DixieDavenport

Cooter, Mark, Andy nor Ernie knew why Luke and Vance were at each other's throats. They had gotten the idea it was about Lori because they had both dated her. Vance did indeed intend to make Luke live hard for the way Lori had been hurt. He would have given almost anythgn to have had teh chance to be with Lori. Here was Luke who had been with her and could have been with her the rest of his life and he threw it away to get back with what Vance would descript as a snob. He thought Robin was a goodie goodie, honor society, spelling bee champion type girl. Luke wondered if she even knew if the baby had been a boy or a girl. He tried to imagine a family life with Lori and couldn't even get close to seeing it. Seeing Lori as a mother was almost as far fetched as seeing himself a father. Jesse had always told him things happen for a reason. Maybe that is why she had lost the baby. Then, he began to think maybe it was something wrong with him, maybe he'd never ba able to father a child. Though he was in no hurry to do so just the thought bothered him badly. Mark asked him, "Hey you need to talk?" Luke nodded 'yes', but said, "Yeah, but no now." He motioned to Ernie and Vance. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Robin knew she wasn't Luke's first by a long shot but she found it bothered her to know that he had gotten Lori pregnant. But, it bothered her more because Lori hadn't told him about it. She knew Luke. He would have done the 'right thing' and all which would have meant them breaking up had Lori told him and had she not lost the baby. She saw how hurt Luke was about loosing a child even though he didn't know it existed. She had a lot of time to think this weekend with Luke in jail. All her friends were out for a night of fun and she was setting home wearing Luke's football jersey alone. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori heard footsteps and got really quiet.............

Luke, Mark, Cooter, Jeb was in the one cell. Andy, Vance, and Ernie was across from them. Luke was doing some hard thinking and he knew Vance was watching him. It was beginning to annoy him. "What?" "Geesh s'cuse me fer lettin my eyes wonder your direction." Vance replied. Luke replied, "Your eyes haven't wandered in two hours." Cooter was tring to keep the peace. "Luke come on you two this ain't getting no where. We are all stuck her together for a couple weekends."

Jesse put the others to their chores when they arrived home from school except for Luke. "Go get you things ready so we can leave after we have our talk with Robin and her parents." Luke said, "Yes, Sir." It was just a few minutes later when Luke heard Robin's dad's truck pull in. He headed out to the porch where Jesse had a pitcher of tea and glasses. Luke was glad to see Robin and wished they could have made it to the barn for awhile before he had to leave for his weekend in jail. Jesse looked to her father after the initial greetings and small talk was over. "I know your kids mean everything to you as mine do to me. That's why I wanted us to have a nice little talk. I just found out something yesterday that I think the three of you need to know." Luke rubbed the back of his neck and closed his eyes. He now knew where this talk was going. Jesse said, "Luke, you can tell them." Luke thought to himself, 'I can? I don't want to!' But he knew that Jesse hadn't given him a choice. Luke cleared the lump in his throat and began, "Well, before I do, I'd like to make it clear that I had no knowledge of this until yesterday myself. I was told yesterday that the reason for Lori's self destruction actions lately was bacause she had found out she was pregnant." He paused seeing the hurt in Robin's eyes and the concern for his daughter in her father's eyes. "Yeah, it was mine. But, she miscarried. She never said a word to me. She never gave me the chance to make things right...." Luke almost whispered his next statement, "She never even let me grieve for my child." Robin turned to him she had never seen him cry, but he was now. In front of her, her parents and Jesse. She turned to Luke and wrapped her arms around him tightly. Jesse felt badly for what he was putting Luke through. He wanted Luke to take his actions seriously. Jesse explained to Robin's parents, "I know Luke has been spending a lot of time at your house. I don't want him to and Robin to jump the gun. Evidently, Lori wouldn't tell Luke about the child because of Robin. I just hope that should they make a mistake that you two will see that he knows about it so he can live up to his responsibilities." Her father spoke, "I have had several talks with Luke, Jesse. He knows where I stand and what I expect." Jesse nodded. "Good. I'm safitified then." He stood up and walked over to Luke and said, "Son, I'm sorry I put you through that." he and Luke ended up in a hug. Robin looked at the time, "Uncle Jesse it's after 5." Jesse looked at Luke, "Ya'll go get the others. We don't need you all being late."

At the end of the first period class the teacher looked up before the bell rang and called Luke, BL, Cooter, Vance to stay after the bell. It was Friday and the Judge had indeed called the school. Mrs. Whitten said, "I'm not sure why but I have been told to have you all some extra work to do over the weekend. Luke nodded, "Yes, Ma'am, we know. Thank you." He said taking the ran off sheets of work. By the feel of it there must have been fifteen pages there. Robin was waiting in the hall, "What's all that?" Luke replied, "Homework for this weekend." "Oh. Well, I guess you won't be bored, huh?" Robin hoped he took her poor attempt at humor as just that and not seriously. Luke sighed, "Want to bet?" Robin replied, "Ah, no!" In the hallway, Enos came up to Luke and asked, "Luke can I ask ya something?" Luke said, "Sure Enos." Enos was motioning Luke away from Robin. Luke thought he may want advice on a girl or something. He told Robin to hang on and walked across the hall with Enos who finally asked, "Luke is it really true ya'll have to go to jail on the weekends?" Luke was a bit surprised but sighed and said, "Yeah Enos it is true. Judge Hardcastle didn't want us missing school." Enos smiled, "Well, that was nice of him." He laughed his silly laugh and walked off. Luke shook his head and walked back to Robin who asked, "What was that all about?" Luke replied, "Well, it's official. The news is all over school. Enos just asked me if it was true." Robin said, "Yeah, if its made it to Enos it's all over school." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori read the note which was from Billy Ray. He wanted her to meet him in the same place tonight. She smiled.

The next morning Luke and the others got ready for school as usual. Luke reached for the car keys as everyone was heading out the door. Jesse sternly said, "Luke." Luke turned around and said, "Yes?" Jesse was holding out his hand for the keys. "Ya'll will be riding the bus for about five weeks. Get used to it." Luke sighed and handed over his keys. Outside Bo and Coy were arguing over the shotgun position. Luke said as he walked by the car, "Ya'll better quiet arguing and start walking to the bus stop." When the bus stopped at the Davenport's Luke saw they weren't the only ones riding the bus this morning as Cooter came back to seat with him. BL and Dixie were also riding the bus. He asked, "Loose your keys too?" Cooter replied, "Yeah, even the wrecker keys." Luke said, "Sh--! he was peeved!" Cooter replied, "Yeah he was or is may be a better term." Luke said, "Yeah I know that feeling!" At school Luke was walking rather stiffly when he got off the bus. His behind hadn't been this sore in a long, long time. He walked over to Robin who was standing with several girlfriends. They were talking about the up coming weekend and their plans. Luke knew it wouldn't take long for his and Robin's weekend plans to be brought up. He sighed expecting all the comments that he and the others would get once word got out about their sentences. It was right then that one of the girls asked, "Robin what are you and Luke doing this weekend?" Luke thought to himself. 'Yeap here we go!' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Just the touch of Billy Ray and Lori thought the temperature in the room went up twenty degrees. Billy Ray felt it too. Suddenly they forgot where they were and................

Uncle Jesse didn't even give him time to finish when he stood up. Luke stopped in the middle of his word and swallowed hard. Jesse got louder than he had been before. "Lucas you are going in there and call that girl, (Meaning Robin) and you tell her that I'd like to see her and her parents here for supper tomorrow." Luke couldn't imagine why but he didn't dare question it. "Yes, Sir." Jesse added, "Then, I want you in bed! We'll finish this talk tomorrow." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke went in and called Robin. "Robin, Uncle Jesse would like for you and your parents to come over tomorrow evening. Can you talk to them and arrange it? I think it's pretty important." Robin wasn't sure why Jesse wanted them over at his house but it was an excuse to get to go see Luke. She replied, "Yeah, shouldn't be that hard to get them there." Luke said, "Ok, thanks. Good night and I'll see ya tomorrow." Robin replied, "Ok, night. I love you." Luke knew Jesse was watching him like a hawk, "I've got to go now. Love ya too." Jesse now glared at him. Luke dropped his head and went to his room. Bo was waiting. "You ok?" Luke shook his head no and said, "Not really." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In North Carolina, Billy Ray was trying to figure out how to get into the barracks where the new female recruits were housed. He didn't know this had been tried before!

Luke stormed off the porch and headed toward his car. He stopped dead about a foot away. He couldn't get in the car and go for a drive unless he wanted to drive out to the back forty! "Da-- IT!" Luke turned and walked to the back forty instead. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What Luke and Vance didn't know was Jesse had been at the side of the house feeding the chickens. He heard every word! Jesse had watched Luke bolt for the car. For a second or two he thought Luke was going to get in it and leave, then he saw him turn and walk off. He would be waiting on Luke. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke felt like someone had kicked him square in the stomach. He set under the old oak tree for hours. When dark started setting he got up and began to slowly walk back towards the house. At the barn Luke saw Jesse setting on the porch. He knew Vance hadn't told Jesse or he would have heard IT before now. When Luke stepped on the porch he saw that Jesse was reading his Bible and he decided not to disturb him so he started into the house. Jesse said, "Luke set down. We're going to have us a talk, son." Luke could tell by the way Jesse said it, he was in trouble! He sighed and seat down on the top step facing Jesse. Jesse began.

Luke had watched Robin leave and knew he had been very lucky that she wasn't more mad at him. He had really wished she had not had David follow her. If she didn't come over at least some it was going to be a long five weeks. He had looked forward to being with her last night and thanks to Lori that had went right out the window. Now, here he was stuck at home for a whole five weeks. Luke bagan thinking that Judge Hardcastle and Jesse Duke had a lot in common. They could both be very evil when they wanted to be, but he figured fives weeks would go by a lot quicker than fifteen months. He then started wondering about what Lori was doing right now. He sure hoped her drill Sgt. could handle her. He began laughing at the thought. He walked up on the porch to see Vance looking at him. Vance asked, "Happy now?" Luke looked at him and said, "What?" Vance replied, "Well, Lori's gone. You got Robin. Figured you should be happy." Luke..........

Luke took Robin in his arms and said, "I was telling her goodbye. That's all I swear." Robin looked up with tears in her eyes, "I know now. I talked to Mark. I just don't take it real well to get a phone call telling me my boyfriend is out of court and kissing another girl. You didn't even call me to tell me about court." Luke nodded, "As soon as I walked in the door I did call you. Mark was just getting in himself so you know I wasn't at Cooter's long. Jesse only risked it for a minute so he could tell Lori goodbye. I was riding with him cause as you know my car was at your house." He felt that it was safe enough to kiss her without getting slapped, he leaned down to kiss her, then said, "By the way thanks for bringing the car home."

Luke did a double take seeing Dixie get out of Midnight. For the first time Luke noticed now much Dixie was growing up. He was over to her in an instant. "Does Lori know you have Midnight?" Dixie smiled weakly. Any other time she would be beaming. She held up Lori's key ring, "Yeah, she had me take her to the bus stop so I could bring Midnight home." Luke sighed, "So she's gone?" Dixie replied, "Yeah, she's gone." Luke sighed. Then, he thought about earlier, "Did BL call Robin?" Dixie looked at him and replied, "I don't know. I take Robin knows you kissed Lori." Luke huffed, "Well, she knows something. She's not talking to me right now." Dixie asked, "Luke where is your car?" "At Robin's. I was going to go over there last night but I sorta got drug out of he Boar's Nest by Jesse. That probably didn't go over real well with her either." Luke said with a sigh.

Luke replied, "Robin. If she doesn't kill me or worse." Jesse nodded his understanding. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the farm Luke figured he'd just as soon get it over with. If Robin hadn't heard that he kissed Lori she would soon so he figured he shoudl be the one to tell her and since he couldn't go over there he'd have to call her. He walked in the house to change clothes before starting his chores. But stopped long enough to pick up the phone and make a call. Mark had just gotten in from Court and picked up the phone, "Hello." Luke said, "Hey, how long you been home?" Mark was confused, "Just walked in why?" Luke sighed, "Never mind. Is Robin there?" Mark said, "Yeah, she's here, hang on." He turned to his sister and said, "Phone." Robin looked him in the eye and said, "Tell Luke I don't want to talk to him." Mark looked at her strangely and said into the phone, "Ah, Luke, she said." Luke replied sternly, "I heard what she said." He laughed and said, "Da-- if good news doesn't travel fast. I was calling to explain to her what I figure she is pissed about." Mark replied, "I don't have a clue. I just walked into this." Luke said, "Well, I'll tell you. Maybe you can get her to listen to you since I CAN'T come over. Jesse swung by the Davenports on the way home. I was with him. I talked to Lori for a couple minutes about her leaving. She said as I was leaving that if I wasn't dating Robin she'd give me a kiss for old times sake. I kissed her goodbye. I just got here myself so I figure BL has had to have called Robin. I was also calling to tell her about Court but I don't guess that matters." Mark whistled. If BL told Robin half of what Luke just said, it was no wonder she was pissed. "I'll do what I can." Luke said, "Thanks."

Luke brushed her hair back from her face. He brushed her tears away and leaned down kissing her very passionately. BL couldn't hear what was being said, but she had seen the WHOLE kiss thing! That was too good not to tell! She'd have to wait to the right moment though. Jesse called from the house, "Luke we best be getting you home before Rosco gets the idea to see where you are."

They all looked a little shocked that she had been planning this for so long but hadn't said anything to any of them. Luke walked over to her and said, "Ah, can we talk before you leave?" Lori replied,"The only reason someone would want to talk to me now is to kill me!!!! whats it bout?" Luke said, "I just like to talk to you before you leave. I can't believe you are really going to walk out on us all after the large majority of all this was your fault." Lori replied, "I'll come over before I leave." Luke replied, "You KNOW I'll be there!"

Judge Hardcastle glared at BL. "Miss Davenport you will conduct yourself as a lady in my courtroom! Or I will charge you with Contempt!" BL wisely set down and hushed. Judge Hardcastle had took a break and then said, "OK, now I need Lucas Duke and Mark McCormick." Luke and Mark looked at each other as they approached the judge. They had heard the others sentence and knew there's could be a lot worse. Judge Hardcastle began after taking a drink of water and began, "Let me see. You two were originally charged with Racing and Reckless Driving. Then, you also went BACK the next night and were charged with Contributing to the Deliquency of a Minor. For first offense racing I can only fine you up to a hundred dollars. Reckless Driving carries a mandatory sentence of five to ninety days and as I told your friends Contributing could be up to twelve months. That could be a total of fifteen months. How do you want to plead?" Luke and Mark both said, "Guilty as charged." Hardcastle began, "As I said to the others, I understand that you both are still in school and I know you both help at home. But as I said before, I can NOT and WILL NOT let you have such disregard for the laws of this County without being punished for your actions. I am sentencing you both to home arrest as I described to the Sheriff earlier. You are not to leave the property where your home is from today until your release on the last weekend. I am sentencing you to five weekends in jail from 6pm Fridays to 6pm Sunday. And again, I will let you bring your homework which I am certain you will be having. I am also fining each of you Fifty Dollars for the first offense racing charge." Luke said, "Thank you Sir." He knew he could have been in jail for up to 15 months so though he wasn't happy with having to stay home for the next five weeks and report to jail on his weekends he knew he'd gotten a heck of a break. He figured he may as well clear his social calendar for the next five weeks or so. Lori was setting where Rosco had told her to when he had handcuffed her and brought her upstairs for court. She had heard Luke and Marks' sentence and figured she was next.

The next morning the Dukes and Mark all met the Davenports at the garage before heading over to the courhouse. As the rather large group walked over to the courthouse Andy joined them. He looked at BL and saw she was a bit nervous, but BL just looked away from him. Judge Hardcastle looked at the group of young people before him. he had read all of the complaints against them several times over. What had really bothered him was the report he'd read about the fight last night. As he looked at them he could tell the report was likely pretty accurate. He began by saying, "OK to make this as simple as I can since most of you are being charged with the same offenses. Let me see I need Cooter Davenport, Brandy Lou Davenport, Vance Duke, Jeb Duke, Andy Jefferson and Ernie Ledbetter up front." Judge Hardcastle looked he had six folders and five people had moved up front. "Who am I missing?" Everyone looked around. Ernie wasn't there. Luke and Mark were looking at each other. They were not certain whether being first would be a good thing or not btu they knew being late like Ernie was surely wasn't good at all. Hardcastle layed Ernie's file to the side and began, "I understand from the way I read these files that some racing had been going on up at the lake Thanksgiving night. I also understand there were some arrests made that night. But, you five were in the lucky group who was warned and released. Am I correct thus far?" The group answered, "Yes, Sir." Hardcastle then continued, "So, after being that lucky it seems on the VERY NEXT NIGHT you were arrested for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor because you were back up at the SAME place again with drinking and racing and what ever going on and there were minors up there also drinking. Is that right?" The group hung their heads and lowered their eyes a bit before replying, "Yes, Sir." Hardcastle asked, "So how do you all want to plead?" They had talked to Jesse and Luther and all had figured it was in their best interest to admit guilt and hope for the best. They all replied, "Guilty." Hardcastle said, "Well, I want you each to understand that you could have been charged with alot more than you were and I want you to know that I COULD sentence each of YOU to 12 months in jail." He paused hoping to let that sink in to their minds before he continued, "I understand that you are all still in school and I know you all help either at home or at the garage. But, I can NOT and WILL NOT let you all have such disregard for the laws of this County without being punished for your actions." Hardcastle again paused, "I am sentencing each of you to jail for two complete weekends. You will report to the jail no later than 6pm Friday and will be released at 6pm on Sunday. That's 96 hours to be exact. I will allow you to bring in your school work and I intend to call your teachers and make sure that you have enough homework to keep you busy. I don't like doing this but I think if I don't get your alls attention now then we'll be seeing a lot more of each other in the future. I will have your all's paperwork waiting on you Friday evening. Sheriff you are to inform me if anyone doesn't show up. I will issue a Capias and have them picked back up and I won't be so nice when I see them back here. Oh, yes, You all are to remain completely sober until you final release on the last weekend and are to also be sentenced to house arrest from now until 6pm on the last Sunday. Sheriff I mean 'house' as the immediate area around their farms. Should you catch them off their property other than during school hours and immediately before or immediately after then haul them in. I think I have been as easy as I can on you all so I EXPECT NOT to hear from the Sheriff you have broken the terms of the sentencing."

At the jail, Rosco wrote up his reports for the Judge on Lori's confession about the fight and her arrest. Of course Rosco put in everyones name that he knew was involved in the fight. He thought it would be a nice touch since most of them would be in his court room for court tomorrow morning. Lori was beginning to sober up and now she ................. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at the Boar's Nest Luke went back over to Robin and said, "Ah, sorry about that." She replied, "You all were really lucky I thought Rosco was going to run you all in." Luke took the beer Daisy had brought him, and replied, "Yeah, well he did worse." He said taking a large drink of the cold water down beer. Robin asked, "Worse?" Luke nodded, "He called Jesse and Luther!" She looked at him and said, "Should we head out?" Luke nodded 'no' and said with a loud sigh, "I figure I've got about enough time to finish this beer before Jesse gets here." Robin asked, "Are you still staying at the house?" Luke really had been looking forward to staying at her house tonight. He had managed to catch a glimspe of a very frilly bra under he low cut top. "I plan to, yes, but I'm not sure I'll live that long." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse pulled into the Boar's Nest. He saw all the kids cars and the wrecker but he didn't see Luke's car. He was sure Rosco said he had been right in the middle of the fight. Then, he spotted Robin's car. At least Luke had enough since if he planned to drink he had apparently planned for her to be driving home. He got out of the truck and walked in. Luke had indeed just finished that beer and had just taken a drink out of the next one when he saw Jesse walk in.....

Lori rolled her eyes and said, "Like you would care!" She stood up and looked to Cooter and B.L. rolling up her sleeves,"you wanna make something outta this, I WILL TEACH YA'LL ONCE AND FER ALL TO BACK OFF!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the table in the back Luke had seen Cooter and BL come in. He was about to motion them over to join him and Robin when he saw Lori, Ernie and his whole crew walk in. He looked at Robin and said, "Ah, sh--!" "Um, Luke you wouldn't want to leave anytime soon would ya?" Robin asked. Luke seen Lori and Cooter had already squared off. "I don't think that's an option right now. Cooter's a lot out numbered. I'm going over to get a beer I'll be back." Luke stood up easy and headed toward the bar hoping to get closer to Cooter in case Ernie and friends wanted to take Lori's part. Luke was met by Jeb, Vance, Mark and Andy who had just came in hoping to drink a couple beers themselves before having to go to court in the morning. Luke nodded to where Lori and Cooter were standing toe to toe, then to the bunch standing behind Lori. Robin said to Daisy when she saw Mark and the others walk in, "Oh this is not going to be good!" Daisy agreed, "No, it doesn't look that way." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter .........

As the line of vehicles got closer to the Ledbetter place, Luke remembered he had made plans for the evening which hadn't included Lori. She obviously didn't want to talk to him. Luke grabbed the CB mic and said. "Crazy C I think you things under control so I'm gonna ease on out. Holler if you need me." Cooter radioed back, "Hey, thanks for trying." Luke replied, "No problem." He and Cooter both knew if Lori was intending on being with Ernie tonight and Luke showed up at his place it would only end up in a fight. All he needed right now would be to get into a fight with Ernie on his property and have Rosco show up. Luke didn't like to see Lori with Ernie but he figured she didn't much like seeing him with Robin either. He headed for the farm and a shower. When Luke came out of his room after supper he was dressed to go out. Jesse looked at him. Then decided a few words of caution may be wise, "Luke, I don't know what you have planned tonight but you need to be in court on time in the morning and it would be wise not to be hung over." Luke shook his head 'yes', and replied, "I'll be on time. I may spend the night with Mark but if I do I'll he home in the morning to do the chores before we leave." Jesse replied, "Ok, let me know for sure if your staying with Mark so I won't be up all night wondering where you are." Luke said, "OK, I will." He knew he didn't have to ask permission to stay out over night but Jesse did like to be told. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke pulled in at Robin's. He noticed her giving him a strange look. He walked over to her and asked, "What?" Robin said, "Where did you take off too in such a hurry earlier?" Luke wondered how she knew but replied, "I went out to help Cooter and BL try to get Lori out from behind Midnight. Seems Luther said something to her which made her think he blamed her Mother's death on her." Robin nodded and explained, "I was on the phone with Daisy when I heard you pull out." Luke knew if she was on the phone with Daisy she had also heard the radio transmissions between him and Cooter. "The last I seen her she was following Ernie Ledbetter towards his house. Cooter and BL were still behind her. She wouldn't talk to me so there was no point in my being there so I headed home. At least she had slowed down. We aren't going to fight about this are we?" Robin smiled and said, "No." She wanted to talk to Luke but she didn't want to fight about Lori. Luke was relieved. He really didn't need to fight right now. He was worried and couldn't even lie to himself. As much as he disliked going to school, he didn't want to have to finish with a different class later than next year. They planned to let Robin be the driver as Luke planned to drink his share at the Boar's Nest before heading back to her house. Robin started towards the passenger side of her car and tossed Luke the keys. They were taking her car because it had an automatic transmission and Luke's was a four speed. She could drive a four speed but wasn't really comfortable in it. They were getting close to the Boar's Nest when Robin asked, "Do you really think it's such a good idea for you to go to the Boar's Nest tonight?" Luke laughed, "Probably not but it's the only show in town." "It's your life." Robin reminded him. Luke shook his head as he pulled into the Boar's Nest, "Thanks! I needed reminding of that!"

Luke nodded 'yes', but wasn't so sure he was OK. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke saw Lori pass him behind Ernie. He radioed Cooter, "Did you see that?? What is she up too???" Cooter, ...

double posted --oooppps!

Luke smiled. He was glad he took her distributor before he went to talk to her. From what Cooter said and what Luke saw he knew she didn't need to be driving anything. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter was settuing by Midnight when Lori jumped in and went to fire it up. It refused to start! Lori continued to crank the engine. Cooter saw Luke walking slowly towards Midnight holding the distributor. Cooter fell over laughing. Lori.................

Cooter watched Luke pull out. He wondered what Robin would think if she knew he was out chasing Lori down. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ He spotted Lori in the tree. She was crying. He walked over to the base of the tree and called up, "Lori don't make me come up there after you. Come on down here and talk to me." He hoped she'd do it soon. He was suposed to be at Robin's in a bit. They were planning to spend the evening together (maybe the night too -- if Luke had his way about it) before going to court tomorrow morning. He pretty much expected to be seeing quiet a bit of Rosco in his future so he planned to spend tonight in the company of a soft female and releive as much 'tension' as he could before tomorrow. Lori ..................

Getting such a late start and with the speed Lori was going it was hard to catch her so he picked up the CB and said, "Whiskey Bent this is Lost Sheep 1." Luke got no answer. He jumped into his car and spun out slinging dirty and gravel in his wake. He called again on the CB, "Whiskey Bent slow it down!" He still got not answer. Lori was still driving way too fast and could barely see through her tears. She ignored Luke's calls on the CB. Luke was closing in on her back bumper hoping to be able to get around her and at least slow her down. Cooter had heard Luke's calls to Lori and radioed, "Lost Sheep 1 this is Crazy C. Where is she at?" Luke replied, "She just flew past the farm heading toward the County line as hard and fast as she can go." Cooter replied, "I'm behind ya'll." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the farm Daisy was still on the phone with Robin when she saw Luke brake into a run. She heard him pull out of the yard in a big hurry. On the other end of the line, the sound of Luke's car pulling out fast was not missed by Robin. "Where IS he going like THAT?" Daisy replied, "I have NO idea, but he better hope Jesse didn't see him leave like that!" "He doesn't need anymore trouble." Robin stated the obvious. "I know, Sugar." Daisy replied. Robin said, "I'm just worried that those last two stunts are going to get him locked up and he won't be able to finish school with us next year." Daisy said, "I know the first time he did opened his mouth to keep everyone else out of trouble. He's lucky that Rosco didn't know they were fighting when he pulled up or it could have even been worse." Robin said, "I know I was one of the ones who would have been in hot water if he hadn't have went to jail the other night, but ya know some of the people at school just don't understand that." Daisy replied, ................

BL decided to quickly head to her room and watch from a safe distance. Maybe she could see the action without getting into more trouble. Luther watched as Cooter got out of the drivers seat and Lori the passenger side. He asked, "Why are you driving? And where have you two been?" Cooter looked at Lori. She still looked pretty tipsy. He said, "Ah, ............. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ With only one more day until Luke and Mark had to be in Court, Robin was concerned about what would happen. She decided to call Daisy and talk to her. Daisy happened to answer the ringing phone. She had been watching Luke watch Vance who was watching Lori leave with Cooter. "Duke Farm." "Daisy" Robin said. "Yeah, hold on I'll get Luke." Daisy said automatically. Robin stopped her, "Wait. Don't tell him it's me, yet. Can we talk? I'm worried about what could hapen tomorrow." Daisy had been doing her own fair share of worrying and...............

Luke looked at Jesse and said, "I listen. Sometimes I even know before I do something I shoudn't but I just ......" Jesse shook his head letting him know what he was trying to say, but said, "Luke I was your age once. That's how I know some of the things I try to tell you." He paused for a minute and then said, "And sometimes I know when I tell you that you'll never listen to me until you've lived it yourself." Luke smiled at his very wise uncle as he saw Midnight come up the drive, "Wonder who....." He didn't get to finsh his sentence before he saw Cooter getting out. Luke walked over to Cooter. Cooter said, "She with Vance?" Luke replied, "Now. I went after her when Vance told me she was pretty far gone." Cooter looked at him strangely, "You went after her? Luke what is going on with you two?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luther didn't want to see any of them in any serious trouble but somewhere deep he hoped the judge sent them a message to calm down a bit. He knew they were getting out of hand a bit but wasn't sure how much more he could take. maybe he'd talk to Jesse soon to see if he had any advice.