DixieDavenport

This one explains a lot -- Enos being hired and how they got caught. Thanks Dixie

Jeb was in one show. Jeb Stewart Duke. He rode a motorcycle and when Bo and Luke got arrested for stealing the sword they were transporting he posed as an official took custody of them --- helped them escape. It was told in this show that he was eith the boys when they got caught. Jeb said staying on Probation in Placid County was hard enough without being in Hazzard. As for ground rules. I'd say it would have to be in the time frame when Jesse, Boss, Rosco etc. would be in it. As for adding new characters I don't see why not. And it never said Rosco OR who caught them as best that I recall. But from High Octane and others you know revenuers and ATF were common in Hazzard at one time. I just thought it would be cool to see in print. Dixie

I had to laugh when I saw this question! The county I live in is known as the "Free State of --------- ". It is not even part of our State! I swear when I went to the Correctional Acdemy they would say this applies to everyone but -----------. I hadn't worked as a Correctional Officer long when one of the Circuit Judges and the Sheriff got into it over two reserved parking spaces. They were reserved for two people that no longer worked for the County. The Sheriff wanted a handicap ramp added to make the Sheriff's Dept. accessible. The Circuit Judge in Court ordered them not to use the spots and to stop work (until he gave peremission or checked it out or something to that effect). In the meantime they figured a way to build a ramp without taking the spots and began work. The Judge came by to look the spots over during lunch and they were working on it. He sent our Sheriff and two County Commissioners to jail for contempt! Image the Duke in me when I got to put the Sheriff (who signs my payday) behind bars! There are plenty of dirt and curvy roads here and I know where an operating still or two still exists here. We have several volunteer fire departments here in the county which I volunteer for one of them. My first Fire Chief reminded me of Uncle Jesse. If you live here and don't know this man you are a hermit. Here it is several City police that have the 'speed traps'. -- Last night they did DUI patrols. This morning we had 6 that had been put in jail - 3 by Cities 3 by State Police. Our City's Chief of police has a nickname too -- Big show. Kinda reminds you of Big Ed Little but has a heart of Gold. This week one of the towns Chiefs left his keys in the cruiser and it was taken to another County to a department store! Yes there is a real Hazzard County. HAZARD (one Z) in Kentucky. My father went there in like the 50's it was a dry (no alcoholic drinks) county. Several of the workers from here went there to teach them how to run a preparation plant (that cleans coal). The guys my father included took 2 suit cases -- one with clothes the other with alcohol!!! Which was 'bootlegging' since they took it across State lines! I too could go on and on about this County. I don't think there is anoter County to equal it except Hazzard!!!! Dixie

At the jail Rosco had another problem. He only had four bunks in his downstairs cells. Upstairs the one cell up there only had a bench around three sides. He put Ralph and his friends in the 'holding' cell upstairs and took Luke and the others downstairs. Bo and Luke were put in one cell beside Cooter and Mark. As soon as the guys were secured, Peggy went upstairs to call the Judge to see if maybe he'd come out that night since the jail was crowded. Judge Hardcastle was the one on call. He felt that if he did come in and let them bond tonight that they would have round two before dawn. He figured they would be OK on the benches and floor for one night. Fortunately the benches were wide enough for a mattress to fit on the three side which only left one to sleep on the floor. The guys by decided that since Ralph not only got them in this but lead them into a fight were they not only went to jail because of but lost, he could sleep on the floor. Peggy did give him two mattresses. Peggy sent Enos downstairs with the boys. With Enos being new she felt better putting him in the most secure area. She took the cell keys and locked the gate on her way upstairs were she'd work tonight. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke looked around at his cousin and friends, then said, "Sorry guys. I guess got a little carried away there." Mark replied, "I seen it coming. I did try to stop you. I missed." Bo replied, "Cooter and I missed too." Luke looked at them confussed. Mark explained, "As you got up, we all tried to stop you. You were too quick, we all missed." Luke couldn't help grin at the picture they painted, and said again, "Like I said, I'm sorry about this. I took all I could take. It was just far overdue." Bo asked, "You still like her." (meaning Robin) Luke got serious, "No, I don't. No one will ever hurt her in front of me, but that's it. As a matter of fact I have thought about getting more serious with someone else." he looked off in the distance. Mark, Cooter, and Bo asked, "WHO?" Luke smiled, "I'll let you know if it happens." He found himself thinking more about Cooter's sister. He was pretty sure that the feelings he was having were mutual but worried about what Cooter would think. Besides she still hadn't convienced her father to let her go to school here this year. Luke was certain that if she stayed by her big birthday in April things would be better. Until then he planned to just be cool.

This is for Bethie88 From Limo One is Missing Bo: -- Couldn't have been more than a gallon of gas in that can. Luke : -- In a gallon can?

Jesse heard the General Lee roar up the driveway as he finished drying the supper dishes. He could hear by the "Yeeeeeehaaaaaaaa!" from both his nephews that they were in a much better mood. Jesse poured a two cups of coffee and headed for the porch. He met Bo and Luke on the porch and said, "The General sounds fit." Bo replied, "Yes, Sir. Cooter is a genius!" Luke added, "Now all he needs is a really good cleaning tomorrow." "That's real good. Bo, can you find something to do? Luke and me, here, need to have us a talk. I was too mad today to deal with him." said Jesse. Bo and Luke looked at each other before Bo answered, "Yeah, sure. I'll be in the house." Jesse added, "Ok, and call Beth while you're there. She called about an hour ago. Have a seat Luke." he said handing Luke his coffee. Bo replied, as he went through the door. "Thanks, Uncle Jesse." Luke was pretty sure he knew what was wrong. Jesse sat back and said, "Now, Luke I am glad you and Bo stick together and stick up for each other. However, when you hide something that could hurt someone then that is taking it too far. What is going on with Bo and Beth needed to be told so that we all can help them deal with the overwhelming responsibilities they have gotten themselves into." "Uncle Jesse from the second I found out I tried to get him to tell you. It was even hard for him to tell me. With this situation the harm has been done I didn't think by not telling, it was that big of a deal since it can't be changed." Luke tried to explain. The wiser Duke said, "Luke, Beth is 16. Bo is 17. What if they couldn't deal with the situation? What if one or both decided they couldn't handle this? We could have lost Bo, Beth and or an innocent life." The realization of Jesse's statement sunk in. "I would never think either of them capable of anything like THAT." Luke said. Jesse nodded, "I hope that they aren't. I just wanted you to know that there are times it is Ok to not back someone if it is for their own good." Luke nodded, "I know that and I had planned on telling you myself if he didn't tell you soon. I had told him as much." Jesse asked, "Can I take it that's what happened to the wrist?" "Yes, Sir." Luke sighed, "The night before he went to the doctor the first time, he hit the oak dresser in our room. You were there for the second one, but, yes, I had told him I'd tell you if he didn't." After finding out about the baby, Jesse was pretty sure of what had caused the injury. "You never did tell me about where you all were the other morning." Luke sighed and took a drink of coffee. There was no point in not telling now, "Bo slipped out to go see Beth. I woke up, he wasn't there, so I went looking for him and by the time we got back you were up." Jesse sat quietly for several minutes sipping his coffee. "Luke go get Bo if he's off the phone." Luke did as he was told and returned with Bo shortly. "Bo we are going to talk. Luke can leave or stay. It's up to you." stated Jesse. Bo replied, "I'd like him to stay, if you don't mind Luke?" he asked in an almost plea. Uncle Jesse nodded for Luke to set down which he did. "Bo first off there will be no more sneaking out in the middle of the night." stated Jesse. Bo looked to Luke who gave him a 'What was I suppose to do?' look. Jesse continued, "Secondly, Beth's parents have to know this and soon. Thirdly, What are your plans?" asked Jesse, then waited for Bo's reply......... Cue Beth

Thanks anyway! Just a thought! I agree that Jeb looked like the Greatest Americna Hero! Dixie

It managed to get a little too close to the adults table for Bo, Sr's. liking with Beth obviously pregnant. "Jeb get her out of here." said Bo as he gently headed his wife towards his cousin. Dixie waved Jeb off, "Come on Beth." She said as they headed to the ladies room until things cooled off. This was NOT Dixie's normal style but she thought Beth would leave her son easier if Dixie left Luke and Jake. After the ladies headed out of the line of fire, Bo and Luke had just stood up and picked up their mugs of beer when the fight landed on their table. In at blind rage Nick came up first and hit Luke in the ribs. His buddy stood up, saw a blonde head of hair, and swung on Bo, Sr. Bo or Luke needed a second invitation into the fight. Within seconds there was a free-for-all going on. The whole bar was fighting as Sheriff Strate walked in from the back room after hearing the disturbance! Her cousin Enos had told her about nights like this but she had NEVER encountered on of them before! Cue Beth

Beth's Mother came into pick up Beth seeing the overturned tables and chairs with spilled pop, beer and popcorn. Beth was standing safely behind Jesse who saw the horror in the Mother's face. Jesse walked Beth to her Mother who asked, "What on Earth happened?" Jesse explained as he and Dixie walked them out of the Boar's Nest, "Teen night is usually not like this with all the parents and adults who show up. Unfortunately, there was a bit of unavoidable trouble. I will have you know that the guys did try to avoid it and then made sure the girls were well out of the way." Knowing the thought that was crossing her Mother's mind, Beth ducked before her Mother asked the next question, "You knew the people involved in 'THIS' Mr. Duke.?" Jesse replied, "As a matter of fact I know four of the eight involved quiet well. Four guys started trouble with my oldest nephew. His cousin and two friends equaled the odds." "Oh, Dear." said Beth's Mother. "Now, if you'll excuse me I have to go see about my boys. Come Dixie I'll drop you off on the way ." Said Jesse as he headed to his pick up. Beth's Mother asked, "He stayed with you until I got here after all that?" Beth hoped to assure her Mother about the Duke family by saying, "Yes. That was the condition of me getting to go 'that an adult be with us'. He wouldn't just leave us there and Dixie's Father had a wrecker call."

I challenge YOU to write a story about when Bo, Luke and Jeb got caught running moonshine. The show never went into details. I'd just like to see what others ideas of how the law got REALLY LUCKY. Dixie

I'd like to see Jeb mentioned more. Does anyone have seens from that show / of him? It was the show about the sword. He is the cousin that was with Bo and Luke when they got caught running the moonshine. He was on Probation with them only he lived in Placid County. In that show he helped Bo and Luke escape by 'taking custody' of them before they were sent to prison by acting like an officer. Dixie

As the song ended, there was a shout from David in the back of the room, "Are you going to use her like you did my sister then leave her too?" Cooter, Bo and Mark all grabbed to stop Luke but he had been too fast going after David. He picked him up by the shirt collar, pinned him to the wall with his left hand, while with the right he drew back. As he brought the punch forward, Luke regained some of his sences. He brought the punch with in mere inches from Davids face never touching him, yet noticably scaring him. Luke let him down on the floor, pointed toward the door and said, "Go! You are NOT worth it!" David was gone in a flash. Luke turned seeing David's father setting with Jesse. He had not moved to help his son. He walked over and said, "Bill, it was Da-- close, but I didn't touch him." He replied to Luke, "I saw. I was also here for the first round. I couldn't much blame you if you had hit him." "He's pushing my buttons over me helping Robin today with Ralph's car. Now he's probably telling Ralph everything he thinks he knows." explained Luke. "I LIVE with him." was all his father said. Luke shook his hand and said, "I don't need the trouble, but I didn't want you mad at me either." Bill replied, "We're fine." Luke said, "Thanks." Then returned to the front table setting where he could see the front door. He had a nagging suspision that tonight's trouble wasn't over. Luke ordered a second beer and took a long drink as he watched the crowd. About an hour later he told Beth and Dixie, "Ok, here we go. Go to Jesse, easy, now!" Luke had said it quietly, calmly but with a sense of urgency. The girls got up and went to Jesse's table as Luke took a long drink of beer as he waited for Ralph to make his move. Cooter nudged Bo and Mark to look at the door where Ralph stood. Ralph walked over to Luke ans said, "What were you doing in my car today?" Luke replied, "Making sure 'your' girl got it home." "So you were in my car?" Ralph insisted. "Yeah, I checked the linkage." replied Luke. He knew where this was going to end up. Ralph glared at him, "And what was she checking the other night at your house?" Luke unfortunately played into his hand by saying, "She was there to see Daisy. Not me." Luke knew she had told both Jesse and Daisy she didn't want him to know she had been there yet he knew. Ralph yelled, "I'm going to kick your tail then I'm going to whip her!" Luke changed his mind with a right cross sending him up against the bar. About this time three of Ralphs friends thought Ralph needed help and grabbed Luke. Bo, Cooter, and Mark equaled the odds. The eight young men were pretty equally matched which made a 'good' fight. Tables were turned over, chairs were swung as the fight progressed. As Rosco and his newly hired Full time Deputy Enos Strate pulled into the parking lot the experienced Sheriff knew there was trouble by the sounds coming for the Boars' Nest. Rosco entered yelling, "Freeze! Everyone just Freeze!" the fight continued until the Sheriff fired two shots into the ceiling. Everyone stopped fighting except Luke and Ralph. "You are all under arrest! Now FREEZE!" It took Bo, Cooter and Mark to get Luke off of Ralph. The fight had been far too long in coming. Rosco managed to get the separated against two walls as Enos blocked the exit. "Get me the phone." He dialed Peggy. "Peggy I'm going to need you tonight. I have eight subjects detained at the Boars' Nest and only one Cruiser to haul them." "I'm on my way Rosco. I'll bring a van from here." Here being the Tri-County Jail that she normally worked at. It wasn't long before Peggy arrived with a jail van and enough hand cuffs for the group. She knew Rosco would be lucky to have two pair. The eight were handcuffed, seated in the van, and read their rights. Rosco, Enos and Peggy made sure that Luke and Ralph were separated the farthest apart. Daisy put her arm around Dixie and said, "See, Luke and Robin aren't even talking but he'd not stand for Ralph to threaten her."

Luke had taken the keys to the General Lee but hadn't gone far from the house. He had never wanted to leave Bo but figured he might make things worse if he didn't take Jesse's strong hint to leave. Then, when he saw Beth come out behind him he knew Jesse wouldn't have continued even if he had stayed. Luke's eyes were glued to the back door when Bo finally came out heading for the barn. Luke caught up with him. They walked to the barn in silence. Jesse watched them go from the kitchen window. Now he knew. Now he knew why Luke had taken not having the General's keys for, looking at the clock, for over two days during a race week. Jesse had to smile at those boys loyality to each other. If he knew Luke at all he figured that Luke had been trying to get Bo to tell him but Luke wouldn't go against Bo to tell before Bo got ready. Jesse thought 'Well, now, a baby.' he smiled to himself, 'This won't be the first Duke ever born less than nine months after their Daddy and Momma wed, but no Duke man ever had ran from his responsiblities. He'd see to it that Bo didn't either, then he'd take out the family Bible and let Bo and Beth do some math one day.' Luke gave Bo some space once in the old barn. He sat back letting him know he was there but didn't push. After watching Bo brush the horse for almost half an hour Luke said, "Bo?" Bo answered the unspoken question, "Yeah, ....... I'm ...... Ok." Luke could tell Bo was crying, "I'm here when you want to talk." Luke got up to leave. Bo was crying because he hurt Jesse. He hurt Beth. He had even hurt Luke. He had caused so much pain with something that had felt really right at the time. Bo said, "Dang it, Luke. I'd like to talk, really I would but I think someone has opened a flood gate here." He wiped his face with his shirt sleeve. "It's Ok, Bo, really. I know it was hard in there. I'm sorry I left." said Luke. Bo said, "Don't be." Luke knew now what had happened. "I think the Bible verses hurt more than the belt." replied Bo. Luke almost grinned, "We'll see about that next time you get in the General Lee." Luke reflected on his last meeting with that same belt that Jesse had kept for just that purpose since they were kids. Jesse was not one to 'abuse' even a grown child, but he wasn't one to 'spare the rod -- ruin the child' either. Come to think of it the reason for Luke's whipping had been over a girls reputation too. Her father had called in the wee hours of the morning looking for his daughter who had went out with Luke. The father woke up and she wasn't home. Luke remembered just how hard the passenger seat of the General was for almost a week because he'd kept a girl out too late. 'Poor Bo.' he thought, knowing Jesse would have given him a fair share more to think on for getting Beth pregnant. Bo wasn't thinking real quickly and said, "What?" Luke point to his back side. "There's a pillow on the couch I suggest you putting it in your seat in the car." Luke paused, "Remember the night I broke down with Ashley? And was late getting her home? Jesse gave me a real hard incentive to learn more car mechanics." Bo remember, "Oh, yeah, I remember that. You complained everytime we went anywhere." "Thanks why I'm suggesting the pillow." said Luke seriously. "What do you think about running to Cooter's for those parts then we can give the General a good going over?" Bo replied, "That sounds like a good idea. I sure missed having the keys in my pocket even though I can't drive him for awhile yet." He looked at his broken hand and wrist. "You know, Luke this was probably the stupidest thing I've done in forever." Luke dead panned, "Second stupidest and you did it TWICE!" "You know how to make someone feel better." Bo said sliding in the passenger side of the General Lee. Luke started the engine and took off letting dust and grass fly as he spun out. Jesse again looked at the clock. 'Almost a whole hour. Humm." (since both sets of keys were returned.) At the end of the driveway Bo said, "Luke you were right about this seat!" Luke smiled in sympathy. "So you all told Jesse. When do you intend to tell her parents?" "One thing at a time Luke!" Bo replied not wanting to think about that. Though he did intend to go to Ruebottom's while in town. ~~~~~~~~~ At Cooter's Bo was kind of slow getting out of the General Lee, between his wrist and his behind. Cooter noticed but had the good graces not to ask. Luke asked, "Are the parts in yet." Cooter replied, "Been here for two days. Where were you all? People's beginning to talk that maybe you all died or something. Rosco hasn't even had to fuel up since the weekend." Luke waved off the questions, "It's a LONG story! We'll fill you in when the time's right." Luke needed Cooter and a lot of his help. "What are you doing after closing?" Cooter eyed the older Duke a bit suspiciously, "Why?" "I was thinking that you have been looking a little thin in the skin and might be in the need of some of Jesse's cooking." Luke looked hopeful. "What haven't you got done to him? Luke the race is a day and a half away." Cooter replied. "Cooter old buddy, I haven't even started on him yet and Bo's not going to be a lot of help one handed." Luke said. "Why on Earth haven't you started? I figured that was where you'd been for the last two days." Cooter asked disbelieving that Luke hadn't started race preparations knowing how badly he wanted to not just win but to beat Ralph Green who was bragging all over town that he was going to beat Luke. Luke's first serious girl friend had plans to be married within a year after graduation. Luke didn't have the same plans. Now she was engaged to the turnip brain who had been a thorn in Luke's side since they played football on opposite sides. "Its kind of hard to work on him without the keys." Luke said flatly. Bo ducked. "Luke I got to check on something. I'll be right back." he stiffly walked out of the garage. "Without the keys?" Cooter questioned. "Jesse had them for over two days." Luke said. He knew he owed Cooter at least a partial explaination for all the help he was asking form his friend. "Uncle, .... Mr. Jesse had your keys? What was wrong with Bo's?" Cooter could be a bit slow at times. "He had BOTH sets." replied Luke. Cooter looked shocked, "I ain't never known him to take your all's keys before. Not after you've went to jail for fighting, or racing, or all those tickets, not even after we all got drunk at the farm that time, not even after he fussed at you all for jumping Dry Creek! What could you have done THAT bad." Luke said, "We lied to him and he knew it." Cooter ducked on that one. "SHHHHHhhhhhhhh -weeeee! I know Mr. Jesse doesn't take kindly to anyone lying but for you TWO to lie to HIM." "Now, do you see why I need your help?" Luke questioned. "Yeah, yeah, I think I do." said Cooter. Then as an after thought, "Is it safe?" Luke nodded, "It two days for the truth to come out. But, yeah, it's safe. ..... I think." he said the last part very quietly. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ At Ruebottom's Bo was wanting to check on something. He also knew Ruebottom's was 'gossip central' for Hazzard. He knew what he wanted to see would set off a wild fire that the whole Hazzard Fire Brigade couldn't contain. "Bo, we haven't seen too much of any of you all this whole week. Is everything Ok? How's your Uncle Jesse?" asked Mrs. Ruebottom. "Yes, Ma'am everyone's just fine." He held his own right arm a bit behind him hoping she'd not notice it. "We've just been busy." "So, what did your Uncle send you for?" she asked. "Well, actually, I was just browsing. I'm looking for something for Daisy for either Christmas or her birthday." Bo said. "Oh, we like people who start shopping early. We even have a lay away plan." she offered. Bo hadn't thought of that. "What were you looking for?" she asked. "I was thinking how she likes jewerly." he replied. She smiled, "Yes, she does. She admires the jewerly case everytime she's in here. Bo walked over to the jewerly case. Looking at the tray of engagement rings as Mrs. Ruebottom pulled out try after tray of charms. He tried to act interested at what she was showing him. "You know Daisy's birthday is in April. Isn't that a clear set?" "Well, yes it is. Though I really don't have any birthstones right now." she replied. Bo indicted the tray of rings he was looking at. "What about these?" Mrs. Ruebottom smiled. 'Men!.' she thought. "Honey those are engagement rings." Bo shrugged, "They have clears sets." "Well, yes as a matter of fact they do....." she started to explain that they were more costly than the birthstones. But, she'd had that same tray of rings for forever. It had been ages since they had sold an engagement ring. Besides, he was only looking. She set the tray on the counter. Bo found one that was different. It wasn't the smallest or the largest but the set was a heart. He picked it up to look at it and see the price. It was priced at a $150.00 for the half carat heart shaped diamond. He could do this. "How much to lay this one away?" Mrs. Ruebottom said, "$15.00 will do it." Bo pulled out his wallet checked it's contents. He still had his share of the enterance fee and the part money with $20 left over. He handed $15.00 to Mrs. Ruebottom. Bo felt better right now than he had in the week he'd known about 'his mistake'.

Yes, Smallville proves Jesse raised Bo right!! Dixie

Luke had followed the teen to make sure he was gone before taking a seat at the front table with Dixie and Beth. (Who's Mother had allowed her to come for a short while to hear the band before things got late and out of hand as long as Dixie or Daisy had an adult with them.) Dixie asked, "What was 'that' about?" Luke waved his hand dismissing it. "Robin crossed the linkage in Ralphs' car today. I was here, got it unstuck, checked it out, obviously seen by her younger brother who has run off to spead wild rumors to Ralph that I was in his car." Beth replied, "You told him not to." "Nothing short of killing him would stop him and he's not worth it." said Luke taking a drink of beer. 'Stand by Me' began to play and Bo came over and asked, "Beth would you like to dance?" She replied, "Sure." They left for the dance floor. Luke thought a dance might get his mind off the teen trying to start trouble. He said to Dixie, "Shall we?" Dixie smiled, "Ok." On the dance floor Luke took her in his arms. They began to dance and whatever they had felt that morning was back. Dixie looked up and found Luke looking into her eyes. Luke had an overpowering urge to kiss her. Right here. Right now. He also knew that Cooter and Luther, her Father, weren't far away either. It was all he could do to hold her and yet keep from kissing her right there. As the song ended Luke walked Dixie back to her table as he saw Mark and his date Sharon enter. "I'll be back in a bit. Luke walked to the bar and said to Mark, "Buy you a beer." Mark replied, "Ok, what's up?" Luke said, "You mean other than David trying to push my buttons?" Mark questioned, "You mean my brother, David? Him push anybody's buttons? Never!" replied Mark sarcastically. Luke explained, "Robin was by here today. She had car problems in Ralph's ride. I got her going. David saw me in the car. Now, I suppose he's off to tell Ralph." Mark raised his glass, "That's my brother!" he paused, "You know he's pushing because ..." "Because I can't touch him." said Luke to finish Mark's statement. At this point Dixie came over, "Luke, Jeb wants to know if you'd sing a song for him?" "Sure why not?" Luke replied, though had he known what he would know in the next year he might not have sung that song considering the impact it would have on all those in this room. The song was 'Jacob's Ladder' by Mark Wills and he sang it with Dixie......... Jacob was a dirt poor farm boy Raised at the fork in the road in a clapboard house And Rachael was a land baron's daughter Born with a silver spoon in her mouth Her daddy said he wouldn't stand For Rachael to waste her life with a common man He tried hard to keep them apart But you can't draw lines in a young girl's heart So late one night by the harvest moon Jacob climed a ladder up to Rachael's room He knew his place, it was right beside her Step by step up to her world Head over heels for a brown-eyed girl And gettin' caught didn't seem to matter 'Cause heaven was waitin' at the top of Jacob's ladder It'll be five years September Since her daddy found a ladder and a note on her windowsill He swore he'd never forgive them But nothin' melts a heart like a grandchild will Now she climbs up on his knee Says, "Grandpa, tell a story, the one about me" He thinks back and his eyes shine Says, "Listen Child, once upon a time" Late one night by the harvest moon Your daddy climbed a ladder to your mama's room He knew his place, it was right besde her Step by step up to her world Head over heels for my little girl And here you are, that's all that matters 'Cause heaven was watin' at the top of Jacob's ladder Oh, an angel was waitin' at the top of Jacob's ladder As the song ended, there was a shout from David in the back of the room, "Are you going to use her like you did my sister then leave her too?"

Jesse was in the kitchen he had started supper before going outside to start the needed work. He heard a car pull up. The boys knew better than to have company when they were grounded. Jesse figured he'd let it ride hoping what ever was the problem would finally get worked out. Luke followed Bo out of the barn. As Bo and Beth started toward the house Luke called, "Bo, ya'll come here a minute." Jesse saw from the kitchen window Bo and Beth walking back toward the barn where Luke was. Bo had his good arm around Beth's waist as they walked. Luke said, "Look, I know this is not easy on you two. He--, I ain't involved and its became hard on ME. Which is why, Beth, I told Bo I'd tell Jesse if you two don't. Bo, we don't go against each other and I can't now. Just tell Jesse you were fighting about Bo looking at a girl, about him hurting his wrist, anything. I can imagine being in your situation. I can see the hurt in both your eyes. I can also see being mad at me for forcing your hand into telling this before you are ready. Beth did he tell you neither of us have had the General's keys since the other morning?" Luke saw it in her eyes and nodded. "I thought not. Jesse knew we were lying when we got back and has the keys until we tell him where we were. I can't even tune him for the race we're not going to get to race in on Saturday." Now, Beth understood why Bo or Luke hadn't been seen out which was a strange thing. "Bo Duke! You were planning to just go on like this without the General?" Bo was feeling really trapped between a rock and a hard place. He knew they needed to tell Jesse. Beth had told him she wasn't anymore ready to talk than he was. Here was Luke spilling his guts to his girl. Now she was mad about the General Lee. Well, Bo was mad too at himself, Luke, irrationally he was even mad at Jesse for taking the keys. Bo was so very mad at himself for getting them all into this mess. He balled up his right hand and swung hard at the barn. Jesse had decided he had given his two grounded nephews enough lee way and started to the barn when he saw Bo punch the barn with his broken wrist. Bo knew he'd really messed up the in the split second his now healing hand hit the barn. Between the anger and pain Bo fell to his knees as Jesse, Luke and Beth were at his side. Jesse picked up Bo's right hand. Where the cast had been around his hand when he hit the barn now his fingers were swelling. Unless Jesse missed his guess he figured Bo had refractured the wrist also which would be swelling too. "Luke go get the pickup before this starts swelling any worse." Luke was back in an instance with the truck. Jesse, Bo, Luke and Beth all got in the truck without saying a word. After getting Bo's wrist reset Jesse drove them back to the farm. Doc had left the 'pain relief' to Jesse who got Bo a small glass of moonshine and locked the kitchen door in case the other kids came back anytime soon. Jesse returned to the living room, gave Bo the shine and locked the front door. Beth sat on the couch to Bo's left. Luke was standing staring out the window when Jesse said, "Luke take a seat. You three have been quieter than church mice. Whatever is bothering you all, I know you all three know about it. You two sneak out in the middle of the night. I've had the General's keys almost two days! Bo here has been to the Doctor twice now. Somebody is going to tell me why before we leave this room." Jesse looked Luke in the eye when he said this statement. Jesse knew Luke too well, he'd not go against Bo if it was Bo's problem. Whatever was wrong had to center around Bo. Luke just looked at his hands in his lap. Beth took off her shoes, pulled her feet up on the couch and held on to Bo's good arm a little tighter. Bo had a lump in his thoat so big he wasn't sure he could speak. He tried to clear his throat, "Un ... cle Jesse, ....... Cue the future Ms. Bo Duke

Luke returned the wrecker to Cooter at the garage a little later. Bo pulled up to pick him up. Dixie was collecting for gas at the pumps when Bo said, "Hey, Dixie, Jeb wants to know if you'll help him tonight?" Dixie knew he meant with the band and said, "If I can get a ride." Bo replied, "That's where we're going. Hop in." Dixie looked at her father. He was glad she'd made friends this summer. "Go on! Eleven." he said. "Thanks Dad." she said climbing into the General's windows like she had been doing it all her life. At the Boar's Nest Luke took a table near the back and ordered a beer to sip on. He found himself watching them set up. He wasn't watching anyone in particular though he found his eyes kept resting on Dixie who was bending and stretching to hook up all the cables and wires to help get the band set up. He remembered the morning at the farm with Dixie and was trying to figure out what had happened. Luke had dated his fair share of the ladies but what happened that morning was different. He had intended to talk to her. He had not intended to kiss her. Remembering the feelings that were awaken, Luke had to admit to himself it had felt very Da-- good! He had felt something he had missed since he and Robin had been together. 'No, it was different still.' he thought. The Boar's Nest had filled up quiet a bit, mostly with teens as it was teen night. Luke had not been watching the crowd until he heard Robin's youngest brother David say, "What were you doing in Ralph's car today?" Luke replied, "Making sure that Robin got it back home. It's my job when I'm running the wrecker." "So you and my sister were in Ralph's car? That makes perfect since!" David said adding more to it than had happened. "Wait until Ralph hears you were in his car today!" Luke knew David well. He was the type to start trouble then set back and watch. Luke stood up, calmly said, looking the shorter teen in the eye, "Ralph had better not hear anything from you." Even as Luke said this he knew it would do no good. Luke was also treading on thin ice since David was under eighteen. It turned out that it had been Luke's luck that as he got in Ralph's car to check the linkage, David had gone by in another car seeing him. David smiled, quickly finding an exit.

Jake and Bo, Jr. had had a long talk with Luke and Bo before going to the Boar's Nest with the older Dukes. They had told them about the girls who were no older than themselves and the fact they were drinking beer in the Boar's Nest. Like everywhere else the legal drinking age in Hazzard is now 21 though when Bo and Luke were growing up the age had been 18. Beth had volunteered to drive Luke's king cab truck home since everyone could fit in it so the others could drink if they wanted to. Since they were not driving, Bo and Luke had agreed as long as the law didn't know the boys were drinking they could join the young ladies in a beer or two. Luke smiled at the thought of how good Dixie herself had gotten at being undetected while drinking his beer when they were younger. Luke had been very careful to keep his beer in his hand so he'd not get into trouble if someone underage had gotten it. He had though Dixie older when she first took a drink of his beer. Because, of course, her father and Jesse had let her have a sip of shine occassionaly at the farm. They had all been so close to each other that age hadn't mattered. Dixie nudged Luke to watch Jake and Bo, Jr. as they were trying to impress the ladies. "God, that's scary." She said to Beth. "What is scary?" asked Beth. "The fact we knew these two when they were that age and were coming on to us like that!" the whole large table of people almost fell into the floor laughing. Luke looked at Bo. "The boys aren't the only one trying to impress someone and unless I miss my guess it is working." Bo replied, "Yeah, I see that." The only one who had missed the picture was Dixie, "What are you two talking about?" Luke replied, "Haven't you noticed Debbie and Jeb?" "No, what am I missing here?" she asked. She had her mind on Luke and arrangements for the wedding. Luke laughed, "Today she was almost ready to stay at home and not ride the 4-wheelers. Now, she has her head on Jeb's chest." Beth added, "And his hands aren't the only ones wondering either." Debbie had always been a rather shy individual outside of work. It seemed that at work she knew her job and did it well with confidence. She knew she could not be a meek push over and work with inmates. Yet, outside of her job it seemed to Dixie she had lost all confidence in herself. Dixie watched her friend for a few minutes. Then replied, "You know, you might have something there. Good for her. She was afraid she'd not fit in here." Beth was having a good time even though she was drinking Diet 7-up which was going right through her. She was about to head to the restroom for what felt like the hundreth time tonight when Dixie and Daisy caught up with her. While they were gone Luke took his opportunity to 'contribute' to the boys 'delinquency'. He ordered seven beers and a very light wine cooler. As he came by the boys table he sat four beers down, then took the rest to their table. He sat the other three beers down in front of him and Bo. The wine cooler he placed in Beth's spot and winked at Bo. Bo's eyes got wide as Luke explained, "Bo its more flavor than it is wine. Besides a little wine is OK. If she doesn't want it I'm sure Dixie or Daisy will drink it. Besides that clear pop she's drinking is killing her." Bo smiled at his cousins thoughtfulness towards his wife. Contrary to Uncle Jesse's beliefs it looked as if both Bo and Luke would make good husbands. Jesse had always said, 'The chances of you two having a family rate right up there with hogs producing beef!' Well, Bo thought, 'Uncle Jesse with number six on the way, looks like I've got a da-- good start! Then Luke, there has a very healthy handsome son over there with Bo, Jr. and who knows how many more will follow Jake.' Luke and Bo were the only two at the table. Luke looked over at Bo who seemed a million miles away. "Bo?, ..... Earth to Bo?, ......" he waved his hand in front of Bo's face, and asked, "What?" Bo grinned, "Man, just thinking of something Jesse used to say." Luke waited for Bo to tell him. "Remember when Uncle Jesse would get mad at us and say.... 'The chances of you two having a family rate right up there with hogs producing beef!' ?" asked Bo. Luke laughed, "Yeah, I've heard that one more than once." He thought in silence then spoke with a tear in his eyes, "A toast to proving Uncle Jesse wrong." Bo smiled, also with a tear in his eyes. They raised their glasses for the toast. They had neither gotten over loosing Jesse. The young adults were at their table with each an empty glass of pop before them and a half full glass of beer when in walked Sheriff Straight. Luke was standing at the adults table when he saw the uniform come in. The family resemblance was there. Luke could only assume this was Sheriff Straight he walked over to the 'kids' table and said, "Thanks for watching our beers while we were dancing." He picked up the four half full glasses of beer as he handed Jake a ten dolllar bill. "I see you all are out of pop." as he nodded toward the door, calmly removing the beer glasses to the adults table. Jake took his father's hint and ordered four galsses of pop which they four young adults eagerly sipped. Laura said, "Man, that was too cool!" Jake beemed with Duke pride, "You should hear some of his and Bo's stories! That was nothing!" Sheriff Straight had heard that the entire 'Duke Clan' would be in town throughout the holidays. She had heard stories from Enos but had never had any trouble from Bo, Sr's family in the brief time she had been Sheriff. Everything was fine until, .................... Cue Beth

Luke fumed for a few minutes at Bo's comment about him, Robin, and Ralph.When it sunk in he said, "Why does your life have to revolve around me, Robin, and Ralph? I don't BELIEVE YOU! Look what you've gotten me in the MIDDLE of." Luke said rather loudly. Bo exclaimed, "Would you tone it down?" "Yeah, oh, yeah. I'll tone it down. I tell you what." Luke's voice had indeed gotten lower but he was seething with frustration. "Bo, ......" Luke had almost threated again to tell 'Bo's secret' but suddenly thought that may not be the answer. "I'll tell you something I haven't told another living person. To this day there's only two people who know it. You asked me if I'd ever 'messed up'." Bo's eyes widened. Luke waved him off. "Just listen and hear me out. There WAS a time I thought Robin and I messed up. Yes, believe me I do know how you feel and it did scared the he-- out of me. Thank goodness it was only her stressing about her finals." Luke paused, "Bo, with in a day I had came up with a plan at least. Here this has been going on for what almost a week. I wasn't sure if I needed a plan but I had figured at least some things out. All I've seen you do is sulk. I'm sure Jesse will be upset but he loves you every bit as much as the rest of us. You know no matter how much trouble we've gotten into Jesse has always backed us." Bo knew much of what Luke had said was true. Though he had been trying to make a plan he just couldn't get past the fear of telling Jesse and Beth's parents, besides Robin's parents had practically adopted Luke even before he started dating Robin. Beth's father had no use for Bo. Luke decided that he'd now tell Bo the rest of what he had decided. "It's 7 am. I am going to the barn to do what Jesse wants done. Stay here and think. Call Beth if you can. Get her over here if you want to talk to Jesse together. Come up with something to tell him." Luke was showing his frustration again. He said pointing his finger at his younger cousin. "Bo, I had better have my keys back to the General by noon or I'll call Beth myself, then I'm going to spill the whole can of worms. Mark my word. I have never 'ratted' you out but enough is enough." Luke wasn't even sure if Bo did tell Jesse the truth that he'd get his keys back since he covered for Bo on something as important as this but they weren't getting anywhere like this. Luke closed the bedroom door behind him as he headed to the barn. Jesse stopped him in the kitchen. "Luke have you decided to tell me what is going on?" Jesse asked sternly. Luke looked at the floor to avoid the hurt he knew he'd see in Jesse's eyes. He simply replied, "No, Sir, but soon."

Several days later Robin walked to the Boar's Nest she hoped, 'Don't let Luke be there.' she was relieved to see Cooter's wrecker. She had been in Ralph's car when she went to shift to the next gear, the linkage became jammed. She had managed to get the car off the road 'Please let Cooter have the wrecker.' Robin entered the bar and saw Daisy. "Who's driving the wrecker?" Daisy glumly point to Luke. "What's wrong?" asked Daisy. Robin shook her head to let Daisy know it wasn't serious. "A crossed linkage. It just needs beat out but I can't do it." she sighed as she approached Luke. "Luke, can you get a linkage unstuck?" "With my eyes closed." he replied coldly. He was not making this easy and she was in a hurry. "I"m just up the road. Will you get it unstuck?" He stood up and said, "Robin, your car isn't a standard." Robin looked him in the eye and replied, "That's right." Luke and Robin walked out of the bar together. Daisy would have loved to have not been so busy. Luke walked to the wrecker seeing the car in question, it was as he figured Ralph's car. He walked past the drivers door, picked up a hammer out of the tool compartment and a piece of tarp. At the car he layed the tarp down, crawled under, hit the linkage a couple of times, and said, "Get in, shift the gears all the way through." He would not have trusted just anyone to do this since he was laying under the car between the front and back tires. If she let it roll too much either way he'd be hit. Luke heard the gears changing. He crawled out and said, "Let me see." He got in the car and worked the gears. Satisfied they were unstuck and wouldn't cross again. He said, "That should do it." He picked up the tarp and hammer, walking toward the Boars' Nest. Robin called, "Do I owe you anything?" Luke just turned and looked at her for a second before answering, "Not a THING." She could find more ways to get under his skin than anyone he knew. He'd have helped anyone by doing the two minute job to get them back on their way and not thought of charging them. Yet, she thought he'd charge her.

Dixie had also not done this before but she had alway trusted Luke with her life. Luke knew Dixie well enough that he'd know if he worried her. He told her he'd take it easy until she got used to it. Luke knew not too much ever scared her. Bo, Sr. headed them across the fields and into the woods. He was indeed taking it pretty easy and paid attention not to get Beth real wet since it was pretty cold. She didn't need to get sick. He planned to take them into the hills where they often rode, then he'd let the others by if they wanted to go faster than he planned. Once at the hill climbs and mud holes Bo, Sr. pulled to the side to watch the present dare devils. Luke pulled up beside him letting Dixie see what the others were doing. He planned to take her through much slower than he figured Coy, Vance, Cooter and Bo, Jr. would go. He had also been watching Jeb. Luke had seen Jeb ride and jump motorcycles all him life. He knew he could handle the 4-wheeler just as well but he had Dixie's friend, Debbie on the back. Jeb also pulled up by Luke and Bo. Dixie asked Debbie, "Well are you having fun?" Debbie replied, "Yes, I am. I've never been out on the 'woods' like this. It is beautiful." Jeb turned to her, "I'll let you watch them, first to see if you want to try it with me." Luke assured their new friend, "Jeb can handle anything these guys will do. His a real 'hot dog' but he won't show off with you on there unless you want." From the distance another 4-wheeler was heard approaching. It was Jake who soon joined the others on the hill climbs.

The next morning everyone was dividing the chores so that they could have some fun before it was time for the company to leave. Dixie grabbed a basket off the porch and said, "I'll get the eggs." She headed for the chicken coop. Luke had been wanting to talk to Dixie and figured this was a good time. He made up the excuss by saying, "I'll go get the stalls clean." he was gone to the barn. Luke circled the whole barn in order to meet Dixie coming back out with the eggs. "Come here a minute." he said leading her to the side of the barn not visible from the house. He sat the basket down. "I've been wanting to talk to you. I know that you are feeling guilty about me. ........ Please don't." She looked up into his big blue eyes and melted. Luke still held her upper arms in his hands where he had turned her to face him. He looked down into her brown eyes. All explainations, all pleads stopped. Everything stopped. Both Luke and Dixie moved closer to each other. Luke bent his head toward Dixie. Dixie had no idea what was happening here as she felt herself stand on tip toes to met Luke as his lips touched hers. His expierenced tounge parted her lips as the kiss intensified. It was like something had them magnitized. They moved closer wrapping their arms around each other when..... In the house, Bo asked, "Where's Luke?" Jeb replied, "Cleaning the stalls." Bo said, "What? I did that and he was there when I did." he went out the door to stop Luke from doing the job twice. It was as though they were hyponotized by each other when Luke heard the door slam. It was all he could do to pull them away from each other. "Go that way. Someone is coming." He ducked into the side of the barn. Dixie managed to somehow remember the eggs. She walked to the house on cloud nine. THAT was NOT like any first kiss her friends had told her about! Bo entered the barn to find Luke looking very guilty. He had a glass of shine in his hand. "Luke! What are you doing?" "Shhh, I had kind of a hang over. Thought this might knock it. It must be from not drinking anything for two weeks." he said innocently. Bo said, "Yeah, I know the feeling, but after Robin was here, I was too busy watching you to drink too much." It was ususally Bo who had the hang overs after drinking too much. He went back to the house. Luke smiled as he poured the untouched shine back in the gallon jug.

70 % Dixie! Not too bad considering the I live in a state and County like hazzard who went with the highest bidder!!! I'm South of the Mason Dixon line and my Great -Great Grandmother was a Southern Belle! Dixie

Robin had been worried about coming over but she was glad she had. It had been quiet awhile since she had hung out with the girls. She was truely having a good time. She had even stayed longer than planned. About this time the phone rang. Daisy answered it., "Duke farm, ....." she paused listening to the other end. "Yes, as a matter of fact he is. It will take a minute to get him, he's in the barn. Just hold on." to the room full of girls Daisy said, "Can someone go get Luke? He has a call." Kathy was more than willing to go get Luke hoping that she might be able to sneak a goodnight kiss from Cooter. She pulled up short on the porch when she saw Jesse on the swing. "I'm just going after Luke. He has a call." Jesse said sternly, "I'm timing you." At the barn she called "Guys?" It was Bo that opened the door. Kathy said, "Luke has a phone call. Night Cooter!" she said as she returned to the house. Luke stood up. He was feeling just a bit tipsy. Though he did his best not to show it especially in front of Jesse. When Luke entered the living room, his and Robin's eyes locked for a whole minute. The temperature in the house dropped at least ten degrees. Luke said into the phone, "Hello?" he paused listening to the other end. "Hi, Carol." he paused, "Well, that's awfully tempting, ... but I have plans tonight." he continued to listen, "I bet you could! Maybe we can try 'that' some other time. Thanks for the offer. Goodnight." Luke said almost blushing from the offer he'd just gotten in front of the room of girls. Carol had none too sudly offered Luke some entertainment that she knew he had not gotten in jail. "Daisy, if I get another call, please, take a message. I'm not going anywhere tonight." he said as he rather loudly closed the door behind him. It was Kathy who voiced what everyone else was thinking, "WHOA!" Now, Robin felt a bit out of place. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come." Daisy replied, "Don't be silly. You are my friend and are welcome here always." Robin replied, "Thanks. But I really do have to go. Ralph will be calling soon all I need is him to know I was here. I just don't think he'd understand. I did have a good time. It was nice to meet you all. Goodnight everyone." Robin stepped on the porch where Jesse was setting on the swing. He said, "Not staying?" "Lord, no." she said, "Ralph would have fit if he knew I had came over." she stepped to the swing and hugged Jesse. "I still love you Uncle Jesse. Sometimes I wish things were different." He said "I know. You are always welcome." he said to the one girl he thought might have just been his nephews match. She replied, "Thanks." as tears filled her eyes. She turned for her car. 'I won't cry.' she thought. As she reached the end of the drive way she saw in the rear view mirror the General Lee and thought to herself. 'I miss that car. I miss this farm. I miss this family. I will NOT CRY!' as the tears betrayed her by running down her cheek, she said loudly, "Oh, God, Luke Duke I miss you!" she cried all the way home.

Luke's crew was contacted at noon to return to the base camp. The fire had been contained enough that the Georgia crews were being let go as soon as they could get packed up. Luke had a hundred things to over see, but turned to Randy, "Get things started I'll be there in five minutes." Randy had been a Smokejumper and with the fire services far too long not to recognize that look from his superior. As a matter of fact Luke, himself and Randy were the two who usually poked fun at the younger guys for calling 'home'. Randy just smiled a knowing smile at his friend and supervisor. Luke said, "Don't say it! Just get them started." he said as he reached for his cell phone and headed to find a quieter place. "Maybelle, Is Dixie Davenport still in Hazzard?" Maybelle laughed to herself. "Luke I have never known you to call any girl this much before. Yes, she's at the garage." Luke just said, "Well, she's not any girl. She's the one I'm marrying and this isn't before, it's now." "I hear you. I'm making the connection just calm down." she said. "Sorry, I just wanted to call her before she heads out." said Luke knowing he'd been a little short with Maybelle. LB answered breathlessly, "Haz, .... zard Gar, .....age." "LB? Are you Ok?" Luke asked. "No, I am not ok! Are you sure you want to marry my cousin? She has tried to kill me and Jake!" LB said. "Owwww!" Dixie hit him over the head with a broom (fortunately it was the soft end) and took the phone, "Luke!" Jake and Debbie laughed at the cousins. "Surprised?" He asked. Dixie exclaimed, she had been slightly worried until she heard his voice and knew nothing was wrong, "Yes." she said. "Good. I'll be out of here before dark. I wanted to tell you before you left for home. It may be really late before we get in and you have to work tomorrow. Why are you still there?" he asked. She said with a twinkle in her eyes, "Waiting on you to call!" she kidded. "I'm about done here. I should be on the road by 6." Jake interupted, "No, way is Beth going to let you two leave without supper." "Honey, Jake is right. We'll leave after supper." she said. Luke replied, "Give them all my love and tell them I hope I'll see them soon myself." "I'll do it." she said. "I'm so glad you're on your way home." She heard the fatigue in his voice, "Me too! I can't wait for this season to be over in a few weeks. I hate to run but I got to make sure they are getting this stuff done so we can head home. I love you!" "I love you too! but why are you on the phone when you could be getting ready to leave?" Dixie asked. "Sue me. I wanted to hear your voice today and it would have been way too late to call after I got home." he said. "I'm glad you did. Now get out of Alabama!" she said playfully. Luke smiled, "On my way. Be careful going home. I love you." Dixie replied, "I love you too and you be carefull to. Bye." "Bye." he said as he set out to get these people on the road home. Cue Beth