6:30 am Hazzard Garage:
New Character : Luther Davenport ---Cooter's father, also a good friend of Jesse and all the Dukes
Luke was the first to wake to the knocks at the front garage door. He grabbed his jeans, quickly putting them on and heading for the door while still trying to shake out the cob webs in his head. Bare footed and no shirt he opened the door to find his Uncle Jesse and Bo impatiently waiting for the garage door to open to get Tilly out of sight. After opening the main door, Luke finished getting dressed and woke Cooter and Mark. Along with Jesse and Luther, the boys spent most of the morning helping to put all the new parts on Tilly. They got some needed advice about Marks' Firebird before the older two men left them at the garage around noon.
As the guys all began to sand down some of the ruff spots on the Firebird, Luke took the opportunity to grab the phone and headed toward the back door unnoticed by the others. He took a deep breath and dialed the number from memory (as he called Mark often). The phone only rang twice when Luke heard Robin answer, "Hello."
"Robin?" he asked to make sure it was her.
"Yes, this is Robin." she answered.
"Good. This is Luke." He began. "I know I had asked if I could call but wasn't sure how your parents might feel about me calling for you instead of Mark."
Robin replied, "Well, I don't know how they would feel about it either. So, I'm glad I answered the phone."
"Well, I'm glad you answered to. I couldn't very well ask for Mark as they know we are together at the garage." stated Luke.
Turning beet red, Robin asked surprised, "You're calling from the garage? Who all is there?"
Luke replied, "Yeah, I'm still at the garage. Mark, Cooter, Bo and myself are here."
Trying not to care if they knew Luke called her, but knowing Mark would make her live hard. She asked, "Do they know who you're talking to?"
Luke laughed, "I don't even think they know I'm on the phone. Does it matter?"
Quickly. A little too quickly, Robin replied, "No. Of course not." she paused, "It's just you know how Mark can be."
Luke again laughed, "You mean him being as annoying as Bo?"
"That's exactly what I mean. You've been at the house when he starts on me." she said.
"Yes, I have. Well, I won't let them know who I'm talking to if you don't want me too..." Luke is interrupted by Robin.
"I just think it would be better if I talk to Mom and Dad about you calling before they all know." she explains.
Luke can see her point, "Ok, I see where you're coming from. If you want me too I could talk to them and see if they mind my calling."
Robin considered this. Knowing her Dad had told her she could not date until she was sixteen, she thought it may take some doing to be able to get phone calls from guys. "Thanks. But, I think I may have better luck."
"Well, Ok. Let me know if you change your mind about it..." Luke is interrupted by the guys. All three were standing in the doorway.
Bo said, "Who ya talking to there Luke?"
"Change their mind about what?" asked Cooter.
"Keeping your options open huh?" said Mark.
If looks could kill they would have all been dead meat when Luke turned toward them. Into the phone Luke said, "Hang on a sec." To the three stooges behind him, "I'll be in there in a minute. Give me a second, huh?"
Again Bo asked, "Who are you talking to Luke?" not knowing when he was ahead.
"Bo!" Luke shouted as he began to get up from the pile of tires he was setting on.
Cooter and Mark both grabbed Bo to rescue him. "Come on Bo!" They said as they took him inside to the 'safety' of the garage.
Luke sighed, "Sorry about that. I have been discovered."
Robin laughed, "So I hear. Who are you going to tell them you were talking to?"
"Well, I just won't tell them. If they push I'll make up someone. So if you hear Mark harassing me about talking to someone else, just remember it was you."
Robin laughed again, "I will. Should I let you go before they come back?"
"Probably, but I'm really not ready to get off the phone." answered Luke.
"Me either." Robin said blushing.
"Can you call me back later?" asked Luke.
Robin considered this. "I'd love to, but I think it would be better for you to call me. I'm not allowed to call..."
Luke smiled. He had been privileged to this discussion at the McCormick's before, yet it had slipped his mind. "Say no more. Daisy can't call guys back either. Would it be OK for me to call later?"
"I think it will be. I'll try talking to them before you call and I'll try to answer the phone. If it doesn't work, I'll tell you Mark is or isn't home."
Luke replied, "Ok, got ya. I really had better go see what they are up to or they will be back."
"Ok. Luke..." Robin said.
"Yeah, " said Luke.
"I'm glad you called and I had fun the other night at the diner." Robin said through a blush.
"I did too. Maybe I'll see you this weekend. Might come over to see, ah, Mark." Luke hears the guys heading his way. "Hear they come. Got to go."
Thinking it would be nice if Luke came to see 'Mark'. She said, "Sounds good. Bye, Luke." As she hangs up the phone she squeals, "YES!" about the time her younger brother walks in and gives her a look like she had lost her mind. She smiles timidly and walks out of the kitchen to the TV room with the phone. She had to call Jill.
Later at the McCormick house:
Robin is fixing dinner as Brenda is setting the table.
NARRATOR: See a lot of things are different here in Hazzard County. Brenda hates to cook.
Brenda turns to her daughter, "Since all the guys (meaning Bill, Mark, and David) all are working or have plans why don't you call your friends and we will all go skating."
"Sounds great. I'll tell them we'll pick them up in about an hour?" replied Robin.
With supper left on the stove for the men Robin and her Mother left to pick up Jill and a few other girl friends of Robin's. Unlike most parents Brenda liked to skate as much as the teenagers did. They all enjoyed the early evening session of skating and were headed back home when Robin saw her chance to ask about Luke calling. "Mom you know that you all say I can't go out on dates until I'm 16, right?" asked Robin.
"Right." replies Brenda.
"I'll be 16 in a few months. If I can't go out until then, can I at least have some friends who are guys?" asked Robin.
"Do you mean boyfriends?" asked her Mother wanting to be very clear what was being asked here.
Robin replied, "No, not exactly. Just friends who are guys. Like when we all go skating next time could we maybe have some guy friends to go with us as a group? Since you will be there you'd know what was going on. And you all have known most of the guys in our class for years."
Again Brenda is considering this very carefully before answering. "Well, I'll talk to your Dad. If its OK by him I don't have a problem with it. Just no 'necking' in the back seat!" she said jokingly.
Robins' friend Kathy Roberts spoke up, "Ok, then I want the front seat!"
Brenda was speechless as the teen explained, "If I'm going to 'neck' with a guy then I'm not going to be ashamed of him, so it doesn't matter to me if you see!" They all had a good laugh!
"So, Mom, since you all know these guys, would it be OK if one of them called occasionally?" Robin asked while holding her breath slightly.
"Is there someone your especially asking about or is this just a general question?" questioned Brenda.
Robin thought tact was the best course of action, "Well, its pretty much a general question. I mean how can I expect to start dating at 16, a few months away, if I haven't got to talk to anyone other than at school in front of their friends?"
Brenda replied with a smile, "Well, its not as if you have to have your first date booked before your sixteen birthday."
"I know." said Robin.
"I think it would be OK, but not after 9pm and your home work is done first. And you have to remember their is one phone line for 5 people." cautioned Brenda.
Smiling Robin agreed, "That's fine by me! Thanks Mom!" she paused, "There was this one guy last night who asked if he could call me tonight. I told him it would be OK for him to call tonight, but that he may not be able to continue to call."
Knowing she had been roped in Brenda smiled. She could see the excitement in Robin's eyes, "Who was this 'guy'?" she inquired.
Here was the moment Robin kind of dreaded. She knew that her parents liked Luke, as Mark's friend, but how would they feel about him wanting to call her. Robin knew they had heard all the stories about Luke that she had heard. Even at this young age Luke's reputation with girls was not the best, though he seemed like a really nice guy. Robin knew the truth was best so she answered Brenda truthfully, "Luke Duke." And held her breath waiting for the reply.
"Robin, ..." Brenda started.
"Mom, I know that you have heard all those stories too. You saw when he walked us to the truck. Believe me, he said or did nothing out of the way. He asked could he call me and held my hand from the cash register to the truck. Do you really think he'd try something and have to deal with Mark, not to mention Dad?" Robin said trying not to sound as if she was begging.
Brenda sighed, "OK, he can call you. I'm not promising that you'll be able to date him, but he can call occasionally between homework and 9pm."
Robin agreed, "Thanks Mom!"
Mark drove Luke, Bo and Cooter out to the Duke Farm with plenty of time for Luke to get all his and Bo's evening chores done. Being the friends the guys were they all pitched in and had them done in time for supper. "Since you guys helped out so much least I can do is invite you to stay for supper." stated Luke.
They readily excepted.
Back at the McCormick's
As the supper dishes were being cleared from the table Jesse motioned for Luke. Once in the living room he asked, "Are you wanting to invite the guys to stay over?"
"Well, I hadn't mentioned it, but if you wouldn't mind." replied Luke.
Jesse smiled, "Luke, I don't mind having company. It's just that there is a trip tonight."
Luke's eyes lite up, "Am I driving?" He asked hopefully.
"Not tonight. This is going to be tricky tonight. Think they would mind hanging out with Bo and the others until we get back and they can stay." suggested Jesse.
Luke replied, "I'm sure they can play cards or find something to do for a few hours."
"Ok, then we're all set. Are you ready?" asked Jesse.
Looking at the clock which showed 8:30 pm. "Uncle Jesse, can I have a few minutes on the phone? There is someone I'm supposed to call."
Jesse smiled, "Sounds kinda important? Who's the lucky girl."
"It's just she wasn't sure if her parents will let her have calls from guys. I'd kinda like to call and see where I stand before everybody makes something out of nothing." explained Luke.
"Ok, but don't stay on the phone too long. I'll grab a cup of coffee and meet you on the porch." says Jesse.
"I'll only be a few minutes. Can you keep it quiet about where I am?" asked Luke hopefully.
On the way back from skating a powerful motor can be heard quickly coming up behind Brenda's car and shortly passes the ladies. They have a ring side seat as in the intersection before them State Police and Revenuers block the car from entering the other roads. The speedy car slides into a 180 degree turn, then peels out to speed back the way it came, past Brenda and the girls who had slowed down to watch. All the cars blocking the roads and the unseen one following it take off after the speedy car.
"Wow! Did you see that?" Asked Kathy.
"I sure can't wait to learn how to drive like that. They must have been going really fast. Did you hear the tires squeal?" Robin asked.
Jill agrees, "They had to be really good drivers to do that!"
Brenda shakes her head. "They were moving pretty fast there but you don't really have to be going that fast to do some of those things."
Jill disagreed, "Oh, yes you do. You saw them."
Giving the girls a knowing smile, "You can probably do that at 25 to 30 miles per hour."
All the girls at the same time replied, "No way!"
"I'm telling you that you can." replied Brenda.
Robin had to ask, "You sound like you know this for a fact?"
Brenda smiles smugly, "I do."
Together the girls ask, "How?" unbelievingly.
"You know the straight stretch out by the County line?"
The girls nodded yes.
Brenda continues, "Well, my friends and I used to go out with my brother and we would all race out there on Friday and Saturday nights."
"No way!" replied Robin.
"Really?", asked Kathy.
"You are kidding?", questioned Jill.
Laughing at the reactions Brenda said, "I'm serious. Wait until we get out of town." When she got out of town and came to a 'Stop' sign she said, "All you have to do to peel out is hold the brake and gas at the same time." She said as she did this the car squealed its tires just enough to be heard. "See I'm not going fast at all," she checked her mirrors before continuing the thought, "to slide just hit the brakes pretty quick." The car slide to a stop.
The girls eyes were as big as saucers!
"Ok, what about when they squealed around the curve back there? They had to go fast to do that.", insisted Jill.
Brenda checked her speed. She was doing 27 miles per hour. "Watch this. I'm just going to cut the curve a little steep." As she took the next turn more steeply than normal the tires began to cry. Brenda straightened the car up some and they quit. "Now you all seen how to do it. You will be getting your licenses soon and driving my car. All that wears out the tires. If my tires begin to wear out too fast after you all start driving then you won't get the car anymore. Got it?"
They all agreed. "Mom can the girls stay over tonight? Please?"
"It's OK by my if it's alright at your homes.", Brenda responded for Jill's benefit not saying 'with your parents'.
"Can we stop off somewhere to call?" Asked Robin.
Brenda suggested, "What do you say we stop by Jill's and call Kathy's house from there, since her house is further out?"
"Great!", replied the girls.
The fall sun had set by the time the ladies got to the McCormick's house. The mob of females came into the quiet house. The relative silence Bill had been enjoying while reading his book was no more. His younger son was off with his cousin for the night. His older son had phoned to say he was staying at the Duke farm tonight. Now he was being invaded by a house full of females. The phone could barely be heard ringing over the noise.
However, Robin did hear it and raced for the phone. "Hello." She said above the noise of her friends in the background.
Luke could hear the commotion on the other end, "Did I call at a bad time?"
"No.", Robin said waving her arms at the others behind her to try to quieten them down.
Bill gave Brenda a questioning look.
Robin continued, "We just got back from skating. That's Mom, Jill and Kathy in the background."
"Did you have fun?" Luke asked.
Robin stretched the phone to the furthest corner away from her father especially, "Yes, maybe you all can go next time." She suggested lowly.
Luke replied, "Sounds good to me. I take it that it is OK I called?" He said hopefully.
"I talked to Mom and its OK. She just hasn't talked to Dad yet. But I'm sure it will be OK." Explained Robin.
"OK, I see. I just had a few minutes to call and see what was up. I have to help Jesse do somethings tonight." Luke vaguely explained. "So it is OK for me to call tomorrow?"
"Yes, should be OK as long as it's before 9pm and I have all my homework done which it is for this weekend." said Robin. "Guess what was going on out on Rt 4 tonight?"
Robin had Luke's full attention as she told him of the car chase they had seen.
"State Police? What did the other chase cars look like?" questioned Luke trying not to act as interested as he was.
"The cars were unmarked but Mom thought it may have been revenuers. They were driving plan black sedans." replied Robin.
Luke had to ask about the car being chased, "What about the car that past you all? What did it look like?"
"I don't know much about cars, but it was a really big Black car. The paint on it was not shiny at all. A real dull looking car." Robin described.
It was enough description for Luke. "That's Ok. Just wondered what it looked like. Doesn't sound like a car I've seen before." he lied. "Mark is staying here tonight. Maybe I can come over with him tomorrow afternoon for awhile."
Robin had totally forgot about Luke's questions about the cars, "I'd like that." she smiled.
"I'll do my best. I really have to get off here and get to work. If I don't come over I'll call before nine." said Luke.
"Yeah, I need to get back to my company too. Night."
"Good Night, Robin. You girls stay out of trouble." he said as he hung up and went straight to the porch.
"Well, its about time you got finished in there." Jesse laughed. "Are you ready?"
Luke nodded. "Guys I'll be back soon." He said to his friends and cousins who were setting on the porch. Luke and Jesse walked to the barn. After getting to the barn he began to tell Jesse what Robin had unknowingly told him... "Uncle Jesse, I was just talking to Robin McCormick, "
Jesse interrupts, "Oh, so she's the special lady!" states Jesse.
Luke slightly embarrassed, "Yeah, well, she's the one I was telling you about calling. The important thing, right now, is what she told me. She said when they were on their way back from skating out on Rt. 4. there was a car chase going on right out in broad daylight!" exclaimed Luke. He continued, "She said there was State Police and what her Mom figured as revenuers. The car that she said they were chasing sure sounded like Old Mr. Harper's runner."
"Well, if I know Charles, you don't have anything to worry about, but we'll check it out before we load." Jesse paused thoughtfully, "So how do you feel about having your first shake down tonight?" He questioned Luke.
Luke gave him a surprised look, "Me? Shook down? You said I wasn't driving."
"You won't be running the shine, but you will be driving the runner. They may ticket you for not having a license but if you play it just right they may think you're only joy riding in the car and call me. Are you game?" asked Jesse.
Game to get one over on the police? And Jesse encouraging it? How could old Luke refuse, "You bet ya!" He said with wide eyes!
Jesse began to explain what he wanted Luke to do...
A couple of hours later.
True to Jesse's words Charles Harper had indeed managed to loose the law. After briefing Bo and Daisy what to say if anyone called for him Jesse and Luke took off to still site number 2 with Jesse's pickup and old Tilly. Both vehicles were backed up the bank into the bushes that hide them pretty well. After loading 50 gallons of Jesse's finest on to the pick up they took off in different directions. Jesse's plan surrounded newest thing on the market which the law in Hazzard County did not have yet. Both vehicles were equipped with those new Citizen Band Radios -- CBs! Jesse took the handle of "Shepard". Luke would be "Lost Sheep 1". They had both radios on channel 17 -- later known as Shepard's' channel.
Luke headed straight for Rt. 4 as Jesse had instructed. Robin's information proved correct, Luke noted as he shot passed the State Police cruiser. Knowing Tilly was a runner the State Police pulled out behind Luke. "Shepard, this is Lost Sheep." Luke said into the CB mic.
"This is Shepard coming back at you Lost Sheep." replied Uncle Jesse.
"Shepard, I've got that fish on the line." responded Luke.
Jesse smiled at the youth's calmness, "10-4, just give him enough line to hang himself." Jesse replied. Still not trusting the new gizmo he simply said, "Keep up the good work and remember what I told you."
Luke replied, "10-4. Lost Sheep out."
This was more fun than he expected as he geared Tilly down into passing gear. Luke rounded a bend in the road and saw the Revenuers car blocking the road. Thinking fast he turned old Tilly into the open field on the right. After a couple of laps Luke headed back to the main road followed only by the State Police. The revenuers had gotten stuck up in a gofer hole. With dust flying Luke leads the State Police on away from town. Checking his mirrors and slowing just a bit, Luke was careful not to loose the cruiser too soon. He checked his watch, seeing that he had kept up the chase as long as Jesse wanted him too. Luke smiled, "Well, OK! Now I might get to drive more!" he exclaimed to no one.
A second cruiser joined the first State car. Luke rounded a steep bend where the road narrowed. The dim lights of the moon runner hit the star of the Hazzard County Cruiser broad side in the road blocking both lanes. Luke checked his mirrors. Both cruisers behind him where side by side. Realizing he was boxed in by the cruisers, a hill on one side and a steep drop off on the other, Luke swore to himself as he locked up the car sliding to a stop just inches away from the Hazzard Cruiser.
As Tilly came to a stop Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane stepped off the hillside toward the drivers door. "OK. Hold it right there Jesse Duke. Shut off the engine." He said before seeing that it was Luke driving.
Luke did shut down the cars engine.
By this time the Revenuers had gotten unstuck and had caught up to the group. The first Revenuer came up, "Well, we finally got you Jesse. Just get on out of there." In the darkness he could not see the driver only the car as he approached.
Luke opened the door and the dome light came on. For the first time the group saw it was not Jesse Duke driving but his teenage nephew. Trooper Blevins spoke first, "Luke Duke?" He said unbelievingly, "What are you doing out here and trying to out run us?"
Rosco exclaimed, "Luke Duke!"
Luke trying to look a bit ashamed of himself while answering Trooper Blevins, "Well, Sir. I'm sorry. I was just going to drive over to a friends when you all pulled out behind me. I didn't want Uncle Jesse to know I had the car."
"You mean Jesse doesn't know you have the car?" asked Rosco.
Looking at his shoes, "No, he was gone. Figured I could go and get back before he got home."
The second Revenuer asked, "Well, why in the world didn't you just ask for the car?" Not realizing Luke was not licensed.
"I didn't figure he'd let me take in on the road." replied Luke.
First Revenuer, "Well, why wouldn't he?"
Trying to hide a grin and look really innocent, "Because I can't get my license for another three months."
The Second Revenuer said barely heard by the others, "Great! We have this much trouble catching this kid and he's not even got his license yet!"
The First Revenuer said shaking his head, "Heaven help us when he does get his license. Out ran by a 15 year old!"
Also trying to hide his laughter, Trooper Blevins asks, "Can you drive this thing to town?" Trooper Blevins had little options of dealing with a 15 year old but to just call Jesse.
Surprised Luke replied, "Sure, that is if you'll let me."
The Trooper exclaimed, "Let you. Hell, I wished most of my guys drove that well!' Then suggests to the others, "What do you all think about me following our young friend to town where I can get a hold of Jesse to come pick him up?"
A disappointed group nodded their approval.
Luke shyly asked, "Ah, do you have to call Uncle Jesse? I won't see daylight until I'm ninety."
With a slight smile, "Well, I might be able to get some work done if you don't see daylight until you ninety. Come on. Take it slow and I'll follow you to town. I'll meet you guys back out here in a bit."
Looking really unhappy, Luke said, "Yes, Sir." He got into Tilly, started her and turned her around heading back to town followed by Trooper Blevins. After pulling out from the group and back into the darkness, Luke allowed himself to smile at the traffic stop. He had gotten out of it with only a phone call to Jesse and got to drive the car to town!
Chickasaw County:
Jesse had just delivered the shine without a hitch and was heading home. He wondered just how Luke's shuck-and-jive had turned out. He reached the farm about 45 minutes later. As he pulled up to the porch he was meet by Bo, Daisy, Jeb, Coy, Vance, Mark and Cooter. Bo delivered the message that he expected.
"Uncle Jesse," Bo began, "Trooper Blevins called about 10 minutes ago. We told him you were visiting a sick friend and would be home soon, like you told us to. Luke is at his office with Tilly. Trooper Blevins said just come down and pick them both up." Bo said all in one sentence. He said worriedly. He was worried even though Jesse's plan had went off with out a hitch and was glad Luke wasn't in trouble with the law.
Jesse studied the group. "Mark you say you got your license? I'm going to need another licensed driver to get Tilly home. Unless I just leave her at the garage."
Proud that Jesse had asked for his assistance, no matter how small a part, he said beaming, "Yes, Sir. I have my license and will help out how ever I can."
"Good. You can go with me. I'll drive Tilly back home and you and Luke can bring the pickup. Just remember, I'm supposed to be really mad at Luke." said Jesse.
Standing just a bit taller. Mark said, "Yes, Sir. I'm ready when you are." He said heading for Jesse's truck.
Duke Farm Sunday afternoon
After everyone gathered for a quick lunch Jeb, Coy, Bo, Cooter and Vance planned a fishing trip for their afternoon entertainment. Bo asked, "Luke are you sure you and Mark don't want to come fishing with us?"
"Well, I'd hoped to go to Mark's for a bit if you don't mind Uncle Jesse?" he questioned.
"I don't mind just remember school tomorrow." Jesse reminded.
Luke looked at Jesse hopeful, "I'll remember. Are you going anywhere today?"
Reading his nephews mind, "Ok, I'll be by around 5 for you."
Luke grinned from ear to ear, "Thanks Uncle Jesse! Come on Mark." He said as he hurried to Mark's car.
Daisy saw the look on Luke's face, "Gee, he looks like you gave him a season pass to the NASCAR races. What's his rush Mark?"
"Beats me!" exclaimed Mark in his rush to catch up with Luke.
McCormick house
Mark's car could be heard pulling into the yard. Robin about broke her neck to see outside without being seen. Yes, Luke was with Mark. The girls had left earlier so now all she had to do was act like she didn't expect him. She hurried to her room to brush her long hair. She checked the mirror. She had on a snug red T-Shirt with some sort of Logo on it with a pair of cut off jean shorts. It would have to do. If she changed now her parents were sure to suspect it was for Luke's benefit. She listened, the big house was still quite. She checked out front nothing. They must be in the garage she thought. What could she do to check out what was up outside? She had it. Monday is trash day. She quickly bagged the trash and headed out to the outside barrels.
Mark had backed up under the carport in front of the garage to get the Firebird out of the sun thinking he and Luke might wash it. Bill and Brenda were working on some yard decorations for Fall that would be the basis for the Halloween decorations to come later. As promised Brenda had talked to Bill about Luke calling Robin last night and they were continuing their talk when the boys pulled in.
Luke spotted Mark's parents in the yard before Mark got parked. He sighed thinking to himself, "Ok. Moment of truth here." He spoke to Mark's parents politely as he usually did when he visited their home as Mark pulled out the water hose.
"I thought we'd give the car a wash job if you don't care?" he said as a question though he was already making preparations to do so.
Bill replied, "That's fine Mark. Luke I'd like to talk to you."
Meeting Bill's eyes Luke said much to Bill's surprise. "I was hoping to talk to you also."
Mark looked at them questioning then to his Mother. It was this time the back door slammed as Robin took out the trash. Three sets of eyes looked at her as Mark looked at all of them thinking he had missed something. Then, Bill began watching Luke watch Robin who was looking to see what they were doing.
NARRATOR: Let's see Robin went out to watch Luke, who was watching her, while her Dad watched him, while being watched by Mark. Now that we have everyone watching everyone, don't go away folks.
Seeing that all eyes were now on them, Bill nodded towards the house, "Come on let's take this inside." They crossed the driveway and past Robin who was trying to act busy with the trash. Entering through the laundry room Luke paused to remove his boots. Bill poured two Cokes and then headed through the TV room, main living room into 'his' room. Luke followed Bill into the unfamiliar rooms of the house he had often visited. The living room was used only during holidays and special occasions though he had been to Bill's room a couple of times. Bill closed the door behind them.
Narrator: "Now most young men would begin to worry about now!"
The walls and desks are covered with guns of all shapes and calibers, gun parts, loading equipment to reload ammunition, books, etc. dealing with guns.
Bill reaches over on the desk and picks up a .357 Magnum. "This is the newest addition."
Luke eyes the pistol, "That is a nice one." Bill opened the cylinder and unloaded it. Leaving the cylinder open he handed it to Luke who closed it and held the gun to get the 'feel' of it. "I like the wooden stocks on it. It fits your hand good." stated Luke.
Bill nodded, "Yes, it does. Now, Luke, your family and mine go way back. I have always liked you, but, where Robin is concerned..."
"Bill I know you have heard stories about me just like Robin and most of this County has and I'm sure that you know how guys talk. True or not they talk adding to the stories as it goes and being guys we don't usually try to deny the untruths. I can understand your concern for your daughter being the reputation that I do have. I would only like to get to know Robin better." Luke interrupts Bill.
"Luke, Robin is 15. I do not want her hurt or her reputation in question at 15." Bill states.
Luke is quick to reply, "I have no intention of hurting her, nor will I let her reputation be in question. I've known her through Mark for a long time I respect her. I respect you not wanting her hurt." Luke pauses. Looking Bill in the eye, "I give you my word, I will be the most proper gentleman around your daughter. I also give you my word that no one will make any unfavorable remarks about her as long as I'm around."
Bill has been studying Luke throughout his conversation. He also knew how Jesse felt and had installed in his nephews the importance of keeping your word. "Luke, Robin is my only daughter. I will not stand for her to be hurt in any way. If you are willing to give me your word, I expect it to be kept. I also expect you to come talk to me before things go further than 'getting to know each other' if you get my drift and that conversation better be a long way off. I'll take your word only if you are willing to 'spit and shake' on it.
Luke looked a bit surprised. Bill was asking him to give him his word 'as a moonshiner' with this request. Without a moments hesitation he looked Bill in the eye, held up his hand, spit and held his hand out to Bill. Bill met his eyes, also holding up his hand, spit and met Luke's hand, they shook hands sealing the deal with Luke giving Bill his word as a moonshiner not to let Robin be hurt. With a tear in Bill's eye he turned before Luke could notice. Bill reached for a small tool box which held hearing and eye protectors. He also picked you a box of .357 shells and asked Luke who was still holding the gun, "Let's you, me and Mark go have some fun.
Luke grinned ear to ear, "You got it!" he replied knowing that he and Bill had not only reached an agreement but that he was being accepted and tested at the same time. He still wondered how Bill knew about the 'word of a moonshiner'. As far as he knew Bill was not into such things, he'd have to ask Uncle Jesse sometime. They went outside, got Mark and went up the road to go shooting.
No sooner had they returned and placed the tool box inside Rosco showed up. Bill denied being the one shooting and said he'd heard it too coming from up the road. Rosco took off to find the person shooting the guns and disturbing the peace. Mark, Luke and Bill had a good laugh as Rosco went on a 'wild goose chase'! Bill said "I'm going in let me know if Rosco doesn't come back in a little while. We may have to go looking for him." as he entered the house Robin was at the sink. Bill mischievously said, "What are you doing in here with your 'bow' outside?"
Robin looked a bit shocked. "You mean its OK for me to go out and talk to Luke?" she asked.
Bill looked at his only daughter, "Yes, its OK. Luke and me have an understanding. Just remember you are still not 'dating' until you are at least 16."
Robin hugged her Dad in a big bear hug, smiling ear to ear, "Thanks Daddy!" she said before almost running out the door.
Sunday night found the Dukes setting on the porch enjoying the cool breezes of early fall. Jesse sipped his coffee while whittling a piece of wood. Off in the distance a whippoorwill called to its mate then its mate was heard further off. Jesse finished his coffee and checked his watch, "Ok, kids its about time for you all to head in." The group of teens got up heading inside. Jesse stopped Luke waiting until all the others had gotten into the house, "Luke the other night," Jesse paused, "I want you to know you did a good job."
"I tried to do what you asked." replied Luke proudly.
"You did more than what I asked. You kept your cool, stayed calm, and played it real well. That can mean a lot in this business. A good head on your shoulders is just as important, maybe more so, than a lead foot and fast car. Sometimes out smarting the other side ahead of time has better results than having to out run them." Jesse advised.
Luke was listening intently, "Kinda like in football? Who ever uses the right plays advances more yards?"
Jesse smiled, "Exactly. Do you like learning History in school?"
Confused, Luke replied, "No, not really. I think it is boring. What does History have to do with football or moonshining?"
That was the response he thought he'd get from his oldest nephew, "Strategy! Unless they have changed things this year you should be studying the Civil War, right?"
"Yeah, but we haven't gotten into too much yet." replied Luke.
Jesse advised, "You can learn a lot from the great Generals on both sides about strategy. Generals Robert E. Lee, Jeb Stewart, Stonewall Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Rodes, Thomas F. Meagher just to name a few. War strategy can be applied to life in many ways." he said thoughtfully.
Jesse's pep talk had at least given Luke a different outlook on History. He thought about the things Jesse said as he laid in bed. Maybe he would try to get interested in History this year. After all he wanted to be a good moonshiner and football player so he'd give it a try.
Monday Morning Duke Farm
The familiar sound of Mark's Firebird coming up the driveway was heard as Jesse was clearing the morning dishes. "Luke, Mark is here." Jesse called, "Didn't I tell you this was not going to be an everyday thing?" Jesse questioned as Luke picked up his lunch.
"Yes, Sir you did. I didn't know he was coming by." said Luke over his shoulder as he headed out the back door. To Luke's surprise Mark was alone. Trying not to sound as disappointed as he was he said, "Hey, Mark. Didn't know you were coming by."
Mark replied, "I really didn't know it either. It was a spur of the moment thing. Robin spent the night at Kathy's last night. I wanted to talk to you." Mark paused. "So what is up between you and Robin?"
Luke replied, "Well, I'd like to get to know her better."
"Dad approves?" Mark questioned.
"Well, I don't know if 'approves' is the right word but he's not objecting. Does it both you?" asked Luke.
Mark thought before answering, "It's just a little weird. I mean we have always talked about our dates and I'm not so sure I want the graphic details of your dates with my sister." Mark shuttered. "Is that why you have been so secretive about who you were checking out?"
Luke grinned, "Like you said it's a bit weird. I wasn't sure how you'd feel. I didn't know if your Dad would even let me call her. Mostly I wasn't sure she was interested in me. I don't want anything to happen to our friendship no matter what goes down between Robin and I. By the way, your Dad made it perfectly clear we are not "dating" anytime real soon, if that helps you."
"Its just of all the girls in High School I didn't imagine you getting interested in my sister." Mark tried to explain further.
Luke looked at Mark and said very seriously, "Had you ask me a two months ago if I'd want to talk to Robin I'd probably said Robin who! I've been over to your house many times and Robin was there but she was you 'little sister'. The first day of school, she got on the bus, it was like seeing someone I'd never seen before." Luke paused, "You don't have to worry about the 'graphic details' of our 'dates' if and when they happen. Where Robin is concerned, I have given up 'kissing and telling'.
Surprised Mark looks at Luke, "Do tell."
"Its just your Dad has heard some of the wild stories about me. He made it clear he did not want Robin's reputation in question." explained Luke.
"So are you telling me that all those stories are lies?" questioned Mark.
"I'm just saying some were blown out of proportion." stated Luke as they pulled into the High School.