off. Jesse also stayed behind. He knew the boys would want to go without feeling like they

were supervised.

    Bo had thought of bowing out. Bo told Luke he should get to spend time alone with his brother. Luke just gave him a

bemused look and told him not to be thickheaded. Judd had overheard all this and decided to talk to Bo.

   "Hey, Bo."

    "Yeah?" Bo replied as he pitched hay from the loft.

   "I sort of, well, I overheard you talking to Luke."

    "Oh, what about it?" Bo replied innocently, hoping judd didn't feel Bo didn't want to go to Atlanta with him.

    "You know it's more that okay for you to come with Luke and me. We're cousins to ya know."

    "I know, but i shouldn't cut into all you and Luke's time together either."

     "I appreciate that, Bo, but i want you to come. After all, if you dont', I'll be the youngest and I hate to be the runt." Judd

teased, dodging a mock jab from Bo.

    "Alright, I'll come."

     The boys couldn't have picked a better day. The sun was out and blazing over the Georgia landscape. They had a full day,

too. They went to the stock car race but spent most of the time flirting with three pretty ladies. So, what could they do? They

invited them to a bar that was featuring up and coming country bands.

     "Whew, what a day, cuz." Bo said, leaing his elbow on Judd's shoulder.

    "I still can't believe we met three beautiful, single ladies who love cars and country music as much as any of us." Luke said,

walking about two paces ahead.

    In a split second, in the middle of all their laughter, Luke was pulled into a darkened alley. Bo and Judd rushed inot it, only to

find themselves on the business end of a gun.

    "GIVE ME YOU MONEY AND GIVE IT TO ME KNOW!" the man shouted.

    "Okay, okay, just calm down.' Luke said slowly.  All three boys got out their wallets and emptied them for the thief.

    "You have to be KIDDING me!" the man exploded. "All you have here is a lousy $32."

    "We ain't never had much, mister." Bo snapped, getting backhanded for his trouble.

    "Hey, there ain't no cause to be hittin' no one." Luke said, checking to see if Bo was okay.

    "You got all we have, no just leave us alone." Judd said, moving over between his brother and cousin.

    "Oh I don't if I have everything." the thief snarled. "maybe since you don't have money and such high and mighty attitudes. I

may need to take something else, ya know-teach yens a lesson."

   With that the thief grabbed Luke and swung him around to face his family, with the gun pointed at the back of his head.

   "Now, here's the game. It's called choices," the thief calmly stated while handing a gun he had hidden to Luke. "you choose

 farmboy."

   "I. . . I don't understand." Luke said, beginning to shake.

   "Oh, it's easy. You shoot one of these fine fellows or I'll shoot them-both!"

    Luke couldn't believe hwat he was hearing. He just couldn't choose. He loved both his cousin and his brother. Luke tried

to focus his thinking as he nearly collapsed from the strain.

    "You don't hear so well, do you, boy?' the man sneered. "When i said choose, I meant NOW!"

    Luke lifted his arm very slowly, shaking enough that he nearly dropped the weapon. He looked at his family. They both had

epressions easeily read- "choose me."

        I can't. . . i can't make this choice. . . time is running out. . . either way I lose. . . oh, God, what do I do."

  He felt a shiver of fear ripple through him, body and soul.

  Luke closed his eyes tightly, squeezed his fingers, heard gun fire and passed out. . .
 
 

Note: This is not an unfinished story. You must decide the outcome. This type of ending is inspired by "The Lady or the Tiger" by Frank Stocton. I hope you forgive me. Please send me any comments or your own ending: rsnthrns@westol.com