DixieDavenport

He looked up and thought, 'Well, I now know a few things. Lori wasn't kicked out, but she was in the brig.' It sounded as if she was right above Luke. He got to looking and could tell an elevator or ventation shaft ran behind the wall from floor to floor. Luke almost smiled. He knew once things got quiet he could very likely talk to Lori fairly easy. Knowing she was here bothered Luke, but he took a bit of comfort in knowing he could at least hear her voice. He set down on the bunk and waited. Hours later Luke moved to the corner of the bunk and tapped twice. Lori returned with two taps. Luke said, "Lori how long are you here for?" Lori replied, "A month. You?" "A month and five days to give you time to transfer out." Luke replied. Lori sighed,"I hate this alot you know that?? If I hadn't had opened my mouth to you at the bar and left my feelings alone we wouldn't be here now!!! Luke shook his head, "I had a bit of a choice there remember? You didn't force me into anything." Then he remembered how she had teased him to the point of making him crazy. Those were not the thoughts he needed to be thinking right now! Lori smiled and nodded,"Well..I guess...Luke im sorry..." Luke said, "No, I'm the one who's sorry. They took your command?" Lori replied, "I'm Corporal Davenport now, Luke." Luke swore, "Da-- it! You are loosing way too much on account of me. I know they know about the baby. "

Lori stood to return to the MP when she saw Sgt. Major Skye and Major Mitchell give her the sign to wait. The court then called, "Sgt. DI Loren Davenport." Lori was directed to the chair where Jones had been seated. Inside she swore. Outside she tryied to present an air of professionalism, though she knew that was going to be shot to shreads in the next half hour! The same board member asked, "Sgt. Drill Instructor Loren Davenport as a drill instrustor you operate as a commanding officer, is that correct?" Lori took a deep breath before answering, "Sir. Yes. Sir." He then stated, "You are accused of fraternizing on terms of military equality with one or more certain enlisted member (s), in this case one, Pvt. Lucas K. Duke. Is that a correct accusation?" "Sir, Yes. Sir." Lori tried to anser without emotion. He continued, "Being that you were Pvt. Duke's Commanding Officer, you were aware that Pvt. Lucas K. Duke was an enlisted member of the United States Marine Corps?" Lori caught a glance at Major Mitchell who barely nodded a look of support for her to continue. "Sir, Yes. Sir." Lori was then asked, "You are aware that such fraternization violated the custom that officers shall not fraternize with enlisted members on terms of military equality?" Lori replied with a bit of defeat in her voice, "Sir. I am aware. Sir." He continued, "Under the circumstances, your conduct was to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces or was of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces." "Sir, Yes. Sir." Lori replied. He then flipped through several pages of forms and stated, "Sgt. Drill Instructor, Davenport, I show in you current records that your marital status is single. Is that correct Ma'am?" Lori would have liked to have crawled under a table right then, but answered, "Sir. Yes. Sir. Divorced, may be more accurate. Sir." He asked, "Sgt. Drill Instructor, Davenport who were you married to?" Lori answered truthfully, "Sir, Before returning to the Marine Corps I was married to and divorced from Pvt. Lucas K. Duke before he entered the Marine Corps. Sir." He asked, "Ma'am. You are aware, that this situation should have been reported when Pvt. Duke was put under your command?" Lori replied, "Sir. Yes. Sir." "Did you report this matter to anyone?" He asked. Lori replied, "Sir. No. Sir." Now what Lori knew would happen happened. He stated, "On your Medical Certification it appears that your pregnancy test was positive. Is this correct?" Lori was about to loose what professionalism she had, but managed to replied a bit strained, "Sir. Yes. Sir." He asked, "Based on the statements I have from the MP's, Pvt. Sam Jones, and Sgt. Major Skye. Along with the the report from Major Mitchell, am I correct to assume that Pvt. Lucas K. Duke, your Ex-husband, id the father of this child?" This question was actually easier than she figured, "Sir. Absolutely. Sir." At this point Major Mitchell spoke up, "Sir. Permission to speak? Sir." The board member nodded for him to continue, "Permission granted, Major." Major Mitchell spoke up loud, louder than actually necessary, but it was something he felt needed said, "Sir. With all due respect, as you personally know I have a few skelotons in my past, as we all do. Sir. You know my history, so I won't go into it for those who don't, but let me say in Sgt. Drill Instructor Davenport's credit, she has worked very hard to attain and maintain her rank. She is and has been one of the best, most professional Drill Instructors under my command. I have spoken to Sgt. Drill Instructor Davenport in reference to this matter and though she did fail to report her relaionship to Pvt. Lucas K. Duke, she had expressed to me that due to their previous relationship that she felt at the time that she and Pvt. Duke could maintain a professional relationship. Sir. I do not advocate her decision to go against the rules, but as you know I can understand them. Sir." Lori had no idea what was in Major Mitchell's past but whatever it was, she knew but the look on the faces of several of the board member, they KNEW. Major Mitchell continued, "Therefore, Sir, I must ask that you honor my recommendation that Sgt. Drill Instructor Lornen Davenport be demoted to Corporal Loren Davenport, be transfered to the Womens Marines Corps, and take a pay cut of 2/3's for as long as you direct. Sir." Mitchell had puposely left out any confinement time in hopes that Lori would not be confined for her actions. The members talked amoung themselves for a long while. Lori actually felt the back of her neck sweating. Finally the head member spoke, "Sgt. Drill Instructor Loren Davenport you have been charged with violation of Article 134-23--Fraternization of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This board finds you guilty as charged. We are takinginto consideration the relationship that you and Pvt. Lucas K. Duke had, thus, it is our decision that you be confined for 1 month and you will forfeit two-thirds pay for 3 months. You will also be demoted to the rank of Corporal and transfered to the Womens Marines Corps." Then, he directed, "MP you may return Corporal Davenport to the brig." Lori's heart went to her shoes as the MP stepped beside her. She turned to Major Mitchell. It took all she could do to keep from crying, "Sir. Thank you, for everything you just did. I will not forget it. Sir." Mitchell replied professionally, "Ma'am. Carry on. Ma'am." Lori squared her shoulders and with her chin up she allowed the MP to escort her out of the hearing room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Next the board called, "Pvt. Lucas K. Duke." Luke took his seat and also noticed, both Sgt. Major Skye and Major Mitchell were present for this hearing. He wished he had some idea what had happened to Lori to gauge what was about to happen to him, but there was no such luck. Luke was told what he was being chaged with and under went much of the same questions that Lori had but the last few differed a bit: Luke was asked, "Is it correct that you and Sgt. Drill Instructor Davenport were ar one time married and have since divorced?" Luke replied, "Sir. Yes. Sir." "According to a eyewitness report from Sgt. Major Skye you were in Sgt. Drill Instructor Davenports personnal quarters in some degree of undress. Is that correct?" He asked. Luke replied, "Sir. Yes. Sir." Luke was then asked, "As a result of the afore mentioned meeting or other such meetings, is it possible that Sgt. Drill Instructor Davenport, your Ex-wife, could have conceived your child?" Taking a deep breath, Luke replied, "Sir. Yes. Sir." Major Mitchell again requested, "Sir. Permission to speak. Sir." The board member nodded for him to continue, "Permission granted, Major." Major Mitchell again spoke up loud, louder than actually necessary, but it was something he felt needed said, "Sir. With all due respect, as you personally know I have a few skelotons in my past, as we all do. Sir. You know my history, so I won't go into it for those who don't, but let me say in Pvt. Lucas K. Duke's credit, I have spoken to his other Drill Instructors and I feel with all due respect, that it would be a disservice to our Country and to Pvt. Duke if he were discharged from the Marine Corps. From what I have learned and seen of this Marine, I am willing to stick my neck out for him, the way certain Superiors did for myself once, I recommend that Pvt. Lucas K. Duke NOT be discharged from the Marine Corps, but given extra 'character building duties' which I volunteer to personnally over see until he completes his Basic training. Sir." Luke could not believe his ears. A Major whom he only knew by sight was stickinghis neck out for him. The members talked amoung themselves for a long while. Lori actually felt the back of her neck sweating. Finally the head member spoke, "Pvt. Lucas K. Duke you have been charged with violation of Article 134-23--Fraternization of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This board finds you guilty as charged. We are taking into consideration the relationship that you and Sgt. Drill Instructor Loren Davenport had and also Major Mitchell's recommendations, thus, it is our decision that you be confined for 1 month and 5 days, you will forfeit two-thirds pay for 6 months. You will also be subject to DNA testing. If the tests confirm you have fathered a child, after it's birth, 1/3 of your pay will be paid to the mother for support. You will also be responsible for extra 'character building duties' which Major Mitchell has volunteered to over see. For your information Pvt. Duke the added five days gives Corporal Davenport time to pack and transfer on as well as get another group of recurits in. You will be placed with them after they go through receiving. You will have to repeat all the training that you have completed up to this point." Then, he directed, "MP you may return Pvt. Duke to the brig." Luke did have a split second to say, "Major Mitchell. Thank you. Sir."

For Luke and Lori both, this would be a long night. Both had spent the night in the Hazzard County jail before, but this was very different than setting and waiting for morning when Jesse would be there to take them home after Rosco had trumped up a reason to lock them up. No, this was serious. This was very real and could effect them both for a very long while. For Lori as she sat starring at the bars, she knew the regualtions and knew she could be setting here for the next two years and then be sent home with a dishonorable or less than honorable discharge. If that happened, who could she trust with her child, because it looked like its father was going to be in for the same ride. She could only hope that Major Mitchell's recommendation for a transfer, demotion and pay cut was taken which was far better than the maximun punishment. Luke had been wise enough when Jones had told on them orginially to have looked up Article 134-23--Fraternization in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). He had not been happy with what he had found. The maximun punishment could be: Dismissal, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 2 years. While not specifically stated, a general court martial can also reduce a person's grade. Most general court martials reduce the convicted person's grade to the lowest enlisted rank (E-1) when punishment includes time in prison and/or a punitive discharge. For Luke he was an E-1, but Lori was an E-6, he didn't have a lot of time and hard work invested like Lori had. Then, he thought about them having a child together. One part of him wanted nothing more, while there was a part of him that looked at the bigger picture. Here they were both in the United States Marine Corps., Lori could be stationed anywhere anytime they needed her since she was not only trained but a trainer. Then, there was Luke, IF he managed to get to complete his training they almost certainty of him being sent to Vietnam to fight a fight from which he may not return from. Yet, at THIS moment, both this child's parents (and the child itself) were in the brig basically for its conception. Jesse had always said, 'The family that plays together; stays together'; but Luke didn't think this was QUITE what Jesse meant. The shear irory of the situation almost made Luke laugh, but it wasn't funny, not in the least bit. Luke looked down at the yellow scubs he had been issued. He couldn't help but think how much he hated yellow, especially the bright canary type yellow. He asked himself, 'What were he and Lori going to do with a child if the maximun punishment was handed down at the court martial proceedings?' The child could be fifteen months old before they got out of the brig. One part of him tried to hope Major Mitchell's recommendations for him to be allowed to stay in the Marines, but the other part of him also remembered that Major Mitchell had warned him that he may be sorry for that recommendations by the time he was able to complete basic training and he had also failed to mention how much time in the brig they may get. At this point, Luke only knew the worse could be two years. Luke tried to prepare himself to hear the worst and yet hope for anything better. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next morning MP's had the task of getting Lori, Luke and Jones, as well as several others, ready for their proceedings. The men wore the typical dress blues. They were taken to a holding area to wait until they had everyone ready. Once everyone was ready they were headed out to an awaiting bus. It was only now that Luke saw Lori dressed in her dress blues and skirt. He had never seen her in this uniform before and she nearly took his breath away. Once the members hearing the proceedings were assembled, Pvt. Sam Jones was called before the board. Also, Sgt. DI Loren Davenport was called as the charging officer. The MP looked at her and questioned, "You are the 'charging officer' in the case Ma'am?" Lori replied, "Yes, Corporal, I am." Though the Corporal was a bit suprised he motioned her to take her place as the charging officer. Lori noted that Sgt. Major Skye and Major Mitchell were both present. A member of the board asked, "Sgt. DI Loren Davenport did you order the accused to be restricted to certain limits?" Lori replied, "Sir, Yes, I did. Sir." He asked, "What were those limits you placed on Pvt. Sam Jones, Ma'am?" Lori stated most professionally, "Sir, Pvt. Sam Jones was ordered to be confined in the barracks for the evening in question. Sir." He looked at the file, "As his commmanding officer you were authorized to order said restriction?" Lori replied, "Sir. That is correct. Sir." He then asked Lori, "Did the accused, Pvt. Sam Jones know of the restriction and the limits?" Lori replied, "Sir. Yes, he did. Sir." He looked at the charge sheet and asked, "According to your report, Pvt. Sam Jones went beyond the limits of the restriction before being released therefrom by proper authority. Where exactly was he, Ma'am?" Lori replied, "Sir. Yes, he was beyond those limits. He was caught by myself at the local establishment known as O'Riley's. He was picked up by the MP's there after I notified them of the above. Sir." He asked Lori, "So, do you feell that under the circumstances, the conduct of the accused was to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces or was of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces?" Lori replied, "Sir, Yes I do Sir. I feel that his actions disrepected my rank and authority. Sir." The members of the board talked amoung themselves and then rendered the following decision: "Pvt. Sam Jones, you have been charged with violation of Article 134-44 Restriction, Breaking of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This board finds you guilty as charged. It is our decision that you be sentenced to the Maximum punishment and confined for 1 month and you will forfeit two-thirds pay for 1 month." Then, he directed, "MP you may return Pvt. Jones to the brig."

Luke figured they had found out Lori was pregnant during the tests at the infirmary. He only hoped that this did not change Major Mitchell's recommendation. He could live with Lori being placed on medical leave at some point in the future but Luke wondered if she would hate him for it later. He knew that because of him she would be demoted from a position she had worked hard to get and would be limited from now on in her career choices due to the baby. Rationally he knew that she was as responsible as he was for their choices but he still knew he should have thought them through more before he acted. That point was crystal clear as he took in the six by eight cell that he was currently locked in. He had been right. The keys WERE NOT hanging on the wall outside the cell. He was thinking back over the last year about the number of times he had been locked up even indirectly because of Dixie and Lori. A couple hours later as Luke layed on the bunk thinking and MP came by and said, "Duke your hearing will be first thing in the morning." Luke thought that at least this part would be over soon, but wondered how long he may be here in the future.

Lori KNEW they would run a pregnancy test on her. She had just filled out her section of the form to commit Jones to the brig pending the hearing and she now remembered seeing the medical certificate which listed for females a manditory pregnancy test. As she closed the door she swore! She knew they would run every test they could on all them because they could before the day was up. She took off her uniform and put on the hospital gown. God how she hated those things. At least they gave her two to make a robe out of. She stared at the cup for a long while, maybe too long, as there was a knock on the door. "Davenport you alright in there?" the Corporal asked. She swore again, "Yes, just fine." The Corporal stated, "I need that sample soon! We have a lot more to get done today." Lori knew she had no choice in the matter and knew if it wasn't now they would just get it later. She put the sample in the cup and took it to the Corporal. The Corpral then drew blood. Several tubes of blood. Once the doctor came in he ordered everything from EKG, chest X-rays, and many more tests. It was almost 5 pm when Lori was finally told to get dressed. She had been stuck, poked, prodded, X-rayed and scanned all while being guarded by the MP. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke and Sam had faired no better with the exception of the pregnancy test. They had been given all those test for men's health that they so hate along with all those that Lori had been given. By the time they were told to get dressed all three had been through a day of he-- and it was not over with as they got back into he jeeps with the MP's who headed across the large base. Once they reached the destination, Luke knew he was not in Kansas anymore. This was NOT Rosco P. Coultrane's jail in a one horse town. Just the outside apprearance told him the keys would NOT be left on the desk or hanging on the wall. The senior MP got out of the first jeep and walked to the brig window. He said as he handed over the proper forms, "I got the three I called about earlier. Two male, one female. From what I can gather the two males have a problem with each other. I'd separate them." The LT. on duty said, "Ok, bring in the female first." The Sr. MP came back to the first jeep, "Davenport they are ready for you." Lori took a deep breath. Yeah she had been arrested in Hazzard but as she stepped throught the first gate she knew it was NOT Hazzard. She was met by a female wearing gloves who called out her size to some unseen person, then taken back to an area where there was a half wall and a shower. Lori was directed to undress, searched, told to shower and issued three bright yellow sets of scrubbs. After she was changed into them she was taken to a desk where several forms were completed by the female which basically asked Lori's life history or so it seemed. "I see the pregnancy test was positive. How far along are you?" Lori looked down and hesitated before she spoke,"Bout a week I'd say or less than that.." The information was documented and Lori was taken to get sheets and other issued items. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke and Sam had been processed and were also in yellow scubbs. They being excorted to pick up their linens also and passed Lori being escorted back from getting her linens. As they passed in the hall................

Major Mitchell had Luke returned back to his office, "Pvt. Duke is it true that Sgt. Dvenport is your Ex-wife?" Luke said, "Sir,Yes, Sir." Major Mitchell said, "That being the case you should never have been assigned to her command. She should have reported it when you first arrived. You would have been transferred to another plattoon and there likely would have been no further problems. As it stands right now, I have no other choice to seek Court Martial procedings on you both. I am recomending that Sgt. Davenport be transferred to the Womens Marine Corps as a Corporal. She will likely take a pay cut and possibly go to the brig for a short period of time. She has been a good Marine and I don't want to loose her over this. As for you I have done some checking on you with your other Sgts. and I had received good reports. In fact they are good enough for me not to recommend you be discharged which is usually what happens to recuirts who get into trouble at this stage. I feel that you will be a good Marine and that's what this country needs right now. I will not lie to you, in your time remaining here, you may wish that I HAD recommended you be discharged, but you will be a better Marine for what you will go through." Luke knew he was in a deep world of sh--! but wisely said, "Sir, Yes, Sir. Thank you for that recommendation, Sir." Major Mitchell sighed, "I hope you can tell me that at your graduation, Pvt." He opened the door and handed the MP's 2 form DD 458 Charge Sheets and 2 form DD 2707 Confinement orders for Luke and Lori to be packed up and taken to Medical to have the Medical Certificate completed in order for the brig to accept them as pre-trail detainees. Due to them being formally charged and facing Court Martial proceedings they are automatically considered 'escape risks' and would be more likely to get into more trouble or attempt to go AWOL. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori thought she would be staying at her apartment until the hearing. She SHOULD have known better. She later figured that's what she got for thinking, or not thinking! She received a phone call from Sgt. Major Skye asking her if she was sure that she wanted to continue Court Martial Proceedings on Pvt. Jones. Lori said that she did. Skye told her that as his commanding officer a the time of the offense he needed her to fill out the Charge sheet and Confinement order so that he could be charged. Lori said she would have them filled out in a few minutes. Skye said he would send a carrier over for them. Lori completed the forms as the carrier knocked on the door for them. They were taken back to Skye for him to have served. Lori had just set back down when there was a second knock on the door. It was the MP's that had been stationed outside her door holding a folder with her name on it. He said, "Ma'am I need you to pack a Seabag with the following clothing and hygenie items and come with me." He handed Lori a copy of a form which read at the top: Confinee's Name: Sgt. DI Loren Davenport Confinee's Command: Sgt. Maj. Skye / Major Mitchell. On the inside Lori's stomach dropped to her feet, but on the outside all she managed was to say, "Sh--!" She knew that she had to pack and rather quickly or the MP's would do it for her. She was accompanied to her room by the MP's who stood outside her bedroom door with the apartment door wide open so that they could not be accused inappropriate actions. Lori was soon ready and was escorted to a jeep where Luke was with two other MP's in a second jeep. The next stop was Luke's barracks where he was give a similar list of items to pack. He was escorted into the empty barracks, where only Jones was, to pack his bag. Jones was smart enough not to buck the MP's and said from across the room, "Going somewhere nice, I hope!" It took almost everything Luke had right then NOT to teach Jones a lesson, but the look on the MP's face told him it would not be wise. Luke packed his things and was taken out to the jeep. The MP's that had given Luke the look when Jones was being cute whispered to Luke, "Your friend in there. YOU just might get the last laugh." Luke was left with the two MP's that had been waiting with Lori as the two MP's that had escorted Luke to get his things went back into the barracks. Luke wasn't sure what was going on, but could use a good laugh right now. He was NOT having a good day and figured it to get worse. The MP that had told Luke about Jones, walked back into the barracks. He was enjoying this probably more than he should but it helped equal out the bad assignments. He walked over to Jones, "Pvt. Sam Jones?" Jones replied, "Yes." The MP handed Jones a list of items. "Pack a seabag with these items now. You have five minutes." Jones looked at the top of the paper where it read: Confinee's Name: Pvt. Sam Jones Confinee's Command: Sgt. DI Loren Davenport. Jones bucked, "I WILL NOT!" The MP unsnapped his pepper spray pouch, "Yes, Pvt. YOU WILL pack or I will pack it for you." Jones opened his mouth again. He just couldn't learn, "She's been relieved of duty." The MP gave Jones a satisfied look without smiling in the least, "Sgt. Davenport was your commanding officer the day I returned you to base from O'Riley's." Jones quickly packed without paying much attention to the list. He would find he had brought things he would not be allowed and had left things he should have brought. Once he was packed the MP's escorted him to the jeep where Luke was seated. Fortunately, for Jones, both were cuffed. Luke could not resist and said, "It would appear that you are going somewhere equally as nice." Both MP's tried hard to cover the laugh they stiffled. Lori was in the jeep behind them and knew Luke had said something to Jones but couldn't hear what. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Minutes later both jeeps stopped outside of the Infirmary where they took the detainees. The MP handed the forms to the Corporal on duty. She said, "Just have a seat and we'll get to you all in a few minutes." Lori was seated on the other side of the room from Luke and Jones. Several minutes later the Corporal called, "Davenport." Lori got up and followed the Corporal into the back followed by one of the MP's. In the back the Corporal looked at Lori's file seeing her rank was listed as Sgt. DI. She looked at Lori and said, "First off, Ma'am as you probably already know, as long as you are accompanied by an MP your rank is not recognized. Secondly, I need you to step into the restroom, put on this gown as you will likely be here most of the day. Finally, I will need a sample from you." She handed Lori a speciman cup.

Luke tossed and turned in his bed thinking about his situation. He saw no good ending to it. ~~~~~~~~~~ Bright and early the next morning there was two MP's at the barracks asking the Sgt. on duty for Luke. Luke dressed in his Kakhis and repjorted to the MP's. They searched him and cuffed him and escorted him to Major Mitchell's office. Where he was told to take a seat while still cuffed. Major Mitchell looked at him, "Pvt. Duke I have an eye witness report from Sgt. Major Skye that states you were in Sgt. Loren Davenport's private living quarters. Is that true, Pvt.?" "Sir, Yes, Sir." Luke replied officially. Major Mitchell, asked, "You are aware that the housing units for Sgts are off limits to privates?" "Sir, Yes, Sir." Luke replied. Luke knew he was sunk. Major Mitchell asked, "But you went any way?" "Sir, Yes, Sir." Luke replied. This was not getting any better. Major Mitchell heard a knock on the door and said, "Pvt. Duke have a seat outside until I call for you." Luke went to the door and was seated out side the door where now four MP's stood as Lori looked at him and alked into the Major's office. Luke was glad to see at least she was not cuffed but by her uniform had been relieved of her command.

Jones went to the window. He had memorized every part of the barracks and was going stir crazy. He didn't understand how Skye had returned Sgt. Davenport to command and let Duke off scott free. It was just getting dark and everyone else was out having a drink or at the movies. Jones was alone and bored as he saw the light come on in Sgt. Davenport's apartment. The way the door was he could see her enter the apartment. A short while later he saw movement in Sgt. Davenport's apartment. Jones looked up in time to see Duke enter the apartment. They walked to the bedroom. Jones could see them as Lori unsnapped Lukes shirt and took it off him. The light went off. Jones walked to Sgt Hartman's desk as he had the night duty. "I want to talk to Sgt. Major Skye now please Sir." Hartman asked why. Jones replied, "I feel I am being treated unfairly by Sgt. Davenport being kept on restriction. I want to file a formal complaint." Hartman felt Jones was digging a hole but replied, "I'll put the call through." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Skye was at the barracks in ten minutes. Jones said, "I do wish to file a report on Sgt. Davenport about still being on restriction, Sir, but if you will step over to the window I'll show you something. Sir the third and fouth window on the fourth floor happens to be Sgt. Davenport's window. The light is on in the fourth window. That is the living room. It is off in the third. That's the bedroom." Skye asked, "How do you know that?" Jones said honestly, "The entire barracks knew it by the second night we were here. I was standing here because I was bored. I saw Pvt. Duke and Sgt. Davenport enter the apartment and go to the bedroom when I had Sgt. Hartman call you." Skye said, "They are there together now?" Jones replied, "Yes, Sir." Skye stayed where he was and took out his cell phone. He spoke softly where Jones could not hear. He called for two MP's to be sent to Lori's appartment door and do nothing except stop anyone leaving. Skye stayed where he was to see what he coud see from Jones view before having anyone make any further moves. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke looked down at Lori as he held her naked in his arms. "Are you crazy telling me to come up here at a time when we know they are watching us both?" Lori looked at him and sighed,"Im crazy like a fox darlin...we gotta talk.." Luke looked at her, "I don't think what we just did constitutes 'talking' Honey. Talk, talk about what?" Lori looked down at her stomach then to Luke's eyes. Luke felt his chest tighen, "LORI! For God's sake don't tell me. Not now!" Lori winced and rolled over in under the covers,"Just remember Lukas it takes TWO!!" Luke sighed, "Yeah. Yeah, how well I know that. You're serious? What make you thnk you COULD be?" Lori got up and wrapped the blanket around her, turned on the light, she brung the answering machine to the bedroom and pressed the play button,"Miss Davenport, wil you please call me back its urgent..." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Skye was watching when Lori with a blanket wrapped around her turned on the light in the bedroom. He watched with more interest now to see if he could see Pvt. Duke there. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke said, "OK, who was that?" Lori ran her hand down the side of her and smacked her forehead,"Duhh Luke the Doc!!!" Luke went pale almost snow white, "On base?" Lori rolled her eyes,"No Luke..the one out of town!! I aint stupid enough to go on base!!" "Ok." He let out the breath he'd been holding. "And did you call back?" Lori looked at him,"No Luke..im gonna wait til next week!!! Yes I did!" Luke stood up and started pacing. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When Luke stood up and started pacing, he was in clear view of Sgt. Skye. He was undressed at least from the waist up in a Sgt.'s personal apartment. Skye swore to himself. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke asked, "Lori are you sure?" Lori put her hands on her hips and sighed,"Luke...If I wasn't sure..I wouldn't have told you to come up here!!!" "Oh, God! That's all we NEED right now!" Luke said. How could he have been so stupid? He knew he had been thinking with the wrong part of his body. Under any other circumstance he would have likely felt better about it but this was only going to hang them both. "Honey, I'm sorry. This is going to hang us both." Lori looked to Luke,"Ya thank???? Cause now..I'll be sent home...think I wanna go back to Hazzard??" Luke looked at her, "You are serious? But, you know if I get booted I'm not on my way home? Course I knew that before I chose to come up here." Lori sighed and nodded,"You'll be sent to Nam' were I wanted to go!" Luke said, "Honey if they boot me out I'm on my to prison until our child becomes an adult!" Lori looked down,"Then..it aint your child..." "The he-- it ain't! Who you gonna name, Vance?" Luke threw up the old hurt. He regretted it as soon as it was out of his mouth. Lori looked Luke and smiled, that twinkle in her eye. The wheels were turning in her head. Luke said, "I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that!" Lori smiled,"I got an idea..." "I'm listening." Luke said. Lori looked to Luke,"What if.... they do find out I'm pregnant...I tell 'em it ain't yours cause where they know me and you was together.... they'd suspect it be yours..I tell em it IS Vance's..your cousin's...and of course Vance has to agree...you get off scott free.." "NO!" Luke was not going to be reasonable. Lori looked to him,"Would you much rather have your a** thrown in jail and NOT see this youngin' at ALL?" Luke glared an icy star at her. "Yes! First off I could be sent to Nam and if I am and God forbid don't come back our child and YOU would be taken care of!" Lori snapped at him,"WOULD YA ATLEAST COOPERATE WITH ME??!!" "Yeah, I'll refrain from telling the brass I'm the baby's father until this other investigation is over. I suggest you NOT tell them you are pregnant any time soon. Lori if I can get through these next 4 wks I stand a better chance of tehm not sending me home to Hardcastle." Luke explained. Lori sighed and plopped down on the bed,"WELL!! WHATEVER!!" "Lori it IS my child. Let me be apart of this ones life. Please?" Luke said. He was still hurt over not knowing about the baby they had lost until it was too late. Lori whilred around to Luke, he just opened up a new can of worms,"NOW WAS IT MY FAULT YOU DIDN'T WANT ME INSTEAD OF ROBIN AND YOU LEFT ME????" "No, but had I known I would have made other choices!" Luke said. Lori made a yea right as if, face,"Ohh come on Luke!! you woulda ran at the first sight of a sh**** diaper!!!" "I'm not running now!" Luke said. Lori let out a frustrated sigh,"YOU MEN MAKE THINGS SOO COMPLICATED!!" Luke reached for his pants, "I'm sorry Honey. Really I am, but if you are carrying my child then I want to be the father." Lori sighed and nodded,"I wouldnt want it any other way.." Luke sighed in relief and nodded, "Thank you for telling me. I really got to get before lights out or we are dead ducks!" He pulled on his shirt. Lori smiled to him, and pulled on her pjs going to the door with him,"I know it...Luke...before you go though.... In the bar...I asked if you still loved me and you never answered me.." Luke looked her in the eyes, "Lori I've never stopped." Luke gave her a quick kiss and opened the door. As he stepped out he saw the MP's. Luke's heart went to his shoes. MP #1 said, "Against the wall!" Luke was helped to the wall, searched and cuffed. MP #2 stopped Lori from closing the door. "Ma'am I have orders to escort you to Sgt. Major Skye's office." He took in her appearance and said, "I can give you two minutes to get dressed." Both MP's held Luke there as they waited for Lori to dress in something other than PJ's.

As Luke and Lori exited Skye's office there were 4 MP's stationed outside. Luke knew as he headed back to the barracks that two were his 'escorts' and the other two likely Lori's. He signed in with the Corporal at the desk as Sgt. Hartman had the men on their morning run. Luke saw the two MP's take their position on either side of the barracks door. Luke walked in the barracks and saw Jones there. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori left Skye's office for the second time and this time she saw the two MP's waiting for her and two following Luke as he walked back to his barracks. Lori looked down and walked over to them she looked at them with a, "I'm in trouble look aren't I?" One of the MP's directed her toward her apartment, "This way Ma'am.". Once at Lori's apartment, she opened the door and went inside. She closed the door and listened. The MP's did not leave. She knew Skye had stationed them at her door. She swore! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jones saw Luke and had seen the MP's escort him to the barracks. Jones snickered,"Havin' fun, now Duke?? Maybe you should have been in the barracks last night." Luke would have loved to have put Jones in his place but the MP's were outside and he figured he'd pushed his luck to far already. "And maybe you SHOULD mind your own business!" Jones laughed and looked at Luke with a smug grin,"Why when yours is sooo much better?? I KNEW you and Sarge was getting it ON!" It was taking all the control Luke had to keep his hands off Jones.

Luke thought for a minute. His brain was screaming NO! While other parts of him were screaming YES! He finally answered, "I should have my head examined, but yes it is worth it." Lori replied, "Good." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jones decided he was NOT staying in the barracks all evening. He dressed and slipped out without signing out while the Sgt was away from the desk. He walked down to a near by bar for a beer. As he stepped throught the door who should he see but Duke setting BESIDE Sgt. Davenport. He knew, he just knew that there was something going on between those two. Jones being himself and having no better since, even though it was Sgt. Davenport who had confined him to the barracks. approached them, "Well isn't THIS Cozy?" Lori turned and took charge, "Jones! You were confined to the barracks!" She turned to the bartender, "Sam, can I use your phone?" Sam handed her the phone. Lori made a call and said, "This is Sgt. Davenport. I need MP's at O'Riley's." Jones replied loud enough for the bar to hear, "That's wasn't smart, Sarge, especially with you a Duke there getting it on!" Lori glared at him and said as the MP's came thorugh the door, "What wasn't smart is leaving the barracks when YOU were confined to quarters by ME." She turned to the MP's and directed, "Return him back to the barracks and see that he stays there. I'll deal with him tomorrow." The MP's replied, "Yes Ma'am!" Jones was cuffed and escorted out of the bar before he so much as ordered the first beer he had went after. Luke had set back down on the bar stool as if he hadn't seen a thing. He waited for Lori's lead but hoped she'd wait a bit. She didn't. It hadn't been a minute after she had directed the MP's to escort Jones back that Lori looked at Luke, "I think you had best be getting back to base your self Duke." Luke dropped his head, knowing this was not good, "Yes, Ma'am. Anything you say, Ma'am." He finished his half a beer in one drink and left. Lori finished her drink and ordered a second. She had Midnight and knew Luke was walking. They could NOT be seen going through the front gate together. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As Luke was walking back to Base Midnight passed him. He went to a spot where he could see Lori signal him and waited once he was on base. Lori went in the apartment finding no one out and about in the halls she signaled Luke to come up. Luke saw Lori's signal and headed towards her apartment which was off limits to him. He knew that and so did she, but he went any way. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jones was NOT happy at being escorted back to the barracks by MP's and placed under 'house arrest'. No one else was in the barracks and he began pacing. When he did stop it was in front of the window. It was now dark outside. Jones could not believe what he saw! There was Duke in Sgt. Davenport's apartment! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke entered the apartment and double locked the door. "Lori ....." Lori put her finger to his mouth to quiet him, "SHhhhhhh." She lead him into the bed room and took of her shirt as Luke flipped off the light. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jones stood there long enough to see Lori's back as she took off her shirt jsut before Duke cut off the light. This was far too good to let pass! He made his way to Sgt. Hartman and requested, "Sgt. I need to speak with Sgt. Major Skye urgently!" Sgt. Hartman said, "You better have a good reason." Jones replied, "I want to file a formal complaint against a superior officer." Hartman could not help but let out a whistle, "Jones are YOU sure you want to do that?" "Yes, Sir." Jones said. Hartman said, "I'll get him the message." Hartman waited until Jones returned to the barracks before calling Skye. "I hate to bother you Sir, but I have a man who stated he wants to file a formal compaint with you on a superior officer. He didn't say who. Sir, this is one of our problems. I understand Sir." Hartman had been told that it did not matter about man being a problem if he wanted to make a complaint about one of Skye's officers he'd be there within the hour.

Luke caught on and knew at some point Jones would be trouble. When they were dismissed for the day Jones had been 'confined' to quarters so that he would be able to do the CPR tomorrow. This meant that after dinner Jones would have to report immediately to the Sgt. on duty at the barracks, then to his sleeping area for the evening, while the others changed and most left for leisure time. Luke had come back from chow and changed into regular clothes. He was on his way out of the barracks when Jones stopped him.......

Luke did the CPR as required. Hartman was the Sgt. to pass or fail him on it. He was passed without incident. Jones had not been paing attentionin class and did not know even where to begin preforming the CPR on the dummy. Hartman sighed and looked to Jones,"JONES!!! WAS YOU NOT PAYING ATTENTION????" Jones frowned, "Sir, Yes, Sir." Hartman asked, "Then why dont' you have clue what to do?"

Luke sighed a bit relieved. He did want to be a Marine. He did NOT want to go from the Marines to prison. He wanted to serve his country. But he could not help to desire being with Lori when she had made herself avaible to him. Luke replied, "Ok. You know you almost gave us away today?" Lori looked to Luke and made a wide eyed face,"Me????I wasnt the one asleep in class!" Luke half grinned and replied, "I didn't see Jones in our bed either, Ma'am! and he was asleep!" Lori smiled and shook her head sarcastically,"reaaaal cute MAGGOT realll cute..." Luke gave he a bit of a grinand replied, "Yes. Ma'am bout as cute as that detail. " Lori grinned a smug grin,"Why?? I wouldn't do that...had ta wake ya up some how??" "Ma'am, yes, Ma'am, Thank you Ma'am" Luke replied as Jone walked by. Lori looked to Jones and raised a brow as he walked on by. Lori then returned back to Luke her tongue stuck out,"I love bein in charge!" Luke replied, "You always have!" Lori snorted,"Have not!" Luke almost glared, "Please!" Lori looked around and saw if anyone was watching she smacked him on his thigh, "Its a lie and you know it! I have not you always have!" "I won't deny that. But right now you are in charge and love it." Luke stated. Lori just smiled at him and looked out a window.

Luke wisely hissed, "Yeah! She sure is. I can think of SEVERAL choice words for her and Sgt. OR Ma'am don't even come close! Good luck at NOT pissing her off again this evening. I just want a shower and my bed." Luke headed to the barracks while Jones should have been headed toward the mess hall. The desk for the Sgt. on duty was just outside the men's living quarters. Lori was seated there as Luke returned. He stopped, said, "Evening Ma'am." and signed into the barracks.

As the end of the class was approaching, Luke was more than ready to go to the barracks and get some of the sleep he missed last night by being with Lori. They had about ten minutes to go and he was struggling to keep his eye open. Across the room Jones was also trying ot stay awake. Just before she dismissed the men Lori checked her papers and announced, "I need two volunteers........." They had been there long enough that no one readily volunteered. Lori knew they wouldn't. "Jones, Duke. Thank you. Report to Sgt Hartman at the Administration building in fifteen minutes. Dismissed." Luke swore to himself as he walked out. Fifteen minutes later they reported to Sgt. Hartman who issued them two shovels and a wheel barrel. Their instructions was to move a pile of sand from one side of the Administration building to the other side. Luke knew this was one of those BS assignments. Next week two more lucky men would be moving the sand right back, but he was wise enough to get busy without question. He also knew why he had been chosen. Even though Lori knew why he was sleepy, he had been sleepy in class so he was selected for the detail. Jones, however, ............

Luke took in the sight of Lori totally naked with the only light in the room coming from the window behind her. The figure of her outline was making him crazy. No matter how much he wanted to be reasonable and finish their serious talk about the consquences for them both should they get caught together Luke could not voice that right now. He knew he shouldn't have been there to start off with, he also knew he should be leaving, but he said, "Lori, come back to bed please?" Several hours later Luke managed to slip in the barracks as the wake up call sounded. He was already dressed for morning PT and went out with the rest of the unit. he knew he was going to be one tire puppy today but he sure felt better than he had in a long time in many ways. Lori had planned their meeting on the night before a day where she had late duty which meant she did not have to be out for PT this morning. She would be in the classroom after lunch and have the night duty tonight.

At the motel Dixie heard Dixie Delight pull in. Yes, she could tell by the sound that it wasn't the General Lee. She felt butterflies in her stomach like she had never felt before as Luke turned the key in the door. As he stepped through the door, Dixie saw his small bag, shaving kit and a pizza. Luke said as he kissed Dixie, "So, what has the future Mrs. Duke been doing?" Cold chills ran up Dixie's spine when he said that almost as if someone had stpped on her grave, but she brushed it off and said, "Relaxing. No work, No school." Luke nodded, "That's sorta what I had in mind. I helped at the farm, got a few things and brought us dinner so we don't even have to go back out unless you want to." Dixie kissed Luke passionately and said, "I can't think of a place I'd rather be in the world." Luke added, "Ran into Hilery at the farm." "Oh?" Dixie asked. Luke gave her a strange look and said, "It seems that your cousin may just have a thing for my cousin. Imagine that." Dixie said with a half way grin, "Say, WHAT? Has anybody medicated Luther?" Luke laughed out loud, "Sorta wondered that myself. She was out there to applogize for last night. I caught some of the conversation. Seems Bo had NO idea she liked him, but I seen that look in Bo's eyes. He's looking at her in a totally different light now." "Ah, sorta the same way another Duke boy looked at me after I walked into the garage in a skirt and heels?" Dixie teased. "Yelp, he had about the same 'puppy dog' look I do everytime you walk in the room." Luke half teased. Dixie started undoing the snaps on his shirt and rubbing his chest. Luke remembered something Bo had said, "You are aware that it's likely half the County now thinks we are married?" Dixie smiled and exclaimed, "What? What are you talking about?" Luke had suprised her and she had stopped undoing his shirt. Luke nodded, "Well, it seems that is the conclusion Daisy came to. Figured we had went to Chickomohoney. On the other hand, I told Bo if thinks worked out like I hoped that there may be another Duke around." Luke laughed, "He thought I meant, I was TRYING to get you pregnant." "Oh Lord! Luke if HALF that gets back to my Daddy!....." She said. Luke nodded, "We're likely to have company out here. That was my point in telling you." "Ghee, thanks, I almost wished that you hadn't. Now, I get to worry everytime I heard a car door shut." She said. Luke grinned a bit. "This is the No Tell. I am not parked near the room. I'll heard them before they find us, ok?" Dixie sighed, "If you say so, Luke." Luke took off his now totally unsnapped shirt and layed it on a chair. "I say so. Now, how about a bit to eat before it gets cold. Then, if you don't want to go anywhere we can get real comfortable." Dixie walked by him and ran her fingernails down his bare back lightly, "Sounds good." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hours later Dixie watched as Luke napped. She was still rubbing his strong back lightly with her finger tips. Here she was with the man she had loved since he was a teen and she was a kid. She traced the muscles in his back. These were the muscles of a man, a farmer, a Marine. He had never lacked muscles, but these were defined muscles not like the jocks and weighlifters had at school. These were from work from life. She and Luke had talked long hours since she had gotten back. While she went to the paid boarding school with all the 'Momma's boys', Luke Duke had went to the school of life, or hard knocks. He had been to war, around the world and back to Hazzard County. Dixie couldn't help but think how could she be the 'one' the only one for this man? He could have always had any girl he wanted. Sure, she had worn his Mother's ring for the last six or so years. He had said that he would have been on her doorstep when she least expected it. Dixie had to admit she had purposely made it hard for anyone to find her at school and since by using he grandmother's maiden name. They had only been with each other for just over a day and Luke was talking marriage. This is what she had hoped for dreamed of, but now that she was here, he was beside her......... She wondered if she had never came back would he have ever settled down? Who would it have been if not her? Had he even subconsciously been waiting for her? Had he purposely waited for HER? Was Luke only saying what he thoguth she wanted to hear? Here they were, right now, living for the moment, living her 'fairytale', playing 'house' even. But, was it a fair view of the life they would have together? Here there was no one but them, no chores, no jobs, no duties, no friends, and no family. Once you added all those factors to their relationship, would it work? Dixie had purposely not told Luke where she had been working. He hadn't even asked. He was just so willing to get her alone and be together. Lord, knew Dixie wasn't complaining or anything, but was the few days they planned to stay together a realistic look at what their life as a maried couple would be? God, how she wanted to be this man's wife, but she wanted him to come willingly (which he was), but she also wanted him for forever too. Dixie remembered how Lori had treated him when they weren't together, even after their divorce, she had to wonder how much of those actions she'd find herself doing if she ever thought he was cheating on her. Dixie found herself faced with the ulitmate question, would it be better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all? Luke rolled toward her and saw she was awake. He reached out for her, "Something wrong?" Dixie said, "Just trying to make sure I'm really here with you, that this isn't a cruel nightmare that I'm going to see you taken away from me before my very eyes." Luke was awake now. He raised up and asked, "I take it you've had these before?" Dixie said, "Oh, only since the night you were arrested by the Troopers." Luke took her in his warm arms and whispered, "I'm right here. Wild horses couldn't make me leave you right now. No one is going to make us leave the other again. I promise you that. For as long as I live, IF you will have me, I'll be right here." Dixie curled into Luke's arms and they drifted back to sleep for awhile.

Inside Daisy asked, "So what brings you and Cooter out here?" Yes sir." Bo responded walking into the house. He walked in intime to hear Hilery's reply to Daisy. "We're here because Cooter needed to talk to Bo. I sorta played a dirty joke on him, kissed him and left him high and dry when he wanted it." she giggled. "I needed to know, but there is no way I want to go that far, not yet." "Hil, I'm surprised Cooter didn't bring his shot gun." Daisy replied shaking her head. "I'm glad he didn't bring his shot gun!" Bo interjected, getting the attention of both girls. "Smells good Daisy. Maybe tomorrow we could get Hil to come over and help out." he winked at the Davenport woman. He actually did like her cooking, and ever since the night before he had finally found himself being honest with himself. He did like her. The realization had startled him earlier that day, but it felt good to stop lying. "Bo I think Cooter heard that." Daisy said, looking past him. Cooter stood right behind him! "Yes, Cooter did hear that." Cooter said with a frown. Bo frowned and turned around. "Oops, uh..." He knew he was caught red handed trying to flirt. "I like her cooking..." Cooter shot him a look and said, "Uh-huh." "Well she cooks better than you, and almost as good as Uncle Jesse." Bo grinned. Cooter decided to end this, "Bo I live with her I know how she cooks. Ok? Stop digging yourself in deeper."

Hilary laughed as Cooter let her room. Within minutes they were on their way to the Duke farm, Hilery giggling the whole way. She was going to torturer her cousin with it. At the Duke farm, Bo was finishing up his and Luke's chores. He was mumbling about how much Luke was going to owe him when he came home. He had seen Luke leave a short while ago with a small over night bag and his shaving kit. Bo couldn't help but wonder about Luke and Dixie and where their relationship might go this time. His thoughts were intrupted when he saw Hilery's Mustang heading down the drive. he shook his head when he saw Cooter with her. Bo sighed and headed toward the house. He had a bad feeling! "Howdy!" Hil called out, getting out of the car. She smiled at Bo. "Hey Hil... Uh, hi Cooter." Once Bo had gotten his jets cooled down, he'd realized how much he'd screwed up by calling him. He just had NOT been thinking. He was nervous, and he had never really had to tangle with the Davenports and love interest issues, unlike Luke. From the front porch Jesse called, "Hey there ya'll. Supper's almost ready if ya'll want to stay?" Cooter looked at Bo but headed to Jesse, "Well, that will likely depend on how this here converation works it way out." Jesse said, "What Conversation would that be?" Cooter looked at Bo giving him the opportunity to tell Jesse why he was there. Cooter knew by the look on Bo's face he knew why he was there. "Uh, remember what I told you earlier Uncle Jesse..." Bo said carefully. He felt like the preacher was coming to sunday dinner and he was the only chicken in the hen house. Jesse looked from Cooter to Bo. He thought he knew what Bo was talking about but he wanted clearification, "Not exactly, Bo. Suppose you tell me again." "He uh, probably wants to talk to me about my talk with Hil earlier..." he said sheepishly. Cooter replied while looking Bo in the eyes, "We can say that since Hil is here but Bo I'd like a few specifics about that, .... ah, .... 'talk'." "Um, I think I'll go find Daisy..." Hil said, suddenly unsure if she wanted to be present. If there was going to be an argument, she didn't want to be in the middle of it. Hilery slipped inside to find her friend. "Oh boy... she really know's how to leave me in a hard spot..." Bo said. "Well, that is what I want to talk to you about Bo." Cooter said. Bo nodded, nervous. He'd never thought he'd be having this particular conversation with Cooter! "Yeah... Cooter I'm sorry about earlier." Jesse was all ears but figured to let them work this out amoung themselves if they could. Cooter voiced Bo's thoughts, "Buddy Row, I never looked to be having this here conversation with you. I don't know what went on between you two today. Not really sure that I WANT to know, BUT ....." Cooter paused for a minute to let this sink in, "The point is, something happened. It may or may not have had anything to do with last night, but something happened. Bo, you, Luke and me are close. Sometimes like these we may even be too close. We've double dated, swapped lies AND TOLD each other the EXACT truth of what we've done on dates." Cooter looked Bo in the eyes. "That's what worries the he-- out of me about Hilery." Cooter sighed, "Even Dixie. It's hard not to see them in some of the situations we've all talked abont. Da-- it Bo, what if I took Daisy out?" Cooter asked to drive home his point. Bo could see what Cooter was saying and bit his lip. He had his points. "I know Cooter. I wouldn't like it. I'm sorry, but she came onto me and..." Bo shrugged. "She is pretty. I don't know yet if I want to persue anything yet though, mostly because she's your cousin. I know how protective of her ya are. Yeah, I wanted to drag her somewhere private earlier, but I also wasn't thinking." Bo could feel Jesse's gaze on him and wanted to shrink slightly. "But nothing happened in that way either." Cooter said, "Like I told her. I know you pretty well. Bo I heard the 'need' in that CB call to me. The not thinking part is why I'm here." Bo nodded. "Sorry." he didn't even know if he could meet Cooter's gaze when he said that. Cooter said firmly, "You not thinking. Her teasing. Bo we both been there. Don't hurt her or deal with me. I'm trying to be as fair about this as I can. I'll also tell you, Luther doesn't know about any of this yet." "Should I be afraid of him...?" Bo asked, his head snapping up. "Bo I ain't even going to lie. There are times like now, when I'm giving you two a chance that I a bit afraid of him. That's why I'm here first instead of telling him that I'll accept yours and Hil's decision if you choose to date. Just take it slow and don't use her." Cooter said a bit quieter than normal. Bo swallowed. "I don't see where this is even Luther's problem," he said, clearly nervous. "Hil never was his responsibility." Jesse was watching, his lips zipped. This was something the two friends would have to work out on their own. Cooter said, "I may even particially agree with ya Bo, but she's still his family and you KNOW he will make it his business. He's tried to over ride me before and frankly, I see it coming again." "Oh Lord. Should I just go hide out for a few days?" he asked. He didn't know Hil had asked the same question. Cooter said as a bit of a joke, "Bo I think that's only an option for only one Duke at a time and from the looks of things Luke beat you to it. Did they even come here at all?" "Luke did." Bo swallowed. "But took off afterwards. He came to get some things and do his chores. That was all. Luke is sooo gonna owe me if I survive this." Jesse said, "Well, you danged better survive cause you both assured me that yours and HIS work would get done while he's gone." Cooter asked, "Gone?" "He's spending the week with Dixie," Bo said. "I swear, I would never run off with Hil like that Cooter. I would never take her to the No Tell Motel and shrug my responsibilities." Bo wanted to shrink. "Uncle Jesse, I can't help it if Luther overides Cooter and kills me!" His voice had risen a whole octave! Cooter nodded. That was the second person that told him his sister was basically 'shacking up' with Luke at the No Tell Motel. He'd see about THAT as soon as he got THIS straight. Jesse added gruffly, "Well, before you get killed go fetch Luke! Now come on in here for supper gets cold." Jesse still hadn't figured out what it was about his boys and the Davenport girls. He and Luther might just as well set down and pair them up and be done with it!

She grinned, starting to laugh. She was laughing so hard, she didn't even hear the footsteps on the stairs. "Having problems with Cousin Dixie?" Hil laughed when Cooter appeared in her doorway. She'd left he door open. Cooter said, "I'm here to talk to you about you. Not my sister." She snorted. "What do you want?" Cooter said, "I came to tell you, that though I don't like you teasing men, any of them. I am glad you chose to leave and not do anything else. OK?" Hilery asked, "Cooter if Dixie's only a year older than me why is what she doing accepted?" Cooter sighed, "It's not accepted, but there is a lot you don't know about Dixie and Luke's situation. They have paid a heavy price to be where they are now and Luther isn't finished yet." "I'm glad Daddy didn't want Luther taking me in. I'd probably be dead right now." she sighed in response. "Luther scares me Coot. Sometimes you do too. I love Bo to death, but I'd never rush into anything. I mean, maybe someday, but..." Hilery shrugged. "It wouldn't be any time soon. I just want to live my life, wait until I am married, but you never know. It could happen sooner, and I really do love him." Hil wanted to try to explain it to Cooter. "I mean, I've hardly been interested in other boys, and at least you know he wouldn't do anything to hurt me. I know that if it's not with Bo, I might never find someone to spend the rest of my life with, but I don't care. So long as Bo's happy, I'm happy." She looked Cooter in the eyes, trying to read his reaction. Cooter listened to Hilery. Really listened to her and heard what she was saying, but he still had reservations about Bo Duke being the one for her. "Well, Lord knows stranger things have happened around here and you are right. There's a lot of worse fellas than the Dukes, which is what I tried to tell Luther about Luke a long time ago. That is after I got over the shock. Then I seen what she went through because of her choices. She had to love him a he-- of a lot and Luke her to make some of the choices he made to protect her as best he could. There's a lot you don't know." He paused then continued, "I'll tell you something you may not know, but if it ever comes up you let them tell you. Did you know Dixie could have married Luke when she was 16, but Luther was set on sending him to prison? "No. Cooter, I'm sorry." she sighed. "Why is love so confusing? All I want is for BO to be happy. Sometimes I get jealous, think I should be the girl with him, but then I see him smile..." she shook her head. "I doubt I could ever make him happy. I'm sure Dixie could make Luke happy, and all... I just... I don't think I'd ever make anyone happy." She laid back down on her bed and looked at the ceiling. "Well, in order to make someone else like you, first you got to like yourself. Just take it slow. You'll get your chance." Cooter said calmly. "As for Dixie and Luke, they may seem like they got things worked out and if they do it's about time, but I'm talking about when she was 16! I still don't think it would have worked out." "I do like myself, I just... " Hilery shrugged again. "I'm scared." she finally admitted. She looked at the window and smiled. Her cat sat in it, wanting to come in. She let him in and hugged him close. Bo had given him to her. "Yeah, young love doesn't always work, but I think they might have something. I seen Luke ealrier, and he seemed pretty happy." "Being scared is natural, but if you never take risks and play it safe you'll be awefully lonely. I don't want that for you." Cooter said, "I know I saw the change in him last night when Dixie walked in with him. Did you see the change in Luther? He had been tolerating Luke pretty well but they were about to go at it last night." "I knew something was going on, but I don't remember caring," she chuckled. "How would you take it if I ended up with Bo?" She asked, suddenly getting serious. "I mean, would you flip on him like Luther, and flip on me, or would you accept it?" Cooter guessed that maybe since they were so close in age is why he felt he could talk to Hilery. He sghed and said, "If that's ya'll choice I'd have to accept it. Jesse Duke has said for many years two things that have stuck with me about those boys. One is that the chances of them two producing a family rates right up there with hogs producing beef. Two is that if they EVER do settle down it will likely be for life." "Thanks cousin," she said giving him a hug after putting the cat down. "I know what you're saying though. They both need to find the right girls for them." She felt so much better now that they'd both calmed down. Cooter was now wondering just how far he'd stuck his foot in his mouth.. Should Bo and Hil want to be together he'd have to accept it! He hoped he could. "Don't worry, he and I probably won't be together for awhile yet, it all depends on him," she whispered into his ear. She wanted to make him feel secure in his decision. "And I know you can change your mind, but just remember, he won't hurt me." she added. "If you want, we could double date." Hil winked. "Just so you can keep an eye on us, if he ever asks me out." "Hil, I know you ain't my daughter or my sister, but you got to realize, Bo and Luke go way back. We've told tails and swapped lies but we've also told each other exactly what we had done on dates. Do you know how hard it was to KNOW that and see Luke put his hands on Dixie. Then, find out that they had done something? Do you really think I could double date with you and Bo???" He hoped she understood what he was saying. Hilery chuckled. "I can just imagine! That's why I suggested a double date," she shook her head. She'd heard stories from her friends. Sometimes they made her want a cold shower! "And I've heard a thing or two." Cooter said, "You've heard stories and still want to go out with Bo? I'm scared now." "Sorry cousin," she giggled. "Why do you think I come in in the middle of the day sometimes and head to the bathroom?" She was dead serious. "Don't worry though, I got plan on waiting," she said gently, trying to reassure him. "And sides, I'd make sure he had protection." Hilery wasn't stupid, and did not want a child. Cooter wasn't sure he wanted to have this conversation wth Hil. "Honey, it sounds like you are thinking things through but you're making me gray here." Hilery gave Cooter a hug. "Sorry Cousin." She didn't want to turn him gray, but she did want to make him feel better about it. "I'm just trying to assure you I'll be safe. I promise." she said softly. "Now how will we deal with Luther? You know he won't agree!" Cooter said, "It's a good chance he won't Honey. But let's just give it a little time and see how he takes Dixie and Luke. I hope she comes by here." Hilery nodded 'no', and said, "I doubt it. Luke told Bo he'd see him 'later this WEEK'." Cooter said in disbelief, "He said WHAT?" "You heard me, he said he won't be back 'til later this week." she said almost smugly. "They're trying to get to know each other 'gain without everyone hoverin' over 'em. Might as well just talk to Luther now rather than later. Get it out of the way. Might be safer for me." she gulped. "The longer it festers, the worse it'll be." Cooter wasn't happy about Dixie at this moment either. He planned to take the long way to town in a bit and see if she was where Luther said she was. Right now though Cooter said, "Well, he's at the garage. Do you want me to tell him what we decided?" Cooter didn't want to tell him this and he may even talkto Bo first to see if there was even going to be a point to rile him further. "Um, yeah, give me a chance to hide first, I'm thinking the Duke farm would be good," she grinned. "If you want to head over there with me first, you could have a chance to talk to Bo?" Hil offered. Cooter said, "Well, that sounds like an idea I think I would likek to talk to Bo first, before I go get Luther too upset. But, you ain't staying over there to hid!" She grinned. "Jesse will be there probably," she said innocently. She knew why Cooter had objected to that idea, all too well. Cooter scolded, "Hilery ANN!" He wished she'd let him get used to these new ideas for she tried to push his buttons about them.

"Boy, that feels better," Bo mumbled walking out of the bathroom. He had needed that, but he stopped dead in his tracks when he seen his uncle. "Uh, hey Uncle Jesse." he grinned sheepishly. "There aren't that many things left to be done, just needed to cool off." Bo tugged at the collar of his shirt nervously. He knew his uncle probably wouldn't buy it. "Bo...." Jesse said in way of a warning. "Okay, so I had a visit from a girl and she got me all hot and left me high and dry!" Bo burst out. "I needed a cold shower cause I just couldn't concentrate on the work!" That look always worked to get the truth out of Bo. He looked at his uncle, embarassed. Jesse replied, "The girl wouldn't have been Hilery Davenport would it?" "Uh," Bo cleared his throat and looked down. "Yes sir." Jesse sighed. He didn't know what it was about his 'boys' and Luther's 'girls'. "Bo I don't want a repeat of Luke's situation a few years ago. You know you are older than she is. This likely won't set well with Cooter or Luther." He paused and added, "OR me if you don't get your work done before you socialize." "Sorry sir. She is an adult though, and nothing happened. I wasn't lookin' to socialize, she come lookin' for me." Bo was embarassed. Jesse said, "She's been around long enough to know when it's work time here. Straighten it out so I's don't have to." Bo nodded and replied, "Yes. Sir." He headed back out to finish up the chores. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter had finally stopped laughing by the time Hilery walked back in. She had a smug look on her face. "Hey cousin. I settled things with Bo, just like you said I needed to." Cooter said, "Well, why don't you tell me about YOUR version of 'settling things' with Bo." He was setting on the counter and waiting. "What ever do you mean?" She asked, completely unaware of the CB call. "Oh I'd just like to hear what happened." Cooter said. "Well, I told him I like him... we talked... found out where Dixie is... gave Bo a kiss, and left." she shrugged, not going into details. "Why exactly would be need a cold shower after you left in the middle of the day?" Cooter asked a mater of factly. "Uh... sh**. uh... well uh..." Hil stammered. "Maybe it was a uh, good kiss?" Cooter said, "Hilery ANN! I want the truth." "Okay, so it was a hell of a kiss! He was coming onto me, I kissed him, it got hot, and I left, okay? Nothing happened!" Hilery explained. Cooter asked, "BO came on to YOU?" "Uh... sh**," she repeated. She really wasn't doing too good at this. "Just a little! He kissed me first! I was flirting with him, a little..." Hilery ran a hand through her hair nervously. She was digging the whole deeper, and the fact she hadn't really dated as a teenager didn't help. Cooter warned, "YOU are playing with fire. You need to know that. These 'boys' are grown men and it takes a bit to make them need a cold shower and I DIDN'T APPRECIATE Bo droolin' into the CB looking for you after YOU left him." "eep," Hilery said, stepping back. She stepped on Luther's foot. He'd heard Cooter yelling and come in to see what the commotion was about. "Sorry." she swallowed. Luther asked, "What is going on?" Cooter said, "She's playing with fire. She just caused Bo Duke to need a COLD SHOWER." Luther looked at his son in amsuement. "Not so easy is it son?" Cooter shook his head. "I swear Cooter, nothing happened, and I'm a grown woman...." she said softly, her voice nothing more than a squeak. "So there was something to last night?" Luther asked, an eyebrow raised as he eyed his cousin's daughter. She seemed to be wanting to shrink as she ran out of the room and up the stairs. "Yeah. She's playing with fire Dad, and I don't know what to do." Cooter sighed. Luther hummphed and said, "YOU had all the answers and told me what I did wrong with Dixie, so this should be easy for you Son. I'm still not done with those two. Parking that car right out front of the No Tell Motel for God's sake! She might as well just let him have her right in front of me!" "Well you didn't need to beat all of us every chance you got either," Cooter snapped. "And after a while, that gets pretty numbing!" He stopped. "They were at the No tell Motel?" he asked. Right then, he was happy Hil hadn't done that and had enough sense to leave Bo high and dry, even if she'd gotten him hot first. Luther said, "The danged General Lee was right out front when I came home last night. I tried to drive around after that round at the Boar's Nest. Her car was still at the Boar's Nest when I left. They were gone so they had to be in the General Lee." Hilery heard this and couldn't believe Dixie really went to the motel with Luke. She had thought he was teasing earlier. Cooter figured he'd better go tell Hilery that he was glad she stopped with Bo when she did. He started up stairs.

She did need to talk to Bo. Hilery got there twenty minutes later, taking the back way. She passed the boys as they worked on the fence and stopped. She took a deep breath. Bo was shirtless and did he ever look good! She backed up and parked, getting out. "Hey Bo, Luke..." She said nervously. "Hey." Bo said. He himself was nervous. "Sorry about last night... I guess now you know..." Hilery didn't look him in the eyes. She felt too ashamed to. "So... you do like me?" Bo asked to be sure they were on the same page. Hil nodded. "Hil... Look at me." He said hopping over the fence. He wrapped his arms around her gently and tipped her head to look at him. "It's okay." "You ain't mad?" she asked. "No, how could I be mad at you? You're one of my best friends... I'm just confused. Why didn't you ever tell me?" Bo asked. "I was scared. I was scared of how you'd react, and of Cooter. I'm sorry Bo. I had no call to act like I did last night." Bo sighed as he listened to her. She was right, she didn't have no call, but she was also drunk. "Just promise me you won't act like that again. Hil... I need some time to think about this." Bo said. Luke cautioned, "Hilery you know Cooter only wants what's best for you as for Bo, if ya'll decide to date every bit of flack you get was caused long ago by me. I'm sorry ya'll have to live with that." Hilery asked, "So where is Dixie? With Daisy?" Luke swallowed hard. He hadn't minded telling his buisness to Bo but telling Dixie's to Hilery was different. He said, "Ah, no she not here." "Then why do you got her car? I mean, there aren't THAT many Chargers in these here parts." Hil asked, pointing to the vehicle. Luke had driven it out. "And a little birdy told me about her and that car." Hilery tapped her foot. "Busted cousin." Bo added, chuckling. Luke glared at Bo. "Bo drove it home last night actually. I had the General Lee." "But you two were together," she eyed him carefully. "Luke, I ain't dumb. I heard the stories." "Sorry Luke." Bo snickered. "Still busted." Speaking of a good time, Bo was slightly eyeing Hilery, trying to be subtle about it. He hadn't payed much attention before, but she had a figure just like her cousins did, only she didn't flaunt it everywhere. That turned him on. "Uh Luke?" Bo said, clearing his throat. "Could I uh, talk to Hil alone for a bit?" She raised an eyebrow at Bo. He'd let her go already, but she had a funny feeling with where the subject had gone. Luke smiled. "Not a problem. I'll see ya'll maybe later this week. You know how those danged Davenport girls are once you actually get them to the motel. Thanks again Cuz." Hilery's eyes flashed as she picked a rock up and winged it at him. It wacked him in the leg and she laughed. "Now what were you wanting to talk about?" she asked, batting her eyelashes. Luke said as he got in DIxie's car and rove away, "Owe! That hurt!" "Maybe getting you all to myself. Gotta keep it quiet, Cooter'd kill me," he said softly, brushing his lips to hers. Hilery kissed him back, a wicked idea in her mind. "Oh I bet you'd like that," she murmered through the kiss. Bo took advantage of it, and she let him. The kiss deepened and they fell back against her car. Within minutes they were both panting. "Wanna go somewhere more private?" he asked, pressing himself toward her. "I'm going nuts here." Hilery grinned. "I would love to Bo. I would love to spend all night with you, he-- I'd spend all week with you, lettin' you have your way." She pushed him away though. "Just not yet." she grinned and winked. "I gotta go!" Bo groaned in frustration, wanting to cuss himself for letting himself get so over heated. That girl was going to drive him crazier than she just had, especially if she kept pulling that. He watched her drive away and hit the fence. That just wasn't fair. She got him all hot and left him high and dry!" Bo walked over to the pickup and picked up the CB. "Crazy Cooter, you got your ears on, c'mon. It's the lost sheep 2." "This is Crazy Cooter comin' back at you. Go ahead Lost Sheep 2." Cooter replied. "I uh... Just seen Country Girl," Bo cleared his throat. Cooter braced himself, "And?" He said with unasked questions running in his mind. Bo took a shaky breath. "I don't know if she was nice to me or not! I need a shower, a cold shower Cooter." Cooter couldn't believe what Bo had told him. "BO that's MORE information than I wanted! But while you are at it...." "She stopped by, told me she likes me, gave me a he-- of a kiss, and took off!" The frustration was clear in Bo's voice. Cooter couldn't help but laugh. Bo knew there was NO WAY he could work right now and made his way back to the farmhouse. He went straight to the bathroom and into a cold shower. Jesse was waiting for him when he came out of the bathroom. His eyes full of unasked questions. He was waiting for Bo to answer them and now. Bo shouldnt' have been back to the house til the work was done and he knew that especially since he was covering Luke's chores too.

At the Davenports, Cooter fumed, "Hilery you can NOT be serious about liking Bo Duke!" "I am, Cooter, I'm 21 years old! Sides, it's not like I'm persueing it!" she snapped back. Cooter replied, "That's NOT what I SAW last night!" "I was drunk!" she told him, wanting to hide. He was furious. "Do you think I would have done that if I were sober?" "That's my point! You have a few drinks, who knows what HE could talk you into." Cooter said. "Well if you didn't notice, he ran away and hid! Cooter, I'm a grown woman, and I should be able to make my own decisions. Sides, what makes you think I'll go get drunk again? YOU and BL were buying my drinks for the most part. Bo bought me only ONE. I don't think I'm the one you need to worry about, Dixie didn't even come home last night, and wasn't in the jail!" she snapped back again. Cooter replied, "I'm not responsible for Dixie. Honey, there are things you just don't understand about Dixie. She likely stayed with Daisy Duke." She snorted. "And you aint' responsible for me no more!" Cooter tried not to fall into the same trap his father had with Dixie, "Hilery, legally I am not, but I love you. Honey I grew up with these guys and and heard the 'details' of many of their dates. The details aren't even rated to where I could talk to you about them at the ripe old age of 21." Cooter blushed just thinking of some of their stories. Bo and I aren't dating! Why would he even be interested in me? I mean, I never even told him I liked him so I wouldn't loose his friendship!" Hilery was starting to cry. "I can't help who I do and do not love Cooter, and this is why I never told you. I knew you'd get mad. I know he probably doesn't want to be near me right now." she sniffled and put her head down on the table. Cooter said, "Hil any guy would be lucky to have you like them, but I just feel that Bo Duke may move a bit too quick for you. After all he is a lot older than you." "Three years! Dixie is four years younger than Luke!" Hilery stated. Cooter looked at her in suprise that she knew so much about Dixie. "Hil there is a lot you DON'T know about Dixie and Luke. And from Luther's expression this morning she's not off the hook either!" "Look, I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry I fell in love with who I did. I just won't hang out with the Dukes anymore." Hilery was weeping, her voice muffled by her arms. "It's not like Bo will even want to look at me after I chased him off last night anyway." Cooter said, "I didn't say you couldn't date Bo. I'm just saying if you two decide to date, be careful. Those boys are known to get what they want and move on. Ok?" She sniffled and sat up, looking at him. "I already know he won't be interested. He ran off last night." she repeated. She licked her lips and wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry. Cooter... could you call over to the Duke farm and... and tell Bo I'm sorry?" Cooter put his arm on her shoulder, "No dice. Like you reminded me. You are twenty one an adult in all aspects. Bo's your problem, Honey." Hilery snorted. "I shoulda known you'd pull that." She got up and walked outside to her car, a '68 Ford Shelby Mustang, and took off going toward the Duke farm.

"Yeah. I been wanting to talk to you anyway about last night. I been doing a lot of thinking about Hil and.... Daisy said she caught her checking me out once or twice." Bo ran a hand through his hair. "Luke, she's one of my best friends and... now I just don't know what to think!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke gave him a smug look, "Maybe, just maybe cousin it was the alcohol you and BL was feeding her." "That's what I'm hoping, but somehow..." Bo shrugged. "It also makes sense. I mean, she is always hanging out with us, especially me. She is always willing to drop what ever she's doing to hang out..." Luke replied, "Like Lori, Dixie, and even BL?? What's that prove?" "I don't know, they all have liked you, and they were always closer to you, and yet Hil, she was always closer to me. Speaking of Dixie, how did things go last night, and where did you two slip off to?" Bo asked. Luke defended, "BL never liked me like that!" "True, you got me there, but still. I have caught Hil watching me like a hawk sometimes." Bo shook his head. "That doesn't answer my question though. How did things go with Dixie?" Luke grinned widely and said, "No I didn't." Luke was now grinning like the cat that ate the family canary. "Bo I need ya, cousin." "What's going on?" Bo asked, finally working on the fence. Luke picked his words carefully so as to not give Bo more information than he needed, "We won't be planting this week and everything is pretty much done except the daily chores. Will you cover for me this week? Bo, I'd like to spend some time with Dixie, with out the families on top of us." Bo thought about it before nodding. "Yeah, I suppose I could, but you owe me big Luke." Luke smiled, "You got it. I'll help you here today and I'll be back in a few days." "Just one thing cousin. Where will you be, and have you been having fun," Bo asked, stressing the last word. Luke knew right well what he meant. Luke took a deep breath and smiled widely, "Bo, I'm not trying to jump into anything too quick, but if things work out like I think there may be another Duke around here." "WHAT!?" Bo asked shocked. "You mean you're trying to get Dixie pregnant!?" Luke laughed at Bo out loud! "NO! That is NOT what I meant! But I may just finally make an honest woman of her!" "Oh... OH! You mean you want to eventually marry her?" Bo asked. Luke raised his eyes a few times, "I was thinking of a lot sooner than eventually Bo. Bo replied, "Well, even I know that, but you two are taking it slow, right? I mean Daisy thought you two actually took off to Chickamahony!" Luke said, "I'm trying to be logical here Bo and not end up like Lori and I did, but for about two cents I would have driven over there last night." Luke breathing had changed just at the thoughts he was having. Bo just raised an eyebrow and shook his head. He wasn't going to say a word about it. "So, what do you think I should do about the situation with HIl?" Luke tried to get his thoughts and breathing back to normal before he answered, "I'd wait and see two things; One, if Cooter kills her and TWO, how she acts once she's sobbered up. Then I'd go from there." "And if it turns out she likes me and Cooter doesn't kill her?" Bo asked totally frustrated. Luke replied with a grin, "Then you figure out if you like her. Trust me, Bo, after a few years Cooter and Luther calm right down and warm up to ya!" "Oh yeah, right, Luke I ain't that stupid." Bo said. Luke replied, "Well, we walked out last night together and no one even knocked on the door." Bo looked at Luke, doing a double take. "Door? Did you two hit the Notell?" His cousin had changed the subject, and it caught him off guard. He also hadn't expected Luke to mention no dang door! Luke replied, "I really didn't want to chance running into Trooper Mitchell and friend at the lake and it is cheaper that the Hazzard Hotel and they tell everything they know there." Bo warned, "Good point. Just so long as you weren't stupid enough to risk running into Luther either." Luke said a bit to nieve, "Bo we're both adults here. Like I told him last night we don't need his permission any more. NARRATOR: Sometimes even Luke has a pitiful grasp of reality! "Oh yeah, you say that now, but will you say that when there's a gun in your face?" Bo asked. "Even I ain't that stupid. I mean, I'm afraid to go over to the Davenport farm and face Cooter due to Hil's actions last night, and I ain't done nothing wrong!" Luke grinned, "Bo! You can't worry that much can you? I mean when Luther had all rights in the world to shoot me he didn't, but I sorta got the idea he figured shooting me was too quick. He wanted to strangle me with his bare hands!" Bo chuckled and shook his head. "Yeah, so how afraid should I be if I do decide to persue her?" Luke took a deep breath, "Well two things are in your favor cuz. She's twenty one and YOU KNOW THAT! and Cooter was her guardian, not Luther." "Yeah, I suppose, but you know how protective he can be. I mean, he won't even hit her. He finds other ways to punish her." Bo replied. Luke said with a smile, "That's cause he saw what Luther did to Dixie. Come on let's get busy I got plans!" Bo looked at Luke a bit suprised.

Luke pulled up to the farm and was met by a very, concerned Jesse Duke, who was also quite mad. "And where do you think you were last night?" Jesse asked. "Uh... with Dixie?" Luke said. "You better watch out for Luther, just like your cousin needs to watch out for Daisy right now. She chased him out about a half an hour ago to do the chores. He wanted to talk to you, but managed to get some information out of Daisy, and he tricked her to get it. I swear, if that boy used his brain a little more often, he could be dangerous!" --------------------------- Hilery got out of bed and decided to face everyone. She was feeling better, and had definently learned her lesson. "Hi cousin," she said greeting Cooter. "Learn your lesson?" Cooter asked. Hil nodded. Boy did she ever. "I didn't embarass myself too much last night, did I?" "Well, Bo kinda ran away and hid. You were all over him!" Cooter told her. Hilery turned bright red from embarassment. That had been her deepest, darkest secret, her crush on Bo Duke. She swore and got a dirty look from Cooter and said, "Sorry cousin..." "How long?" he asked. He knew she wouldn't have acted like that unless there was something else going on. He knew Bo wasn't going out with her with the way he reacted, but he knew she had to like him. "Since I met him." Hilary said. B.L's eyes widened Hilery sure had hid it good if she'd liked Bo that long. "THAT LONG?" BL exclaimed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke agreed with Jesse about Bo. "Yeah, he could be." Luke took a deep breath and began, "I'm sorry I was late this morning. I'll make it up to you and Bo this afternoon." Jesse said, "Well, the chores ain't what I'm worried about." Jesse paused and began, "Luke I know all you and Dixie have been through. I just think you two should take it slow." Luke agreed, "That's what we plan on doing. Uncle Jesse I came home to help with the chores, but I'd like a few days with as much time as possible to get to know Dixie again. For her to know me now. You know I've changed since I left. But I'd like us to be able to get to know each other without both families right on top of us?" Uncle Jesse respected Luke's decisions. He was after all a grown man. "Luke you know I'll support you in your decisions, but don't get you or Dixie into something neither of you are ready for. Be careful and take it slow. Square the chores with Bo. As long as they get done, I'm good." Luke let out the breath he was holding as he walked away from Jesse. Luke went out to the field where Bo was working, "Bo can we talk?" Bo was more than glad to take a break and talk to Luke. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter exclaimed to Hilery, "Since WHEN?" Hilery swallowed, hard. "Since I met him when I first came to Hazzard. I just... I'm sorry Cooter." she wanted to cry. This was the whole reason she'd never told him, and half the reason she'd never acted on her feelings. The other half was she was scared of rejection. Cooter wanted to smack her. With all the problems he'd had taking care of her, he'd never once wanted to do that before. He was furious! B.L was in a fowl temper from lack of sleep but could tell what Cooter was thinking and said "Cooter ya cant smack her for the way she feels or what happened last night it was largly my fault for giving her the shots of Jim Bean"