DixieDavenport

Amist many protest Jesse and Luke were the only ones who would be at Luke's hearing. They took the pickup into town. Luke informed Jesse, "I've got a couple hundred in my wallet if there's a fine. I'll put it in the glove box." Jesse replied, "I figure the $600 bond will cover the fine, but thanks." The Court was called to order by Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane. Judge Hardcastle read the charges: "1. Battery and 2. Battery on a Police Officer. Do you understand these charges?" Luke replied, "Yes, Sir." Judge Hardcastle asked if there was anything the Trooper wanted to add. Trooper Mitchell replied, "I'd like to ammend my complaint to just the Battery and drop the Battery on a Police Officer." Judge Hardcastle replied. "Your reason being?" Trooper Mitchell replied, "I have thought about it. This young man didn't willfully hit me. He reacted to me grabbing him during the 'hit' of the fight. As a result, I charged him during the 'heat' of my fight. If I thought he hit me intentionally I'd not drop it." Judge Hardcastle studied the Trooper. "You are sure you want to proceed with only the Battery charge?" Trooper Mitchell replied, "Yes, Sir, I am." Luke was felling just a bit relieved. Judge Hardcastle replied, "So be it. Mr. Duke how do you plead to the charge of battery?" Standing straight and tall Luke replied, "Guilty as charged Your Honor." The Judge asked, "You are entering this plea of your own will? And, you do understand that you COULD be sentenced to up to 12 months in the County jail?" Many a profane thought went through Luke's head in the split second it took him to hoarsely answer, "Yes, Sir." "I'll accept the plead of Guilty. I can set up a sentencing date or you can wave it and we can proceed with sentencing?" stated the Judge. Though he had little choice in the matter, walking into the Courtroom for this hearing had been hard. Luke figured it would be even harder to walk back in again knowing he could spend 12 months (Luke had not figured on it being THAT long) in jail so he replied, "I'll wave." "You are prepared to be sentenced today?" asked the Judge. Rosco's mouth was watering at the thoughts of having Duke in jail for 12 months. "Yes, Sir." Luke replied. Judge Hardcastle asked, "Is there any explaination for your actions or anything you'd like to say in your defense, Mr. Duke." Though Luke knew that if he explained his reason for the fight it might help him. At least it would explain why he started the fight without Tommy so much as saying a word to him, but Luke was bound by Duke loyalty to not tell anyone about what had happened with Tommy and Dixie. Luke replied, "No, Sir." "Well," the Judge paused. He had expected some sort of explaination for Luke's action of starting the fight when Tommy Rogers hadn't even said anything to him. Judge Hardcastle checked Luke's file, "I see you have only been before me on a charge of racing. Due to the Troopers amended complaint, and the fact that you are waving the sentencing hearing which means I don't have to make a third trip over here for this, it saves the County some money and me some time. I am feeling generious." Judge Hardcastle very rarely felt generious. He continued, "Lucas Duke I sentence you to....." he paused, "Fourteen days in the County jail, no credit for time served." Luke was not happy, though compared to the though of 12 months, well, he'd take the 14 days, no problem. So though he was cursing to himself on the inside, he realized he had gotten a huge break and replied, "Thank you, Your Honor." The Judge filled out the commitment which took no more than a minute and told Rosco, "Mr. Duke is in your departments custody for 14 day from today. Make the arrangements." Rosco, replied, "Kew, Kew, Kew. Yes, SIR! I'll get right on that. Yes I will." Luke knew at that moment the only thing worse than facing spending 14 days in jail was listening to Rosco gloat about it.

Bo and the others pretty well figured Luke had planned on getting pretty drunk tonight because though he tried not to let on he was pretty worried about the next day. Jeb was planning on driving tonight so Bo could drink some too. Luke arrived with Dixie. They took seats at a front table near the band. Luke ordered a beer and a Coke. It was still early and the band was finishing setting up. Dixie, Daisy and Kathy were talking at the table. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Jeb was getting requests for a song that Jeb's voice just wasn't deep enough to do it justice. Jeb took a break and asked Luke if he'd do the song. Luke had only drank one beer so he figured he pull it off pretty good so he sang 'White Lightning' by George Jones. Dixie had never heard him sing before. While Jeb had Luke cornered he figured on getting at least one more song out of him. He went right into 'Ballad of Thunder Road' by Marty Robbins Luke didn't have much choice but to sing it also. Bo got a bright idea. He went to talk to Jeb and the others, "You know if we can keep him singing he may not get as drunk as we are think he might be planning on." Jeb replied. "I agree. Got any ideas. " "Yeah, Dixie do you know the 'Night the lights went out in Georgia'?" "Yeah, but what does that have to do with anything?" see if Luke will sing it with you. Between Dixie and the others they kept Luke to busy to drink to much. Surprisingly they all had a great time. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse Duke was always the first up. He made his way to the kitchen to make coffee. He picked up the coffee pot and it was warm. Luke spoke from the living room. "Coffee's fresh." Jesse turned to see Luke setting in a chair in the living room and said, "Oh, OK. Aren't you up kinda early or is it late?" Jesse took his coffee to the living room also. "I guess it's a little of both. I couldn't sleep last night and got tired of trying so I got up." stated Luke. Jesse studied him, "Are you that worried about today?" Luke shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know if I'd say worried or just dreading it." "Pretty sure you know the outcome." questions Jesse. Luke took a drink of coffee before answering. "Like you have told me. They have waited too long to get the chance to put one of us in jail. Why would they pass up the opportunity now?" "Well, you do have a point there. Course Judge Hardcastle does his own thing. He is not in Boss's or anyone elses pocket." Jesse informed. Luke replied, "Well, that is good to know. I talked to Trooper Mitchell the other day. I only told him I had no idea it was him behind me that I did not intend to hit him and I was sorry." "That's good at least he will know it wasn't personal. It may save you some trouble in the future." said Jesse. Jesse's statement did little to make Luke fell better.

The Preacher, Mr. Brown looked over the congregation as he began to open services. Mr. Brown noticed his small church was more crowded than it had been in a long while if it wasn't Christmas or Easter. Mr. Brown had preached these parts the better part of the Dukes lives so he immediately recognized Luke, Daisy, Jeb, Coy, and Vanceand amoung the Dukes was even Cooter Davenport and his sister, Dixie. Mr. Brown opened, "Today I see we are truely blessed. Our small congregation has in its mist several members who have left Hazzard for places far and near. I'd like to welcome all the Dukes and Davenports back into our mists and let them know they are always welcome whenever they find time to be back in Hazzard." Needless to say all the members of the small church looked back and forth to see who the preacher was talking about. Margie Ledbetter found herself rest on one of the dark haired Dukes for just a spell to long. Luke's eyes meet hers and held for a minute, unnoticed by anyone. Her appearance hadn't changed much from High School and it was obvious from her timid actions she was still the very meke mild person who was not Luke Dukes type as a steady girl. After the services Luke told the others, "Ya'll go ahead. Dixie and I need to take care of something." There was no questions as they all figured Luke and Dixie wanted too talk to Mr. Brown. Luke continued, "Here Jeb, trade me rides, my truck holds more than your Mustang." They traded keys and everyone packed into the rides that had brought to church. Luke turned to Dixie, "Would you go tell Mr. Brown we'd like to speak with him when everyone leaves? Then, come on back out here." "Sure, Honey?" she replied. "I'll explain when you get back." he told her. She left to go speak with Mr. Brown. Luke waited patiently in the parking area. He spotted Margis coming out to her car. Luke walked over to her side. "Margie?" "Well. Hello Luke. It's been awhile." she said. "Yeah, you could say that. I think WE have a lot to talk about." he said sternly. She got a scared look on her face. "I don't know what you think WE have to talk about. You sure wasn't looking to talk to me more than once!" she said sarcastically. "You are probably right about that. But, I'd like to speak with you about a FORGED peice of paper." he said quietly. She went to open her car door as she said, "I don't know what you mean." Dixie walked up and caught the exchange taking place. Luke stopped the car door from opening. "Look. I know WHAT you did. I know who my son is. I just want to know WHY?" She stopped dead in her tracks. She gave him a shocked look. 'How could he know about our child? That it was a boy? AND, Who he is??' she thought. She leaned against the car. She could have been knocked over with a feather and asked, "How do you know?" "How exactly could I not know when I ran into him?" replied Luke. "We had a boy? You've seen him. Where?" she asked shocked. "No, I think you have alot more to explain than I do!" Luke insisted. Dixie nudged him. They were beginning to gather a crowd. Luke took the hint, knowing how Hazzard was. "Let's walk back towards the church for a minute." Once out of everyone's hearing distance, Margie said, "I'm sorry. I was scared and I knew you didn't want me and things would have never worked. I did what I thought was best for the baby. I knew if I'd ever seen it, I would have wanted to keep it. I also knew I couldn't support a child and you were....." Luke was hot! "You might have known about YOU. You may have even thought you were doing best for IT! But, let me tell you a thing or two; IT IS part of ME! and IT has a name and fellings too! I HAD A RIGHT TO KNOW AND TO MAKE MY CHOICES!" Luke paused to keep from shouting. "I'll tell you this much, I have meet my son and as long as he wants to know me I'll be there for him. As for YOU, he hasn't asked about you and I'll keep you identity to myself IF that's what you want which is ONE HE-- more than you did for me or MY son! IF you want to know who IT is I suggest you find out on your own." Luke turned to Dixie and they walked back towards the church. Margie never called to him or followed. At the church steps Luke paused. "Give me a second." He took a good deep breath and let it out slowly. He dropped his head slightly taking another deep breath. "I haven't been THAT mad in a long time. I just had to collect my self before going back inside." Dixie placed her arm around his waist. "Take you time. I don't believe that." Luke was still mad but felt better as soon as he looked Dixie in the eyes and saw love and support. "Come on, let's go talk to Mr.Brown about more pleasant things." He hugged her as they walked back into the church. The preacher was gathering his things as they walked back in. "Luke, Dixie come on up here. What is it you wanted to talk to me about? Here have a seat." They all sat down, Dixie let Luke do the talking, as they hadn't talked about even a date let alone much of anything else. "Mr. Brown, I know it has been a long time since either of us have been in regulat attedance here, however, that may change very soon." The preacher looked up questioning. "I have asked Dixie to marry me. We haven't even talked about a date but if it's OK with Dixie, I'd like you to preform the ceremony. I was really pleased with you when, " Luke paused, looking away for a second, and continued, "When Uncle Jesse passed. We are planning to build on part of the farm and return to Hazzard in the future." "Well, now, Luke. I'd be honored. You can ask Bo, I require at least a couple meetings with you both before I'll do the ceremony. I take marriage and its vows very seriously." Luke smiled, "Mr. Brown it may have taken me a long time and a lot of girls to get to this point in my life, but I also take marriage and its vows very seriously." They both looked at Dixie who had been quiet until then. She replied, "I'll tell you both, I have waited to be Luke's wife since I was 15." Mr. Brown seemed satified with the intial meeting. "Ok, when would you all like to set up our next meeting?" Lue smiled and said, "Can we call you this week? I took some time off and I'm not sure about Dixie's schedule. We will talk and give you a call later today or tomorrow and setup a time." "That will be fine and congratulations to you both." said Mr. Brown. One the way back to the farm Luke said, "Now all I have to do is to talk to those two about 'drinking a little' and driving MY truck!" Dixie just smiled at him.

The shine run that Boss had in mind for Luke to take not only would violate his Probation but the fact that it went right through Chickasaw County didn't help a bit that was Sheriff 'Big Ed' Little's territory. If he was caught in Chickasaw County WITH a load of shine Old Luke would blow his Probation from here to he-- and back which meant he'd at the least do two years in prison! Luke knew the minute the word 'anything' came out of his mouth he had made a deal with the 'devil' himself and that's exactly the way Jesse would look at it. Luke had wanted to teach Bo a lesson, but he remembered one Jesse had long preached to him. Pride is a poor Master. Now what would Luke do? Back down or run the load of shine? He had to think quickly!

At the Boar's Nest Jeb walked over to where Sheriff Strate had taken a seat just to make sure there were no more misunderstandings tonight. Being a typical Duke he stuck his foot right in his mouth when he said, "Excuse me Officer." This was a sore spot with Sheriff Strate. She turned on him immediately informing him, "That's Sheriff!" "Oh, well some things in Hazzard have changed for the better. I'm sorry Sheriff, ah", reading the name tag, "Strate. Hey, you're not related to Enos Strate are you?" "As a matter of fact I am why?" she replied sharply. Jeb explained, "Well, I saw the name tag, I grew up here with Enos, and most people with the same name here in Hazzard are related some sorta way." She was still a bit annoyed due to the fact Jeb had called her 'Offficer'. "I'm Enos's cousin. Is there something that I can help you with other than to discuss my family tree?" "Well, as a matter of fact I wanted to discuss my family tree. I wanted to thank you for giving those yooung men a chance to work things out between themselves without taking them to jail. Lord, knows it wouldn't have happened when I was there age." replied Jeb. Sheriff Strate was still a bit confussed. "What does that have to do woth your family tree?" "Well, two of the boys fighting are my cousins boys. I for one am sure glad I didn't have to go tell them about this." replied Jeb. She couldn't resist now, he' gotten her curiosity up, "So which boys and who are your cousin's?" Jeb almost wished he hadn't started this now, but seeing how she was Enos's relative maybe she was as straight as he was, "Well, the two that were out numbered are my cousin's boys. The blonde is Bo, Jr., Bo Duke's son. The dark haired on is Jake Miller, Luke Duke's boy, but that's a long story." She raised her eyebrows and asked, "So you are a Duke?" "Yes, I'm Jeb Duke." he replied. "That's funny I thought I only had one family of Dukes here." she replied. Jeb said, "Well, actually you do but most of us are in for a spell, kind of the first family reunion we've had since Uncle Jesse passed on." "I see. Well, as Sheriff,I hope all the stories I've heard about you Dukes are in the past." she replied. "I do too, Sheriff. Have a good night and thanks again." Jeb said standing to return to Coy and Vance. By this Cooter had also joined them. He had spent the later part of the evening checking out the garage. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` Back at the Duke farm. Beth tried to keep her voice down and was almost successful. "Boys, what in the world?" Before they could answer, Luke, who was a light sleeper even though he'd been drinking, heard her from the couch he had claimed as his since the first night. "Beth? What's wrong?" "Come see for yourself. Maybe they will tell you." she replied more than a bit annoyed. Luke pulled on his jeans over his swimming trunks he was sleeping in and came barefooted into the kitchen. "Ok, boys what's up?" he said before he focused on them. They looked at each other. By this time Luke had focused. He wiped his face of sleep and shine, then said, "A fight huh? How'd you manage to come home and not get put in jail? Things have sure changed or I just wasn't lucky. Beth where is that shine I need a little to clean these cuts." He saw the Motherly look in her eyes. "Beth, they are fine. Get me the shine and go on back to bed. You need your rest and don't need to be bothered with a little thing like this." Beth was glad Luke was handling this 'little thing' for her but she replied, "......... Cue Beth

That evening Luke got a wrecker call out near the county line. When he arrived on the scene of the wreck he seen who had called the wreck in, Trooper Mitchell. Luke got out to see how he needed to set up to get the car out of the ditch. He walked over to Trooper Mitchell and asked, "Once I get this out of the road can I talk to you a minute?" "Sure, but let's get traffic clear first." the Trooper insisted. In under five minutes Luke had hooked to the car, pulled it out of the ditch and loaded it on the wrecker. He then pulled to a wide spot just up the road. Walking back to the Trooper, Luke knew what he was going to say, "Trooper Mitchell, I'm not asking for anything, but I'd like to explain the other night. First off, I had no idea that was you behind me and I'd like to apolgize to you for hitting you." "What were you two fighting over anyway?" asked the Trooper. Luke replied, "He did something to a friend of mine. I figured I was more his size." The Trooper gave him a questioning look, "That's a little vague?" Luke replied, "Yes, Sir, it is. I just wanted to apologize to you." Luke turned to walk away when the Trooper called to him. "Luke, I respect the fact you didn't ask me to drop the charges." said Trooper Mitchell. Luke just threw up his hand as he got in the wrecker to take the car back to Cooter's. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was the evening before Luke had to be in Court. Luke had finished up his chores at the farm when he got a wrecker call. He pulled the wrecker into the parking lot of the garage. He reached beside him on the seat and picked up the clean clothes he had taken with him. The plan was he'd shower at the garage and Bo would meet him there then they were going out to the Boars' Nest to hear Jeb's band. Jesse hadn't been happy with this. He hoped Luke wouldn't drink to much before Court in the morning, but he was a man and had to make his own mistakes. Luke arrived just before Bo who was in a hurry. Cooter called from under the hood of a car, "Luke? Are you headed for the shower?" "Yeah," replied Luke. "Hold up. Dixie's in there. Said she'd only be a few minutes." He said. Bo pouted, "Great! Now I'm going to be late." "Me too," said Cooter who was waiting to take Dixie to hear the band and was suppose to pick up Kathy on the way. Then, Cooter suggested, "Since you have to wait for the shower, why don't you bring Dixie, and I'll go with Bo. We'll meet you there and I'll get the wrecker then." "Why not. But you owe me big time if I get a call!" replied Luke to Cooter's back which was headed to the General Lee. Dixie came out brushing her hair. "Where are Bo and Cooter?" "They went on. Give me a second to shower and we'll go." he said as he headed to the shower. When Luke returned, from the shower, Dixie was ready but asked, "Can we talk a minute before we go?" "Sure." replied Luke knowing where this was going. Dixie looked into Luke's eyes, "What are you going to do tomorrow?" Luke had been right, "Well, I'm going to go to Court and do the only thing I can do, plead guilty." "Have you lost all your senses?" she asked. Luke smiled back at her, "There was maybe fifty people there that night. They all saw ME start it. What else can I do? Besides, if I fight this it would probably be worse. Rosco and JD have wanted this for far too long not to take advantage of it now." Dixie suddenly realized something. "You are expecting to go to jail aren't you?" Luke just looked at her for a second before answering, "Why do you say that?" "Because when you thought you'd be fined you worked you tail off to make extra money for the fine." she paused. "You haven't done that this time." Luke had to admit she had seen right through him that had been his thoughts almost to the tee. He just shrugged his shoulders and said, "Come on, let's go have some fun tonight. Jeb has threated to try to talk me into singing." The effort to change the subjest worked. "You?" "Yeah." he said getting into the wrecker.

Bo deep down knew why Luke wouldn't leave he alone about this. He knew Luke cared which is why he made up the story to get to take Bo to the Doctor instead of letting Jesse take him and maybe corner Bo before he was ready to talk about this mess. Good ol' Doc Applebee fixed Bo up in no time placing a cast from his elbow to his fingers. He gave Luke his bill for $25 and told Luke to tell Jesse they could 'work out a trade' if Jesse wanted to and that Jesse would know what that meant. Luke also knew what it meant, Jesse's shine was a better, cheaper antiseptic and pain killer than anything else Doc could buy from those fancy suppliers. "I'll tell him Doc." Doc reminded, "Bo when the swelling starts going down that cast will get loose. If it gets too loose it isn't helping so come on back by and I'll change it." Bo said, "Yes, Sir." and thenlooked at the floor. Luke went by Cooter's just because he said he was and didn't want to lie. Cooter spotted the white cast on Bo's arm, "Whoa, what happened to you some angry Father get a'hold of ya?" leave it to Cooter. "No, Bo, here took out his anger at me on the Oak dresser in our room." replied Luke. "Now, fellas, I know Dukes don't fight Dukes but ain't that takin' it a bit to far there Bo?" asked Cooter. Bo replied, "Yeah, I guess it was." Bo continued to look at the floor. "Well, Cooter we just stopped in for a minute. I've got to get Jesse's truck back." said Luke. Cooter said, "I almost forgot to tell you Dixie might be for a spell. Dad is scared to have a daughter around to look after." Cooter laughed. Luke replied, "Just tell him to call Uncle Jesse. If he can raise Daisy, I'm sure he can help him!" Luke and Bo drove back to the farm.

Luke asked none too calmly, "Beth is WHAT?" Luke wanted to shout. "Would you keep it down? Don't you think I have enough problems without Jesse finding at right now?" "Oh, Yeah. You have problems alright! For starters, just how in blue blazes do you expect to support her and a baby? She wanted college. You and ME were going to run the NASCAR circuit. You have got to be the biggest fool I know. You get careless and now you have involved all of us in YOUR mistake. Not to mention there is a" he lowered his voice, "ba - by that didn't ask for you to make a mistake that is deserves to have what it needs and wants. Bo you can't live on Love. I know Beth she's a good girl but now she'll end up not getting to do anything she has worked all this time to do." Luke exploded. Had Bo's hand not hurt so much he would have liked to have decked Luke on the spot. He had just voiced everything that had been going through his own head. "Bo just what do you intend to do about this? And I'll remind you running away is NOT an option." asked Luke as he stared daggers through his cousin. "Well for one thing, running away from it hadn't entered my mind. I really love her, you know?" Luke looked him dead in the eye, "I really hope you do. Forever is a long time to stay with someone you don't!" "Luke you are not helping here." stated Bo as he brought his hand up to look closer at it. "Bo there's nothing I can do to help you on this except get you downstairs and let you tell Jesse about your wrist so Doc can fix it up." Luke said studing the badly bruised swollen hand. "For now, I'll even let you get away with telling Jesse that you were mad at me and hit the dresser instead of me." Boshoock his head, "You know you are all heart." Cue Beth

Luke didn't do being locked in a 'cage' well and he was furious with Bo. He began to pace. As late as it was, even if Daisy called Uncle Jesse it would be morning before he could get themout of here. 'GREAT!' thought Luke. 'This was going to be a LONG night!'

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."