Luke's First Love -- Part 3

[DixieDavenport]

Jesse stepped outside to call the others for lunch when he saw a large Chrysler sedan turn into his driveway. He smiled and said to himself, 'That could only be one person driving that. The more things change around here the more they stay the same.'

"What's that, Uncle Jesse?" asked Bo who had just stepped onto the porch and hadn't noticed the car yet.

Jesse pointed to the approaching car and said, "Dixie's Mother may be driving a sedan but is still driving a Chrysler with an engine in it." Jesse smiled as the car parked and Carolyn Davenport got out. "Well, now, aren't you a sight for sore eyes?"

Carolyn replied, "Well, I'm a most likely some kind of sight! Considering I knew somethng was going on here and my daughter wouldn't tell me over the phone."

Jeb, Coy, Vance and Daisy had joined Bo, Jesse and Carolyn on the porch. "Well, now there's plenty of time for all that. Do you remember Bo, Jeb, Coy, Vance and Daisy?"

Carolyn Davenport took in the group of teens and young adults. "My, my, I wouldn't have known them had I seen them somewhere else. I've seen Dixie growing up in front of me but I still think of these guys as little like when I saw them last. Aren't we missing somebody? Where is Luke? I remember when these guys use to try to keep up with him and Cooter and then they'd get mad."

The others suddenly got quiet as Jesse side stepped the question. "Well, we'll get to all that in a bit. For now why don't we go get a glass of Ice Tea and lunch is on the table. Daisy why don't you go wake Dixie." Jesse said holding the door for everyone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

NARRATOR: "Now, Cooter and Luther had both been busy at the garage. Neither had checked on Dixie who was supposed to be in her room before they left for the garage so they weren't aware of Dixie being at the Duke farm. With Luke not being around, they were actually covered up with wrecker calls and repair jobs. Even they had not seen the State van pick up Luke and Mark."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the jail Peggy, was finishing up her paperwork and was looking forward to going home for some much needed rest. The only thing left to do before leaving was to call Jesse Duke. She checked the clock it was still too soon to call. She'd find something to do for at least another hour before she called to give the transportation crew enought time to be way ahead of anyone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Dixie." said Daisy gently.

Dixie woke up easily even though she hadn't been asleep long.

"Your Mother is here." Daisy then continued, "Uncle Jesse has avoided her question about where Luke is to give you time to explain everything at your own time." Daisy explained.

Dixie let out a deep sigh. "Whew. I'm glad he did that. It could have been bad for her to find out about Luke first without giving me time to even explain that we had realized we cared for each other."

Daisy nodded to her hand, "Well, you better talk quick. I'm sure it won't take your Mother or the guys long to spot that."

Dixie looked at the ring on her hand and smiled, "You are right about that. I'll just have to not let them see it right away."

Daisy had taken a wet wash cloth with her for Dixie. "Here, let's wipe your eyes before going out there."

With Dixie's hair combed and face washed she was ready to face the others. She thought, 'Well, as ready as I'll ever be!'

[DixieDavenport]

Dixie took her seat at the table. Blessings were said by Jesse. Dixie poured a glass of tea while the others filled thir plates of sandwich goodies and chips. She reached for a couple of chips to put in her plate. As the other ate she nibbled on a chip.

Bo said, "Come on Dixie that can't be all you're eating." this was followed by and "Ouch!" as he had been kicked under the table by both Dixie and Jesse!

Dixie knew the rules of the Duke house well -- You were welcome to anything they had to eat but don't put it on your plate if you weren't going to eat it. Wasting food is a sin. She said, "For right now, yes, I think chips will do just fine."

The other two kicks to Bo's leg were enough to keep his mouth shout for now too!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After lunch Dixie and Carolyn headed toward the front porch. The younger Dukes headed of to complete their chores before dinner. Jesse said, "I'm right here if you need me Dixie."

Dixie nodded her thanks.

Carolyn Davenport looked to Jesse with concern.

~~~~~~~~~

Carolyn Davenport knew the Dukes well enough to recognize that the Dukes were ginving her and her daughter some space. She was also sure they knew about whatever was going on with Dixie. She took a drink of Jesse's famous Ice Tea then said sweetly, "Now, Honey what in the world is going on?"

The last several days had been pure he-- for the sixteen year old. She needed for her Mother to understand but wasn't at all certain that she would. Looking into her Mom's eyes she tried to form the words she needed to say in just the right way so that her Mother may side with her and Luke. "Mom? How old were you when you started dating?"

Her Mother looked at her knowingly. She figured that Dixie and Luther had gotten into it over her wanting to date. 'He could be so unreasonable.' she thought. But for Dixie to call her all the way to Hazzard there HAD to be more. She'd play along to find out what was going on, "You know your Father is the only boy your Grandfather, my Dad, would let me go out with?"

Dixie nodded 'yes'.

"Well, times were different back then. More importance was placed on being a good house keeper and cook than finishing school. People started families much sooner then." Carolyn had always put school high on Dixie's list of things she needed to do well in.

"Mom, I know how important it is for me to do well and finish school. You are dodging my question." stated Dixie.

Carolyn smiled. Her daughter had always had a good head on her shoulders and was very straight forward. "Ok, I was 15 the first time your Dad took me to the movies."

This was about what Dixie had figured though the subject had been dodged by her Mother. "How long did you date?"

"Look, whatever happened with your Father and me happened. It obviously wasn't right or we'd be together." Carolyn insisted.

Dixie wouldn't let this rest now. "Mooommmm! You two may have separated because you didnt' like him working on 'moonrunners' but you both love each other or you would have divorced by NOW!" Before Carolyn had a chance to regain her thoughts to argue with her daughter, Dixie continued. "I know you were JUST 18 when Cooter was born ....... so you couldn't have dated long......"

Seeing Dixie was about to box her into answering she figured the truth was less damaging at this point than any conclusion Dixie may draw. "We were married when I was 17. Your Father was 19. Cooter was born eleven months AFTER we were married."

"Ok, so in about a year, year and a half you two knew you loved each other and were married and started a family." Dixie stated.

"Yes. I still .... " she was silenced by Dixie's finger held to her lips.

"Ok, I've been here over a year now. There is this guy that has been around Cooter and the garage for years, so Luther knows him well. He drove the wrecker some and helped out at the garage. With me being around the garage since I've been here it was only natural that we got to know each other. I was even allowed to ride the wreck on calls and to pick up parts with the guy...."

It was Carolyn's turn to interupt. "So, who is this 'guy'?"

Dixie said, "Hear me out?" she paused. Her Mother remained silent to here all Dixie's story.

"Anyway, we talked. Sometimes about cars, sometimes about school, sometimes about nothing. Then there was the day a guy asked me out. Luther let me go. Niether him or Cooter know this, but the other guy was driving the wrecker that night. I had been given the 'put out or get out' routine so I had gotten out of his car in the rain and was walking home, when the wrecker pulled up. I was given a warm jacket, taken home and made to take a hot shower while he gathered me dry clothes, put them by the bathroom door and made hot chocolate. He was afraid the other guy would come to the house before Luther or Cooter got home so he stayed watching TV until it was about time for them to come home. Nothing out of the way happened and I found out later that he had voiced his objections to Luther about him letting me go out with that creep. There was a fight at the Boar's Nest awhile later between the two guys over the incident with me. I felt really bad that I had been the cause of the guy who drove the wrecker going to jail." Dixie paused to see her Mother's reaction.

It was clear she wasn't happy about Dixie apparently caring for someone who had went to jail evey if it was because of her.

When the look passed, Dixie continued, only slightly more unsure of herself now. "Just to be friendly and because I felt bad I had written him a couple of letters while he was in jail. I was at his house when he returned from the jail. I was telling him about how bad I felt because of what had happened. He told me it wasn't MY fault it was the creeps fault for acting like that. ..... Well, during this, ..... we found ourselves, ..... looking into each other's eyes, ...... the next thing I knew we were kissing. This had been my first kiss. Ashort while later I had my birthday which everyone made such a big deal about. He got the idea that I was 18 not 16. We were going home one night from the Boar's Nest. Luther had let him drive me home. He suggested a drive around the lake......."

"He ran out of gas?" Carolyn said sarcastically.

"No!" Dixie exclaimed. She felt the tears building behind her eyes but was determined not to cry as her face turned beet red, "But, ....... well, ...... ah, ...... we did ah, ... end up in the back seat....."

Carolyn was trying to be patient and not judgemental because she had a feeling that Dixie would shut her out just like she had her Father.

Dixie looked her Mother staight in the eye. "Yes, we did. Neither of us would have if we weren't sure that we LOVE each other." she let that sink in, then continued, "The problem is that, that's about the time the State Police showed up. They, nor Luther took it real well after we were ID'd and it was learned that I was 16 and he is, ........ twenty."

Carolyn now recognized now, she thought, why she was called, but asked again something that was bothering her, "Who is this 'guy'?"

Dixie looked her Mother in the eye once again and said, "Luke Duke ........ and we love each other."

[DixieDavenport]

Dixie took her seat at the table. Blessings were said by Jesse. Dixie poured a glass of tea while the others filled thir plates of sandwich goodies and chips. She reached for a couple of chips to put in her plate. As the other ate she nibbled on a chip.

Bo said, "Come on Dixie that can't be all you're eating." this was followed by and "Ouch!" as he had been kicked under the table by both Dixie and Jesse!

Dixie knew the rules of the Duke house well -- You were welcome to anything they had to eat but don't put it on your plate if you weren't going to eat it. Wasting food is a sin. She said, "For right now, yes, I think chips will do just fine."

The other two kicks to Bo's leg were enough to keep his mouth shout for now too!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After lunch Dixie and Carolyn headed toward the front porch. The younger Dukes headed of to complete their chores before dinner. Jesse said, "I'm right here if you need me Dixie."

Dixie nodded her thanks.

Carolyn Davenport looked to Jesse with concern.

~~~~~~~~~

Carolyn Davenport knew the Dukes well enough to recognize that the Dukes were ginving her and her daughter some space. She was also sure they knew about whatever was going on with Dixie. She took a drink of Jesse's famous Ice Tea then said sweetly, "Now, Honey what in the world is going on?"

The last several days had been pure he-- for the sixteen year old. She needed for her Mother to understand but wasn't at all certain that she would. Looking into her Mom's eyes she tried to form the words she needed to say in just the right way so that her Mother may side with her and Luke. "Mom? How old were you when you started dating?"

Her Mother looked at her knowingly. She figured that Dixie and Luther had gotten into it over her wanting to date. 'He could be so unreasonable.' she thought. But for Dixie to call her all the way to Hazzard there HAD to be more. She'd play along to find out what was going on, "You know your Father is the only boy your Grandfather, my Dad, would let me go out with?"

Dixie nodded 'yes'.

"Well, times were different back then. More importance was placed on being a good house keeper and cook than finishing school. People started families much sooner then." Carolyn had always put school high on Dixie's list of things she needed to do well in.

"Mom, I know how important it is for me to do well and finish school. You are dodging my question." stated Dixie.

Carolyn smiled. Her daughter had always had a good head on her shoulders and was very straight forward. "Ok, I was 15 the first time your Dad took me to the movies."

This was about what Dixie had figured though the subject had been dodged by her Mother. "How long did you date?"

"Look, whatever happened with your Father and me happened. It obviously wasn't right or we'd be together." Carolyn insisted.

Dixie wouldn't let this rest now. "Mooommmm! You two may have separated because you didnt' like him working on 'moonrunners' but you both love each other or you would have divorced by NOW!" Before Carolyn had a chance to regain her thoughts to argue with her daughter, Dixie continued. "I know you were JUST 18 when Cooter was born ....... so you couldn't have dated long......"

Seeing Dixie was about to box her into answering she figured the truth was less damaging at this point than any conclusion Dixie may draw. "We were married when I was 17. Your Father was 19. Cooter was born eleven months AFTER we were married."

"Ok, so in about a year, year and a half you two knew you loved each other and were married and started a family." Dixie stated.

"Yes. I still .... " she was silenced by Dixie's finger held to her lips.

"Ok, I've been here over a year now. There is this guy that has been around Cooter and the garage for years, so Luther knows him well. He drove the wrecker some and helped out at the garage. With me being around the garage since I've been here it was only natural that we got to know each other. I was even allowed to ride the wreck on calls and to pick up parts with the guy...."

It was Carolyn's turn to interupt. "So, who is this 'guy'?"

Dixie said, "Hear me out?" she paused. Her Mother remained silent to here all Dixie's story.

"Anyway, we talked. Sometimes about cars, sometimes about school, sometimes about nothing. Then there was the day a guy asked me out. Luther let me go. Niether him or Cooter know this, but the other guy was driving the wrecker that night. I had been given the 'put out or get out' routine so I had gotten out of his car in the rain and was walking home, when the wrecker pulled up. I was given a warm jacket, taken home and made to take a hot shower while he gathered me dry clothes, put them by the bathroom door and made hot chocolate. He was afraid the other guy would come to the house before Luther or Cooter got home so he stayed watching TV until it was about time for them to come home. Nothing out of the way happened and I found out later that he had voiced his objections to Luther about him letting me go out with that creep. There was a fight at the Boar's Nest awhile later between the two guys over the incident with me. I felt really bad that I had been the cause of the guy who drove the wrecker going to jail." Dixie paused to see her Mother's reaction.

It was clear she wasn't happy about Dixie apparently caring for someone who had went to jail evey if it was because of her.

When the look passed, Dixie continued, only slightly more unsure of herself now. "Just to be friendly and because I felt bad I had written him a couple of letters while he was in jail. I was at his house when he returned from the jail. I was telling him about how bad I felt because of what had happened. He told me it wasn't MY fault it was the creeps fault for acting like that. ..... Well, during this, ..... we found ourselves, ..... looking into each other's eyes, ...... the next thing I knew we were kissing. This had been my first kiss. Ashort while later I had my birthday which everyone made such a big deal about. He got the idea that I was 18 not 16. We were going home one night from the Boar's Nest. Luther had let him drive me home. He suggested a drive around the lake......."

"He ran out of gas?" Carolyn said sarcastically.

"No!" Dixie exclaimed. She felt the tears building behind her eyes but was determined not to cry as her face turned beet red, "But, ....... well, ...... ah, ...... we did ah, ... end up in the back seat....."

Carolyn was trying to be patient and not judgemental because she had a feeling that Dixie would shut her out just like she had her Father.

Dixie looked her Mother staight in the eye. "Yes, we did. Neither of us would have if we weren't sure that we LOVE each other." she let that sink in, then continued, "The problem is that, that's about the time the State Police showed up. They, nor Luther took it real well after we were ID'd and it was learned that I was 16 and he is, ........ twenty."

Carolyn now recognized now, she thought, why she was called, but asked again something that was bothering her, "Who is this 'guy'?"

Dixie looked her Mother in the eye once again and said, "Luke Duke ........ and we love each other."

[DixieDavenport]

Dixie took her seat at the table. Blessings were said by Jesse. Dixie poured a glass of tea while the others filled thir plates of sandwich goodies and chips. She reached for a couple of chips to put in her plate. As the other ate she nibbled on a chip.

Bo said, "Come on Dixie that can't be all you're eating." this was followed by and "Ouch!" as he had been kicked under the table by both Dixie and Jesse!

Dixie knew the rules of the Duke house well -- You were welcome to anything they had to eat but don't put it on your plate if you weren't going to eat it. Wasting food is a sin. She said, "For right now, yes, I think chips will do just fine."

The other two kicks to Bo's leg were enough to keep his mouth shout for now too!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After lunch Dixie and Carolyn headed toward the front porch. The younger Dukes headed of to complete their chores before dinner. Jesse said, "I'm right here if you need me Dixie."

Dixie nodded her thanks.

Carolyn Davenport looked to Jesse with concern.

~~~~~~~~~

Carolyn Davenport knew the Dukes well enough to recognize that the Dukes were ginving her and her daughter some space. She was also sure they knew about whatever was going on with Dixie. She took a drink of Jesse's famous Ice Tea then said sweetly, "Now, Honey what in the world is going on?"

The last several days had been pure he-- for the sixteen year old. She needed for her Mother to understand but wasn't at all certain that she would. Looking into her Mom's eyes she tried to form the words she needed to say in just the right way so that her Mother may side with her and Luke. "Mom? How old were you when you started dating?"

Her Mother looked at her knowingly. She figured that Dixie and Luther had gotten into it over her wanting to date. 'He could be so unreasonable.' she thought. But for Dixie to call her all the way to Hazzard there HAD to be more. She'd play along to find out what was going on, "You know your Father is the only boy your Grandfather, my Dad, would let me go out with?"

Dixie nodded 'yes'.

"Well, times were different back then. More importance was placed on being a good house keeper and cook than finishing school. People started families much sooner then." Carolyn had always put school high on Dixie's list of things she needed to do well in.

"Mom, I know how important it is for me to do well and finish school. You are dodging my question." stated Dixie.

Carolyn smiled. Her daughter had always had a good head on her shoulders and was very straight forward. "Ok, I was 15 the first time your Dad took me to the movies."

This was about what Dixie had figured though the subject had been dodged by her Mother. "How long did you date?"

"Look, whatever happened with your Father and me happened. It obviously wasn't right or we'd be together." Carolyn insisted.

Dixie wouldn't let this rest now. "Mooommmm! You two may have separated because you didnt' like him working on 'moonrunners' but you both love each other or you would have divorced by NOW!" Before Carolyn had a chance to regain her thoughts to argue with her daughter, Dixie continued. "I know you were JUST 18 when Cooter was born ....... so you couldn't have dated long......"

Seeing Dixie was about to box her into answering she figured the truth was less damaging at this point than any conclusion Dixie may draw. "We were married when I was 17. Your Father was 19. Cooter was born eleven months AFTER we were married."

"Ok, so in about a year, year and a half you two knew you loved each other and were married and started a family." Dixie stated.

"Yes. I still .... " she was silenced by Dixie's finger held to her lips.

"Ok, I've been here over a year now. There is this guy that has been around Cooter and the garage for years, so Luther knows him well. He drove the wrecker some and helped out at the garage. With me being around the garage since I've been here it was only natural that we got to know each other. I was even allowed to ride the wreck on calls and to pick up parts with the guy...."

It was Carolyn's turn to interupt. "So, who is this 'guy'?"

Dixie said, "Hear me out?" she paused. Her Mother remained silent to here all Dixie's story.

"Anyway, we talked. Sometimes about cars, sometimes about school, sometimes about nothing. Then there was the day a guy asked me out. Luther let me go. Niether him or Cooter know this, but the other guy was driving the wrecker that night. I had been given the 'put out or get out' routine so I had gotten out of his car in the rain and was walking home, when the wrecker pulled up. I was given a warm jacket, taken home and made to take a hot shower while he gathered me dry clothes, put them by the bathroom door and made hot chocolate. He was afraid the other guy would come to the house before Luther or Cooter got home so he stayed watching TV until it was about time for them to come home. Nothing out of the way happened and I found out later that he had voiced his objections to Luther about him letting me go out with that creep. There was a fight at the Boar's Nest awhile later between the two guys over the incident with me. I felt really bad that I had been the cause of the guy who drove the wrecker going to jail." Dixie paused to see her Mother's reaction.

It was clear she wasn't happy about Dixie apparently caring for someone who had went to jail evey if it was because of her.

When the look passed, Dixie continued, only slightly more unsure of herself now. "Just to be friendly and because I felt bad I had written him a couple of letters while he was in jail. I was at his house when he returned from the jail. I was telling him about how bad I felt because of what had happened. He told me it wasn't MY fault it was the creeps fault for acting like that. ..... Well, during this, ..... we found ourselves, ..... looking into each other's eyes, ...... the next thing I knew we were kissing. This had been my first kiss. Ashort while later I had my birthday which everyone made such a big deal about. He got the idea that I was 18 not 16. We were going home one night from the Boar's Nest. Luther had let him drive me home. He suggested a drive around the lake......."

"He ran out of gas?" Carolyn said sarcastically.

"No!" Dixie exclaimed. She felt the tears building behind her eyes but was determined not to cry as her face turned beet red, "But, ....... well, ...... ah, ...... we did ah, ... end up in the back seat....."

Carolyn was trying to be patient and not judgemental because she had a feeling that Dixie would shut her out just like she had her Father.

Dixie looked her Mother staight in the eye. "Yes, we did. Neither of us would have if we weren't sure that we LOVE each other." she let that sink in, then continued, "The problem is that, that's about the time the State Police showed up. They, nor Luther took it real well after we were ID'd and it was learned that I was 16 and he is, ........ twenty."

Carolyn now recognized now, she thought, why she was called, but asked again something that was bothering her, "Who is this 'guy'?"

Dixie looked her Mother in the eye once again and said, "Luke Duke ........ and we love each other."

[DixieDavenport]

Dixie took her seat at the table. Blessings were said by Jesse. Dixie poured a glass of tea while the others filled thir plates of sandwich goodies and chips. She reached for a couple of chips to put in her plate. As the other ate she nibbled on a chip.

Bo said, "Come on Dixie that can't be all you're eating." this was followed by and "Ouch!" as he had been kicked under the table by both Dixie and Jesse!

Dixie knew the rules of the Duke house well -- You were welcome to anything they had to eat but don't put it on your plate if you weren't going to eat it. Wasting food is a sin. She said, "For right now, yes, I think chips will do just fine."

The other two kicks to Bo's leg were enough to keep his mouth shout for now too!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After lunch Dixie and Carolyn headed toward the front porch. The younger Dukes headed of to complete their chores before dinner. Jesse said, "I'm right here if you need me Dixie."

Dixie nodded her thanks.

Carolyn Davenport looked to Jesse with concern.

~~~~~~~~~

Carolyn Davenport knew the Dukes well enough to recognize that the Dukes were ginving her and her daughter some space. She was also sure they knew about whatever was going on with Dixie. She took a drink of Jesse's famous Ice Tea then said sweetly, "Now, Honey what in the world is going on?"

The last several days had been pure he-- for the sixteen year old. She needed for her Mother to understand but wasn't at all certain that she would. Looking into her Mom's eyes she tried to form the words she needed to say in just the right way so that her Mother may side with her and Luke. "Mom? How old were you when you started dating?"

Her Mother looked at her knowingly. She figured that Dixie and Luther had gotten into it over her wanting to date. 'He could be so unreasonable.' she thought. But for Dixie to call her all the way to Hazzard there HAD to be more. She'd play along to find out what was going on, "You know your Father is the only boy your Grandfather, my Dad, would let me go out with?"

Dixie nodded 'yes'.

"Well, times were different back then. More importance was placed on being a good house keeper and cook than finishing school. People started families much sooner then." Carolyn had always put school high on Dixie's list of things she needed to do well in.

"Mom, I know how important it is for me to do well and finish school. You are dodging my question." stated Dixie.

Carolyn smiled. Her daughter had always had a good head on her shoulders and was very straight forward. "Ok, I was 15 the first time your Dad took me to the movies."

This was about what Dixie had figured though the subject had been dodged by her Mother. "How long did you date?"

"Look, whatever happened with your Father and me happened. It obviously wasn't right or we'd be together." Carolyn insisted.

Dixie wouldn't let this rest now. "Mooommmm! You two may have separated because you didnt' like him working on 'moonrunners' but you both love each other or you would have divorced by NOW!" Before Carolyn had a chance to regain her thoughts to argue with her daughter, Dixie continued. "I know you were JUST 18 when Cooter was born ....... so you couldn't have dated long......"

Seeing Dixie was about to box her into answering she figured the truth was less damaging at this point than any conclusion Dixie may draw. "We were married when I was 17. Your Father was 19. Cooter was born eleven months AFTER we were married."

"Ok, so in about a year, year and a half you two knew you loved each other and were married and started a family." Dixie stated.

"Yes. I still .... " she was silenced by Dixie's finger held to her lips.

"Ok, I've been here over a year now. There is this guy that has been around Cooter and the garage for years, so Luther knows him well. He drove the wrecker some and helped out at the garage. With me being around the garage since I've been here it was only natural that we got to know each other. I was even allowed to ride the wreck on calls and to pick up parts with the guy...."

It was Carolyn's turn to interupt. "So, who is this 'guy'?"

Dixie said, "Hear me out?" she paused. Her Mother remained silent to here all Dixie's story.

"Anyway, we talked. Sometimes about cars, sometimes about school, sometimes about nothing. Then there was the day a guy asked me out. Luther let me go. Niether him or Cooter know this, but the other guy was driving the wrecker that night. I had been given the 'put out or get out' routine so I had gotten out of his car in the rain and was walking home, when the wrecker pulled up. I was given a warm jacket, taken home and made to take a hot shower while he gathered me dry clothes, put them by the bathroom door and made hot chocolate. He was afraid the other guy would come to the house before Luther or Cooter got home so he stayed watching TV until it was about time for them to come home. Nothing out of the way happened and I found out later that he had voiced his objections to Luther about him letting me go out with that creep. There was a fight at the Boar's Nest awhile later between the two guys over the incident with me. I felt really bad that I had been the cause of the guy who drove the wrecker going to jail." Dixie paused to see her Mother's reaction.

It was clear she wasn't happy about Dixie apparently caring for someone who had went to jail evey if it was because of her.

When the look passed, Dixie continued, only slightly more unsure of herself now. "Just to be friendly and because I felt bad I had written him a couple of letters while he was in jail. I was at his house when he returned from the jail. I was telling him about how bad I felt because of what had happened. He told me it wasn't MY fault it was the creeps fault for acting like that. ..... Well, during this, ..... we found ourselves, ..... looking into each other's eyes, ...... the next thing I knew we were kissing. This had been my first kiss. Ashort while later I had my birthday which everyone made such a big deal about. He got the idea that I was 18 not 16. We were going home one night from the Boar's Nest. Luther had let him drive me home. He suggested a drive around the lake......."

"He ran out of gas?" Carolyn said sarcastically.

"No!" Dixie exclaimed. She felt the tears building behind her eyes but was determined not to cry as her face turned beet red, "But, ....... well, ...... ah, ...... we did ah, ... end up in the back seat....."

Carolyn was trying to be patient and not judgemental because she had a feeling that Dixie would shut her out just like she had her Father.

Dixie looked her Mother staight in the eye. "Yes, we did. Neither of us would have if we weren't sure that we LOVE each other." she let that sink in, then continued, "The problem is that, that's about the time the State Police showed up. They, nor Luther took it real well after we were ID'd and it was learned that I was 16 and he is, ........ twenty."

Carolyn now recognized now, she thought, why she was called, but asked again something that was bothering her, "Who is this 'guy'?"

Dixie looked her Mother in the eye once again and said, "Luke Duke ........ and we love each other."

[DixieDavenport]

Carolyn Davenport was not expecting THAT! She was so shocked that she could not hide her surprise. She stood straight up, looked at her daughter who appeared much older than a mere 16, then she turned away to TRY to get a grip on her own emotions before she spoke to Dixie. She stepped to the front door and said, "Jesse? Would you mind coming out here for a bit?"

Dixie watched her Mother very closly trying ot gage her response. She asked Jesse to join them this may not be good.

Uncle Jesse came out on the porch. "What can I do for you Carolyn?"

"Maybe I missed something in Dixie's explaination as to why I'm here and I might need your help controling my temper." she said still not speaking to Dixie.

"Well, now I'm not sure how I can help but I'll do my best. As for tempers, I think there been far too many turned loose on this. Now, for starters, like I've told Luke and Dixie I can't abhold what they did, but like I told Luther what's done is done." Jesse paused, "Our families have been close for years and believe me if this was Daisy the young man would be paying dearly but not like Luke is."

"Jesse I know he's your nephew. I've known him since he's been in this world and I've always loved him as I have all the kids." Carolyn paused, thinking, "Did he just run off or has he even made an offer to make this right? Where is he? I'd like to hear his side of this."

Jesse looked at Dixie. "You didn't finish the story?"

Dixie just bit her lip and shook her head. "No. No, .... I ah, hadn't gotten that far only that the Troopers showed up and that them or Luther were happy about it. Mom, Luke has asked Luther to let us get married. He even asked the Judge in Court to over rule Luther which the Judge said he couldn't do......"

"Judge?" Carolyn asked. She figured that between Jesse and Luther they could have worked this out without getting a Judge into it.

Jesse took over the explianation, "See, they charged Luke with Statutory Rape because of the age difference....."

"Oh, no!" Carolyn explained. Though she wasn't happy about the whole thing either she couldn't believe this. "Luther stood by and let that happen? As close as we've all been?"

With spite Dixie hissed, "No, he didn't just let it happen he pushed for it to happen!"

"So where is Luke now?" Dixie's Mother asked.

Jesse spoke up, "He's been in jail since this happened. He turned down bond being set and plead guilty to keep Dixie from having to undergo the embarassment of the tests to prove he was guilty or innocent. Luke also told me that he thought Dixie was 18 and she didn't realize how much trouble her being 16 could cause him."

Carolyn wasn't happy with her daughter or Luke but from just the little she was hearing it sounded like Luke was trying to make up for this. "Tell me everything. Then, I'm going to town and I plan to have a long talk with Luke and then I plan to have it out with a ceratin husband of mine!"

Jesse started to begin when the phone rang. "I'll be right back." He went just inside the door to answer the phone. Carolyn and Dixie could hear his end of the converation. "Duke Farm."

Peggy shook her head. This was going to be the hardest phone call she'd made since she had been working as a Correctional Officer. "Mr. Duke, this is Sgt. Blevins from the Hazzard County Jail."

Jesse hoped she was calling to ask him to bring something for Luke. "Yes, Ma'am."

"Mr. Duke, Luke asked me to call you. Department of Corrections picked Luke and Mark up earlier today. I'm sorry that I had to wait before calling but for security reasons it couldn't be helped." She explained.

It was all Jesse could do to find his voice, "I understand. Thank you for calling."

Peggy said, "Mr. Duke I'm sorry to have been the one to call. Also, Luke had some personal property here you can pick up anytime."

Jesse said, "I'll be down later today. I'm glad it was you that called, my boys have always spoken well of you. Thanks again." Was about all Jesse could manage to say as he wiped a tear from his cheek as Dixie and Carolyn came into the house. Putting his hankerchief away Jesse told Carolyn. "Looks like that talk with Luke is going to have to wait. Department of Corrections has already picked him up."

Dixie didn't wait to hear all of Jesse's sentence she just turned and bolted out the front door and headed across the field.

Carolyn looked at her with concern and started out the door.

Jesse stopped her. "Let her be a spell. I'll send one of the kids after her if she doesn't show up in a bit."

[DixieDavenport]

Handcuff and shackled the van ride to where ever they were going seemed endless for Luke and Mark, but unfortunately it was not endless. Though they couldn't see much from the paneled van, they could see way too much as the van rolled up the the high fences topped with several layers of razor wire. Had anyone been watching, they would have seem both Luke and Mark swollow hard, set their jaws, and square their shoulders for what waited ahead of them.

The van made it's way through two main gates and continued for quiet a distance before passing through two more gates. They would later learn that the reception area for the prison and work camp (where they would be) used the same intake area as an intimidation method. Once out of the van other than the massive fences and buildings it was apparent this place was located on a section of flat land that appeared to go on for miles upon miles. In the intake area was the highest sections of double fencing in the entire place. Luke and Mark were taken into the intake area, searched, showered, sprayed, then issued their clothes and linen. Finally they were taken down a massive hallway to were they would later learn was the receiving area for the work farm which was totally separate and much smaller than the prison. They were placed in a cell only slightly bigger than the one in the Hazzard County jail which had two bunks, a toilet area, and one piece metal desk seat which was of course bolted down. They were told they would be housed here for at lease thirty days for processing and orientation before they would be put on work crews on the grounds and then later they could be placed on crews outside the grounds.

Once they were basically alone for the first time since leaving Hazzard Mark spoke for the first to Luke without worry of what the guards would think. Neither wanted to give them the satisfaction of appearing worried or intimidated. "Sh--! This place is bigger that Hazzard!"

Luke sighed heavily, "I know. What have we got ourselves into?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was almost supper time and Dixie hadn't showed up back at the Duke farm. Jesse walked on to the front porch trying to act unworried. The closest nephew there was Jeb. "Jeb, can you find Dixie?" There was no need in Jesse explaining to Jeb what had happened. He saw her leave. Then, Jesse, had the unpleasant task of telling the others that Luke had been transported out of the County. Other than Dixie, Jesse knew he'd have a time with Bo for quiet sometime.

Jeb stood up, "I think maybe I can." he headed off to check the barn and found nothing. After checking several spots he decided to try the back forty as a hunch. Sometimes Luke would go there if he was feeling down, but Jeb didn't think he'd showen it to her, but then there was a lot of surprises he was finding out lately. As he climbed the fence into the back forty he could barely make out a shadow near the base of an old Oak tree by the stream than ran through the property. He very slowly and quietly made his way to the tree. When he was only inches away from Dixie, he said, "Dixie." very quietly. "Can I join you?"

She never took her eyes off the water, just nodded, 'yes'.

They sat there staring at the water for a long while without saying anything. Then, Jeb figured he'd better get her back to the house before they were worried he hadn't found her. "Dixie ......"

Before he could say more, she turned and looked at him, "Why? Jeb, I really love him. Twenty years or two hundred won't change that ....... Why is my Father doing this to me? and to Luke?"

Jeb sighed, "Come here." He held out his arms for her. She found herself holding on to him like her life depended on it, yet she didn't not shed the first tear. Jeb knew her love for his cousin. Dixie knew Jeb's Duke loyalty to Luke. They both understood they could never be boyfriend and girlfriend but it was this moment they bonded with each other in what would remain even through years of separation a very close friendship. Jeb vowed to himself and to her (and later he would also write Luke) that as long as she was near him nobody would hurt her in anyway just as if Luke were here himself to protect her.

~~~~~~~~~~~

At the house, Jesse and Carolyn went through the motions of fixing supper knowing that no one was going to feel much like eating.

They heard the 'kids' begin to fill the porch. Coy and Vance were on the steps. Daisy had taken Jesse's rocker where she often went when she needed to feel comforted. Jesse looked out the living room window at the three. He said to Carolyn, "It's going to be a long night. Still no sign of Jeb and Dixie and I haven't seen Bo since, well, ............."

Carolyn placed her hand on Jesse's shoulder. "They are close, Jesse. It will take time."

Jesse nodded as he opened the screen door he could see Jeb and Dixie walking up the yard, about that time Bo came out of the barn looking like his chin was going to drag the ground. When they got to the porch Jesse said, "Supper is sandwiches. The table is set when you all feel like eating. You all need to eat something."

Coy and Vance being growing boys headed to the kitchen. Daisy said, "Come on Dixie."

Dixie went with Daisy followed by Jeb.

Bo remained on the swing.

Carolyn took Jesse by the arm. "Come on Jesse. Take your own advice."

Jesse nodded, "Bo are you going to join us?"

Bo voice wa barely recognizable. "Thanks, Uncle Jesse, but I just don't think I can keep anything down yet. Maybe later. I promise."

Jesse nodded, as he and Carolyn walked in Daisy was trying to get Dixie to let her make a sandwich. All she could manage to get her to put in her plate was a few chips and a half of glass of pop. Jesse of course noticed that Daisy also only put chips on her dish. Jesse and Carolyn were making yet another pot of coffee when Dixie set her plate down. Carolyn noticed she was looking a bit 'green'. Her nerves had gotten the best of her and her stomach refused to hold any food down as she bolted to the bathroom. Again, Jesse, stopped Carolyn as he saw Jeb head out after her. Since she had left the door to the bathroom open Jeb went in still leaving the door open as he reached for a towel and sat on the edge of the tub.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Later on the front porch Jesse said quietly to Carolyn, "I really hate this. There is a lot of growing up going on out here today and I can't do a, ........." Jesse paused, and rubbed his tired face, " darned thing to make it any easier on any of them here, ......... or, ........ the one that ain't here. I see the pain they are going through and we all have each other. Luke is alone except for Mark McCormick."

Carolyn looked puzzled, "Mark? Mark who?"

Jesse waved his hand. "Luke has a friend. Actually, he was almost engaged to Mark's sister at one time. It seems they picked the same time to get into trouble over their heads. Judge Hardcastle made a deal with Mark that if he'd plead guilty instead of a trial that he'd see they were put together at a 'work farm' instead of a prison."

Though Carolyn had been out of Hazzard for years she still felt very close to Jesse and his family. "I'm sorry, Jesse, if I had known, maybe there is something I could have done. Is there anything I can do now? Would it do any good to 'convience' Luther to drop the charges? or talk to the Judge?"

Jesse patted her hand. "I think we are way past that now, but thanks."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The night was long in Hazzard for Bo and Dixie and the others.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was longer still at the work camp for Luke and Mark, being locked into a small unfamiliar place, with all the strange sounds of the 'prison' or work farm or whatever polite society named it. It was still a place that 'housed' those that society didn't want. Both Luke and Mark were well aware they were now apart of this group, that seemed to wake up in the evening and sleep the day away, if they weren't on a work crew.

Work. Luke would be glad for work to busy his mind. Mark would even be glad for the distraction. This too, would have to wait, for now all there was to do was to stare at the three cedar block walls, cement ceiling and floor, and the God awful view of the steel barred front of the locked cell and listen to those society had 'thrown away'............... yet they were thankful the door was locked and it was only them inside the cell.............

[DixieDavenport]

Bo turned over for what seemed like the millionth time since going to bed. He knew when he had said he was going to bed that he wouldn't sleep but at least he could be alone with his thoughts without everyone trying to avoid the subject that was one everyones mind. He looked at the empty bed beside him. It just wasn't right for Luke not to be here. Sure, it had been empty since Luke had been in jail, but it was different with him being in the Hazzard Jail. Now, he was gone. He was gone to who knew where and Bo felt more alone than he had in years. Bo looked at the clock. It was 2am. The house was quiet but he knew he wasn't the only one awake. He slide on his jeans and quietly made his way to the front porch steps. He looked up at the stars. The stars he pretty much knew that Luke was unable to see tonight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Daisy and Dixie were also awake. Dixie had curled up in the rocker with her feet in the seat and her arms locked around her legs. "Why?" she mumbled more to herself than to Daisy. "How could they call what happened at the lake rape? Just because Luke is older? He was a sight more gentle than that creep Tommy was the night he wanted to force me into it and I walked."

Daisy looked at Dixie surprised, "What?"

Dixie sighed, "Yeah, you remember when Luther 'let' me go out with him?"

Daisy nodded 'yes'.

"Well, he had started 'pawing' me and told me to 'put out or get out' -- I got out and started walking. Luke happened by in the wrecker and took me home. He stayed with me for several hours with out so much as trying anything because he was afraid Tommy would come to the house while Cooter or Luther wasn't home. If you remember after that Luke and Tommy got into a fight......" Dixie was interupted.

"That's what that was about?" Daisy asked surprised

Dixie nodded with tears in her eyes, "Yeah, he went to jail then because of me too!"

"Sugar, Luke knew what he was doing with Tommy." Daisy said trying to sound convincing she continued, hoping her voice wouldn't give away her doubt. "And, he knew the decisions he made this time were best for you."

"Daisy how can you say that? How was him getting the maximum sentence by admiting what we did best for me?" Dixie asked, not believing that Daisy could truely feel this way.

"Honey, even if he'd fought this tooth and nail it wouldn't have changed his situation. I think Luke felt like by admiting he was guilty he thought things may have been better for him. But, he knew that by admiting to this it would save you a lot of embarrassment. He did what he could. He did all he could do for both of you." Daisy tried to sound convincing, but it was hard for her to think like she was trying to get Dixie to think. "Come on. It's been a long day. What do you think about trying to get some rest?"

"That neither one of us is going to get any sleep." Dixie said flatly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jesse Duke sat in his room holding the family Bible that he was trying to concentrate on without much luck. He had to be strong for his family. His entire family. He had turned to the Bible as he often did in times of trouble as a source of comfort, but tonight even this brought him little comfort. Looking out the window, heavenward, he said, "Watch over my boy and keep him safe."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The youngest of the Dukes were also awake though Jeb was trying to act like he was asleep hoping that Coy and Vance would go to sleep so he could have some time to himself.

Coy asked Vance, "What do you think it's like being in jail?"

Vance replied to Jeb's relief, "I think, I don't want to find out."

Jeb could stay silent no longer, "I think that our name is Duke, we live in Hazzard County and I pretty much figure we'll all get to find out, far to soon. Now, go to sleep. Luke wouldn't want you all losing sleep on account of him."

Vance said, "And he would want you and Bo and Daisy and Uncle Jesse and Dixie losing sleep?"

Being the oldest in the room Jeb snapped at Vance just a bit, "Do as I say not as I do." Then he realilzed how sharp his voice had been. "Look, guys I'm sorry. No, Luke wouldn't want any of of losing sleep because of him. We're all family here and we need each other. Now more than ever."

Coy being the youngest asked, "So if we need each other more than ever now, who does Luke have?"

Biting his lip hard Jeb sighed and replied, "Us." then he explained, "There may be distance between us but Luke still needs us. It just might have to be through letters or cards but we have to let him know we care about him without making him worry about us. And, we have to let him know we are stepping up to do his share around here so he won't worry about Uncle Jesse. Now let's get some rest so we can do our chores and Luke's tomorrow without having to be asked to." Jeb laid silently for a few seconds before he voiced said, "Guys, I love you."

The three knew that they loved each other but they were at the age it had been said less lately. Vance was the first to answer, "I love you two, too."

Finally, Coy said in a voice barely above a whisper, but his two cousins heard it loud and clear, "I love ya'll too."

They both caught the sniffle that followed.

[DixieDavenport]

NOTE : I probably should have mentioned this before, but I will do it now. --The sentencing for Luke and Mark were fictional and doesn't apply to any State. -- As we all know THINGS are different in Hazzard! Especially, the section of Luke's court order that the Judge put in Latin!

00000

Carolyn Davenport also was awake starring at the ceiling of her room at the Hazzard hotel, where she had insisted on staying. She knew the Dukes had far to much going on to have 'company', but she had let Dixie stay with Daisy.

She had talked to Luther that day. She had no more luck than Jesse Duke had when he tried to get him to see that what was done was done. She saw how much her only daughter was hurting. She could also see how much older her 'baby girl' had seemed. She was sure that Dixie thought that she loved Luke Duke. Carolyn also felt that Luke would stop at nothing to see Dixie not hurt. He'd proved that to her by going to prison to protect Dixie from the embarrassment and shame of the tests that would have had to be ran on her to prove him not guilty. Even with the slim chance that the tests may not prove his guilt, Luke had refused to make Dixie go through with them. He had signed his own one way ticket right to prison. He had asked to marry Dixie, with no strings attached. Just what else could a parent ask for from him, except that it never have happen, but no one could change that now.

Carolyn would get his address and write him a long letter tomorrow, since she hadn't had the chance to talk to the young man that should have been her son-in-law, and would have been if she'd had any say so about the matter.

00000

Luke laid on his bunk in the well lit cell, even though it was late night. He was use to his room at the farm being so dark that you couldn't see your hand in front of your face unless there was a full moon out. He laid wide awake. He had only vaguely considered ever being here, before this incident. He had figured, if he ever found himself in prison that it would have been for running moonshine. Luke spoke softly to Mark, he knew he was also still awake, "Ya know sometimes I've thought about this possibility, but I figured it would be because I was caught with a load of Jesse's finest."

Mark had been alone in his own thoughts listening to the 'goings on' inside the prison. He liked to think that he and Luke were 'tough' guys, but in reality, they were a couple of young, innocent faces that screamed 'victim'. Mark heard Luke's statement, and answered, "Well, I never thought I'd be here for shine, or this. But, if I were you, the moonrunning tale is the word I'd put out, from the sounds of this place. I just don't think they'd understand your situation."

Luke swallowed the massive lump in his throat, "Thanks. Actually, that's what I'd planned to do. Good to know you'll back me in it. Besides, I know that business well enough for it to be possible."

00000

Luke and Mark first sleepless night was over when the hallway lights brightened as breakfast was served to the cells. Being the intake area, the inmates weren't even allowed out of their cells for meals. The plastic trays were handed in through a slot in the bars. Luke and Mark just looked at each other as they saw their breakfast. They were both sure that it was not a Jesse Duke breakfast. On their plates were 2 hard boiled eggs, 2 slices of toast, 2 pieces of what a appeared to be bacon, a large spoon on jelly and butter, milk and coffee.

As the food cart moved to the next cell, Luke said, “And you said it couldn't get worse that supper last night.â€

Mark replied, “It didn't. At least I know what this is supposed to be.†He took a bite of the bacon. It looked like bacon, it smelled like bacon, but it didn't taste like bacon.

00000

Jesse was up and had coffee made before the sun was up. He decided to let the kids stay in bed a bit longer this morning as he knew they were up late. He took his cup of coffee and headed out to the front porch. He opened the screen door quietly to keep from waking the kids. Then he saw Bo setting on the steps looking towards where the sun should be rising any minute now.

Jesse said gently, “Bo? What time did you get up?â€

Bo cleared his throat as he replied, “About 2 am, when I knew that I wasn't going to be able to sleep.â€

Jesse nodded, “Why don't you try to get a couple hours rest at least before breakfast.â€

Bo shook his head, “No, thanks, Uncle Jesse. I'll just get me a shower before I start mine and Luke's chores. I think I'll skip breakfast too, if you don't mind.â€

Jesse did mind, but decided to go a little easy on him, “Son, not eating and sleeping won't do Luke any good and it sure won't do you any good either. At least come to the table and be with us. Meal time is a family time and we're still a family. We owe it to Luke to still be a family when he returns.â€

Bo choked back his tears as he asked, “Do you really think any of us will still be on this farm in twenty years?†His tears betrayed him as they ran down his cheeks.

Jesse said with just a bit of an edge to his voice, “Well, I sure plan on being here. And, I expect where ever you all are then, there's not a one of you that won't be here when Luke comes home.â€

Bo dropped his head, and added just above a whisper, “If Luke comes home.â€

Jesse said sternly, “Beauregard Duke! You underestimate your cousin. He will be home. Luke is tougher than you or him knows right now.â€

“Uncle Jesse, he's in prison and a lot can go wrong to keep him from coming home.†Bo said with his head still hung.

“We've got to believe he will be home and encourage him as best we can to help him come home to us.†Jesse said in hopes of encouraging Bo himself.

Bo just nodded as he headed for the shower.

00000

Jeb was the next Duke to bring coffee to the porch in the early morning air. “I thought I heard voices, then I smelled coffee, and when I heard the shower I knew someone was awake besides me.

Jesse replied with a nod, “Bo's in the shower. Found him on the steps when I came out.â€

“I figured he'd be in a bad way. I was going to see about him last night, but figured I was doing just as much good keeping Coy and Vance at least quiet.†Jeb replied.

Jesse looked at him with worry, “Are they Ok?â€

Jeb replied with a sigh, “Yeah,†he shrugged his shoulders, “I guess they are in the 'cowboy and Indian' stage. They were wondering what it was like to be in jail. I told them that as long as they are in Hazzard and their name is Duke, they are likely to find out.â€

Jesse sighed louder than he intended, “I'd say the chance is there, alright. Let's get things started in the kitchen.â€

Jeb replied, “Yes, Sir.â€

00000

NARRATOR: “It's been sorta quiet around these parts since Luke and Mark were sent to that work farm. By my recollection it's been near to six months ago.

Dixie has returned to school where her friends have supported her. But, of course there are always the ones that want you to think they are your friends. They have managed to say a few things which has caused a scuffle or two at school and also at the Boar's Nest. Old Rosco's even looked the other way a time or two when Cooter or one of the Dukes, usually Jeb, has been pushed to adjust an attitude. Now, Bo, well, he still seems lost without Luke. He's not use to being the one Jesse counts on to set a good example for the kids. He's also stepped up to take Luke's place helping Jesse both with the farm and the moonshine. Daisy has stuck by Dixie and has helped handle the girls who had something to say about either Luke or Dixie. Dixie's mother talked until she was blue in the face trying to get Dixie to go back home with her. Dixie refused to run from this and with the coming of summer break things calmed down quiet a bit. She had spent much of her time at the Dukes' instead of the garage or her Father's farm. The entire family wrote Luke and Mark regularly and always included a brief note about Daisy's 'friend', since Dixie couldn't write Luke.

All was pretty much OK for Dixie until school started again. She had spent most of the summer only around the Dukes and Cooter who still wasn't himself around the Dukes. Still wearing Luke's ring, Dixie walked into Hazzard High School's gym to sign up for the Cheerleader's Squad, which she had been the Captain of last year. This should only be a formality for all the girls who were on the squad last year. As Dixie entered the gym it fell silent, but she was use to the conversation lagging when she walked into a room.

She had taken out her pen to sign the sign in sheet when Ms. Brown said, 'Ms. Davenport, I need to see you a minute in my office.' They left the gym together. Once in Ms. Brown's office she began, 'Dixie I'm really glad to see you back this year, but I hate to be the one to tell you that there have been several parents approach the school about you. I've always like you and Luke Duke, but the matter remains, that parents don't want their daughter's reputation in question. They have refused to let the other's cheer this year if you are on the squad. I know this may not be fair to you and I'm sorry, but having a squad without you is better for the school than only having you as the squad. I'm really very sorry, but with that whole mess being so public there's nothing else I can do.'

Dixie just turned around, walked right out of the office, out of the school, to the Davenport farm where she called her Mother. 'Mom, ... I've done all I can do to stay here and put this all past me, but they won't let me. They won't even let me cheer this year. ... Come get me. ... I'll be packed when you get here. I promise I'll never ask you to let me stay again. ... I promise I'll never come to Hazzard AGAIN! ' With that said Dixie packed her bags, when her Mother arrived she got her things from the Dukes while Jesse was working the fields and the others were in school. She left a long note for Jesse and the others and in it she asked them not to tell Luke about her leaving figuring it would be worse for him if he knew this were bad enough to cause her to leave. She asked that he be told that she was trying to do as he asked.

Mark and Luke wrote less regularly, but Mark always included messages from Luke by telling them to tell Jeb's singing partner whatever it was to be said. Mark had only thought he'd seen Luke at his worst, until the message came back that Dixie was not pregnant. It seemed to Mark that whatever small bit of hope that had been keeping Luke going was stomped almost completely out. Fortunately, it hadn't been long after that the both Mark and Luke were given a jobs, which at least kept their hands busy. Luke seemed a little better since they had been working, though it was still inside the building. They would have to work inside the building for at least thirty days before going to work outside. Then, they would be there another thirty days on the inside of the fence before they could be considered for the jobs outside the fence and there was usually a wait after being cleared. Finally, after five months Luke and Mark were told they would be working with the outside crews tomorrow. Mark didn't like the look of satisfaction he saw on Luke's face. It was a little over three weeks since they had stated working that Mark learned why he didn't like the look on Luke's face...â€

00000

It was getting quiet or as quiet as you can expect it to get in a prison when Luke turned onto his side and looked at Mark who was at the small desk in the cell. “You may not want to hear all this, but you need to know that you may not want to be working real close to me tomorrow.†Luke let the statement fall and waited.

Mark had stopped writing, bit his lip, dropped his head, before letting out a loud sigh, “Luke.†was all he said.

“Listen, I've got a plan. It very well may not work, and you've got more riding on this than me, so I'll understand if you tell me to just shut up now.†Luke said.

Mark replied quietly, “No, I'm not going to tell you to shut up. I want you to talk to me and tell me what it will accomplish, other than getting in more trouble or maybe killed.†He saw the look that came across Luke's face. It was blank. Uncaring. Every bit of emotion was gone as he began to speak...

“What difference does it make? I won't get out of here until I'm forty plus, now. Do you think I'll have anything to go back to?â€

'Oh brother!' Mark thought, 'he's in a bad way and I've got to try to figure out what to say in the next seven hours to make him change his mind.' Mark took in a deep breath and said, “Luke that farm has been in the Duke family for two hundred years. I've heard Jesse say that before. You know Jesse will be right there waiting for you and no matter what, Bo and the others will be there when you get home. Hell, if I make it home first I'll even be there. Besides, what am I supposed to do if you aren't here?â€

“You'll manage just like I will when you go before Hardcastle in another six months and walk away from all this.†Luke said. He was glad that Mark would be going home. No one should be here and he fully realized it could be very worse. Luke had made up his mind that he wasn't going to stay here without seeing Dixie again.

“Look, I know I was being selfish but Luke think about what it will do to Dixie, Jesse, Bo, all of them if you pull this off, especially if it turns out bad. Come on Luke, you know things were just getting calmed down for Dixie. You know she should be starting school what? This week? You know they will figure you'll be heading straight for her. If your plan works they will be waiting for you.†Mark had begun one of the five longest nights of his life and when breakfast was served he still wasn't certain the Luke wouldn't make good on his plan.

00000

NARRATOR: “You know life is funny. It seems we can all just go clicking right along without missing a beat, but when things start flying apart,everything goes hay wire all at once.

See it was the same early morning that Mark is trying to talk some sense into Luke that Dixie had left Hazzard. But I think there's still a few surprises to come ...â€

00000

The guard came to the cell and said, “Duke, McCormick. Let's go.â€

Luke and Mark exited the cell and turned right toward where they exited for work detail.

The guard looked at them a bit confused, “This way.†he said pointing the opposite direction.

Looking rather confused themselves, the guys let themselves be directed up the large hallway and out a door they had never exited before. They were a bit surprised to be taken back to the intake area. They were directed to strip out and dress in orange rather than the prison gray they were wearing. The guard put on them both a leather belt with handcuffs attached, handcuffed them and then placed shackles on them both. They were then directed out to a second and third officer who put them in a transport van.

After the van cleared the front gate of the prison, Luke asked, “Ah, I take it we're not working today?â€

The driver replied, “Well, if you want to go to work and stand up the judge, ... we'll go back and I'll let explain that to him.â€

Mark and Luke looked at each other and asked together, “Judge?â€

The officer that was the passenger replied, “Yeah, you know, Judge Hardcastle. He sent in this transportation order three times in the last two weeks. You all got a copy.†He said like it were a fact.

Mark replied, “No. The last order I got from him was the one that got me here.â€

The driver groaned and said to the other officer, “Those people in records are absolutely useless. See if these guys weren't workers they wouldn't have been ready to go and we'd been late again getting out of there.†then to Mark and Luke, “When records gets these orders they are suppose to send you a copy of it. We've had problems lately with them not doing so. Sorry about that fellas.â€

Right about then it hit Luke just how close he had come to making an escape attempt. He found himself break out in a cold sweat. Though, he had no clue why the judge was asking for him now but he was sure glad it was before he'd made his try rather than after.

Mark saw Luke suddenly go pale and figured what he was thinking. He simply said, “Add this little trip right on the bottom of that long list of things I gave you last night.†Mark was surprised to at this unexpected trip. He hadn't expected this for another six months.

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In Hazzard County the van pulled up to the Courthouse, Luke was the first out of the van and couldn't help but steal a glance toward the garage. Busy as usual but no sign of any one, especially Dixie.

To both Luke and Mark, Hazzard never looked and smelled so good.

Inside, they were taken right back to the judges' office without so much as even getting to see Rosco or Boss Hogg for that matter.

Judge Hardcastle instructed the transportation officers to remove the handcuffs from Luke and Mark and wait outside. Once the officers had given the judge the requested paperwork they exited the office. “Well, let's have a look at these papers and we'll get on with this.†After several minutes Hardcastle said, “Well, I see that you've both been working and it appears doing well. I'm pleased to see that there have been no problems. Now, before we go on record here today, I'll explain a few things to you. As you saw, no one knows about these hearings today but us and the Department of Corrections. I arranged that for a couple of reasons. First, I knew if there had been problems of any kind that seeing everyone would have made it much harder for you to go back. Secondly, I didn't want to give anyone the chance to object to what I have planned for today. Thirdly, I did it to peeve Rosco off.†he said with a grin.

They all enjoyed a laugh. For Mark and Luke it was the first genuine laugh they had had in six months.

Hardcastle reached in his desk and poured two large shots of Jack Daniels, handed them to Mark and Luke, and took his seat on his desk. He noticed that both young men's hands were just a bit shaky as they took their drinks into their hands. “Drink up.â€

Both had learned from being in his court that this was not done often but when it was it wasn't a trick, so the both eagerly took the drink, finishing it in one drink.

Hardcastle almost got up and refilled their glasses right then, as he saw how nervousness they both were feeling, but he opted to wait just a few more minutes. “Ok, so I take it that you all learned that there are worse places than Rosco's lockup?â€

It was Luke that spoke first, “I'd give about anything to be back in this jail.â€

Mark quickly seconded this, “Me, too.â€

Hardcastle got a glum look on his face and said with concern, “Humm, really. Well, I can do a lot of things but that, well, it's probably too late for that. I didn't know how attached you were to being locked up twenty four hours, seven days a week.†He shook his head and studied the situation, “I would have figured that you'd much rather be home than in any lock up. I wasn't aware that you could become institutionalized so quickly. I'm sorry boys.†He had said all this so quick that Mark and Luke were having a hard time understanding what was going on.

Mark asked, “What?â€

Luke said, “Sorry, for what?â€

Hardcastle reached on his desk and picked up two neatly typed pages and then, continued, “I said, I figured that you both would rather be home than locked up.†he clucked his teeth, and finished his sentence, “I guess I'll just have to tear up these release orders.â€

Both Mark and Luke's mouth's dropped wide open as Hardcastle explained. “See, fellas, I had to satisfy justice by finding you all guilty because of your pleas, but the evidence would have been there anyway. So, to also satisfy Mr. Davenport and the Hotel owners I sentenced you according to State code, but they are experimenting with this new program called 'shock incarceration' in other places where someone is sentenced under the guidelines. If they do well, they are released in a fraction of the time. If they don't well, then they finish the time as sentenced. I'm really glad there was no incidents with either of you.â€

As Hardcastle talked, Mark saw Luke go ghost white. Hardcastle hadn't said it, yet, but they knew he was holding the key to their freedom in his hand on those papers.

“I hadn't intended to do this for another six months, but I'll be leaving for California soon. This will be my last official duty before I take a few days to fish and relax before I head back home. I've been here too long and it's time I get back there. Besides there are far more criminals out there. It's not any fun doing this job when legal isn't always totally right. I wish you both well, stay out of trouble. Luke, there is one thing I will have to hold you too, breaking it will get you sent right back to the prison side of that work farm. Dixie is still under age. Have no contact with her until after she turn eighteen which shouldn't be long now.†Hardcastle stated.

“Isn't that going to be quiet impossible with Hazzard being so small?†Luke asked.

Hardcastle dropped his eyes for just a second before asking. “I'm sorry, but I found out just a short while ago that she has left Hazzard.â€

Luke felt as though he'd been kicked.

Hardcastle said, “I had no idea about this until just a bit ago. I am sorry, but it should make things easier for you to not run into her.â€

Luke said very lowly, “Yeah, yeah it will.â€

Hardcastle said sternly, “Luke, it's in the order. I might be in California, but any judge anywhere can send you back if you violate this order. Hasn't it been hard enough on everyone concerned already. If you violate this section of the release order there will be no second chance, no parole, nothing. It will be the entire twenty years locked up. It's that or just stay away from her what about eighteen months? Then, you both will be able to make your own choices and you'll be back home in your own bed tonight. Don't be stupid.â€

Mark jumped in, “Luke there is nothing to think about here. You'll be free today and for the rest of the twenty years that you thought you'd be locked up.â€

Both saw the tension drain from Luke's body as he sighed, “Yeah, you are both right. Judge, you are really going to make this 'go away'? You can do that?â€

Hardcastle replied, “As long as you agree to stay away from Ms. Davenport, I am. Yes, I can do that. I am even sealing the record on this like we do for juvenile's. You plead guilty to a crime that a lot of people elsewhere wouldn't understand what really happened. Unless you break this by contacting Ms. Davenport, it will never show up on your record anywhere, nor will it stop you from gaining employment or joining the military should you consider it in the future.†The judge took in the young men in front of him. “I take that we all understand each other?â€

Both nodded their agreement.

“Well,†he said reaching for the bottle of Jack Daniels, he pour three glasses and passed tow to Mark and Luke along with their release papers, “You are both officially released from custody of the Department of Corrections and I am now officially resigned. Cheers.†He raised his glass to the young men.

They also raised their glasses.

“Now, we'll get those guys in here to get their remaining jewelry. I'll give them a copy of these orders and I'll drive you out to Jesse's so you can get out of those orange jump suits and maybe I can talk Jesse into going fishing with me.

[DixieDavenport]

Judge Hardcastle may be gone from Hazzard but he's not forgotten. He returned to his deceased wife's estate in California. He later became a Superior Court Justice.

Luke Duke kept his word not to try to contact Dixie until she was eighteen, even to tell her he was free. But, the way news travels, he was sure she knew well before her birthday, but she didn't contact him either. The last passed on word he had was that she was trying to do as he'd asked her to – to forget him. Maybe she had. Life in Hazzard wasn't quiet the same for Luke, so when his country needed him he joined the Marine Corp to do his part.

Mark McCormick figured things in Hazzard were a bit to hot for him so he went chasing races in Florida. He even dreamed of making racing in a big way, maybe he'd even get a 'ride' that would take him to California.

Life in Hazzard was back to 'normal' and soon the Dukes and Cooter worked out their differences and were closer than friends could possibly be. In Hazzard County, like everywhere else, if it don't kill you, it only makes you stronger.

As for Dixie, word may have been out about Luke, but it didn't reach her. Each thought the other had told her. She still wore his ring and went through the motions of 'moving on' but there was a still a place for a blue eyed farm boy from Hazzard County and none of the guys who asked her out could measure up to Luke Duke.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE!!! ----- If you liked this check out the Going Home series and the BJ (McKay) Goes to Hazzard to see if Luke and Dixie ever get together!!