DixieDavenport

Meanwhile at the Duke farm Bo saw Luke pulling up. He was early. Several hours early. Bo noticed when he got out of the car he didn't look like a man who had been working on cars for the last few hours. He was far too clean! Bo asked, "What are you doing home so early?" Luke took a deep breath and took a seat on the hood of the General Lee hooking his boots in the brush guard. Bo knew that Luke was there to stay awhile. It was a sign he needed to talk. He walked over and took a seat beside Luke and waited. He knew Luke would talk when he got things sorted out in his mind. Luke got a strange grin on his face and said, "Bo, I think I just may have a new girlfriend." Bo asked, "Luke you went to work on Dixie's car and found a girlfirend?" Luke grinned wider at Bo's question, "Looks that way." Bo guessed by Luke's actions lately as well as his mood. He shook his head and sighed,"Luke.... its Lori's cousin ain't it...are you stupid?" Luke couldn't help but laugh just a little at Bo's outburst, "It's likely I am stupid. And, yes, it is Dixie." "Luke!!! Not only is SHE Lori's cousin. She is Cooter's SISTER. She is ALSO LUTHER's DAUGHTER. Luke she is his ONLY Daughter. YOU know LUTHER, the man you work for occassionally. The man who CAME after Jeb over Dixie a few months ago! Luke HAVE you lost your MIND?" Bo was almost screaming. "That's sort of what I'm trying to figure out." He said in reply to Bo's question about his mind. Bo asked a more important question, "Luke what's going to happen when Luther FINDS out?" Luke grinned again, "Lori made sure he already knows." Bo shook his head and sighed,"And?" Luke took a deep breath and replied, "I don't know how I managed to talk him into NOT killing me AND to letting me take her to the Boar's Nest." "HE'S LETTING YOU DO WHAT?!!!" Bo exclaimed. Luke smirked. "I don't know why but he agreed." Bo asked a question he knew the answer to, "Luke if everything is so good. Why are you setting here needing to talk?" Luke uttered on single word, "Lori." "Whhhhhhheeeewww", Bo said, "After she made sure Luther knew, how did she take it? She's accused you two for years." Luke replied, "Yeah, I know. I don't know how she took it. I didn't go back into the garage. Luther had started off telling me to leave. Then, I convienced him to listen to me. We talked. After he agreed to let me get to know Dixie better, I talked to Dixie maybe five minutes outside and then left like I had been asked to. I didn't see Lori again, yet." Bo said what luke had been thinking, "Bet that goes over like a ton of bricks!" Luke sighed, "Yeah, just hope they don't ALL land on ME!" The boys sat on the hood of the General Lee a long while before either of them moved.

Luke though was determined to take the chance Luther had given him and try his da--est to move on. No matter what was still between him and Lori it wouldn't work. And, for the life of him he didn't know how or why the one other person that really got his attention had to be Lori's cousin. He knew them even talking was going to go over like a ton of bricks. He shook his head as he headed toward the farm. He thought of ALL people to catch them kissing it HAD to be Lori! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie knew it wouldn't be good fr her to go back in the garage right now with Lori there. She figured home was much safer and actually she wanted to talk BL. She couldn't believe it last night when her and Luke had danced and something had happened between them. She wasn't even sure that she could explain it. But, then today he had actually kissed HER. In Dixie's wildest dreams she never thougth Luke Duke would ever even look at her twice. She was also having a hard time believing that the man who beat her to near death a few months ago over a hickey from Jeb Duke HAD given Luke permission to take her to the Boar's Nest. She wasn't aware of all the conditions that Luke had agreed to. Dixie pulled into the farm and burst into the house and yelled, "BL GUESS WHAT!!!!" Dixie's eyes opened wider than they had been when she saw BL stretched out on the couch in only her panties with Konrad laying on top of her in only his boxers. The rest of their clothes were scattered around the room. Dixie gasped, turned her back to them and said, "SH--!!! BL WHAT are ya'll doing???" BL was frozen in shock and so was Konrad finally he snapped out of it and grabbed the afghan from the back of the couch throwing it over them. BL had stopped breathing but drew a breath and answered Dixie "NOTHIN NOW!!! WHAT are you doin here?! YOUR supposed to be at the garage working on YOUR car!" "WELL, I THOUGHT it would be SAFER HERE!!!" Dixie snapped back at BL. "Whatdya mean safer?" Looking at Dixie with a raised eyebrow hands clutching the afghan around herself and Konrad. Dixie replied, "Well, IF you'd get dressed, I MIGHT eb able to tell you. I'm not sure if Dad's going to kill me, but I'm pretty sure Lori IS!!" Dixie said with her back still turned to BL. She was trying to give BL some privacy. Konrad rolled off BL so she could get up, rolling back up in the afgahn until she was dressed and had thrown him his clothes. Once he was dressed again BL said "Ok now tell me WHY is Lori gonna kill you?" "BL I'd like to talk to YOU about this just us. Sorry Konrad, but it's 'girl' talk." Dixie said wishing BL would hurry before she died. She knew if Lori walked in this soon she was likely dead. Dixie knew that Lori and Luke were divorced and all but she had seen Lori in action when it cam to Luke. BL pecked a kiss on Konrad's lips and said, "Sorry" Konrad returned the kiss and got up and headed to the kitchen for a drink and said, "It's ok Dixie". B.L then took Dixie by the arm and led her out to the porch swing sitting down beside Dixie, B.L asked again "What's this all about now that you've interrupted my plans." There was no malice in the words about interrupting just teasing. "It started last night. You know last night Luke was going to take me home after Jeb when off the deep end. Anyway, we picked Bo up and came back. Luke asked me to dance a few times. BL Something happened between us when we were dancing. I can't explain it. It was like he was the only person in the world right then. I thought at one point he may even had been going to kiss me, ....... but he didn't. He was looking at me B. like he's never looked at me before. We've all known Luke for years and I NEVER thought he'd look at ME that way." Dixie paused to heard BL's reaction so far. BL looked at Dixie stunned for a few minutes and said, "Well, I saw ya'll dancin' but didn't think much about it. Ain't the first time a Duke and a Davenport's danced as friends...." Dixie continued, "Right, I didn't either. So, today we met at the garage and was working on the car. Cooter got a wrecker call and Dad was down the street. So we were alone and Luke got in the car and was disconnecting the fuse box wires. He asked me for a screwdriver and I wanted to see what he was doing so I got in on the passenger side of the car. I slide over to see what he was doing. There isn't much room under the dash so we were pretty close. I MEAN REALLY CLOSE, and........" Dixie paused again to see BL's reaction. BL's eyes got wide that time she had a pretty good idea what had happened then. She knew it hadn't been anything like Dixie had just walked into between her and Konrad but it had been more than them being just friends, she asked, "Then what happened? Did ya'll get caught?" "Then, he stopped what he was doing. Our eyes met and locked. B. I don't think I was breathing right then. Then, it happened!" Dixie said, "He KISSED ME! B. this wasn't just a kiss. Jeb's kissed me but not like THAT! THEN, of ALL people to walk in LORI DID! She, then, proceeded to go outside and shout across the street to Dad,'HEY UNCLE LUTHER DIXIE AND LUKE WERE KISSING!!!!!' So half the County could hear." BL cringed Lori liked to call her the 'Mouth of the South' and 'Blabbermouth' but truth was Lori could be those things too. "When he came inside in a bit of a rage. We tried to deny anything had happened. Dad threaten my a-- when he got me home and called Luke a liar and said for him to leave. The next thing I knew Luke and Dad were TALKING ALONE. Then, Luke motioned for me to come outside. he told me Dad agreed to let him take me out but only to the Boar's Nest. B. DAD AGREED TO LET LUKE TALK TO ME!!! Can you BELIEVE THAT???" Dixie said full of excitement. BL listened to all this then recovered and grinned teasing. "Are sure Uncle Luther said that? He must be sick if he agreed." Then quickly adding "I'm teasing Dixie that's great, I'm happy for ya." Dixie said wide eyed, "Luke said that is what he said. He didn't come back in the garage after their talk he was with a customer when I left. B. you KNOW how Lori can get about LUKE. I don't know how this is going to go over with her. That's why I came here instead of staying at the garage to work on the car. I don't want to hurt her. I don't have a clue where this is going. I don't want to fight with her, but BL I've had a crush on Luke since I was like FIVE and NOW I actually have a chance to get closer to him. I'm going to take that chance!" Dixie stated matter of factly. BL grinned she was glad to see Dixie stand up to Lori. She said "Go for it cousin, Lori and Luke are divorced she has no claim to him now and can't do a thing about it and if she tries I'LL knock her brains out!" Dixie smiled widely and said, "Not before I do, you won't! I've seen how she treated Luke and jerked him around for years. She didn't know what she had, but I da-- sure intend to FIND OUT!" She paused for a split second and then asked, "NOW, you want to TELL ME just what it was I walked in on????? AND, I want details!" BL smirked and said "Well, if I have to tell you WHERE that was headed then YOU ain't old enough to date Luke Duke!" Dixie glared at BL, "That's NOT what I meant! HE-- I went THAT far with Jeb! HOW long have you two been that CLOSE? BL have you did it with him?" BL looked at Dixie and actually had the good graces to blush. "We been that close almost since the first night he came." Blushing a deeper red BL admitted "Well we've done a bit more than you saw on the couch but we ain't went ALL the way yet." Dixie bit her lip and said, "BL I wanted to, really wanted to last night. And Luke was in need of a cold shower himself!" BL couldn't help it she had to say something against it because it was the responsible thing to do. "Dixie lord knows me, Cooter nor Lori's got the right to tell you NOT to but I'm going to anyway. Your too young to end up pregnant ya got so much more life to live." Dixie shook her head, "BL I didn't SAY I WAS going to do anything. I know better. I SAID I WANTED TO. I intend to save my husband my gift for our wedding nightk, who ever that may be. I appreciate you caring enough to care what I do, Cousin. Really I do." BL sighed in relief at least Dixie seemed to have more sense than the rest of them. Of course all she had to do was look at their pasts and the present to see what could happen. Cooter had a kid he had to sneak to another state to see. Lori was divorced and had had a miscarriage and BL herself had caught her highschool 'love' at the time in bed with another girl now she was with Konrad but things were going good there at least for now and she hoped and prayed they didn't change she really liked maybe even loved Konrad. BL cautioned, "Dixie, Honey, Luke has a reputation. Everyone knows how many girls he's been with, used and moved on. Don't get yourself in that trap." "B. he may have that reputation. I've heard the stories. I've seen him in action. But, with me, he's different. If he wants more than I'm willing to give he can join Jeb. That may have been why Jeb looked elsewhere, because I wouldn't, but if that's all Luke wants he could find it anywhere else. Why would he go to the trouble of facing Dad, if that's all he wanted?" Dixie asked and hopefully assured BL that she wasn't going to rush into ANYTHING with Luke or anyone else. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter looked to Lori and asked, "What happened exactly?" Lori replied, ........................

Luther arrived to see Luke and Dixie upside down in one of the wrecks and trying desparately to get out of it. Lori was on his heels waiting like a buzzard to pick the bones clean....Luther looked to Luke and pointed to the door he had had enough,"Out... I can work on that car myself... I can get the girls and Cooter to help me.... if all yer gonna do is neck with my daughter, get out!" Luke ws finally able to get untangled adn get out of the car. He glared at Lori and then to Luther, "Now, Luther, when ain't she trying to cause us trouble. She's accussed us of each other for YEARS now!" Dixie jumped in, "Yeah, he's right!!!! She'd SAY anything to get us in trouble!" Lori was snickering and giggling,"Uncle Luther all the other times was false accusation I WAS AN EYE WITNESS TO THIS ONE!!!!" Luther had to actually think on that one, Luke was right but saw that Luke's lips were moist and so were Dixie's. Luther was steaming now,"LUKE!!!! YER LYING AND DIXIE LEE DAVENPORT YER A** IS MINE AT HOME!!!!" Luke looked down at the floor a split second before he threw up his hands and said, "Ok, I'm going but I'd like to talk to you ALONE. Please?" The action was not missed by Luther. For Luke to look downward, Luther knew something was up and he agreed only to find out just what. "Ok, Luke you've got 2 minutes." Luke went outside followed by Luther. Outside Luke took a deep breath and said, "Luther, I mean no disrespect to you or your family. I was trying to wait until after Dixie's birthday. I know how you feel about me and I give you my word as a Duke that I'll treat Dixie as a lady, but I'd like to get to know Dixie better." Luther looked to him,"How do you expect me to trust you after what you put Lori through?" "Luther you have trusted me with your trucks, your garage and your niece AND you have trusted Dixie with me for forever in the wrecker. Now, I'll take half the blame in mine and Lori's situation, but you got to give here the other half. You make the rules and should you let me take Dixie out or talk to her I give you my word I'll be a gentleman and not even drink while she is with me. I'll have her home at whatever time you say." Luke tried to reason with Luther and looked him straight in the eyes. Luther looked at Luke thinking about what he'd just said it was all true he'd trusted Luke with the wrecker and Lori and with Dixie in the wrecker with him, he just wasnt sure he could trust Luke with his baby on a date. He thought a long time before answering "Ok but only to the Boar's Nest and ONLY IF I'm there and you leave either right before me or right after me, understand? AND, I will HOLD you to the no drinking if she is riding with you. No as in NONE." Luke replied, "You have my word as a Duke. I won't lie, I don't know where this is going but I'd just like to get to know Dixie better." Meanwhile in the garage, Dixie was trying hard to listen to the conversation out side while Lori reclined in a chair, her hands propped behind her head smirking like the cat who ate the family canary,"Ya know Dix you can go up top and out the back way to listen." Dixie seriously considered it but it would have given Lori too much satisfaction and besides someone was coming throught the front door. It was........

Luke looked at the others and said, "She's just making it worse on herself. Hasn't she learned that yet?" BL was just glad Lori had shown up right then as Luther had been on her case for backtalking him earlier. She replied, "No. She'll never learn!" Dixie voiced BL's thoughts, "But I'm glad he took Luther's mind off us." It was then Luther called from the woodshed, "Brandy Lou!! Dixie Lee!!" Dixie's eyes got a bit wide and looked at Luke. "I got to go." Luke nodded and asked, "Want me to explain to him?" Dixie sighed, "Thanks Luke I appreciate and all but it won't help with him mad at Lori. I'll see ya at the garage sometime tomorrow." Luke looked at BL and Dixie as they wisely headed toward the woodshed, "Cooter you know all Dixie did was decide to leave early. Then we went and got Bo and went back to the Boar's Nest for a spell right?" Cooter gave Luke a strange look but said, "Yeah, I know but there won't be any reasoning with him now that Lori's took off with out getting what's coming to her." Luke sighed to Konrad adn Cooter, "Yeah, well I'll see ya'll tomorrow at the garage." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next day while Luke and Dixie were working to get the cars made into one. Plans were coming together for Dixie's party. Luke was upside down in the seat of one of the cars disconnecting the fuse box. "Dixie hand me a screw driver, huh?" The next thing Luke knew Dixie was upside down beside him looking to see what he was doing. It sure was tight quarters for them both. Dixie scooted closer to see what he was doing. Luke forgot all about what he was doing when she laid against him. He looked up and started to say something. There eyes met and the next thing they both knew they were kissing each other hungerily. About that time.............

It was getting late and Luke said, "Are you about ready?" Dixie was having too good a time to leave but wanted out of here before Jeb's last song ended. "Yeah. Dad will likely through a fit since I didn't come home but came back out here. I'll be so glad after this birthday. Maybe then he'll treat me more like an adult instead of a child!" Luke laughed, "You certainly are not a child. Com on I'll give you that ride I told him I woud earlier. If you need me to I'll explain thigns to him. One thing is sure. Me and Luther may not agree most of the time, but I'll get him to listen to me most always!" Dixie laughed, "Remember you ARE the reason he caried full coverage on the wrecker!" Luke laughed at the inside joke. Dixie asked, "How did that come about anyway?" Luke replied, "Well, by having my CDL's that are not easy to come by. He asked me once what I'd do to keep from getting a ticket on them. If I get a ticket in the General Lee it doesn't go in them. I told him I'd do what I had to to keep them. That's when he told me he was renewing the full coverage insurance!" Luke shrugged his shoulders. "Well, I'd have to agree with Daddy on that one!" Dixie said. Luke asked, "Are you still wanting to get started on teh cars tomorrow?" "Absolutely!" Dixie replied. "I'll see if I can't get away some during the day after we're done with chores. If you want my help?" Luke asked. "Of course I do. Cooter is dragging his feet cause he doesn't want it on teh road for some reason." Dixie replied. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori had gotten control of herself at Dry Creek and headed home. She pulled in to see the yard full. The wrecker was there, the Judge was home (so BL and Konrad were home), so was Konrad's car, also the General Lee was in the yard and EVERYONE was on the porch as she pulled up.............

Luke and Dixie had went back out on the dance floor with Kornard and BL. Luke was having a better time tonight after things had lined out than he'd had in a long while. Luke didn't know who was requesting these songs but they had all been good. Well, they had been good at driving him up the wall. He was very near the shape he'd been in while in jail when Lori was teasing him, but Dixie didn't seem to be teasing him. Luke knew she knew exactly what she was doing to him. Da--, why did her birthday still have to be a few days away? Dixie was also having a good time she had never been this close to Luke for this long a time and he flet really good! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Konrad............

"Come on Honey, how about that good time we intended to have?" Bo managed to get Lori out of the Boar's Nest before Rosco could get there if anyone called him. They went their own way to have what Bo hoped would be a great time. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke and Dixie turned around to head back to the bar when Luke saw BL setting with his cousin Konrad. He stopped by their table and asked, "So, BL how goes the party plans? BL grinned and said "a ok everything's falling into place." Luke replied, "I sure hope so." He motioned to Lori, "But, I wonder." BL looked to the door where Bo and Lori had just left and said "Yeah." As another slow song came on Luke said, "Well, I think we're going to dance another one. If that's ok with you?" He was loooking at Dixie. Dixie smiled, "Fine by me." Jeb's band began playing The Pointers' Sister's Slow Hand. When Luke took Dixie in his arms he was looking in her eyes. She began singing along with music. She was looking into Luke's eyes too when something happened. That would be hard for either Luke or Dixie to explain to anyone else later. Their eyes locked on each other and everyone else in the Boar's Nest and the world vanished.They both found themselves trying to get closer to each other. Luke was leaning in for a kiss, but he caught himself. There were far too many eyes here right now. He didn't want to mess up what ever small chance he had to maybe go out with her after her birthday. The possiblity of taking Dixie out had occurred to Luke on several occassions but figured to give her to her eighttenth birthday before even suggested it. Maybe it was because they had been accussed of each other so many times, but Luke didn't think so. No right now he thought their was a he-- of a lot more to the situation and the young lady than simply revenge. The song ended as did the moment. Luke and Dixie started back to the bar. Jeb said, "Well, if ya'll liked that one just stay on the dance floor." The band began Conway's Slow Hands. Luke knew the song as soon as he heard the first few bars of it and took Dixie back in his arms without stopping to ask. She didn't resist the unasked invitation. Luke sang some of the song to her quietly in her ear and it was all he could do NOT to kiss her or nibble her ear as he did so. He caught the small of her body spray it was a very light natural scent of Cumcumber and Melons. It was strong and over powering like most girls in Hazzard wore. Dixie wasn't as innocent as everyone thought and she knew the effect she was having on Luke and he was having much the same effect on her. One thing was for sure as Luke headed to the bar after the song for a beer. He was taking a cold shower when he got home. Back at BL's table .............

Luke and Dixie had watched the conversation from the bar. Luke saw Bo coming back to the bar alone. He told Bo, "Here's the beer I offered earlier. Sorry about that cuz. When I realized you said she was going to pick up and you weren't here and she was I figured you might want a ride to see what she was up to. I only half expected her to be where she when I got back. She had been setting alone in the back, but I knew by the way she was dressed something was up." Dixie added, "Yeah, but from the flack, I was getting I knew Jeb was up to something too." Bo sighed, "He-- Luke, I should haven't expected anything to come of it to begin with I've seen how she's jerked you around for years. Luke looked at his ex-wife once again and shook his head, "She's on her way out now. She'll never make to the band breaks down." Luke gave Bo and Dixie a bit of a grin and added, "But, the way I see it, that would be Jeb's problem now won't it?" Bo couldn't help but grin. Luke remembered his conversation from earlier with Matt's girlfriend. "Hey, Bo if you're interested, Matt's girlfriend's cousin was wanting me to talk to you for her." Bo turned his back to the bar and scanned the room and also the girl in question. The next song Jeb's band played was a slow song. Luke Looked at Dixie and said, "You know I intened to come out tonight drink a couple beers and dance a couple dances. Since you've been dating Jeb you haven't been able to dance much. Would you like to dance a few dances with me?" Dixie knew she would like nothing more and besides it was likely to get under a couple people's skins, "Sure, Luke. I'd like that." They got up and headed to the dance floor leaving Bo to decide who he wanted to try his luck with. BL wasn't at all happy with the table she chose because tensions were running high and if anything went down in here, they would be right in the middle of it. BL looked at Konrad and ..............

Back at the Boar's Nest, on Jeb's next break he asked a waitress to take Lori a drink of what ever she was drinking and give her an invitation to join the bands table. When the waitress gave Lori her drink of Jack Daniels and told her about the invitation. She smiled and said, "Thanks." strutting over to the band's table. From the stage, Jeb watched and smiled. The next song he sang was Sammy Kershaw's Lousiana Hot Sauce. Lori knew the lyrics were meant for her! Luke parked conviently where Bo couldn't see Midnight and had only asked him if he wanted a ride to the Boar's Nest adn have a beer together. Lori was drinking her drink with her back to the door when Bo, Luke and Dixie walked back in.

Luke was talking to Dixie and the other band members girlfriends or family at the table when Jeb took a break and took a seat at the table but he didn't actually seat by Dixie. He and Dixie had been talking about her car and what she wanted to do with it. Luke had been carrying on a civilized conversation with the entire table. Dixie shot Jeb a questioning look. Luke looked a bit confused at their exchange, but said, "Hey, Jeb I'm just hanging out tonight, if you want some help on a couple songs." Jeb frowned at Luke in confussion for a split second, then shook it off and said, "Ok, I might just take you up on that in a bit." Luke saw there was something up and from Jeb's expression he couldn't help but think that he was some how right in the middle of it. Luke looked around and spotted Jesse, Luther and Robin's dad along with a couple others setting at a back table. "Jeb I was just setting waiting to talk to you when you took a break. I'm gonna head back here for a bit." Luke picked up his beer and headed back to Jesse's table. The older men looked a bit suprised to see him join them. Jesse looked at Luke with a guestioning look. He didn't wait long before Luke shook his head and asked, "You all have been here since right after I came in. Have I done or said anything out of the way that you all know of?" Jesse replied, "Well, we couldn't hear you of course but I haven't seen you do anything wrong. Why?" "Well, I came in and sat up at the band's table to wait until Jeb took a break, but when he did he was acting weird. It was like he didn't want to set with Dixie and he's giving me some really weird looks. I've been setting there talking to Jim's sister, Dixie about the car, Matt's girlfriend and her cousin was asking me to set her cousin up with Bo but I figured he'd be here with Lori. I just got the feeling Jeb has something bothering him and I felt like what ever is bothering him I'm right in the middle. So I decided to just ease back here for awhile." Luke said. Robin's father said, "I don't see my daughter here tonight." Luke replied, "No, and I don't expect her. I told her how I felt and she's likely pissed, but I didn't see us going down teh same road we've went on a dozen times. It was natural that we turned to each other, but I think we need to get over everything before we would even try to see each other. That's actually why I'm here by myself tonight. I may dance a few dances with someone but I came alone and intend to leave alone." The older men thought he was making a lot of since for a change! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie had gotten Jeb somewhat alone and asked, "Did I do something to upset you? I tried to dress up for you tonight and you act like I just got over a bad case of the mumps." Jeb looked from Dixie to Luke and stole a glance in Lori's direction. Jeb replied, "Well, you and Luke sure looked mighty cozy there. Anyone would think that the two of you were together tonight." "Ah, for Christ's sake! If I ain't heard this enough from for the past YEAR, now YOU start!!! Luke has never been nothing more than a 'big brother' to me. He wouldn't give me a second look if I walked in here in my birthday suit. I came here to be with you and set here like the dedicated girlfriend while all my friends are dancing and having a good time with their boy friends I'm setting here watching all the girls watch you and NOW you want to give me sh--! Jeb I like you but I don't need your SH--! I've heard it far too long from Lori to let you start the same line of accusations. Think about it. You know where I live." Dixie turned on her heels and walked straight over to Luther. "Daddy can you give me a ride home?" Luther looked at his daughter. "Is everything alright?" Dixie replied, "Yeah, just decided I don't want to stay and wait til closing on Jeb. I've got some things I want to do at the house while it's quiet." Luther and everyone at the table knew this wasn't Dixie's nature. But, Luther said, "Let me finish my beer and we'll go." Luke finished his beer and said, "If you're looking for a way outta here now. I'll give you a ride." "Alright." Dixie said smiling to herself. If everyone was going to accuse her of Luke she'd just make it look like they had reason too! Luke stood up and he and Dixie headed to the General Lee. He had the General Lee because Bo had told him he'd have Lori pick him up. Luke just realized that Lori had been at the Boar's Nest alone and Bo was likely home without a ride. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From the stage Jeb saw Dixie and Luke leave together. He looked at Lori who had seen exactly what he had seen. She shot him a look that said, 'I told you so.' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo was still at the Duke farm. He had called the Davenports and the garage several times trying to find Lori. He had even tried to raise her on the CB. He was supposed to call Lori and she was going to pick him up, so he'd gave Luke the General Lee tonight. Everyone else had left and Bo was stuck at home without a ride. A position that Bo Duke wasn't at all happy about! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the General Lee, Luke said, "Can I ask you something?" Dixie replied, "You can ask me anything. I won't guarantee I'll answer but you can ask." "Did your sudden decision to leave have anything to do with me?" Luke asked. Dixie sighed and waited a long moment before answering. Luke had almost thought she wasn't going to answer him. Dixie finally nodded, 'yes'. "Luke I don't know what I do wrong or why but it seems everytime I turn around someone is accusing me of YOU." Luke said, "I was catching a bit of attitude from Jeb myself. I tried to neutralize it by going and setting with Jesse. I didn't intend to cause ya'll any trouble. I figured if I set at the band table with ya'll then I'd have someone to talk to and not have every girl in the county trying to get me to take them home. I was actually having a good time talking to you and the other guys friends and family." Luke sighed, "Seems sometimes I just can't win!" "Tell ME about that!" Dixie exclaimed in frustration. Luke said, "So what is so pressing at the house that you left this early?" Dixie replied, "Figured on bathing the dog actually." Luke shook his head and laughed, "You're all dressed up and are going home to bath the dog?" "Nothing better to do at the house and I sure didn't want to listen to Jeb's sh-- all night!" She replied. Luke asked, "So basically you aren't in a big hurry to go home?" Dixie replied, "No, I'm not in a hurry. Why?" Luke grinned, "Well, Bo told me Lori was picking him up. Lori was at the Boar's Nest alone and Bo's not there. I'm betting I have cousin at home without a ride and a real bad attutide. Want to have some fun?" Dixie saw demons dancing in Luke's eyes, "You mean go get Bo and take him to the Boar's Nest?" Luke was grinning and shaking his head 'yes', "Absolutely. And, when we get there it might just be interesting to see who Bo's date is with and see what's up with Jeb by the time we get back." Dixie said, "You think he'll be with someone when we get back?" Luke replied, "Well, he thinks you went home." Dixie replied, "I'm game!" Luke did a 180 turn and headed toward the Duke farm. When they arrived......... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at the Boar's Nest.........

Luke thanked Dixie for the ride and said, "I might see ya tonight at the Boar's Nest. Save me a seat, huh?" Dixie replied, "You got it." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke walked in an grabbed a glass of tea before startinghis chores. Bo came in and asked, "Luke, seriously are we OK? I don't know what's going to happen with me and Lori but I don't want up to have problems like.........." "Like with me and Vance?" Luke questioned. He saw Bo nod 'yes' and added, "Bo our problems was when I wanted Lori and when I was married to her and I thought he was trying to take her away. The difference is I am divorce from her. She isn't mine, you aren't trying to talke her. You and me aren't both trying for her attentions, Bo. I'm moving on. I gave it the best try I could, it didn't work. I wish you better luck than I had." Bo asked, "You and Robin an item again?" Luke shook his head and sighed, "You at the 4th person I've told this to today and if I ever get the chores done I suppose I need to tell her. I don't see us going anywhere least not now. I figure it was us both needing someone and we were it for each other." Bo looked at him confused, "WHAT??? After all the Sh-- you two have been through and you have another chance and are ..........." "Walking away from it?" Luke asked, "Yeah, that's what I'm doing." Bo asked, "So, who are you going to date?" Luke smiled, "I think I'm going to just hang out a bit on my own for a while." Bo said, "WHAT?" Luke replied, "You heard me. Let's get at these chores I got to go talk to Robin." Bo shrugged his shoulders and followed him outside... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie got home and no one was home yet. She showered and changed into something that would attrack a lot of attention. She aimed to make an impression that she wasn't 12 anymore and hope that after next week people would stop treating her that way. Dixie fixed her hair and make up and headedout before anyone else got home to tell her she couldn't wear the outfir she had on. She had on a black leather skirt, red strapless top, with fishnet stocking and knee high boots with her now alburn hair and make up she was sure to get attention and Jeb would be with the band. She headed for the Boar's Nest................ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke pulled the General Lee in to Robin's driveway and wlaked into the house with out knocking as he had doen for years. Robin was at the sink and said, "I thought you was calling for a ride?" "Change of plans. I got the ride. Speaking of which can we take a ride?" Luke asked. Robin had heard this tone before and replied causiously, "Sure. Do I need to change?" She wore cut off shorts and a T-shirt. Luke said, "No you're fine, figured t ride up on the mountain a spell." Robin knew this is where they went to talk so everyone couldn't hear their covnersation. "K." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They drove in silence to the top of the mountatin. Luke pulled into a wide spot, shut the engine off and sighed. He then began, "When Bo told me you were wearing dark glasses at night and I thought you were being abused I couldn't wait to make sure you were ok. Then, all living sh-- went on with Lori. Us turning to each other was a natural reaction.For whatever reason: comfort, old time sake, revenge, because we wondered 'what if', what ever it was natural. Last night was great, but I can't led you on to think we will ever be anymore than we were in the past. You wanted commitment. I couldn't give it. I tried to commit to Lori and here I am. I think we are both on the rebound and both need sometime before we even consider getting serious wth eachother or anone else." Robin looked at Luke in defeat, "I give up, Luke. We've tried so many times and everytime I think we are making it work you push me away. Maybe you are right. I don't know anymore. Just take me home ok?" Luke said, "I am sorry, but I know it would hurt more later. I really don't want to hurt you." Robin nodded, "So who is the lucky lady Luke?" She asked as he started the car. Luke replied, "There is no one. I plan on not dating anyone right now." Robin said. "For how long til the Boar's Nest closes tonight?" Luke ingnored the question. Stopped the General in front of her house and said, "I'm sorry, really I am." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dixie and Luke showed up at the garage about that time with the second car. Luke was just missed by Midnight as Lori tore out of the garage. Luke swore as he now backed into the area beside the first car at the side of the garage. "I swear she is trying to KILL ME or HER One!" Dixie nodded, "Or ME?" In the garage Luke asked Cooter, "What is going on?" Cooter replied bluntly with a mean look at Konrad "B.L's got a hickey and Lori pointed it out." Luke looked at his cousin and said, "Cousin if you're the one that put if there. I wouldn't want to be you." Luke say the way Cooter and Luther were looking at Konrad and he decided he had been in his cousin's shoes one too many times. He handed Luther the wrecker keys and said, "Thanks for the use of the wrecker. If you need me to drive anytime for one of ya'll just shout." Thenhe turned to Dixie, "Well, we got them both here and I'll give you a hand when I can, but if you don't care how about giving me a ride to the farm so I can get busy out there." Luek gave Konrad a 'I've been there' look as he turned to leave. Dixie replied, "Sure, not a problem." They drove off towards the Duke farm, Luke said out loud, "Ya know I was supposed to call Robin for a ride but I think that cousin of mine is about to find himself in as much hot water as me and Jeb. Besides, I think I'm going to talk to her. We were both going through a bad time and it was real easy for us to turn to each other but it still won't work with us. I think I'm just going to not see anyone for awhile. I'm going to go do my chores, shower, grab the pick up and go talk to her, then I plan to go to the Boar's Nest ALONE." Luke laughed and I have every intention of leaving alone too! I might just come set with you at the band's table tonight. May tell Jeb I'll sing a song or two with him." Dixie was smiling ear to ear on the inside!

Dixie was just glad it wasn't her in trouble as she got in the wrecker with Luke. When Luke pulled out she said, "I've had one hickey in my life and Luther tried to beat me to death. He didn't say a word to her." Luke grinned, "Life is not fair. I've gotten whipped a several dozen Bible verses quoted to me for having a girl home late or in the barn. I drove Robin's car home this morning and found Lori and Bo in the hayloft and Jesse never said a word to him about it. He was more concerned with if the three of us was Ok with her dating Bo." Dixie asked, "Are you Ok with it?" Luke replied, "I knew the other day at the garage he was going to try his luck with her. What ever floats their boats." "I think it would be hard to see your Ex wife with Bo as close as you two are." Dixie said. Luke said as they pulled into the junkyard, "Well, I will tell you that the picture I saw this morning in the hayloft wasn't one I ever expected to see." Luke hooked u the second car and headed back to Hazzard. He said to Dixie, "Since we've been on Probation I ain't got to come up this way much since we can't leave the County without permission and you know how much red tape I had to go through to leave two days in a row! So, how about we stop up here for a little lunch as part of my birthday present to you?" Dixie said, "Sure I'm good with that and I am sorry you had to go to so much trouble to get to come back today." Luke replied, "Ah, I just told him if I was working for the garage that these trips occassionally was part of the job. It's that or go back moonshining. He signed off on the travel form!" Dixie laughed. Luke was beginning to realize that he really felt comfortable with Dixie and was able to laugh with her. Maybe that's what had made Lori so mad about Dixie, that he had fun with her.

Luke had finsihed his chores and told Jesse, "I need to get Robin her car back. She actually didn't know I was taking it." Jesse raised one eye. Luke replied, "I did ask her Dad, but she wasn't up yet." "Oh, ok then." Jesse said, and then added, "Are you really Ok with Bo and Lori, ah, ..... I guess seeing each other would be a good way to put it." Luke took a really deep breath and let it out before answering, "Well, as you probably figured what scared my in the barn this morning was the sight of them 'together'. Don't get me wrong I could tell the other day Bo was going to try his luck which was fine but seeing them undressed together was a sight I never EXPECTED to see." Jesse decided to dig deeper, "And?" Luke replied, "Like I said, I wish them the best. Hope he has better luck than I did." "So, what's going on with Robin?" Jesse asked. Luke shook his head, and replied, "Her Dad asked me the same question. To be honest we haven't talked about it. It was just a natural thing for us to turn to each other. Frankly, I'd say from my point of view we are both on the rebound and both needing someone. You know us, it's never lasted too long." Jesse cautioned, "Just be careful and up front with wach other so ya'll won't hurt each other." "Yeah, I will. I'll talk to her tonight. I'm going to have her drop me off at the garage and go get that other car. I should be back for chores and dinner. Luke said as he headed toward the Black Mercury. All Jesse could do was shake his head. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie pulled up to that garage to see Luther and Cooter looking at two patrol cars and scratching their heads at the sites. Enos's car had the drivers side needed dents removed and repainted. Rosco's needed the passenger side re-done. Dixie asked, "Lori's handy work?" Cooter nodded. Luke pulled up in Robin's car. He got out for her to get into the driver's side. "I'll give you a call later and see what you are up to. Thanks for the ride." Robin said, "No problem. Talk to ya then." Luke walked onto the garage seeing the patrol cars. He just shook his head. He knew how they had gotten in that shape. "Luther can I used the wrecker again to go get that other car?" Luther shot him and evil look, then threw him the keys. Dixie replied, "I'll be back later, I'm riding too." Luther just sighed. He wasn't happy about Dixie getting a car like that.

Jesse had just been about ready to ask where Bo was, when he and Lori came in the door. Jesse looked just a bit confused. He had seen the General Lee when he looked out earlier but their had been no sign on Midnight, Jesse said, "Morning Lori, I didn't hear you pull in." Luke had merly turned to the cabinet to get two cups down and poured them full of coffee as well as refilling his own. Lori opened her mouth to reply, but Bo beat her to it. "That's because she didn't just pull in. She's been here all night." Bo waited. He saw shoke on everyone's face but Luke's, but he couldn't read the expression either. Jesse had pretty much figured where Luke had stayed last night and likely what had happened when he saw Robin's car in the yard. Now, he also concluded that Bo and Lori had spent the night in the barn. He had given into the fact that his boys were going to have women, but had drawn the line when it came to his house. He may not agree with their lifestyles and didn't uphold them in their choices, but if as long as it wasn't done under his nose in the house, the barn was neutral territory. Jesse looked to Luke who was handing both Bo and Lori coffee, "I take it you are ALL OK with this?" He was looking at Luke. Luke replied, "Hey, we're divorced she can do what she wants, though I'd appreciate the same from you Lori."

Bo hadn't drank a lot because he flet like he had his hands full with Lori. As dawn broke in the barn Bo woke up and felt something very warm next to him. He looked beside him and there was Lori curled up to him. Bo was glad his memories of last night hadn't been a dream. She told BL before they left that she wouldn't be home. Once he had gotten Lori in the the General Lee, Lori had started unbuttoning Bo's shirt before he got out of the parking lot. Bo knew not go near the still sites even the old ones so the only place Bo could think of was the Duke hayloft. It had been a night to remember for Bo. He finally knew WHY every man in several states tried to get to be where he was right now. As much as Bo wanted to stay right where he was he knew he had to get up and had to wake Lori up. Bo brushed the hair back from Lori's face, "Lori. Lori we need to get up before someone comes looking for me." Lori opened her eyes to Bo's voice. Then, she scooted closer to him and mumbled, "I don't want to get up." Bo nodded, "Believe me I don't want to either, but we got to." He spoted her jeans and handed them to her as he got up to put his own jeans on. He sure was enjoying the view watching Lori getting dressed. "We'll go have breakfast and I do my chores then I'll run you home." Lori looked at him like he'd lost his mind, "BO! HAVE you lost your MIND? I can't go in there!" Bo said, "And why not? You've ate breakfast with us for YEARS!" Lori replied, "But not after apending the night with YOU in the barn and having to face my EX-husband." Bo looked at her and said, "You all have got to get past that or neither of you will ever be happy. Besides, Midnight is still at the garage and you know I'll get tanned alove if I slide out of here before the chores are done. Luke may not even be home. Now, come on." Lori sighed. She knew she didn't have any choice in this at all, so they headed out of the barn. The first thing Lori saw was Robin's car in the yard .................

The next morning, Luke was up early so he could be home to do the chores as promised. He had quietly gotten up and made coffee. He was standing at the bar drinking it when he heard someone else up. Robin's Dad was the first up. He hadn't know Luke was there. He caught the smell of coffee as he came down the steps. This seemed really strange since he was usually the first up. As he turned into the kitchen he saw a 'ghost from the past'. Luke Duke stood at the bar drinking coffee. Now most young men would be shaking in their shoes but Robin's Dad and Luke had reached an agreement years ago. Luke turned and pour her father a cup of coffee. Her father said as Luke poured coffee, "Well, look what the cat drug in. The prodical son returns." Luke replied, "Something like that." Her father asked, "Ya'll back together?" Luke shrugged, "We really haven't talked about, but for now I guess we are. You know how it's always been with us." Her father breathed a deep breath and sighed, "Yeah. Yeah, I do, but I'll tell you this. I'd have much rather had you as a son-in-law as that thing she married." Luke held up his hands, "I tried to tell her that, but I'm not even going there. I do have something to tell you before it gets back to you from someone else. My ex-wife got a little close last night and caused Robin to put the car in the ditch. Car's fine, we're fine, but I drove back to here. As we were coming up Rt 7 I ran in behind Lori again. She took off like a bat out of he-- throwing dirt everywhere. I reacted and hit the gas a little hard and I ran by Rosco. So if someone tells you your car was pulled over by Rosco on Rt 7 it was and it was me. I got the ticket to prove it." Her father shook his head, "Won't you ever learn?" Luke laughed as he set his cup down in the sink, "Probably not. Now that said, can I use the car to get home? I'll bring it back a little later." He asked with a bit of a smile. He knew he would get the car but he knew he'd be nagged about the ticket. "You just got a ticket in MY car AND want to BORROW it?" Her father asked trying to sound intimidating. Luke wasn't buying, "Yeap." Her father said, "I'll go get the keys." Luke reached in his pocket and said, "I got a set." Her father rolled his eyes at him, "Get the he-- outta here!" Luke laughed and said, "Tell her I got the car and her keys, huh? I'll be back later or call. I may see if she'll run me to town later, I got to go to Atalanta again today and pick up another car. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke arrived home early parking the car close to the house he headed straight to the barn... to start chores of course. When he got up there what he saw could have scarred him for life.... sure he'd seen Lori and Bo both naked but together was a whooole new persepective to him.. Luke didn't say a word. He shook his head, turned and decided to go to the house for another cup of coffee. Entering the house Jesse looked at him strangely. Luke said, "I was going to get started early this morning, but I got so scared in the barn that I needed another cup of coffee to start the morning." Jesse replied, "Scared? You got scared in the barn? What on Earth could have scared you in the barn?" Luke shook his head and replied, "I'd rather not talk about but I'm sure the site will vanish in a bit, but it just may be imprinted in my brain." Jesse knew Luke well enough that if he wanted to talk about it he would when he got ready to. Jesse looked aout the window toward the barn but the only thing he saw that wasn't normal was the site of a very familiar black Mercury. "That Robin's car?" Luke replied, "Yeah, Bo had the General Lee last night." He left off the part about not wanting to wake Robin to bring him home. Jesse would figure that part out and hopefully he wouldn't get a lecture about it. Jesse asked, "I thought you was going to get a junked out car and store it on the other side of the barn yesterday." "I got it but it ended up staying at the garage for now. I ended up buying two cars." Luke began. Jesse raised his eyebrows, "Two?" "Yeah, I bought the one with a broken frame and one with a good frame." Luke explained. Jesse looked puzzled, "You're planning on making another car out of the two?" Luke replied taking a drink of coffee trying to wash away the bad taste the vision in the barn had left in his mouth, "See Dixie road with me. She was saying how she wanted a fixer upper like Lori and BL. She'll be turning eightteen next week so I bought the other car for her. I'll help her get the good stuff on to the good frame and bring the rest out here when were done. I got to go get the other one today." Jesse nodded, "Well, that was nice of you." Luke shrugged, "Luther, Cooter and Lori didn't think it was! But, Lori and BL had their cars since they were around 16." Jesse nodded toward the rooms, "Go get them and lets get started." Luke headed to the bedrooms to get the others up. He hoped that Bo would decide to get up before he was sent after him once Jesse missed him at the table. The picture flashed in Luke's mind again. He hoped that now Lori would leave him be. He still hadn't actually thought about his feelings about what he'd seen yet, and though he expected Bo to try with Lori. He just never figured to see them naked together like that.....

Luke looked at Robin and suggested, "How about we slide out of here." Robin hadn't been ready to leave but took Luke's lead, "Fine by me." Luke stood up and took Robin's hand and began making a path through crowd. He stopped just long enough to whisper to Daisy, "Don't worry if I ain't home tonight, I'll be there to do the chores in the morning." Luke and Robin were out the door and headed towards Robin's. Luke said on teh way to her house, "Sorry I wanted to leave early but I've seen Lori drink like that before when I've been out with someone else. It usually doesn't end well." Robin replied, "It's Ok. You are planning to stay tonight aren't you?" Luke smiled, "I had hoped to." Robin replied, "Good." Even though it was earlier when they left the Boar's Nest the house was quiet when they arrived. They went to Robin's room for the rest of the night.

The next song Jeb played was "Unanswered Prayers" by Garth Brooks. Just the other night a hometown football game My wife nd I ran into my old high school flame And as I introduced them the past came back to me And I couldn't help but think of the way things used to be She was the one that I'd wanted for all times And each night I'd spend prayin' that God would make her mine And if he'd only grant me this wish I wished back then I'd never ask for anything again Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers She wasn't quite the angel that I remembered in my dreams And I could tell that time had changed me Inn her eyes too it seemed We tried to talk about the old days There wasn't much we could recall I guess the Lord knows what he's doin' after all And as she walked away and I looked at my wife And then and there I thankedd the good Lord For the gifts in my life Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs That just because he may not answer doesn't mean he don't care Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers Some of God's greatest gifts are all too often unanswered... Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers Lori looked at Luke. Luke looked at Lori. Robin looked at Luke. Robin looked at Lori. Lori looked at Robin. Lori then looked Luke, then they all looked at Jeb.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie was enjoying the song until she saw the looks that were being exchanged between everyone. ~~~~~~~~~~ Luke had taken the time to talk to BL and Daisy about hosting Dixie's party. He was also considering talkng to Lori but was afraid or 'rocking the boat'.! Bo was watching Luke, Lori and Robin.............. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lori went over to Bo who said, "Lori, would you please calm down?" Lori replied, "NO" Bo tried again, "Lori, come on now. We are her to have a good time. You and Luke made a truce awhile back!"

Before they had the garage Lori shurgged and replied,"Whatevers clever I guess cousin." BL said, "Well, I'll do my part. I agree with Bo, we need to leave this conversation in the past Konrad and go listen to the band. Everyone agreed in a hurry, before Lori let into someone. They all headed to their vehicles. Lori was riding with Bo due to Midnight's paint being wet. Cooter took the wrecker knowing that he'd be seeing Rosco in the morning to re-do the paint on 2 cruisers. One thing was sure, as long as Lori and the Dukes were around he would always have business! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jeb's band was set up and playing when Cooter and the rest of the bunch walked in. Luke and Robin were setting alone at a back table. Dixie walked in and Jeb motioned for her to take a seat he had saved for her. Dixie blushed a little and took the seat. Cooter took an empty table near by. BL and Konrad ................. Bo looked at Lori as he walked to the bar to order, "I want a beer what's your pleasure?" Lori replied, "Jim or Jack, whatever." Bo said to Daisy, "Give me a beer and a shot of Jack." Daisy hoped that Bo was drinking the beer!

B.L watched Lori watching Midnight and shook her head it was beyond her how Lori could stare at that danged car when there was more 'interesting' things in the garage to watch. Dixie had them all together for once and no one was argueing yet, "Hey, guys can I talk to ya'll a minute." Cooter looked at his younger sister and saw she was serious, "Yeah, Dixie what is it?" "Well, ya'll know or SHOULD that my birthday is next week. It's sort of a special birthday since usually I have to spend it with Mom. I know we have all had problems with each other lately, but can we all please just get along one evening long enough to have a really nice party where someone doesnt' end up with green hair or wearing my cake?" Dixie nearly begged while looking mainly at Lori and BL. BL was the first to agree, "Yeah, I don't see why we can't get along for a little while. We haven't had a good party in awhile." Cooter said, "Yeah the last good party sort of got rained on and came to a sudden stop when Luke ended up getting taken out of HIS batcholor party to jail." Lori glared at Cooter, "Can you leave HIM out of THIS!" Bo replied, "It did bring the party to a close a lot sooner than we planned though." Before any one else could say anything, Dixie continued as she walked over to Lori, "I know we've had our, ...... well, ...... differences, but I'd really liek to call a truce and ask if you and BL would get with Daisy and plan the party for me?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile, Robin had changed and they had even managed to swing by the farm which is how Bo knew Luke was pissed about getting a ticket. They were now on their way back to their original destination, the Boar's Nest. Luke was still driving Robin's car as they pulled in he checked the lot. Daisy's car was the only one there. Luke asked, "Where is everyone? I know Jeb's band is going to play tonight. I thought everyone would be here." Robin replied, "I don't know but Lori had better keep her distance from me is all I'm saying." "Well, I saw someone checking her out earlier, maybe he'll keep her busy." Luke said. "Who?" Robin asked. Luke replied, "Let's just see if he makes a move and if she doesn't shoot him out of the water for it." Robin said, "Ok, if you say so. Now, how about that beer?" Luke replied, "I wanted two hours ago. Let's go." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at the garage, ..................

Dixie walked into the garage, she had been running errands in town. She looked at Lori painting Midnight, then, to BL and Konrad, then to Cooter and said, "I went down the street for an hour. WHAT did I MISS?"

Robin looked at Luke, "She my be your Ex-wife but I'm not going to take that!" Luke replied, "Oh, I know you're not. Let's run to the house and we'll come back after you change. And, let ME drive just in case the fool is down the road somewhere and gets any other ideas." Luke headed towards Robin's house. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie saw Daisy on her way to work as she stopped for gas at the garage. "Daisy you've got to come out back and see what Luke got me for my birthday!" Daisy said, "Ok but I've got to hurry." As they were looking at the car Daisy said, "You do have a birthday coming up. That is right." Dixie said, "Yeah I was hoping to get BL and Lori and maybe you to arrange a party for me, but I'd like there to be no fighting and from the way Cooter, Luther, Lori took off after Luke when we told them about the car I just don't see it happening." Daisy said, "Well, I'll be glad to help them and they should all be able to put the differences for you. Hey THIS is a SPECIAL birthday isn't it?" Dixie beamed, "Yeah it is! Thanks for remembering!" Daisy said, "I've got to hurry or Boss will pitch a fit if I'm late. Oh, yeah, Jeb his band is going to be there. Said to tell you to come down." Dixie said, "Yeah I know all about Boss from BL. Tell Jeb I'll likely be by later." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke saw familiar taillights, "She must have been taking her time or I wouldn't have caught her. Ya know, I know this has 390 in it but with this automatic transmission it is no match at all for Midnight." Luke said as he followed behind Midnight. Lori spoted the familar black Mercury with Luke driving behind her, she quickly grabbed a gear and speed up. It was total reaction as Luke's foot went right to the floor. He knew he couldn't pass her in this car and likely couldn't catch her but he didn't think about it until he heard the siren behind him. Luke and Robin both looked behind them and said, "AH, SH--!!!" Robin quickly reminded Luke, "Daddy........" Luke shook his head and replied as he hit the brakes, "Will kill me and you both if I try to run Rosco in his car. I have heard this speach from him for several years now." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Behind Luke, Rosco picked up the radio and called his brand new Deputy, "Deputy block Route 7 you have a Black Charger headed you way in a big hurry! This can be your first ticket IF you can get her to stop!" Rosco laughed. He knew the car! The new Deputy was only too happy to get his first assignment. Since his Daddy ran moonshine Enos knew how to block a road. He did so and waited only a few second when the Black Charger came barreling down the road not expecting to see another patrol car in this county let alone totally blocking the main road in front of her. She had seen Rosco light up Luke and laughed again! Lori saw the patrol car and was so totally suprised to see a second patol car in the County that she wasn't even sure that she could get Midnight stopped if she wanted too. Stopping was the only option right now as a cliff was on one side of the narrow road and a mountain on the other. She swore and hit the clutch and brake and hoped not to take out the entire side of the patrol car with Midnight as she swung the car broad sided. Though she didn't hit the car that hard she definetly put a nice dent down the side of both Midnight and the patrol car. Enos got out of the car through the passenger side and exclaimed, "LORI! Lori Davenport, Duke, Davenport!!! Look what you just did to MY car!!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rosco got out of the cruiser and walked up to the car. He was a bit suprised to see Luke Duke driving this car. He thought these two broke up years ago. "Luke I need ........." Luke handed him the information, "License and Registration. Go ahead and run if you want my license has 3 points against and the car is legal and registed to her Dad." Rosco giggled and said, "Now, we'll just see about that." He said as he walked back to the patrol car. He called in the registration and license. The information was given back to him just like Luke had given him. Rosco wrote the speeding ticket out and handed it to Luke along with his license and registration. He had just returned to the patrol car and pulled out when Enos radioed, "Sheriff, I need you down here quick! Lori Davenport just hit the side of my patrol car but I got her stopped!" Rosco knew that Lori was as slippery as one of Boss's greasy pork chops. He had to hurry before she could get away from Enos. "You hold her right there! I'm a coming! I'm a coming! Good work Enos!!" Rosco turned the curve in such a hurry that when he saw Lori's car he slammed on the brakes and turned his car broad sided also. He bumped into the driviers side of Lori's car putting a dent into her drivers side. Lori............... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke had gotten back on the road a little slower this time and as he popped around the turn he saw Midnight sandwiched between TWO patrol cars. He voiced his first though after the suprise of seeing two patrol cars, "I going to DIE. She will turn this into being MY fault." Robin asked, "How could she do that? You were pulled over first." "Trust me on this. It's MY fault!" Luke had no other choice but to stop since the road was completely blocked by the three vehicles. He stopped, opened the door and got out still a good distance away from whatever was going to happen in front of him. He could NOT keep his mouth shut. No matter how hard he was trying he had to ask, "Ya'll need a wrecker up there?????"

Robin pulled up seeing Luke. She stopped her Mercury and asked, "Hey! Are you running TO or AWAY FROM something?" Luke opened the passenger side door, got in, and said, "Drive already! Away!" "Luke I hope it ain't Rosco!" she checked her mirrors. "NO, WORSE!!" Luke said, then added, "Three crazed Davenports!" "Ahhhhhhh, Sh--!!!!" Robin said, "What happened to the peace ya'll declared?" Luke was catching his breath from the chase, "Flew out the window as soon as Dixie told them what I got her for her birthday!" Robin asked, "Luke what could you have possibly given her to cause that much trouble?" Luke explained, "You know that wrecked 69 Charger I was going to pick up today for parts?" Robin nodded 'yes'. "Well, Dixie road with me. It is in pretty fair shape. She noticed and started asking questions and said she'd like to have a hot rod like Lori and BL basically. I know they were a lot younger when they got Midnight and the Judge. He--, she's been driving that Thunderbird for what over a year now? It has a 351 in it and Cooter and I are the two who modified it to a 400. It's got a 383, 4 speed in it but it's NOT like it's got a 426 HEMI in it for God sake! Do they think I'm STUPID?" Luke said. Robin looked at him. "Don't answer that, ok?" Luke sighed, "It's not her first car or anything. He--, it's not even together! The frame is broke on that one, but they had a second one. The guy gave me a good deal. They still have to be put together. How about a beer at the Boar's Nest?" Then he asked, "Where were you going by the way?" Robin replied with a smile, "I was bored and actually hoped to run into you, not up on you. Yeah, a beer sounds good." As she headed to the Boar's Nest.