DixieDavenport

Meanwhile Luke and Dixie had made it to the junk yard outside of Altanta. Luke paid for the car and backed up to it. Dixie watched as Luke hooked up the wrecker to the wrecked green 1969 Dodge Charger. From what Dixie saw, it really didn't look in that bad a shape. Luke was putting the safety chains on so Dixie got out and looked at the car. "Luke what's wrong with this car it doesn't look that bad?" Luke grinned, "It's not, but the frame did break. Why?" Dixie sighed, "Nothing. I was just thinking that I like my Thunderbird but I'd like something to work on too. You know that I put together the way I wanted to." Luke shook his head. He knew Lori and BL had had the same thoughts at about Dixie's age. Well, actually they were younger than Dixie cause when they got the Judge and Midnight they were only about 16. Luther would likely kill him for what he was going to do, but hey he'd been there with the man before. Luke finished hooking up the car and walked to Dixie's side of the wrecker looking over the car once more. "Come here a minute if your serious about a car." Dixie raised her eyes in wonder at his statement. Luke nodded toward a stack of cars. He walked around the stack of cars and on the other side was another Charger but it was a 1968 Charger. The body looked rough, real rough. Dixie looked at Luke with a lot of doubt, "Luuuukkkkkeeeee I said SOMETHING I (as in ME) could FIX." Luke smiled at the girl in front of him. She had on boots, jeans and a short sleeved pull over on. She had left her hair the alburn after his Ex wife had died it PINK and Daisy had helped her fix it. He explained, "Well, if you think you could stripe this one down to the frame...." "You mean take the two and make one?" Dixie smiled. "Yeah, with some help from you and Cooter I could." Luke said, "I've already checked it this frame is sound." Dixie said, "With the money I hope to get for my birthday I culd likely get it. How much is it?" Luke said, "I'll walk you back to the truck and go find out. So, when is your birthday?" Dixie said as they walked back to the truck, "Next week. I'd really like for Lori, BL and Daisy to give me a party, but I just don't know if that is possible with all that has went on between us. And you know what happens when everyone gets together and is drinking." Luke sighed, "Yeah, I seem to vagely recall going from my bacholor party to a patrol car to the jail!" Dixie replied, "Yeah my point exactly, but I'd like for everyone to just be civil a few hows. This is my biggest birthday yet and I'll never have anotherone. Luke was getting a couple ideas as he closed her door and walked into check on the cost of the car. As Dixie sat in the wrecker she could see Luke talking to the man about the car. He opened a book talked some more to Luke, then she saw Luke reach in his wallet and hand the man some money. The man wrote out a paper and handed it to Luke. Luke came back and got in the truck. "I told him we'd be here to get it tomorrow." "Luke what did you do?" Dixie asked cautiously. Luke looked at her brown eyes and replied, "Bought you birhday present." "What?" Dixie exclaimed. Luke laughed at her excitement, "Where do you want to work on them? I was going to take this one to the farm to store. But, I think we'd do better to take them both to the garage. switch everything out and then I'll take the extra parts to the farm." "LUKE???? I didn't ASK you to buy it FOR ME!" Dixie said. Luke started the wrecker and replied, "I know you didn't. I wanted to!" Dixie hugged his neck, "Thank YOU Luke!" Luke couldn't resist, "When you get that thing together and out run Midnight, are you going to tell Lori I bought it for you?" Dixie grinned from ear to ear and exclaimed, "I ain't waiting THAT long I intend to tell the whole county you got it for me." Luke said as he turned, out onto the road towards home, "Well, I didn't buy it for you for that reason, but consider it an added bonus!" Now he was certain that Luther would hang him! He had just bought the man youngest child and only daughter a car with an engine in it with as much power as Midnight and the General Lee!

Luke turned to Bo and said, "What ever you are planning on doing while I take the wrecker to Atlanta, stay out of trouble. Huh, Cousin?" Bo gave Luke his famous smile and replied, "Me get into trouble. You know better." Everyone stared at him like he had three heads. Bo added, "I don't have to get into trouble. It FINDS ME." Luke replied, "Yeah, I know that's the problem. Then, I have to get you out of it!" Dixie, who had been listening to their banter asked, "Hey, Luke I'm bored today. Can I go with you?" Luke replied, "Sure." Cooter added, "Yeah keep her out of trouble that way huh?" Luke said, "Nah, I was hoping she kept ME out of trouble! Bo I'll get a ride from Cooter when I get back. I'll see ya at home later." Bo nodded as he ws already heading to the General Lee. He had the afternoon free and figured on a beer at the Boar's Nest. As Luke and Dixie headed to the wrecker, Dixie said, "I've never been out to this junkyard where you are picking up this car before. Luke replied, "Well, I was there getting parts a few weeks ago and saw this wreck. I figured with the General Lee and Midnight around it was a good idea to buy the whole car for parts." Dixie nodded, "Yeah it was a good idea they are both always needing parts."

Dixie's 16th Birthday Suprise Folks this offers more suprises for EVERYONE than you can count. Dixie sure would like her cousins to arrange this special party for her, but they have been sort of distant for sometime. She was sure a helpful Duke or two would pick up were her family failed her, if indeed they did. Current ages: Luke Duke is 20, Bo and Jeb Duke are 18, Cooter Davenport 21, Dixie Davenport 15 (soon 16), Daisy Duke 17, Coy is 16; Vance is 17; B.L. Davenport is 20, Mark McCormick 21; and Lori Davenport is 20 --- That is should they all decided to attend! NOTE: The time frame and cast ages in relation to other DOH stories that have been written may have altered as well as the time line and references of stories previously posted by myself and others. Easy said, a character may have been a certain age for 3 years, sorry but it fit that story at that time. This is fan fiction and for entertainment but the time lines and events do overlap if layed out back to back with each other. Please don't nit pick too much -- we try only to entertain! Enjoy!!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie Davenport looked forward to her sixteeth birthday! It was after all her sweet sixteeth! She hoped her cousins would put aside their differences and host the party, but in the last couple years the female members of the Davenport family had given themselves, the Davenports, the Dukes and Rosco a few more white hairs. Dixie figured that every girl deserved a Sweet 16 party hosted by her family!!!!!!! Everyone had talked about how much she had grown up in the last six months. Everyone had been talking about her big birthday events but no one was refering to it as a Sweet 16th party! Could she be that lucky they could throw a GREAT party and NOT MENTION she was ONLY 16???? Dixie could only HOPE! Dixie thought back a lot has sure happened in Hazzard lately. Luke Duke had married Lori Davenport and then the Duke boys had gotten caught running shine before the honeymoon was even started. Their marriage had been as their dating relationship very intense. It had ended the same way, one day when Bo mentioned in Luke's presence that his Ex-girl friend was wearing dark sunglasses. Luke had said that she always did. Bo had told him it had been night. Luke flew off the handle and had went and gotten a pistol and loaded it. Now, just the fact that he hadn't given it away when he was put on probabtion was bad enough, but the fact that he had intended to take it to go looking Robin's husband was far greater. It had taken Bo two hours to talk Luke into putting the gun down. He finally had, but had then began to check on the ex girlfriend through family members. Lori found out and filed for divorce. Luke found out that Robin had also filed for divorce. The rest was a natural progression, Luke and Robin were helping each other through their situations. What happened next had totally blindsided everyone, Bo and Lori were now spending a lot of time together. All this had put a strain on the families. Dixie just wondered if they all could just be civil for a few hours with each other. Dixie and Jeb had become good friends and gotten really close during the time he was in jail and especially after incident that had led Luther tried to kill Dixie and Jesse to warn Jeb to take things slower. BL had been working at the Boar's Nest and raisin' hell whenever possible. She was still Hazzard's blabbermouth. Cooter was still making secret trips to Alabama to see Nancy Lou and Beverly. Dixie pulled up at the garage to see Cooter under the hood of Mr. Peabody's truck again. "Hey, Cooter. What's up?"

Jeb and Dixie survived and actually grew to be very close in a lot of ways. Luke and Lori lived their lives happily and together for awhile. What's awhile, ..... we my never know. Coy and Vance were glad the boys were home so they didnt' have to do as many chores. Cooter and BL got brave and returned home. Jesse was sadden by his change in life style, but was continent to know his family was in tact.

Jeb looked at Jesse and asked a bit confused, "What did she say? I won't lie to you, you know that." Jesse shook his head 'no', "I don't know EXACTLY, so why don't you tell me about last night." Jeb thought for a few seconds and nothing seemed THAT out of line to him so he said, "Sure. You were there when everyone decided to go to the Boar's Nest except Daisy, Luke and Lori. Dixie gave me her car keys I drove, we talked. At the Boar's Nest I drank a beer, Dixie order a coke as usual. I think she may have snitched a drink or two of beer from Cooter, well likely everyones glasses. But, she didn't have that much and we've all done that there before we could buy it. We talked, danced, kissed a little. We left early and road out to the Indian caves. I built a fire," He sighed, here's where he talked a bit slower. "I found some shine I'd left there and we took a couple sips but mainly we talked," He paused gauging Jesse response which was totally neutral. Jesse asked "Is that ALL?" Jeb shook his head 'no', "No, Sir. I think you heard about Lori and Dixie's little contest at the jail?" Jesse asked, "This was before the yellow line I take it? But, I did hear mention of something like that." "Lori was agging Dixie on to give me attention that I Did Not need at the time. I was tense and she KNEW that. You know what we went through, anyway we talked a lot, but she was able to finish what she started at the jail." Jeb said a bit embarrassed. Jesse asked, "Is that all?" Jeb replied, "She wasn't the only one touching and feeling. I was too. But, I didnt' even ask her to do any of it and told her we'd stop any time she wanted to." "Did you have sex with her?" Jesse barked. "No, Sir!" Jeb replied. Jesse soften but only a bit, "Could she be with child?" Jeb said, "No, Sir." Jesse said, "Ok, for the record. You told me pretty much what Luther said and more. Jeb, Dixie is quiet a bit younger than you and due to the fact of the age difference I feel you should have used better judgement and not let her do things she didn't need to do at her age. I think going to the caves and letting her drink while you were responsible wasn't good judgement. I also feel that you drinking with her being that much young is a good idea. And, since I know that Luther has likely whipped her for her part in this and she wasn't alone I feel it only far to whip you and since Luther came out here today, also." Jeb sighed, and aswered, "Yes, Sir." He turned to bend over. Jesse said, "Jeb can you carry one a relationship with Dixie and keep it appropriate for her age?" "Yes sir." Jeb replied. Jesse nodded, "Good because I was waching you earlier yesterday and felt you two may be good for each other. I sure hope you all can without furher incidents." Jesse paused. "I've used this strap more in a week than I did last YEAR and it pains ME to do so. Jeb you know what you did. I know what you told me you did. How many licks is fair? And, don't make it less that what I'm thinking." All the kids hated it when Jesse let them pick their pinishment. They ALWAYS said more than Jesse would give them. Jeb's stomach knotted tight as he said, "I think 10 licks is fair, Sir." Jesse said, "Bend over Son. I would have given you SIX." He said as he gave Jeb the ten licks that he felt he deserved. Jeb............. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile, Cooter still hadn't heard the meaning of Dixie's remark. If it was anything like he thought she meant he planned to pay Jeb a visit! ..........

Luther drove home in total silence. Dixie was not at all sure this was a good thing either. Once he pulled up to the farm he got out and slammed the door with a lot more force than was needed. Dixie was still setting in the passenger seat of the truck when Luther turned and said far too calmly, "Get out and come to the porch." Dixie thought the house may have been a better place to talk the porch was far too close to the woodshed. Luther looked at his only daughter and began, "Dixie I heard your remark about Jeb not needing a cold shower would you care to explain it to me?" Dixie KNEW that was going ot come out. She looked away from her father and at the porch floor. "Can I just go to the woodshed now?" Luther looked at his daugther that would rather be whipped than answer his question. That meant that the answer couldn't have been good. "Absolutely! MARCH!" Dixie knew she was going to get whipped and figured she may has well get it over with. She knew she had been spanked as a kid but she couldn't remember the last time she had been spanked. Let alone a Jesse Duke whipping and one from her Dad two days in a row. She walked in bent over and grabbed her ankles. Luther started with two licks to get her attention. They DID as she was still sore. Dixie waited. Luther asked, "Did that Duke lie to me? Did he get you?" Dixie answered truthfully and very quickly, "No, Daddy he didn't lie. We didn't do IT." Luther asked again, "Where did you all go?" Dixie answered, "The Boar's Nest." Luther said, "And he gave you that hickey?" Dixie replied, "Yes." Luther asked, "Did you go anywhere else?" Dixie lied, "No, Daddy." "Ready to tell me about Jeb not needing a shower?" Luther asked. Dixie's behind was, but she wasn't, "No." Luther gave her one lick and waited several seconds, then another and waited. He was drawing back for the fifth lick when Dixie said with out thinking her reply out, "Ok, hold up. He was frustrated from being teased while in jail. I made him feel better!" Luther said, "EXPLAIN!" Dixie did, "I 'relaxed' him!" Luther understood her play on words fully! He had given her ten licks before he knew it! Dixie KNEW it though! Luther demanded, "Did he get in your pants?" Dixie wasn't about to get hit again for lying, "We didn't do it, but Yes." Luther asked, "You did this at the Boar's Nest?" Dixie was still quick to answer since her behind was on fire, "No, at the Indian caves." Luther gave her another lick, "You lied when you told me only went to the Boar's Nest. Were you drinking?" Dixie didn't want hit again, "A few drinks of beer." Luther asked, "Where did you get it?" "Everyone let me have sips of theirs." Dixie replied. Luther asked, "Who's everyone?" Dixie replied, "Bo left his beer when he left. Cooter, BL, Jeb, Coy and Vance." Luther.................... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse walked into the woodshed took down the now familiar leather strap and looked at Jeb who was in 'the position'. He said, "Get up Jeb." Jeb stood up and looked to his Uncle who asked, "Did you lie to Luther about being with Dixie?" "No, Sir." Jeb replied. Jesse said, "I know she's younger than you and I want you to take it easy with her." Jeb replied, "I'd never ask her to do anything she didn't want to do." Jesse cautioned, "You are the oldest of the two and I expect you to use good judgement.

At the site of her Father and knowing he had heard EVER WORD she had just said. Dixie thought 'Oh Sh--!!' She looked to BL and she was GONE. She turned to Cooter and he was gone too! She saw Luther heading towards her and hrew her hands up in front of her a said, "DADDY I LIED TO THEM I SWEAR!!!!" Luther stalked up to her and put his finger on the hicky and said,"THEN HOW DID THAT GET THERE?! IT SURE AS H-- DIDN'T GET THERE ON IT'S OWN!!!" Dixie swallowed hard and said, "Jeb put it there. I had not clue it was there. But, the REST OF WHAT I SAID WAS A LIE. I'm sorry Daddy." Luther was shaking with anger by now and said " SO YOU DID GO ALL THE WAY!!!!!! HE'S OLDER THAN YOU MORE EXPERIENCED AND A DUKE TO BOOT!" Dixie realized her father had taken what she had said REALLY WRONG!, "NNOOOOOOOOO!!!! DADDY Really we ONLY kissed a little that's ALL I SWEAR!!!" Luther then shouted,"THEN TELL ME THE WHOOOOLE TRUTH!!!! OR SO HELP ME YOUR HIND END WILL BE BLISTERED!!! Dixie sighed and tried to figure out how much to tell Luther, "Me and Jeb have always been friends. Since Lori has been raising such a stink THINKING for some reason that I like LUKE, I was hoping to hae someone to talk to so she'd leave me alone. Well, after Luke and Lori got married Jeb has been talking to me more of a friend than anything and I went to see him, well all of them, when they were in jail. So the other night after they got home everone went tothe Boar's Nest. Jeb and I rode together, we talked, danced some, kissed a little that's all he's a nice guy." Dixie hoped that was enought information to keep her from dying. The car in front of her looked a little low to get underneath! Luther then noticed the hair color change he'd somehow missed the pink hair episode so he just thought it was another sign of Dixie trying to act older than she was. "What did you do to your hair?" Dixie replied, "Daisy HAD to fix it after Lori dyed it pink." Luther saw redder than he had before,"SHE DID WHAT?!!!!!" Dixie nodded, "Yeah right before Jesse and the guys went to court too." Luther looked sternly at Dixie and said, "I'll deal with Loren. But, for now you set down right there until closing." Dixie sat down gently. She was trying to figure out how to warn Jeb.

They all cleaned up the mess in the bathroom from dying Dixie's hair and then went out to the kitchen where Uncle Jesse had fixed a big Duke breakfast. The guy were coming into the kitchen from getting Bo up and doing hte chores. Everyone sat down to the table to eat except for Luke and Lori. Dixie was setting just s might easy in her chair as she was still sore from the whipping she had gotten. Jesse looked at Dixie and replied, "Well, that's a nice normal color. Sure beats pink." Dixie replied, "Yeah, Daisy did great. Thanks Uncle Jesse." Jeb laughed, "Well, ya know to be pink it was a NICE pink." He was saved by Coy sticking his foot in his mouth. Being the youngest of the bunch Coy asked, "Hey where is Luke and Lori?" Jesse replied, "Just leave them be. I'll put them a plate back. I've already talked to Luke this morning." There were several 'I know what they are doing looks' going around the table from the others. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A few feet away Luke was hold Lori. He was very glad to be back home and have the day to spend with her. Their time had been to long in coming and then to have it taken away so quickly had seemed unfair, but Luke knew that was largely his fault. He layed there trying to think how to get Boss to stop forcing her to run the shine. He be da--ed if he'd let her get caught and taken away from him now! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse gave out chores to everyone except Cooter, BL and Dixie who was going to the garage to work. Jesse watched with a bit of pleasure as he saw Jeb walk Dixie to her car on his way to the barn. They were holding hands and talking. The smiles and kisses looked sincere. Maybe Lori didn't have anything to worry about after all. Luke could see much of the same thing from his bedroom window as Lori slept. He watched his younger cousin who he had given the suggestion to talk to Dixie. He smiled as he watched and he also noticed that Daisy had done a great job at getting rid of his wife's handy dandy hair coloring. Luke smiled maybe Dixie and Jeb would be good for each other and maybe, JUST MAYBE, Lori would relax about Dixie. Luke shook his head and thought for the millionth time what have I ever really did but try to be a big brother to her that drives Lori crazy? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Supper time came and still no one had seen the newlyweds. Jesse assure them that newlyweds can live on nothing but love for awhile and that they would eat when they got hungry.

Jesse was in the kitchen when Luke walked into the kitchen in only his jeans. "Morning Uncle Jesse." He said as he reached for a coffee cup. Jesse looked at him, "Luke you and Lori ain't really had no time together since you got married. Why don't you forget the chores today. Cooter and everyone came beck here last night so I have plenty of help." Luke asked, "Yeah I sort of had a lot of help last night too! Seriously?" Jesse said, "Go back to bed, Luke." Luke poured 2 cups of coffee took them both in his left hand and did EXACTLY what Jesse suggested - went back to bed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In Daisy's room Daisy, BL and Dixie were also awake. Dixie who came in last and slept on the floor with her sore behind was moving a bit slower than the rest getting dressed. BL looked at Dixie, then at Daisy and said, "I don't know Daisy. What do you think?" Daisy asked, "About what?" BL said, "Well, Dixie looks pretty happy this morning but I can't tell if her virginity is in tact!" Daisy just looked at the two. She wasn't sure she wanted the intimate details of Dixie's and Jeb's date. Dixie said, "That is for me and Jeb to know now ain't it!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the barn Jeb had tried three times to get Bo up for chores and breakfast. It wasn't working. JEb wsa in far too good of a mood to let Bo's grumbling bother him as he went to the house whistling a tune. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jeb as planned had a beer a few dances with Dixie and had started letting her know he was ready to go. Dixie was ready to leave too. She had to admit Jeb had been mighty persussive and the Boar's Nest was getting a bit warm. She had been a whole lot worried and knew Jeb was driving so Dixie had snitched a drink of beer when ever she could. It was likely she'd had a bit more that Jeb to drink as he'd only had on and shared it with her. Jeb said to Dixie as a slow song came on let's dance and then dance right on out of here. Dixie smiled and that is exactly what they did. By the time the next song started and they were missed they were well on their way toawrd the lake. As Jeb parked the car he by the lake he asked, "Ever been up to the caves?" Dixie nodded, "It's been awhile." Jeb replied, "Someone sees the car they still got to find us." Dixie said, "True." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Once at the cave Jeb found a sleeping bag that likely he or one of the boys had left there the last time they were there. He spread it out and went to work building a small fire. Once he got the fire going he said, "Let me check something out here. I remember leaving something here once. I'll be right back." Dixie wasn't cold but she was shaking and the warmth of the fire helped. Jeb returned with a pint of moonshine. Dixie's eyes went wide. Jeb replied, "I ageed not to make, transport OR possess any shine. Never said I wouldn't drink it. Look at it like this, we are gettign rid of evidence." Dixie laughed and said, "You have been around Luke too long. She moved closer to him and moved wrong on the Earth floor of the cave. She said, "Owe, sh--! That might be what I need righ now." Jeb put his arm around her as Dixie leaned towards him, "How many licks." "Four." Dixie replied. "And I deserved each one of them!" Jeb shook his head with a laugh, "Well, now I would have done something if I could have, but ....." Dixie looked at Jeb and interupted, "Maybe another girlfriend you could have done something but I've been there too long and I'm one of Uncle Jesse's too." She smiled weakly and said with a laugh, "I guess that make what we plan to do sort of incest huh?" Jeb shook his head negatively, "Nah, we aren't blood kin." He knew she was tense. "Dixie I won't lie to you, I'd really like some comfort tonight, but I don't want make you think you have to do anything you don't want to." Dixie smiled, "I know that Jeb. I like you. I really do AND what ever happens or doesn't happen has nothing to do with Luke." Jeb stopped her right there, "Dixie it is me and you here. I didn't force you to come here with me so I sort of figure you want to be here. I don't listen to Lori first of all. Look just holding you and talking to you is a he-- of a lot better than setting in a jail cell watching Luke and Bo get to 'relax' when I couldn't" Dixie blushed, "Jeb about that. I am sorry I put you in that situation and couldn't or didn't do anything to 'help' you." Jeb explained, "After a time, Frankensteins bride could have touched any of us like that, he-- the wind could have blown, it's not your fault. It was my mind and body working against me. Not yours." Dixie said, "But I was teasing, .... and, .... and, ..... I don't want to be a tease Jeb, but I don't want to be a whore either." Jeb nodded, "Ok, how about we take us a drink or two, talk and see what happens if I do something you don't watn or want to stop we will, Ok?" Dixie smiled, "Yeah, thanks Jeb. I ain't never..." Jeb nodded, "That's ok." Dixie added, "And, I'm not sure I'm ready, but I may be able to make you feel better." She looked at him hopeful. Jeb gave her a million dollar smile and said, "Only if YOU want to. Ain't nothing a cold shower won't fix later, huh?" He leaned over kissing her gently..............

Dixie and Jeb were respectfully holding each other in the doorway. Bo said, "I really don't think Luke will need the General Lee. I'm gonna go have a beer at the Boar's Nest anyone want to come? Jeb whispered to Dixie, "How about us heading out with them and going somewhere else?" Dixie nodded 'yes' and handed him the keys to her car. Jeb said, "Well, sure but we're going to take Dixie's car, in case you get a good offer." Bo rolled his eyes at Jeb's suggestive remark. BL said, "Sure Bo I'll go. Less chance to get in trouble there!" Cooter said, "Hey, Coy Vance if ya'll want to ride with me ya can." They both nodded. Bo looked at Daisy who was setting on the arm of Jesse chair. "You going?" Daisy shook her head 'no', "No way fellas I'm staying right here with Uncle Jesse." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They divided up a headed out towards the Boar's Nest. Jeb looked at Dixie and said, "If you want we can go to the Boar's Nest, for a while or not at all, it's up to you." Dixie shook her head 'no', "I'm good with anything you want to do. It is your welcome home night so your choice." Jeb said, "Honestly, I'd like to go get at least one beer, listen to some music, and have a couple dances. We can always leave early." Dixie nodded, "Ok sounds good." She wasn't sure what she would do once they were alone. This gave her more time to think.

Jesse said, "Well, I'm HOME now and things are back to NORMAL. Dixie did you throw that knife at your cousin?" Dixie was setting on the arm of Jeb's chair with her arm around him. She looked down at him for a split second and then back to Jesse, "Yes, Sir, I did." At this precise moment Luke felt Lori tugging on his arm. Trying deseparately to get Luke to come into their room. He turned to her and whispered, "WHAT is wrong with YOU?" Lori motioned seductlively for him come with her. Now, Luke had totally forgotten about the conversation dealing with the hair dye war and he didn't need MUCH excuse at all to want to have some 'alone time' with his wife. He stood up and they started out of the living room. Jesse saw the two newylweds slipping off. Any other time he wouldn't have thought anything about it, but he was pretty sure Dixie's hair hadn't gotten pink by her choosing. "Luke, Lori." Luke stopped and replied, "Yes, Sir." Jesse replied, "I'd like you two to come back in here a minute." Luke started back into the living room but had to nearly drag Lori. Jesse asked Dixie, "Dixie why would you throw a knife at Lori?" "She threw a fork at me and it almost hit me in the eye. I had thrown the knife before I though." She said. Dixie knew it wasn't going to get her out of trouble but may ease it a bit. "Loren is that true?" Jesse asked. Luke had to hide the grin that threatened to show on his face wondering if she'd lie again. Lori looked at Luke, who said, "Honey, I ain't in this." Lori sighed and thought of her still sore bottom, "Yes, I did." Jesse stood up, "Let's go ladies." Jeb and Luke impart felt for the two girls, but would have to agree that if they didnt' change they would hurt each other. The other part thought it ws just a bit funny. They were glad someone else was in trouble instead of them. Dixie grave Jeb a weak smile and got up to follow Uncle Jesse. Lori wasn't happy but followed behind them. In the wood shed Jesse asked, "So I can take it that a fight broke out and the hair color change is a result of pay back?" Dixie figured the truth was bad enough and replied, "Yes, Sir that's the a good short version." Lori figured she she may as well admit her part when Jesse looked at her, "Yes, Sir it is." Jesse picked up the strap and asked, "Who's first?" Both girls bent over and grabbed their ankles together. Jesse said, "Well, if you all did more things together maybe we wouldn't be here now." He started with one then the other a lick at a time. "That is for throwing something at your cousin. That is for fighting, family don't fight FAMILY. That was for the hair coloring. And finally, that is for not putting your feelings aside when your family needed you to pull together. Now, you two get up. Straighten up and go welcome your husband and your boyfriend, with in reason, home."

The Judge entered just as Luke decided to warn Jeb. He whispered to Jeb and stepped on his toe, "You BETTER tell her you LIKE it if you want to live." Cooter could only give a very appoligetic look to Jesse and the boys as he took another look at the sight of his sister and cousins. He wasn't sure how to explain how HE had managed to LET them end up with pink and blonde hair. BL came in behind Cooter as they were all about to take their seats as the Judge entered. Uncle Jesse, Luke, Bo, and Jeb all saw B.L.'s bruised chin, they all shook their heads and sighed. They just KNEW that house was really tearing down... and felt it was a complete and total mess. The Bailiff called the court to order as the Judge scanned the Dukes family standing behind them. He could see one girl with a bruise on her chin and a couple scratches, another who had changed her hair color from two days ago who had scratches and what looked like hand prints on her neck, the third also had a few scratches and had not only cut her hair but it was dyed pink. Judge Hardcastle then looked at the men with the group. They all looked just a bit frazzled. Then, he studied each of the defendants standing before him. Judge Hardcastle had been a Judge a long time and was very perceptive. He saw worry in each of their faces for their family who had only spent two nights with out the leader of the family there to hold the family together. He knew all families had their differences but he knew this was a very close family and that Jesse Duke was the center of that family unit. Taking a look at this group he knew he had made the right sentenencing choice. The Judge said, "Be seated. I have reviewed this case over and over. I had come to a sentencing decision before I walked in here today. But, as I looked at each of you all and your families. My decision was confirmed. Mr. Duke I know you are the center of your family and they need you and your guidence. Therefore, I will make this short. I am sentencing to 10 years PROBATION with credit for all jail time. The terms of the probation will be explained to you by the probation officer after court is adjourned. Should the terms of this agreement and / or probation be violated the ten year sentence will be completed in prison. Bailiff uncuff them and you are all free to go see the probation officer. Court adjourned."

Dixie screamed, "YOU HAD BETTER HOPE IT WASHES OUT!!!" Cooter set straight up in the floor where he'd slept. He, Coy and Vance had slept in the living room. Other than the twin beds in their room the only extra bed would have been Uncle Jesse's and none of them was going to 'take his spot' even for a night. Cooter said, "Ah, sh--! It's too da-- early for this!!!!" Dixie instead of chasing Lori went to the shower and washed her hair repeatidly to get all the pink dye out. When she combed her hair out she saw where Lori had cut the clump off short. It was up front which had needed trimmed anyway. She would have Daisy cut the front and feather the sides. Everyone else was in the kitchen now rudely awaken and grumpy. Cooter looked at Dixie and then to Lori and said, "I've had enough and I will separate you at the table like when you were two if I have to!" Dixie smiled, "Hey, I'm good it washed out!" Lori wasn't happy. She didn't get the reaction from Dixie she had wanted. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the jail it was a toss up as to who slept less each worrying about each other. Jesse wondered out loud, "Wonder if they got the chores done yet?" It was Luke who try to sound more sure than he was, "Vance and Coy have taken up or slack before." Jesse only nodded. Yes they had but not unsupervised. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daisy had managed to give Dixie a nice hair cut and feathered in the short piece to where it didn't show at all. They did all manage to get the chores done and remain half civil to each other through the day. They had one more night to go before they knew their loved ones fait. BL looked at Cooter and Daisy, "Ya'll we better hid all the scissors and anything that can change hair color. Dixie handle that far too well!" Daisy said, "With court tomorrow, they wouldn't." BL and Cooter said, "OH YES THEY WOULD!" Daisy sighed and tried to think of short hair styles just in case she needed them. The entire bunch actuallyy worked to make sure the house and farm had no sighes of the earlier fight just in case thing swent as each deep down prayed they would but they were all trying to be prepared for the worst. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That night Dixie went to bed early but she wasn't asleep. She figured Lori would lock her door, so she had made sure the window was unlocked. She waited until almost daylight and slipped out Daisy's window with her mixture in hand. She watched Lori from the window. She was asleep. Dixie ease up the window and took the mixture and streaked the frost kit through Lori's brown hair. Then, she quietly slipped out the window, went to her Thunderbird and went home to get ready for court.

Dixie was about to open her mouth when Cooter put his hand over her mouth and said, "Come on outside with us, OK?" Dixie was still hot, but knew Cooter was right, "Ok, I'd rather be cleaning a barn that in here with her!" Cooter gave Dixie a bit of a nudge and glared at Lori daring her to say anything, "Go already!" Dixie looked at her older brother and replied, "I'm going. I'm going already!" In the barn Coy asked, "What set THAT off?" Dixie was trying to get the knots out of her hair, "Daisy gave me an old jersey to wear. I put it on. It just happened to be one Lori claims was Luke's IN JR.HIGH." She let a clump of loose hair fall to the barn floor. Cooter shamed, "You know we are supposed to be here to HELP." Dixie replied, "Told you it would start. She put flour on me so I asked Daisy for a change and then she goes OFF!" Cooter replied, "Just hang out with us and it will be OK. Are you alright?" Dixie nodded 'yes', "Other than missing a little hair, a couple scratches, and my hand hurts. I think I punched BL by accident." Cooter said, "Let me see." Dixie held out her right hand and worked it for Cooter. He could see it starting to swell, "Sh-! Can one of you go get some ice?" Vance replied, "Yeah, I'll go. If I'm not back in five minutes come after me! It's dangerous in there!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori went to the mirror to comb her hair and noticed srcatches on her neck, "Look, just look at these scratches!" Then, while trying to get her hair straightened out when she pulled a large clump of now unattacked hair out. "I'm going to kill her!" BL said, "Those scratches ain't bad!" Lori turned to BL and said, "Well, I'd talk with that bruise on your chin." BL exclaimed, "WHAT?" Vance eased in the kitchen door trying to make sure it was safe to enter, "Daisy I need a bag of ice." Daisy shook her head and opened the freezer. Vance looked at Lori concerned, "Are you OK, Lori?" It was likelly the first direct thing he'd said to her since getting Luke's letter. Lori...........

The boys were actually having a harder time dealing with seeing Jesse setting in that cell. Not to mention Luke and Jeb were trying to hide the fact that the girls had gotten 'under their skin'. Bo knew and was about to crack up which was irratating them more. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at the Duke farm the mood was more that of a wake and a family get together. Cooter was not far away from the kitchen. Dixie hadn't wanted to go because of Lori being there but Cooter had convienced her she was Jeb's girlfriend and as much a friend to any of the rest as he and BL. He told her she needed to be there for them just like they would be for her, so she had reluctantly went and was now in the kitchen with Lori, BL and Daisy starting supper for the group. Cooter looked at Vance and asked, "What has to be done this evening other than the normal chores?" Cooter had seen the way he and Coy had took up roost on the couch. Vance replied, "Just the normal is more than I want to do today." Cooter replied, "Yeah, I know, but if the three of us get at them we'll be doen by supper and can play some cards." Coy said, "Uncle Jesse doesn't approve of cards in the house." Cooter stated the obvious for the youngest Duke, "That's why we can play in the house tonight, Coy. Come on ya'll." The guys had no more cleared the front door to go do the chores when Lori looked to Dixie and 'accidently tossed flour on her' "Oops sooo sorry dear cousin, I guess I didn't see you." Dixie brushed the floor off her shirt. It was a bit nicer shirt than normal because she was still dressed in teh same clothes she had worn to court. She replied, "That's about normal YOU never see ME. Daisy you got something comfy I can wear?" Daisy nodded wiping her hands on a dishtowel "Sure Sugar c'mon" Dixie and Daisy went to Daisy's room to get Dixie something to wear. B.L glared at Lori and said "Don't start anything!" Lori smiled sweetly and said "I wouldn't dare cousin" Daisy asked Dixie what sorta clothes she wanted. "Just house clothes. I just want to be comfy. I aint' trying ot impress anyone." Daisy grinned, "That's a first for you in this house huh?" Dixie smiled, "Well, a first in a while." Daisy handed Dixie a pair of old soft jeans and an old jersey with a # 55 on it. Dixie changed into the clothes and said, "Thanks Daisy this is just what I needed, You know I didn't want to come over tonight which is why I didn't bring a change with me. Cooter convienced me to." Daisy asked, "Because of Lori?" Dixie nodded 'yes', "Mostly." "Sugar ya'll are family and BOTH a part of this family. Ya'll got to get past it. Just like Luke and Vance do." Daisy said. "Come on let's get back in there." They walked back into the kitchen and Daisy asked, "Ok what else do you need Lori?" Lori turned around to say something and saw Dixie standing there. Her gaze turned orange,"LOVE LUKE'S JERSEY YER WEARIN THERE DIX.... so tell me, teasin one guy and tryin to take awaay a womans's husband inch by inch? Dixie hadn't had time to even answer before Daisy had but she hadn't paid the number any mind. Daisy's eyes got wide as she looked from one cousin to the other, "I dug that old thing OUT OF MY draw. I can't keep up with who wore what numbers. Lori that WAS a Jr. High jersey!" Lori crinkled her nose in a -haha in your face hes mine not yours look- "You can keep the jersey as a reminder of ole Lukas cousin...I dont mind." Dixie let her have if, "NOT if it QUESTIONS the SANTITY of your MARRIAGE!!!" Lori shurgged,"Ehhh... dont care if ya change or not, just a shirt... i got the real thing" "No I'll change to KEEP PEACE!" Dixie said. Daisy said, "Go get whatever ya want out of my drawers, Honey." B.L watched with wide eyes this couldn't be good. She hoped they didn't get into a knock down drag out fight, with Jesse in jail now too they needed to all stick together and get along not fight like cats and dogs. Dixie came back with a large plain blue T-shirt on, "IS THIS BETTER?" Lori had a sarcastic look on,"OHH MUCH BETTER SWEETHEART!!" "Glad you fu------ing APPROVE!" Dixie said even more sarcastically. "Thought it may have been a farite color of Luke's or something!" Lori had about all she could stand of her and threw the biggest fork she could at her HOPING to put her eye out. "ACTUALLY IT IS!" Dixie was standing at the table. She picked up the small paring knife by the blade, where she had been peeling potatoes, and sent it flying right by Lori's nose managing to stick it in the wall right behind her. "DON'T TAKE A KNIFE TO A GUN FIGHT, OR A FORK TO A KNIFE FIGHT COUSIN!!!" B.L quickly grabbed hold of Lori knowing she'd regret it "LORI YOU TRYIN' TO PUT HER EYE OUT! YA DANGED IDGIT GROW UP AND STOP BEING SO POSSESSIVE AND INSECURE OVER LUKE" Lori thought that was the most stupidest thing she'd ever heard and causally walked up to Dixie laughing, turning serious quick and dropping her to the ground by knocking her across the face, stepping back fists up ready to fight. Cooter was rounding the outside of the house and heard the yelling. He yelled as he broke into a run, "FIGHT! HOUSE!!" Dixie had fought with the guys too long. She jumped up and didn't bother to hit Lori, she tackled her right into teh middle of the living room floor. Lori rolled Dixie over holding to her throat,"I swear I'll kill you just for the he** of it!!" she started beating Dixie. Dixie managed to get her legs around Lori and had flippied her back over. Dixie may have been young but had a few pounds to her advantage. Cooter opened the front door. Vance and Coy came in the back door to see Dixie on top of Lori with her hands of her throat. Daisy and BL were trying to break up the fight.

Meanwhile in Luke's cell, Uncle Jesse took a seat beside him and said as the officer took his seat behind the desk, "Well, least we's together." Luke gave his uncle a slight smile and said as he hugged him, "Yeah, we are." Jesse replied trying to be more up beat than he should be for the boys, "So, tell me your version of you hitting the wall." Luke replied with a laugh, "Only if you tell me your version of whipping Lori." Jesse replied, "You got a deal." Luke looked to Jesse and said,"Since my temper got the best of me, Lori was pokin fun at me by saying that Vance was calling her name, cause I told her not to push my buttons, and she ran up the stairs and big stupid me hit the wall." "Ok. Luke what have I tried for years to tell you about your temper?" Jesse asked. "I know and I remember those warnings at times like these. You know after the fact. It's just that I ain't quite got the before down yet." Luke said honestly. Jesse patted his back, "Keep working on it son." Luke was trying to keep Jesse talking about anything right now to keep him, well them both, from thinking, "So tell me about Lori." He said with a smile. "I think I was there the last time you had to whip her." Jesse gave him a stern look, "Yes, you were. If I remember correctly, you volunteered to take your licks first." Luke nodded, "Yeah, I did since it was me who convienced her to play show and tell." Jesse said, "Cooter had already called me and told me about ya'll conversation. Then the talk they had, finally about hearing her get pulled over by Sheriff Little. Well, I knew if Little pulled her over it was somewhere in Chickasaw. She tried to tell me she went visiting a friend THAT late at night. So I sent her to the woodshed. She was already waiting so I gave her one lick to let her know that I would and to get her attention. I asked her again where she had been. Same story so I gave her two more licks that were just I might harder. And, I asked her the third time. By this time I think she was tinking about telling me the truth but stuck to her story. So I gave her three more. Luke, I didn't want to whip her to begin with and I didn't want to give her four licks on top of what I had already given her so I asked her point blank if she had been hauling. She couldn't wait to tell me yes and who was responsible. I went to try to talk to HIM but he was out of town." Luke replied, "She took six licks? I think that's about what you gave me that time Mr. Thompson called at three AM wondering where his daughter was." Jesse replied, "Glad you remembered that." At this point they were all laughing which was about the time Cooter and the rest chose to come down the steps, hearing the laughter below made things a bit easier for them.

Monday morning rolled around and everyone was on their toes. Lori, Daisy, Coy, and Vance all dreaded today, it was court day. All the Dukes, Cooter, BL and Dixie filed in to the courtroom. It was extrememly crowded. Boss Hogg and Rosco were happy as clams. Judge Hardcastle looked at Agent Roach and asked, "I believe we have a plea in these cases?" Roach replied, "Yes, Sir we do." Judge Hardcastle said, "Bailiff I want the courtroom clear except for immediate parties." Boss Hogg was not happy to be told to leave. Only the Dukes and Davenports were present with the Agents and Judge. Hardcastle only then insructed the Agents, "You can now get the defendants." Luke, Bo and Jeb were shackled and handcuffed and escorted to the courtroom. They had even managed to handcuff Luke with his casted arm which at the moment happen to still be hurting like he--. The Agent that was sent after them just happened to be the one that had heard Luke threatent to escape to go see Boss Hogg. Jesse got a cold chill seeing them that way and thinking he'd likely leave the room the same way. Luke's eyes met Jesse's. Luke prayed he'd not see his Uncle in chains. Judge Hardcastle looked at the Agents, "So we do have an agreement?" Agent Roach said, "Yes, Sir." The Hardcastle looked to Luke, Bo and Jeb, "Gentlemen, This agreement has been explained to you?" Luke being the oldest was the spokesperson, "Yes, Sir.." Hardcastle looked to Jesse, "Mr. Duke I understand that you have provided the Agency with information and according to Agent Roach it checked out. Therefore, it is my understanding that in order to get your nephews charges dropped to a lower charge you are going to plea guilty to a charge of making illegal alcohol (moonshine). In return for this plea it is my understanding that they will plea to Transporting Illegal alcohol (moonshine) but will be sentenced in the lower bracket which will not exceed one year in prison. Is that your understanding?" Jesse replied, "Yes, Sir it is." Hardcastle explained, "In order to do that you will have to be placed in custody of the Agents until sentencing. You are aware of this?" Jesse replied strongly, "Yes, Sir." Luke swore to himself. He could hear Daisy and the others behind him queitly sobbing and sniffing. He wished they would hush. If he heard it he knew Jesse did. This would be harder for Jesse than it would be for any of them, Luke figured. Hardcastle said, "Though an agreement has been made the sentencing is up to me. I'd like a bit of time to review the information in this case so I'll set the sentencing for day after tomorrow on Wed. I'll need your signatures on these agreements. You are aware that you all are agreeing not to ever make, sale or transport moonshine again?" Jesse said, "Yes, Sir. Getting my boys home is the important thing to my family, Judge." Hardcastle nodded and said, "I understand Mr. Duke. Agent you can return the prisoners to the cells and book Mr. Duke into custody." Luke stood and turned to go back downstairs as directed he couldn't chance eye contact with anyone right now for fear of breaking down right here and it was his 'job' to be strong. He knew it would take awhile to do all the paper work on Jesse and he, Bo and Jeb had to get their acts together before hand. he could hear Daisy and knew Coy and Vance had their hands full. Daisy was going into fits she hated to see her Uncle go. Lori still couldn't walk without hurting, she still winced as she walked, but it broke her heart to know the next time she saw Luke in jail that Jesse would be with him. Coy and Vance both looked to Uncle Jesse as he sighed the papers. They each had knots in their throats and each reached to the girls beside them. Coy and Vance was comforting Daisy and BL as Cooter put his arm around Lori and Dixie. He had one on both sides of him. Cooter began herding the others outside. "Come on ya'll. Let's go to the garage awhile. Ya'll can get yourselves together before you go see them."

Uncle Jesse said Lori, Vance, Coy and Daisy who were all standing around him. "Well, kids that's four. They found them. They know I kept my word. Hopefully, that is a small price to pay to get the boys home with us. " Lori figured now was as good a time as any to tell them about Luke, "Uncle Jesse the reason I was so late getting here is Rosco let me stay awhile longer with Luke." Lori sighed, "We were talking, well arguing, I said something really stupid and ran up the steps. Then, Luke did something really stupid. He punched the cedar block wall of the cell. I heard Bo and Jeb get excited and went back down. Rosco called Doc. He'll be fine but Doc said he broke all four fingers and the wrist. He's gonna be hurting for awhile, though he won't admit that and all Doc can give him for pain is Tylenol. But, stubborn had said he was OK before I left." Daisy asked, "Lori what could you have said to make him THAT mad?" Lori looked at them all before answering but held her gaze on Vance for just a split second too long, "That's not important. We made up as much as we could through those bars." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie opened BL's door, and found her sound asleep. She didn't care. She sat down on the bed making it bounce, "BL wake up BL." BL sat up and groaned, "What?" Dixie began, "B Jesse's stills just blew. Everyday I want the guys home more and more but I'm afraid I've stated something with Jeb that has given him the idea that when he comes home that I'm willing to do IT. BL I like him and I'd go so far and I KNOW he was frustrated the other day and each day I visit. I've even felt bad and put on loose clothes before I go see him. BL I don't want a reputation as a tease and I don't want a reputation or a whore AND I da-- well don't want to get pregnant. How can I be his girlfriend and NOT go all the way with him now?" BL looked at her and asked, "How do you know he was frustrated and what did you do to make hism THINK you'd go all the way with him?" Dixie blushed past red to purple, "Lori and I were at the jail. She was mad cause I was there saying that I was there to see Luke NOT Jeb so I sorta had to SHOW here I was his girlfriend. BL I was touching him places and he LIKED IT." BL replied, .................

Jesse went to the jail to tell the boys to expect four explosions and with them he hoped they could plan to be that much closer to coming home. Jesse walked in and saw the line, "Do I even want to know?" Luke waved him off, "Lori? I heard her name on the radio last night. Then, I heard her go by. What is going on?" Jesse said, "Other than a speeding ticket and a sore bottom for lying to me she's fine." Luke asked with a wide grin, "Sore bottom?" "What would you have gotten for lying to me son?" Jesse asked, then added, "repeatidly?" Luke nodded and replied, "Shhhhheeeewwwww! How long did she stick to the lie?" Jesse said, "Well, I got six good licks fore she quit telling me she was visiting Mindy Bell." Luke had to laugh a little. But then he remembered the last time he had six licks from Jesse Duke after a father called wanting to know were his daughter was a 3 am! He couldn't set dwon for a week! "Mindy Bell again!" Luke shook his head. "Where did she get that name?" Jesse got serious, "What I came to tell you is I met with Agent Roach. I gave him the location of THE FOUR still sites." Jeb said, "But, there's ...." Jesse said, "FOUR. I expect as they find them we'll here an explosion. Hopefully, with each you all can count on being home that much sooner. The deal should be signed next Monday when ya'll trial is set for. Then, they will sentence, ....... us. And, we'll be that much closer to getting you all home where you belong." Luke asked, "Are you sure you wan to do THAT?" Jesse replied, "It's done." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile Lori was ..............

Uncle Jesse greeted her at Midnight, "Loren Duke! Do you mind telling me just where you have been?" Lori looked around and saw that even BL was staying with Daisy tonight, just her luck! She said, "Ah, ....." Uncle Jesse cautioned, "And, don't you dare lie to me or I'll take you to the woodshed now instead of hearing where you were FIRST!" Lori winced, sighed and said, "Chickasaw." Jesse face was getting red. Lori saw where Luke got his temper. Jesse may not loose his temper often but it wasn't pretty when he did and now was one of those times when he was about to. "WHY, pray tale was ya in Chickasaw in the middle of the night?" Lori gulped big and studdered,"I uh....uh....I...visiting Mindy Bell?" Jesse Duke's red face went to purple, "Mindy BELL my hind LEG!!! Woodshed!" Lori had grown up in this mans house and knew she had pushed it too far! She hadn't been to Jesse woodshed since she was nine and her and Luke had gotten caught playing show and tell. Lori went to the woodshed with Jesse right behind her. She already knew the 'drill' she grabbed her ankles and waited. Jesse took the leather strap that hung on a hook for this purpose and gave her one nice smack right across her bottom, mainly to prove to her that he WOULD still whip her just like the others, but because she lied to him. "Now why were you in Chickasaw tonight." "Visiting Mindy Bell." Lori said with her behind a bit warm from the leather acrost her jeaned bottom. Jesse let her have another two swats a bit harder. "Loren DUKE why were you in Chickasaw?" Lori caught her breath and said very slowly, "Visiting Mindy Bell." Jesse Duke said, "Loren, we can do this all night. You have lived here too long to lie to me!" He gave her three swats across her now sore behind. Lori knew better than to flinch though her bottom was on FIRE. Jesse asked her, "WERE YOU RUNNING MOONSHINE?" Lori screamed through her tears,"OK OK OK I WAS RUNNING!!" Jesse was a bit relieved that she answered him truthfully. He hated whipping 'his' kids. "Do I have to TELL you how much danger you are putting THIS entire family in by running SHINE NOW??" Lori was shaking, she hadnt had a whipping like that since she was a nine,"No, Sir I already know Sir... I'm sorry Sir." Jesse said, "Get up and set down. YOUR husband, two of his cousin and myelf are ENOUGH DUKES going to PRISON!!! Cooter thinks he has a consussion! Daisy and BL almost killed themselves gettingher to tell me. Vance, Coy and I thought the place was on FIRE the way they came in here!" Lori was shaking her head and gritting her teeth,"Uncle Jesse I dont think you'd understand it if I told you!" Jesse looked at her, "You better start talking and HOPE I understand or grab them ankles again!" Lori bursted,"ITS BOSS HOGG UNCLE JESSE!!!" Jesse walked to her and put his arms around her, "Lori you have always been family and we is family! Don't carry burdens alone when you got family. I'll handle JD in the morning. Now off to bed with you." Lori let out a shaky breath,"With all do respect sir I dont believe Ill be able to lay down.." Jesse hugged her shoulders, "I'm sorry I had to do that, but I will not be lied to and YOU KNOW THAT." Lori did know that she started walking toward the house very stif legged. She was gonna be really sore in the morning! She saw BL and the look on her face said.....................

Lori could tell by the sound of Cooter's fist hitting the wrecker that he had dented the truck. She had known he was mad but not THAT mad! Cooter knew she could out run him and he wasn't going to chase her. He looked down at the hood of HIS truck and saw the large dent in the hood! He began to curse Lori more! He saw her still running back towards town. Cooter got back in the truck, sighed, and went after her. He pulled up to Lori and said calmly, "Get in." Lori slowed down and looked to him,"And get my head ripped off or dented in NO!" Cooter said a bit louder, "Get in DA-- IT!" Lori looked to him and said,"Ease up tiger and I will!!" Cooter looked at her like she'd lost her mind, "Ease up? You want me to ease up? Your pregnant and out here tring to run to town after you lost one child. You've been running moonshine for Boss HOGG OF all people and YOU want me to ease up?" Lori looked to him and nodded,"Yea...and sides activities like this WON'T kill a baby, I learned that!" Cooter sighed and said, "Would you please just get in the danged truck?" Lori got in and shut the door with a bit of a louder slam than was necessary.' Cooter said, "I'm going with you tonight." Lori looked to Cooter and shook her head,"No you ain't" Cooter swore, "Da-- it Lori! Where are you delivering to then?" He knew she wouldn't tell him to who but maybe at least the town. Lori looked at Cooter and sighed,"Coot...it depends." He stopped the truck with a slide of the tires, "Lori! Give me a straight answer." Lori looked to him,"I AM!!!" Cooter sighed and pulled back out and headed to town. At the garage he got out and slammed the truck door. Lori got out of her door and slammed it louder! BL looked at them and said, "Cooter how'd you get a dent like that in the hood of the truck? Where is the car you towed?" Cooter looked to B.L.,"Wasn't no car and I got it cause I PUT IT THERE!" BL nodded seeing Cooter's expression and promply turned around and went back in the garage far away from him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori pulled out heading to the farm to see what had happened with Jesse's meeting with Agent Roach. She'd come see Luke later after she knew more about Jesse. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter didn't follow BL into the garage, intead he went to the jail and stood nicely behind Rosco's yellow line. He looked at Luke and shook his head, "You know you two deserve each other!" Luke asked, "I take it you mean Lori?" Cooter nodded 'yes' and said, "She's as stubborn as three mules." Luke said, "So she told you?" Cooter nodded. He was debating on telling Luke what he knew cause he knew how hard it would be for Luke to know what was up and NOT be able to take care of the situation. "Said she's got no choice." Cooter lower his voice and said, "Seems Boss is yanking her chain." Bo and Jeb had been listening too. Cooter saw three sets of eyes the color of the General Lee looking his way! It was down right scary! Luke looked past Cooter and said loudly, "ROSCO you call BOSS HOGG. Send SOMEONE to get HIM cause I WANT TO SEE HIM RIGHT NOW!" Rosco laughed. "Well, now Luke you ain't in NO place to be demanding nothing from ME or BOSS HOGG!" Luke swore, "Da-- IT ROSCO!!! YOU WANT TO KEEP ME HERE YOU BETTER CALL THE OVERSTUFFED MARSHMELLOW!!!" Rosco laughed again, "Or, you'll do just WHAT?" Luke replied, "I COME OUT THERE AND SHOW YOU, SHERIFF!!!" Cooter, Bo and Jeb were trying to shut Luke up he was about to get in way over his head! One of the Federal Agents was coming down the stairs and heard Luke's comment, "Sheriff is everything all right? I just heard that inmate threaten you and it sounded mighty like a threat of Escape." Rosco grinned widely and replied, "Everything is fine but he was making all sorts of demands and threats!" The Agent looked at Luke, "Well, I'm coming of duty right now and if you so much as sneeze wrong I'll make ONE phone call and have YOU three transported to ATLANTA until your trail! They should have taken you all there to begin with instead of paying for US to stay in this God forsaken place!" Luke knew he'd pushed too far! He looked at Rosco and said more calm than he was, "You are leaving. When you go report to Boss you tell him what I said." Cooter said as Rosco left, "Jeez! Luke get a grip I've already dented the wrecker, both doors need adjusted, and it needs new brakes from mine and Lor's talk! We don't NEED them taking you all to Atlanta!" "Sh--!! I know IT! But, what am I supposed to do huh?" Luke said helplessly. "Where is she going?" Cooter replied, "She wouldn't give me an answer." Luke swore, "Da-- IT!" Now he had no way to know when she'd leave or where she was ging so he couldn't judge when she should be back. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was a quiet peaceful night as Lori slipped out her window and headed off to load up the already made shine. Everyone was alseep except for Daisy who was at work. Lori drifted Midnight down the drive and drove to Boss's still sight. She loaded the shine and headed out to Chickasaw County. As she crossed the County line driving at a normal speed she couldn't help but panic when she saw none other that Sheriff Big Ed Little pull in behind her! Lori's chest got tight and her pulse and heart raced. She wanted to look in the mirror to see what he was doing but was afraid it would make her look guilty. She tried to keep Midnight going the speed limit. If she dropped too much he'd pull her and if she wetn over he'd pull her. Her grip on the steering wheel got so tight her knuckles were white and her hands were sweating badly. She thought of pulling off in the next drive way but thought better of it. At least if she was moving she had a chance. She said to herself, "Ohhhh sh**!!! just be calm Lori... Luke's gonna kill ya, Cooter already tried...just be calm.. take it easy and he'll pull off." She came into town and kept going, Little finally pulled off at the Courthouse. "Shhhhhhhhheeeewwww!!! That was too da-- close!" She made it to the delivery spot. Unloaded and got the money and headed back for Hazzard. She was driving pretty quickly to get back home before Jesse got up. As she left Chickasaw city limits she saw blue lights! "Ah! Sh--!!" she didn't have a reason to draw attention to the car and she wasn't loaded with shine so she ulled over. She knew all she had done was speeding. Little approached the car, "I need you license and Registration, please Ma'am." Lori handed them to him. Little walked back to the patrol car and picked up his radio mic...." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the jail Luke was pacing like a caged tiger. Boss Hogg hadn't come by. Rosco likely hadn't bothered to tell him. Rosco had been right, Luke was in NO position to demand ANYTHING!" The Federal Agent was bored and had put the police radio on scan. Bo and Jeb had tried to talk to Luke. Tried to get him to calm down it hadn't worked. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter was at the garage and had his own scanner scaning. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke and Cooter both heard the same radio traffic but neither paid it a lot of attention, AT FIRST: Sheriff Little radioed, "This is Chickasaw 1, I need a 10-27 and 28 on the following. Hazzard CNH-190, and GA license G25639." The responce was, "That license comes back to Loren Crystal Duke, valid, zero points. The tag should be displayed on a Black 1969 Dodge Charger registered to the same individual of RR1 Box 15 Hazzard County." Bo and Jeb set straight up at Lori's name on the radio and looked at Luke who had become DEATHLY PALE. All Luke managed to say was, "They got her." Cooter had stood straight up forgetting he was under the hood of a car. He almost knocked his danged fool self out! Little returned with Lori's speding ticket and said, "Just pay this in ten days. Have a nice night and slow down!"

Lori bounced into the garage, "Hey, Cooter!" When Cooter looked up, she wished she hadn't have stopped by in the first place. He put down the wrench he was holding and said to BL, "BL watched the place. Lori we have a wrecker call we got to make." "Wrecker call?" BL asked. Lori asked, "It'll take us both?" Cooter answered them both, "Yes." Then, to Lori, "Come on." He wanted her alone and away from any ears that may hear them. He figured to get her in the wrecker and find a nice wide field where they could talk. Lori knew something was up as did BL. Cooter had only been home a couple hours who could had told him what by now? Lori wondered as she got into the wrecker. BL was giving them both strange looks as they pulled out also wondering just what kind of information Cooter had received in such a short time and from who. Then, the who, came to her. He'd talked to Luke. Someone in the County actually knew more on Lori, than BL did, and he'd also blabbed to Cooter. BL had to laugh, even though she had no idea what Cooter knew. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie parked at the garage. She threw her hand up to BL and headed across the square. She stopped at the locked gate and said, "Morning Rosco. Can I see Jeb?" Rosco opened the gate and said, "Sure you can. But, you will have to stay on this side of that there line." Dixie looked at him a bit confussed, "Ok." She said and took a chair in front of Jeb's cell on Rosco's side of the line. She looked at Jeb who was now standing at the bars. He reached for her hand which she took. It was just possible to hold hands but that would be hard to do for a long period of time. She saw the looks on Bo and Lukes faces at Jeb's situation and finally asked, "What gives?" Before Jeb could open his mouth the reply, it was his older cousin who answered first ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Uncle Jesse decided to let everyone at the farm sleep in this morning as he placed his coffee cup in the sink and headed out the kitchen door for what could be the last time in quite awhile. He was on his way to see Agent Roach. Jesse wasn't sure what to expect but he didn't want the 'kids' to come or make a scene at the farm. Jesse was suprised to find Agent Roach alone for this meeting. Jesse said, "Well, Agent Roach I've considered your offer. I've talked to my family and other than the three it woud help the most we are all in agreement to take this to the next step. Now, just what kind of information do you need from me?" Roach began his list of questions that they compiled to ask Jesse, "How many stills do you have?" Jesse figured on that question, "Four. (He actually had eight.) Roach asked, "How much shine do you have ready for delivery?" Again a question Jesse expected, "I've got about a hundred gallons aging. And a batch that should have been run last week. (Again, Jesse actually had about 600 gallons aging.)" Roach asked, "But you didn't." Jesse said, "No. Ain't none of us been anywhere near them stills since my boys got caught." Roach asked, "Can you give me the locations of of those stills?" Jesse asked, "Do you have a map?" Roach gave him a map and Jesse began marking four still sites. He had considered this for a long time at night when he should have been sleeping. The four he marked would be the ones close the farm, away from others still sites, have the shine at that he told them about, and the oldest of the stills. Basically, Jesse was telling them about what he could afford to loose. NARRATOR: Now, we know Jesse is a man of his word. He had no plans to go back on his word, but he just couldn't get used to the idea of trusting the government that had passed the law making what his family had done for hundreds of years illegal. After several more questions the meeting was over. Roach shook Jesse's hand and said, "I'll turn this information over to be checked out. If it checkes out will let the Judge know we have worked out a deal. I got word before you came in that your boys trial is set for next Monday. So, if everything goes good from here, there won't be a need for a trail this agreement will be entered." Jesse nodded then said, "Ok, and I appreciate again you trying to help my boys." Roach seemed pleased with the information Jesse had given him, "This looks good. I think it will be a big help to them." The ATF had not expected to be able to get FOUR stills and a HUNDRED gallons of shine. Lately what they had been finding when they did find a site as a few bags of sugar, the empty stills and not enough shine to make them burn good. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse pulled back into the farm. Everyone met him. They hadn't been sure that he wouldn't have been arrested today. Jesse hearded them back into the house before he said anything. Finally, he said, "There's gonna be four explosions around here this week. So be expecting them." Jesse knew when the Agents found the stills that he maked they'd likely take pictures then blow them up.

Luke had to laugh at both his wife's antics and the Sheriff's response. His laughter woke Jeb. It didn't take him long to see the new yellow line and the chairs on the other side. He glared at Luke, "DA-- you Luke! First Bo! now YOU!!! I was a least hoping to sniff a woman again!" Luke shrugged and replied, "Sorry. Had an 'opening', took the 'chance', paying the price!"Lori had given him an opening. He took the chance at a feel. They had gotten 'busted'. Now they would all pay the price. Jeb said, "That's fine for YOU, but I never got the chance!!" He remembered Dixie's touch and groaned in painful agony. Being men, and men gossip more than women. Luke asked, "Was she THAT rememberable?" Of course he was referring to the short teasing contest Lori and Dixie had a few days ago. Jeb replied honestly, "Well, partly because I ain't had a girl in awhile. Partly cause I was locked up with no hope of getting one for the next couple of years. But, YEAH, she was!" He said even suprising himself at the comment. Jeb continued, "I'll have to thank you cousin for sending me her way, if we ever get outta here I plan to make a house call!" Luke warned, "Jeb, I swore never to tell this but if you care about her, I'll tell ya." Jeb replied, "Ok, Mum's the word." Luke continued, "You do remember the fight I had with Tommy Rogers?" Jeb replied, "Yeah, that you still are facing charges on? I Remember." Luke swore, "Sh--!!! Thanks for reminding me of THAT, but yeah, Luther had let her go out with him. I found her walking in the rain that night after he told her 'put out or get out' she got out. That's what her and Lori were arguing about the other day here. I took her home, made sure she took a hot shower and stayed until Cooter or Luther were expected. I was afraid that he'd come to the house and try IT again. I left but set down the drive until I say Cooter turn into the driveway. If you have feelings that you plan to act on - take it slow, OK?" Jeb nodded in understanding, "Yeah, I will. You got it! Thanks for telling me that. I get out of here I'll settle up with Tommy my own self. We were wondering why you let him have it especially the night of your bachalor party." Luke replied, "That was the first time I saw him, just happened that way. And, I've already settled THAT matter with Mr. Rogers, so you just stay out of trouble and take care of her. She's a good girl, Jeb. Treat her right, huh?" Jeb replied, "You act like you care?" Luke said matter of factly, "I do. Like I care for Daisy and BL. Lori TRIES to make more of it, but that's just new wife syndrome I think. Dixie used to ride the wrecker with me a lot and go on part runs. She's like my little sister for God's sake!" Jeb replied, "Yeah, OK, I hear ya! You don't have to give me attitude." Luke looked down, laughed, and said, "Sorry, I guess I been defending that position too long with Lori!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie woke up early and really wanted to see Jeb. She showered and dressed normally so as not to encourage but not a bum either and headed off to the jail.

Luke looked at Bo withering around on the floor in a bout of laughing tears. He went to change his jeans while Bo was still laughing. "What?" Luke asked him. Bo was having trouble breathing he was laughing so hard. He managed to say, "Well, maybe you'll be a site easier to live with NOW!" Luke glared at him, "Funny, Bo! Real FUNNY!" Bo was dying here. "I thought it was!" Jeb who had been dosing through most of this, asked, "What did I miss?" Luke glared at Bo daring him to answer. It didn't work, Bo replied, "Ask Luke why he had to change jeans AFTER Lori left!" Jeb ........... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile the officer was filing an incident report to turn into her superior and would be telling Rosco about the situation! She thought this was the worst place she had ever worked to try to supervise a visit. It was wide open for nearly ANYTHING! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next morning Rosco brought with him a can of yellow paint that the curbs in Hazzard marked no parking zones. he had a paint brush, ruler and masking tape. He began marking a line 3 ft from the cells and 3 inches wide where he painted a nice bright yellow line. Aferwards he moved the two chairs for visiting on the other side of the line. He was pleased as punch.