DixieDavenport

Luke sighed and began, "Luther had given me permission about seven months ago to take Dixie to the Boar's Nest when he was there and he'd follow us home or I was expected to be just a very few minutes behind him. Then, about a month ago he let her start going ot the different places with me as long as a group would be there. Like last night, only she was staying with Daisy. Uncle Jesse didn't know that. Luther did. She was riding home with me as she had done when she's stayed with Daisy in the past. After everyone left we were alone and knew we didn't have to hurry home. We talked along while and then I turned around and she had gotten in the back seat and invited me back and...." Luke put his hands up defeatidly. "I see. That explains quiet a bit." Asked Judge Hardcastle. Judge Hardcastle explained, "When I talk to Mr. Davenport, if he wants the charges changed, I'll have to allow the Troopers to do so. You also need to know that if he does this you and Dixie will have to submit to a number of tests..." Luke held up his hand. "I won't let her be put through that." The Judge sighed, "If her Father insists, then, I'll have to order the tests." Luke looked the Judge in the eye. "At this point we're just talking correct? If I say something now will I be bound to follow it in court?" Hardcastle's was curious now. "No, you are not under oath. We are just trying to get this worked out." "Ok, if he insists the charges be changed. I have every intention of pleading guilty to keep Dixie from having to go through with the tests." said Luke. Hardcastle looked at the young man in front of him. "You do realize that if you plead guilty at that time there would be no backing out. I want you to know that it would very likely mean going to prison." "I understand that. But, I won't let Dixie be hurt anymore by this than she already is being. He can have me locked up and throw the key away but it won't change what happened. He doesn't realize that by bringing this all out public like this, he is doing her more harm than if he'd just swept it under the rug. Luther could have settled this easier for everyone involved with a good old 'shot gun wedding'. He--, I told Jesse, I'll tell you, and if I could get in the same room with him, I'd tell him, I'd be more than willing to marry Dixie even if he doesn't want to drop the charges just so she could hold her head up in this town." The Judge was impressed by Luke's willingness to try to made things right for the young lady involved. Most young men in his situation would be more concerned about themselves. Hardcastle said, "I see. Jesse is aware of your decisions?" Luke said, "Yes." "Well, I'm going to have him brought in here in a few minutes and make sure. Then, I'm going to do my best to see to it that he explains how the law can work to protect you and frankly I'm going to try to convince him to change your mind." said Hardcastle. "There is no point in throwing your life away because of this and I don't want to be the one who sentences you to prison without every avenue being explored first." Realization of the Judge's words sank in hard. Luke asked, "Could you arrange something before this is over, if you see it's going badly? ... I'd like to see Dixie two minutes, to apologize." Judge Hardcastle looked at the young man before him being so unselfish. "I'll do what I can. Now, finish that drink and get that 'jewelry' back on before you ruin my bad imagine." "I'll do it." The Judge went to the door Luke finished the drink, replaced the handcuffs and handed the judge back the key. "Judge Hardcastle, I truly would like to marry Dixie. Could you express that to her father for me?"

At the Courthouse while Jesse was talking to Luke for a minute. Luther was meetinwith Trooper Mitchell. Bo, Daisy, BL, Dixie, Konrad, Cooter and Jeb were waiting to be let in the Courtroom. Rosco opened the door at the same time Jesse came down the hall. Luther was with Trooper Mitchell behind him. They all entered and took seats in the courtroom wiating for Luke to be brought upstairs. Meanwhile Judge Hardcastle who been called a bit eccentric and true to all of Hazzard he did things his way in his Courtroom. He had called Peggy and given her instructions to bring LUke to his Chambers instead of immediately to the courtroom. Peggy went downstairs, locking the gate behind her. She opened a large metal 'gun cabinet' that hadn't housed guns in it for probably the last hundred years and took out a set of hand cuffs and leg irons. She sighed as she went to unlock Luke's cell, she said, "Luke. Time to go." Seeing the restraints, Luke asked, "You don't need those." Giving him a weak smile, she said, "I know. Rules." She placed the handcuffs on Luke in the front, then instructed him to turn around so she could place the leg irons on him which he did. Wearing the flip flops that he'd been given in place of his boots made it possible for the leg irons to fit. Peggy was directed wait outside the door. She did as ordered by the Court. The Judge closed the door behind him as he followed Luke into his private office. Luke did so though he was more than a bit nervous. The Judge took a casual position at his desk and opened one the files before him. He looked up to see Luke setting stone still with his cuffed hands in his lap. "Relax, son. This conversation isn't on the record. I want to know more about this case than the 'black and white' of this complaint. I know you have been before me on several occasions. I have also been friends with your Uncle Jesse for many years, though that will not influence me in any way." The Judge thumbed through the file again. "How old are you?" Luke replied, "Twenty." "Were you drinking?" asked the Judge. "Yes. " said Luke. "On a scale of 1 to 10 how intoxicated were you if 1 is sober and 10 is the drunkest you've ever been?" questioned Judge Hardcastle. Luke thought for a minute. He had drank quiet a bit over a long period of time and had also eaten. He answered, "A three. I might have been over the legal limit when they showed up but I could have driven home." "So it takes something more than a couple drinks to make your thinking unclear?" the Judge asked. Luke nodded, "Yes." The Judge now did something very uncharacteristic for a Judge, but it is Hazzard. He reached into his top desk drawer and took something out, then asked, "What were you drinking?" Luke replied, "When the Troopers showed up, I had a beer." The Judge opened yet another desk drawer and dug around in it a few minutes before asked Luke, "You wouldn't be opposed to a little Jack Daniels would you?" Luke Looked a bit surprised as the Judge tossed a handcuff key to him. "I don't suppose we need those bracelets for this conversation. Do we?" "No, Sir. I'm not going anywhere until this is straightened out." replied Luke who was beginning to calm down just a bit. "Good. Good. Now, you can take those things off and put them on the table while I pour us a drink. Then, we are going to talk about last night. You will tell me the truth?" He said as he handed Luke a good sized drink. "I've never lied to you. If I have done something, I'll tell you I did." Luke said looking the older man in the eyes. "Luke I intend to talk to all the parties involved in this. I understand from the Troopers the charges may change." Judge Hardcastle began as he took a sip of his drink. Luke had taken his drink and set it on the table. He surely didn't want to seem over eager for it. Luke smiled a sick smile and shook his head, "From what I could hear last night when Luther Davenport came to pick up Dixie, yeah, he wants the book and the bookcase it is on thrown at me!" "That's my understanding too." The Judge asked, "How long have you known Miss Davenport?" "Dixie? Since we were small kids. She has lived with her Mother out of here until last summer." replied Luke. "This isn't a test or anything. Drink up." The Judge motioned to Luke's untouched drink. "Did you know she was younger than you?" the Judge asked. Luke took a sip of his drink before answering. "Well, everyone knows she is Cooter's 'little sister' but he is older than me. She had been talking about a birthday coming up. Saying things like, 'after this birthday maybe I can make my own decisions about things like staying here.' Now, I know my last big birthday when I could do a lot more things than I had before was my 18th one. With her appearance, actions, and statements I just knew she meant her 18th birthday." Luke gave a weak smile, "Yeah, this time I assumed one He-- of a lot!" "Yes, I'm afraid you did. You mean to tell me as long as you have known Ms. Davenport you didn't know her age?" asked the Judge. Luke thought a long moment before answering. He was trying to word his response just right. "You said you have known my Uncle Jesse for years. Do you know how old he is?" Luke watched the puzzled look on the Judge's face. When Luke saw his expression change to where Luke was certain the Judge did not know Jesse's age, he continued, "Ms. Meade has been your secretary for years and years. Is she older or younger than you?" Luke's point had sunk in. Judge Hardcastle said, "You do realize the three of us went to school together. You have a point. I don't know who's older or how old they are, but ..." Luke interrupted, "I know that it is not important for you to know. I was just making a point." Now the Judge got to the meat of the discussion. "Were you both willing?" Luke said matter of factly, "Yes. Between you and me, she made the first move on me. Everything that happened was my fault. I let it happen. I should have known better. He--, I did know better!" Luke continued, "I know what her Father wants. I can't change that, any more than I can change what happened last night. I know no matter what happens to me, this is going to be hard for Dixie to live with, the way it's getting blown up like this. Judge Hardcastle I'd like to do my best to make things as easy for her as I can. For one reason or another since she has been here, we have spent a lot of time together. I have known I cared for her for quiet some time now. With her, what happened, wouldn't have happened if I hadn't already decided that I love her." Luke let that register with the Judge before continuing. Judge Hardcastle looked a bit surprised. He knew Luke's history of running around. "Yeah, Jesse gave me that same look. It's true. I cared enough about her to wait until she was, I thought, eighteen." Luke explained. "Did Mr. Davenport know you were seeing her?" asked the Judge.

Dixie was glad for one thing, Luther at least didn't want to kill her at the moment. Doc came out and checked her out and it appeared that they had all been wrong the crack was a board on the old porch not Dixie's arm. Luther was still steamed not only at Dixie but now at Lori too. But it was time they all left for Luke's bond hearing and Luther was more determined than ever to see the 'book' thrown at Luke. No amount of talking could change Luther's mind. Jesse had radioed the others in case they wanted to be there for Luke, which he was sure they did. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori had left before the others hoping to see Luke. She just couldn't WAIT to rub his troubles in his face. NOTE: Due to an unfortunate situation, Lori's owner has let BL and I know she no longer wishes to post to this link. We are sorry to loose her but I will exit her character as gracefully as possible in order to hopefully continue this story.Should she wish to return her and her character may return and will be welcomed if it's in the sprit of good natured fun. Lori went to the jail, walked down to Luke's cell. Luke looked up. Lori just smiled a satisfied grin and left. She got in Midnight which she now had the rank to be able to keep him on post and decided to return to the Marines. Luke knew the look, the smile and all their meanings. She was rubbing everything he'd given up to have Dixie, only to go to prison for, in his face. Luke knew he was sunk and it was going to be a LONG twenty years or so!

Luther had his hands full with Dixie, but Cooter jumped the porch rail and took off after Konrad! Dixie knew BL's reaction would be to help Konrad, but she grabbed on the her and held her in front of her for dear life! BL relaxed just a little once Konrad got in his car and took off! Cooter knew the wrecker would never catch that car and came back to the porch. Dixie added to BL's outburst, "LUTHER, There is only one WHORE on this porch! It's YOUR precious LORI! She's had a reputation of a whore since she was like TEN!" Lori was off the proch rail she had been leaning against, crossed the porch, slapping Dixie before BL knew what was happening. Dixie came out from behind BL and gave Lori and upper cut from he-- right in the chin. Lori didn't go down but Dixie had rocked her world.

Jesse pulled up in front of the Courthouse and jail just before 8:30am. He had to know what went on with Luke, but in order to try to help him. He hoped there would be SOMETHING he could do. Jesse took a seat outside Luke cell. "Ok, Luke what happened?" Luke sighed, "You remember Dixie's big birthday party, we all went all out for. Well, it turns out it was her 16th birthday NOT 18th!..." Jesse interrupted, "Did she tell you she was 18?" Luke gave Jesse a brief sad smile, "No." he sighed, "I figured that out ALL on my own. I know, ... I assumed myself into a God awful lot of trouble." Jesse asked, "So what did they charge you with?" "Trooper Mitchell said he'd give me as big a break as he could and ONLY charge me with Indecent Exposure, Public Intoxication, two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, and Resisting Arrest. Luther can insist on him charging me with the felony, which, ... after what I heard going on upstairs I figure he will." replied Luke. Jesse gave Luke a look of reassurance, "I'll go talk to Luther." he said simply. "I appreciate it, but Jesse, ... I'm not so sure that will help. Just make sure Dixie is Ok. She had no idea what was wrong last night and as mad as Luther was I'm sure she has lived hard." said Luke with concern. "Jesse, I had a lot of time to think last night about a whole lot. Other than the age thing, I'm not a bit sorry for what happened. I do love Dixie." Jesse looked surprised. Luke continued after seeing the look, "Yeah, I said that. ... I just thought I loved Robin. Then I ran around trying to prove something." he shook his head, "I guess I proved what a jerk I can be... He--, ... as far as I know, ... I was Da-- lucky that none of them showed up pregnant. And then there was Lori, who DID end up pregnant and I didn't even know til it was too late. I tried to get her to get over me and I tried to get over her but we just kept coming back to each other. I loved her, part of me still does, but we've proved it will never work." he paused. Jesse just let him talk, "I love Dixie. I am not saying what I'm about to say to try to get me out of anything. I want to marry her and I intend to tell the Judge that this morning. When you talk to Luther, if you think it will help you can tell him that for me." Jesse looked at his nephew. It seemed he had watched him grow up right before his eyes in the last five minutes. Luke looked much older than his twenty years. "Your sure about that?" "As sure as I've been about anything for quiet sometime, now. No matter what happens. I love her. She will have to live with what we did last night. It might be easier for her, at least if she has my name. I don't want anyone to think that she was just the last in a long line of conquests." said Luke with seriousness. Jesse asked, "Luke is there any doubt about WHAT was going on last night?" Jesse continued a bit embarrassed, "I mean, ..." Luke stopped him, shook his head 'no', looking into his Uncle's eyes. "No, what they said they saw was EXACTLY what they saw." he sighed. Luke felt himself shake inside as he stood up straight to tell Jesse the rest of his decisions, "I know in order to prove it though they will want 'tests' ran on Dixie. I won't let that happen. I'll not let her go though that." "Luke, ..." Jesse was interrupted. Looking Jesse in the eyes, "I'll plead guilty and hope for the best if it comes to that. IF they run the tests it will only confirm what did happen and put her through He--. Her having to live with my assumption is bad enough." "Luke you could talk yourself right into prison." informed Jesse. "I know that." he sighed. "Isn't there any doubt? Those tests could come out shedding some doubt." said Jesse. Luke shook his head no. "The evidence would be there." Jesse looked him in the eye, "Could she be pregnant?" Luke got a kind of far off look and smiled just a bit before answering, "That would be the only good thing to come out of this. Yeah, she could be." He seemed a bit satisfied at that thought. Jesse stood up looking Luke face to face, saying a bit loud, "Luke have you lost all your senses? How long have you two been SEEING each other?" Jesse asked worriedly. Luke knew what he meant since he had been given permission from her father to take her some places, "Last night was the only time." Jesse asked, "You swear?" Luke nodded yes, "Yes." he continued, "Can I ask you to do something for me that I might not get to do myself, depending on what goes on upstairs?" Jesse realized so far Luke had not asked him to do anything for him. He had not asked him to talk to the Judge. He hadn't asked him to talk to Luther, Jesse had offered. He hadn't even asked Jesse to get him out of jail. "What is it, Luke?" Luke looked very serious. "On my dresser is a small white box. It has been there since I dated Robin. I just recently figured out Dixie's size and had it sized and cleaned. I had plans to give it to her myself but never found the right moment. Will you see she gets it. NO matter what happens I want her to have it." Jesse knew the box. "Luke would that be your Mother's engagement ring?" With tears in his eyes for the first time since Jesse arrived, Luke bit his lip before he answered. He said as his voice cracked just a bit, "Yes, ... it is. If she'll have it after all this, I'd like her to have it, ... and all the promises that goes with it." "You'll be able to do that yourself." Jesse tried to assure Luke. Luke shook his head, "I'm not so sure about that." Jesse left to go check on Dixie and talk to Luther. He noted the garage wasn't open yet so everyone was likely still at the farm.

At the jail Peggy as she asked Luke, "Do you want to make a call now?" "What time is it?" asked Luke. Peggy looked at her watch, "Three thirty." Luke shook his head, "Not now, there's nothing Jesse can do until morning anyway. Unless Luther wakes him now, it will be better to call about five thirty, if that's Ok?" Peggy gave him a slight smile. "It will be fine. I'll let get the phone for you then." Luke knew no news was good news but had to ask, "I heard," he nodded towards the steps. "Did Trooper Mitchell change the charges yet?" he asked glumly. "He told Mr. Davenport what he charged you with. He also told him what you could be charged with, then he said he'd give him until tomorrow to think about it. For now they stand the same as he told you." Peggy explained. Peggy looked at the clock it was 5:30am. She got the phone hooked up where the cord would reach to the cell. Sleep had alluded Luke, though he was laying on the hard bunk starring at the ceiling. Peggy's movement had gotten his attention. As Luke sat up he saw Peggy coming his way with the phone and a large cup of coffee. She handed the coffee to Luke and sat the phone down on a shelf on the wall near the side of the cell. Taking a drink of the coffee Luke looked at the phone and sighed. "You know all my life I have been able to tell Uncle Jesse anything, but I don't think I can tell him this." He had decided hours ago to prepare Jesse the worst then hope for the best. He heard how upset Luther and Cooter had been. He doubted that even Uncle Jesse could calm them down enough to keep him from being charged with the felony. He sighed again. For Peggy she didn't know what to say to make this any better for Luke. She had been party to the events upstairs last night as she had came in, in the middle of it. Luke asked, "What time is it?" "5:40 am" was all Peggy said. Luke knew he had to call now before Jesse discovered him not home. Reaching through the bars Luke picked up the phone. "Maybelle get me the Duke farm please." Jesse had just poured his first cup of coffee when the phone rang. Looking at the clock. Jesse knew no one called here that early unless something was wrong. "Jesse Duke." he answered. Luke bit his lip hard at the sound of Jesse's voice. He knew what he was going to say would hurt Jesse more than it did him IF that was possible. "Uncle Jesse ..." "Luke? Where are you?" Jesse asked not sure he wanted to know. There was a long silence before Luke answered, "In jail." "What in tar nation did you do now? Let me guess been in another fight with just anyone who wanted to fight? OR maybe the last time wasn't long enough, so you went out racing again, you're sure to get your license revoked if you keep of this foolishness!" Jesse wasn't happy. Jesse was answered with total silence. "Luke. Tell me what they charged you with." replied Jesse sternly. Luke stood rock solidly still, yet he felt him shaking uncontrollably on the inside as he said, "St, ... Stat, ..., Statu, ... tory, ... Rape." Luke's voice had cracked up badly and the last word was almost unheard, but Jesse heard him LOUD AND CLEAR. Jesse almost dropped his coffee cup, "What? Who? Did they manage to set you up?" "Jesse, I only wished it were one of their set ups." Luke said as he turned his back to Peggy. His eyes had, against his will, filled with tears. "Just listen a minute. That's not the formal charge yet. Though I'd bet my life it will be after seeing the Judge. Jesse replied, "Peggy's there? Ask her when is the earliest I can come talk to you about this and see what we can figure out. Luke did and replied, "8:30 am." Jesse said, "Luke I'll be setting there at 8:30am. Who's is the girl?" Luke would rather tell him that in person but figured he'd better prepare him in case he ran into the Davenports, "Thanks, Uncle Jesse." Luke paused, his voice barely heard by Jesse. He cleared his throat, "Dixie Dav, ... en, ... port." Confused Jesse said, "What? Didn't you all just tell me she had her 18th birthday party?" Jesse voice was a bit loud for the hour of the morning. Luke sighed, "It's a long story. I've got to go. It makes me feel better knowing at least you think like I did." Jesse looked at the phone confused now more than ever, "Luke, I love you." "I love you too." Luke handed the phone to Peggy. He laid on the bunk and faced the wall.

Luke now knew he certainly didn't want Mr. Davenport out here to tow the General Lee under these circumstances. He said, "I'll sign a waiver or whatever. Don't call a wrecker. Mr. Peabody and all of Hazzard know this car. It will be Ok here." The younger Trooper said, "Suit yourself!" As he began to frisk Luke who was spread eagle against the car. At the moment the Trooper placed the first handcuff on Luke, he got a glimpse of Dixie who was crying. Luke couldn't take the fact she was hurting like this and her crying tore him apart. He pulled away heading towards Dixie. Both Troopers turned their attention on Luke. Being a bit more skilled, Trooper Mitchell downed Luke. He had his left shoulder and arm behind his back and was putting pressure on it. Luke was still fighting. Trooper Mitchell applied more pressure as he said, "Calm down! I can, ..., and will, ..., break it!" he cranked the arm even harder. Finally Luke felt the pain above the adrenaline rush he had gotten when he saw Dixie crying and relaxed, letting the Trooper cuff him. Luke would be sorry of that move tomorrow, when the moonshine wore off and his shoulder began to hurt. 00000 Trooper Mitchell had always been a close friend of the Dukes but had to do his job. Once Trooper Mitchell got him to the car he said, "Luke I'm going to cut you as big a break as I can. Even after THAT stunt. I'm only charging you with Indecent Exposure, Public Intoxication , two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and now Resisting Arrest instead of the Felony." Luke looked at him in disbelief. The Trooper continued. "However, if her Father pushes, I'll have to drop one Contributing and charge you with the Felony charge of Statutory Rape . Understood?" Luke felt a slight relief but was sure it would be short lived once Mr. Davenport found out. The younger Trooper said, "What?" Trooper Mitchell told him, "I'll be writing this report." The younger Trooper stomped to his side of the car. Statutory Rape is defined as a n. ---- Sexual relations with a person who has not reached the statutory age of consent.(even if both parties participating are willingly) 00000000000000 Rosco was at his desk when the Troopers brought Luke in to the jail. Dixie was told to take a seat at Rosco's desk which she did. Rosco had no idea what was going on. He said, "You can just put him up here until we process him." referring to the upstairs cell. Luke managed to find his voice, "Rosco if it's all the same to you. I'd just as soon go downstairs. It will probably be safer there once Luther is called."

LATER, Trooper Mitchell was riding with his young partner down on lake road where they had caught some 'kids' racing several months ago. The new State Trooper was very eager to make a name for himself. His lights hit a car parked in a meadow. He indicated this to his Senior partner, "What do you make of that?" Trooper Mitchell knew the car and was pretty sure what was going on but the young Trooper insisted on checking into it. The Senior partner replied, "You've probably got a couple kids making out. Lets go to the barn." The young trooper said, "Let's at least check it out." He was far to eager for Trooper Mitchell but was far enough in his training that Trooper Mitchell was giving him the lead in a lot of stops. As they turned, both Troopers recognized the General Lee with the windows (What little windows there were) fogged up. As Luke was kissing Dixie passionately he opened his eyes to the bright light of a flash light. "Sh--!" Luke sighed. Once she realized they had company Dixie gasped. The voice behind the flash light said, "State Police. Get out of the car." Now Luke was really cursing! He said, "Give us a second OK?" "Where are the car keys?" Another voice asked. He was afraid Luke was going to try to pull out. It was the voice of the younger Trooper who had been looking to get a 'feather in his cap' by arresting Luke the time before. Luke replied as he handed Dixie her clothing. "On the dash, I'll hand them to you." He was trying to buy some time. He reached for the keys and handed them to the Trooper that had the light. Luke covered Dixie the best he could while she got dressed, then he put on his jeans, took his shirt and boots with him as he got out of the car. He turned to help Dixie out of the car. Both of their appearances were a bit unorganized. After stepping into his boots Luke plopped on the hood of the General Lee as he buttoned his shirt and motioned for Dixie to take the seat beside him on the hood. She did and he wrapped his arm around her to comfort her. He whispered in her ear, "I told you there would be nights like this!" Luke had finished the last of the shine and had opened a beer prior to the Troopers arrival which he had in his hand and now took a drink. The new Trooper asked, "Have you been drinking?" Luke knew that they had him already for at least indecent exposure, but he just hoped he could talk Dixie out of trouble. So he decided to be honest with them. "Yes, I have been drinking but I didn’t intend to go anywhere until morning." The young Trooper, taking the lead, said, "You are trespassing on private property. I need to see your license." Luke was more than peeved, as he handed him his driver's license. "I want to check the registration too." said the young Trooper. Luke replied, "Mr. Peabody has never complained about us being out here. It's over the driver's visor. I can save you the time." he said looking at Trooper Mitchell. "My license is valid with six points for racing. The registration will come back to myself and Bo Duke and expires April next year." Trooper Mitchell waved his hand. "Let him run it. It will give him something to do. He--, I'd never have stopped!" The younger Trooper returned. "Ok, your license checks out like you said it would. Can the young lady drive this home or do I need to call for a wrecker?" Luke didn't want a wrecker called. Knowing all He-- would break loose when Luther Davenport had to come and pick up Dixie from the Sheriffs office without finding her out here with him. He also knew that Cooter's Dad had the wrecker after midnight. Dixie had been drinking too. He figured to play it down, hoping they would just take her home so he lied. "Well, she can't drive a standard." The younger Trooper said to Dixie, "Well, just for the sake of knowing who's who here let me see your license." Dixie looked at Luke. She was shaking like a leaf. Luke replied with a sigh. This was becoming a very long night, "Go ahead give him your license." He took another drink of beer. The young Trooper asked, "Have you been drinking?" Luke answered for Dixie. "She's had a little to drink." Dixie handed her license to the young Trooper who wasted no time in going to run it. Luke asked Trooper Mitchell while the other Trooper was running Dixie's license. "I figure he's already stacking charges against me. Starting with Trespassing and Indecent Exposure which is fine. But, can we keep her out of this? Maybe just take her home or call her Dad and tell him I was racing again or something?" Dixie looked at him in utter disbelief. It had never crossed her mind that Luke would be charged for 'nothing'. He said only loud enough for her to hear, "I'm likely not going home tonight. ... I know that, ..., and it's OK. I'm just trying to get you home without charges." The older Trooper smiled for a brief second. "I'll do what I can to tame the 'eager beaver'." "I'd sure appreciate it." said Luke. He again sipped the beer. The young Trooper came back to the General Lee like the forest was on fire, with his hand on the but of his gun, saying, "Duke, ..., get, ... on, ..., the hood, ..., NOW!" Luke looked confused at the Senior Trooper. Luke was getting a bit disgusted at this point. "What is his problem?" he said getting on the hood of the General Lee still holding the beer. He was making all this fuss over a couple of misdemeanors? "Hoooawh! Calm down! What?" Trooper Mitchell said, “This is not really necessary.†He motioned to Luke to relax. The younger Trooper showed Trooper Mitchell the licenses he had in his hands indicating the information in question. Trooper Mitchell said showing his annoyance with the 'eager beaver', "I'll handle this! Luke is all your information correct here?" Luke sighed as he looked at his driver's license he'd seen and shown to every law enforcement person in the Tri-Counties. "Yeah, it's right. Why?" Trooper Mitchell just waved him off. "Miss Davenport is all your information correct?" Dixie checked her license. It took a minute to find her voice when she said, "Yes, Sir, it is. What's wrong?" Again, the Senior Trooper waved off her question. He handed Luke both driver's licenses, "Tell me the names and date of births on these. Luke read his license, "Lucas K. Duke, Jan. 10, 19?6." Trooper Mitchell said, "And the other one?" Luke read, "Dixie Lee Davenport, April 8, 19?0. So?" The Trooper saw Luke's confusion. "How old are you?" Luke replied a bit annoyed, "Twenty." "How old is Miss Davenport?" he asked. Luke replied very annoyed and very sure of himself, "Eighteen." Dixie shot Luke a confused look. Trooper Mitchell said, "Look again. Do the Math. How old are you two?" Luke replied, "Jan. 10, 19?6, twenty. April 8, 19?0, eight ..." There was a long silence as Luke looked at Dixie. Dixie shook her head, 'No.' She was very innocent and confused about what was so important about her age and what difference two years could make. Luke stared at both the driver's licenses before him for several minutes. He sighed loudly, and said while shaking his head, "I'll be a So-#$--$($& SIXTEEN?" Luke gasped almost unable to breath. 00000 Dixie was still confused and nodded 'yes'. "Yeah. What's wrong with that?" At this point Luke almost passed out; he still remembers his knees going so weak he had to set down on the hood of the General to keep from falling. He had been preaching to Bo since before Bo turned 18 to ID any one before he even bought them a drink, to be really careful since the law was trying to bust them they could put someone up to setting them up. He had preached and preached! He had also thought that he had been so careful in this area, since he had been 18. “Sixteen….. Oh, ….. Hell.†Luke looked utterly defeated at this point, but managed to try to explain, "Ever heard the term 'jail bait?'." The wind was definitely out of his sails. Dixie replied honestly, "No? What are you all talking about?" Luke whispered, "Sixteen? not eighteen? What was with the Big Birthday?" Dixie was far to innocent to know what was wrong. She replied, "The eighth was a big Birthday. My sweet sixteen. Luke what is wrong?" The look that was on Luke's face was like none Dixie had ever seen on his face before. It was of sheer TERROR! The younger Trooper said, "Miss, you are under eighteen. He's over four years older than you. Which makes what was going on in that back seat when we came up very illegal for Mr. Duke here." Luke was scaring her and he knew it but it was all he could do right now to breath. His chest was tight. He felt numb all over and he was struggling to breath to keep from passing out. He had been so careful to not let this happen. For the two years he could buy beer he'd ever asked his dates to see their ID before he bought them a beer, now THIS! The young Trooper said in a voice of authority. "Mr. Duke on the car and spread 'um!" Before moving, Luke said to Dixie, "This is all my fault. Just remember that. Nothing that happened tonight was your fault. I assumed way too much. I wouldn't have changed a thing except I would have hoped, I'd have waited until you were eighteen if I weren't such a jacka-- and assumed I knew everything." he finished the three quarters of beer in one drink as he slide off the hood. Trooper Mitchell said to Dixie, "Come on you can ride up front with me as soon as we get a wrecker out here."

Luke and the others went back to the farm. Bo waited until the girls had finished welcoming them home then got Luke's attention. Luke followed Bo the their room to get a change of clothes. Bo said, "Luke have you lost your mind giving Dixie the keys tothe General Lee?" Luke said, "You are the second person who seems to think that, but she got him here didn't she?" Bo glared, "That's not the point." Luke glared back, "Yeah it is." He said flatly. He was tired and in need of a shower. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luther managed to get over incident and things returned back to normal. Luke and Dixie enjoyed the extra hour she could stay out and the fact that they had some alone time once Luke brought her home on occassion. One night they were the first home and as Luke kissed Dixie good night he unhooked her bra just for sheer meaniness! She was about to let him have it as Luther pulled up. Instead she gave Luke a quick kiss and headed very quickly to her room before Luther seen her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It had been two weeks since the fight at the lake and everone decided to try their luck with a little racing since it was Easter school break. Everyone had a touch of Spring fever. They all headed out to the lake for a bit of racing. No one paid much attention to Luke giving Dixie a ride out as they now had Luther's permission to somewhat date. Now with two convictions of racing and several points on his license Luke decided to let Bo race the General tonight. He gave the General Lee a once over. As before, Dixie and Luke watched several races. Dixie had planned to stay with Daisy tonight unknown to Jesse. She now, virtually, didn't have a time to be in. Her Dad knew she was staying with Daisy. By Jesse not knowing she planned to stay, he'd not pay any attention if Daisy beat her home. The night progressed without any law showing up. Though Bo had raced the General Lee several times it was Luke's turn to drive him home. Most everyone was heading off on their own to take the long way home tonight. Luke would be taking Dixie home. "I'm going to just make sure this fire is out." Luke called. Dixie said a bit nervous, "That was slick." As everyone else pulled out on there way home. Luke just smiled. He did make sure the fire was out then suggested riding down to the lake. He pulled the General Lee down into an open meadow that was just off the dirt road where they had raced. Luke asked, "Are you in any hurry to get home?" Dixie replied, "No, not at all." Luke said, "Good." He went to the trunk of the car and took out a a partial Mason jar of moonshine that he had been sipping on all evening. Luke placed the car keys on the dash, fixed him a glass of shine which Dixie was also sipping on. Luke was figuring on staying out until almost dawn then drifting the General Lee into the drive. He and Dixie would sneak in before Jesse got up. He and Dixie talked about all sorts of things for quiet some time. Luke poured the last of the shine into their glass and tossed the Mason jar to the bushes. As he turned around Dixie had move into the back seat of the General Lee, she said innocently, "There's more room back here." Luke cleared his throat before saying, "Well, yes there is. Are you sure?" Dixie smiled, "I am very certain, ..., there is more room back here." she said slowly. Luke didn't need a second invitation to join her in the back seat...

Cooter looked to Luke, who shot him a look that said, 'I told Jesse'. Cooter sighed and began to tail the events of last night. Luther listened to Cooter's entire story then asked, "So just where is BL?" Cooter gave him a blank look. Before Cooter could get in any deeper Jesse replied, "Both BL and Dixie are at my house Luther. They came home with Bo last night. But, Dixie was staying with Daisy anyway." Luther nodded, "Yeah, Dixie called me." Luke let out the breath he was holding. That was one less thing Luther could be mad about. Luther asked, "So HOW pray tale did my daughter and my niece get home last night and where is my wrecker?" Luke said, "I gave my keys to Dixie. and Konrad gave his to BL." Cooter said, "I gave my keys to Bo." Jesse said, "Luther I don't know how three of them got the four vehicles to the farm but they are all there. The wrecker is fine. Bo did still have to take his date home so she likely drove one of them." Luther looked at Luke, "WHAT were you driving?" 'Sh--!' Luke thought, but replied very quietly, "The General Lee." "YOU let my daughter drive the General Lee with that engine in it?" Luke sighed, "She can handle him."

Luther woke up to a very still house. He knew Dixie was staying with Daisy last night and had called him even before twelve to let him know she was at the Dukes. He was impressed he figured after giving her an extra hour and letting her go to the lake with the others she would have pushed the 1am to the limit. But he had gotten a very quick call about eleven forty five where she said, "I'm at the Dukes. Do you want to talk to anyone to verfy that?" Luther hadn't seen the need to talk to anyone and Dixie had gotten off the phone quickly. That explained where she was, but where were the others? He opened BL's bedroom. Nothing. The bed didn't look slept in either. He opened Cooter's door and no one was there, course he couldn't tell much about hte last time the bed had been slept in with the disarray the covers were in. Then, lastly he went to Konrad's room. Nothing. He said out loud to the empty house, "Now where are those kids?" He drank his coffee and headed off to the garage. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the jail, Luke had finally been able to doze off about day break. He wasn't looking forward to facing Jesse this morning at all. But, all too soon the familiar sound of Jesse coming down the steps with Enos got his and the others attention. Enos went to unlock the cell door. Jesse said, "Just hold up there a second Enos, I might change my mind. Luke why am I down here this nice Spring morning instead of tending to my farm?" Luke sighed and thought to him self, 'Da-- it! Why AM I ALWAYS the spokes person for the group?' but wisely decided to answer the question, "Ernie Ledbetter started with me when I got to the lake but I handled him and walked. He had told me Konrad had to ask BL for permission to race. I let Konrad in on that, but nothing happened until lmuch later when Konrad raced Ernie and beat him badly I might say. Well, Uncle Jesse you know Ernie's mouth and with Konrad being my cousin and beating him that was all the reason he needed to run off at the mouthand say Konrad jumped the start. He didn't. They got into it. If anybody know's how that fool fights it's me so I went to try to break it up and so did Cooter. About the time we were getting them apart they went back at it and Rosco pulled up and only saw all four of us scuffling." Jesse let them stew another few minutes before telling Enos to let them out. "Well, we all best head over to the farm and get the chores done. The girls are all there. And I suspect we'll be having us a nice talk after breakfast." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luther had stepped out front of the garage and saw Jesse Duke come out of the courthouse with Luke, Konrad and COOTER. He knew something was definetly up. He............

"Besides, if you do break them out, Rosco knows them and where they live and would only gets warrants on them and YOU for breaking them out." Dixie tried to reason. B.L said "I know but it ain't fair, they wouldn't even be in jail if Rosco didn't come poking his nose into everything." Dixie replied, "B. I think THAT is his job!" We weren't doin' nothin' to give him a reason to be pokin' around he ALWAYS manages to show up when we're all up at the lake racin' if he'd just leave us along we don't cause no trouble. Daisy reminded, "Yeah but racing up there is illegal. Remember when Luke and Mark got caught?" BL nodded and said, "But still there again it was cops stickin' their nose in when they coulda just let it slide unless there's trouble." Daisy added, "Sugar, Rosco LOOKS for reasons to bust the boys. You just got to calm down. Uncle Jesse will go get tehm in the morning." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo was still awake when Jeb got home from playing in the band. Jeb looked at him and knew something was wrong, "What?" Bo explained about Luke, Cooter and Konrad being arrested. Jeb figured that would explain why Bo was up but not what was bothering him. "Bo you seem pissed. What's wrong?" Bo huffed, "Luke gave Dixie the keys to the General Lee and SHE drove him home. She left before I even knew she had the keys!" Jeb now knew why Bo was upset. He-- it wasn't often that HE, himself drove the General Lee and that was usually an uphill battle. To his knowledge, none of Bo's or Luke's girlfriends had EVER driven him until TONIGHT. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next morning Jesse was up early. Fact was he hadn't really slept so he gave up and go up to make coffee. He got out the familiar cookie tin behind the refrigerator to see how much he had put back for times like these. He got out what he thought he'd need and stashed the rest back in it's place. BL came into the kitchen before the others did. Jesse smiled and took this opportunity to say, "BL I haven't seen much of you lately. Is that nephew of mine treating you right and minding his manners?" Bl replied,

NOTE: The character of Konrad is not mine, nor do I have permission to use him, however, BL does have permission to use him. Any reaction or reply that I post has been supplied by BL. Thanks to his owner for allowing her to use hischaracter in our story! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As Rosco locked the cell door behind Luke and Konrad, Luke swore and added, "This is all the he-- I needed!" "Well Buddy Row, I can't say I needed it either." Cooter said as he stood in the adjacent cell. Konrad sank down on the bunk with a heavy sigh, it seemed every time he came to Hazzard to visit his family there he got in some sort of trouble and this time he'd got in real deep. Luke looked as his cousin, "Cheer up, Least you didn't get caught racing!" Konrad raised his eyes to Luke and said "that's true but i still got ARRESTED, now Luther's gonna be watching me like a hawk more than he already was" Cooter supplied Luke's thoughts exactly, "I think we're all in the same boat there too Konrad. Only one might be safe if Luke cause he don't LIVE there!" Luke added, "Right! I live with Jesse, and YOU think I'll get off any easier?" Konrad nodded agreement with Cooter "Yeah we're all dead!" Luke sighed, "Yeah that's about the way I see it!" He wondered out loud, "Bo had the pick up. I gave Dixie the keys to the General Lee. Wonder WHO drove him home?" Cooter jumped on this one it was a no brainer who would be driving the General Lee home "Bo" Then he chuckled and said "I bet they all went back to tell Jesse what was going on cos Dix was supposed to stay with Daisy tonight is what she told Dad and B.L was too chicken to go home and tell him me and Konrad are sittin' here coolin' our heels." Luke grinned, "I don't know Cooter, I gave Dixie the keys cause I didn't see Bo. He'll throw one more fit on me if she drove hime home. Yeah, I figure they all went back to the farm." Cooter asked, "By the way, Luke why did you park in the next County instead of up with us like usual?" Luke dodged the 'real' question and answered, "We came up and set with you didn't we?" Cooter shook his head 'yes', "But that's not what I asked." Luke thought and then grinned at Cooter, "Same reason I don't tell you about MY dates anymore. Didn't figure you wanted see us anymore than you'd want to hear about us together."

Luke swore as he, Konad and Cooter were put downstairs. Rosco was smart enought to put Ernie upstairs! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie drove the General Lee to the Duke farm. She had planned on staying with Daisy. BL drove Konrads car to the farm and they all meet Bo and Daisy in the drive way. Jesse likely in bed but probably not asleep. Dixie looekd at Bo as they pulled in, "With Luke in jail, you're the oldest!" Bo shook his head and pointed at B.L "Nuh uh she is she's same age as Luke and Lori." BL grumbled "I hate bein' the oldest always gets Luke, Lori and Cooter in trouble." Dixie glared at him, "But YOU live here!" BL glared at Bo too, "Yeah YOU DO live HERE!" Bo looked at all three girls pleading for Daisy to step in here even though she didn't know exactly what was going on yet. Daisy threw her hands up, "Oh no Bo I don't have a clue what's going on!" Bo sighed "Luke and Konrad and Cooter and Ernie Ledbetter got carted off to jail cos Konrad and Ernie were fighting when Rosco pulled up." Daisy said, "Well, cousin you can plead Luke's case better than ME, I wasn't even there!" Bo sighed and said, "Fine but, when he kills me I hope you three are happy!" Dixie, Daisy ans BL weren't falling for his drama. They all glared at him! Bo sighed and headed towards Jesse's room. He knocked, half hoping Jesse was asleep. No such luck. "Come in. " Jesse said. He never went ot sleep with out all his kids being home. Bo opened the door with his head hung low. He said, "Uncle Jesse, Ernie Ledbetter started trouble tonight with Konrad. Luke and Cooter TRIED to break them up. Rosco arrested all 4 of them." Jesse turned red listening to Bo and said "Jail! if those two don't beat all. Here I thought Luke was doin' better now that he's seein' Dixie but he goes and gets hisself arrested...."

Luke had allowed himself to be cuffed and placed in the patrol car. As Konrad was also put in the car Luke swore. This was all he needed to get Luther riled! Luke said to Konrad, "Cousin, this IS NOT the ending I had pictured to this evening!" They were taken very quickly to the jail, along with Cooter and Ernie.

Luke came back to Dixie and headed toward the wrecker, where they could see better. The nights racing had been pretty routine no wrecks, very little paint traded, no fights. Course this is the first night of the season they had raced. Everything had been pretty much layed back until Konrad Duke and Ernie Ledbetter lined up. Konrad had left Ernie setting still. At least that's what it looked like from Luke's view. Konrad beat Ernie fair and square without incident. Right up until Konrad went to collect the money! Then, Ernie yelled, "HE JUMPED THE START!!!" Luke moved Dixie from in front of him but stayed put. He watched Konrad.............

Cooter looked at Bo, "What's with Luke parking in the next County?" Bo looked to where the General Lee was parked. He hadn't paid any attention until Cooter mentioned it. He shrugged his shoulders and guessed, "Cooter its' got to be a bit weird dating your sister with you watching." Cooter looked closer seeing that Luke and Dixie were on the hood of the General Lee. Luke was holding her around the waist with her setting on the hood in front of him. Cooter said, "Well, I'd look less IF I didn't think he was trying to hide something!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke looked up and saw Konrad by his car looking like he was getting ready to race. "Dixie I need to go check on something. Why don't you go talk to BL for a few minutes?" Caught the hint, "Yeah, sure, OK." She replied. Luke walked up to Konrad and said, "If you are intending racing, especially Ernie Ledbetter, I got two thing to tell you. One don't get caught by Rosco. He has a tendancy to stake out here if he thinks there going to be racing. I'm broke, so don't get caught. Two, if you race Ledbetter if he sees he can't win he trys to hurt your paint so watch him cousin. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the lake several cars were beginning to show up. Those that intended to race had their hoods. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As the crew was leavign the Boar's Nest, Luke sudly walked over to Luther's table and took an empty chair while Dixie was talking to her friends, "Everyone is going up to the lake. Cooter's already gone. Are you Ok with us going up for a bit?" Luther knew Luke was trying not to let everyone know he was asking his permission. Luther said, "What are you in tonight?" Luke sighed just a bit but answered, "The General Lee." Luther asked, "Are you racing tonight?" "I really hadn't planned to." Luke replied. Luther said, "Well, if you do, don't let Dixie ride and I'll see ya'll about 1am." Luke nodded, "Fair enough." Luke went back over to the table where they had been setting. Dixie came back to the table and they danced another dance or two and then left. On the way to the lake Dixie asked, "So are you going to race?" Luke said, "This is the first time I've got you out of your Daddy's site for more than ten minutes in months. Do you think I want to spend the rest of the evening racing those clowns?" Dixie couldn't help but feel the butterflies in her stomach. She knew that her and Luke would by no means be alone at the lake but her father wasn't 30 feet away either. "Since you put it that way, I HOPE not." Luke parked the General Lee a bit further down the line of vehicles than he normally would have. Normally he would have parked up with Cooter, but the fact that his date just happened to be his sister made Luke want a bit of distance between them. Luke and Dixie got out of the General Lee. Luke left the hood closed as they walked up the line of cars that would be racing. Ernie Ledbetter stepped in front of Luke. He looked from Luke to Dixie and back to Luke, before asking, "Do YOU have to ask your girlfriend IF you can race?" Luke gave him a he-- of a look, glared at him and barked, "WHAT???? What the HE-- do you mean by THAT?" Ledbetter laughed a bit and said, "Your cousin in that fancy Mustang had to ask HIS girlfriend IF he could RACE!!!" Ledbetter and his crew were dying laughing. Luke replied, "Ledbetter you know me well enough that I don't ASK anyone what I can do! Now, get the he-- out of MY way!" Luke walked over to Konrad and said, "Come here a miuter Konrad." They walked over away from the others and Luke asked, "What is going on? Ledbetter just told me YOU asked BL IF you can RACE?" Konrad ...............

Dixie thougth about how she was going to word her answer, "BL part of me wants to tell you 'YES', 'in a NEW YORK MINUTE' but there is another part of me that says 'No'. There's the whole thing about saving yourself for your wedding night, but it's more than that. Like we talked before, I don't want to end up pregnant and FORCE him to marry me. B. if I'd ever marry Luke or any man I want it to be because he chose me not because of a moral obligation. I know all about the birth control methods and between me and you I've been on the pill since me and Jeb started dating. Not that I've done anything but a just in case thing." Dixie also knew that she would really like Luke to be her first. Deep down she'd like Luke to be her only, but as close as they had gotten she still found it hard to believe he really wanted to date her. BL was surprised by Dixie's statement but was glad she was prepared if and when she did decide go all the way. Dixie added, "For MY sake PLEASE don't tell Daddy!" BL agreed. She like having her cousin alive. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo and Luke had made it back to the farm well before supper time. Luke still had dirt and grease all the way up his arms. Bo called the shower first. Luke replied, "That's fine just remember I'd like some hot water too." Luke picked up the phone and asked Mae Bell to connect him to the Davenport farm. When Dixie answered Luke said, "You about done?" Dixie brushed her hair back and said, "Yeah, I've got to fix supper but I'm done with the house stuff." Luke said, "I just got back in from the garage. We pulled an engine today. I'll get cleaned up and eat. How about I pick you up around six?" Dixie asked, "You've got the General?" "Yeah, I cleaned him up while Bo was chasin' skirts in town, so I'm driving him tonight." Luke explained. "Ok, sounds good to me. See ya then." Dixie replied. BL just grinned, "Luke I take it?" She had watched Dixie's face light up when she heard Luke's voice. Dixie grinned back and nodded, 'yes', "Uh huh, I got to get dinner fixed and cleaned up. He'll be here about six." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo noticed Luke taking an unusual amount of time to clean up. What really got his attention was when Luke polished his boots. Bo opened his eyes wide in shock, "Polishing your boots?" Luke frowned a bit, "Yeah, they need it." "Ok, if you say so." Bo knew that Luke only polished his boots for special occassions usually. But, Luke had cleaned the General Lee up too. He had seemed in a really good mood after Bo returned to the garage today. Something was up. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke pulled up to the Davenports a couple minutes before six. Dixie had heard him coming and was out the door and in the car almost before he got stopped. Luke said, "Well, hello there. In a hurry?" "Been cooped up in the house all day. So yes I was in a hurry." Dixie explained. Luke grinned and pulled out heading for their normal location, the Boar's Nest. It was early yet and several people were outside hanging out. Luke and Dixie got out of the General Lee. Luke knew what was going to happen as soon as he seen the crowd still outside. Several of the guys had the hoods of their cars open. Luke heard one of them say, "Well, ask him." The other guy called, "Hey, Luke show him what's under the hood of the General Lee." Luke turned and saw the guy in questions car. He turned back to the General Lee and said, "You don't want me to." He popped the hood. The guy tooka look at the General's engine and replied, "You were right! Are you going to be racing him at the lake tonight? I'd love to see him run." Luke shook his head, "I hadn't planned to, but we'll see." He said as he closed the hood and put hism arm around Dixie's waist. Dixie said quietly as they walked toward the door of the Boar's Nest, "Was you just brushing him off? You know I can't go up to the lake." Luke stopped outside the door and said, "Well, yes I was basicaly brushing him off, but if you want to go up and watch them run later I JUST MIGHT be able to arrange it." "How?" Dixie asked. Luke explained, "I had a talk with your Dad. He seems pleased with the way we've been acting. He backed your curfew up til 1am and said basically if everyone is going to the lake or there's a school dance or something he may let us go too. AND, we've lost our shadow!" "Which shadow is that?" Dixie asked. "He won't be expecting us fifteen minutes behind him or in front of him anymore." Luke said. Dixie asked, "Which means?" Luke wrapped his arms around her, bent down to her and said just before he kissed her, "That I can do this tonight and NOT have to look over my shoulder!" Dixie replied with a smile, "Good!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter had the wrecker tonight. He pulled in to the Boar's Nest and parked beside the General Lee. BL and Konrad weren't too far behind him.

It was a typical Saturday morning. With the farm chores done Jesse had cut the boys loose until suppertime. Bo and Luke had headed to the garage. Bo parked the General Lee in front of the garage but out of customers way. Cooter knew they'd be by and had saved a job of pulling an engine until they got there. Bo walked in and grabbed a doughnut. Luke went to the frig and grabbed three beers tossing Bo and Cooter one. He then took a seat on the counter by the phone to sip his beer, "What's going on here today?" Luke asked Cooter. "Well, I mighty glad you asked that. See I figured you'd be by sometime today. I got to pull this here engine. You know if me and Dad try it we'll get fifteen wrecker calls 'fore we'd get done." Cooter explained. Luke smack Bo's hand away from the last doughnut and took it himself, then replied, "Yeah, we'll help, ain't got nothing going on until suppertime." Cooter finished his beer and said, "Well, let's get at it then." A couple hours later Luther walked into the garage to see two set of legs under the car that Cooter was pulling an engine from to rebuild and Luke Duke was elbow under the hood. "Who's underneath?" Luther asked. Luke turned to see Luther still working as he answered, "Cooter and Bo." Luther nodded. He stood back and watched and listened to the three friends banter as they worked. His thoughts were not just on these three young men but of the young men who were starting to be drafted into the service. He knew if things continued Hazzard County would have a lot less young men around. He'd seen drafts done before and it was strange to see who would be effected by it. His thoughts were intrupted by Cooter. He was saying to the other two boys, "Ok, she's ready to come out. Luke you got the 'spaghetti'?" Luke knew he meant all the hose and wires. "Taping the last one up now." In a matter of minutes the three had the engine out of the car, the car rolled out from under it and the engine setting on the floor. Cooter tossed each his friends a beer and said, "Shhhhh! Thanks fellas! It would have taken me a lot longer with out you guys." Luther looked at the three. He figured Cooter had offered to pay them, but from the looks of things they were just helping him for free. He had to ask. "Free labor?" Luke grinned and held his beer up a bit, "We work cheep. 'sides there wasn't anything else going on today." Luther figured if the boys wanted to help Cooter without it costing him anything then who was he to argue. Bo decided to walk down the street for a bit and shortly after Cooter took a wrecker call, leaving Luke and Luther alone in the garage. Luke tossed his beer bottle in the trash. Luther said, "Grab you another beer." "Thanks, but I'm good." Luke said. Luther studied the young man before him, "You know when you asked to date Dixie, I talked to Jesse about it. He told me he figured you were either serious about sticking to our agreement or you two wouldn't last a week. How long has it been now?" Luke shrugged a bit and thought, "I don't know, five, six months." Luther nodded, "Luke you have impressed me. You told me if I made the rules you'd stick to them and as far as I know you have kept your word." "Yes, Sir I have." Luke replied. Luther nodded he believed Luke because he knew Jesse's 'kids' didn't lie. "You know Luke, I may have been a bit 'over protective' of the girls. I don't want to see them hurt. But, I also may not have been fair to you two either. I know Dixie is getting older and I know I still try to keep her my baby. He--, I still am looking for training wheels for the Thunderbird and you go buy her that da--ed hot rod!" Luke laughed, "I see Jesse not let Daisy or Coy do things the rest of us has done for years, so I understand." Luther said, "Well, how about I give say another hour on her curfew and as long as I know where ya'll are going you can likely take her other places." Luke asked to make sure he understood what was being said, "So she now has to be in by 1AM and if everyone say decided to go to the lake and you approved she could go which means you won't necessarily be following us home." Luther said, "Well, going to the Boar's Nest and havign to wait on ya'll to leave or making ya'll leave cause I want to is getting a bit old on my part. And, I know that BL and Cooter are likely around so I'll let that one slide too." Luke nodded, "Thanks I appreciate that and I'm sure Dixie will too." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at the Davenport farm, Dixie and BL were doing their normal Saturday cleaning. All the guys had left them to theirselves. Dixie asked, "BL what's up with you and Konrad? Ya'll seem connected at the hips?"

Luke had managed to find a minute while Dixie was with friends to talk to Luther. "The presents and notes from Lori, was her attempt to have you keep us apart." Luther nodded, "I know Lori's handy work when I see it." He paused, "However, I was witness to THAT kiss earlier as was half of Hazzard. It was just a bit too hot for a father to feel comfortable with." Luke had the good sense to be a bit embarrassed, "Ah, ....... yeah, ...... I understand that. I'm sorry about that, I guess with the party being a bit upsetting to her, Dixie was overly suprised with the car and I admit, I got a bit carried away. It won't happen again." Luke at least hoped it wouldn't again with Luther present. "Just cool your jets a bit and take it slow is all I'm asking. I'll even stay a bit longer tonight. Say about 1AM?" Luther said. He had noticed how Luke had held Dixie's hand, maybe put an arm around her shoulders or waist, but he impressed Luther with his attempt to put a father at ease. Luke hadn't drank a drop even though he was riding to the Davenports with Dixie and someone would pick hom up there tonight so Dixie could drive her car. Luke returned to Dixie and they were dancing yet another dance. Luther looked at Jesse and asked, "What do you think?" Jesse replied, "Honestly, I think he's making a serious attempt to put us both at ease with them being together. I figured it like this, Luther, when I heard about it. Either he's serious and is going to stick with this cause he truely cares for her or he only thinks he's serious and he'll call it off in less than a week." Luther asks, "So if it lasts longer than a week, I need to get used to the idea?" "Afraid so!" Jesse said calmly, "Least that's the way I see it." All in all Dixie enjoyed her party. About 1245AM Luke suggested they get her things together and in the car. They did and left the Boar's Nest. Bo would leave a bit later to pick up Luke at the Davenport's. Luther finished his beer and left to make sure they didn't have a lot of time together alone. Bo told Luke as he got in, "We still got time. Want to go grab a beer since you drank pop and tea all night?" Luke nodded to Bo's disappointment, 'no', "Nah, I'm ready to go home. You can go back after you drop me off if you want." Bo sighed, "Luke what is up with you?" Luke replied, "I found something that I want. At least I'm certain enough of that to do what I have to be able to find out." Bo looked shocked, "Luke are you sure you ain't just falling for her cause she's Lori's cousin. OR because you've been accused of her?" Luke smiled at his cousin, "Bo, Lori knows me probably better than I know myself. Did you ever think that's why she accussed me of Dixie so much?" Bo's eyes went wide and he almost ran off the road, "LUKE, YOU AIN'T??" Luke took a deep breath and replied, "NO! I AIN'T, BUT, ......... well, .......... it don't mean that I ain't looked, wondered, thought about her." Bo argued, "Luke she's rode with you on wrecker calls! And, we grew up chasing frogs together. That's doesnt' mean YOU know HER!" Luke smirked, "Bo I know her a bit better than you think. She has went on part runs we me. We've been out to dinner on those trips. She learned to operate and drive that da--ed wrecker before she did a car because I taught HER. You remember when we were in jail for running shine? Well, THE letter that Vance and LORI got so bent out of shape about that Dixie wrote me. It wasn't just one letter. There were several to me AND from me to her. Bo honest Ingine, I don't know what was worse Lori trying to drive me crazy or watching Dixie trying to dive Jeb up the wall and wishing it were me!" Bo again almost ran off the road! Luke said, "If you are having problem keeping the General Lee on the road I'll be glad to take over for you!" Bo glared, "Cute, LUKE! Cute!" He paused a few minutes to get the General lined back out and his thoughts together, "You're REALLY serious about her? Then why did you wait this long?" Deep down Bo knew the answer. Luke sighed and utter one word. He simply said, "Lori." Then he added his explaniation, "Here she is gone to Johnson County and me and Dixie should be able to not worry about he trying to break us up and what does she do but send Dixie birthday gifts BY ME to try to make Luther keep us apart by making him think we are intimate." Bo asked, "Are ya'll?" Luke looked at him in dismay, "Bo I am STILL alive! No of course NOT. I can wait. I can wait until she is ready. And now that she is a year older it shouldn't matter when that is, but I"m content with nights like tonight." Bo was shocked at Luke's attitude. He had no idea Luke had evidently been watching Dixie for some time now. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ With Lori gone things settled into a 'normal' routine if Hazzard could ever have one. Everyone got use to seeing Dixie and Luke together and Konrad and BL together. The week that Jesse spoke of passed, then another and another. It had now been nearly six months and Luke was still holding true to his word. Rosco sure had been bored. Luke hadn't even been in a bar room fight since he and Dixie had been dating, largely due to the fact that Luke may go out for a beer with Bo maybe once a week or drink one or two with Cooter at the garage and ONLY if Dixie wasn't around. Spring was in the air. Birds were singing, beeing buzzing, dogs tail wagging and EVERYONE was feeling extra good with the new beginnings of life through out the trees, flowers and animals. With Spring came the guys favorite time of year, warmer weather, less clothing! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile in NC, Lori had.............

He led Dixie to the back were the finished car waited. Cooter had went to check on Dixie and saw Luke taking her to see her car. He went back inside and said, "Hey everyone. Dixie has one more present out back that just may cheer her up. Come on!!!" Everyone went hurried around the side of the Boar's Nest. Luke had told her to turn around about that time. When Dixie turned around she saw her car TOGETHER! It had already been painted a snow white like she had wanted. Dixieland Delight had been painted above the windows in Blue paint with the fanciest writing Cooter could manage to paint. The blue leather interior had been cleaned and shined. Cooter had found some origianal reams that sparkled in the sun. They had also painted a personal tag for the front bumper with Dixie and Luke. Luke had already went to the courthouse and gotten it tagged, insured and legal. When Dixie saw it her eyes opened wide, she jumped into Luke's arms, and said, "Luke! It's gorgous!!! But HOW???" Luke still held her with her legs wrapped around his waist. "That's why I couldn't take you out the past two nights. Cooter and I worked on it all night." She hugged his neck and said, "Thank you it's the best present ever!!!!" Luke smiled at her. Neither one knew the crowd had just cam around the corner. Their eyes met and they began to kiss very passionately.

BL knew what she had to do she had to get with Daisy and get the party organized and have it whether Dixie wanted it or not. And, she intended to do that too, just as soon as her behind quit stinging. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke talked to Jesse and told him of his and Cooter's plans to spend the next two nights at the garage in hopes of having Dixie's car made into one and on the road for her day after tomorrow. Jesse had heard about Luke intending to get to know Dixie, "Luke I know you have always took to her and I know you are intending to date her. With everything that's gone on with Lori and BL, Luke is it wise to want to date her now?" Luke gave a slight grin to his Uncle who he dearly loved and who seemed to know everything. He shook his head. He knew where Jesse had heard it, "Bo?" Jesse shrugged just a bit. "He's the only one I told. Your likely right about the timing may not be the best, but what I didn't tell Bo is I agreed to certain let's say 'restrictions' until she turns 18 which is just a few days away but I'll stick to them. I told him I'd follow what ever rules he set which largely means we can only go to the Boar's Nest, can only stay as long as his is there and I promised not to drink AT ALL if she's riding with me." Luke explained. Jesse nodded. If Luke was willing to go along with those conditions he was either very serious or it wouldn't last a week. "Ok Luke but I wouldn't give Luther any casue to doubt you right now." "Believe me, I have no intentions of being bounced out of his house and I fully believed he would have shot us had we still been there, so I have no plans to cross him." Luke said. Jesse said, "Well he may have shot at ya'll, but I don't think he would have shot ya." Luke nodded, 'yes', "You weren't there. I belileve he would have." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke had called Dixie at the farm to make sure she was OK. She sounded down, but said she was Ok. She hoped he was calling to say they were going to the Boar's Nest, but Luke had made the excuse that Jesse needed them up extra early the next day to do some extra work at the farm. He didn't want her to know that they were working on her birthday present. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That evening when the garage should have been closing Luke and Bo pulled up prepared to spend the night at the garage working on Dixie's car.

Dixie had gotten busy getting up the glass while Cooter went out to the barn. He knew there was another pane of glass out there that would likely work. Luther had gotten half way to town and turned around. As right as Lori had been it was still wrong for BL to flaunt her affair in his face. While BL and Luther were in the woodshed, Cooter and Dixie had quietly fixed the front door. Cooter needed to get to the garage but figured he just might should wait on Luther. Dixie told Cooter, "I'm going upstairs out of the line of fire. I'll hang out with BL today. I don't think it's safe for ANY of the Dukes to be at the garage anytime soon until he calms down. So I guess my car won't be even together by my birthday." Dixie went upstair. Cooter saw how upset she had been even earlier. He wasn't sure why because last night she had been on top of the world. Something had happened. It had to be something Lori had did or said before any of the rest had gotten up. Cooter walked to Lori's room and saw her packing. "Cooter take me to the bus please." He had only nodded that he would. He had seen her off at the bus station and drove Midnight to the garage where Bo and Luke were waiting for him to open. He sighed to them as they asked what was wrong, "She's gone...." Luke shook his head. Bo asked, "Where?" Cooter told them what he had been asked to tell, "She took the bus back to Johnson County. I'm going to do some work on Midnight then I'll take him to her." Lori had know with the boys being on Probation they couldn't come to Johnson County. Cooter could store Midnight in the barn until she could have him on base and they wouldn't be trying to contact her in NC. She hoped she could leave all this behind her once oand for all! Cooter turned to Luke, "Someone is sort of down and figures it won't be good for ya'll to be here with Luther here. Her birthday is day after tomorrow. What say I stock the refrigerator with beer and we pull a couple all nighters and get that car ready for her on her birthday?" Luke grinned, "I think I can manage that, but I thought you was against her having the car." Cooter replied, "Well, she's already got it so it may as well be in one piece instead of two on her birthday." Cooter added a very serious warning to Luke, "Luke I don't know how you taked Dad into seeing her, but don't hurt her." Luke looked him in the eyes, "I'd never hurt her intentionally." They shook hands. Bo asked, "Now can I get that piece for the tractor so we can get it runnning before Jesse has us plowing with the mule?" They all laughed, got the part, and Bo and Luke headed back to the farm. They managed to meet up with Konrad right before he turned down the drive. They had told him to head to the farm but give them time to get there with him. Jesse was feeding the chickens when he saw not two of his boys show up but three and his big toe was hurting. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie was waiting for BL. She gave her a little time before she went into BL's room. She opened the door just a crack and said, "BL?"

Luke pulled in at the farm and saw how down Dixie looked and only looked heavenward. He looked to Bo, who for a change was riding not droving. Bo had known Luke wanted to think and thought better driving. "Bo something is defintely up here." Bo sighed, "Looks that way. Go see what's up with Dixie. If Lori comes back I"ll check on her." Luke decided not to buck Luther. It was early and likely he hadn't left for the garage yet. Luke and Bo were on a early morning trip to town for Jesse and swung by just to check to see how things were at the Davenports after the fire works yesturday. He pulled up to the farm house and hit the Dixie horn. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori was still close enought to hear the Dixie horn and turned around. She didn't know why, but she turned around. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke slide out on to the window of the car. Luther heard the car pull in even before Luke hit the horn. Luther swore as he heard the horn. He hadn't even had coffee yet and his daughter had 'company'. He intended to head outside to watch the two together and make sure Luke was being the gentleman his promised to be around Dixie. He stepped through the door and ws suprised to see BL come out her room quickly followed by KONRAD!!! Dixie hadn't left the porch and Luke Duke hadn't gotten out of the General Lee's window. Luke said to her across the piece of yard, "We're on our way to town wanted to drop by, make sure everything was ok?" Luther took one quick step and grabbed Konrad by the shirt collar. From the yard there were several loud voices taking all at once from the house. "BRANDY LOU DAVENPORT STOP RIGHT THERE!!! DUKE YOU ARE MINE!!!!!!!!!!!" BL stopped dead in her tracks as commanded. She gulped on last breath and screamed, "Uncle Luther it's not his fault. I said it was ok......!" All this was heard out front. Dixie jmped up and ran from the porch, followed by Bo and Luke from the General Lee. Cooer had heard the comotion from the barn and looked up to see Bo and Luke head inside the house at a run. Cooter broke into a run. Lori rode up in time to see them all RUN into the house she left Trigger at the porch and followed the crowd. Everyone enter the house to see Luther bouncing Konrad off the wall coming down every step. "I WARNED you NOT to CROSS ME! And you can't leave well enough alone! YOU took her right in MY HOUSE!!!" Luther would let Konrad take a step toward teh door and bounce his head ff the wall. Let him take another step and bounce him off the wall again. BL was dead behind them trying to pull Luther's hands off Konrad's shirt collar. As Luther, Konrad and BL hit the bottom of the steps Luke and Cooter stepped into the situation. Cooter was yelling for Luther not to kill him. Luke was pleading for Konrad's life. "Just let go and give him to me I'LL KILL HIM FOR YOU!" Luke figured that Konrad had just jeaprodized his agreement with Luther. Bo was trying to stop Luke from getting killed too and Dixie was trying to get BL to stop pulling at Luther. Lori entered the house to see everyone pulling, tugging and yelling at each other! Lori walked in and slammed the door shouting,"YEAH REAL MATURE OF YA THERE UNCLE LUTHER!!! YOU'LL DO SH** LIKE THAT TO OTHERS BUT YOU'LL SURE WHIP OUR A**ES IF WE DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT!!!" At the slamming of the door the entire front window pane fell out and shattered on the front porch. The crash along with Lori's screaming stopped everyone. Luther finally let Konrad go with a hard shove! "You all have got less than a minute for me to get my shot gun. If there is a Duke in my site I won't stop to see which one! All FOUR MINE better be on the couch like NICE children when I get back!" He turned to go get the shot gun! Luke pushed Konrad and Bo towards the door. "Dixie let em get them out of her. I'll call you later?" Dixie's eye were wide as she watched Luke go. She was the first on the couch.