DixieDavenport

Luke's mouth opened several times but no sound came out. To Lori, she remembered the look as one he'd often gave Uncle Jesse when Bo had managed to get them into trouble and Jesse was blaming it on Luke cause he knew better and was older. It was sorta the same look he'd given Jesse when Jesse found the slot machines in the barn and Jesse found out they stole a truck and a load of slot machines. Finally he managed to form a couple words, "I, ....... didn't,.... don't,..... " Lori's foot was still tapping, "Yes, ....... you did." "That's not what I was trying to SAY!" Luke glared. All this was witnessed by Sheriff Little. He was going to have to tell Hogg that he sorta enjoyed the over time here in Hazzard. He hadn't had a dull moment since he'd been here and had even got to make an arrest right in the jail. Luke tried this again a lot more quieter in hopes of having something between them that two counties wouldn't know by sunset, "It can't be from what four nights ago? I mean, ........ come on now Lori, ....... Surely it ain't....." "YOURS?" Lori almost screamed, "Yes, Luke. As much as you and my cousins like to think of me a WHORE, I'm NOT. And I certainly wasn't pregnant when I got here! Since you likely won't believe that either, well I do have proof of that if you are wanting to deny what went on at the cabin." Luke wasn't doing to well in the talking this out phase, "Lori, I never said I denied anything. He--, I don't know this stuff. I didn't think you could tell for awhile afterwards." The look on her face said, 'He was a MAN and she'd 'give' him that one'. She replied, "A doctor can." Luke replied much, much, more calmly than he was, "Ok, alright." He figured if she was pregnant and it was hitting her this hard already then she surely didn't need to be this upset. But, he knew better than to tell or even ask her to calm down right now. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luther Davenport was about ten years younger than Jesse Duke. He had grown up hard as a dirt poor farm boy who'd taken an interest in cars. He had become the best mechanic in three states and worked by day on the revenurers and law enforcement agents cars that were trying so hard to stop the moonshining in the area. He worked after hours at the garage or his home and even sometimes at his customers home to provide a good home for his wife who had been born with "The silver spoon". She had come from a 'good' family and though they loved each other deeply he often felt he wasn't in 'her' class. She objected to him making 'dirty' money from the moonshiners. Said the money they paid him with was gotten illegally. They separated when Dixie had been three. She went with her mother and Cooter stayed with his Dad. The two never divorced, just chose to live apart. He was concerned about Lori from Cooter's radio call o LB and BB. He had thought he would be more worried about Dixie. Figured he'd spent the whole time trying to convince her to stay away from Luke Duke. They had sure had their differences but other than Cooter he was the best wrecker driver he'd ever had, even after Dixie left town and Luke returned from the Marines, Luther had let him drive for him, though it was never quiet the same after he felt Luke had betrayed his trust. The radio call said something about the jail. 'What has that girl done this time. I hope she ain't been running shine again.' was his thougths as he enter Hazzard Square he hoped to catch Cooter and the others before they went to the jail. He pulled up to the garage......... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Luke saw Dixie and the hurt expession on her face, he closed his eyes and he dropped his head and never said a word. This wasn't missed by Lori. She had never seen Dixie so hurt and she saw Luke's heart break right there in front of her. Dixie didn't need to hear anything from Luke to KNOW what had happened, but she was determined not to cry in front of Luke and for sure not in front of Lori. She had cried too many years already over Luke. She turned and calmly walked out of the jail and courhouse. She got in her car and layed a trail of rubber that would make the General Lee look bad as she pulled out. The sound of which wasn't missed by Luke or Lori. Luke walked over to the front of the cell and stood at the cell door for several minutes, then set down in the floor with his back to the corner pulling his knees to his chest. He could see Lori if he was looking at her but at the moment he seemed to be staring a hole in the wall. He was quiet for a long while before his choked up voice said, "Lori." Lori looked over at Luke and saw pain. "I can't do this. I just can't do this anymore. I love you with all my heart, but I am not in love with you. I, now, know how long you wanted the other night. I've already told you I'm sorry it wasn't special for you. I never intended for it to happen. I never intended to use you. I'm sorry that I did. Bottom line truth, ...................... I don't know if I'll ever settle down and get married, ..............................But if I do, she just ruined a good set of tires leaving. I knew she was the one when I was twenty years old. I've been a lot places, seen a lot of things, and, ............................ been with more than my fair share of the ladies, but Dixie's the one. I'm truely sorry, Lori. I swear I am." When Lori blinked her tears away and regained her focus she saw that Luke's cheeks were wet from tears also. She seen Dixie's look on her face and she saw Luke's heart shadder into a million pieces before her when Dixie left without saying anything. She knew he was right. They were meant for each other, but she loved him. The lump in her throat felt like it was her heart there. She couldn't speak, didn't trust her voice, merly nodded, 'OK." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter had stepped out onto the courthouse steps as Dixie peeled out. As he got to the garage LB and BB were watching her leave in a cloud of smoking tires. "Fellas, did she say where she was going?" Cooter asked. LB replied, "Didn't know she was back until we heard her peel out." BB asked, "What is wrong?" Cooter bit his tounge, "I let the cat outta the bag!" LB's eye were wide, "So, Luke and Lori DID....." Cooter glared, "Come on ya'll we got to find her and slow her down. After several minutes without any luck finding Dixie, Cooter radioed, "Breaker, Breaker, Anybody out there seen that crazy sister of mine? She left outta here 'Hot'! She'll be in a Burgandy Thunder Chicken and that motor is fine so she's likely anywhere by now." Bo Duke picked up the mic on the base station in the Duke kitchen, "Crazy C, I'll be down and gone looking for her. Is something wrong?" Cooter replied, "That hunch we had, ....... Well, we were right, ........ Dixie knows!" He kept it short and sweet. He knew Bo would read the rest. Bo turned and started for the door. Jesse asked, "Bo?" "I'll have to tell you later, promise!" Bo said as he kept going. He knew Dixie and if she knew this and couldn't get to Luke then she was likely driving fast enough to get hurt or hurt somebody. He hoped he knew where she was going. He pulled the General Lee into the 'parking' area at the lake. Sure enough Dixie's car was there. He radioed the others that he found her and she was OK. She was about twenty feet up against an old oak tree. Bo walked down to her, "Dixie?" "You know" Bo nodded, 'yes' and set down beside her. She looked Bo in the eyes and asked, "Why?" Bo smiled weakly. He could have given her a million answers. None would help. None were any that she'd want to hear. All he could say was, "Luke will have to answer that one." He gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders. It was all the invitation the Dixie needed. She turned to and held on for dear life as she fell totally apart on his shoulder. All Bo knew to do with her crying liek she was, was to wrap his arms around her and hold her until she cried it out. He could only be there. He knew how lucky he was to have Beth and Dixie would be a good thing for Luke if he'd just open his eyes and stop all his running around and acting foolishly.

Luke looked to Lori, sighed and said in a harsher tone than he meant, "Ya know I really don't want to have any of these heart to hearts with you OR Your Family right now either!" He then said much more friendly, "But, ....... I think, ...... we need to get it sorted out some before your cousin upstairs puts this out to the whole county. Little grumbled as he returned downstairs to call the judge to let him know he needed him to come set a bond, "I wished you people would pick better places to have these family conversations too. I'm not real fond of them either!" It wasn't funny. God it wasn't funny but when Luke looked at Lori, they both couldn't help but laughing. Each time Luke would stop laughing he'd see Lori laughing so hard she was crying and would start again. Lori was trying to quiet laughing because it wasn't funny but she couldn't stop laughing at the entire time she'd been in Hazzard the strangest things had happened with the worst results. As Little picked up the phone they were still laughing and laughing so hard he had to appoligize to the Judge for the noise, he finally said in a booming voice, "KNOCK IT OFF YOU TWO!!!" It worked for about five seconds before they bust back into laughter. "Judge Hardcastle said if you two like it so much here he can arrange for youto stay longer!" Well, that worked, for maybe ten seconds! Luke's ribs were hurting from laughing so hard. He hadn't had one of these spells since he and Bo were trying to go to sleep one night he had been about 7. Lori was laughing so hard she couldn't breath. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie answered the phone and before she could say anything. Cooter's voice came on the line saying, "Yea Dix, this here's heres Cooter. Im in jail and I was wonderin if you could come down here with some money? Go to the garage and get it." "Cooter, you're where? What did Rosco dream up this time?" Dixie shouted. "You heard me. It wasn't Rosco it was Sheriff Little. Just get the money." Cooter said in a very tense voice. "I'm coming, already!" Dixie said hanging up the phone and wondering what in the world was going on, now! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cooter slammed the truck door. He had only been THAT mad once before. The thought came to him of when. It was when his FRIEND Luke was caught with HIS 16 year old SISTER!!! Now, that he could FINALLY make something with HER he sleeps with HIS COUSIN!! He beat his hands on the streering wheel in frustration! ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sheriff Little saw the whole thing, though he had no idea of Luke and Dixie's past history or what had happened with Lori. He was about to put Cooter on the road when he had left. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke let out a long, low whistle, "I've only seen him THAT mad before -- and it was at me then too!" Little looked at him, "I don't think he's the type you want mad at ya Duke." "He ain't at that! Trust me on that." Luke replied. Lori looked at them both, "Yeah, but I got to live with him and he ain't a bit happy with me either." For the moment Luke and Lori's discussion was forgotten, well maybe not forgotten just put on hold. It was then that work boots boomed down the stairs again. Cooter had come back, "Luke Duke I only remember being this mad once before," he paused, "IT WAS WHEN MY SIXTEEN YEAR OLD SISTER WAS CAUGHT WITH YOU IN THE BACKSEAT OF THE GENERAL LEE!!!!! AND THE TROOPERS WERE DA-- SURE WHAT YOU TWO WERE DOING!!!! What are you trying to do make it with all my family? I thought we were friends! NO we WERE more than friends WE WERE FAMILY!!! Let me tell you one thing Luke your stay in the Marines was long enough for me to calm down. You better plan to re-up if you don't want to deal with me!" He turned to Lori, "I came to tell ya something, but it may just interest Luke more. MY DAD called he is coming in this week after all. He'll love THIS! Luke he wanted to kill you last time, Jesse talked him into letting you agree to go into the Marines. I won't give you that chance. I can't wait til your little vacation here is up. I'll be waiting!!! Then I might be back in here for Murder!" He turned to leave. Big Ed Little had moved in behind Cooter and was waiting. As Cooter turned around, he promptly placed the cuffs on Cooter. "That's a threat son and ou've disturbed my peace one time too many today!" Little took him upstairs to the cell. He could be heard by Luke and Lori, "See Luke what happens when you push people too far? I'll get even with you!" Luke looked at Lori, "Sh---!!!!" Lori was still standing aginst the back wall.

Dixie knew Cooter was right, "I don't want to fued with her. I don't want Luke to come between us, that's why I backed off to give her a chance to see that he loves me and that way I'll know for sure that he does." Dixie had told Cooter that Lori wasn't feeling well when she had been there. "Just work it out without hurting each other, huh, sis? I'm gonna run down and see her a second before visiting is over and I'll get a couple things from the store." He said as he walked out the door. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke looked up in surprise at Lori's outburst. When she that he was right and was a dog, Luke almost laughed. He didn't figure it was in his best interest to do so and hoped he hid it, but the way she said it, it had struck him a funny. Yeah, he'd been in the Marines and the Smokejumpers too long. He had a strange sence of humor. But, she had managed to say to him exactly what he was thinking. He gave Little a 'you wouldn't understand' look when Little had wondered what was Lori's problem. After giving Lori a few minutes to calm down he turned on the bunk to face her and said, "I didn't use you. I can see you thinking that, but I really wanted to be with you......" Lori shot back rather loudly, "You wanted a piece of a----!" Luke put his head in his hand, closed his eyes, took in a deep breath before trying to reason with her. That was going to be hard to do because in hind site she was absolutely right, "Yeah, ...... I did........" Luke behind him as he heard footsteps. It was then that Cooter made his way down the steps, he had heard Lori's comment and

Luke almost thought it was a low blow Dixie wearing the ring for him to notice, but he had to remember the night she arrived in town he had led her to belief he was willing to see if they still had the same feelings for each other. He-- he thought he did have those feelings for her then Lori showed up. He had let himself be with her without thinking it through. He figured she thinks he had used her. Had he? Probably. He could still picture himself marrying Dixie. He'd lived with those pictures in his mind now for years. Could he truely see himself marry Lori? Sure she had been great. Sure they had fun, but marry Lori? Those thoughts had never entered his mind before. He couldn't form the pictures. Wait just a Da--- minute, he reminded himself, Who said I was marrying anybody? I ain't ready to marry anybody. Lord knows if I can't control myself in situations like the other night I sure ain't ready ta get married. Sheriff Little interupted his thoughts, "Here's that not for ya." Luke took the envlope and opened it. He pulled out the first piece of paper from Daisy: Luke, I don't know what you're gonna do about Lori and Dixie. I know finding out Lori likes ya can be flattering, but Sugar, trust me Dixie is still very much in love with you. Either way someone's gonna get hurt, cousin do what's right for you. Love Daisy Then he opened the second piece of paper from Beth: Luke, You know I can't get Bo to write his name let alone you a letter. Just wanted ya to know we're thinking about you and miss you. Bo's acting weird since he saw you the morning after Loi got you out of jail. Is something wrong between you two? I think we have a love sick Davenport on our hands tonight. Think she'd almost be willing to do that thirty days for Lori. Beth Then he saw another piece of paper, Dear Luke, This is for your eyes only, please do not let Lori read this, Luke I still love you and I always have. I only went with Ernie to make you jealous and I think I pushed it a little too far. Im sorry Luke, Im sorry we even have these dumb reunions. None of this would've ever happened, if it hadn't been for me or Lori either one to come back. Luke, I just needed to tell you how I felt without my older cousin peeping over ym back all the time. guess Ill see ya around.. Love, Dixie Luke swore, "Da-- it" and wondered now what do I do? I'd love to talk to Jesse right now or even Bo but he knew Lori would hear his every word.

Once they were at Cooter's Dixie asked, "Cooter is something wrong? I know ya wanted us all to be together but you know how Lori is. She's always go to do her own thing at the wrong time." Cooter.............. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke wasn't having any better luck getting through to Lori, "Lori, I know you are awake. I also know you are sick so if you don't answer me I'm going to think it's because you're sick and I'll have Little get Doc over here. So it's talk to me or the doctor." Lori hated doctors on good days and this wasn't a good day. She felt like the fever had broken but still felt lousy. She didn't want to see the doctor or talk to Luke but talking to Luke may be the lesser of the two evils. She turned over and said hoarsely, "Ok, what?" Luke could see she had been or was about to cry. Jumping to the conclussion that it was because she was sick. "Hey, what wrong? Are you crying cause your sick?" Lori closed her eyes and thought, 'Men!', but said quietly, "No, Luke I'm not crying cause I'm sick. I actually feel better. I think the fever is gone." Luke saw the 'change the subject act'. "Lori tell me why then? Is it Dixie's being here?" Lori shook her head 'no', but didn't speak. She had a knot in her throat and didn't think she could without breaking down into a full cry. Seeing the tears now threatening to fall, Luke thought back to his conversation with Dixie. He thought, 'The ring. That damned ring!' He was thankful that only a few people (most of who likely forgot it) knew of the conversation between him and Dixie when Jesse had given it to her. Part of his agreement to leave Hazzard and go into the Marines had been to get to talk to Dixie before hand. The conversation had indeed taken place with him locked in the same cell. Lori wasn't around much in those days but he wasn't sure how much she knew about what had happened, so he wasn't sure what was a safe topic. "You heard the whole conversation. I'm sorry. I didn't know that she............."

Cooter could just see them getting into it at the jail. he knew Little was back on duty. So help him if he got a call saying they'd locked Dixie up too he'd strangle them both. ~~~~~~~~~~~ "Luke I'm sorry about you and Ernie getting into it, which started this whole mess." Dixie said. "Dixie ya know that it doesn't take much of anything to get Ernie and me into a fight." Luke said honestly. Dixie knew he was right, "I know, but feel like this was my fault." Sheriff Little spoke up from behind them, "Ok, folks, time is about up." Dixie stood up, "Alright. Well, Luke I got to get. Cooter is acting strange. I got to go see what's up with him." Luke said, "Ok. Hey, go easy on Cooter." Luke paused, "He's planned this get together for a long while." Luke was thinking totally different. He was thinking about the look on Cooter's face the other morning.

Dixie handed the note from 'Daisy' to Sheriff Little to give to Luke. Luke was glad to see Dixie and even gladder that Lori was asleep. He smiled as she walked over taking the seat Little had given her. He had purposely placed it about four feet from the bars. "Hey, Dixie." he said quietly. He hoped not to wake Lori. "What's with the envelope for Little?" Dixie replied, "A note from Daisy. Guess he'll give it to ya after I leave. What's with Lori asleep in the middle of the day?" Luke replied, "She hasn't felt to well. Thinks she might be coming down with strep throat." he signed, "As if it's not enjoyable enough here being sick on top of it would be a pain in the, ....... well you know." He noticed something that he hadn't since she had been back in town. He looked at her hand and saw the ring he'd given her years ago." The problem was he remember the talk he had with her right here in the same room. It was after her father had refused to let her marry Luke then. Luke had given Jesse specific instructions to get the ring and give it to Dixie. He told her that the ring and everything it stood for went with it and one day she'd look up to find him on her doorstep. This had been when Luther Davenport, her father, was wanting the law to throw the book at Luke for being with his 16 YO daughter when he was over 20. The Judge refused to set bond for until it went to court for Luke's safety from her father and Cooter. Luke said in a soft tone, "Still wearing that?" Dixie looked at him in surprise, "You know you're the second Duke today to notice that. There's not a day that I haven't worn it since you had Jesse give it to me. I do wear it on a chain sometimes, but I wear it." She had tears in her eyes, "Kinda strange you notice it HERE, like THIS." "Ironic as he--, ain't it?" Luke said. He was kicking himself really hard right in the tail for the other night and all those like it since he'd given he that ring.

Luke reached through the bars and felt Lori's head. "Rosco she's chillin' and has a bit of fever." He reached his blanket to her through the bars. "Thanks." Lori said covering up with both blankets. "Rosco, I'll be OK. If I'm running a fever, I'll cover up, get really warm, the fever will break and I'll feel better." She hated the chills she got when she ran a fever. I usually get strep throat twice a year when the seasons change. This time is just a little early or late since it's still summer." Luke never got sick but if he did it was also with strep so her assessment of the situation was close to what he'd often done. He felt better thinking that it could be strep rather than pnemonia. "Maybe some more sleep wouldn't hurt either. The last four nights has been a little rough." The first they had agrued with Dixie, the next they'd stayed at the cabin, the last two she'd been in jail. ~~~~~~~ Dixie drove to the garage to see Cooter. As she drove she tried to decide if she'd go see Luke this afternoon, which meant she'd have to see Lori. Visiting hours were only from 1-3 ever other day. So she'd either have to go today or wait until day after tomorrow. "Cooter?" she called as she entered the garage not seeing anyone.

The next morning Luke heard Rosco come downstairs carrying breakfast. Luke was still setting up on the cot where he'd finally fell asleep watching Lori sleep. Three nights with with next to NO sleep had caught up to him. Now he knew he'd pay for setting up on the hard steel bunk all night. He opened his eyes and said to Rosco, "Please tell me you have coffee with you." Rosco giggled, "Yep sure do! What you don't like our first class accomodations?" Luke groaned more at Rosco's attempt at humor than the pain in his back, "First Class, hah! Hey, don't wake her up just yet. She was sick for some reason last night. Rosco looked concerned, "Really?" Luke nodded, "Yeah. I'd know maybe it's just being here. Maybe it was where she was in the cool night air the other night. Not sure." Lori never moved but said, "Maybe it's the noise!" Luke gladly sipped his coffee and grinned at the remark. Rosco relieved Sheriff Little for a few hours. He glared at Little as he locked the gate at the bottom of the steps on his way out. "Precaution!" Coltrane. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie hadn't sleep well sinc being back in Hazzard. She was awake at the first smell of coffee. She slipped her jeans and tank top on and headed to the kitchen with the letter she'd wrote Luke. It was more of a note, but she hoped it would do. Jesse was pouring coffee when she entered and automatically poured two. "Mornin' Uncle Jesse." she offered taking the coffee, "Thanks. Uncle Jesse, ........." Jesse knew when a Davenport called him Uncle there was usually trouble brewing. Dixie continued, "With everything that went on with Luke and me years ago. How did he really feel about me" Jesse smiled at the young lady he'd seen grow up in his house as much as hers. He looked down at her hand then reached across the table and picked up her left hand. "Dixie, I know this here ring. It's been in this family since I helped my brothre pick it out for Luke's Mother. Honey, he's never asked you for it back and he's never given another one to anyone else." Tears were falling as she looked at Jesse. "I love him every bit as much today as I did then, but there has been so much muddy water. I think my dad is still mad over all that!" "You are his daughter, you were sixiteen. I know Luke didn't know that and you didn't know the laws, but Honey, how would you feel getting called to the courthouse to pick up your sixteen year old daughter who was caught in the back seat of the General Lee with Luke?" Jesse didn't mince words.

Luke was keeping an eye on Lori. She had finally dozed off. With the heat of summer and way it had cooled down before dawn last night he hoped she wasn't coming down with 'walking pnemonia'. She seemed to be brething OK though and she hadn't coughed since right after the last time she got sick. Maybe it was just her nerves at being locked up. He still remembered his first night in jail after turning 18 for racing out by the lake. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter thought more as he worked, "Ya'll know what's going to happen when Dixie finds out if I'm right? But, I sure ain't tellin' her!" BB said, "Those two could hurt each other if they had a mind to. Remember they survived by learning to fight with all of us and the Duke boys." He realized maybe he shouldn't have mentioned the Duke boys right then as Cooter made another dent in the fender.

Cooter explained to LB and BB, Luke and Lori's appearance the morning after she broke Luke out of jail. Then added, "Fellas Luke had been drinking quiet a bit before getting arrested and you know what's in the hunting cabin." They had both seen Luke when he had been fighting and arrested. If their was alcohol around they knew he'd likely continued to drink at the cabin. LB suggested, "Maybe they just got drunk together." Cooter looked at him hard and ...................

Luke told Sheriff Little as he opened the cell door for Luke, "Thanks for the shower, Sheriff." Little just nodded, "Doin' my job, Duke, just my job." He waited until Luke stepped into the cell then he shut and lock the door. Little made the effort to pull on the door to check and make sure it locked. Then, also checked the door to Lori's cell before returning to the small desk across the room. The 'clang' of the cell door always managed to send a cold shiver down Luke's back and the sound of the lock locking didn't help either. He guessed the day it stopped bothering him then he'd worry. He couldn't help but comment on Lori's outfit, "Ah, ...... nice pajamas there Lori." She looked at him standing just a couple feet away in jeans, a white T-shirt, bare feet and hair still damp from the shower. Sheriff Little had taken the opportunity while they showered to search their clothes to make sure Bo and BB hadn't snuk them anything he felt they shouldn't have. Luke hadn't missed the fact that Little took his belt, knife and case along with his boots. Something the Hazzard police never done. Luke knew Little had received the same training he had from the Marine Corps. so he was a little less trusting than Rosco. Lori gave Luke a question look. Luke waved her question away with a nod of his head. So, Lori decided to pick back with him, "Those jeans don't look like they'd be too comfortable to sleep in either." Luke grinned, "Bo's been here before too. I have no intention of sleeping in jeans." "Just what do you plan on sleeping in?" she wiggled her eyes. At first Luke thought about making her just wonder but as he took a seat on the bunk with his back against the outside wall where he could see what Little was doing. It was again habit. He didn't want anyone behind him still. Besides, that and Lori were the only things to occupy this time. Luke finally said with a grin, "The swimming trunk I have on under the jeans." Lori just said, "Oh, OK." Later, Luke explained about his boots. "Rosco and them never have taken even my belt. Little plays by the rules and follows his training. He unlike Rosco noticed that I not only had a belt but a knife and knife case on it. In the Marines we were trained to take anything that a 'prisoner' could hurt themselves or someone else with, so he took my boots, belt and of course the knife." "I was wondering what was up with the boots. I hadn't noticed that he took the belt. Why would he take it?" Lori asked, not seeing any danger in a belt. Luke replied as he stretched out on the cot, "Guess maybe he thought I'd hang myself. Do I look suicidal to you?" He said as a joke but hadn't inculded the humor in the question. It was said more with sarcasism. "Anything but, Honey. You look anything but suicidal." She said still laing on the bunk looking through the bars at Luke as he stretched, then put his hands behind his head. About the time they were beinging to relax Enos came bouncing downstairs and put a foam container and a cup of coffee in the newly added slot in the cell door so the door wouldn't have to be opened to put food in. "Here's supper." he said joyfully. Luke never moved as Lori began to set up. He said, "It's chipped beef over toast." Enos looked surprised at Luke's statement. Finally Luke set up to get his supper. It wasn't Jesse's cooking but it was food and he knew better than to wste food. Opening the container, he said, "I knew it was chipped beef. The diner still giving ya'll a good deal on this stuff huh?" Enos just smiled. ~~~~~~~~ Uncle Jesse looked to Bo then to Dixie and said, "Bo was just telling me what went on between him and Luke. He wasn't in a very good mood is all." Dixie replied with a bit of attitude, "He's only been taking these 'vacations' since I was fifiteen. You'd think he'd be used to them now." Daisy knew that Jesse had maybe not told Dixie the entire truth, though he didn't lie. Daisy suggested, "I'll get us a pitcher of lemonade and we can all go to the porch." Beth replied, "That's a good idea." Dixie looked at Beth and finally opened up a bit. She could be just as stubborn and hard headed as Lori and Cooter and Luke for that matter, but tonight she wasn't trying to hide her feelings from Beth and Daisy. She'd been talking to them about her feelings for Luke since she was fifteen so why stop now. She said as she looked at the sky, "I was sure the night I came back that whatever me and Luke had was still there and stronger than ever. We didn't do anything, but it didn't mean we didn't want to. We were talking and getting to know each other again. Then, Lori shows up and all of a sudden feels the need to tell him she's had a crush on him........." Dixie bit her lip a little trying to get her emotions under control. "I'm the stupid one I guess. Figured Luke may take her for a roll in the hay, but that what we had was stronger than, .............. well, ......" She stopped that train of thought and started another, "So, then I decide to make him jealous with who but Ernie Ledbetter. I should have know they'd get into it! He-- , maybe I did know it! Just didn't see Lori thinking that Luke 'needed' resqued. It wouldn't have been the first time he spent the night in jail for a fight......" Beth added, "And, likely won't be his last." Dixie had to smile just a bit, "You're probaby right. So, her 'resque mission' now has them BOTH in jail for the next thirty days. How can I go talk to Luke about 'anything important' with her right there?" She was getting a bit louder as she voiced her frustrations. Daisy had been on the porch for most of the conversation and asked, "I seem to remember someone writing him when he was in jail before." Smiling, Dixie replied, "Yeah, I did...........That's an idea. Thanks Daisy!" Daisy was glad to have cheer Dixie up a bit, "I'll write him a note tonight and leave the envelope open if you want to put yours in mine." Daisy knew Dixie may not want everyone to know she'd written him. "Yeah! That could work really well." Dixie said. Beth said, "I'll put a little something in there too. I know I won't get Bo to write anything." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the garage LB and BB had watched Cooter work on a dented fender. Cooter had beat the dent out and continued to beat until he had to turn it over and beat out the dent he'd just put into it. This had happened three times since BB had gotten back from the jail. LB asked, "Cooter I know you're disappointed that Lori won't be here with us this weekend and I can understand you being mad at her for getting arrested, but we all have here in Hazzard. It'd be different if she was arrested somewheres else. Ya, know it'd be serious. But, you've redented that fender three times. Cooter why are you so mad at Lori?" Cooter looked at the fender in question. He hadn't realized he'd been beating it to death. "I ain't zackly mad at Loir, LB. I'm more mad at Luke." Together LB and BB exclaimed, "Luke!" BB asked, "Why are you mad at Luke? He tried to get her out of jail, right?" Cooter....................

Luke cleared his throat, "Yeah, I can handle it. I have a few times years ago, remember?" He wasn't sure that she remembered his racing, fighting, moonshining days. Back then, he had told Rosco's helper, Peggy that she should probably just keep a cell....... He looked around, it was the same cell...... open for him. He had spent so much time either waiting for the judge or serving time, on and off, for about a year of his life. Right after Robin had broken up with him. He was even in that phase when he and Dixie had gotten together back then. He continued out loud, pushing past thoughts of Dixie out of his mind, "When I was in Nam, I would have loved to had accomidations this good." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter continued, "I'll tell you exactly where they are! Remember the history between Luke and Dixie?" They both nodded 'yes'. LB asked, "She back with Luke again? It's about time!" Cooter shook his head 'no', "I don't know what's up between them. Not sure she does either, but she's with Daisy and Beth at the Duke farm." Before Cooter could continue BB laughed and said, "Well, with Luke there it shouldn't take them long to get back together." Cooter replied, "Luke ain't there." LB asked, "Well, where's Lori?" Cooter replied frankly, "Jail." LB repeated in surprise, "Jail? What's she in jail for?" "Breaking Luke out of jail," replied Cooter. "So where's Luke?" aske BB. Cooter replied, "Jail." This time it was BB who asked, "Should I ask why?" "Probably not!" replied Cooter, "But, the way he's telling it, is, he got into a fight with Ernie Ledbetter, member him?" They both shook their heads 'yes'. Cooter continued, "The fight was over Dixie. Lori broke him out and was arrested. Luke then broke her out AND got caught!" He said in disbelief. LB said, "Well, we can bond them out." BB added, "Yeah, or get them away from ol' Rosco! That's easy!" Cooter shook his head 'no', "Can't bond them. Already been to court. They were sentenced to 30 days. Old Hardcastle put it in the record that if they so much as tried it he'd give them the original sentence of 2 years. He was pissed that the whole incident had involved three escapes." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the jail, Luke said to Sheriff Little, "Say, we've been in and outta here for the last couple days. Any chance in getting a shower?" Little looked around at his surrondings. Luke added, "A long time ago the shower to the right of you desk worked. They always locked the gate there at the bottom of the steps and would give ya a few minutes. Don't know if it still works. I haven't been here THAT long in years." Little got up, went behind the desk and stepped into the closet like shower. He turned the water on. Water came out. that was good anyway. "Well, there's water running. Drain appears to work. Don't suppose you all have any clothes to change into?" Luke shook his head 'no' and replied, "Can't say we do. Hadn't planned on being here long enough to bring clothes." Rosco had gotten Little a phone to plug in downstairs. He checked the cord. It was long enough to reach to the cells. He asked Luke for the number which he then dialed and handed Luke the receiver. Luke was glad to hear Bo's voice on the other end, "Bo?" "Luke?" Bo asked in surprise, "Where are you?" "I'm still in Rosco's Iron Bar Hotel. Think you can bring me a couple changes of clothes. Cool and comfortable. Nothing fancy and not a lot." Luke explained. Bo replied, "Yeah. No problem. Be there soon. Beth, Dixie and Daisy are trying ta get rid of me anyway." Beth glared at him. Luke sighed. Dixie was at the farm. Maybe that was good -- maybe it wasn't. "Thanks Bo." ~~~~~~ Next was Lori's turn to call. She gave Little the number and waited. Cooter answered, "Hazzard Garage." "Cooter?" Lori wished anyone else would have answered. "Can you or someone go to the farm and get me a couple changes of clothes? Just something to change into after a showers good. It's hotter than the pits of he-- down here. Hasn't this county heard of air conditioning? Hey have you got my car back there yet? It's got radiator problems." She said quickly as Little would get impatient real quick. Cooter replied, "I have been too mad ta get your car, but I will or LB or BB will. It'll be awhile on the clothes but I'll do that for ya." "Thanks, Coot. Got to go." she replied. ~~~~~~~~~~ Luke told Sheriff Little, "Thanks. I was sure she'd like a shower and I can't say I'd mind one myself." Luke was thinking about a very cold shower and hoped that it helped, though Bo had put 'ice water' on him telling him that Dixie was at the farm with the other girls. That was likely trouble! Little grunted. He didn't want anyone to think he was soft, but it had been a reasonable request. Lori was setting on the bunk with her arms around her legs she'd pulled up to her chest. When Luke set back down on his bunk she asked. "Learn anything?" He nodded, "Dixie's at the farm. Girls are wanting rid of Bo," "Why" asked Lori. Luke replied, "You're the girl. Tell me. How about Midnight?" "Cooter said he'd been too 'mad' to get him but that either him or LB, or BB would get him." She replied. Luke replied, "Great. I needed a few more Davenports in town! He thinks he knows 'something'. I'm pretty sure Jesse knows that I'm not telling him something." Lori replied, "Hey, I'm a Davenport!" Luke replied, "See what I mean!" he said laughing just a bit. "Remember I've dealt with Cooter and Luther (his dad) when they were really peeved at me over, ...... ah, ............ Dixie" He said the last part almost a whisper. Lori replied, "Luke I ain't 16." "No, you're not. You da-- sure ain't, but I don't think that will matter to those three" he got real quiet thinking about their friendship and what being with or with out either Lori or Dixie would mean. He had almost went to prison over Dixie then. No one wanted them together then. Now that he, in their mind MAY be with Lori, it seemed they were opposed to that too! Lori just ........................

Luke had to agree and Lori wasn't helping him cool off either! "Ah, ..... Yeah. I was thinking the same thing. You know it's going to be a long thirty days right?" She could take it either way he meant it, but he had set here for thirty days before though it was years ago. He was pretty sure she hadn't ever been in jail before -- well not for long any ways. ~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter turned to see his favorite boy cousins, but he couldn't say he was totally happy to see them. "Hey, hey Crazy C!!!" Said LB with energy! BB had to ask, "Say, where's the girls? I thought you said Dixie and Lori were here the other night when we talked." Cooter rolled his eyes. He couldn't even get a few minutes to calm down before he'd have to tell the whole story! "They're in town."

Luke saw Lori's wink. Yeah it was going to be a looonnnngggg thirty days. This close to her and still not able to be with her. He kicked hisself mentally. What in the heck was he thinking? Dixie was back after all these years after swearing never to return to Hazzard. She did and came looking for HIM and here he was taking her cousin to bed. What was he thinking???? But it was really warm in the jail today! ~~~~~~~~ Dixie watched Cooter walk on and saw Jesse's look to Bo and Beth. She felt totally lost. Her mood was not missed by Beth who gave Cooter and Jesse sort of a dirty look, "Honey, come on with us. I think Daisy's off. We'll get rid of Bo and have us a girls night like we used to when Luke and Bo used to get into trouble." Dixie nodded, "Thanks Beth. I could use some girl talk with someone other than my cousin who I'd like to tlak to while I........ " She sighed "Never mind. Thanks. Yes, I'll come."

Stepped as close to the bars near Lori where Little couldn't hear and smiled an evil smile, "Yep, you pretty good at that!" He wasn't saying good at what though in case Little could hear. Luke was thinking it was going to be a LOoonnnnggggg 30 days. ~~~~~ Meanwhile Dixie was waiting for Cooter and Jesse to come out of the jail. She knew she couldn't visit either until tomorrow.

The give away to Jesse was that when he looked at Luke. Luke looked away. Luke gave them time to clear the top of the steps before he spoke, "Lori I would have handled Cooter. We are both adults here. I was going to tell him that it wasn't any of his business and it ain't, but I couldn't have said that to Jesse that way. I was trying to make sure who was asking what. My not telling them wasn't anything against you. I don't kiss and tell. The whole county can assume anything they want, but believe it I'm better than that to girls. I figure if they want to tell it fine, but even they stretch things a bit. He--," He stood up and walked to the barred door, "How do you think I got the reputation I got. It's not all true." Lori looked up with tears in her eyes.......

Luke intercepted. "What are you asking?" He asked more calmly than he was feeling and was looking at Cooter instead of Jesse.

Luke sighed when he heard Jesse's answer. He was pretty sure that would be the answer. When Cooter mentioned LB and BB coming to town, Luke wasn't at all happy. He'd dealt with a mad Cooter and his father Luther before and that hadn't been pleasant. Looked like he'd be dealing with Cooter, LB and BB this time around. Luke hoped to satisfy Jesse first. "I thought I'd told ya most of it. Everyone's temper got a little out of control at the Boar's Nest the other night. Ernie and I had one of our usual fights. Lori helped me to, ah, ....... escape. We broke down just outta town. I got it to the old wor......... (He satarted to say works but remembered Sheriff Little setting about fifteen feet away.) "Hunting cabin. We spent the night. Bo and Cooter showed up about the time I was going to have Lori call for Cooter to bring some tools. Rosco was right behind them and arrested all of us. Lori told Rosco a bunch of mess. He let us go adn kept her. I couldn't see her taking blame for my fight and getting me out......." Jesse continured, "So you go the hairbrained idea to get her out?" Luke nodded, 'yes', But said, "Yes, Sir, it was kinda that way. And then, ......." Jesse asked, "You got yourself caught?" Luke nodded 'yes' ever so slightly, "Yeah." He hoped those were the answers they were looking for.

Luke looked at Jesse. Swallowed hard getting up his nerve to ask the only question he could think of about their talk. "Do you really want to do this in front of Sheriff Little?" He sincerely hoped not but the chances of Jesse or Cooter waiting thirty days wasn't really likely either. He felt his chest begin to tighten at the thought of the upcoming talk.

Once Sheriff Little arrived Rosco picked up Bo and Cooter over at the garage and promptly returned them to the jail. They knew Hardcastle and when they saw the warrants issued by him they didn't want to cross the judge. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse had only heard bits and pieces and had the others. No one had caught up with Luke or Lori to hear the entire story which some were very eager to hear and others thought it might be best to only wonder about it. So the entire Duke and Davenport clans were on hand for the court proceedings the next day. When everything was sorted out Luke was being charged with Fighting, Jail Escape and Aiding a Jail Escape. Lori would be charged with Aiding a Jail Escape and Jail Escape. Ernie Ledbetter would be charged with Fighting and Jail Escape. Bo and Cooter would be charged with Aiding an Escapee. Judge Hardcastle sentenced them to the following: Bo and Cooter Time Served, because Rosco couldn't prove they did bring them anything but had made his point by havign them picked back up and letting them spend the night in jail for not reporting Luke's location. Ernie who had been in jail most also got Time Served and a fifity dollar fine since he would have left when Luke let him out. The last two were Luke and Lori. Hardcastle had read and re read the reports. He knew love was blind but these two seemed to be just plan crazy. He wanted their attention. He saw Luke first, and asked him how he plead to the charges. Luke replied, "Guilty, Your Honor. May I say something else?" Hardcastle knew what it was going to be, but allowed it, "Ok." Luke stated, "I'm guilty as charged and Lori Davenport had nothing to do with any of it. She's trying to keep me out of trouble." Hardcastle merly said, "I'll take that into consideration. I'll see her then before I sentence you." Luke nodded. When Hardcastle say Lori he asked her how she plead to the charges. Lori replied, "Guilty, Your Honor. May I say something else?" Hardcastle knew what it was going to be, but allowed it, "Ok." Lori stated, "I'm guilty as charged and Luke Duke had nothing to do with any of it. He's trying to keep me out of trouble." Hardcastle smiled and said, "I'll take that into consideration. Rosco get Luke Duke back up here. I'll break for five minutes." ~~~~~~~~~~ Luke was brought back before the judge. Hardcastle had them both approach the bench, "I've heard the same story from you both. It's great that you're taking responsibility for your own actions, but I find it troublesome that you are BOTH trying to take responsibility for each others actions. I sentence you both to 1 year on both of the Aiding a Jail Escape and Jail Escape to run back to back. Luke I'm also sentencing you to thirty days on the fight charge but I'll run it with the 2 one year sentences." The looks on their faces showed he'd gotten their attention. It was clear he had gotten the rest of the clans attention also. He was really sentencing them both to TWO YEARS in jail! Sweat broke out on Bo's forehead almost as bad as it had on Luke's at Hardcastle's words. Hardcastle continued, "Now you see that I don't take this foolishness lightly. I will suspend all of the above sentences except for thirty days with out credit for whatever little time you've both been here trying to figure out a way out of here. In case any of your friends decide to 'help you out' I'll tell you that if Rosco so much as leaves the door open you'd better stay parked or I will re-instate the full two years with the maximum sentence for whatever else you have done. Do I make myself clear?" Luke found his voice, "Crystal, Your Honor. Thank you." Hardcastle also cautioned, "Sheriff Little will be helping Rosco to make sure that you do stay put, also. Sheriff they are all yours and good work this time." Rosco was pleased as punch as he took both Luke and Lori downstairs and placed them in separate cells.........

NOTE: The Judge in this is not Boss Hogg. For my purposes he is a traveling Judge that works three Counties (Hazzard, Chickasaw, and Osage) since there isn't a lot of crime. He only comes to Hazzard to set bonds and have trials. This is also a means to limiting Boss Hoggs and the other Commissioners power. In my mind I always liked Brian Keith's character Judge Hardcastle. I'll use the name and you can picture him as such but he has no connection with the Hardcastle and McCormick show in this story. Also I'm only borrowing him and plan to return him in tact. Also, the laws may be 'bent' a little to accomodate the story, besides it is Hazzard County law, right???? 0101010101010101010101010101 As Cooter watched Luke, he was staring a hole through him. He wished he knew what Luke and Lori were talking about. He'd be waiting to talk to Luke though. Luke looked to Lori and softly replied to her before leaving, "You shouldn't have said anything. I'm glad it got those two outta here, but you shouldn't have done it." He knew what he should do. It invovled walking right back downstairs and making Rosco lock him back up. He didn't like Ernie, but he couldn't see him setting in jail while Luke walked for the same fight. And, he couldn't see letting Lori pay for his mistakes. He had actually got into the fight with Ernie over Dixie. Luke wasn't even sure how Lori thought that was her fault or why she took the blame for it. But Luke wouldn't go back downstairs. He--, Rosco had LET him go so now there was only one thing to do, get Lori out and in the process he knew he'd let Ernie out too. He said even quieter, "You know I'll be back. Be ready for anything." He gave her a wink. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Once Luke was outside he tought about going back and letting Rosco lock him back up. It may have been safer! Cooter glared at Luke, "I'd like to talk to you." Dixie, Bo, Daisy and Beth all caught the tone of the usually friendly mechanics voice. They knew he was peeved. Bo was the only one that likely knew why. Luke was saved by Jesse walking up to them, "Stand in line, Cooter. Luke." Luke wisely walked over to Jesse's truck and got in. Jesse began, "First, tell me that you all didn't just escape again?" Luke replied, "No. Lori told Rosco a line of BS. He believed her and let us go." Jesse started the pickup, "Ok, just's so I'm not unknowingly driving an escapee around." As Luke expained the whole thing (well he left out the part about him and Lori for now) to Jesse as he drove Luke out to the still site to get the General Lee. Tell Bo I've got him and will be home in a bit. Jesse reminded him, "Ok, but we'll finish this (talk) later. You're not off the hook that easy. And, Stay,.... Out,.... of ,.... Trouble!" Luke nodded as he climbed in the General's window. He didn't look forward to the rest of their talk. He had managed to keep talking so that Jesse couldn't lecture him. But, he'd get his turn eventually. Luke just had too much on his mind to hear a lecture from Jesse right now. The first on his list was getting Lori out before Rosco could do anyhting stupid. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke hide the General in a drive way across town that was over grown with flowering bushes that covered the very noticeable car. He watched as Rosco walked toward the diner. Enos had left a few minutes before which meant that Cletus was the only one on duty. Luke slipped through the double doors and saw Cletus asleep at the desk. He smiled. Lori pointed towards the keys alying on the desk. Luke caefully picked the keys up so that the brass keys would not clinck against each other and wake Cletus. He held up a finger for Lori to hold on a minute as he went down the stairs. He silently opened the door to Ernie's cell. Ernie looked very confussed, "Why?" Luke smiled and said, "I'll explain it to you over a beer sometime." They quietly made their way back upstairs. Luke unlocked Lori's cell door while Ernie waited. Lori hugged Luke and they turned to leave. Luke was just about to put the keys back on the desk as Rosco and the Judge came in the door. When Rosco saw them and that Luke was holding the keys, he went straight for his gun. "Freeze it right there!" This woke up Cletus who was now alert. Rosco continued, "Ok, you two just turn right around and head downstairs. Cletus lock up this girl again, if you think you can do that without anyone getting away from you. I'll take these two downstairs. Judge, I'll have you a whole mess of paperwork here in just a jiffy!" Judge Hardcastle assured the Sheriff, "If you are telling me that all three of these people are in your custody, believe me they won't get by me!" NARRATOR: Now everyone knew that Ed Little was tuff over in Chickasaw County, but even old Ed was scared of Hardcastle! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ About an hour later Rosco had explained the fight that Ernie and Luke were into and that they both weapons. That Lori had broken Luke out. He even included catching them with Cooter and Bo and charging them. Then he told the Judge that Lori had told him a bunch of stuff that had intially caused him to release Bo, Cooter and Luke, but that his 'investigation' had proved it to by hogg wash. Rosco concluded by saying, "And, then you saw what I did. That no account Duke letting the girl and that Ledbetter fellow go." Judge Hardcastle took all this into consideration and asked, "Now Sheriff, I know that a lot of cases expecially involving the Dukes aren't exactly above board, but you are telling me you had Luke Duke and Ernie Ledbetter for fighting and they had weapons?" Rosco repliled, "That Luke Duke had a tire tool in his hand and Ledbetter had a big ol' chain swinging it. I was afraid they'd hurt each other this time. They've fought since Jr. High." Hardcastle shook his head, 'OK', then asked, "How do you know the Davenport girl helped him escape?" Rosco replied, "My Deputy saw them. Said she told him something about a fire hydrant in the middle of the street. Then he saw them leave together. That Ledbetter fellow must have seen it too." Hardcastle continued, "Then you caught them with Bo Duke and Cooter Davenport the next morning?" Rosco said, "Yes, and the Davenport girl was confessing that she helped Luke Duke escape. Both my deputies heard this too." "What did she tell you to make her let the rest of them go?" asked Hardcastle. "Well, she told me that the fight was her doing and that the others had nothing to do with helping Luke escape." Rosco continued, "But, since they had the weapons and no one saw her involved in the fight then I tend to believe they were at fault. I also checked out the cabin where we found them later. It was stocked with sleeping bags, kerosene for the lantereens and some food supplies such as coffee and canned goods. I believe that Cooter and Bo had brought themthe supplies. But, anyway they knew Luke had been arrested the night before and had escaped. They were with him and hadn't made an attempt to turn him in so that was harboring and escapee." Hardcastle nodded. This was the Sheriff that he knew years ago before greed and Boss Hogg took him over. He had cases. He sat back in his chair and stretched as he tought. Then, he sat up reached in his drawer, put some forms in the typewriter and began to type. A short while later he handed Rosco a stack of papers. Rosco looked confussed. Most everything he'd had before this judge had been thrown out. "What's this?" Hardcastle was reaching for the phone, but stopped, "Well, Sheriff I know it has been awhile since you did some honest law work but these here are warrants for Bo Duke and Cooter Davenport. I want them picked up and in my Court first thing in the morning. I'll be staying in town tonight. Do you think you can get this done, Sheriff?" Rosco set up a bit straighter, "I sure will have them there Judge." "Ok," Hardcastle continued, "These are 'Holds' that I put on Luke Duke, Ernie Ledbetter and Lori Davenport. I'll see them in court tomorrow also. I suggest with two escapes in these cases thus far that you call Ed Little. He's been wanting some extra work and you could use a good man to hang onto these people while you and your men are out picking up the others." Now Rosco didn't like the idea of asking Sheriff Little for anything but it made sense. He couldn't be everywhere. "Ok, I'll call Sheriff Little. Once he gets here I'll go pick up these two. Thank you Judge." Hardcstle had to tell the Sheriff, "Rosco between you, me and the wall, if you did more work like this you'd get a lot further in my court and more people would respect you." Part 2 to follow!

Come on ya'll help us out here. Tell us what you like and give us suggestions as to where you'd like to see it go. We've got a whole lot of stuff started so tell us what you like! DixieDavenport PS. Course I can't stand that cousin of mine being anywhere near Luke! LOL