Author's Note: Please let me know how you like this so far with reviews.

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Dawn was breaking as the General Lee and Jesse's pick up pulled up to the farm house. As Bo and Luke started into the house Tilly came up the driveway and into the barn. They waited for Uncle Jesse on the front porch. He grinned widely, putting both arms around each of the boys shoulders, "That's my boys! You kept them both busy while I took the other road out of the county. He! He! He! Let's start some breakfast before the morning chores."

Bo and Luke looked at each other and slightly rolled their eyes. They knew Jesse was still hyper and had forgotten that he had taken a nap before they went on the run and that Bo and Luke had not. They washed up and set the table as Jesse cooked. As usual the smell of a cooking breakfast brought Jeb, Coy, Vance and Daisy to the kitchen. Jeb being the oldest of the four saw his cousins were in just a bit of disarray.

After breakfast Jesse said, "Boys I'm going to shower then I'll be right with you we've got a lot to do today." he said energetically.

Jeb held up his hand stopping what ever thoughts were going through Bo and Luke's head, "Uncle Jesse, the four of us can handle things for a bit, if Bo and Luke want to catch some shut eye."

Jesse looked around the room especially at his two oldest nephews. "Dang, boys I forgot that you had been up since yesterday morning. I'm sorry. Yes, grab a nap before you come help us. For that matter. We'll wake you for a bite of lunch."

The boys smiled as they stacked their plates and cups in the sink on their way to their room. Luke closed the door as they both took their boots off with a thump. Next to go was their shirts. As they undid there belts (camera goes to a close up of their faces -- sorry ladies.) Bo asks, "Luke is something bothering you?"

"What do you mean?" said Luke.

"Ever since I met you at the garage last night you act like somethings wrong. You seem mad and you've had your teeth clinched too." Bo said, knowing his cousin so well he knew that look. It was a look of anger barely being contained. He had seen it for years when Luke would be mad about something and Jesse would call them down. Luke would not disrespect Jesse for the world but he'd go to simmer mode and he was definitely on simmer now. "Did I do something wrong?"

Luke relaxed for just a second, "No, Bo you didn't do anything. It's nothing for you to be concerned about. I plan to handle it as soon as I can, then things will be OK."

Bo didn't like the sound of that but he was very tired and Luke looked more tired that him. He'd leave it alone for now. "Ok, Luke. Night ... or morning. Whatever." he said as he pulled up the blanket and turned toward the door.

Luke laid down in his own twin bed. He pulled the covers up over his waist and laid on his back staring at the ceiling until sleep overcame the angry inside him.

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At lunch the phone rang. It was Luther Davenport. "Jesse, I'm sorry to disturb lunch but figured I might catch Luke there."

"Yes, he's here." said Jesse, holding the phone up for Luke.

Luke got up from the table, "Sorry Uncle Jesse." Into the phone he said, "This is Luke." he listened to the other end. "Wait a minute and I'll see if its possible." Covering the phone. "Luther needs me to go to Atlanta for some parts. He and Cooter are tied up there trying to put Rosco and Agent Bucannon's cars back together. Is it OK?"

Jesse thought for a minute. The others could complete what as needed but he didn't want Luke to dodge his responsibilities at the farm. "Luke,..."

He was interrupted, "I'll hurry and be back to do all the evening chores and I'll stay around here tomorrow." said Luke.

Jesse studied the others, "Do you all mind?" They all said they didn't care. "Ok, then, Luke you can go but I expect everything to be done this evening."

"Yes, Sir. Thanks." said Luke to Jesse. In to the phone. "Ok, I'll be there in a bit, just make me a list. Bye." said Luke who then returned to the table hurriedly finished his lunch, excused himself, and headed for the shower. Within an hour he was at the garage, "Ok, what do you need?" he asked.

Luther came to the counter, picked up a list, opened the register and took out $500. "Here's the list, $500, and the keys to a flat bed truck I borrowed for you. They will be expecting you."

"Ok, got it. I'll be back as soon as I can." said Luke as he turned to go to the truck.

Dixie had been setting at the register wearing jeans, boots, but instead of her usual T-shirt or sweat shirt she had on one of the tops Daisy had given her. It was a sleeveless, low cut (but not too low), light blue top. She had also fixed her hair under the cap she wore. She knew Luke was going after the parts she had ordered. "Daddy, if Luke doesn't care can I go?"

Luther looked at Luke.

"I don't care, if you don't." said Luke.

Luther responded, "Go ahead. I guess you need a break from here sometimes too."

"Thanks Daddy." she said giving him a quick peck on the cheek. She set her cap on the counter and picked up her brush. "So what are you waiting on?"

Luke just shook he head at his friends sister. "I'm coming. Be back in awhile y'all." He called as he headed to the truck. Today she seemed more like herself than she had last night.

Once out of sight of the garage, Dixie said, "Thanks for last night and letting me go today."

Luke said, "I told you last night you don't have to thank me. I just did what any other person would have done."

"Well, that low life #($&) would never have treated me like that! You were very sweet." she said.

Luke smiled a bit shocked at her profanity, "Well, thank you. I just wanted to make sure you were Ok and I didn't want to leave you alone too long before your Dad or Cooter got there. You don't have to worry about him either. I'll take care of that too."

Showing her innocence, "What do you mean?"

"I just plan to have a long talk with him." replied Luke.

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Back at the garage while unloading the flat bed, Luke took the opportunity to talk to Luther when Dixie went down the street. "Luther, last night Dixie's 'date' went rather badly. I think she deserves to have a good time before she has to go back to school. Please hear me out." he continued, "I know you don't think any better of me than you than you did the jerk you let her go out with last night. I'd like to take her to the Boar's Nest tonight just as a friend. She can meet some of the others and make some new friends. I know you will be there. I promise to not drink anything and I'll have her home at whatever time you say. We will go straight there and straight back. If that's not acceptable she can ride home with you."

Luther listened to Luke, "What happened on her date?"

Luke keeping his promise decided not to tell the whole truth. "I wasn't there so I don't really know. She just told me that it didn't work out and she wouldn't go out with him again."

"Luke I do know you better than Tommy. I also know your reputation. I can't say I'd approve of your dating my daughter, but I guess she could go with you tonight since I'll be there." said Luther. "I will hold you to the not drinking, going straight there and back, and she is to be home by 11:00 pm."

Luke nodded, "I give you my word as a Duke. Besides you trust me with your truck. Why not your daughter?" Luke grinned.

"That's why I have full coverage insurance on my truck." replied Luther with his eyebrows raised.

Luke gave him an offended look.

"I don't trust you." said Luther completing his sentence.

"Thanks a lot!" said Luke sarcastically as he finished unloading the truck. He saw Dixie coming back up the street. "Well, I've got to get home and do the evening chores. Cooter, I'll catch up with you around midnight to take the wrecker home." he called back to Cooter who was under Agent Bucannon's car. Luke walked out of the garage timing it so he meet Dixie on the parking lot. "Hey, Dixie, what are you doing tonight?" he asked walking up to her.

"What I have been doing every night since I've been here. Staying at home." she said in defeat.

"Would you like to do something different?" asked Luke.

She looked up hopeful. "What did you have in mind?"

Luke smiled, "I thought maybe you'd like to go to the Boar's Nest and hear the band. I'll introduce you to all our friends. I'll show you that all guys aren't like that jerk. We'll just go as friends and have a good time. What do you say?"

She smiled, then it began to fade, "I'd love to but I'll have to ask Daddy." she said.

Luke replied, "That's not a problem. I have already talked to him."

She looked a bit worried. "You didn't..."

"No, I didn't. I just told him you said the date didn't go well and you'd not go out with him again. I told him I thought you needed to have a good time while you're here." he explained.

She was relieved that he didn't tell her father about last night. She thought, "He already talked to Daddy. None of the guys I know, here or at Mom's, would be direct enough to talk to parents before asking a girl out." she smiled, "When should I be ready?"

It was still early afternoon. Luke thought for a minute. "I have to play catch up on the chores at the house and shower. How about 6:30? I can call you before I leave the farm?"

"That sounds good. I'll be at the house." said Dixie.

Luke smiled seeing that she was as excited as she had been before her 'first date'. "See ya in a bit." He said heading towards the General Lee that Bo was just pulling up in.

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Back at the Duke Farm

In record time, Luke had milked, feed, cleaned stalls, and anything else that the others hadn't completed while he was gone.

Jesse watched his nephew seemingly on a mission.

Now he had pulled the General Lee to the side of the house. Out came a water hose and bucket. As Bo came out of the house Jesse nodded toward his oldest nephew, "What's up?"

Bo shrugged, "He didn't tell me anything. Looks like he has a hot date though."

Jesse agreed, "Yes it does at that, but he usually tells you."

Shaking his head negative, "Well, not this time."

Luke not only gave the General a quick wash job but dried him off and cleaned the inside. After putting those supplies up he also gave him wax job before being called for supper. Before supper Luke 'called' the shower first, much to the protests of Jeb, Coy and Vance who had to get going. Luke headed for the shower saying, "I know you're in a hurry. Give me ten minutes."

Jesse held up his hand to stop the protests. "He called it. You guys have had all afternoon. I don't know what's up but he's in a big hurry. He won't make you late." said Jesse taking his coffee to the porch leaving the stacking of the dishes to Daisy.

While Daisy was stacking the dishes the phone rang. Daisy answered, "Duke farm."

"Daisy I'm glad you answered." said Dixie.

"Hi, Sugar, what's up." said Daisy.

"Don't say who your talking to for starters." said Dixie.

Daisy replied sorta confused, "Ok."

Dixie sighed in relief, "Last night didn't go well with Tommy. I had told Luke about it today when he went after parts. When we got back he asked me to go to the Boar's Nest just as friends. Daisy, when I was two, I had a crush on Luke! I'm nervous! HELP?"

Daisy laughed at her friend, "Ok, just calm down."

"What should I wear? I know we're going as friends BUT walking in with LUKE when he could go out with anyone he wanted to!" said Dixie. "I've got my hair done. I'm just trying to figure out what to wear."

Trying to calm her down a bit, Daisy said, "Wear that watermelon colored long sleeve. The way its cut kinda low and it fits you so well, it will look like a million dollars with those black jeans."

"Sounds good. Will it be OK since it is long sleeve?" questioned Dixie.

Daisy replied, "It fit you best of all and you won't have to worry about a jacket if its chilly tonight. Are you wearing boots or heels?"

"I don't know what do you think?" asked Dixie.

Daisy said, "He sees you in boots all the time. Wear heels and leave the cap at home." she kidded.

"Are you going to be there?" asked Dixie.

"Yeah, I work tonight..." Daisy is interrupted by Luke as he came out of the bathroom freshly showered and shaved in nice fitting newer jeans. He wore no shirt and carried his older boots.

"Daisy, I'm going to need the phone a about 10 minutes.

Jeb the bathroom is open." he shouted on his way to his room.

"You heard? Are you all set? I'll get off here so he can have the phone." said Daisy.

"Yes, I heard him. I guess I am. See you there. Thanks for your help." said Dixie.

"Your welcome. Bye." said Daisy.

"Bye." Dixie replied.

Daisy hung up the phone. Luke came back through the house carrying his boots he wore when he dressed up and his shoe polishing kit. Daisy just watched and shook her head as he went to the front porch to polish his boots.

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Jesse had watched Luke since he had been home. He had not seen him getting ready for a date like this since he had gotten serious about Robin. Since their breakup Luke had been going from girl to girl. Most of these girls had just been glad he asked them out so he hadn't been in the habit of 'dressing up' for their meetings. On the porch Jesse also took notice of his appearance as he polished his boots. "Hot date?" he asked.

Luke looked up from his boots, "I'd say its more of trying to do something nice for a friend." he paused, "I need to talk to you about something. I don't have time right now but I'm picking up the wrecker at midnight, if nothing happens I'll be right home."

"You always know where to find me." stated Jesse.

"There was something bothering Luke for sure." thought Jesse.

"Thanks Uncle Jesse." He said getting up. He hurried into the house and picked out his favorite blue plaid shirt that showed off his blue eyes. He picked up the phone and dialed, saying only, "Are you ready? Ok, I'm leaving in a minute. Bye." He completed the look by putting on his Grey cowboy hat as he walked out the kitchen door to the General Lee.

Bo had heard the conversation. "Who was he talking to?" Wondered Bo out loud.

"I'll guess we may find out later." said Daisy acting innocent.

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Luke drove up to the Davenport home as he had hundreds, if not thousands, of times before. Dixie heard the General Lee turn into the drive but tried to calm herself as she waited for the knock on the door. She was trying not to seem over eager. When Luke did knock, she went to the door. He asked, "Are you ready?"

"Sure am." was her casual reply. She said closing the door behind her.

At the General Lee, Luke was being a gentleman by helping Dixie into the window. He also had a chance to take in her appearance. She didn't quiet look like Cooter's sister he had called "kiddo" all summer. 'Yes, she had grown up nicely', he admired.

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Outside the Boar's Nest Cooter's wrecker, Luther's pickup, Jesse pickup, the yellow Road Runner that would soon be Daisy's that Bo had driven were among the vehicles parked in front. As Luke cut the motor he could hear that the band had already began to play. Luke helped Dixie out of the General. As they entered the Boars' Nest he casually put his arm around her shoulder. He guided her through the growing crowd to a table up front where Cooter, Kathy, Bo, and Jill were seated. Bo and Cooter had seen them come in together. They were more than a little surprised to see them together. Though nothing was said, they both took in not only, Dixie's changed appearance, but also Luke's. When Daisy came by Luke ordered two Cokes. This was not expected by anyone at the table, as Luke was not driving the wrecker until midnight, though they didn't say anything about it. The next song that Jeb played was "Rocky Top". Luke took Dixie's hand and said, "Come on this is a fun one." They were followed by the others.

After that song Jeb said, "Ok, we're going to slow things down a bit, so you can catch your breath." The band started playing "Islands in the Stream" by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Pardon.

Luke and Dixie stayed on the dance floor. Dixie was a quick learner, Luke was a good teacher, so they were a natural dance couple. Luke was more relaxed tonight than he had been in several years. He was just there to have a good time and make sure that Dixie had a good time. He was not trying to 'get anything'; this was a one time thing, so he felt no pressure at all. They danced several more dances before returning to the table. Luke ordered 2 more Cokes. "Hmmm. Come to think of it, this is the most fun I've had since Jr. High and I'm not even drinking." he thought.

As promised Luke, drove Dixie to her house with minutes to spare before 11:00pm. He gave her a friendly hug and returned the General Lee to the Boar's Nest to pick up the wrecker and leave the General with Bo. He said his 'good nights'. He hoped to get home before Bo, Daisy, and the others. He was pleased to find Jesse on the porch. He walked up and set down on the steps, "Uncle Jesse, you have always told us the importance of trust. I need to talk to you about something, that I can't fully explain, since I have promised not to tell certain things."

"Well, Luke, I'll do my best to understand what you are talking about. Do you want to get something to drink first?" asked Jesse.

"Maybe later. I need to say this before the others get here." stated Luke.

Jesse replied, "Ok."

Luke sighed, trying to figure out how to explain his logic. "Ok, we run shine though it is illegal?"

Jesse replied, "Yes, because it was the family way long before there was a 'US' of 'A' government to tell us we couldn't and passing a law didn't change the family ways none."

Luke knew the reply. He had heard it for years. "Right. Now, have you ever been put in a situation where you felt that you HAD to do something, though it was illegal, but it just needed done?"

Not sure exactly what he was talking about Jesse was afraid to answer this as a 'yes' though he had been in the exact situation many times. "Can you explain? Give me a few details? That's an awfully broad question." said Jesse.

"Ok, fighting is illegal. I know someone who did something to someone else. I have tried for several days to control my temper, but to be quiet frank, he needs a 'lesson'. I know before this happens I could get into trouble with the law..." Luke was interrupted.

"I don't approve of breaking the law. However, Luke, I'll always back you. I may not agree, but I'll always back you. If you think it is worth the risk,..." Jesse paused. "How can I ask you to risk years of freedom by running shine for 'ME' and say I'd not back you on something like that?"

Luke studied Jesse's troubled face. "Thank you, Uncle Jesse. Though, I hear me and Bo asking you to LET us run the shine. I have never heard you ask us to do anything against the law."

Jesse was much wiser than his years, "Luke, somethings are just right. There may be laws against them, that have muddied the pond and you may have to pay the price. If you do something you think is right and get into trouble with the law, just know I'll support you as best I can."

That was more than enough to confirm what Luke knew he had to do. He'd look Tommy up soon!

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Saturday Night Boar's Nest

Luke had his first Saturday night off from the wrecker in awhile. He and Bo went to the Boar's Nest without dates. Luke had given Bo the keys figuring on drinking a bit. He had also left his wallet in the car locked in the glove box. About halfway through the night, Jesse had left for home. Bo and Luke were dancing with the ladies. Luke was drinking his share of beer and was feeling good, but was not drunk. A cute little filly Bo knew had him occupied when Luke saw Tommy walk into the Boars' Nest. Luke was setting in the back far corner where the lighting was bad. Luke was watching Tommy as he ordered a glass of "Boss's shine" (which was stronger than beer but more like mouthwash compared to Jesse's). Luke sipped about half the shine watching Tommy get further under his skin trying to pick up another girl to force himself on. Luke had had more than he could take. He finished the other half glass of shine in one swallow, stood up, closed the distance between him and Tommy in one motion before Tommy knew what hit him. Luke grabbed his shirt and punched at the same time. Luke continued to punch him in the ribs.

Tommy did his best to defend himself.

Cooter was nudging Bo, trying to get his attention.

When Bo looked, he saw what was going on but had NO idea why. It was a fair fight so he and Cooter stood by to keep it that way. When Tommy fell, now throwing his own punches, Luke pouched on top of him and banged his head against the floor several times. No one in the place knew why but it was a good fight. Cooter was in the position to be nearest Boss Hogg's private door where he'd seen Rosco go in earlier. He grabbed the door handle and held it tightly to slow Rosco's progress. Hearing the commotion Rosco fired a warning shot into the ceiling, covering Boss Hogg with plaster dust from the ceiling. Cooter let go as Rosco charged into the room. Not knowing or caring what was happening all he saw was Luke on top and whipping Tommy.

"FREEZE! Freeze!" they didn't. "Luke Duke, ... you ... are under arrest!" Rosco continued. Putting his gun back in the holster, he grabbed Luke from behind. This had little effect.

It was this particular moment that two State troopers happened by the Boars' Nest. Upon entering they saw Rosco struggling to gain control of Luke. They proceeded to assist the Sheriff, still unseen by Luke, who continued to fight both Rosco and Tommy. Trooper Mitchell, with handcuffs in hand, managed to get one cuff on Luke's left hand.

This is where Luke made what would not be his first mistake of the evening. He swung on the person holding the cuffs, connecting his fist with the Troopers chest. Doing the only thing he could do at the time Trooper Mitchell fell with all his weight on to Luke's left arm pinning it between Luke's back and the Troopers chest. Through the beer and shine this did get Luke's attention.

Trooper Mitchell shifted his weigh off Luke just a bit to keep from breaking anything, as soon as he quit fighting them. They were able to get the cuffs on him and get him off Tommy.

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When the troopers came in Bo and Cooter looked at each other, managing an, "Ol' Sh-----!" Neither knew what had brought this on from Luke, nor did they know about Luke and Jesse's talk. Therefore, they KNEW Luke was in more trouble than was going on before them. When Luke swung on the Trooper it was all Cooter could do to hold Bo back, to keep him from 'helping' Luke and getting himself in BIG trouble, too.

"Bo, just hold on a minute." said Cooter. "Luke will need us more out here than joining him in the 'pokie'. Cooter couldn't see what else was going on with Luke as he tired to get Bo under control and away from the situation involving Luke. Cooter ended up half dragging Bo outside before the law turned their attention to them. From across the parking lot Bo and Cooter saw the Troopers put Luke in their car. He was complying with them at this point. Luke managed to have a slight busted lip. However, when Tommy came out with Rosco to give his 'statement', it was obvious that he had gotten the worst end of the fight. Cooter said, "Come on, let's get to the farm."

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At the Duke farm Daisy had also had the night off. "Uncle Jesse I think I'm going to turn in early."

Jesse turned the kitchen stove eye off that had been keeping his ever present coffee warm. He filled his cup and replied, "It's not going to be long before I turn in myself."

At this point the General Lee is heard roaring up the drive. Both Daisy and Jesse looked at the door as Bo and Cooter came in the house like something was after them. At this point the phone began to ring.

Jesse asked, "Boys. What in tar nation?"

Daisy answered the phone over the commotion across the kitchen. "Duke Farm, ... Yes, Ma'am, he is,..." she looked worried as she handed the phone to Jesse. "Uncle Jesse the phone is for you."

"Boys settle down." Jesse instructed, still unknowing what they were trying to tell him. "Who in the world would be calling at this hour?... This is Jesse Duke,..." He looked at the boys as he said, with his voice raising an octave or two, "He's WHERE!" Jesse listened to the voice on the other end of the phone.

"Yes, Ma'am. What do I need to do to get him out?... I see... Will you let him know I'll be there first thing in the morning. Thank You." he said hanging up the phone. "Ok, boys, I just got the short version. NOW, tell me WHAT happened."

Daisy was quiet confused at this point. She hadn't even gotten the short version.

Bo said, "Cooter tell him. You saw more than I did."

"Well, Uncle, Mr. Jesse, all I know is, I looked up and here came Luke across the Boars Nest. He grabbed Tommy Rogers by the shirt and began punching him. Tommy didn't even know what hit him. Luke got him down and was still going at him when Rosco got by me. Rosco was trying to get Luke off Tommy when the Troopers ..."

Cooter was interrupted by Daisy, "Troopers? Oh, Lord."

"Yeah, two Troopers came in. They were trying to help Rosco. One had started to handcuff Luke, who was still fighting Tommy. I guess Luke didn't know who was behind him, because it was then that he hit the Trooper. That's about all I got to see because Bo here was trying to jump in. I had to drag him outside." said Cooter who was still very excited.

Bo hearing the whole ugly story. Especially when Cooter told Jesse about him, said, "Thanks Cooter." Knowing he would get probably more than his fair share of the lecture that was sure to follow, since Jesse was undoubtedly unhappy with Luke and he wasn't there.

Cooter for the first time since they had been there flashed his widest grin.

Thinking that Bo was really thanking him. "No problem, Bo."

Daisy said, "I'm going with you all to get him." she turned to go get dressed.

Jesse stopped her, "There is no point in going anywhere tonight. The Judge won't be in until 9 AM. There is nothing we can do until then."

"There has got to be something we can do." she insisted.

About that time came Jeb, Coy and Vance who knew nothing about what was going on heard Daisy's last sentence. Jeb asked, "Something we can do about what?"

Jesse said, "Luke's in jail and there is nothing we can do until the Judge sets bail in the morning." now Jesse had a room full of jabbering young adults that were as wide awake as he now was. "Kids! Cool it! I can't hear myself think!" Going to bed was now out of the question. Jesse emptied the coffee pot and refilled it to make more. "It's going to be a long night." he sighed to himself. "Daisy you might as well fix some popcorn for you all to snack on. We'll go in the living room and talk. I know there's no need in even telling you all to go to bed."

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Dixie was on her way to bed when she heard on the scanner that there had been an arrest made at the Boar's Nest. Her father was asleep. Cooter wasn't home yet. There was no way she could call Daisy -- (It was far too late to call someone's home.) All she could do was to continue to listen to the scanner, but it (what ever it had been) was over before the radio traffic came across the scanner. She was worried for her friends and brother as he had still not came home. She set her alarm clock extra early. There was a strange feeling that was bugging her yet she didn't know why. She had to find out early, if she managed to sleep, what was up.

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NOTE: (Being a Correctional Officer by trade I had to 'improve' Rosco's 'cuff & stuff' routine a little. Also, the correctional officer here may talk more freely than I ever would, as Hazzard is a small town, where everyone knows everyone. I took the liberty of making the following change...) When there was going to be a commitment in the county jail they would call to the Tri-County Jail for a Jailor to meet them at the Courthouse. Being only one man, Rosco could not leave a 'prisoner' alone and patrol too.

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At the Hazzard County Courthouse Rosco looked on as Trooper Mitchell processed Luke. He was searched, finger printed, then was asked his life history on the booking sheets. Peggy happened to live in Hazzard County and beat them to the Courthouse. It had been her, that had phoned Jesse for Luke. She had also gotten Luke some ice for his lip. She asked, "Have you been drinking?"

Luke was setting in a chair at the booking desk. He was putting his socks back on. What had not helped Luke's mood was that most of the questions he'd been asked they all knew. Luke replied a bit impatient, "Yes, but I'm not anywhere near drunk."

Peggy nodded Ok and said politely, "Just leave your boots off and you can put your belt in them. I'll get you a pair of flip flops."

Luke just rolled his eyes thinking, "This night just KEEPS getting better."

Peggy returned from somewhere with a pair of flip flops, "I called your Uncle Jesse for you. He said he'd be here first thing in the morning."

Luke replied, "Thanks, Peggy. I appreciate that."

She then said to the Trooper, "All done?"

He said, "Yeah, I'm done, just have to do my paperwork."

"Come on Luke." she said and nodded to the stairwell that led downstairs to the two small cells. At the bottom of the stairs she opened the gate, took the set of keys off the peg on the wall, and unlocked the cell door.

Luke looked at the cell for a second before entering. Two of the walls were formed from the outside walls of the building. The other two were of steel bars. The 6 by 8 cell contained one small barred window, steel bunk, a thin fire proof mattress, thin pillow of same material, a wool blanket was folded on the bed. A sink / toilet combination was beside the bunk in the back of the cell.

Luke stepped inside, though he knew full well what was likely to happen tonight, he was not prepared for the chill, that the door slamming and locking behind him sent down his back. Luke set down on the hard bunk thankful that he had drank quite a bit tonight figuring that would be the only reason he'd be able to sleep.
Peggy locked the gate at the bottom of the steps and sat down at the desk to finish up her part of the paperwork. Luke did make a mental note that she had put both sets of keys in her pocket instead of back on the peg.

Trooper Mitchell came down followed by Rosco several minutes later. The trooper handed Peggy his complaint through a slot in the door and said, "Goodnight, Peggy." Rosco looked surprised to see the gate actually locked in effect locking him out of his own jail. Peggy said, "Thanks for the overtime, night you guys, be careful." Rosco ended up just following the trooper back up the steps and they both left for the night. Peggy made a pot of coffee on a small hot plate she had, then dug for a book in the desk drawer.

This would be Luke's first night in jail. A night he'd not soon forget. Being a free spirit the small space did bother him more than he'd like to have admitted. He was still setting on the bed when the trooper had brought the paperwork to Peggy. He was still sizing up his situation. He took a mental measurement of the small space. Then, he followed the steel bars to the ceiling and floor checking each for faults. He found none. After he was sure the officers had left, he decided to ask exactly what he had been charged with. Luke figured that the swing on the Trooper had brought him more than he originally bargained for. He was right! He cleared the lump that had suddenly appeared in his throat when the cell door had closed, then asked, "Can I ask just what they charged me with?"

Peggy smiled and nodded, "Sure, let me see." She picked up the paperwork and studied it for a second before answering, "Battery, and Battery on a Police Officer."

"Which means?" questioned Luke.

"That you hit someone and then hit an officer." explained Peggy.

Luke nodded, "Well at least they didn't try to add more than what happened."

Peggy got in the desk drawer finding some foam cups. "Want a cup of coffee?"

"Sure, why not? I don't see me getting any sleep tonight anyway." replied Luke. "Do you do this often?"

Peggy knew he meant working in Hazzard. "Only when they have someone charged that won't bond at night or someone is sentenced to overnight. The others HATE to come over here, but it's a break from driving all the way over to Tri-County for me and I rack up the OT." she handed Luke a foam cup of coffee.
"Thanks." Luke said. He didn't really want the coffee but it was offered.

Peggy decided to make small talk to make her night also go by a little quicker. "Want to talk about it." Meaning what had happened.

He sighed. "First of all, though it doesn't matter, I didn't mean to hit the trooper. There was something that needed settled. I intended to settle it." he took a sip of coffee.

"Was it worth it?" she asked.

Luke smiled slightly, "I knew this was a possibility before hand. If the message got through, yes, it will have been worth it."

Peggy just nodded, finished her coffee, turned a dimmer light on, then switched the big lights off. "If you say so." She returned to her desk, switched on a reading lamp and picked up her book.


Luke laid back on the hard mattress, stared at the ceiling, thinking to himself. He had been with more girls since Robin, than he'd care to admit. Yet, he had NEVER did anything with any one them they hadn't wanted. It really bothered him that someone was sick enough to try to force someone like Dixie into anything. Yes, this was worth it. Images of Dixie shaking and frightened reassured him that this was a small price to pay for the satisfaction he felt. Even if he had bitten off more than he had bargained for. Luke did manage to drift off to sleep just as dawn was breaking with the knowledge that this may not be his last night in here, over this.

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