DixieDavenport

Dixie looked up at Luke. She smiled a shocked smile. All she could manage to say was, "Luke?!" "Oh my God! I can't believe you're back!" He said, taking her into his arms. He kissed her forehead gently, smiling. "I've missed you so much! I woulda come got you after I got out of the Marines, but I had no idea where to look!" Dixie looked at him with tears in her eyes, "Marines?" Luke looked at her again, "Long story. Too long to right now. I'm glad to see ya but why are you back?" Dixie was shaking in her shoes. "Saw your picture in a racing magazine. I had to know." Luke stepped closer, tilted her chin up to him as he leaned down for a very passionate kiss. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In side Bo was wondering where Luke had gotten off to he should have been back in ten minutes agos. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo walked out of the Boars Nest and shook his head when he seen his cousin with a pretty girl. "Luke, you're missin' Hilery's party!" he said and stopped. "No way! Is that Dixie?" Luke stopped kissing her and smirked at his cousin. "I forgot about that. I came out to get Hil's present and ended up running into this foxy little thing..." Luke raised an eyebrow. He didn't know if Dixie knew her cousin! "Dixie... do you know Hilery?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie replied with a smile, "I don't think so Luke. I've tried NOT do know anything about my family since I left." Luke nodded, "Yeah, because of me." Dixie replied, "No, because of my father." Having this debate here and now was useless. Luke dropped the suject. He would have been prefectly happy if he and Dixie got in the General Lee and went anywhere but here. But, Bo didn't seem to be leaving so he figured they had to go in. "Well, evidently young lady you are NOT the baby of the family. Hilery is celebrating her 21st birthday." "Oh, God! And every Davenport in three states is in there?" Dixie now knew she didn't want to go in. Luke nodded, 'yes' and said, "Pretty much." Dixie said, "I don't want to do this!" Luke smiled, "Yeah you DO. You ARE NOT SIXTEEN any more!" "No, no I'm not!" Dixie said. Luke briefed her. "It took awhile but you father actually speaks to me now. Sometimes I see how much I get under his skin but he does 'act' civilized most of teh time." Dixie replied, "Want to bet that's about to end?" "Especially with what I have in mind!" Luke grinned.

Luke had been right, Stacy had come over to him. He had bought her a beer and they had danced a dance. Now they were back at the bar drinking their beer as Luke watch BL set Hilery up to get very ill. He started to warn Hilery, but she had shot the drink before he said anything. Stacy was coming on to Luke as he sat talking to her with his back to the door. He had heard Hilery's question, "Sprite for now Bo." Luke suggested. Dixie Davenport had left over six years ago. She had avoided all her family and any news of Hazzard County for those six years. Then, when she least expected it she had picked up a race magazine and seen a very familiar face. Well, two familiar faces and a car. There was a picture of Luke and Bo Duke and the General Lee. Dixie couldn't believe it! She had just 'known' that Luke was still in prison. See Dixie had left only days before Luke Duke would be sentenced to prison because she and Luke had been caught in 'the act' in the back seat of the General Lee. The charges held a mandatory sentence of twenty years flat. Dixie wondered HOW Luke was not in prison. It made her angry to think that her Father may have dropped the charges only after she left town, but she was glad for what ever reason Luke was not in prison. She arranged to have a long weekend off work and was presently driving toward Hazzard County as fast as she could. Doubts filled her mind. 'What if he were married? What if he was mad over the whole incident? What if he didn't even want to see her? What if...........' It was too late for what if's, Dixie was pulling into the Boar's Nest and being a friday night it looked as the entire county was here! Dixie sighed, "Wonder how many will remember? Hopefully NOT many." But even as she wished that she knew Hazzard was too small for everyone not to remember what had happened. She paused outside the door hearing the music and laughter beyond. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Luke Duke, I am a grown woman, and I can drink what ever I want." she snapped at him, taking yet another drink from BL who seemed all too happy to give it to her. "though I hear vodka and sprite is pretty good... How's about you get me that Bo." Hil asked, batting her eyelashes at him. Luke shook his head and went back to paying attention to Stacy. "You know, we could kick this party early... and go off somewhere alone." "Luke, I'd like that," she said. "Although, I would like to stay for Hilery's party. It just would be rude. Ask me again toward the end of the party," she winked and walked off. She swung her hips happily as she went toward the bar. Luke shook his head and looked back over at Bo and Hilery. He'd gotten her the Sprite Vodka mix, thankfully, and she was flirting hard with him. He wanted to smack himself and his cousin. They'd left her present in the trunk of the General! "Bo, I'll be right back," Luke said, getting up and walking out. He opened the door to the bar to step out and seen the most drop dead georgious woman standing there. She was beautiful and shapely. He wanted to drool, and almost did when he realized who it was! "DIXIE LEE DAVENPORT!?"

At the bar, Luke was watching the Davenport cousins as he sipped his beer. Seemed like this party was off to a smooth start. He seen Stacy who was a waitress at the Boar's Nest looking his way. She was off tonight and he was alone. He figured she'd make her way over to him before long. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo on the other hand was flirting with Renee Appleby, the daughter of the Doc. He wasn't having much luck either. The young woman just kept brushing him off, and boy was it frustrating him! Hilery watched over BL's shoulder, feeling slightly jealous. She liked him, and it was her birthday, but he was flirting with her best friend! Suddenly she picked up the beer and downed almost all of it, slamming the mug to the table almost hard enough to break it. "Gimme another," she grumbled. She was sure no one had expected that sudden change, but for once didn't care. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter and B.L both looked at Hilery in astonishment. B.L got up and went behind the bar grabbing a shot glass pouring a shot of Jim Bean “I think yer ready for the hard stuff cuz.†Hilery picked up the shot glass and downed the liquor in one gulp sat the glass down for another shot which B.L obliged her with. After about three shots of the Jim Bean Hilery got up off her stool and wandered over to Bo grinning goofily. “Hi Bo, ya lookin’ HOT tonight.†Bo smiled a ‘thanks’ at Hilery and invited her to sit down. As Hilery went to sit down she suddenly swayed going green then pale the Jim Bean wasn’t playing nice with the beer and she promptly threw up all over Bo’s boot. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Sorry Bo," she grumbled. "I suddenly don't feel too hot." Hilery put her head down on the counter top. "I don't know what BL gave me, but it don't like me." "Knowing BL, probably hard liquor after a few beers. Not a good mix." Bo said soothingly, patting her back. "You'll feel better in a minute now it's out of your stomach." Hilery looked up and smiled at him. She felt slightly tipsy. "You are cute." she told him, sweetly. She looked up at him, even with her head down. She was feeling much better. "Buy the birthday girl a drink?" she asked him, finally sitting back up.

NOTE: This a joint effort with Hilery, BL, and Dixie Davenport. It is for entertainment and time lines may be altered to get us all together which could conflict with other stories. Hilery -- 21; Dixie -- 22; BL -- 25; Luke -- 26; Bo -- 24; ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Boars Nest was decorated in sky blue and yellow, and balloons littered every corner. Streamers went from one wall to another, and the alcohol was flowing freely. This was a very special party: Hilery Davenport, the baby of the Davenport family, was now 21 years old. Every one of her friends were at the Boars Nest and a good portion of her family. Even a few of the normal thorns in her side were there, like the Hazzard Law. Hilery couldn't help but to laugh as Cooter placed a beer infront of her. "Happy 21st Birthday Hil," he said and kissed her on the head. "Thanks Coot." she replied, taking an experamental sip of the brew. It wasn't too bad. Unlike some of the others in the family, she hadn't dared try sneaking a drink here and there. She didn't want trouble with Rosco any more than she was already on the regular basis. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ B.L watched Cooter give Hilery the beer she was such a goody goody where stuff like drinking was concerned. The rest of them had been drinking sometimes to the point of getting drunk since they were teens. Coming over to where Hilery set B.L sat down with her 2nd beer. “Drink up Hil it’s yer big birthday.†Hilery smiled and took another sip of her beer, B.L laughed “Drink it Hil ya not in a country club.†Saying this B.L took a big gulp of her own beer drinking down a third of the glass. Hilery frowned at B.L she was always being picked on by the older ones especially B.L who seemed to enjoy teasing Hilery and picking fights with her.

BL asked, "You going to tell him?" Cooter nodded, "Yeah, I guess I am." Cooter said as he started toward the truck to go to the garage to tell Luther where Dixie was. Well, had been. BL said, "I go with you as long as I don't have to get too close to him." Cooter waited until she was in the truck. At the garage they both got out and walked inside the garage. Actually BL stopped in the doorway. Cooter said gently, "I know where Dixie went." Luther looked up at his son, but didn't say anything as he didn't trust his own voice right now. Cooter said, "Mom said she changed her mind about going to one of those boarding schools that Mom wanted her to go to when she begged YOU to let her come here and go to a regular High School. You know because she HATED the idea of going to a boarding school. I'm also to tell you that and I quote Mom, 'One of our children has come to their scenses'." Luther sighed and found his voice, "Where is she I'll go get her." Cooter said, "If I knew I'd already been gone. Mom said that was one of the conditions Dixie set when she agreed to go away to school that NO ONE here be told where she was or given her number." Luther said, "She'll call or show back up." Cooter shook his head, "No, I don't think she will." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The day of Luke's sentencing arrived. The judge had seen Bo on the charges where he'd hit Ernie Ledbetter first. Bo had plead guilty. He was sentenced to seven days in jail and given credit for the time he had already served with Luke while awaiting his sentencing. Bo had then been releases. All the Dukes were there, their feelings ran deep but were bitter sweet as they knew what was going to happen. Luther, Cooter, and BL were there. Luther still wanted the 'book' thrown at Luke. none of the Davenports were aware of the Judge's talk with Luke. Judge Hardcastle took the bench. The court was called to order. Judge Hardcastle began, "First of all I want both of these families to know just how hard this case has been for me. I must see that justice is done. But, in this case the punishment doesn't fit the crime. I feel that Mr. Davenport's main objective here is to see that Mr. Duke here is not around his daughter. As I am sure you all know this great nation of ours is gearing up for a war. They may call it something else but for those young men who will fight it, it will be nothing short or war. I have done a lot of research these past few days and I found a statute in the state code that will give me some sentencing options in this case. First off, Lucas Duke you have plead guilty to the charges that you were charged with. Is this correct?" Luke replied, "Yes, Sir." Hardcastle continued, "Now, that is important, because had I FOUND you guilty you would not have been eligible for the sentencing option. Now, the law says that I must sentence you to twenty years in prison. I have seen this young man and a few of his cousins and friend in this court before. It has always been for racing, fighting because they were called a cheat or a liar or to PROTECT someone else. Usually someone's HONOR. This young man's cousin picked a fight to get arrested just to show his LOYALTY to his cousin and spend what time he with his cousin before he went to prison. Mr. Duke here plead guilty to these charges again to PROTECT the young lady in this case. He felt a RESPONSIBLE for the situation and felt a DUTY to PROTECT Ms. Davenport's HONOR. You know those words just keep popping up when I think of this case: PROTECT, HONOR, LOYALTY, DUTY. These qualities sure seem the qualities that our armed forces are looking for. So I did some research. I found that I can seal Mr. Duke's guilty plea and this case and put it in a 'frozen state' shoud Mr. Duke be willing to join the military. Well, after talking to him at lenght I was able to contact someone to talk to Mr. Duke and I believe Mr. Duke has entered into a contract with the United States Marine Corps. Is that correct Mr. Duke?" Luke said, "Yes, Sir. I have a copy of the contract in case you needed it." Judge Hardcastle smiled. Luther Davenport was not liking the way this was going at all! Judge Hardcastle looked at the signed contract which had a date for Luke to leave later that same day. He saw the dirty looks Luther Davenport was giving Luke Duke as well as himself. He continued, "As long as Mr. Duke Honorable fulfills this contract his case will be sealed and no record of this case will show up anywhere in his background. Due to the high tempers involved in this case as well as the short time to Mr. Duke's departure, I would like to hold you in 'protective custody' until you are picked up for the bus." Luke was a bit disappointed at hearing this. He had hoped to return to the farm until that evening. He saw the look Jesse gave him and knew how big a break he was getting. He sighed and replied, "That will be fine Your Honor and thank you for this chance." Hardcastle nodded, "Mr. Duke I want to wish you well and hope for a speedy return for you to your home and family. May God be with you in these troubled times. Please, come see me upon your return. Court dismissed." Hardcastle had left word for the Dukes to be able to visit until Luke was picked up for his bus. Everything he needed for Basic Training was brought to the jail by Jesse for him. Luke tried and tried to assure Bo that he would be fine and it would be months IF he even went overseas. He told Bo that he would start Basic now at the end of April and not even be done with it until the end of July. Bo still wasn't happy. Sgt. Powell arrived in plenty of time to get Luke to the bus. The Dukes accpmpanied them to the bus stop and Luke remembered something Dixie had said, "Hey Bo. Will you do something for me?" Bo replied, "I guess so." Luke pulled out a ten dollar bill and told Bo, "Run over to the garage and pay this on my account." Bo now remembered what Dixie had said and smiled widely with mischief. "Alright!" He walked over to the garage adn told Luther, "I want to pay ten dollars on Luke's account." Luther was steaming but would take the money. He reached for the index cards that held the only records of over half the county who owed the garage money. He looked through the cards three times as Bo stood smuggly trying to look innocent. Luther finally said, "I can't find his card. I know he has a tab, but I can't find the card right now." Bo said, "Well, I'm sure it will turn up. Tell ya what, put it on my account then." Luther repeated the process again coming up empty handed. "That's funny. I can't find yours either." "Humm..." Bo said as he walked off, "Well when you find them, let me know huh?" Luther was scrating his head. Bo returned holding the ten dollars. "He couldn't find you ticket OR mine!" Bo and Luke had one final good laught together before the bus pulled in. Luke bid his family good bye and headed off to Camp LeJeune, NC. NARRATOR: Unknown to Luke or Dixie they were not just in the same state but closer to each other than either was to their own families! Luther learned to control his temper but he NEVER did find those DANGED account cards! THE END!!

Cooter's Mother replied honestly, "No she's not here. She is alright though." His Mother added quite pleased with herself, "It looks as if she's finally came to her senses. She decided to let me get her into a 'GOOD' school." Cooter said, "So she has been with you?" "Yes, dear. Just long enough to make the arrangements at her school." Cooter's Mother replied. Cooter was smiling a bit as he asked, "Ok so where did she go?" Cooter Mother was beyond pleased to tell her son the rest, "That, my dear, was one of her conditions when she agreed to go to school. She didn't want ANYONE from Hazzard to know where she was at." Cooter's face now dropped, "You mean even ME? Can I have number for her?" Cooter's Mother replied, "Yes, Dear even you. As for a number, she also told me that she did not want it given out. Do tell your father that one of out children has found her scenses. He may have won you over but Dixie came back to me." Cooter sighed and said, "Yeah, I'll tell him." Cooter turned to BL, "Dixie went to Mom's. Let her put her in school somewhere AND she doesn't want anyone here to know where." BL looked at Cooter, then towards the jail and asked, "No one?" Cooter replied, "That's what my Mother said and she asked that I tell Dad." BL .............. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse, Daisy and Jeb spent the next day gathering thing Luke would need for Basic Training. Daisy and Jeb we worried about Luke having to go to war, but were a bit more up beat than Bo. Luke was not going to prison. He would have to go to court the day that he was to leave for Basic to be 'Officially sentenced'. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke wished that he could get word to Dixie that he was not going to prison but he didn't have her Mother's address or phone number. He was sure that none of the Davenports would want her to know anything about him. Jesse had told the others to keep quiet about the sentencing option until it was official so that it wouldn't be opposed.

Luther knew Luke wasn't going to say anymore so he turned on his heels and stormed back up the steps to find out just when Cooter and BL knew Dixie was gone. Maybe if he could figure out how long she had been gone maybe he could figure out where she was. Cooter saw Luther heading their way. He looked at BL and said, "I think we should have been somewhere else about now." BL nodded watching Luther get closer and closer "Ya think we got time to make a run for it before he gets here?" Cooter replied, "Not a chance. He's way to close!" B.L said "I was afraid you'd say that." Cooter knew the look on his father's face, "The sh-- is about to hit the fan." He said to BL. BL could almost see Luther's eyes glowing red like a demon as he approached them and said to Cooter's statement "uh huh" Luther was more ticked off after Luke had pushed his buttons than before he left for the jail. "EXACTLY what time did you know she was gone?" Cooter replied with a bit of a squeak, "BL woke me about dawn." Luther glared at BL. "How LONG did YOU know before you woke Cooter?" "uh...uh" BL stuttered then said "Only a few minutes." Luther glared back at Cooter, "Son, why didn't you wake me?" Cooter pushed a lump in his throat down, "Cause I thought I could find her and get her back here before you knew." Luther flew madder if that was possible "SO YOU JUST WEREN'T GONNA TELL ME YOUR SISTER WAS MISSING AND COULD BE GOD KNOWS WHERE HURT OR GOD FORBID DEAD!!!!" Cooter was in deep and he knew it, but remembered the whipping Dixie was getting yesterday after she had already had one he-- of one earlier. "I didn't much figure you'd care after trying to beat her to death." Cooter knew Luther had about all he could take and was ready for his next move. Luther was lighening quick for a man of his age and hard work had made him strong as a mule. He took his fist and swung at Cooter. Cooter stepped sideways and caught the fist. "That's ENOUGH! YOU CAUSED her to leave! AND, I MAY NOT BE FAR BEHIND HER!" Cooter dropped his father's fist, turned and pushed BL out the garage ahead of him. Luther hadn't been touched but Cooter's words hit him like being kicked in the stomach by a mule. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Early the next morning a Sgt. Powell arrived at the Hazzard County Jail. He felt that the Marines needed good men and couldn't help but wonder why he was ordered to check out someone in jail and if he signed to make arrangements to get him in the class at Camp Le Jeune in three days. THREE Days. The 'old man' (his Commanding Officer) didn't want much short of miracles here he throught as he went down to the jail. He looked at the jailor and said, "I'm Sgt. Powell. I'm looking for a Lucas Duke." Peggy let the man inside the gate and said to one of the two men in the cell, "Luke someone to see you." Luke hadn't been asleep just deep in thought. He saw the Sgt. with Peggy. He got up stood straight and said, "Sgt." Sgt. Powell took in the young man's appearance. Even though he had just woken up and was in jail. Luke had his shirt tucked into his jeans, stood up straight, and spoke to him with respect. "Mr. Duke I'm not real sure why my CO sent me here to tlak to you. But, I'm here to give you information on the Marines and answer any of your questions. I understand the chances of you being willing to join are quite high?" Luke and the Sgt. talked for several hours. Bo joined in the conversation occasionally and tried to talk Luke out of anything. Luke met the qualifications and was willing to join. The Sgt. produced a contract for Luke to sign. Bo looked at Luke and nearly begged, "Luke. Please don't." Luke shook his head and sighed, "Bo this is something I need to do. For myself and our country." The Sgt. had explained that once the contract was signed he would be picked up and put on a bus two days from now to be in NC by 6am the third day. he gave Luke a list of items he'd need and told him he'd be there to pick day after tomorrow. Luke shook his hand. As the Sgt. topped the step, Bo.............

Jesse knew Bo wasn't at all happy, but he figured that Bo would get over it. He asked Luke, "Have you thought this out? Things aren't looking good there's a chance you'll have to go overseas." Luke replied, "Uncle Jesse I know the risks of both prison and the military. I can't help but think I'll be much better off in the military. At least if the worse happens it will be serving my country and protecting my family." Jesse talked to Luke for awhile longer. He hated to think of any of his 'kids' in a war but it sure set better with him than to think of Luke in prison. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luther Davenport couldn't help but to think that Luke Duke knew where his daughter was. He was off tot he jail to find out where she was. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie and her Mother were heading for North Carolia. With any luck she'd be registered in school before anyone figured out that she had went to her mother's. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hardcastle had called several of his many friends and would have some one in Hazzard to talk to Luke tomorrow morning. With luck he'd be signed up by noon the next day. He had explained that if Luke were accepted and willing to join that he needed him to leave for the next class as soon as possible. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luther............

Dixie pulled up to her Mother's house which was likely a home of a plantaion owner during the Civil War. Her grandfather had bought it for her Mother after she had left Dixie and Cooter's father. Her Granparents had never wanted their daughter to see Luther Davenport a common mechanic from Hazzard County. Before Dixie could get to the porch her Mother was out the door. "Are you OK? Look at you just look at you in dungarees." Dixie sighed. She wasn't sure now which was worse. Her mother's ideas of what a lady should dress in or a whipping from Luther about how a lady should act! "Mother I have worn blue jeans for years and I am fine." "I told you that you'd be back here. Didn't I?" Her Mother had an arrogant look on her face. Dixie cut to the chase, "I changed my mind. I do want to go to school. But on two conditions...." Dixie paused. She felt her Mother would be only to happy to go along with. "First, I don't want ANYONE from Hazzard to know I'm here or where I go. Not even Dad. Second I want to go to school somewhere far away." Though her Mother couldn't help but wonder about Dixie's sudden change in attitude, if it meant getting her away from the likes of the Davenport's she'd take without questions for now. "Come on in the house I still have the information on the schools I tried to get you to go to before." Dixie went inside with her Mother and flipped through the schools. Most were either to close to her Mother or Hazzard or up North. Dixie really preferred to say in the Southern states. She finally seen one located in Asheville NC. It was the Ashville School. The location seemed far enough away without being out of the South. She flipped the information back to her Mother, "This one." Her Mother had checked all the schools out before and knew it was a good school. She picked up the phone and made the call. NARRATOR: Now folks, anyone who's ever tried to get into a school knows it just isn't this simply. But with a private school money talks and Dixie's Grandfather had the money to talk. When her mother got off the phone she said, "You are in luck. The school is still on break, the Director said you could report tomorrow to get settled in." "Mom if it's all the same to you, could we leave today? We can get a hotel tonight and be there early in the morning. Maybe we could do some shopping when we get there since you don't like m clothes." Dixie suggested. Her Mother said, "I'll call Grandfather and tell him of your change of heart and let him know we will be leaving as soon as I can get a few things together. You are NOT thinking of taking that horrid car are you?" Dixie bucked, "That is not open for discussion. Yes, I am. I'll get my other car there once I get settled." Dixie's Mother saw that Davenport stubborn streak and knew when to back off if she wanted to win war about where her daughter went to school. "Ok, fine. Go in your old room and see what you have there that will be more appropriate for a private school." Dixie gave her Mother time call her grandfather and set the phone off the hook in her old room which would tie up the line in case anyone from Hazzard decided to call before they could leave. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile Cooter, BL and the Dukes search had turned up no sign of Dixie anywhere in Hazzard. Cooter and BL decided to........... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse knew that Cooter and BL had been to the jail to talk to Luke. He had given them no infrmation at all. Jesse figured he may just go talk to Luke himself. Maybe at least he'd get something. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo was still sulking, while Luke knew there was no guarantees, his spirit was lifted just a bit with the possible hope of not going to prison. Jesse saw the change in both boys as he stepped over to the cells. Luke said, "Uncle Jesse I just got what I think is good news." Jesse was still on his own mission at this point, "Would it have anything to do with Dixie's where abouts?" Luke sighed, "No, Sir, but I did get a massage earlier from Peggy. She told her to tell me she was safe and had made it to where she was going. She wouldn't tell Peggy where she was." Jesse looked at Luke, "Do you have any idea where she is?" For a long minute Luke looked at Jesse. He wouldn't tell where she was but he wouldn't lie to Jesse either. "Yes, Sir I have a few ideas. But, you do know he whipped her again after you left?" Jesse didn't question how Luke knew that, but nodded, 'yes', "Cooter and BL told me." "Jesse I can't protect her in here. You can't protect her at home. Trust me when I tell you she is safe now that she got where she was going." Luke nearly begged. Jesse figured Luke knew exactly where Dixie was, but he'd leave it alone for now. "So what is the news you feel is good and has Bo, there, looking like he lost his best friend?" Before Luke could answer. Bo jumped in, "That's because I AM loosing my BEST FRIEND, maybe for FOREVER!" Luke closed his eyes not wanting to see Bo huring the way he was and sighed deeply. Jesse asked gently, "Luke? Is he right? And you still think it's good news?" Luke looked at Jesse and replied, "Yes, Sir he is right. And, Yes I still think it's good news." Jesse looked at Bo, then at Luke. "Bo set down and let Luke talk. Then, I'll hear you out." Bo did as asked. Luke began, "Uncle Jesse, Judge Hardcastle found a law or something that gives him the best I can understand an option in sentencing me. If I am willing to join the military and they are willing to accept me, I could be sentenced to serve a kitch in the military as opposed to going to prison for a lot longer." Jesse.........

Dixie was about a block from her Mother's house when she pulled off at a small gas station. She placed the call to the Hazzard County Jail. "Thank you for calling the Hazzard Jail, Sgt. Blevins speaking." Peggy said professionally. "Peggy this is Dixie Davenport. I figure everyone has been there to asl Luke if he knew where I was. Well, he doesn't, but coul you tell him that I'm Ok and I am where I was going?" Dixie said. Peggy tried, "Do you want me to tell him where you are?" Dixie declined, "Peggy it's best he not know where I am, but please let him know I'm here and Ok?" Peggy shrugged and replied, "Ok I sure will. I'm sure he'll feel better now." Peggy hung up the phone and headed over to the cell where Bo and Luke were talking amoung themselves quietly, "Luke, Dixie Davenport just called. She said to tell you she was 'there' and Ok. I did ask her where she was and she said it was best you didn't know." Peggy saw relief flood over Luke. Maybe he did know more than she thought he knew. Luke let out a long breath as if he'd been holding his breath a long time and said, "Thanks, Peggy." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A short while later Luke had a un expected visitor. Judge Hardcastle came by and took up a seat to talk to him. He looked at Luke, then reconized his cousin setting beside him on the bunk. "Luke? Isn't that your cousin?" Luke nodded, "Yes, Sir, he is my cousin, Bo, and likely your arraignment this morning." Hardcastle turned to Bo and asked, "Son why would I be arraigning you this morning?" Bo cleared his throat to find his voice and answered, "I sorta picked teh biggest guy in the Boar's Nest last night and went over and decked him." Hardcastle's eyes opened wide at the young Dukes' admission. "For no reason?" "Right." Bo replied. "Why would you do such a thing?" Hardcastle asked. Bo was now feeling just a bit remorseful but answered, "I felt it was the only way to talk to Luke here for more than a few minutes." Hardcastle studied the two cousins. He had heard the cousins were close. Finally he began, "You know son I don't have any relatives I'd go to jail for and none that I know of would go to jail JUST to talk to me. That's says something about you two. AND, make me feel my research may not have been invain. "Luke you impress me as a man who is more than willing to fight for things you feel you have too or is right?" Luke shrugged and said, "Well, yeah, but what......?" Hardcastle continued, "Let me finish here. I am a stickler for law. Now the law says that for the crime you plead guilty to I MUST sentence you to a prison sentence of twenty years flat." He paused, "I don't want to do that.I have heard and seen how you, Ms. Davenport, and you family are together. You point was well made when you used your Uncle Jesse, my secretary, and myself as a prime example of how you can know people for many years and not pay attention to age. Also, without any communication between you two, Ms. Davenport expressed her willingness and even the intialazation of the events. Therefore, had you been a year younger or her a year older, you would be home in your bed and her father would just have a bad headache." Hardcastle sort of grinned. He did not like Mr. Davenport's attitude, but he had a duty to the law, the courts and all parties involved. He explained this duty to Luke and Bo, then he added, "I feel in this case the punishment is far worse than the crime but if I had to I would have sentenced you accordingly. But, I have done some research and I find you have an option should I choose to incorporate it into your sentencing." Luke was all ears. Judge Hardcastle continued. "Luke I am not sure if you have watched the news but the United States is getting ready for a conflict with Vitenam. The nations alert level gives me the leway to instate an option into your sentence but I want to give you time to talk it over with your family. Frankly, the situation of national defense and that of our friends looks poor. In a nut shell I believe the sh-- is about to hit the fan. Therefore, should you be willingly to join any branch of military and they accept you, then I can seal your records and they will be closed. Once your tour of duty is up, should you survive, you will be a free productive US citiazen. This is totally up to you and I offer it to you because I feel you would be more benifit to our country fighting for it than locked up in a prison. Should you be dishonorabally discharged, you would have to report to me and possibly be sentenced to the orginal sentence." Luke heard what the Judge said, "So you are offering me a one time enlistment in any branch of service I'd choose, provided they take me, verses a life locked in a cell for twenty years." Bo felt sick. Either way he felt he'd be loosing Luke and BOTH had permanent possiblities. Hardcastle said, "Now either way you could be injured or killed. I can't promise you a safe return either way. Luke stated, "I fully understnad that." Hardcastle asked, "So are youinterested?" Luke replied, "Absolutely." Hardcastle replied, "I'll get you more information. Is there any particular branch you'd prefer?" Without much of a thought, Luke replied, "Marines." Hardcastle said, "Talk it over with Jesse and everyone. I'll see if I can't get a recruiter to talk to you about your options." Luke took a deep breath after Hardcastle left, "BO! Did you hear that? I MAY NOT have to go to prison?" Bo...................

Cooter sighed and took BL by the arm, "Come on. We're wasting time." Peggy offered, "Do you want me to report this to Sheriff Coultrane?" B.L let Cooter pull her away from the bars. B.L looked at Cooter with wide eyes hearing Peggy's offer. Cooter shook his head and said "No thanks Peggy that's ok, Jesse and the rest are gonna help us look we'd rather not get Rosco involved." Both knew if Rosco got involved and he found her he'd take her right back to Luther and all hell would break loose. Luke breathed a sigh of relief when Cooter turned down Rosco's 'help'. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke studied the situation. Dawn was about 5AM so Dixie should be calling the jail about 10AM. He figured it was now about 6AM, so she should be well out of the County now. Bo asked, "Don't you think you should have told them something?" Luke replied, "Not until she calls here telling me she's Ok." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie checked the clock she was making good time with no one in her rear view mirror. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bo got up as he heard Peggy moving around upstairs, "I'll stand over here so she'll think we're talking." "Thanks, Bo." Luke said. Luke turned his attention back to Dixie and figured if he was going to say what he felt he only had a few minutes to do so, "Dixie, Honey, I don't want this to be the last time I see you." "God, Luke, I don't either, but there is NO way Luther would let me come see you. It would have to be after I'm 18." Dixie said. Luke was grasping at straws, "We'll figure something out to stay in touch. You are wearing my ring and I'm promising all the promises that go with it. I know you are young and you have a lot of life to live, so I won't even ask you to wait on me, but I'll promise you something else. One of these days when you least expect it, you are going to open the door and find me looking for you." "I'll be waiting, Luke." Dixie said full of truth and honesty. Bo was trying not to hear their conversation but to provide them with cover but the couldn't believe what he was seeing here. He decided to add, "If either of you want messages passed or what ever, I'll do it." When Luke turned to Bo, he had tears in his eyes, "Thanks Bo. I really mean that." Dixie also was pretty choked up, "Yeah, me too Bo. Take care of him for me." That hit home with Bo, and he looked from Dixie to Luke and back to Dixie, "I'll dang sure try my best." The thoughts of Luke being locked up in anyone of many prisons through out the state miles from friends and family cut like a knife with Bo. Luke realized he may never touch or see Dixie again. He was holding on so tight to her hand that he hoped he wasn't hurting her, though she was holding on tightly to him also. He could feel her trembling. Dixie was trembling, but not from cold, it was the whole situation that she'd been in the last 48 hours. "Luke I don't want to go, but if they find me here. If they find me at all, I'm in for it again." Luke knew she had to go or she would get caught by Peggy or someone. There was one very important issue they hadn't talked about, "Dixie, Jesse asked me something the other day. I answered him the only way I knew to. You were there. You know what we did and what we didn't use. He asked me if you could be pregnant. I told him it would be the only good thing to come out of this. Though I wouldn't want you to have to be alone I'd like to think that a part of me was with you. Could you be?" Dixie said honestly, "Luke, I could be, but the chances are really slim. I've been on the pill awhile now." Luke nodded, "I guess it's for the best really if you ain't, but swear to me, even if you never want to see me again, swear that you will find a way to let me know?" "I promise you that." Dixie added, "I swear to you I will and I'll be proud to let the world know you are the father." Luke smiled weakly, "Fair enough." Was what he said but their were many painful thoughts running through his head about now that he knew he didn't have time to go into. He looked at the sky and knew it was almost dawn, "Dixie I don't want you to go. I wished you could find a way to stay just the next few days." Tears were openly flowing down his cheeks, "I understand that you have to go, so don't feel guilty and don't worry about me. I can do what I have to in order to come find you one day. Do you have gas? Money?" Dixie smiled at his last questions, "I've got a bit of money I saved. I only have about a half tank, but my garage keys says I'll be full when I leave. I also plan to take a couple select charge account cards. That should set the old man back enough to make him regret whipping me like he did." She looked past Luke, "Bo yours is one of them." Bo grinned at her, "Dixie you don't have to do that." Dixie said, "Believe me I want to!" Luke asked, "When you get where you are going will you call Peggy from a pay phone or somewhere and have her tell me you made it, please." Dixie saw the tears flowing much faster with that question. "I swear you'll know either way." Luke couldn't do this much more, "Dixie I love you but if you are going, you've got to get out of here for they figure this out. I'm first place they'll look." Dixie dropped down almost as if she were going to do a push up. She put her face to the bars and said, "I'm not going anywhere with out a kiss." Luke signaled Bo to keep a look out for them. Luke got as close to the bars as he could. He had both hands through the bars and was petting Dixie's hair as he kissed her deeply. Bo was keeping a watch but couldn't help but sneak a glance at the two lovers kissing their final kiss. It was a very long very passionate kiss and Bo knew Luke was going to be in misery a long time after it was over. The kiss finally ended and they were eye to eye, nose to nose and mouth to mouth, when Dixie said, "Luke I love you. I always have and always will and I hope by some miracle I am carrying your child. I love you so much." Luke stayed where he was and said, "I love you too, Dixie. Even in this situation it would make me so happy to know you were having my baby. Please let me know and please let me know you made it with out being caught. I love you enough to go through all this. I never wanted to cause you any pain. I have. I know I have. I'm sorry and I love you." Luke pulled his head back just a bit and said, "Now, get outta here!" They squeezed each others hands and kissed a final kiss. They looked in each others eyes for a long moment not saying a word. Finally, Dixie stood up and ran as fast and as hard as she could to her car. Luke never moved. He heard her start up somewhere close by and drive to the garage. She left the engine run as she unlocked the garage, turned on the gas pumps, filled the car up, returned inside cut off the pumps, and went to the charge tickets. Any one with the name Duke or Davenport, Dixie tucked in her pocket. Leaving no record that any of them owed Luther a cent! She smiled as she turned off the light, locked the garage and pulled out slow and easy. At the jail, she stopped seeing Luke still standing at the bars. She threw her hand up and heard him call as she pulled out, "Be careful!" Dixie tapped her brake light to let him know she heard him. She was off toward Alabama just as fast as she could go. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the exact same time Cooter and BL had pulled into the Duke farm. They scanned the yard for Dixie's car. No luck. Cooter was more awake and thinking now, "She could be here, just hide the car." He looked to see if he saw any lights in the house and saw ......... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile back at the jail, Bo.... Luke........

Dixie began, "Luke, I love you. But, I don't know if I can stand to watch you get sentenced for something I caused. I know that sounds selfish as he--. I also am tired of being treated like a baby. I tired of keeping my mouth shut and I refused to do it. I also REFUSE to be whipped like that again or put BL or anyone else in the position of protecting me. Sweetheart, if BL hadn't have got Cooter in there I don't know IF he would have stopped. I've got a bag in the car." She saw the pained look on Luke's face, but continued, "I'm going back to my mom's when I leave here." Luke swallowed hard he didn't want Dixie to leave but he could understand why she would and he cursed himself for his assumption again. He closed his eyes and droped his head. "You have no idea how sorry I am for this entire mess. Dixie I really wish you wouldn't go, but I can understand you felling you have to." Luke wanted to asked Dixie to stay, but if he loved her how could he if it meant her being hurt. "I take it they don't know you are here?" Dixie's eyes went wide as she shook her head, "No." Luke gritted his teeth, "Da-- IT!!! So now you can't go back even if you wanted too? What about Jesse's?" Dixie replied, "I could go there anytime. I know that and be welcomed. But, how long would Luther let me stay there?" "Think, Da-- It! Think, Da-- It!", Luke said to himself. Luke looked at the hand he was holding and saw his Mother's ring on her hand and smiled. "That looks good there, but it needs the gold band with it." Dixie softly replied, "Yeah, it does." Bo saw how they were both acting towards each other and he had NEVER seen Luke like this even with Lori. He was totally in shock at Luke wanting to marry DIXIE, even after he now knew she was only SIXTEEN. Bo........

At the Duke farm Jesse arrived to find Daisy and Jeb setting on the porch. Daisy had told Jeb about Bo being arrested. WIth Uncle Jesse being gone this late she surely expected Bo to return with Jesse. Daisy was off the porch and to Jesse befire he was out of the truck good, "Where's Bo?" Jeb was behind Daisy. Jesse motioned them both back to the porch. He never had liked to discuss things in the midlle of the yard. "Bo's right where he wanted to be." Daisy and Jeb's eye were wide as Jesse contined. "He's setting right beside Luke and doesn't want bonded." Jesse explained, then added, "And, don't either of you two go pulling the same danged fool stunt he did!" Jesse grouched in frustrated annoyance. Daisy couldn't believe what she had heard .................... Jeb knew the two was close, but to be arrested to be with someone was a bit far fetched. He .............. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter looked at the sleeping form on the bed. He knew she wasn't sleeping well from the way she had been jerking in her sleep. Cooter covered his sister up as he heard teh wrecker pull in. "Well, there's Dad. Guess we can head off to bed now." B.L looked at Dixie on the bed from her place on the end of it "Yeah guess we can" she gets up and heads out the door to her room. Dixie had been napping but had woke up occassionally while Cooter and BL were in her room talking, but she had acted like she was still asleep. She heard Luther come upatairs talk to Cooter and BL a minute. He opened her door, seen she was there, closed her door and went to his room. Dixie threw her covers back and raised up some. She was sore. Very sore, but that was OK she thought. Quietly as a mouse she opened her closet and found a large duffle bag type suitcase. She began to put everything that meant something to her in it. She had pictures of Luke and the Dukes as well as of the Davenports and the cars. Her yearbooks. Notebooks with things songs and stories she had written with her most private thoughts. She also packed a few of her favorite outfits. Dixie made sure that she took anything that would give them any idea what she was up to with her. She smiled as she tucked the titles to Dixie Delight and her T-Bird away. She could only drive one but she'd get the T-Bird. She had a plan for that. She looked around her room again. It had been a couple hours since Luther came in. She slide the bag under her bed and went to the bathroom just to see if anyone was still awake or greeted her in the hall. They didn't. Back in her room she locked her bedroom door from the inside, tossed her bag out the window, she had dressed under her gown in not so tight jeans, T-shirt, jacket and boots which she threw down to be put on in the car. Once out the window and onto the roof, Dixie made her way to outside Lori's room and used the same tree Lori had often used to do about the same thing Dixie was doing. On the ground she gathered her boots and bag and made her way to Dixie Delight. She was lucky that she parked on a pretty good hill as she held in the clutch and drifted a good ways down the drive before she started the car. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In town Dixie circled town square twice to make sure she hadn't been followed before easing into an alley a short distance from the jail. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the jail Bo and Luke were talking quietly. Peggy was working a crossword puzzle book at the desk. Luke looked up suddenly at Bo. Bo looked at him confused as Luke stood up and walked to the window. Bo was still looking at him as Luke said quietly, "That was Dixie Delight." Bo said, "Are you sure?" Luke rolled his eyes at him. Bo shrugged, "Ok, that was a dumb question." Bo knew Luke's ear for an engine. Luke stayed at the window as if he were trying to get a breath of what little fresh air he could. His effort was rewarded when he saw Dixie making her way up the street. Luke knew from the way she was walking that she was awefully sore but she was coming toward the window. This could only mean more trouble. He stood on the bunk hoping Peggy wouldn't think anything about it. He tried to keep up idea conversation with Bo, "Be getting hot at nights' soon I like it like this sorta cool where you can breath." Bo who was setting on the bunk said, "Un-huh." Only Luke heard through Bo's reply and the unsaid, 'sure you do'. Luke looked at Peggy who wasn't really paying him any attention. As a matter of fact it had been a long day for her and she found herself getting sleepy. She looked at the coffee pot. It was empty. She picked it up and headed for the gate which she unlocked, went through and locked back. Peggy intended to use the larger coffee pot upstairs and make a fresh pot of coffee, used the restroom and be back down stairs in 5 or 10 minutes. Luke held his hand out side the window to warn Dixie to be quiet for a minute. As Peggy went up the stairs, Luke said, "What are you doing here? Not that I'm not glad to see ya. Are you Ok? Uncle Jesse told me about you getting whipped on accound of this." Dixie went down to set on her knees where she could take Luke's hand. The action wasn't missed by Luke who swore, "Da-- IT!!! You aren't Ok? What the he-- was he thinking to give you ten licks?" Dixie smiled weakly, "Luke I was sore after the ten," she bit gritted her teeth not sure whether to tell him the rest but figured it would help him understand what she was planning to do. "It was the next three hours later that did the damage." "Next three? He whipped you AGAIN?" Dixie could see the hopelessness in Luke's eye's at his situtation but there was an underlying fury there too. Dixie shook her head 'yes', "I asked for it. Really I did. He wanted my and BL's keys. I gave him the T-Bird key but not Dixie's." "Why?" Luke asked. "Cause it was something that means something to me. Becasue you bought it for me without me even asking you to." Dixie said. She spotted Bo for the first time, "Bo? What's he doing here?" Luke shook his head at her statements about the car. "You should have given him the da-- key, Honey." Dixie said, "I know, but like I told him I could have hot wired it if I wanted to go somewhere which I wasn't planned to until he whipped me again. Luke he WON'T whip me again!" Luke sighed and said, "Bo here decided he needed to talk to me so he hit Ernie Ledbeter for no reason, then he convienced Jesse to let him stay in until I'm sentenced. Now, what do you mean about not letting Luther whip you again?" Dixie began, "............... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dixie added, "Cooter if you think you can help me up here I'll get off you lap. Thanks, ya'll for everything. I think I'm just going to try to grab a shower and go to bed, ok?" Cooter helped her up off his lap and looked to BL, who motioned that she'd keep an eye on her. Dixie still wasn't really steady as she took a large flannel night gown out of her drawer and headed for the bathroom. Once there she locked the door and very carefully go out of her tight jeans. She looked at herself in the mirror. It was obvious she had been crying and her behind was red from the last licks but bruises could be seen starting from the earlier whipping. This was two whippings she'd never forget and the last two she ever intended to get, unless she got caught at what she had planned. She showered and went back to her room and layed across the bed. BL and Cooter were watching her like a couple hawks. Luther was still gone. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the jail Bo and Luke were setting on the same bunk. Luke asked Bo, "Why did you feel like you had to get arrested to talk to me?" "Cause Peggy had already told us to leave today and I couldn't wait til tomorrow. Luke it really bothers me that you are chosing to protect Dixie and not fight for your own freedom. Luke this may be da-- selfish, but that ain't fair to you OR ME!" Bo said. Luke didn't at this moment in life did not care that Peggy was at the desk or that Rosco may walk in at any time. Luke put his arm around Bo's shoulder. "Bo, I'm sorry really I am about all this. When I saw those drivers license and did teh math between the birth dates, I thought I was going to pass out. I have tried so hard to avoid this very situation. I have warned all you all about it, and yet I find myself waiting to be sentenced to prison because I assumed Dixie was 18." Luke paused, "Bo no matter what I can't change what happened. No matter what I would like to do to make this situation right. I can't largely because Luther won't budge." Luke found himself chocking up, but he was trying to be strong for Bo, "The main thing I'll miss is riding around in the General Lee with you." He swollowed hard then tried to convience Bo that he needed his help. "Bo I need you to do somethings for me. They are really important. Probably the most important is, I'm counting on you to take my part at the farm. I know my chores will be split up, but I mean more with Dais, Jeb, Coy and Vance. You know Jesse counted on me to ry to keep ya'll in line. Bo before I get back, if I come back." He saw the look Bo shot him and held his hand up for him to let him finish. "Bo, Jesse won't slow down unless you and the others get the work done first. He won't be able to work like he does in five, ten and especially not in twenty years. Family and that farm are his life and this is going to hurt him more than you know. And, Bo, don't hate Dixie. It wasn't her fault. I assumed my self into this." Luke smiled at the memories, "Bo we left up where the racing was. You got the General Lee?" Bo only nodded, 'yes'. Luke continued, "Then, you see where I parked. I had suggested earlier that she not mention to Daisy about staying at the farm until Uncle Jesse left. That way Luther knew she was going to be at the farm. Jesse didn't. If Daisy got home first she wouldn't have paid it too much attention. My thoughts were not real pure when I parked where I did and I knew she could stay out late. I would never had forced her, but Bo I didn't have too. As much as I'd like to marry her, Luther won't let it happen. I asked Uncle Jesse to give her my Mother's engagement ring." Bo looked up in shock. Luke gave him a grin, "You know that is something I've given no other girl. I want Dixie to wear it and have all the promises that go with it for as long as she wants them. Bo, if and when I get out of this, I intend to find her. She'll be well over 18 by then and I indend to knock on her door. He--, she'll likely be married with ten kids but I'm still going. Look after her, please?" Before Bo could answer, Jesse came down the steps. He asked, "Why in Sam's Hill did you hit Ermie Ledbetter for no reason in the Boar's Nest?" It was obvious that Jesse had talked to Daisy and or Rosco. Bo looked at him and said, "I'm sorry Uncle Jesse, but I needed to talk to Luke." Jesse asked, "And, have you?" Luke nodded, 'yes'. Jesse said, "Well, then there is no sense in your staying here. I've got you bail money." Bo shook his head an nodded, 'no'. "Let me stay with Luke. I'll have to go to court and all and I'd rather set here now with Luke than later when he's gone. Judge can likely give me time served or somethng." Jesse shook his head at the two boys loyality to each other. "Luke?" Luke thought, looked from one to the other and replied, "Crazy as it sounds, he's making sense. Maybe I am rubbin' off on him." Luke sighed and shook his head, "Let him stay." Frankly, Bo was a good distraction and Luke really needed him right now. "Uncle Jesse did you give Dixie the ring?" Jesse said, "Yes, I did when she was out to the place earlier." "She's not grounded for life?" Luke asked in total amazement. "I figure you want the truth?" Luke nodded, 'yes'. Jesse began, "Luke, when we left here today. Cooter was upstairs waiting to tell her and BL to come straight home. Well, they came to the farm. I called Luther told him I"d have them home soon and fed them a bite to eat. I also gave Dixie the ring which she accepted and put on." Luke smiled and nodded. Jesse said, "Dixie told me she was scared to go home. So I went out with them. There was a bad time before court today when I went out and BL had dug herself a hole trying ot keep Dixie from geting whipped. Luther was furious. He hadn't calmed down much buy the time we got there. I stayed to make sure he whipped them not beat them." Luke dropped his head and closd his eyes. Jesse and Bo saw chills run down both arms. Jesse continued, "Luke she never said a word, never cried out, just took the whipping that she stepped up to first and then was made to watch BL get hers. They were off to their rooms when I left." Luke looked up and said barely above a whisper, "Is she Ok?" Jesse tried to assure him, "Yes." Luke now asked the question Jesse truely hoped he wouldn't, "How many?" Jesse sighed and said, "Luke she's ok. That's NOT important." "It is to me!" Luke said in a bit of a sharper tone than he wanted to use with Jesse, "Sorry, Uncle Jesse. Really I am, but I feel real helpess here. Please, how many?" Jesse looked at Luke and said, "Firstly, he made each lick count and I talked him into half what he intended to give them. ......................... Luke, .............. He gave ten licks." Luke had had a whipping from Jesse before that equaled what Jesse described to Luke. He closed he eyes and walked to the back of the cell. Jesse saw his fists clench repeatidly. "Luke I'm telling you she was fine." "Uncle Jesse with all due respect, I've had ten licks from you when you were not half as mad as Luther was. Dixie did not deserve that. I might have, but she didn't deserve half of that!" Luke stated matter of factly. "He whipped her cause he could get to me............." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Judge Hardcastle was on his way to the jail to tell Luke Duke what he had found when he ran into Rosco who told him that Jesse was there adn tomorrow may be a better time to talk to Luke. Hardcastle allowed himself to be re-routed to the local diner for a late dinner.

Cooter knew the look on both Luther's face and Dixie's. "Dad you know she can hotwire as good as I can. I'll stay here. Dixie are you going anywhere while Dad is gone?" Dixie's teeth were still gritted tightly. She shook her head 'no'. Cooter said, "Let her keep the key. She'll be here when you get back." "I'll even keep her in here with me if ya let her keep it" B.L added her own two cents into it afraid Luther might still whip Dixie. Luther knew taking the key was a pit pointless. "If you swear you'll stay here in your room?" Dixie managed to barely say in sniffled gasps, "I swear I"ll be here when you get back." Luther stomped off towards the wrecker. He thought, 'Those girls are going to be the death of me." No one moved until the wrecker pulled out. They all three breathed a sigh of relief when Luther pulled out. Dixie threw her self in Cooter's arms and cried. Cooter threw his arms around her and swore, "Da-- IT!!!! Ain't YOU learned a da-- thing today?" Dixie nodded 'yes' but continued to cry. Actually she was more trying to quit crying and was more gasping for air than she was crying. Cooter asked, "Do you want to go to your room?" Dixie was holding on to Cooter really tight. She looked up at him and said "I don't think I CAN GO anywhere." Cooter was holding most of her wait and he knew it. He also knew she couldn't think of setting down, "BL now what?" BL sighed and shrugged suggesting "Carry her in there?" it was the only thing she could think of. Cooter carefully put his hand under Dixie's knees and one her back and picked her up. He carried her into her room and was trying to figure out how to put her down on the bed without he having to set down. While Cooter was thinking Dixie was holding on to Cooter. The last time he remembered carrying her like this was when she was when she was five and had followed him and Luke into the field and found a bees nest. That time she had so many stings on her that he was sure she'd have a reaction. "Dixie I'll stand you up and you can lay across the bed." Dixie shook her head 'no', "Cooter please just hold me awhile." She paused and said, "I'm sorry ya'll. Really I am. But I'm loosing Luke and I won't loose something he gave me because he got it for me without me even asking him too. Cooter I know I embarassed everyone, but we do love each other. I know that hurts you to hear Cooter." Cooter set down in a rocker in Dixie's room careful not to touch her behind as he settled her on his lap. Dixie gritted her teeth as she got settled in his arms, "But, I love him and I want to marry him but LUTHER won't hear of it." Cooter brushed her hari back away from her eyes, "Dixie could you be pregnant?" Dixie thougth for a few mintues before answering. She looked down at her left hand at Luke's Mother's engagement ring that Jesse had given her at the farm. Until now Cooter and BL hadn't noticed the ring. Finally Dixie replied, "It's possible but unfortnately not likely. I've been on the pill for about a year now." Cooter BL

Dixie and BL had finally managed to calm down and ended up drifting off to sleep. Luther got a wrecker call and as he started out the door saw the Judge, Dixieland Delight as well as Dixie's Thunderbird setting in the front yard. He turned around and headed upstairs. He opened BL's door and said in a booming voice. "I want ya'll car keys now!" It took BL a second to get awake but she held out her keys. She had finally been able to get comfortable and intended to do the least amount of movement as possible. Dixie reached in her pocket and handed Luther one key of her key ring. Luther knew it was the Thunderbird key. He said, "I want the other key too." Even Luther did not expect the answer Dixie gave him. "No." she said calmly but defiently. "I don't have time for this. I have a wrecker call. You two are grounded. I want the key." Luther said. His blood was ona slow simmer. BL gave Dixie a look and said, "Dixie are you NUTS!?" Dixie set up and winced as she set on her sore bottem that was likely to be a he-- of a lot sorer. "Luke bought ME that car. You have no claim to it. Besides this is all about principal. You know da-- good and well either of us could hot wire any car out there IF we intended to go somewhere which I don't! But, I WON'T give YOU the keys!" Luther glared, "Yes, you will!" He pulled off his belt. BL's eyes went wide. Dixie said, "No I won't." She knew she'd pay for this stubborness. She knew that when she defied him but she was just past the point of caring. "Bend over. We'll see how long it is 'fore you beg me to take the key." Luther demanded. BL felt hopeless but she wasn't stupid. She'd literally stuck her behind out for Dixie way too far as it was. Dixie gave him just the slightest grin as she stood up, showed him the keys and put them down the front of her jeans, then she turned around and bent over. BL knew this wasn't good. The Davenports could be stubborn and she now knew where Dixie got her stubborness from. It had to be from Luther. The man certainly could not deny she was his. BL knew four things at this moment: One Luther would whip her till he got the key; Two Dixie would let him beat her to death first; Three BL couldn't stop him and Four Dixie needed help. BL bolted down the stairs even with her sore behind hoping to find Cooter. He was out side in the yard, she yelled, "Cooter!" Cooter............

Bo replied, "You don't have to come Uncle Jesse. Please. Let me stay with Luke?" Jesse sighed, "I'll be down to see what's going on." Luke looked at Bo, "I take it he wasnt' real happy with you?" "No." Bo said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After hours of research and several phone calls Judge Hardcastle found the legal loop hole that he was looking for. He headed off to the jail to explain what he'd found out to Luke. This would give him time to think and talk over his options with his family. But, at least now he did have options. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the Davenport farm, Jesse pulled in right behind Dixie and BL. Luther was a bit suprised that Jesse came with them. Jesse walked up on the porch and was met by a visibly calmer Luther Davenport. "Jesse?" Luther asked surprised to see that the Duke patriarch had come with the two girls, "There was no need....." Jesse replied, "I was going out anyway. I got to go to town, but I wanted to make sure things were Ok here." Luther said, "Yes of course things are fine her. I just plan on giving these girls what they should have gotten earlier." Dixie sighed and looked at BL then gave Jesse a pleading look. "Uncle Luther I was just tryin' to keep you from killin' Dixie" B.L plead her case. Jesse saw that Luther did intend to whip them and BL wasnt helping matters. "Luther just how much of a whippin' do you intend to give these girls?" Luther didn't appreciate Jesse's question but answered him, "I figured 20 licks would be good. I was going to stop counting at fifty earlier!" Dixie and BL's eye went wide! Dixie and B.L's knees started to shake and go weak as they paled white as a sheet. Tears trickled down their faces. Both were hyperventilating and looked as though they were going to faint. BL started to cry at the thought of 20 licks and began to beg him not to give her that many, when she saw a warning glance from Jesse to be quiet. Jesse said, "I also suspect they will be grounded?" Luther replied certainly, "To their room, when not at work or school, for LIFE." Jesse suggested, "Why don't ya consider grounding them longer and giving them half as many licks? Luther you've been whipped like I have. You know when it's not a whippin' anymore but a beating." Luther nodded and tried to sound sincere, "I know Jesse I'm not going to give them that many I was just scaring them." Jesse shook his head and said, "I'll just be sticking around til your done if ya don't mind." Luther was not happy at what he now saw as interference, but would later realize that Jesse was looking out or him and the girls. He gritted his teeth and replied, "So be it! Ya'll are ground for your LIVES and then some! Now, who's first?" Dixie had seen his leather strap already on the porch and waiting. She wasn't ashamed for her actions with Luke and intended to show that with all the defiance she could still muster up. She straightened her shoulders and stepped toward Luther. She then bent over, grabbed her ankles, gritted her teeth and swore not to give him the satisfaction of uttering a single word. From the first lick she knew Luther had waited in his eyes too long to do this and he da-- well intended to make them count! By the third lick she was holding her breath and her eyes were tightly closed trying in vain not to shed any tears. Her behind was as on fire as it had EVER been. By the ninth lick Dixie had tears dripping off her face and hitting the porch. Luther said and he gave the nine licks time to sink in, "BL's watching you. You WILL remain out here and watch her!" He had known after the tenth lick Dixie would have went to her room as quickly as possible. He delivered the tenth and final lick very firmly. Dixie almost fell as she stood up. It was a combination of the pain of the whippin' and where she had held her breath which was now coming in short sobbing gasps. But she still didn't say a word. B.L managed to stay still through the first 9 but was crying almost uncontrollably. When the 10 lick landed it was hard enough to literally raise her feet off the ground to begin to go to her room as she was told. Both girls slowly and QUIETLY made their way up the stairs to the bedrooms. Since BL's room was closest to the top of the stairs both girls went there. Dixie finally let go of 'herself' and began to cry uncontrollably. Not just becasue of the whippin', but for Luke and for BL too. Dixie knew BL wouldn't have gotten whipped at all if it wasn't for her trying to protect Dixie. Once Jesse was certain the girls were Ok, relatively speaking, he left to go see what was in those danged boys minds!

Bo on the other hand was setting in the hayloft trying to fiugre out just what Luke's logic was in this situation. He knew there were often times that Luke came up with plans he didn't fully understand but he just for the life of him couldn't figure out Luke's thinking AT ALL this time. He had been so worked up over Luke he had not even thought of going after the General Lee. Luke had told him that he had left him parked in the meadow and Mr. Peabody's. Bo was sure he knew exactly where he'd find the General Lee. He climbed down and seen that Jesse and Daisy was busy talking with Dixie and BL. So, he decided to have Jeb give him a ride out to the Peabody place. Jeb easied the motocycle off the road. Even in full daylight only the flag on the top of the car could be seen. How had teh Troopers spotted it last night. Bo wondered as he got off the bike and just stood looking at the car. Jeb asked, "Bo are you alright?" Bo snapped out of his thoughts and answered, "Yeah, Jeb. I'm Ok. Tell Uncle Jesse I took the General out for a drive, huh?" Jeb nodded as he pulled out. Bo made his way to the car. The backs of both seats were still leaning forward which told Bo they had gotten out of the backseat without bothering to get into the front seat first. In the back floor board was Luke's socks. He had obviously gotten dressed in a hurry. This was confirmed by the red halter top sticking out of the back seat that Dixie had worn under a button up shirt last night. Bo figured she had just grabbed the button up shirt. Bo took another look at the General Lee and everything about it confirmed what he knew about last night. Bo bit his lip trying to keep control. He was mad. No he was furious that Luke was in this situation and NOT even trying to get himself out of it. Bo knew he had to talk to Luke and talk to him now. He had to try to talk some scense into Luke before it was too late. Bo headed the General Lee straight for the Boar's Nest. Daisy was at work by then and she was just a bit suprised to see Bo come in. She could only hope he wasn't coming in to get drunk. Bo ordered a beer which he barely touched. Daisy was keeping an eye on him. He appeared that he was waiting on someone instead of trying to get drunk. She wondered what was on his mind as the place began to fill up. Daisy was now a bit too busy to watch Bo like she had been but she asked the bartender, "Is that still his first beer?" Charlie shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Yeah, something wrong?" Daisy said, "I hope not. Maybe he's just thinking, but sorta keep an eye on him for me huh?" She knew Charlie knew the boys well. Word about Luke and Dixie had spread like wildfire. It was about 9pm when Sheriff Rosco P. Coultrane stopped in to make his normal rounds and for a cup of coffee. He only had taken a few sips of coffee when a commotion broke out behind him. Bo had now finished his nearly full beer in just a couple drinks, got up before anyone knew what was going on, walked over to the biggest guy in the place who happened to be Ernie Ledbetter, and swung a punch that landed Ernie out of his chair and in the middle of the floor. Ernie was now up and swinging at Bo who had hit him for apparently no reason on Earth. Rosco got up and grabbed Bo back the back of shirt collar, "Freeze it right there! Bo Duke you are under arrest! What is with you just hitting a person for no reason????" Bo never said a word as Rosco cuffed him and headed him out the door. Daisy didn't have a clue what had gotten into Bo's head either as she watched Rosco put him in the car he had a very satisfied look on his face as Rosco drove him toward the jail. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke was setting on the hard bunk looking at the same spot on the floor that he had been looking at for the last two hours. He was thinking about the conversation with Judge Hardcastle in his chambers where he had explained the charges and the penalties. He knew before that the laws of this state took charges like his seriously, but when the Judge had fully explained that even if the misdemeanors were dropped or the time he'd get ran together with the Statatory Rape charge that he'd be lucky to be home in twenty years. He was now thinking of the little things he had given up: Jesse's breakfasts, walks in the woods, swims in the lake, but what was even more painful to think about was not being able to ride in the General Lee with Bo. It was then he heard doors upatairs and foot steps. Luke turned his attention to the stairs where he saw a handcuffed Bo being brought down the satirs by a giggling Sheriff. Luke looked at his cousin confused, "Bo?? What is going on???" Bo still hadn't said anything but had what Luke though was a look of satifaction. Rosco opened the cell beside Luke. Bo asked, "Rosco can you put me in with Luke?" The picture was now perfectly clear even to Rosco who shook his head and opened the door of the cell to Luke's cell putting Bo in with Luke. Bo looked at Luke with tears in his eyes, "Luke I HAD to talk to you!" At that moment all Luke could do was nod. He heard the pain in Bo's voice which cut straight to his heart. It took him several minutes before he could ask, "Bo just WHAT did you do to end up here?" Bo swallowed the lump in his throat and said proudly, "Punched Ernie." Luke asked in disbelief, "YOU punched Ernie? Why?" Luke had to ask because it was usually him and Erinie who did not see eye to eye, not Bo. Bo grinned, "He was the biggest guy in the Boar's Nest." Luke asked, "You just punched for no other reason than he was the biggest guy there?" "Yelp." Bo said with total satisfaction, "Got me here to talk to you didn't it?" Luke..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *****Note: In my state right now there is no such charge of "Statatory Rape" the charge that come closest to this situation would be Sexual assault in the third degree, which the sentence is 1-5 years, but since we are in the fictional world of Hazzard County where men like to protect the female in their lives they have passed laws to 'deal' with men who disrespect women. So the penalty for "statatory rape" in this case is twenty years flat.

Cooter knew from the amount of rounds, that with each shot, Luther's pictured target was his 'life long friend', Luke Duke. He sincerely hoped that Luther's shooting practice would calm him down. Luther had to have shot at least a hundred rounds. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile Judge Hardcastle was doing legal research. He did not want to send Luke to prison but if the law deeemed it necessary he would, but with the conflict now raging he was almost certain there was a legal loop hole that would give Luke Duke an option of Prison or Military. From what he had seen the young man wasn't afraid to fight for the right reasons. He just had to find the law that said he could that. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke on the other hand had already faced the fact that he wasn't ever going home a young man. He was mentally trying to prepare himself for a lifetime of being told where to go and when to go. NARRATOR: And that folks ain't a Duke's nature!

Uncle Jesse sighed. He wasn't real sure how he could help the girls. "First I'll call him and let him know ya'll are here. Then, we'll set down a spell and get you both calmed down. THEN, I'll go with ya'll out to the farm and make sure if he's going to whip you he does it right." B.L's brow wrinkled and she asked with one corner of her mouth quirked up in a grin trying to lighten the mood. "How about makin' sure he don't whip us at all?" Jesse replied, "I'll do my best girls, but I can't stop him if he's determined to whip ya'll." Dixie said, "I'll take a whippin' but he's really scaring me." Jesse said, "Now ya'll go find Daisy and I'll call Luther." The girls walked off toward Daisy's room. Jesse asked Maybell to get him the Davenport farm. Luther answered with anger in his voice, "Davenports!" "Luther this is Jesse Duke." Jesse said. "What do you want Jesse?" Luther growled. Jesse replied, "I'm calling to let you know that BL and Dixie are here........" "I TOLD them to come STRAIGHT HOME!" Luther was about to explode as if it wasn't bad enough they were now outright defying his orders. "I know that's why I'm calling you." Jesse said calmly. Luther took a deep breath and let it out slowly and tried to speak civilly "Thank you for letting me know they are ok Jesse, tell them I said get home NOW!!" "I'm going to try to get them to eat a bite of lunch and then I'll see to it they come straight home." "I guess that'll be ok" Luther agreed grudgingly. Jesse added, "Luther this is a bad time for us all, but you have got to try to calm down a bit before they get there." "Calm down?! How the HE-- am I SUPPOSED to calm down when my 16 yr old daughter is a WHORE and my neice ain't any better?!" Luther snapped. Jesse cautioned sternly, "Luther don't make me get Rosco involved in this. They act like they are scared to come home." Luther made a real effort now to calm down at the threat from Jesse to get Rosco involved, "No need to get Rosco involved I'm calm" Jesse knew better but answered, "Just try to calm down and I'll have the girls home soon." Jesse didn't mention that he fully intended to go with them home.

Peggy gave them as long as she could but finally told them it was tme to go for the day. Dixie was the last to go upstairs with Jesse. Outside she was met by Daisy and BL. Cooter was waiting a few feet away, "Dad wants you home now!" Dixie glared at Cooter and told Daisy, "We got to go. I'll be in touch." Dixie got in her car that Luke had bought for her, 'Dixie Delight', BL got in with her and they headed toward teh Davenports. Cooter turned in and Dixie grabbed another gear as she passed the turn off. The car tried to come around on her and BL was holding on for dear life. Dixie smiled as she straightened the car and continued down the road. She fully intended to go to the Dukes. BL's eyes were wide open, "SH-- where are you going?!" "B. I ain't going back there. Not now anyway." Dixie stated. "Well if you don't slow down you ain't goin nowhere but the pearly gates" holding onto the door with a death grip. Dixie looked at BL, "B. I got it. She does this! The General's worse!" "I wouldn't know Bo won't let me drive the General." BL grumbed. "Ya know Luther's gonna kill us cos we're SUPPOSED to go home." BL said. Dixie sighed, "B I'm dead either way. It would only end in a screaming match again tween us." B.L nodded agreement "Yeah I'd probably be in that screaming match too...probably gonna get killed msyelf." "BL I'm REALLY sorry about ALL this! I know you are stickingyour neck out for me and I'll always rememebr that." Dixie said sincerely. B.L looked at Dixie and smiled "Honey Luther ain't doin' you or Luke fair. You didn't do nothin' I ain't done I just didn't get caught and with a guy 4 yrs older than me." Dixie looked at BL and almost forgot she was in control of the car, "WHAT?" She nearly ran off the road! B.L rolled her eyes at Dixie "I ain't innocent and you know it. DIXIE LOOK OUT! If you cant drive any better than that I'LL drive!" She was holding on for dear life and pale after Dixie almost runs off the road. Dixie got the car under control, waved off BL's comment, and said, "I got her! BUT, WHEN?? It wasn't that long ago you said you'll hadn't!" "Same night as you and Luke at Hazzard Pond." BL admitted with a slight grin. Dixie hit the breaks hard and said, "WHAT????? WHERE????? YOU MEAN YA'LL COULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT INSTEAD OF US? And wouldn't have been a DA-- thing said!" B.L nodded "That's exactly what I mean!" "DA-- IT!" that bit of information was more than a very stressed Dixie could handle right now! "If it'd change things I'd tell on myself but it wouldn't help except it might take some of Luther's wrath off ya." BL offered. "No, BL, that's not my problem with the whole thing. It's just so da-- UNFAIR!!! We both had a 50 - 50 chance of getting caught. With ya'll Luther may have been mad but Konrad wouldn't be going to prison!" Dixie was just barely holding it together but she wasn't mad at BL. She was more mad at LIFE and the unfairness of it all. B.L nodded in agreement "No he'd be DEAD!" Dixie turned to BL with the car still in the middle of the road, "BL I'm the cause of Luke going to prison for years and he won't even fight it. I might as well be dead." BL turned in her seat a little putting a hand on Dixie's shoulder "Dixie you didn't know what you were doing was gonna cause all this. It's just a fluke of circumstance." Dixie said with tears flowing, "NO it's MY life!" BL sighed, "Well Dix I don't know what else to tell ya except to suggest we get out of the road and to Jesse's" BL wanted to get to the Dukes and tell Jesse how Dixie was talking and let him know that frankly she was worried about Dixie." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at the Duke farm Jesse had his hand full even before Dixie and BL got there. Bo was beside himself with LUke facing prison.

Everyone entered the Courtroom again. Rosco called the Court to Order. The Judge said to the court reporter, "Please read the last bit of transcript." She said, "Judge Hardcastle, 'Are you prepared to enter a plea and wave this bond hearing?' Luke answered, 'Yes, Sir. But, if I may first I'd like to ask the Court to honor one request. I am unsure if there is a way the Court can intervene in this matter or not, but I'd like to ask the Court to give or seek permission for Miss Davenport to marry me regardless of the outcome of the charges?'Judge Hardcastle, 'Mr. Davenport standing before myself today in this Court is a young man who has made a grave mistake. I see him owning up to that mistake and trying everything in his power to make amends for this mistake. I know that a law has been broken and you are seeking justice which you will get if you insist on continuing this matter, but, don't you think it would serve your daughter, this Court, this State and this young man far better to end this matter here?'Mr. Davenport, 'I want him to pay for making a WHORE...' " After the reporter read this Judge Hardcastle directed, "Mr. Davenport, please answer the question without any name calling this time." Luther answered, "I want him to pay. I will never give my daughter permission to marry him." During the break Judge Hardcastle had checked into the legalities of this all. He said, "I am sorry Mr. Duke, Ms. Davenport, without parental permission I can not give permission from the courts for you two to marry." he paused, "Mr. Duke are you still prepared to enter a plea?" Luke answered, "Yes, Sir and I would like to say I am sorry for my part in the disruption earlier." Judge Hardcastle asked, "Do you need the charges read again before entering your plea?" "No, Sir." replied Luke. "Very well. Please stand and approach the bench." said the Judge. This still obviously bothered him. "How would you like to plead to the above charges in this matter?" Luke stood up standing as straight as he could and approached the bench. "Guilty as charged Your Honor." Behind Luke there was movement which never registered to him. Daisy gasped. Bo stood up only to be sat back down by Jesse. At the other table Luther smiled. Cooter dropped his head. Dixie bit her lip to keep from crying out. Judge Hardcastle said, "Enter a Plea of Guilty to the above charges. I can set up a sentencing hearing for ...one week from today." he paused.

Dixie's first test of what Luke had asked (her not crying) came as soon as Luke walked in the Courtroom when Dixie saw that he was handcuffed and leg ironed. She hadn't noticed the leg irons when they were talking but she knew he hadn't had the handcuffs on. Dixie found herself looking to Jesse for the strength she needed to keep herself from falling apart. She and Jesse had talked before going into the Courtroom. Jesse had explained to her that it would be harder for Luke to be strong for her if she fell apart. Jesse gave her a look of reassurance. Though Jesse was more worried about Daisy and Bo falling apart on him than he was Dixie. Rosco called the Court to order. Judge Hardcastle asked Trooper Mitchell, "Do you have the amended complaint ready?" Trooper Mitchell replied, "Yes, Sir." He handed Rosco the complaint who handed it to Judge Hardcastle. Judge Hardcastle studied the complaint for several minutes. "Mr. Davenport I will ask you once last time. Are you sure that you want to have these charges amended?" Luther Davenport looked at Luke with contempt before answering the Judge, "Absolutely." "So be it." replied Judge Hardcastle. "Lucas Duke you are now being charged with Indecent Exposure, Public Intoxication, one count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, Resisting Arrest, and Statutory Rape. Do you understand these charges?" Luke was standing straight and tall when he answered in a voice that he hope sounded confident, "Yes, Sir." "You, Mr. Duke are entitled to an attorney, a preliminary hearing and a jury trial. Due to the seriousness of these charges I will have to order that both you and Miss Davenport undergo some medical testing which I will set up after this bond hearing." Stated Judge Hardcastle before continuing. "Do you wish to have an attorney appointed, Mr. Duke." Luke took a deep breath before answering, "No, Sir, Your Honor." Everyone in the Courtroom looked at Luke in shock. Luke continued, "I don't need an attorney. If I could I'd like to waive the preliminary hearing, jury trial and all." Judge Hardcastle shook his head. He could be a very hard case but he hated to see a young person not even give the system a chance to help them. Guilty or innocent he liked to see cases go through the Court to insure everyone was given what they were entitled to by law. "Mr. Duke I strongly advice against this. By waiving your rights now, you will have no recourse later." "I understand that. Miss Davenport has been through far too much as it is over this matter. I'd just as soon get it over as quickly as we can so she can move on." stated Luke. Judge Hardcastle sighed and asked, "Are you prepared to enter a plea and wave this bond hearing?" Luke answered, "Yes, Sir. But, if I may first I'd like to ask the Court to honor one request. I am unsure if there is a way the Court can intervene in this matter or not, but I'd like to ask the Court to give or seek permission for Miss Davenport to marry me regardless of the outcome of the charges?" Judge Hardcastle set back and studied the young man before him for several minutes before speaking. "Mr. Davenport, standing before myself today in this Court is a young man who has made a grave mistake. I see him owning up to that mistake and trying everything in his power to make amends for this mistake. I know that a law has been broken and you are seeking justice which you will get if you insist on continuing this matter, but, don't you think it would serve your daughter, this Court, this State and this young man far better to end this matter here?" Mr. Davenport said in a loud voice, "I want him to pay for making a WHORE..." His sentence was cut short as Luke shoved past Jesse who was standing to his right and was heading full force at Mr. Davenport. Jesse, Bo, and the other along with and Rosco caught Luke about the time the State Troopers caught Mr. Davenport. Luke and Luther were in the center of the Courtroom face to face. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Judge Hardcastle pounded his gavel and exclaimed, "Order! I will have order in my Court!" Everyone stopped right where they were with Luke and Luther still face to face. Hardcastle spoke with authority, "I will have NO name calling in this Court Mr. Davenport. Mr. Duke I will not tolerate disruptions like this even if it was provoked. We will recess for ten minutes I suggest everyone check their temper at the door on your way back in. Court dismissed for ten minutes." Peggy led Luke and Jesse back to a witness room at the side of the Court room. Once she shut the door, Jesse said, "Luke, now I know none of this is easy but you don't want the Judge on your bad side either." Luke shook his head in agreement, "I know, Uncle Jesse, I sort of lost it for a second there." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BL and Daisy went out with Dixie as she couldn't go back with Jesse and Luke. "Dixie, Honey, your Dad is just mad. He didn't mean ..." "Yes he did, Daisy. He has told me I was a whore and once a whore always a whore, that no one would ever want me as a wife after this." said Dixie with tears in her eyes. Daisy smiled, "Sugar that's not what I heard in there." Dixie smiled weakly, "That may be but my Father will NEVER allow it. He swore he'd make Luke pay but I think I'm paying too." B.L was mad at Luther but trying to stay calm for Dixie's sake. "Daisy's right Luther's just mad. He don't mean it or he'd think the same thing about me and if he does he aint said so. Luke loves you and he said he'd marry you that oughta count for somethin' cos it wasn't just words he MEANT it. The look on Luke's face had said that he meant every word." Dixie tried to get a grip and replied, "Yeah I know. I got to talk to him and he asked me to marry him just now, but it won't happen. BL sighed and put her arm around Dixie's shoulders "probably not Luther's a stubborn man and no amount of beggin' pleadin and threats will make him change his mind on this most likely." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo and the other boys walked out with Cooter. Bo began, "Cooter?" Cooter turned on them defensively, "Now, Bo, guys, I know you are all on Luke's side here, but messing with MY sister is going way too far!" Bo said, "We've all been friends too long for this to come between us." Cooter replied, "Bo, I know that, but it will come between us. That's why it was so wrong what Luke did. I know you all will back Luke. I have to go with Dad on this one." Bo knew Cooter was right that this would come between them and simply asked, "What will is solve, Cooter?" Cooter knew Bo was also right about not solving anything but for Luke to mess around with Dixie, well, Cooter felt that his trust in his friend had been betrayed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse advised, "The first chance you get in there to talk apologize to the Judge." "I will, Uncle Jesse." said Luke. Then he sighed heavily, "Luther's not going to let me marry her. ..." He paused and looked down slightly, "Uncle Jesse I'm sorry for all this. Please tell the others that." After another long pause Luke looked up at Jesse. "You do know I'm going in there to plead Guilty." "Luke, I see no way out of this right now, but I wished you'd not do that, so maybe it would buy sometime to think about another option. I do understand your reasons for doing it, if you do. I also want you to know I'm proud of you for the way you have conducted yourself through this all. Luke, always know, that we all love and support you." said Jesse. Rosco opened the door, "It's time."

Judge Hardcastle spoke at lenght to Jesse, Dixie and Luther. This was a bad situation for both families. He truely wished the father would just drop the charges and let them get married if that's what they both wanted and he wanted his daughter's honor in tact. Hardcastle knew Mr. Davenport wouldn't change his mind and Luke Duke was determined to protect the young lady. They were both being stubborn as mules. He called for Dixie into his Chambers.Dixie walked in. Judge Hardcastle shook his head no, "I'm sorry. I talked to him until I was blue in the face. He still wants to go through with this. I can't stop him. But this is my Court and there's not any law that I know against letting you a Luke have a little talk before we proceed." Dixie gave the Judge a greatful look. "Thank you so much for everything!" Judge Hardcastle looked to the small room where he'd let Luke and Jesse talk things over. He opened the door slightly, "Luke I've heard a lot of good and bad about you today, but I'm a man who makes his own decisions. There's a Correctional Officer outside the other door. Jesse and I'll be in here. I want your word that you'll take this time to say what needs to be said and not do anything stupid." Luke looked the Judge in the eye and said, "I give you my word as a Duke." Hardcastle looked at Jesse who nodded 'yes'. "Ok, I'll give you as long as I can." He reached for the handcuffs and removed them, then stepped aside to let Luke enter his chambers. "Thank you." said Luke as he stepped inside. He heard Hardcastle close the door. Dixie had been setting in a chair as he stepped into the room she met him as he crossed the room to her. He took her in his arms and held her for several long moments. Though he couldn't hear her, Luke knew she was crying as the warm tears soaked into his shirt. He breathed in the scent of her strawberry shampoo mixed with the melon scent of her body spray. Luke knew she needed to cry and be held and he needed to hold her. Finally, Luke knew there were things that needed to be said between the two of them that didn't need an audience. He took Dixie by the shoulders, standing her up and wiping her tears. He cleared the lump in his own throat, and said, "I could have stayed like that all day, but there are things that need to be said here." Dixie dried her tears and nodded 'yes'. "I take it that your Dad is still going through with this?" he asked. Dixie bit her lip as tears welled up in her eyes. Luke gave her a bit of a smile of reassurance, "I didn't really expect him not to. I want to tell you a couple of things that I would have eventually gotten around to telling you. The only reason I'm saying them now is not to try to get out of anything or just make you feel better, I want to say them to you. I want you to hear them from me. The day you came to the garage all dressed up asking to go out with Tommy?" She nodded that she remembered. Luke continued, "You blew my mind. It was like you had grown up over night. You went from being my 'kiddo' to a young lady right then and there in my mind. Then, there was the dance at the Boar's Nest, it was all I could do that night to keep from kissing you right there in front of your Dad, Cooter, Jesse and everyone else. Then there was all the preparations for your birthday party. Like I said I just took it that it was your eighteenth not sixteenth birthday -- that was my fault. I want you to know I don't regret a thing that happened the other night. No matter what anyone else tells you, you were not just another girl. I respected you enough not to make a move on you until I thought you were 18..." Dixie interrupted, "And as I recall, it was my idea." Luke smiled at the memory and looked her in her eyes, "Yes, but it's only because you moved first. My thoughts weren't totally pure when I parked by the lake to begin with. Because our families have been so close, I would not have made any move on you if I hadn't cared about you. ... Dixie, I love you. The other night would not have happened if I hadn't already decided that." "Luke I have loved you since I was a kid but you are right, things changed between us over night even before my first kiss." she said. "Your first kiss? That was your first kiss?" Luke said shocked. "Lady, if that was your first kiss, ... wow!" "Guess I had a good teacher." she said meaning Luke himself. He smiled at her, and said very seriously, "I also want to ask you something. ... I don't know how any of this is going to turn out. ... I don't know if this will be possible or not but I intend to ask. ... You don't even have to answer, but I want to ask you this here and now." he paused, looked her in the eyes and began, "Dixie Davenport would you honor me by being my wife?..." His question was interrupted by her answer, "Yes, Luke anytime, ... anywhere." Now it was time to explain something to her. "Ok, I have intentions of asking the Court if they can to grant this if your Father won't allow it, but I can't promise it can happen. Even if your Father goes through with this, I'd like you to at least have my name, even if we can't be together. That is if you'll have it. I think it could make things easier for you here. At least it should show that I do love you and I wasn't just out to use you and move on." Dixie smiled a bit for the first time. "Luke I love you. I want to be with you. Yes, I'll marry you anytime, anywhere. If I can't have you, yes, I'll still marry you." Luke said as he was fighting tears of his own, "Jesse will have something for you that I was waiting for the right time to give you." he paused, "There is something you need to know before we go back in. To prove the charges that your Father is insisting that I be charged with there are tests that would have to been done on you, ... I don't intend to let them be done. I fully intend to plead guilty and take my chances before I'll let you be put through all that." "Luke I can't let you do that!" she said. He shook his head and said with determination, "I'm going to. I will not let you suffer anymore for my carelessness. Please give me this. Please let me do what I can, as small as it is to protect you all that I can." Dixie saw the helplessness on Luke's face. It was not like him. He was always in charge and was doing his best to take charge of what he could in this situation. Dixie realized how important it was for Luke to feel like he had some control in this. She closed hers eyes and and shook her head, 'Ok.' Luke reached out and took Dixie back into his arms. "Thank you. God, knows it's not much but it's all I can do." He held her for several minutes. Each lost in their own thoughts of each other. Luke petted her hair as he held her thinking of how he could ask something very difficult of her but something her needed her to do for him. "Dixie I need you to do something very difficult but that is very important for me?" She replied into his strong chest, "Anything." "Hear me out first." He tilted her face up to him. "When we go back in there, ... I need you to be strong for me. No out bursts. No tears. ... Cry now if you are going to, but not in there?" Dixie for the first time saw tears in his eyes, yet he refused to cry. She saw him gather control of himself but also saw how important it was to him that she not cry in the Courtroom. "All I can say is I promise to do my best." Luke squeezed her tightly, "That's all I can ask." Once again Luke held her hoping that she would cry herself out before re-entering the courtroom. There was a knock from the door Judge Hardcastle had went out. There was a minute before it opened, Judge Hardcastle said from the door. "Two minutes." and shut the door back. Luke and Dixie looked at each other. He dried her tears, tilted her face toward him and kissed her as passionately as he'd kissed anyone before. A knock at the door brought the kiss to an end. A minute later the Judge opened the door. "That's about all I can do." he said. Both Luke and Dixie thanked him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Judge Hardcastle instructed Jesse to take Dixie and return to the Courtroom. After they had left he sized up the tension in the room. He poured into Luke's glass from earlier a straight shot of liquor. "Drink up we don't have long." Luke took the glass. "Thanks for everything you have done for us both. I know you have got to do what you have to do." Luke finished the drink in one drink. Hardcastle replaced the handcuffs. He opened the door for Luke to enter the Courtroom.