DixieDavenport

Luke was a bit relieved at Jesse's topic. He had known better to drive after drinking since he was small. "Uncle Jesse that night Cindy Mae was driving not me. If I have more than one or two watered down beers at the Boar's Nest I always make sure someone not drinking is driving. You should know I'm telling you the truth because if I did even ease out of here in the General Lee you would have heard him start at the end of the drive way." Luke wasn't cutting corners on this and he could understand Jesse's concern if it had been different.

"Ernie and a couple of his buddies tried to start trouble several times and I did have to calm them down, but when Bo said I lied and said I was coming down with a cold when I really had a hang over, well, that's not true I did feel like I had a cold coming on. I wasn't hung over at all." Luke neglected to tell that no he wasnt' hung over, he was still drunk on the morning in question.

Luke swore to himself before he began, "Well, the night Bo was talking about was when Cindy Mae's parents were out of town and we'd been having us a pretty good time at the Boar's Nest. But, it was getting late and I knew you were expecting Bo and I home, so we came home." Luke let his eyes drop from Jesse's to the ground before he continued, "But, being as Cindy Mae didn't have no one homw to know when she got home so she waited down the road a bit til I met her and we went back and closed the Boar's Nest down before I came home again." Luke hoped that was enough of the truth to satisfy Jesse and still keep him alive.

Luke looked at Jesse, then the ground, stuffed his hands in his front pockets and said, "So, ummmm, now I guess you're awanting to talk to me, huh?" He bit his lower lip and continued, "Yes, part of what Bo told you is true for the most part."

Luke shook his head 'no' and replied, "No they just ran into each other earlier today. Unless Bo beats you to him or Rebecca herself tells him."

Luke shook his head, “I just don't know if you talking to him would do more harm than good. I mean if you talk to him you are sort of tipping Bo's hand and letting him know Bo is interested in Rebecca. But, on the other hand you are the wise voice of reason and most people see you that way.â€

Luke almost let out a sigh of relief, but the topic that Jesse chose was as bad as the one he hoped to dodge, “Well, Sir. You know how Bo was about Diane. He wouldn't listen to any of us and nearly got himself killed. I saw that same look in his eyes when he looked at Rebecca Drutton. Judge Drutton may be your friend but he has never hesitated to lock us up for fighting, racing and anything else he figured we were charged with that was half way legit. I figure if he even thinks that Bo is interested in Rebecca, that the next chance he gets Bo will be making big rocks into little rocks and I'm just likely to be joining him.

Luke watched Jesse thinking and hoped he was thinking about Bo rather than the 'secrets' Bo had revealed to Jesse about him being out late and drinking more than he had needed to.

“****!†Luke mumbled under his breath at Jesse's summon, but was wise enough to reply to Jesse, “Yes Sir? I still think I can catch up with Bo or at least find him if you changed your mind.â€

Luke nodded, “Yeah, I guess you're right Uncle Jesse. I just really hope that he don't go do nothing to make Judge Drutton angry at US.†Luke turned to walk off hoping he'd make it before Jesse turned his attention to him.

Luke was standing against the barn door as Bo made his exit. He took it that Jesse hadn't been able to reason with him anymore than Luke himself had. He looked up and saw Jesse come out the door. Luke took a deep breath before asking Jesse, “Do you want me to go after him?†He hoped the answer was 'yes' because if it were no he seen a long talk with Jesse about himself.

Luke had turned and walked off to the barn as Uncle Jesse had asked him to. He was sure Bo would calm down and they'd work out their differences. He just hoped that Jesse could talk some sense into Bo about Rebecca. Luke also hoped that Jesse would forget all the stuff Bo had told on him about but he really didn't think that likely.

Luke was back on his feet almost as soon as his behind hit the floor. Seeing a look from Uncle Jesse, he wiped his mouth and said, “Bo you are taking this too far, but if you want to go further we can go outside.â€

Luke grinned and replied, “Wonder how you know what I did IF you weren't there, too? Yes you did see the car was fixed, but that doesn't explain the LOOKS you and Rebecca Drutton were giving each other does it?†Bo and Luke had already crossed several lines they had set long ago about telling on each other and had pulled out all the stops. Then, he added, “We all know what happens to guy who are sweet on her.â€

Luke washed the last plate, picked up a dry towel to dry his hands and turned to Bo and said in a voice loud enough where Jesse could hear him, “Well, I'm sure Uncle Jesse may not be interested in the game but I'd say he'd be REAL interested in knowing that you traded paint with the Judge's daughter!†Luke ignored the comment Bo made about him going to the Boar's Nest and hoped Jesse hadn't heard Bo which he doubted or at least would talk to Bo first.

Luke turned and caught Jesse's eye before saying to Bo, “Did you tell Uncle Jesse about who's car you didn't see today?†This totally avoided the fact that Bo had a crush on Rebecca but it would likely open the can of worms enough for Jesse to pick up on the fact the Bo was head over heals for the Judge's daughter. Luke could not help but wonder if Rebecca felt the same way about Bo. He'd seen the look in he eyes too.

Several minutes later after they had all taken their seats, Luke cleared his throat a second time. They were all waiting for Bo to say the blessing. Seeing that he still had not gotten Bo's attention he gently kicked him under the table trying to get Bo's attention before Jesse got impatient with him.

Luke knew when NOT to push Jesse and this was one of those times, “Yes, Sir. I'll just get cleaned up too.â€

Luke walked into the kitchen of the Duke farm and saw his Uncle standing there cooking supper. Bo hadn't came in yet so Luke said, “Uncle Jesse you know me and Bo don't tell on each other and I'm not gonna start now. But, I do think you need to have a talk with him. Nothing has happened yet, but I see signs of serious trouble coming his way and if it does, I'll likely end up taking the ride myself.†Luke cut his conversation short hearing Bo coming their way.

Dixie and Cooter were closer than the others so they had beaten everyone else to the caves. Cooter had parked the wrecker out of sight and him and Dixie walked toward the caves. Bo and Luke pulled up to the caves in the General Lee which had been heard coming a mile away. As the boys got out of the car, Dixie touched Cooter's wrist and stopped him. She watched as both boys knew exactly which cave to meet Lori in as they went into the second cave. Dixie stepped to the face of the cave to see her cousin Lori standing there dressed in clothes Dixie figured she felt hid or minimized showing her condition. But, the fact was anyone could tell she was pregnant now no matter how she was dressed. Lori was showing Luke and Bo her arm that she had wrapped where she had cut it. In the back of the cave Amy was watching the same scene. Dixie had seen enough, "What did you do Lori? Break a nail? You can run around the county racing and fighting like a man with NO regard for the babies you are carrying and yet you have to show them your boo boo!!!" Dixie had been far too good lately and had tried to keep peace with Lori and Amy but the scene in front of her had been more than she could take accompanied with the changing hormones of her own pregnancy. She turned, pushed passed Cooter and headed straight to the wrecker leaving Cooter and the others in a cloud of dust! Cooter looked at his truck leaving him then at Luke who had watched Dixie's outburst and was still speechless. Cooter let out a low whistle and shook his head. He would NOT change places with Luke Duke right now for all the wreckers in the South!

Luke shook his head and sighed as his and Cooters eyes met. Luke said only loud enough for Cooter to hear, "You are seeing this right?" then Luke added, "I don't thonk I'm gonna be able to prevent what ever trouble he's about to get in and I'm less sure I can get him and likely ME out of it."

Luke heard what Bo was saying, with any other girl or any other father he may have a point. Luke had to admit to himself that Bo may even have a point with Judge Druton, but Luke had seen and heard too much over the years. Judge Druton had always been very hard on young men who wished to date younger girls when their parents disapproved. He had been even harder on the young men you tried to date his own daughter once she started attracking them like flies to honey. Luke sighed loudly, "Bo before you head out to talk to Judge Druton you may want to talk to Jesse first." He knew Bo wasn't going to listen about not seeing Rebecca, but if Jesse could talk to the Judge at least maybe it would prevent them from going to prison over this.

**** NOTE: This story was started as Private. I have since gotten BoJamesDuke and Lori's permission to do the Luke replies and actions. DixieDavenport. Half way to town, Luke decided to try to talk some sense into Bo again before they reached the garage. "Bo, you have heard about the futures of the men who have dated or even tried to date Rebecca. Now, Cousin, I love ya and don't want to see nothing bad happen to ya. More so, as the man riding next to you, you know me, the one who's got your back and who's back you have, remember me over here who's likely to be in just as much trouble just because I'm setting in this seat. Bo you got to walk on this one."

Bo looked at all three of them and had to wonder what had happened in the short time she'd been gone. He put his arms around her and asked, "What did you do now?" Lori giggled and shrugged,"For once...I did nothing!" Bo asked, "Then why are you grinning like the cat who ate the family canary?" Lori just smiled at him and shrugged again,"I dunno..." Bo was smart enough to take what he could get. She was in a good mood and happily setting on his lap. He decided to just enjoy this moment for as long as it lasted. Luke turned around and went back to the porch swing where Dixie joined him. He wrapped his arms around her and set holding her. He felt better with her and Lori her and knowing Amy was safe at the jail. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rick looked at Turk watching the farm. "Turk we can't get that girl with all them there. Why not wait until day after tomorrow at the race. They Amy and the girl will be there."

Luke knew that Dixie was setting upstairs waiting for him. He was torn between staying a bit longer to keep Amy company which could very well be pissing Dixie off or leaving now hoping to avoid problems with Dixie which would likely leave Amy feeling worse. After a long silence Luke said, "No matter what I wanted you safe. This was the safest place we could think of. I'm sorry about the remark about Ernie." "I know Luke", Amy said about him wanting her safe and added about Ernie, "Hey, don't be. I got myself into this didn't I?" Luke said, "Well, I can't help but feeling a bit responsible for what you got into. Had I been where I was supposed to be....." His thoughts trailed off. Amy finsihed it for him with her conclusions, "Then, we'd know that this child is yours, but the lady you love wouldn't be waiting for you, ...... where, Luke? In the car? Upstairs? at Jesse's?" Luke had a 'deer in the headlight' look on his face when he looked her in the eyes. He held her gaze for several minutes before looking away, sighed and nearly whispered, "Upstairs." Amy nodded, gave him a sad smile, and shrugged, "Luke get out of here." It was said not in anger as Luke had expected she would, but the short sentence was full of emotions. Luke nodded and said with sincerity, "If you need me, I'll be here. Promise." "Ok, Luke." Amy said as she watched him go up the stairs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the top of the stairs before reaching Dixie, he stopped and took a deep breath and tried to shake off all the feelings that visit had stirred up, but he knew Amy was right on several points. He found Dixie starring out the window at Hazzard Square. "Ready?" Dixie nodded, "Yeah." The longer she had waited on Luke the more she had thought herself right into a mood. She stepped through the door without out waiting on Luke. Once on their way to the farm Luke saw Midnight coming his way in a hurry. He stopped in the middle of the road hoping Lori would stop......