DixieDavenport

In the meantime Jake had spotted Jessicas' friend Laura setting alone at a table. These girls were either older than the guys or had just as good of connections as they were also drinking beers. Jake finished his beer then went over to the table. "I see your friend there deserted you for my buddy", he nodded to the dance floor. "Would you care to join them?" Laura was the shier of the two but she smiled an award winning smile at Jake, and replied, "Sure, " Jake studied her as they went to the dance floor. He judged her to be about 5'6". She had long brown hair pulled back that went to her waist. Laura had Brown eyes that looked as if they could just melt. She was the heavier of the two girls but like Luke he did like a girl that you could hold on to. Once on the dance floor, Jake said, "I'm Jake Miller." Laura replied, "I'm Laura Campbell." "Didn't I use to see you at the football games?" asked Jake. He knew he had and she was at the time dating one of the players. "Yeah, I kinda 'had' to go. I was dating Nick Price and he, ah, 'expected' me to be there." she said a bit sarcastically. Jake smiled at her and said, "Well, if I remember Nick, I can see why he wanted you there. You most certainly would have made him look better." he charmed. NARRATOR: Where do those Duke boys get their lines? You can certainly tell he's Luke's. She blushed just a bit and was glad it was dark so maybe Jake didn't notice. "I broke up with him about a year ago, though he doesn't always 'remember' that, if you know what I mean." NARRATOR: Well, now if that ain't a red flag signaling trouble I don't know what is. Want to bet that young Jake is blinded by all that hair and those eyes to see it. Jake was not in the mood to talk about her ex-boyfriend so he replied, "Yeah, I do. This song is about over let's go play something else." He took her hand and they went to the old Jukebox. "Ley's wake this bunch up. What do you think about 'Rocky Top' by Conway Twitty?" "Oh, I love to dance to that!" she said. "Good. You can pick the other two." Said Jake. She checked out the music. "I haven't hear some of these songs in years." She picked 'San Antonio' Stroll by Tanya Tucker and 'Talking in Your Sleep' by Crystal Gayle. Once the group had danced to the two fast songs they were all ready for the slower Crystal Gayle song. With their arms wrapped tightly around their ladies the guys were not watching the crowd. Jeb, Coy, and Vance eased into a back table. They didn't want the kids to think they were spying but there was just not anything else going on in Hazzard this time of night. Besides, with the rest of the kids in bed the guys thought they would leave the two pairs of 'love birds' alone for a couple of hours. They all ordered a beer and began watching the ladies themselves. Jeb was figuring on driving home so he was only going to have the one beer. The song ended and Bo, Jr., Jake and the girls returned to their table. They all ordered a beer. Jeb was the oldest there so he took the lead when he saw Jake make his way to the Jukebox. Jeb walked over as if he were going to look at the music too, but asked, "Who's driving home?" Jake looked at him and said, "Bo" "Well, we're all here if he has too much to drive. Let me know and I'll have Vance lay off a bit so he can drive home." said Jeb. "Ok, I will, but I think he'll be OK." replied Jake. Jeb explained, "We just came out to see what was cooking here. We didn't come out to spy. I did notice both of you drinking though. Luke is attacted to that truck though." laughed Jeb. Normally Jake would have taken Jeb's offer offensively but for some reason it just didn't rub him the wrong way tonight. He replied, "Thanks for the offer. I'll keep an eye on him and let you know something." They both headed back to their own tables. They all continued to enjoy themselves, until............... ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at the Duke farm Luke wasn't going anywhere far so he suggested that Dixie and him set on the porch for awhile. Bo and Beth headed to their room. Bo pulled Beth into his arms as he sat on the bed. She rolled toward him and asked, "Are you really happy?" Though the look in his eyes already answered that question. "Yes, I am. And not just for us!" stated Bo. Beth smiled, "You know had Dixie told me that Luke had asked her to marry him I think I'd have had trouble believing it. I'm so glad they shared that moment with us!" Bo looked into her eyes, "Beth, there is only one thing that could make me happier right now. Jesse had divided this place between us all years ago. Well, it was when Luke had asked Dixie to marry him before." She stopped him in mid-sentence. "Darlin', I know how much you want Luke back in your life and in Hazzard. I just don't know if it will happen." "I don't either. I would like to at least offer them the track of land that has been his all along. It just has never had a separate deed, but it is his. Jesse wanted it that way. I at least want him to know if he ever wants it, it is still his." Though Beth didn't see Luke coming back to Hazzard, she knew how important it was to Bo to try to get him back home. She smiled at Bo. "Go tell him!" Bo almost woke the house with his, "Yeehaw!" and then let the door slam to the bedroom as he thundered down the steps to the porch. Luke set up on the swing where Dixie had settled on his shoulder. "Bo, what on Earth? Is the house on fire or what?" Bo looked at Luke a bit strangely, "No. Why?" "Well with all THAT noise I thought it might be!" replied Luke. "Ooopppsss! I guess I got a bit carried away." said Bo. "I wanted to talk to you both before you went to bed. I don't know what your plans are. I don't know if you do at this point. Luke, I'm not twisting your arm or anything, but I wanted to let you know anytime you want the back 40 that you picked as yours years ago, that is always yours." Dixie set up surprised. Luke stood up shook his cousin's hand and they hugged each other. Dixie stood beside them. She saw Luke was not able to tell Bo what they had been talking about. "Bo, we were just talking about that before you came out. It will be a bit longer drive for us both, but if your willing to have us as neighbors. We will gladly accept your offer." Bo's eyes grew wide. "You mean that? Luke you are really coming back to Hazzard and the farm?" Luke had found his voice by this time, "Bo, I seen what you have here with Beth. I once called you a fool, but I think I was the fool. I can't think of a better place to build a life with Dixie, Jake and start my own family." That did it. Bo lost hisself. The 'yeehaw' that followed prpbably could have been heard at the Boar's Nest on the other side of town had they not had the music up. Beth had to laugh as she put on her robe. She knew Luke had accepted. She also knew that they now had to send the kids back to bed. As she opened the door she saw Michaela, Caroline, Jesse and Ruth Ann coming into the hall. "Ok, back to bed. Everything is Ok." Michaela asked, "Why does Daddy make us go to bed then wake us up?" Beth almost lost it. "Well, I'll let you ask him that at breakfast, sweety. No go back to bed." Ruth Ann gave her Mother a questioning look and said, "I'll get them." Beth replied, "Thanks, honey. I'm going to find your FATHER." Beth went down the stairs.................

Bo could be very stubborn when he wanted to be and at this minute he wanted to be. "Can we call it a temper tantrum and be done with it?" Luke pushed, "Sure we can as soon as you tell us what made you so mad." "Forget it then!" replied Bo. "Alright then I'm going to tell Uncle Jesse, right NOW!" said Daisy and turned to leave. Luke stopped her with his arm. Bo had said, "Wait!" She froze in her tracks. Bo asked, "Can I talk to Luke, alone? It's guy stuff." Daisy looked from Bo to Luke. Luke nodded for her to go on, which meant he'd most likely tell her later. She left the two ofthem alone. Bo was pacing like a caged tiger. "Luke, I know you have ah, well, you know. With a girl and all?" Luke nodded yes. "Have you ever messed up?" Bo asked. The meaning of his cousins question hitting him in the face. Luke replied, "BO!" he paused briefly. "You DIDN'T? Did YOU?" Luke's exagerated reply and lack of understanding caused Bo to become even more angery. "Da--!!!" he said as he swung at the old Oak dresser, before Luke could stop him. The Oak dresser had withstood much more in its time and DID NOT budge for Bo's right hand and arm. Luke heard the crack even before Bo winced in pain. Not wanting Jesse to know about this all yet Bo reached for his pillow as Luke steadied his hand. What few sounds he made were quieted by the pillow. Luke said, "Here, let me see." Now, Bo was having a cursing fit! "I hate to be the one to tell you but you need me to go tell Jesse and get Doc out hear. Otherwise you'll be begging for him in the morning." Bo insisted he was 'fine'. Luke watched him toss and turn all night. He had not pushed any farther but was pretty sure the nature of Bo's pain and it was pretty far from the hand that was throbbing at this moment! When Bo woke early the next morning from the pain in his wrist, he ..........

The Miller's excused themselves saying it was getting really late. They had enjoyed themselves but had to get going before another story could be told. Jake was spending the night so he stayed put. Ruth turned her attention to what she had wanted to know all evening. "Uncle Luke, you said you asked Aunt Dixie to marry you before but circustances prevented it. What happened?" Bo, Jr. remembered the conversation the night Dixie showed up and he remembered his Dad's and Cooter's reply when he asked much the same question. Their reply had been "As for what happened, if you didn't live it you'll have to get it out of Luke or Dixie. Son, I don't know if there's that much moonshine left in Hazzard County to get that story told." Well, there it was. Luke had hoped to squeak by this story also. How could he not tell it seeing as how Bo had spilled his guts about a whole heck of a lot tonight. The longer he remained silent the more interested the kids got. Beth held her breath. Bo was trying to think of a way to put their questions to rest. Bo, Jr. thought of his Dad's reply. He slipped into the kitchen and brought back an ice tea glass of Jesse's finest. Dixie looked at the young man and said, "If he's telling that story, you had better make that two of those if I even have to think about those times." Bo, Jr. replied, "I can do that!" Luke took a long drink of shine and began, "Lets just say when we started talking it was just that. I drove the wrecker for Mr. Davenport sometimes and Dixie would ride with me. She had been away from Hazzard and had just came back for the summer. I was out of school. She was several grades ahead when she entered here as she had went to a good school where her Mother lived. I took her out one night to hear Jeb's band at the Boar's Nest for teen night to be nice. No one paid us any attention really she rode the wrecker with Cooter or me so that wasn't odd. We managed to get pretty close without either of us or anyone else knowing it." Now Luke paused, he took another large dirnk of shine as had Dixie just seconds before. Luke was thinking of how to tone this WAY down. "We went out to the lake one night. That's where the racing, partying and parking went on. Dixie was staying with Daisy that night. Her Dad knew this, but Uncle Jesse didn't. Therefore, she had no time to be in exactly." Luke was interupted. "Thanks, Luke! Remember she is 16!", said Bo. Luke grinned widely. The shine was working to loosen him up quiet a bit. "I'm trying my darnest to make it a PG story. But YOU know it! It's not THAT easy!" Beth said, "Well, try harder! And don't give her ideas of how to escape cerfew." she was smiling. She never thought this story would get told. But, of course it hadn't yet! Taking another drink of shine, Luke continued. "Anyway, we ended up being the last car there as the others had to get home. We ended up 'parking'. A couple hours later there was a flashlight in my face. There were two Troopers there. One knew who's car it was and WHAT was going on. He would have never stopped. The new Trooper being an eager beaver want to arrest a Duke if it meant he got us for spitting on the side walk. So there they were. I knew as soon as they identified themselves I was spending the night in jail. See we had both been drinking." Dixie spoke up, "Yeah, so he gets out holding his drink and continues to drink it!" Bo and Cooter looked at each other. "We've never heard this either kids." Luke laughed, "I'm telling this so maybe they will learn WHAT NOT to do! OK?" he took another drink of shine which finished the glass. It was Jake who slipped out to refill it this time. Luke continued after Jake returned. "There was no way they could charge me with DUI, but they would at the least charge me with public intoxication and indecent exp---------. Well, a couple of balonie simple charges. Just enough to make sure I didn't go home that night. I figured if I'd been drinking anyway what difference was a little more. I hopped on the hood of the General Lee. Dixie was scared and she set in front of me. The new trooper asked for ID's. I told him there was no use running my license it was 'valid with 6 points' the car was tagged to me and Bo and the insurance was good. He left to verify what I'd said. Well, the first Trooper, I knew pretty well, I had convienced him to call Dixie's Father which would start War War III but it beat her being charged with drinking too. He agreed until smarty pants came back. He was now about to flip out! He was yelling at me to get my hands on the car now! I looked from him to the other Trooper who motioned for me to just stay put. He walked over to the younger Trooper, they talked a few minutes. When Trooper Mitchell the one I knew asked, 'Luke is the information here correct?' I replied 'Yes'. He handed Dixie her license and asked her the same thing. She replied it was. It was at this point Trooper Mitchell handed me Dixie's license and asked me, 'How old are you?' I replied, 'I just turned 21.' He asked me how old Dixie was I replied 18 almost 19. Dixie looked at me and shook her head no. I said 'No?' The Trooper told me to check the license and do the math. I looked at mine. I still hadn't gotten what they were talking about. I said 'Yeah, I'm 21 and she's eight..........' " Luke took another long drink of shine. Then continued, "She wasn't 18 but 16 going on 17. To make a long story short her Father was MORE THAN unhappy. He pushed the legal system all he could. I wanted to and offered to marry her. Neither her Mother or Father would let that happen." Luke took another drink of shine. Bo rescued him before anymore gory details could be told, he smiled saying, "Now you all know what I meant when I told him it was about time he made an honest woman of her." That was it. Beth elbowed him hard in the same spot she had managed to hit all evening. "Owww! Honnnney!" he managed to complain. The adults and three older teens laughed hard at him. "That's about all the stories I can stand for the night." said Beth. Bo. Jr, knew he had Luke at a disadvantage as Luke was feeling good tonight. "Uncle Luke I haven't had anything to drink. Can Jake and I go to the Boars Nest for a spell?" Luke reached in his pocket for his keys. "Be home when your Dad tells you. I want my truck home before dawn!" He tossed the keys in between Jake and Bo, Jr. purposely. Jake beat Bo, Jr. to them. Luke said, "You drive down. Bo, Jr. drives home. I do NOT want any calls from the jail and I DO NOT want to pay an impound fee on MY truck. Got it?" The boys were heading to the door and called over their shoulders, together. "Got it!" Bo, Beth, Dixie, Jeb, Coy, Vance and even Ruth Ann looked at Luke and said, "Sucker!" together. Luke was not feeling any pain though he wasn't drunk. He thought, 'He--, how much trouble could they get into? Me and Bo and the others have went to the Boars' Nest plenty of times in a MUCH faster car than my 4-wheel drive." Luke had a lot to learn as a parent!

Luke wasn't one to tell war stories, but he was relieved that Jake hadn't asked about his Mother. He wasn't sure that the younger kids knew he had been in the Marines. He got kind of a far away look in his blue eyes as he began, "I joined the Marines just in time to have my training complete right as what was called the Vietnam Conflict began. I was a Paratrooper which meant my 'job' was to jump out of 'perfectly good airplanes' into the fighting usually behind enemy lines. You have all seen paracheuts coming out of planes falling to the ground." Ruth Ann spoke up, "Yes, I think they are pretty! I'd like to do that someday!" Bo and Beth shot Luke a warning look, and said, "Luke." Luke smiled taking the hint as he continued, "Well, Honey, they may be pretty but they sure make a good target too. The winds were too high really for us to jump but the mission had to be done so we jumped anyway. We knew we were in trouble before we ever landed because we were being shot at from the time we opened the paracheuts. I believe we had two or three guys hit before we landed. We landed in a clear area but soon found ourselves pinned down. We were able to get out on the radio to call for re-enforcements. Instead they scrubbed the mission and sent a rescue unit for us. The first one or the two helicopters flagged off and pulled up do to heavy fire. The second one landed, leaving the rotors turning even the pilot jumped out to help get us on board. I was helping one of the medics get a couple guys to the helicopter. While getting 'my guy' in I was hit hard with what we learned later was debris from a gernade but it knocked the breath out of me and I went down. The pilot got back out and helped me in. The whole time co-pilot was screaming that they were overloaded which we were. The pilot couldn't get the height he needed to get away from the shooting so he flew back and forth trying to make us a harder target. Well, what ever he did and who ever was watching it worked. When we got back I got the opportunity to meet the that was flying the helicopter that day." Luke noticed Daisy's tears well up as she said, "BJ McKay?" Luke smiled, "Yes, that was BJ McKay. He and his best friend and partner have even came here after we got back. He bought himself an eighteen wheeler and travels all over with his buddy, Bear, who happens to be a monkey that helped keep him alive after he went down pulling another dang fool rescue like he did the day he pulled my hide out of the fire. He was a POW for quiet awhile before with Bear's help he escaped." The 'kids' eyes were wide open. "Wow!" Ruth Ann set up eagerly,"I got one!" Bo, Jr. replied, "No way, your next maybe but Dad hasn't told me his side of this yet."

Luke came back to the garage area sipping on his second beer. Luther was now gone in the wrecker. Cooter tried an attempt to be 'funny', "Hey, Lucas what kinda birds don't fly?" It was an old joke but Luke good naturely said, " Dead ones!" Cooter got the hint and wisely changed the subject. "Are you driving the wrecker any today?" "I figure I'll be pretty tied up today. How about I take it this evening? I can even keep it tonight if you have plans." replied Luke. That would give Cooter at least 16 hours without having to worrying about being interupted so he could be alone with Kathy. "You got it buddy!" Luke smiled finishing his second beer. "Well, I guess we'd better get back. Thanks for the beer." he paused trying to 'act' cool. "Dixie, it may be a tight fit but if you want to come out and help Daisy with some cleaning I'll bring you back when I pick up the wrecker." He stated. This statement was a little odd, though it did go unnoticed by everyone but Dixie who took the hint. "Yeah, I can help Daisy. Cooter tell Dad I'll be back later." with that she was up and out the door before anyone could say anything else. In the General Lee, Daisy said, "I really don't have anything I need help with. I don't know what's he's talking about." she said quietly to Dixie. Dixie shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe I just looked like I needed a break from the garage. I did." she said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse heard the 'kids' coming in. He noticed Dixie with them. This wasn't that unusual except for the look she kept giving Luke. Jesse figured she must feel that what had happened was her fault if he'd been correct in his earlier thinking. Jesse looked at the teens and said, "Me and Luke, here, need to talk. Go find something to keep you busy. I had better not see anyone at the winodws either!" he cautioned. The shower, shave and 2 beers had helped, though Luke still dreaded this 'talk'. Jesse extended him a cup of coffee giving the 'kids' time to get gone. Luke took the cup. "Luke, I know that you came to me about this?" Jesse paused for confirmation. Luke nodded and sipped his coffee. Jesse continued, "I dont like fighting and from what I'm hearing you started this. I also can about figure out why. Luther Davenport told me he had let Dixie go out with that Tommy Rogers. I figure you know what ever happened on that date." Luke looked away from Jesse's eyes into his cup. "I'm not going to ask. I gather from what you told me Dixie has asked you to not say anything. If I'm anywhere near right I can understand why you felt the need to adjust Tommy's attitude. It seems you were also prepared to take what ever 'medicine' Rosco dished out." Jesse paused again. "Luke this is Hazzard County and nothing goes as planned. From the State police showing up to you hitting one of them, now you have bitten off more than you bargained for and I don't know if there is anything I can do to help you out of this pickle." Luke saw the love and helplessness in his Uncles' eyes, "I know that. I also know that last night may not be the only night I spend in jail over this. I had no idea who was behind me when I swung though. I did not mean to hit Trooper Mitchell. I may not like it but, yes, I am prepared to take the 'punishment' for my actions. "Ok, now that is settled, let's get some work done around here. Oh, and Luke I'll do what I can." "Thanks." he said standing up to leave the kitchen. Jesse asked looking Luke in the eyes, "Luke, how much did you drink this morning?" He should have known Jesse never missed a thing. He truthfully answered. "Two beers at the garage while I was showering." Luke finished Jesse's thought, "No, I wasn't drunk last night. Ask Daisy. I had two beers before Tommy showed up. I ordered one glass of the 'stuff ' JD calls 'shine' after I had made up my mind that it was the time to 'talk' to Tommy so if it did go bad at least I might get some sleep." Jesse nodded, "Ok, just keep a handle on it." Luke smiled, "I will." He was glad their talk was over. Though it had not been as bad as he had expected. Where Jesse got all his information always amazed Luke. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke went outside to find Daisy and Dixie weeding the flower garden. To Daisy he asked, "Can you spare your helper for awhile?" "Sure, Luke." said Daisy a bit puzzled. "Come on kiddo." he tried to sound casual as they walked away. Once out of ear shot he said, "It was not your fault." She looked at him with tears in her eyes but refused to cry, "Yes, it was." she managed to say. "I told you I'd get him. I did." said Luke. Dixie looked him in the eyes, "But you went to jail!" Luke replied, "I was prepared to, before I made up my mind to take care of that jerk!" "But, now you are in trouble with Jesse, Rosco and the State Police!" she excalimed. Luke shook his head negatively. "No, I'm not. Jesse understood more than I figured he would. No, I didn't tell him anything. Like I tried to tell your father, Jesse wouldn't let Tommy take Daisy out. Once your Dad told him you went out with him against my protests, he figured Tommy got out of line and I decided to put him in his place, which is about the long and short of it." She looked at Luke with an innocence that he'd never seen before. "You spent the night in jail because of me." Luke smiled, "No, I spent the night in jail because of the jerk that wanted to 'hurt' you. Dixie, you have to know something else," he paused. "During the fight someone grabbed me from behind, I didn't know it was a State Trooper. I hit Trooper Mitchell." She looked sick. He gave her a sight smile, "You need to know, that last night might not be the only night I might spend in jail over this. You did nothing wrong and none of it is your fault! Do you hear me?" he lifted her chin so that she looked him in the eye. She nodded 'yes', and said, "U-huh." "Good, just don't forget that. No matter what, for you and all the other girls he's tried this with he deserved it! I did what I had to, I'm prepared to 'pay' for my actions, but it was worth it!" "Luke I dont want you to go to jail especially because of ME." she said. "It's not my farorite way to spend my time, but if I have to, I will." explained Luke.

Luke knew that even though he'd told Daisy not to call Daisy that she would. He just really wanted Bo to have to think of the consequencs of his actions instead of Jesse or himself aways having to get him out of trouble. Bo knew Luke was peeved but didn't understand why. Lord knows before Bo even turned eighteen Luke had been a guest in Rosco's hotel more than once! He thought 'he knew everything then, he wouldn't even listen to Uncle Jesse for a couple of years there.' Luke thought, 'He thinks he knows everything! Yet, is dependant on everyone to get him out of trouble.' Bo asked, "Luke, I know you are mad, but what is the difference in this and the times you got in trouble before I turned eighteen?" Luke was glad he asked, "Say Jesse comes down here and bonds us out. Where's the money coming out from?" Luke let that sink in. "EVERYTIME I went out and got myself in trouble I had the money in my wallet for Jesse to get me out. EVERY fine I've EVER paid I earned the extra money to pay it!" Bo felt like Luke had stabbed him. He'd never thought about it but Luke was right. Yet, Bo replied, "You worked extra jobs and all, yes! But, tell me who pulled your weight at the farm while you did? AND, when I do manage to get us in trouble I always wind up doing extra work on the farm." Luke shot, "Because, you are forced to as punishment. How many times have you ever did it to repay Uncle Jesse?" About this time the boys heard footsteps on the stairs. It was JD Hogg followed by Rosco. "Well, well, and well. Seeing Dukes boys in my jail is my favorite kind of entertainment!" he lite his cigar. "And from the sounds of it I get a bounus seeing them agruing with each other!" He smiled. Bo knew that remark would not help Lukes mood.

As Luke, Jake and Robert walked outside to have a talk, Sandy said to Dixie, "I'm glad 'my' son does have you all. Now I know why he likes to spend time out here with Bo, Jr." she said with just a bit of sadness in her voice. Dixie smiled, "You know, other than about 6 years of my life, four when I was born and two during my teens, I was raised as an only child. Though Cooter is my brother, we were raised in different homes with one parent each when they separated. I spent about two years here when I was a teenager. Some of the happiest times of my life have been on this farm. This family is very special." "I can see that." replied Sandy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Outside Luke took a small note pad out of his pocket. "Jake, your Dad has something to show you, ..... but first there is something you need to see." Luke took the pad and wrote. 'Luke Duke' and then 'Lucas K. Duke'. "Son these are my signatures. You can look at anything I've ever signed. If it's something like a gas ticket at the garage it is 'Luke Duke' if its something 'official' it's Lucas K. Duke. I never cared for my middle name. Very few people outside this farm right now know that my middle name is Keith. Even if something official has it on it I still sign 'Lucas K.' Now, for what I'm geting at." Luke pulled several things from his wallet where he had signed. Robert handed Jake the adoption papers. Jake read them. Then studied them, especially the paper 'waiving' Lukes rights. He looked at his Dad then to his Father. "You didn't sign this. It's not your signature at all?" Luke felt a weight lift from his chest. "That's right son. I had no idea that I created you until you walked up to the General Lee the other day. Then I had to find out for myself if what I suspected was true. Then, I went to talk to your Mom and Dad. I didn't want to just show up and create more problems for everyone. They agreed you should know the truth." Jake asked, "Would you have told me if they didn't?" Luke looked from Robert to Jake. To Robert, "Yes, I was going to tell him no matter what. I'm just glad you agreed." to his son, "I had made up my mind the minute I saw that file in the Courth..." he caught himself. "In the where?", Jake asked. "It's another story for another time." replied Luke quickly. ~~~~~~~~~ In the house Bo and Beth had attempted to calm everyone down a bit so that the children could stay up for maybe one story as it was starting to get late. Dixie said, "Let me go check on the others so we can get them settled down." Luke saw her walking towards them. "It looks like they are ready in the house. Shall we?" Robert stated, "I think Sandy and I had better be getting back to the house. I dreaded this evening for ever so long, but I thank you for letting us share it." He extended his hand to the slightly younger man who fathered his son. Luke shook his hand with strenght and character as Dixie put her arm around his waist. She said, "Please stay for just a bit. I think Sandy would like it too." Jake also asked them to stay. "Ok, but we can't stay long." replied Robert. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Once everyone was seated around the small room. Bo asked, "Ok, since my younger bunch will be heading to bed soon, let's let them pick a story." It was his youngest daughter, Michaela, who piped up, "Tell me about meeting Mama?" Beth looked at him, "You asked them." Bo took a sip of his ice tea, seeing the look from his wife, that this had better be a 10 year old kind of story, and said, "I met your Mama when I was about ....."

At that second Bo felt a stabbing pain in his left side as Beth elbowed him HARD in the side. "Ouff! ... What was that for?" Bo gave a slightly annoyed look at his wife who said, "You'll never believe it but you'll have to wait until this evening." Bo smiled a bit, still rubbing his side, "Yeah, that could work. Luke did you get your 'busniess' taken care of?" A bit puzzled by his cousin and cousin-in-law's exchange, he said, "Yeah, Bo, as a matter of fact WE took care of it. By the way, we all had so much fun I hope you don't mind Bo, Jr. asked Jake to come over again tonight so we could 'educate' them some more." Bo now confussed, "We? Oh, y'all." He was interupted by a smaller voice in the distance. "Daddy, if I can't go to the Boars' Nest with y'all then can I at least hear the stories?" asked Jesse. Those eyes melted both Bo an Lukes' heart as their favorite Uncle's namesake looked up to them. They looked at each other. Luke spoke first, "If y'all will help me wash the General Lee and my truck I'll see to it that you can all stay for a few stories." Jesse flew threw the house shouting for his sisters at the top of his lungs. It soundedlike the windows rattled with each word. Luke looked at Beth, "Sorry." As she began to scold them, "Jesse Allen Duke! ....." She went after him. A few short minutes the well mannered Jesse returned to the living room. "Uncle Luke, Daddy, Bo (JR), 'Aunt' Dixie I'm sorry for shouting and running like a banchie Indian. May I still help wash the General?" he asked timidly. Luke and Bo could hardly keep from cracking up. Luke replied sternly, "As long as you act like a gentleman in the house." "I will I PROMISE!" Said Jesse. "Ok, go get the hose out I'll be right there." replied Luke. Once out of ear shot the adults lost 'it' laughing loud and hard. They were all 'caught' by Beth. "It's not funny!" she replied. "No, its not but that apology was!" said Luke, "I've seen Bo lay it on THAT thick with Uncle Jesse before!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daisy, Dixie and Beth were fixing supper. Dixie had let Beth in on the extra 'company' that was expected for dinner. The ladies had cleaned as well as cooked all afternoon. Things were just about ready. The guys and kids were outside washing vehicles, even Bo,Jr. and Jake were helping. The first sign of trouble was when Jeb tip toed in the front door without his boots (hoping not to be seen) heading for the bedroom with a slightly sprayed shirt on. Daisy who saw him first, looked from Dixie to Beth, she nodded her head toward him and said quietly, "Oh, My Lord. They wouldn't." Beth said, "Wouldn't WHAT?" Dixie said, "They DID!" Daisy said loudly, "Jeb Stewart Duke! What in tarnation, I'm afraid to ask is going on out there?" He put on his most innocent look, "What? Wh'da ya'll mean?" Daisy replied, "Get OUT! We'll get clothes and towels just get OUT! AND stop anyone else!" Beth was really confused. "What?" Dixie and Daisy said together, "WATERBATTLE!!!!" Dixie locked the kitchen door so no others could come in that way while they got clothes and towels so the SOAKING wet crew could wash up and change in the barn. Once she stepped out on the porch Beth could sympathize with Uncle Jesse. "I love that man with all my heart, but SOMETIMES he really makes me wonder WHY!" In her view was six soaking wet kids, and six 'adults' that would never grow up that could NOT be any wetter! The real clincher was when she saw a stream of water headed HER way. Following the hose she saw it was Bo, Sr. who held it. He managed to hit her with mere sprinkles of water as he was caught up in the 'fun'. "BOREGUARD JACKSON DUKE!" shouted Beth with her hands on her hips. ****** Thirteen people ducked! Bo put the hose down and marched with soggy boots up on the porch. He looked at his wife with nothing but love in his eyes. He took the clothes and towels she held, passed them to Luke who was also was soaking wet, "Take care of this Cousin. We do have 'company' coming for supper." Bo knew that Beth wanted everything to be 'perfect' but he also knew that in Hazzard things were just NOT meant to be perfect. He scooped her in to his arms against his wet chest and stomped wet boots and all through the living room to the bathroom. Thirteen people stood in the yard quiet as a mouse until the bathroom door shut. Then they all bagan to laugh until the almost cried. Once regaining some of his wits the 'Marine' in Luke took over. "Here take these", he handed a bunch of towels and 'girl' clothes to Dixie. He whistled loudly, "Ladies go with Dixie and Daisy in the barn! Guys follow me!" he took the guys around the side of the barn where there was another cold water hose. He laet the guys wash up, dry and dress there, while Dixie and Daisy took the girls into the bathroom that was started inthe barn years ago but had never been finished, but was enough to wash up, dry dress and change in some privacy. Seeing things were under control Daisy said, "I'm going in the house and mop up after Bo or she WILL kill him!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ With the hot sun even the yard showed no signs of the 'Battle of the Dukes' by 6pm. Even Bo seemed to be out of the 'doghouse'. Bo, Jr. complained slightly for all the 'kids', "Can't we eat yet?" "Go on outside, son, we have a couple more people coming over tonight. I'll start the food coming outside as soon as everyone has arrived." Even the 'adults' looked confused. The ladies had set up three picnic tables. One for food, and two more for eating. Luke wa outside to smooth the wrenkles out when the Millers arrived. "Robert, Sandy, I'm glad you could make it. It has been a long time since you've been out here." Robert replied, "Jesse it was just after we got married. You guys couldn't have been over, what, 18? It was so nice of Mr. Duke to invite us over." Jake was a bit surprised and felt a little odd that his parents were over for dinner too. Beth had made her famous fried chicken that she swore won Bo's heart or at least his stomach. Daisy made the 'Duke family' potato salad and Dixie whipped up several strawberry/ ruebarb pies for desert. All seventeen people atte until they couldn't hold a bite more. For Luke, Dixie, the Millers and even Bo, Beth and Daisy it was unbelievable how much Luke and Jake looked and acted alike. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Ok, Girls help your Mama clean up so we can all start the stories." said Bo with authority. To Daisy and Dixie, Beth seemed just a bit 'not herself' so they insisted "We'll help the girls. Just relax with Bo." After what little leftovers were put away, and the dishes stacked everyone found a place in the living room. "Who's going first?" asked Bo, Jr. "I think I will", stated Luke. He paused, "Everyone, there's plenty of ice tea, pop, and beer. Get you all something to drink and get comfortable, we'll start in a few minutes." ~~~~~~~~~ After everyone got them a drink of some sort and got comfortable, Luke stepped up to the fireplace, beer in hand. "Ok, Shhh!" he said mainly to the littler ones. He took a sip of beer. "First of all, I'd like to make a toast to the Duke family." he looked at Dixie who nodded her approval. He knelt down, "Now, you little ones may not know this, but for well over two hundred years the Duke family had the 'whiskey' craft, then we had the land, now all we got is family!" Tears filled Luke's eyes before he spoke again, he stood back up and continued, "Lord, knows we have lost members of this family, but look around THIS room. I count 17 of us here tonight. Now, you may not know this, but there is something that makes everyone in this room here tonight FAMILY!" he paused letting them all take in his words. "For starters, there's Cooter who has always been a 'Duke at heart' and his sister Dixie. Then, there's the Millers. Now, I suppose, there are very few of you who can make the connection here." he paused again. Luke smiled, "There was a couple of years of my life that I wasn't the 'dependable, stable Luke' you know. I was kind of a, excuse the French, a horses a-----!" he remained silent for several seconds before continuing. "There are things I did that I am not proud of. There are things I did (Unknowingly) that involved peoples' lives that I had NO idea that it would effect. I am just now finding out the FULL extent of the actions I took years ago." he paused, people in the room gave him confussesd looks. He saw nothing but support in the eyes of Dixie, Bo and Beth. "Until a little more than 24 hours ago, I'd never had dreamed that something I did at 18 would effect me now, but it has. And the Duke family that was once a mere seven is now a room of seventeen." Luke pasued hoping to see enlightment on somebodies face. He did not, so he continued, "I didn't know this until late yesturday evening. I have a son!" he smiled. "And he is here in this room!" said Luke. The others looked around. A tear threatened to slide down Luke's face. Luke checkedthe shocked reaction of most of the room before he continued, he walked over to Jake Miller. "Jake, I understand your parents have let you know for quiet some time you were adopted?" Still not seeing where this was going, Jake answered, "Yes?" Luke smiled and extended his hand, "I'd like to get to know my son." The room was deathly quiet fro several minutes. Jake looked to his 'parents' who nodded 'yes'. Seeing the 'shock' in his son's eyes, Luke continued. "I only wanted to tell you this so you could know that you had MORE family that you thought. I know the Millers are YOUR parents. I don't want to change or take away from that! I'd only like to get to know you and spend time with you if that's what you'd like?" Jake's eyes immediately lite up!. "You mean that Bo, Jr. and I aren't just friends? but are,......" Luke and Bo spoke together, "Cousins!" "No way! Man that's great!" exclaimed Bo, Jr. Jake looked at his 'parents' who smiled back reassuredly at him. "Wow!" Bo looked at Luke, "Congratulations! Cousin. Are you done now?" Luke replied, "No. Almost though. I said there are 17 people here and we are all related. Now, Jakes' parents are now family because they are his family! Cooter is a Duke at heart!" Luke paused for effect, "That leaves to my counting just one person who isn't a Duke, Miller, or Duke at heart." you could have heard a pin drop in the filled room. "Dixie, when you were 15, I would have given you my life, I asked you this before, circustances beyond our control made it not possible." Luke walked over to Dixie. Put one knee on the fireplace harth while reaching into his pocket, pulling out a diamond ring that had been in the Duke Family for over 100 years. Luke said through a voice barely heard, "Will you marry me?" Dixie looked at Luke with a totally shocked expersion. Luke continued, "You only get this offer every twenty or so years?" She was totally speechless for a whole minute before nodding, trying not to cry, she dropped to her knees. Luke took the ring in his hand still a bit of question in his eyes. He picked up her left hand in his hisleft hand. Looking deep into her eyes he bagan to slide the ring on to her right hand as she whispered, "Yes." The room erupted into cheers, laughter, tears, squeals of joy. Luke was surely a showman thought Bo. Though he felt he could top his cousin. "Congradulations, Luke on your son AND wife! May I saw it's about Da---- time you not only 'settled' down but made this girl an honest woman!" Beth knew from her husbands comment she'd be answering OR dodging questions tomorrow! Bo continued, "A toast to the future Mrs. Luke Duke!" Luke kissed his future bride as she turned purple. She'd get even with Bo! "Now, as Luke, there said, this 'family' keeps growing and growing. He counted 17 people here tonight!" Bo shook his head, "I count AT LEAST EIGHTEEN!" he was beeming with pride as he continued. "To my wife and Mother of my SIX children! Beth!" Cure Bethie ****** The thirteen people were, Luke, Dixie, Daisy, Cooter, Jeb, Coy, Vance, Bo, Jr. Jake, Jesse, Ruth Ann, Caroline and Michaela

Luke took the General Lee. He always thought better driving the General. Dixie was just as at home in the old Charger. The General Lee may be old but he was still very respected in the County, especailly with a Duke boy behind the wheel. Luke wasn't pushing him just "cruising" along the Hazzard roads. NARRARTOR: With a Duke 'cruising' its got to mean they are running about 75. It had been so very long since Dixie had done this. Luke was concentrating on the road as well as thinking things through. After some time Luke turned down a VERY familar road leading down by the lake. This is were they used to drag race, skinny dip, party, picnic and 'park'. Luke pulled up the that familar spot overlooking the lake. He shut the motor off and got out going around to help Dixie out of the window. "Let's take a walk." he said wrapping his arm around Dixie's waist. She knew he wanted to talk and opted to just be a good listener. "I think I've made up my mind. I am going to go over to the Miller place and try to talk to Robert and Sandy. I'd like you to come with me, ..... if you would?" It kind of surprised Dixie that he had asked, but it made her glad that he wanted to share something this important with her. Luke had always been a very private person. She smiled, "I'd be glad to, Honey. Are you sure?" He stopped pulled her in his arms and said, "Very sure. It's been along time since I've had anyone to share things with, even though this isn't quiet what I had in mind a day ago, it feels good." They kissed several minutes. "Let's go so I can tell Jake soon." Dixie nodded. They drove to the Miller farm. Luke hoped Jake would be busy so he could talk to the Millers'. As luck would have it Robert Miller was outside doing some light work when he saw the familar icon of Hazzard County coming up the drive way. He was sure it was Bo, Jr. who was in from college. When he looked up again he not Bo, Jr. get out of the General Lee but Luke Duke. Robert Miller just nodded. Luke helped Dixie out of the window, then they walked over to Robert Miller. Before Luke could speak Robert said, "Luke Duke, ..... " He paused just a second before he continued, "I've been expecting you. I was wondering how long it would take you to come out here." Surprised Luke said, "Excuse me?" Luke could not read his face nor his expression. He wasn't at all sure what Robert Miller meant. "Come on in, Sandy's in the house." He lead the way. "Sandy we have company." He called. Sandy Miller entered the living room. She looked pale at the sight of Luke. Robert contined, "You remember Luke Duke don't you?" In a strained voice she said, "Yes." Robert offered, "Would you like some coffee before we begin?" Luke still was puzzled, "No, thank you. Do you remember Dixie Davenport?" Luke continued before they had a chance to speak again. "I came over here to talk to you, .... but it seems, ....." he looked at Robert, "that you expected me?" At this point, Sandy could take no more. "Please don't take him away from us." Before Luke could speak, Robert took up where his wife left off. "Luke, I've known for years who Jakes' father was. We let him know years ago he had been adpoted because he was special. We never talked bad about you or his Mother, not knowing the cercumstances. I can't imagine anyone knowing you and seeing him who wouldn't know. I've tried to tell Sandy that you'd come one day and she is afraid with a reputation like you and Bo had and the family you all come from that we wouldn't measure up." Robert looked away at this point. "Look, I don't want to start any trouble for anyone. I had no clue about Jake until he came over to see Bo, Jr. the other day. It was like I was looking in the mirror." explained Luke. "I know." said Robert. "That's why I moved from Hazzard years ago. I was, too, afraid if you knew about Jake you'd take him away. I'm sorry." "Before I ever came here I did some checking. I'll tell you this much. I had no knowledge of his birth. There was a paper 'signed' by 'me' waving my rights. I DID NOT sign that. I figure the girl was scared and alone and signed my name herself because it was a very bad signature." Luke said. Robert replied, "I figured as much too. We have a copy of that paper. We were very selfish. I know had Jesse knew you signed something like that, ......" "I wouldn't be standing here now!" replied Luke. "Right." said Robert. "All I want is a chance to tell my son the truth. Get to know him and be part of his life, though I'd never try to take him away from you. You are the parents he knows, who have raised him, and been there like Uncle Jesse was for us, though our parents were gone. Jesse never tried to take their place but was there for us." said Luke. Dixie was sure she heard a catch in his throat. She rubbed his back where her hand was resting as they continued their conversation. Sandy asked, "When will you tell him?" Luke answered, "I thought I'd have Bo, Jr. ask him over for the night. We were telling them stories about Hazzard years ago and they liked it. I thought I'd tell him then. You are welcome to come to dinner and be there when he's told." Sandy shyly said, "I'd like that. Robert?" Robert agreed, "Ok, we'll let Bo, Jr. ask Jake and we'll not say anything just show up around?" Dixie smiled at Luke then to the Miller's. "Beth, Daisy, and I can usually have supper ready around 6:00." Luke asked, "Would you mind bringing the papers in case he doubts what I'm telling him?" Robert nodded. It was all set.

It was just before 10:00 am when Peggy unlocked the gate at the bottom of the steps she was going up to make sure things were set upstairs. Luke asked, "If Jesse's up there, will you tell him my wallet is in the glove box of the General?" Peggy nodded, "Sure will." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ With the morning chores done at the farm, Cooter, Bo, Jeb, Coy, Vance and Daisy had came into town. Seeing Jesse's pickup at the garage they parked there. Jesse was still watching for the Judge to arrive. He knew there was no point going over until then. When Jesse saw the Judge pull up he told the 'kids' to stay there. They all insisted on going. Jesse compromised, "Bo, come on. This might be a lesson to you before you get some dang foul notion in YOUR head. The rest of you stay put." Bo followed Jesse's quick pace across Hazzard Square to the Courthouse. Once inside, Peggy told Jesse about Luke's wallet. Jesse said, "Bo go get it and hurry. Luke must think we'll need it." Bo was gone in an instance. Bo returned with Luke's wallet just as Peggy was bringing Luke to see the Judge. Much to Bo's surprise and Luke's annoyance he was handcuffed before being brought upstairs due to the Courtroom upstairs being such an open area. It seemed to bother Bo more seeing Luke in the cuffs than it did Luke to wear them, though he was not crazy about the idea. The Judge read the complaint. The Trooper swore to the complaint. Luke was read his rights. Judge Hardcastle said, "You were charged with Battery and Battery on a Police Officer. I take Battery on a Police Officer very serious. I am setting bond at $600.00." Luke looked at Jesse who nodded negatively. At the same time Bo opened Lukes' wallet. In it was the $100 he'd won from Ralph and $200 he'd made working at the garage. Bo handed Jesse the money. Judge Hardcastle asked, "Mr. Duke are you prepared to go his bond?" Jesse replied, "Yes, Sir, I am. "I'll prepare the release. Your hearing date is two weeks from today. 10:00 am." Said Judge Hardcastle nodding at Peggy to go ahead and remove the cuffs. Luke managed to say, "Thank you, Your Honor." as Peggy removed the handcuffs. "I'll get your things." stated Peggy as the paperwork was being finished. Once Lukes property was return and the paperwork signed. He was free to go. Judge Hardcastle had reminded him, "Don't leave the County without permission." Luke said, "Yes, Sir." As the three Dukes heading out of the Courthouse. Once outside, Bo grabbed Luke's arm rather hard, "Do you care to explain what was with you last night attacking him like that?" Luke pulled his arm back, and answered, "No, I don't!" he walked on out the door. Luke knew that it would not be so easy to get Jesse to drop it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The others were at the garage as Bo, Luke and Jesse were walking toward the garage. They all noticed Luke looked just a bit tired and unkept. Dixie got a glimpse before he actually got to the garage, she knew she'd have to act like nothing was wrong. Luke was greeted as though he'd been gone years not hours. Jesse knew getting them back to the farm anytime soon wasn't going to happen. There were things that needed done and he wanted to talk to Luke soon. He acted madder than he was once he could get a word in edge wise. "I'm heading back to the farm. I want you all there by noon. I'll have lunch ready." He added. Once Jesse was out of sight in the truck, Cooter handed Luke a beer. Luke replied, "Thanks, Cooter. Now all I want to do is get home to a shower." "There's a shower in the back." said Cooter. The others convienced Luke to shower there instead of leaving now. Luke took his beer and headed to the shower. Though Bo and Luke had there moments they both knew they could really count on the other one. Bo went to the General Lee taking out a set of clothes for Luke. He reached in the frig and took out another beer on his way to the back of the garage. He knocked on the small bathroom door, and said, "Luke, clothes are on the stool out here." Knowing Bo wasn't mad at him, he smiled, "Thanks, Bo." He opened the door to get the clothes before getting into the shower seeing the second beer on top of the clothes. Luke had seen the painful look in Dixie's eyes, he knew what she had been thinking. Now all he had to do was to get ride of everyone else so he could talk to her before he went home, but first to shower and shave. In the small medicine cabinet he located a couple new razors. He climbed into the hot shower. Luke let the hot water sooth his tired body for several minutes before he proceeded to bath. He then shaved from feel while in the shower. In the medicine cabinet was also some aftershave and deoderant, that he and Cooter had kept there for times they had gotten wet and or muddy pulling out Rosco. He opened his second beer as he dressed. He knew better than to get drunk and go home but a couple of beers wouldn't hurt UNLESS Jesse found out!

Luke being the Duke he was respected Bo's home as he would have his Uncle's. Before dawn he nudged Dixie who was asleep beside him. They had talked until the wee hours. She could be such a 'lazy bones' he thought. "Dixie, come on, we've got to get to the house before everyone wakes up. " "What time is it?" She felt like she had just shut her eyes. "5 am. " Luke replied. She set staight up, "Oh, sh--! We can't let the kids know we stayed in the barn." She was up, had her boots on, fluffed her hair the best she could and made sure all the hay was out of it. They made their way to the house like a couple of high school kids sneaking in after cufew. Dixie pointed to the shower. Luke smiled as he started the coffee. Beth was the first up, She looked at Luke, "You're up early she said." The shower was hear cutting on. It was obvious that he wasn't the only on up so early. Luke looked like the cat with the family canary in his mouth, "It was late when I went to bed but I guess after I got to sleep I slept pretty well." Luke was now the object of her stare, "U-huhh!" was all Beth said. "Look, Beth, I hope you aren't still mad at me and Bo about yesturday. It was all my fault he was running from the law and jumped Dry Creek." Beth replied, "............

Luke was in the barn finishing his chores when Bo walked in. Luke had his own problems but it didn't take Luke long to notice Bo's hand had been bleeding and was swelling and bruising. "What happened to you?" Luke asked. Bo replied, "Nothing." He said working his hand trying to determine if he had broken anything or just bruised it. "Bo you had to hit something pretty hard to do THAT to your hand." stated Luke. Bo's hand hurt but no more than his heart did. "You would not understand." "Are you and Beth fighting?" questioned Luke. Bo relied, quietly, "Not exactly." Luke said, "Then what?" Bo replied, "I guess you want to tell me what's up with you dating EVERY girl in the County?" Luke glared at his cousin. "No, I don't" Bo replied, "Well, then we're even." Luke thought, "Only until Uncle Jesse, sees that hand!" Bo and especially Luke thought they knew it all at this time in their life.

It was past time Bo went to bed with his wife. He knew there that he'd be paying for not only jumping the General Lee in front of the 'boys' but running from the law! "Son, I'm going to head in. Get some sleep your self." he said. Bo, Jr. asked, "What about the light in the barn?" Bo smiled, "Luke will turn it out when he comes in." Bo quietly opened his bedroom door, and said, "...............

The General Lee is top dog. If I want to drive over a hill I at least want to drive myself!!!! Not have a computer glitch do it for me! Dixie

It was just before 8am when Dixie and Luther pulled into the garage. Town seemed quiet. Dixie tried to busy herself with cleaning around the outside of the garage so she could watch for Cooter and the Dukes. About 8:30am she was relieved and worried when she saw Jesse's pickup pull onto the garage lot. Jesse was alone. He got out spoke to her and headed to her father. "Luther if you don't care I'm going to park out front a few minutes. I have to run over to the Courthouse." Dixie had moved where she might be able to hear what was going on. "Sure, Jesse, anything wrong?" questioned Jesse long time friend. Jesse wasn't in the best mood so he grumbled slightly. "It seems Luke got into a fight after we left the Boar's Nest last night. What I'm afraid of though is, during the 'heat' of the fight he also hit one of the Troopers." Dixie held her breath waiting to hear the rest. Luther looked surprised, "The States were called?" Jesse said, "From what the boys said, they must have just stopped by while the fight was going on." "That's not good." replied Luther, "Who was he fighting?" "No one knew why but Luke started it with Tommy Rogers." Jesse replied. When Dixie heard this, she did know why! She now knew it was her fault Luke was in jail. She felt as if her heart went to her shoes. Tears welled up in her eyes. She quickly made her way to the restroom. She didn't want Jesse or her father to see her this upset. They would surely wonder why. Unheard by Dixie, Luther stated, "A couple of nights ago, Dixie asked to go out with Tommy " Jesse interupted, "You surely didn't let her did you?" Luther continued, "I said she could go to teen night with him. Luke was here and he did voice his protests. He said you wouldn't let Tommy ask Daisy out. I thought it was OK since we'd all be there. Luke also told me when he returned from getting those parts the other day that the date had went badly. He didn't go into details, just asked to take Dixie out to the Boar's Nest that night so she could meet some of their other friends." In Jesse's mind things were becoming clearer. "Jesse figured something had happened on the date, Luke found out about it, Dixie must have asked him not to tell (from Luke's previous statements), Luke must have figured Mr. Rogers needed an attitude adjustment. Well, if that was it he couldn't much blame Luke. He had also given Luke sort of the 'go ahead' to take care of the situation. Luke had also seemed resigned to the fact he may get into trouble, though hitting the Trooper wasn't part of it. Jesse would do what he could though it may not be enough to get Luke out of this Scott Free."

Jesse sat in his chair where he had managed to catch a few winks. He looked around his living room at his very close knit family. Jesse was very thankful as he looked around the room. Bo and Jeb were on each corner of the couch. Bo had Daisy's head on his shoulder and Jeb had her feet on his lap. The three had covered up with a large sleeping bag of Luke's. Coy, Vance, and Cooter were in the floor in other sleeping bags. Jesse's living room was full of love this morning, yet there was something missing -- Luke. Jesse eased up out of the chair. He was trying not to wake the sleeping teens. Jesse put on coffee and showered while the coffee perked. He poured his morning coffee looking at the clock. It was way too early to head to town. He went to the refrigerator and reached behind it, taking out a cookie tin. Opening it he found the rewards of several moonshine delieveries. He counted $500 and some change. He hoped he'd not need all of this but if it meant bring Luke home he would use it all. Jesse heard moving in the living room. They would be up soon. He would fix breakfast while they did the chores. Then he'd go to town and bring Luke home. ~~~~~~~~~~~ At the Davenport farm, Dixie was up before her father. Cooter still hadn't showed up. She did know if there was trouble with the Dukes he'd be there and wouldn't have called if he thought it was too late. Yet, she worried. Dixie just knew deep down that what ever went down last night involved either Cooter or one of the Dukes OR both. Luther Davenport was sure surprised to see his usually 'lazy bones' daughter not only up but fixing breakfast when he came into the kitchen. "Well, what's the occassion?" "I didn't sleep to well last night. I got tired of trying so I got up." she said. "Hummm." he said, "Anything wrong Honey?" She wasn't to thrilled with telling her father what she suspected. "I was wanting to talk to Cooter last night so I was waiting on him. he didn't come home and didn't call. I guess he may be at the garage or at the Dukes." she said vaguely. Her father gave her that 'He's a big boy. He can take care of himself.' look, but said, "Have you called either place?" She replied, "No, I haven't. I was waiting until I knew they be awake." Luther looked at the clock. "Jesse has been up for awhile now. I'll give them a call." he sighed. "Daddy that's really OK. I'll call in a minute." She fixed her Dad a plate and refilled his cup before picking up the phone. There was no answer at the garage. She dialed the Dukes number from memory. Jesse answered thinking maybe it was the jail. "Duke Farm." he paused, "Yes, he is here, just a minute. Cooter." Jesse said holding the phone up. Dixie wanted to know what was up IF anything without her Dad knowing just now. She had breathed a sigh of relief when Jesse said Cooter was there. "Hey, brother. " she tried to sound cheery. "Where were you last night." Cooter being loyal to the Dukes, said only, "There was a bit of a problem last night. Everyone is OK. I decided to stay here and it was really late by then." DA---!!!!! she thought. She now knew something was wrong. "I'll meet you all at the garage." she replied. "Bye." she finished. To her Dad, "He is at the Dukes. I'm going to go to the garage with you this morning." she said. "I'll be ready in fifteen minutes." Luther looked up from his coffee as his daughter disappeared. He heard the shower turn on. True to her word she wa ready in fifteen minutes. Luther wasn't. He watched her pace waiting on him to get ready. He didn't know what was up but knew something was going on. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It seemed like Luke had just gotten to sleep when he was awaken by Peggy who had gotten the local dinner to deliver her two breakfasts to the jail. She had also made another pot of coffee. Luke was not really in the mood to eat but didn't want it to go to waste either. He began picking at food. The coffee helped the cobwebs in his head. He hadn't been drunk but had drank his share. The alcohol coupled with the lack of sleep made things a bit 'fuzzy' this morning. After finishing all of the breakfast he could, Luke set back on the bunk with his back against the wall, he asked, "What time is it?" Peggy replied, "7:30am." she picked up the phone dialing a number from memory. "Good morning Judge Hardcastle this is Peggy." Luke thought to himself. "Judge Hardcastle this is all I need." There was a pause as she listened to the voice on the other end. Which had replied 'it was not going to be a good morning if she was calling him that early.' "Sorry, I'm in Hazzard. I have you one arraignment." she picked up the paperwork and read from it, "Battery and Battery on a Police Officer" she paused, "State Police Mitchell and Worley" she paused again, listening, then answered the question, "Luke Duke." Peggy was speaking low but in the small space and with Luke's good hearing he was able to hear much of her end of the conversation. Peggy hung up the phone. "Judge Hardcastle will be in about 10:00 am." Luke just nodded, and thought, " 10:00 am. Great! That's another two and half hours I'll be behind. Jesse won't be bit happy."

NOTE: (Being a Correctional Officer by trade I had to 'improve' Rosco's 'cuff & stuff' routine a little. Also, the correctional officer here may talk more freely than I ever would as Hazzard is a small town where everyone knows eeryone. I took the liberty of making the following change......) When there was going to be a committment in the county jail they would call to the Tri-County Jail for a Jailor to meet them at the Courthouse. Being only one man, Rosco could not leave a 'prisoner' alone and patrol too. At the Hazzard County Courthouse Rosco looked on as Trooper Mitchell processed Luke. He was searched, finger printed, then was asked his life history on the booking sheets. Peggy happened to live in Hazzard County and beat them to the Courthouse. It had been her that had phoned Jesse for Luke. She had also gotten Luke some ice for his lip. She asked, "Have you been drinking?" Luke was setting in a chair at the booking desk. He was putting his socks back on. What had not helped Luke's mood was that most of the questions he'd been asked they all knew. Luke replied a bit impatient, "Yes, but I'm not anywhere near drunk." Peggy nodded Ok and said politely, "Just leave your boots off and you can put your belt in them. I'll get you a pair of flip flops." Luke just rolled his eyes thinking, "This night just KEEPS getting better." Peggy returned from somewhere with a pair of flip flops, "I called your Uncle Jesse for you. He said he'd be here first thing in the morning." Luke replied, "Thanks, Peggy. I appreciate that." She then said to the Trooper, "All done?" He said, "Yeah, I'm done just have to do my paperwork." "Come on Luke." she said and nodded to the stairwell that led downstairs to the two small cells. At the bottom of the stairs she opened the gate, took the set of keys off the peg on the wall, and unlocked the cell door. Luke looked at the cell for a second before entering. Two of the walls were formed from the outside wall of the building. The other two were of steel bars. The 6 by 8 cell contained one small barred window, steel bunk, a thin fire proof mattress, thin pillow of same material, a wool blanket was folded on the bed. A sink / toilet combination was beside the bunk in the back of the cell. Luke stepped inside, though he knew full well what was likely to happen tonight, he was not prepared for the chill that the door slamming and locking behind him sent down his back. Luke set down on the hard bunk thankful that he had drank quite a bit tonight figuring that would be the only reason he'd be able to sleep. Peggy locked the gate at the bottom of the steps and sat down at the desk to finish up her part of the paperwork. Luke did make a mental note that she had put both sets of keys in her pocket insted of back on the peg. Trooper Mitchell came down followed by Rosco several minutes later. The trooper handed Peggy his complaint through a slot in the door and said, "Goodnight, Peggy." Rosco looked surprised to see the gate actually locked in effect locking him out of his own jail. Peggy said, "Thanks for the overtime, night you guys, be careful." Rosco ended up just following the trooper back up the steps and they both left for the night. Peggy made a pot of coffee on a small hot plate she had, then dug for a book in the desk drawer. This would be Luke's first night in jail. A night he'd not soon forget. Being a free spirit the small space did bother him more than he'd like to have admitted. He was still setting on the bed when the trooper had brought the paperwork to Peggy. He was still sizing up his situation. He took a mental measurement of the small space. Then, he followed the steel bars to the ceiling and floor checking each for faults. He found none. After he was sure the officers had left he decided to ask exactly what he had been charged with. Luke figured that the swing on the Trooper had brought him more than he originally bargained for. He was right! He cleared the lump that had suddenly appeared in his throat when the cell door had closed, then asked, "Can I ask just what they charged me with?" Peggy smiled and nodded, "Sure, let me see." She picked up the paperwork and studied it for a second before answering, "Battery, and Battery on a Police Officer." "Which means?" questioned Luke. "That you hit someone and then hit an officer." explained Peggy. Luke nodded, "Well at least they didn't try to add more than what happened." Peggy got in the desk drawer finding some foam cups. "Want a cup of coffee?" "Sure, why not? I don't see me getting any sleep tonight anyway." replied Luke. "Do you do this often?" Peggy knew he meant working in Hazzard. "Only when they have someone charged that won't bond at night or someone is sentenced to overnight. The others HATE to come over here, but it's a break from driving all the way over to Tri-County for me and I rack up the OT." she handed Luke a foam cup of coffee. "Thanks." Luke said. He didn't really want the coffee but it was offered. Peggy decided to make small talk to make her night also go by a little quicker. "Want to talk about it." Meaning what had happened. He sighed. "First of all, though it doesn't matter, I didn't mean to hit the trooper. There was something that needed settled. I intended to settle it." he took a sip of coffee. "Was it worth it?" she asked. Luke smiled slightly, "I knew this was a possibility before hand. If the message got through, yes, it will have been worth it." Peggy just nodded, finished her coffee, turned a dimmer light on, then switched the big lights off. "If you say so." She returned to her desk, switched on a reading lamp and picked up her book. Luke layed back on the hard mattress, stared at the ceiling, thinking to himself. He had been with more girls since Robin than he'd care to admit. Yet, he had NEVER did anything with any one them they hadn't wanted. It really bothered him that someone was sick enough to try to force someone like Dixie into anything. Yes, this was worth it. Images of Dixie shaking and frightened reasured him that this was a small price to pay for the satisfaction he felt. Even if he had bitten off more than he had bargined for. Luke did manage to drift off to sleep just as dawn was breaking with the knowledge that this may not be his last night in here, over this.

Mrs. Luke Duke, I hve been very lucky in the autographs. I have met and talked with Ben Jones (Cooter) in a small autograph signed near Tazewell, VA. This is where I found out about DukeFest 03 in Sperryville, VA. We were on our way to the County Fair in Tazewell VA. We didn't know until we got to the autograph session that Cooter and the General Lee would be also at the Fair. He parked in an outside lot and DROVE into the Fairgrounds. I was on a ride up high and saw this. By the time he parked there was about 200 people around him. I went to Duke Fest 03. I got Cooter, Sheriff Little, Enos, and Clutus autograph. Roscoe's line was impossible to get in all that day. I went to DukeFest 04 for both days. We got Rosco, Enos, Clutus and the original moon runners Jerry Rushing and Ace Parker. It was there story that "Moonrunners" a movie was written about which was the basis for Dukes of Hazzard. Again Cooter was very busy and Daisy's line was the longest for 2 days. My son was LUCKY enough to catch her going from the stage to the autograph tent and got hers. Then after the show was over and everyone was leaving my son got Cooters! We were a 100 %! Years ago I did send them all a Christmas card when the show was on. I received a picture from Bo, and autographed picture from Luke, and Jesse. Cooter's was the last to come back. In with the autographed picture was a letter stating that Hazzard post office didn't run smoothly as 'Rosco's brother was the postmaster!' Good luck getting your autographs. DixieDavenport

Thanks! Dixie

Right before Bo, Jr. came back in the house Luke and Dixie had stepped off the side of the porch intending to take a walk. They had gotten out to the barn when Dixie stopped Luke. She pulled him close for a very long passionate kiss. After which she looked deep into his blue eyes and said, "Spill it." in a rather playful manner. "You know Dix, being subtle was never one of your strong points." He replied. She raised her eyebrows, "I chased you for, what, a year being subtle. I almost had to hit you over the head with the wrecker! Besides, you guys never stay still long enough for subtle." "Ok, but we might as well get comfortable. He led her around the old barn, opened the door, then closed it behind him. He turned on the lights, opened a storage area hoping to find some sleeping bags. It is where he and Bo had always stored at least a couple for nights just like this one. Luke smiled, "I am so very glad that some small things never change." He grabbed two sleeping bags and tossed them up to the hayloft. "After you my dear." he said. Dixie could feel herself blush as Red as the General Lee was Orange. She started up the ladder with Luke close behind her making real sure that she didn't fall. Once in the hayloft Luke rearranged some bales of hay for comfort and also privacy. With a family this big and growing you never knew when someone would walk in the barn so Luke stacked several bales up at the edge of the loft to block his and Dixie view from below. While he did this, Dixie took some loose hay and piled it up before laying a sleeping bag over it. Finally spreading the other one one top of the first. "Do you know, this is the last hayloft I was in? And it was with you!" She blushed again as Luke kissed her deeply. Luke wanted, no needed this, but he felt compelled to level with Dixie before this went further. He said hoarsely, "If you want to talk, we need to stop this! Sat down her a minute. Let me check something." Luke was down the ladder and back in a flash. "I'm glad my cousin hates to clean out this barn." He said holding up a quart Mason Jar that had dust through the ages built up on it. "Right where I left it." He sat down on the sleeping bags, opened the jar and took a nice sip, then handed it to Dixie. She smiled also taking a healthy drink, "Oh, Lord, that was good. I haven't had any shine since I left here either." She didn't want to push Luke and he didn't have to tell her what he found at the Courthouse but she thought he might need to. "It's better now than it was when I put it there. This jar is probably, well older than Bo, Jr." said Luke as he set the jar down beside Dixie. "Older than Jake too?" she asked gently. Luke nodded. "Yeah, Jake too." he paused, and sighed, "Dix, he is mine. I NEVER knew he existed. I swear. " he said softly. "I know." she replied. "On the adoption papers my 'parental rights were forfeited' there is a paper with a very poor copy of my signature waving all my rights, so he could be adopted." said Luke. "Who would have signed it?" asked Dixie. Luke sighed, "A very alone, scared teenage girl who was watching me go after my next conquest. This was before you came back to Hazzard. Jake was born ten months after I, well, Robin, well we broke up. I took that really hard. I had done everything to make us work. I, ME, didn't try a thing for ages just to keep her. There was a time I would have married her had she given me maybe another year. Well, when we split for good I did things I am not proud of which is why your father had a problem with me dating you. I was only going out with girls for a night or two. If I got what I wanted, good. If I didn't, there was going to be someone else tomorrow night, anyway. By the time you came to town that was getting old. I missed what I had with Robin, the steadyness of it. Then you took my breath away." Luke paused. "Do you remember Margie Ledbetter?" Dixie shook her head no. Luke continued, with a distant look, "We all had went to school together. I had never given her a second look. She was the type that never fit in well, though she really wanted to be popular. I went to a dance one night alone. Most everyone else had already paired off. I don't know if it was a dare or if she got her nerve up but she asked me to dance. I hadn't gotten a better offer so we danced. I never thought I was a prize but she must have by the look in her eyes." Dixie said quietly, "Being at a dance with one of the few guys in the County who could have any girl there would sure make her feel like she fit in." Luke said, "Yeah, I guess it did. I was a 'dog' though, I didn't leave it at making her feel good. I wanted another 'star' on the board. She was more than willing to put it there. I can't just tell Jake his Mother was 'easy' either." he reached for the jar, taking a large drink. "I'd like to try to track her down if she's still around, at least to close a chapter. I need to talk to Sandy and Robert Miller about this too. I don't want to go around wrecking families here, but if I just tell Jake. I think that that would cause more problems than if I talk to the Millers, explain my part, and at least let them know I do intend to tell Jake no matter what." That was the Luke she LOVED. Always thinking about everyone else other than himself first. She hugged him. He passed her the jar. She smiled, took a drink, set the closed jar down, layed her head on Lukes' chest and began to undo the snaps on his shirt. Luke hugged her close. It was sure warm out here tonight., thought Luke. ~~~~~~~~~~ Bo, Jr. walked to the doorway to cut off the kitchen lights before turning in. He looked outside at the yard after turning off the light as he had done for several years now. "That's strange." Bo heard the comment as he was heading for bed. "What's strange?" "The barn light is on. I know I cut it out." said Bo, Jr. Bo did a mental head count of the house. He smiled. Luke and Dixie never came in from the porch he thought. "Well, it will be Ok tonight." "That's Ok, I'll go cut it out." said Bo, Jr. Bo stopped dead in his tracks. He knew his cousin. Bo, Jr. did NOT need to go anywhere near that barn. "Whoa, there son." Bo sighed, he really wanted to go to bed with his wife, but this needed done first. "What do you say to a beer on the front porch?" Bo had shared a similar night with his Uncle Jesse when he was about 15. Here was his own son 18. Beth could be so protective and Bo was a sucker for her so he had let her put off this conversation. Bo, Jr's. eye lite up. "I'll get them." Bo replied, "Better get a couple a piece." "Yes, Sir." was the joyful reply. Bo heard himself answer his Uncle Jesse in the same fashion years ago. He knew he was not out of the woods with Beth either for not only jumping Dry Creek in front of the boys BUT out running the law. He would pay dearly! He thought. On the porch, both opened and sipped a beer, Bo started, "Son, you did likely turn off the light in the barn. We are missing a few of the family in the house." stated Bo. Bo, Jr. now did his count. "Uncle Luke and Dixie?" Bo replied, "Yes. There is some pretty important stuff they needed to talk about tonight. I'm sure you'll hear it when the time is right. Besides Uncle Luke may want some privacy tonight." explained Bo. "I wanted to talk to you about tonight and make sure you understood what was said tonight. Do you want to ask me anything without every relative you have listening?" Bo, Jr. acted a little shy, "You were running moonshine even though you and Mom were married, and expecting me?" questioned Bo, Jr. Bo took a long drink of cold beer, "Well, actually, I married your Mother because we were expecting you and yes, I was running moonshine to make money to earn our keep here. Uncle Jesse never asked me for a dime, but I could not stay here and not pull my weight." "Even though it meant maybe going to prison?" his son questioned. Bo replied, "Yes, ......" Cue Beth

At the Duke farm Daisy had also had the night off. "Uncle Jesse I think I'm going to turn in early." Jesse turned the kitchen stove eye off that had been keeping his ever present coffee warm. He filled his cup and replied, "It's not going to be long before I turn in myself." At this point the General Lee is heard roaring up the drive. Both Daisy and Jesse looked at the door as Bo and Cooter came in the house like something was after them. At this point the phone began to ring. Jesse asked, "Boys. What in tarnation?" Daisy answered the phone over the comotion across the kitchen. "Duke Farm, ...... Yes, Mamm, he is,....." she looked worried as she handed the phone to Jesse. "Uncle Jesse the phone is for you." "Boys settle down." Jesse instructed, still unknowing what they were trying to tell him. "Who in the world would be calling at this hour?..... This is Jesse Duke,....." He looked at the boys as he said, with his voice raising an octive or two, "He's WHERE?!" Jesse listened to the voice on the other end of the phone. "Yes, Mamm. What do I need to do to get him out?....... I see..... Will you let him know I'll be there first thing in the morning. Thank You." he said hanging up the phone. "Ok, boys, I just got the short version. NOW, tell me WHAT happened." Daisy was quiet confused at this point. She hadn't even gotten the short version. Bo said, "Cooter tell him. You saw more than I did." "Well, Uncle, Mr. Jesse, all I know is I looked up and here came Luke across the Boars Nest. He grabbed Tommy Rogers by the shirt and began punching him. Tommy didn't even know what hit him. Luke got him down and was still going at him when Rosco got by me. Rosco was trying to get Luke off Tommy when the Troopers wa...." Cooter was interupted by Daisy, "Troopers? Oh, Lord." "Yeah, two Troopers came in. They were trying to help Rosco. One had started to handcuff Luke, who was still fighting Tommy. I guess Luke didn't know who was behind him because it was then that he hit the Trooper. That's about all I got to see because Bo here was trying to jump in. I had to drag him outside." said Cooter who was still very excited. Bo hearing the whole ugly story. Especially when Cooter told Jesse about him, said, "Thanks Cooter." Knowing he would get probably more than his fair share of the lecture that was sure to follow since Jesse was undoubtly unhappy with Luke and he wasn't there. Cooter for the first time since they had been there flashed his widest grin. Thinking that Bo was really thinking him. "No problem, Bo." Daisy said, "I'm going with you all to get him." she turned to go get dressed. Jesse stopped her, "There is no point in going anywhere tonight. The Judge won't be in until 9 AM. There is nothing we can do until then." "There has got to be something we can do." she insisted. About that time came Jeb, Coy and Vance who knew nothing about what was going on heard Daisy's last sentence. Jeb asked, "Something we can do about what?" Jesse said, "Luke's in jail and there is nothing we can do until the Judge sets bail in the morning." now Jesse had a room full of jabbering young adults that were as wide awake as he now was. "Kids! Cool it! I can't hear myself think!" Going to bed was now out of the question. Jesse emptied the coffee pot and refilled it to make more. "It's going to be a long night." he sighed to himself. "Daisy you might as well fix some popcorn for you all to snack on. We'll go in the living room and talk. I know there's no need in even telling you all to go to bed." ~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie was on her way to bed when she heard on the scanner that there had been an arrest made at the Boar's Nest. Her father was asleep. Cooter wasn't home yet. There was no way she could call Daisy -- (It was far too late to call someone's home.) All she could do was to continue to listen to the scanner, but it (what ever it had been) was over before the radio traffic came across the scanner. She was worried for her friends and brother as he had still not came home. She set her alarm clock extra early. There was a strange feeling that was bugging her yet she didn't know why. She had to find out early if she managed to sleep what was up.

Luke still had dreams (nightmares) about this run sometimes. "Give me a minute to set this up. Jeb had turn 18 by this time as had Bo. Me being the oldest it was up to me to do EVERYTHING I could to keep them out of trouble. Jesse decided it was time to let Jeb run the load with Bo riding shot gun. I was running blocker. I would go ahead of them and try to find trouble before they got there. If that didn't work and they ran into trouble I'd circle back around and help it they were spotted." Luke paused at the memory of being totally helpless. He took a long drink of his beer. Dixie stroked his chest. She had felt the tension as he started telling the story. "This was nothing that had not happened before. No one messed up. Point blank they got lucky we had a bad night. I ran past the law, they stayed put. Jeb and Bo came by, the law jumped in behind them. Bo yelled for me. I did a 180 degree turn and gunned the General Lee, they were in Jesse's newest runner, 'Tilley Bell'. As I turned I was blocked by two Chickasaw County cruisers. I had just crossed the County line. I didn't even get time to get a CB call out. I grabbed another gear, did another 180 turn, and floored it. I managed to shake them and was heading back to Bo on a side road. Jeb was hammered down, when they boxed him into a trap. He had the bank on the left and a 100 foot drop on the left. Agent Bucannon blocked him after I had passed. Rosco was behind Jeb. The next thing I heard was Agent Bucannon calling on the radio, that had caught two of the Duke boys with a load of shine. I switched channels and called for them several times. No answer. I wanted to make sure they weren't setting me up. When I was sure they had been caught I turned around and eased back to where they were stopped." Luke again paused, finished his bottle of beer. "I turned myself in. They had us with the entire load of 100 gallons in the trunk and back seat. They didn't even have time to ditch one gallon" he said quietly. Not quit believing what they heard, "You got away and turned yourself in?" asked Bo, Jr. "Man that was stupid!" said Jake. Luke took a minute to look at the youth before him. He looked from his cousin's son to his own son seeing the disbelief in their eyes. It was time for a lesson straight from Jesse Duke. "No. It was not stupid. Yes, I did get away Scott free, and yes, I turned myself in. It was a matter of honor and loyalty. We started the run together. We would finish it together. No matter what." Luke saw he had awoken something in the two 'friends'. Dixie had eased out to get her and Luke a beer, taking his empty with her. She returned handing Luke the beer. "Thanks." "My Dad was in jail?" asked Bo, Jr. Grimly Luke continued, "Yes, we all were. The local 'authorities' thought we were 'an escape risk', bond was set at 4 times over what the farm was worth. Jesse was helpless for about 10 days until the bond was reduced. Then he put up the entire farm to get us out. We would still have to stand trial though." Luke cleared his throat, and took a drink of his beer before continuing. "Jesse told us to plead GUILTY and he'd handle everything. "What we didn't know was he was working on a deal with the Federal Authorities to not make any shine ever IF they gave us Probation. It worked. We were sentenced along with Uncle Jesse to 10 years probation. It seemed like a hundred with the local law trying to hang us up so we'd violate the Probation, but finally we had it completed. Shortly after that is when I became a Smokejumper." said Luke. "You turned yourself in knowing you could go to jail?" asked Bo, Jr. innocently. Bo answered for Luke, "No, son. He turned himself in knowing he could and would, likely go to prison." "For how long?" asked Jake. Jeb decided it was his turn. "If I recall correctly at least 2 to 10 years considering the load and that we had every intention of crossing the County line." "Dad, it you were 18 your knew Mom then, right?" ................. Cue Beth

Bo, Jr and Jake both said, "TEN?" Luke added, "Yeah, but it was by accident. See Jesse and Boss Hogg were partners then." Bo, Jr. asked, "A Duke and Hogg partners? No way!" Luke continued, "Yes, I told you there have been many changes in Hazzard over the years." he paused as Dixie cuddled closer to him. They were on the couch. She was setting beside him and had just pulled her feet up behind her and had absent mindedly undone one of the snaps on his blue plaid shirt to put her fingers on his chest. He wrapped his arm around her waist a bit tighter. Bo continued for Luke. "Uncle Jesse and JD were partners for a long while until Bogg's greed got the best of him. Jesse was really particular about quality. Anyway, they had finished a good run and were about to toast with Jesse's finest shine. Uncle Jesse poured two 'jelly glasses' about half full of shine for a toast. He must have heard us coming in and turned to put the jar away when me and Luke here rushed in from playing. We raced through the kitchen chasing each other. Before Uncle Jesse could stop us we saw the glasses of 'water' on the table." Luke interupted, "We had indeed had glasses of water on the table before we went outside." Bo said, "Yeah, I forgot that. Anyway, we had been playing hard and were thirsty. We downed the 'water' before we could be stopped or before we knew what was happening. The next second we could not breath! We scared the sh-- out of both Jesse and JD. Once they got us to breath again, there wasn't much they could do with us! We were drunk as skunks!" Jake's eye were wide, "You didn't get into trouble?" Wiping the tears from laughing so hard while telling the story Bo said, "Nah, not for drinking the shine. Jesse figured it as much his fault as ours." Luke said, "I think we got talked to about running in the house the next day AFTER we woke up." Tell the one about Uncle Jesse finding you all layed out on the porch, said Daisy. Dixie and Beth were not sure at this time if these were stories for the boys to hear. Yes, they had all lived them and lived through them but things were sure different then. Luke thought back for a minute, then sighed and began, "Uncle Jesse had to go out of town for a couple of days. At this time Bo, Cooter and I were about your all's age, just over 18. The others had gladly made plans to stay with friends. Cooter was going to stay with us to help take care of the daily chores. After a bit of supper that Jesse had cooked before leaving, we finished the chores. Out in the barn, I asked if they were interested in having a good time tonight. Cooter and Bo were game. I went to the back of the barn where I had stashed something a couple of days before. I brought out a WHOLE gallon of Jesse's finest moonshine. We guys sipped and talked, played music as loud as we wanted. We were having us a great time. At some point during the night we started trying to see who could out drink who. About an hour of drinking pretty heavy Bo was ready for bed. We followed making sure that he got to his bed. He managed that. We took off his boots tossed a cover over him. Then we went back to the barn where we continued to drink slightly slower than we had been. Dawn was breaking as Cooter and I went to the house." Luke paused took a sip of beer. "I'm still not quite sure what happened between the barn and the porch. All I know is the next thing I remember is getting very rudely awaken by a man that looked a lot like my Uncle Jesse, but this had to be his evil twin." Cooter said, "You ain't whistling Dixie there Luke." "Jesse had pulled up in his pick up EARLY the next morning. His business was done the night before. He SAID he saw Cooter sprawled on the walk before you get to the porch. A few feet ahead of him, I had made it to the porch. We had put Bo to bed earlier." Luke continued, "He us told we had an hour. We could sleep, shower, eat what ever, but we had BETTER be ready to work in 1 hour. This was the hottest part of the summer. I got a cup of coffee and headed for the shower. The floor was still moving. Bo here slept. Cooter figured coffee and breakfast would neutralize the alcohol - he was wrong. Exactly one hour later, our beloved Uncle's evil twin decided that the back 40 needed plowed. Fellas, the back 40 had never been plowed before or after THAT day. By 9am it was 80 degrees in the shade, which there was darn little of in the back 40. It felt hotter! Jesse had also taken a large container of water. If you don't know this, believe me when I tell you, if you were really drunk the night before and drink water, you will get drunk all over again. Uncle Jesse's evil twin knew this. The hotter it got, the more we worked, the more water we drank the sicker we got. At lunch time, we had an hour break, I crawled under the pick up for shade. Those two found a small patch of shade under a tree. An hour later, we were in no better shape. Believe me when I tell you too, there was not going to be any not working or complaining. At 5 pm all I wanted was a shower and my bed. The others were as bad or worse than I was." said Luke. "Before we were allowed to quit for the day we had to hear THE speach. Uncle Jesse began, 'This family has made moonshine for well over 200 years. It has never been hidden or forbidden, nor will it be now. There is a time and a place to consume it in descent quanities. All night on a week night, when there is a work day following, is NOT the TIME. A gallon more or less between you three was not a descent quanity. I WILL NOT find any of the three of you passed out in the yard, on the porch, or half in and half out of a bed AGAIN! Is that clear?' said Luke as his Uncle had." "By 6pm we were all three in bed. The next morning we still had a headache, and were a bit under the weather, but the work got done without a complaint one being voiced. Needless to say none of us tried that again on a week night!" Luke concluded.

Just an option here: Cooter was a genious!!!!! Bo was the driver. Luke a pretty fair mechnic. But COOTER was the mechanical genious!! In Repo man it refers to the wrecker as being suped up! IT was suped up and so wasa the General Lee but like yoou said it was a wreck trucka and heavier. Maybe too when Cooter keeps up with the they aren't running wide open. DixieDAVENPORT

Saturday Night Boar's Nest Luke had his first Saturday night off from the wrecker in awhile. He and Bo went to the Boar's Nest without dates. Luke had given Bo the keys figuring on drinking a bit. He had also left his wallet in the car locked in the glove box. About halfway through the night, Jesse had left for home. Bo and Luke were dancing with the ladies. Luke was drinking his share of beer and was feeling good but was not drunk. A cute little filly Bo knew had him occupied when Luke saw Tommy walk into the Boars' Nest. Luke was setting in the back far corner where the lighting was bad. He was watching Tommy as he ordered a glass of "Boss's shine" (which was stronger than beer but more like mouthwash compared to Jesse's). Luke sipped about half the shine watching Tommy get further under his skin trying to pick up another girl to force himself on. Luke had had more than he could take. He finished the other half glass of shine in one swallow, stood up, closed the distance between him and Tommy in one motion before Tommy knew what hit him. Luke grabbed his shirt and punched at the same time. Luke continued to punch him in the ribs. Tommy did his best to defend himself. Cooter was nudging Bo, trying to get his attention. When Bo looked he saw what was going on but had NO idea why. It was a fair fight so he and Cooter stood by to keep it that way. When Tommy fell now throwing his own punches, Luke pounched on top of him and banged his head against the floor several times. No one in the place knew why but it was a good fight. Cooter was in the position to be nearest Boss Hogg's private door where he'd seen Rosco go in earlier. He grabbed the door handle and held it tightly to slow Rosco's progress. Hearing the commotion Rosco fired a warning shot into the ceiling, covering Boss Hogg with plaster dust from the ceiling. Cooter let go as Rosco charged into the room. Not knowing or caring what was happening all he saw was Luke on top and whipping Tommy. "FREEZE! Freeze!" they didn't. "Luke Duke, .... you .... are under arrest!" Rosco continued. Putting his gun back in the holster, he grabbed Luke from behind. This had little effect. It was this particular moment that two State troopers happened by the Boars' Nest. Upon entering they saw Rosco struggling to gain control of Luke. They proceeded to assist the Sheriff, still unseen by Luke, who continued to fight both Rosco and Tommy. Trooper Mitchell with handcuffs in hand managed to get one cuff on Luke's left hand. This is where Luke made what would not be his first mistake of the evening. He swung on the person holding the cuffs, connecting his fist with the Troopers chest. Doing the only thing he could do at the time Trooper Mitchell fell with all his weight on to Lukes' left arm pinning it between Luke's back and the Troopers chest. Through the beer and shine this did get Lukes' attention. Trooper Mitchell shifted his weigh off Luke just a bit to keep from breaking anything as soon as he quit fighting them. They were able to get the cuffs on him and get him off Tommy. When the troopers came in Bo and Cooter looked at each other, managing an, "Ol' Sh-----!" Neither knew what had brought this on from Luke, nor did they know about Luke and Jesse's talk. Therefore, they KNEW Luke was in more trouble than was going on before them. When Luke swung on the Trooper it was all Cooter could do to hold Bo back, to keep him from 'helping' Luke and getting himself in BIG trouble, too. "Bo, just hold on a minute." said Cooter. "Luke will need us more out here than joining him in the 'pokie'. Cooter couldn't see what else was going on with Luke as he tired to get Bo under control and away from the situation involving Luke. Cooter ended up half dragging Bo outside before the law turned their attention to them. From across the parking lot Bo and Cooter saw the Troopers put Luke in their car. He was complying with them at this point. Luke managed to have a slight busted lip. However, when Tommy came out with Rosco to give his 'statement', it was obvious that he had gotten the worst end of the fight. Cooter said, "Come on, let's get to the farm."