Hazzard Garage

It was still early in Hazzard when Luke pulled up to the garage. He climbed out of the General Lee and went in the garage through the smaller door. Cooter was there under the hood of a car that belonged to Agent Bucannon.

"Hey there Cooter, what ya doing?" asked Luke.

Cooter sighed, "It seems the ATF wants us to install a Turbo Charger in this. They are hoping it will help them catch some of those allusive 'moonshiners'." stated Cooter.

Luke's eye got wide.

Cooter continued, "Never fear! When have we let y'all down? You know Dad always makes sure you have at least 20 plus more horses than they do."

"Yeah, but we can't compete with these." said Luke.

"Mistakes can happen. Who's to say it will work right?" said Cooter in a low voice.

Luke's eyes went wide. "You mean..."

"Hey as long as they think it is working what's the harm?" Cooter asked.

They both smiled an evil grin and had a gut busting laugh.

Luke decided it was time for him to tell Cooter why he was really here. "Say, Cooter, I know you and Kathy are getting pretty close. Would you like some more time to spend with her?" asked Luke.

"You are purposing what?" asked Cooter.

"Nothing major, just I think I will need some extra money for Wednesday. You probably want more time with Kathy. I figured you might like me to work some of your shifts with the wrecker." suggested Luke.

Cooter thought for a minute. It would mean less money for him but IT MAY be worth it in the long run. "Sure. Anything for a friend in need." replied Cooter.

00000

As Luke returned to the General, Dixie was coming back from Ruebottoms. "Luke." she called.

He stopped and waited for her. "Hey, there, Dixie." He said friendly.

Dixie asked, "Is everything OK?"

"Yeah, sure. What do you mean?" asked Luke.

She confessed, "I was listening to the scanner the other night."

Luke looked a bit confused, "You mean the night I got the ticket? OK, but how did you know it was me?" He knew Rosco hadn't mentioned his name on the radio.

She smiled and blushed slightly, "I heard you tag number." Luke was letting this sink in when she continued, "CNH-320." There was a bit of silence between them for a minute before she continued. "How much trouble are you in?"

Luke smiled a bit, "Not nearly as much as I thought I'd be in with Jesse anyway. You'll probably get tired of looking at me this week. I am going to work some extra hours so I can have money when I see the Judge Wednesday."

"You don't think you'll go to jail or anything do you?" she asked worriedly.

Luke smiled. She really seemed concerned. "No, I think if it was jail able Rosco would have arrested me the other night."

"You are probably right." she said.

"My plan is to hopefully be able to pay the ticket that day. So I plan to work some of Cooter's wrecker shifts." he explained.

"That sound like a good idea. Let me know if you want any company on the calls." she said causally.

"Sure thing, Kiddo. I've got to get going. Jesse plans to also keep me busy. He wasn't real happy." he said as he slide in the General and started him up.

"I can imagine. " Dixie said to herself as she entered the garage.

00000

For the next few days Luke worked the farm, ran wrecker calls, and delivered shine. Not to mention hauling supplies for Jesse up to the stills so he could make his famous brew. Though Hazzard was a small County it sure was seeming like it had more than its fair share of wrecker calls. By Tuesday night Luke was beat, he had talked to Luther Davenport and had gotten paid up to midnight Tuesday night.

00000

Wednesday Morning

NARRATOR: Before Boss Hogg got his hands in the 'Cookie Jar', Hazzard, Placid and Chickasaw Counties had two Judges that would travel to each of the Counties at least once a week to hear everything from parking and traffic tickets to more serious felonies. It was also their duty to arraign (set a bond) for anyone arrested within 24 hours of their arrest. Being that these were small Counties with very low crime rates, each Judge only had to work a few hours a week on most weeks.

Bright and early Wednesday morning, the Tri-County Judge, Milton Hardcastle arrived in Hazzard Square. It was a bright, warm summer morning as he made his way to the Court House. Once in the Court House, Trainee Straight brought the Judge the weekly files in his small office. Among the parking tickets were the two new tickets for Luke Duke and Ralph Green for racing.

Judge Hardcastle began reading the files.

Sheriff Coltrane barged through the door. "Did you see? I told you I'd get those Dukes!"

Judge Hardcastle looked up annoyed, "Sheriff, this is my office and the door was closed."

"Oooo, but, I got'em!" stuttered Rosco.

"Unless you want me to throw all of these out of Court and hold you in Contempt, you will go back out, shut the door, take a seat and wait for me to call you. It's not like you caught the James gang with a bank bag full of money. You caught a couple of young men racing for goodness sake." the Judge fumed.

Rosco tucked his tail and left the office like a whipped pup.

00000

Jesse more than suggested taking the pickup to town instead of the General. Luke joined him in the pickup. Both Luke and Jesse were dressed up a bit. Luke wore a new pair of jeans with a new blue plaid shirt in his wallet he carried the $100 won from Ralph--that Jesse didn't know about and also the $150 he had made working at the garage. He just hoped $250 would be enough.

Jesse, along with a new set of bib-overhauls, he wore a sport jacket. Jesse was unsure how much cash Luke had so he had went to the bank and taken out $300 that he needed to make the payment on the farm. He hoped not to have to use it but he would to keep Luke out of jail. He just didn't want Luke to know that. They entered the booking area of the Courthouse to find Rosco setting outside the Judges' office. Jesse and Luke took seats across from him. Several minutes later the Judge's door opened, the Judge called, "Luke Duke and all parties having interest in this case."

Luke, Jesse, Rosco, and Trainee Straight entered the office.

The Judge was dressed in his black robe. He spoke to Enos Straight who would be the bailiff for the Court. "I think we can do this informally in here rather than the big Courtroom."

"Yes, Sir." answered Enos.

The Judge pushed record on a small tape player. Enos called the Court to order. Judge Hardcastle began, "Mr. Luke Duke is it?"

Luke spoke up, "It would be 'Lucas'."

"Can I see you identification, Mr. Duke?" asked the Judge.

Luke supplied the Judge with his driver's license.

Judge Hardcastle studied the license. "Sheriff Coltrane, you wrote this ticket to a 'Luke Duke'. Mr. Duke just supplied me with a license for a 'Lucas Duke'. Is this the gentleman you stopped and ticketed?"

"Ooohh, ooohh, yeah, yes it is." stammered Rosco.

"Did you check out his license?" questioned the Judge.
Rosco replied, "Yes, I did."

"How did you run him? By Lucas or Luke Duke?" the Judge questioned further.

Rosco thought for a minute. Knowing his answer would decide if Luke walked or not. "I ran his driver's license number."

"So you didn't pay attention to the name on the license you just ran the number?" the Judge was already aggravated with Rosco.

"I ran the number. The picture was on the license was of the young man I know as Luke Duke. I just wrote the ticket out to Luke Duke because that's how I know him." Rosco tried to explain.

"Sheriff, I am a stickler for detail. I'll give you this one. Next time there is a variation I will throw it, so far out of Court, you won't believe." said the Judge.

Luke cursed to himself. He thought for a minute the Judge would throw it out this time.

The Judge got serious, "Mr. Duke, you received a ticket for racing. In this County it is illegal to race a car on a public road unless of course it has been posted temporarily as a racing area. Was this stretch of road so posted by a race official?"

Luke answered clearly, "No Sir."

"Then how do you plead to this charge of racing?" questioned Judge Hardcastle.

Though Luke was a bit worried he tried to answer clearly, "Guilty, you Honor." He said, knowing he had been guilty of the charge. He also knew that he would have to pay but Jesse had taught him that lying would get him no where.

Judge Hardcastle opened a file folder, read it for a minute or two, then said, "This is your first offense. I could have thrown it out of Court, thanks to our Sheriff's blunder, but I won't because he'd just take out a warrant and this whole thing would be drawn out." explained the Judge. "There is no jail time for first offense Racing. The fine can be from $50 to $100. For a second offense the fine is $50-$500 and/or 6-60 days in jail." the Judge paused for effect. "Normally, I fine and sentence as high as I can go, because I figure that most people may have gotten away with whatever they were charged with at least once before. Due to the Sheriffs blunder I am going to set your fine at $75 and give you 30 days to pay it."

Luke set up even straighter, and replied. "Thank you Judge. I can pay the fine now if that's OK."

Rosco was fuming.

Luke paid his fine, walking out of the Court room with $175 in his pocket. Not to mention the $100 Jesse had he didn't know anything about.

00000

As Jesse and Luke exited the Judges' office, Enos called "Ralph Green and all parties having interest in this case."

No one in the waiting area moved.

Enos called again, "Ralph Green."

Luke checked his watch. The time was 10:30 am. Both tickets were set for court at 10:00 am. Exiting the Court house, Ralph was just getting out of his car. He gave Luke an evil look as they passed. He had barely had enough gas to make it to Court.

When Ralph arrived in the Judge's office he was 35 minutes late. Judge Hardcastle had promised if there was a next time and he was late he'd be very sorry. Ralph's fine was set at $100 and he was given 30 days to pay it. "Looks like I'm going to be broke from this all month." thought Ralph.

NARRATOR: Looks like his mouth just cost him about $200, a $100 for the fine, and $100 to Luke.

00000

Jesse and Luke went over to the Hazzard Garage before returning home. Dixie was at her usual place by the phone where she could see cars pulling up to the pumps. Today had been slow and she was on the phone. "... Do you really think I could?" she said in to the phone. "Oh, thanks, I think I can find out soon and let you know in a few minutes. I'll call you right back." she said.

She turned on all her young charm as she walked up to Jesse. "Uncle Jesse, Daisy asked me to spend the night with her tonight. Would it be OK with you?" she almost pleaded.

Jesse laughed, "Why, sure you can! You know how I feel, the more the merrier. As long as it's OK with your Father." he reminded.

"Thank you! I'll go find Daddy now." She beamed.

Cooter, Luke and Jesse just watched her bounce out of the garage. They all laughed at her.

"So what happened?" asked Cooter.

"He set the fine at $75 which I already paid thanks to those extra hours you gave me." Luke said a bit of relief showing in his voice.

"Anything for a friend." said Cooter, "Care to repay the favor?"

Luke questioned with a smile, "You want my hours?"

Cooter said, "No, nothing that simple. I've got a big job changing a motor. Can you help me out?"

Luke looked to Jesse, "Jesse?" He questioned.

"I reckon if you help me today I can spare you a couple days." replied Uncle Jesse.

Cooter replied, "Great. I'll finish up all this, clean up in here and be ready to go first thing in the morning."

"I can do that." replied Luke.

00000

Duke Farm:

After supper the girls went to Daisy's room. "I am so glad you invited me over, Daisy." she looked at Daisy's room she hadn't been in Daisy's room since she was about three. It wasn't expensively furnished but was the same room that Jesse had painted pink and white for her when she first came to live on the farm. "I can't believe I'm really spending the night HERE." said Dixie.

Daisy looked at her a bit puzzled. "Like you have never stayed here before."

Dixie replied, "That's when I was what three?"

Daisy laughed, "Dixie, you know you are family and welcome any time." said Daisy. "What would you like to do this evening?"

Dixie looking a bit embarrassed, "I need someone to talk to Daisy."

Daisy plopped down on the bed, "Well, Honey, I'm a good listener."

"This is girl stuff and I didn't want to call Mom. Dad and Cooter would never understand." she paused. "I am hoping to convince Dad and Mom to let me stay this fall and go to school here."

"That's great. But what's the problem?" questioned Daisy.

Dixie said quietly, "It seems everyone is treating me like a kid. I need to do something to make them see I'm not a kid."

"What do you have in mind?" questioned Daisy.

Dixie shook her head, "I was hoping you'd have an idea."

"Well, I know you have been a big help to your Dad at the Garage..." Daisy was interrupted.

Dixie said, "It's not really him..." she paused. "All the guys here know Cooter. Now, they know me as his 'little' sister, the brat at the garage."

Daisy was seeing where this was going. "Is there any 'guy' you'd like to impress."

Dixie shrugged her shoulders, "Not really." she fibbed. "I'd just like to be noticed and not as Cooter's little sister."

Daisy saw the cute teen setting before her looking up to her. She had her hair pulled back in a pony tail, wearing a Sweatshirt of Cooter's that was too large for her, with jeans, a cap, and tennis shoes. Daisy had always been a 'tomboy' chasing behind Bo and Luke, but she too had went through this stage only about a year ago. Smiling, she said, "Stand up here a minute." Daisy took in her size figuring they were about the same size. "I've got an idea. Are you game?"

"If I weren't I wouldn't be here." said Dixie.

"Great! Come on." Daisy grabbed a thick bath robe from her closet. In the hallway she took two large bath towels and wash cloth from a closet. They walked to the bathroom. Daisy showed her where things were and told her she'd meet her in her room. Daisy went to her room and was searching her closet and dresser drawers when Dixie returned from her bath. She was in Daisy's robe with her hair wrapped in the towel. "What do you think we start with the hair?"

Dixie looked a bit scared, "My hair?"

"Sure, just a bit and if I mess up it will always grow back." Daisy joked. "Besides I cut mine."

"Well, Ok, then." Dixie said with a fading thought, "No turning back now."

Daisy combed Dixie's hair. She looked it over. Picking up the scissors, she began to 'feather' the front of Dixie's hair and just took the broken ends off the back.

"Now run wash it again real fast." Daisy instructed as she cleaned up the mess.

When Dixie returned it looked like she had walked into a beauty parlor. Daisy had set out hot curlers, curling irons, hair dryer, along with several makeup cases.

"Daisy!" Dixie squeaked, "I came to Hazzard to get away from being so girlish. I think you have more stuff than my Mom."

"Now, Sugar, there is nothing wrong with being a 'tomboy' as long as you look like a girl doing those things. Trust me." smiled Daisy. "If you don't like it you can wash it out and we'll try something else."

"OK, you win." replied Dixie with a laugh.

Daisy dried her hair, rolled the back with hot curlers, curled the front with the curling iron. In a very few minutes she was taking the curlers out and combing Dixie's hair into place. She had turned Dixie from the mirror so she couldn't peak. She applied a little cover up on the couple of pimples on Dixie's face. She continued with a little eye shadow and mascara. Though her face had it's own color to it Daisy decided to do the works but with a soft touch. A very thin line of eyeliner was applied, a slight touch of rouge, the slightest bit of pink lipstick, and a little facial powder. Next Daisy went to her jewelry box and handed Dixie a pair of danglely earrings and a simple necklace with a 'music note' charm on it. Daisy surveyed her work. "Ok, now hold still a minute." She took a sheet and covered the large mirror. "Now, put these on." She handed Dixie some hose, then a denim skirt that was just above the knee, and a pair of her high heels. Once she had gotten them on she found a red sleeveless top that buttoned up part way. After Dixie had put it on, though her and Daisy were about the same size something wasn't right. "Ok, wait a minute. Take it back off and let's try it again with this on." She took out a bra from her draw made a few adjustments. "Now, try that."

Dixie did as instructed.

Daisy looked her work up and down. "That's more like it. Are you ready?"

"Sure." said Dixie. She was expecting to see 'Cooter's little sister' in the mirror with Daisy's clothes.

Daisy uncovered the mirror.

Dixie was speechless.

"What do you think." asked Daisy excitedly.

All Dixie could say was, "WOW!"

They squealed and laughed so hard it brought Jesse down the hall from the living room. He knocked on the door, "Is everything OK, girls?"

A burst of laughter was his reply followed quickly, "Yes, Uncle Jesse, everything is fine. Sorry we disturbed you." said Daisy.

"I'm sorry too." said Dixie.

Laughing to himself he told them, "Guess I'm just use to rough housing boys than girls. Have fun ladies." He went beck to his paper and coffee in the living room.

Daisy had Dixie trying on half her wardrobe before the evening was done. Much laughter was heard from the room.

00000

It was a warm summer night. Bo and Luke found Jesse on the front porch with a cup of coffee when they returned form their evening chores. "Where is everyone?" asked Luke.

"Well, Daisy has a friend over. So Jeb, Vance and Coy decided to head for 'high ground' so to speak. They went camping and fishing out on the back forty."

Luke laughed, "Oh, yeah, I heard Dixie ask you if she could stay over today. Do you want us to go check on the guys?" Offered Luke.

Jesse sipped his coffee, "No, Jeb is with them they should be fine, but thanks for offering."

Bo and Luke each took a spot on the steps. "So where are the girls?" asked Luke.

Jesse smiled, "I hope you fellows don't have to go to the bathroom anytime soon. I've heard them in and out of there all evening. They are in Daisy's room now."

Bo replied with a grumble, "Oh, man!"

"Now, Bo, it will do Daisy some good to have a girlfriend around." replied Luke. "Especially since Robin hasn't been around for so long." Luke said a bit lower. "By the way, you don't seem to mind when Jill comes to stay over."

"Now, Luke that's different. At least when Jill comes over they don't tie up the bathroom." Bo fumed.

"Now, boys. You five are always having company. Just leave them be. Besides, we need to talk." said Jesse.

"So go get you a cup of coffee or glass of tea and get comfortable."

Bo started up off the step, "Yes, Sir."

Luke also was standing by now, "Uncle Jesse, we aren't planning to go anywhere. The boys are gone and the girls are hibernating in the house. Would you mind if I go to the barn for something to drink?"

Bo's eye lit up hopeful, glad his cousin had asked.
Jesse considered this. He nodded his approval. "A quart, Luke."

"Yes, Sir, Thanks." He said heading for the barn.

"I'll get the glasses." said Bo. Bo eagerly returned to the porch with the three jelly glasses before Luke returned form the barn.

Luke returned, handed Jesse the jar of shine. Jesse poured them each a small glass of shine, setting the remained behind him in the swing. After they had all had several sips, Jesse started, "Now, Bo, Luke and I have had many talks about this and I know we've had a few ourselves. Due to what went on last weekend I feel the need for us to all talk about this again." He paused, "You are both eighteen, Jeb isn't too far behind. You can all be a great benefit to me, to this family. J.D. (Hogg) knows this. He is becoming greedy. He thinks if he can stop you kids he'll put me out of business. I have always been able to make us a living, without help, but J.D. is growing. Some of the customers are not after quality, some are after cheap, and others would turn to him if I couldn't supply them..." he trailed off. Not liking how this was sounding. "I love you boys more than life itself. For me it's not about the business. J.D. on the other hand sees you all as a threat to his business. Now, Luke let himself be goaded into a race which got him a ticket. Yes, he worked extra and paid it, so all's forgotten. Right? ... Well, wrong. I know Rosco, he is in J.D.'s pocket. He has been a top notched Sheriff, but for years J.D.'s had a hold on him. He won't forget that ticket. I know him he is out to get you both. Luke, you heard what Judge Hardcastle said about the second offense for racing."

Luke took a sip of shine, "Yes, Sir."

"Well, that's what Rosco is setting up. He gave you a ticket, now, the next time he catches you, he will push to lock you up." stated Jesse. "I have heard you guys get together and race out at the lake." Jesse paused.

Bo and Luke just looked at each other wondering how he knew that.

Jesse continued. "Never mind how I know that. Rosco caught you racing at the lake. I can talk and talk to I'm blue in the face, but if you go back out there racing he will catch you again. It may not be tonight, tomorrow or next year but he will catch you again." Jesse saw the look on Bo's face. He's thinking it wouldn't have happened to him. "Luke did you have a choice in getting that ticket?"

Luke looked up surprised, "No, of course not! Rosco boxed me in tight in the front, there was a bank on the right a fifty foot drop on the left, then that jack a-- stopped behind me. He looked happy when he shut off the motor like Rosco was there to ask us to a church dinner!" exclaimed Luke.

Jesse held up a hand to stop Luke's out burst. "My point is,... Bo, had you been driving you would have been just as blocked." stated Jesse.

Following Jesse's lead, "Yeah, you were there. You saw it. He had me. He had me dead to rights."

Though Bo couldn't help to think he could have gotten out of it he agreed, "Yeah, I know." he said not convincing either Luke or Jesse.

Jesse refilled their glasses. "Another thing. Luke you are operating as a 'free agent' again these days. Bo you have always played the field. Don't miss the fact that J.D. and Rosco can play dirty. They could try to set you up having a underage girl have you buy them a beer, or worse yet take her to bed. Please, boys watch yourselves and you A---!" cautioned Jesse.

They both answered, "Yes, Sir." at the same time.

"Well, I'm going to try to get into the bathroom and turn in. Luke you have an early day tomorrow and I'll need you both tomorrow night." said Jesse as he got up leaving the half filled Mason jar on the swing. "Good night boys." he said as he walked away from them.

They looked at the jar and then to the retreating form of their Uncle, and said again in unison, "Good night, Uncle Jesse."

"Think he could be right?" asked Bo.

Luke considered it for a long minute, "Yeah, I do."

00000

Hazzard Dawn

Luke set in the General Lee outside the Hazzard Garage, thinking, "Cooter Davenport I could have still been at home. You are late!"

Several seconds later the wrecker pulled up. Cooter unlocked the garage door, "Sorry I'm late I stopped for breakfast." he said holding up a box of donuts.

Luke smiled, "I'll forgive you this time then. Bo's doing my morning chores then Jesse will drop him off to help later."

Cooter replied, "Great! Two Dukes for the price of one!"

Setting the donuts on the work bench, he opened the refrigerator by the work bench, handed Luke a beer, and got one for himself.

Luke punched him in the arm for the remark about 'two Dukes for the price of one' as he took the beer. "My kind of breakfast. Beer and donuts."

Later...

Bo still hadn't showed up. Cooter answered the phone. After getting off the phone he said, "Luke, Rosco is fishing in his car AGAIN. Do you want to go or me?"
Luke was under the car. The motor was secured by a chain and had a jack under it as Luke was about to take loose the motor mounts. Everything else was ready.

"You go ahead. I'll loosen these and have it pulled by the time you fish him out." stated Luke.

The wrecker started and drove off. Several minutes later Luke heard foot steps enter the garage. A female voice called, "Who's under there?"

Luke answered as he rolled out from under the car on a creeper, "Just me." He looked upside down at the person the voice came from, he pushed farther out and set up to make sure he was seeing what he thought he saw. "Da--, I mean, Dixie?" he exclaimed his question.
"Have you seen my Dad?" she asked.

"Uh,...no,... Cooter's in the wrecker. I haven't seen your Dad." He stuttered, still not believing this was Dixie! She was in heels, a skirt, blouse and her hair was not in a ponytail! There was something else. What? Luke thought.

"Where's the wrecker?" Luther Davenport asked as he entered the garage. "Oh, I'm sorry Miss. Can I help you?" he questioned.

"Daddy!" exclaimed Dixie.

"Dad...?" his voice trailed off as he recognized his daughter. "Dixie?"

A bit annoyed, "Yeah, its me. I have something to ask you. Come here please?" she said as almost a beg.

Once outside, she asked, "Daddy, I was asked to go out to the Boar's Nest tonight by Tommy Rogers. It is teen night and I know you'll be there. Can I please go? He's the first boy to talk to me. Please?"

Luther was torn between protecting his only daughter and not making an enemy of her. "I don't see any harm, like you said I'll be there. But, I want to talk to him first!"

"Yes, Daddy. He'll be by here about closing. Thank you." She said hugging him. I'm going to Ruebottom's can I get a few things I need? About $10 worth of things?" she asked.

Since she had been there she had not asked for anything and she had earned her 'keep'. "You can put $20 on my ticket."

"Thank you Daddy!" she squealed as she hugged him and hurried off.

Luke was out from under the car. He had heard most of the conversation. "Luther, I may be out of place, but I say this in good faith. Did she ask to go out with Tommy Rogers?"

Still feeling like the 'Father of the Year', Luther replied, "That's right."

"And you approved?" questioned Luke with a look that said he didn't believe this.

"Well, you've all known Tommy forever. He's been around here many times. Yeah, I approved. Why?" asked Luther.

Luke considered his answer, "I may be out of place. I'm sorry if I am, but I'd rather say it and be wrong than to keep quiet and be right. He asked Daisy out awhile back Jesse sent him packing. He has a reputation of getting 'what he wants' ". Luke said blushing.

"Luke Duke! I'd talk if I were you! I think I know what I'm doing! Reputation! HA! ... Yes, you were out of line!" huffed Mr. Davenport.

Luke held you his hand, "Forget it then. I'm sorry."

Luther paced the garage for quiet awhile saying nothing. Considering the information Luke Duke had shared and the fact he wanted to keep his daughter's love."

00000

Closing time came. Luke took the wrecker's keys and was heading to the truck when Tommy Rogers arrived to pick up Dixie. They were heading to the Boar's Nest to hear Jeb's band. Luke planned on making an appearance there to make sure Tommy was a gentleman. He hurried to the farm, did his evening chores, ate quickly, grabbed a shower and headed to the Boar's Nest in the wrecker.

Teen night was stressful for the employees at the Boar's Nest. They had to ID everyone and watch those who bought alcohol to make sure that those under eighteen didn't manage to get it. The band had began playing. Dixie and Tommy were setting up front. Luke entered taking a seat at the bar. He ordered a beer and sat sipping it. He hadn't been there an hour when the phone rang. The bartender handed him the phone. It was Maybelle the operator asking for the Hazzard wrecker.

Luke took the phone, "Luke, I got a call. Sheriff Coltrane is stuck up out on Highway 411."

"How could he get stuck on 411? It's paved! ... I'm going. Thanks Maybelle." Luke was peeved.

After getting Rosco out of the ditch he had managed to get himself into, Luke took a shortcut down by the lake to get back to the Boar's Nest before Tommy and Dixie left.

What he didn't know was that Tommy had tried to play the 'gentleman' and take Dixie home early. He had made a detour...

Out by the lake Tommy pulled off the road, he shut the car off, and put the keys in his pocket. He leaned over to kiss Dixie. She was flattered and kissed him back. While kissing her and having her attention he locked her car door -- Dixie didn't hear this. Dixie still thought this was what she had waited for. Tommy leaned farther over to her side of the car beginning to grope her. She tried to push his hands back.

He said, "Put out or get out!" as he tried to pin her between himself and the seat, when Dixie began to get scared. He pinned her to the seat and when she tried to scream he leaned over her putting his weight on her as he continued to grope her.

She got her foot up and kicked him with all her might with the high heel of her shoe. He backed off for a moment. She grabbed for the door handle which was locked. He grabbed at her again. Dixie took off one of her shoes and began to wail him with all her might as she unlocked the door. She managed to get the door open and ran away as quickly as she could. It had began to rain as she walked the dark road where few cars traveled at this hour of night on a week night. Dixie was soaked through when she heard a vehicle approaching. Fearing it was Tommy she started to hide in the bushes, but before she could find a place she saw the lights coming from the other direction. She flagged the truck down, suddenly recognizing it as her father's wrecker. She was very relieved that it was Luke and not her Father.

Luke saw a wet form of a female flagging him down on a deserted lake road. He immediately stopped. He then realized it was Dixie Davenport. She was barefoot, soaking wet, and her clothes were in disarray.

"Dixie are you OK? What happened?" he pounced a little too quick. He turned up the heat in the truck.

"I'm fine NOW!" she said relieved. "Nothing happened." She said too quickly.

Luke knew she wasn't telling him everything, but knew not to push her or he'd push her away. He drove quickly trying to find the source of her problem. He suspected Tommy had tried (hopefully not succeeding) to push his affections on her. Not finding Tommy immediately, Luke stopped, taking off his jacket, he saw the scared look on her face as she sat shivering. "Dixie, I'm just stopping to give you my jacket. You are wet and I know you are cold." he tried to reassure her.

"Thank you." she said weakly.

He pulled back out and suddenly realized he wasn't sure where to take her. "Dixie, I don't know what you've been through tonight. I can take you to the hospital, to find your Dad, the farm, your house, you just name it. I'll trust your judgment if you don't want to talk about it."

He's being so sweet. She thought, Through the lump in here throat she said, "My house please?"

"You got it." he said a bit relieved. He hoped that if something truly terrible had happened she would have chosen another of his options. Pulling up to the Davenport farmhouse, Luke was relieved to find it dark. He opened the truck door for her and led her to the house. "You are still freezing. Go take a hot shower before you catch your death. Tell me where to find you something to wear and I'll get it."

She sniffed still looking at the floor, "Tall dresser in my room. Thanks, Luke."

"Just go get warm. You don't have to thank me." he said. He went to her room, turned on the light, going to the dresser he opened several drawers before finding something he thought would be warm. A pair of flannel Pajamas, thick socks and underwear. As he turned to go out of the room, hanging on the tall bed post was a thick bath robe and slippers on the floor. He took them, and the PJ's to the Bathroom door. He knocked, "Dixie, take your time. Your clothes are at the door."

"Ok." a mumbled reply came from the door.

She was either crying or had water in her face. He deduced. Luke walked into the kitchen finding the makings for hot chocolate he also found popcorn. He put the hot chocolate on and started the popcorn. Going to the living room he found marathon of comedies on TV. He also heard the shower cut off. Going back to the kitchen he poured the hot chocolate and put the popcorn in a bowl. Then he went back to Dixie's room where he saw a large quilt on the bottom of her bed, taking it he went back to the couch. As Dixie came out of the bathroom he took the quilt to her, "Here." he said wrapping her in it. "Come in here and see what else I have for you."

She held the quilt tight as the went to the couch, seeing the hot chocolate and popcorn. She smiled almost crying.

"I thought I'd fix the hot chocolate to warm you up and I ran across the popcorn. There are several movies I've been wanting to see on tonight. I figured I might as well stay and make sure you are OK for a bit and maybe you'd like the movies too." he said.
They set on the couch. He handed her the hot chocolate, "Are you warming up?"

She answered truthfully, "I don't think I'll ever be warm again. ... Hold me?" she squeaked. "Please."

"Come here." He took her in his open arms. "I'm here. I'll listen. I'll be a shoulder if you just want to cry."

She looked up at him and melted in his eyes. Letting all her fear and anger flow away with her tears.

"Da---- YOU! Tommy! you have gone way too far tonight!" Luke swore. "You'll answer to me. Just wait!"

After she had cried for awhile, Luke reached for a tissue for her and asked, "Please tell me what happened. I know you didn't do anything wrong."

"He tried to force me,... to, ... you know, ... He told me 'put out ... or get out', ..." she cried.

Luke held his breath, trying to control his temper.

She continued, "So, ... I ... got ... out ... I had to kick him ... Had to hit him with my shoe, but I got out ..." she began to cry again. "I almost hide when I heard you,...I thought it was him..." she sniffed.

"Are you sure you are OK? Is there anything I can do?" he asked.

"You are doing more than I can ask. Just please don't tell Daddy, Cooter or anyone else, ever. Please. Promise me?" she begged.

Luke shook his head, "Dukes' Honor." Though he thought, "No,I won't tell anyone, but I swear to get more than even with Tommy Rogers. No matter what! " he almost shook he was so mad. "Anyone to try to force someone against their will is a pretty low life character." he said with disgust. Luke was torn between comforting her and getting even with Tommy. He decided that for now he was needed much more by Dixie. He'd get Tommy later. He stayed, held and comforted Dixie until it was late. He knew Cooter and or Luther would be home soon. "Are you ready to try to get some sleep?" He had felt her doze on his shoulder.

"No." she said honestly.

"I was figuring I'd tuck you in bed. Lock the house on my way out and we'd not have to explain how and why I'm here at midnight." he said.

"Oh, sh---!" she looked at the clock. It was seconds away from midnight. "Luke you have got to go!"

"Calm down, let me tuck you in and I'll be gone before they get here." he said soothing her.

She climbed into bed. Luke spread the extra quilt over her even though it was summer. He pulled the covers up to her chin, tucking her in. "Goodnight, Dixie.

She managed to pull her arms back out to hug him, "Thank you Luke."

"No problem. Good night. I'll lock the house on my way out." he assured her.

She laid in bed, heard the wrecker start and drive away.

00000

It was almost one in the morning when Luke arrived home in the General Lee after dropping the wrecker off to Cooter at the Boars Nest where Bo was waiting for him in the General Lee. He and Bo entered the quiet farm house quietly. Luke took a clean coffee cup from their rack, poured himself a cup as Jesse entered the kitchen fully dressed, "I was getting worried about you two."

"Sorry, Uncle Jesse. I got tied up on a wrecker call." stated Luke honestly. He had been on a wrecker call when he found Dixie. Luke was still furious about the Tommy trying to force Dixie into anything.

"Tilly is loaded. Bo and I did that earlier today when we took the supplies up." said Jesse putting on his red cap to go out. "Let's go boys. Jeb and the others will be here soon. Daisy is already in bed."

Luke asked, "So what's the plan tonight?"

Jesse began to lay it out, "They are getting used to thinking you fellas are running the load. I'm taking Tilly out in a bit. I want you fellas to take the pick up and the General, go out the back forty make it look like you are the runner and blocker. Stay in touch with me and each other on the CB on channel 17. Just remember, you never know who's listening so watch what you say." he cautioned. CB's were still very new and not in the Hazzard County Sheriffs budget though they were not too sure about the ATF (Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms) agents.

"Let's hit it Bo." stated Luke.

Bo replied, "Yeehaw!" but kept his voice down somewhat as to not wake Daisy.

Jesse heard the two 'crank up and cut out'. "Well, I should have enough time to drink another cup before they get in too much trouble." he said to no one while pouring his coffee.

"Lost sheep 2 to Lost sheep 1" said Bo.

Luke replied, "Come on 2. Where are you?" Knowing full well where he was but wanted Jesse to know their location.

Bo replied, "Just dropped a pretty little filly off and was about to head out toward Hazzard pond to see what's up out there. I'm on Mill Pond Road now." he said grinning widely.

That was the call Jesse was waiting on. He headed out the door. Tonight was a big load that was going to a long time friend who ran a little bar in Chickasaw County. Jesse had Tilly's trunk loaded with a 100 gallons of his finest moonshine. Thanks to Luther Davenport and the overload shocks the trunk didn't set down much at all even with the added weight.

That's it Bo! thought Luke. "Let me know if anyone's out I might join you." 'Anyone being the law that Bo's looking for.' thought Luke.

"I doubt anyone being out I haven't seen a car yet." said Bo as he hammered the General Lee's accelerator hoping to shake the trees and see if anyone was out that way. Bo was running about 2 miles in front of Luke as they usually did when they were on a run. Several minutes later Bo saw the flash of blue lights just before he heard the siren. Bo still grinning as he down shifted the General into passing gear, "Would you believe the only car out here would have to be Rosco?"

"Yes." Luke replied, "with your luck. Well, if that's the case just loose him I think I'll just head to the farm."

Across the police radio, Rosco called, "I'm in pursuit of a Orange stock car near Hazzard Pond. It is headed toward Chickasaw and or Placid County." Rosco knew that this side road that they were on could go the either County which bordered Hazzard County.

"This is Sheriff Little of Chickasaw County. I'll have a road block at my County line."

The Placid County Sheriff advised, "I'll be set up there in two minutes."

"Well, you may be in pursuit of the Orange stock car Sheriff, but I'm behind what he's running blocker for." said ATF Agent Bucannon.

Being 'high tech rednecks' (even for back then), Bo, Luke and Jesse all had scanners that could pick up this transmission. Jesse just laughed as he headed Tilly down another road going to Chickasaw County. "Keep them busy boys." he said to himself.

"Kew, Kew, Kew, I got them this time." said Rosco.

About the time Luke had floored the pickup to go help Bo, then he saw the unmarked car of Agent Bucannon.

When Jesse Duke's pick up past him after hearing the Sheriffs transmissions the agent saw a large container in the back of the truck and knew that Luke was carrying a large load of moonshine.

NARRATOR: Now let's see what we have. Agent Bucannon jumped in behind Luke, who was hammered down to aid Bo, who had slowed a bit to keep from loosing Rosco, who was chasing him.

Luke keyed his CB mic, "Bo we got them where we went them, ... I think."

Bo continued up the road until it forked. There he saw the Chickasaw and Placid County cars blocking both escapes from Hazzard. He checked his mirror Rosco was still there.

Luke saw the access to an old part of the road which went up a hill. He crossed the ditch and took the old road which would meet back up to the main road. At the top of the small hill Luke took a left and headed directly toward the main road. He knew the bank dropped off sharply and he should land back on the main road which he did behind Bo, but in front of Rosco, who locked the brakes of the cruiser up to keep from hitting the pick up.

Agent Bucannon who didn't know the road followed Luke landing smack dab on top of Rosco's car. After looking to see they were Ok, Bo and Luke did a 180 degree turn right in front of Sheriff Little and the Placid County Sheriff. Bo and Luke were still in Hazzard County just this side of the County line. After turning Luke said into the mic, "Hang a right there Bo, we'll take the high road. Looks like there has been an accident on the lower one."

"10-4", replied Bo shaking his head.

"Be right back, going to 19 to call Cooter." said Luke as he switched the channel on the CB. "Break 1 - 9, anyone home on the Hazzard Net? This is Lost Sheep 1 and I'm looking for Crazy C and the wrecker."

There was a second of static before the radio came back to life, "I might be Crazy but I ain't Dumb, Crazy Cooter coming at you. What do you have there Lost Sheep?"

Luke was trying to keep a straight face as he began telling Cooter what had happened. "It seems there is a wreck out on the lower part of Mill Pond Road right before you get to the County line. No one is hurt, but I think Agent Bucannon is about to get a parking ticket."

"A parking ticket on Mill Pond Road? Luke its too early OR too late for riddles." said a still sleepy Cooter.

NARRATOR: Folks let me tell you there is NOTHING pretty about a sleepy COOTER!

Luke was laughing out loud now as he told Cooter the rest, "Bucannon is parked on Rosco's ...CAR!"

Now Cooter is awake. "You didn't 'help' him get there did you?"

"Me?" Luke asked innocently. "It may take you two trips. If you need me, shout and I'll meet you back at the garage."

"10-4 Lost Sheep." said Cooter into the mic. He looked at the clock on the wall it was 3:30 am. To himself he said, "Why do they HAVE to run moonshine so late at night?"