Author's Note: Please let me know how you like this so far with reviews – we're over 60,000 words here – I just need a few from YOU!
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Several days later Robin walked to the Boar's Nest she hoped, 'Don't let Luke be there.' she was relieved to see Cooter's wrecker. She had been in Ralph's car when she went to shift to the next gear, the linkage became jammed. She had managed to get the car off the road 'Please let Cooter have the wrecker.' Robin entered the bar and saw Daisy. "Who's driving the wrecker?"
Daisy pointed to Luke. "What's wrong?" asked Daisy.
Robin shook her head to let Daisy know it wasn't serious. "A crossed linkage. It just needs beat out but I can't do it." she sighed as she approached Luke. "Luke, can you get a linkage unstuck?"
"With my eyes closed." he replied coldly.
He was not making this easy, and she was in a hurry. "I'm just up the road. Will you get it unstuck?"
He stood up and said, "Robin, your car isn't a standard."
Robin looked him in the eye and replied, "That's right."
Luke and Robin walked out of the bar together. Daisy would have loved to have not been so busy. Luke walked to the wrecker, seeing the car in question, it was as he figured Ralph's car. He walked past the driver's door, picked up a hammer out of the tool compartment and a piece of tarp. At the car he laid the tarp down, crawled under, hit the linkage a couple of times, and said, "Get in, shift the gears all the way through." He would not have trusted just anyone to do this since he was laying under the car between the front and back tires. If she let it roll too much either way he'd be hit. Luke heard the gears changing. He crawled out and said, "Let me see." He got in the car and worked the gears. Satisfied they were unstuck and wouldn't cross again. He said, "That should do it." He picked up the tarp and hammer, walking toward the Boars' Nest.
Robin called, "Do I owe you anything?"
Luke just turned and looked at her for a second before answering, "Not a THING." She could find more ways to get under his skin than anyone he knew. He'd have helped anyone by doing the two minute job to get them back on their way and not thought of charging them. Yet, she thought he'd charge her.
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Luke returned the wrecker to Cooter at the garage a little later. Bo pulled up to pick him up. Dixie was collecting for gas at the pumps when Bo said, "Hey, Dixie, Jeb wants to know if you'll help him tonight?"
Dixie knew he meant with the band and said, "If I can get a ride."
Bo replied, "That's where we're going. Hop in."
Dixie looked at her father. He was glad she'd made friends this summer. "Go on! Eleven." he said.
"Thanks Dad." she said climbing into the General's windows like she had been doing it all her life.
At the Boar's Nest, Luke took a table near the back and ordered a beer to sip on. He found himself watching them set up. He wasn't watching anyone in particular though he found his eyes kept resting on Dixie who was bending and stretching to hook up all the cables and wires to help get the band set up.
He remembered the morning at the farm with Dixie and was trying to figure out what had happened. Luke had dated his fair share of the ladies but what happened that morning was different. He had intended to talk to her. He had not intended to kiss her. Remembering the feelings that were awaken, Luke had to admit to himself it had felt very 'Da-- good!' He had felt something he had missed since he and Robin had been together. 'No, it was different still.' he thought.
The Boar's Nest had filled up quiet a bit, mostly with teens as it was teen night. Luke had not been watching the crowd until he heard Robin's youngest brother David say, "What were you doing in Ralph's car today?"
Luke replied, "Making sure that Robin got it back home. It's my job when I'm running the wrecker."
"So you and my sister were in Ralph's car? That makes perfect since!" David said adding more to it than had happened. "Wait until Ralph hears you were in his car today!"
Luke knew David well. He was the type to start trouble then set back and watch. Luke stood up, looking the shorter teen in the eye, and calmly said,"Ralph had better not hear anything from you." Even as Luke said this, he knew, it would do no good. Luke was also treading on thin ice since David was under eighteen. It turned out that it had been Luke's luck that as he got in Ralph's car to check the linkage, David had gone by in another car seeing him.
David smiled, quickly finding an exit.
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Luke had followed the teen to make sure he was gone before taking a seat at the front table with Dixie and Beth. (Who's Mother had allowed her to come for a short while to hear the band before things got late and out of hand as long as Dixie or Daisy had an adult with them.)
Dixie asked, "What was 'that' about?"
Luke waved his hand dismissing it. "Robin crossed the linkage in Ralph's car today. I was here, got it unstuck, checked it out, obviously seen by her younger brother, who has run off to spread wild rumors to Ralph that I was in his car."
Beth replied, "You told him not to."
"Nothing short of killing him would stop him and he's not worth it." said Luke taking a drink of beer.
'Stand by Me' began to play and Bo came over and asked, "Beth would you like to dance?"
She replied, "Sure." They left for the dance floor.
Luke thought a dance might get his mind off the teen trying to start trouble. He said to Dixie, "Shall we?"
Dixie smiled, "Ok."
On the dance floor Luke took her in his arms. They began to dance and whatever they had felt that morning was back. Dixie looked up and found Luke looking into her eyes. Luke had an overpowering urge to kiss her. Right here. Right now. He also knew that Cooter and Luther, her Father, weren't far away either. It was all he could do to hold her and yet keep from kissing her right there. As the song ended Luke walked Dixie back to her table as he saw Mark and his date Sharon enter. "I'll be back in a bit." Luke walked to the bar and said to Mark, "Buy you a beer."
Mark replied, "Ok, what's up?"
Luke said, "You mean other than David trying to push my buttons?"
Mark questioned, "You mean my brother, David? Him push any body's buttons? Never!" replied Mark sarcastically.
Luke explained, "Robin was by here today. She had car problems in Ralph's ride. I got her going. David saw me in the car. Now, I suppose he's off to tell Ralph."
Mark raised his glass, "That's my brother!" he paused, "You know, he's pushing because ..."
"Because I can't touch him." said Luke to finish Mark's statement.
At this point Dixie came over, "Luke, Jeb wants to know if you'd sing a song for him?"
"Sure why not?" Luke replied, though had he known, what he would know in the next year, he might not have sung that song considering the impact it would have on all those in this room. The song was 'Jacob's Ladder' by Mark Wills and he sang it with Dixie...
Jacob was a dirt poor farm boy Raised at the fork in the road in a clapboard house And Rachael was a land baron's daughter Born with a silver spoon in her mouth Her daddy said he wouldn't stand For Rachael to waste her life with a common man He tried hard to keep them apart But you can't draw lines in a young girl's heart So late one night by the harvest moon Jacob climbed a ladder up to Rachael's room He knew his place, it was right beside her Step by step up to her world Head over heels for a brown-eyed girl And gettin' caught didn't seem to matter 'Cause heaven was waitin' at the top of Jacob's ladder It'll be five years September Since her daddy found a ladder and a note on her windowsill He swore he'd never forgive them But nothin' melts a heart like a grandchild will Now she climbs up on his knee Says, "Grandpa, tell a story, the one about me" He thinks back and his eyes shine Says, "Listen Child, once upon a time" Late one night by the harvest moon Your daddy climbed a ladder to your mama's room He knew his place, it was right beside her Step by step up to her world Head over heels for my little girl And here you are, that's all that matters 'Cause heaven was waitin' at the top of Jacob's ladder Oh, an angel was waitin' at the top of Jacob's ladder
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As the song ended, there was a shout from David in the back of the room, "Are you going to use her like you did my sister, then leave her too?"
Cooter, Bo and Mark all grabbed to stop Luke, but he had been too fast going after David. He picked him up by the shirt collar, pinned him to the wall with his left hand, while with the right he drew back. As he brought the punch forward, Luke regained some of his senses. He brought the punch with in mere inches from David's face never touching him, yet noticeably scaring him. Luke let him down on the floor, pointed toward the door and said, "Go! You are NOT worth it!"
David was gone in a flash. Luke turned seeing David's father setting with Jesse. He had not moved to help his son. Luke walked over and said, "Bill, it was Da-- close, but I didn't touch him."
He replied to Luke, "I saw. I was also here for the first round. I couldn't much blame you if you had hit him."
"He's pushing my buttons over me helping Robin today with Ralph's car. Now he's probably telling Ralph everything he thinks he knows." explained Luke.
"I LIVE with him." was all his father said.
Luke shook his hand and said, "I don't need the trouble, but I didn't want you mad at me either."
Bill replied, "We're fine."
Luke said, "Thanks." Then returned to the front table setting where he could see the front door. He had a nagging suspicion that tonight's trouble wasn't over. Luke ordered a second beer and took a long drink as he watched the crowd. About an hour later he told Beth and Dixie, "Ok, here we go. Go to Jesse. Easy. NOW!" Luke had said it quietly, calmly but with a sense of urgency. The girls got up and went to Jesse's table as Luke took a long drink of beer as he waited for Ralph to make his move.
Cooter nudged Bo and Mark to look at the door where Ralph stood.
Ralph walked over to Luke and said, "What were you doing in my car today?"
Luke replied, "Making sure 'your' girl got it home."
"So you were in my car?" Ralph insisted.
"Yeah, I checked the linkage." replied Luke. He knew where this was going to end up.
Ralph glared at him, "And what was she checking the other night at your house?"
Luke unfortunately played into his hand by saying, "She was there to see Daisy. Not me." Luke knew she had told both Jesse and Daisy she didn't want him to know she had been there, yet he knew.
Ralph yelled, "I'm going to kick your tail, then, I'm going to whip her!"
Luke changed his mind with a right cross sending him up against the bar. About this time three of Ralph's friends thought Ralph needed help and grabbed Luke. Bo, Cooter, and Mark equaled the odds. The eight young men were pretty equally matched which made a 'good' fight. Tables were turned over, chairs were swung as the fight progressed. As Rosco and his newly hired Full time Deputy, Enos Strate, pulled into the parking lot the experienced Sheriff knew there was trouble by the sounds coming for the Boars' Nest. Rosco entered yelling, "Freeze! Everyone just Freeze!" the fight continued until the Sheriff fired two shots into the ceiling. Everyone stopped fighting except Luke and Ralph. "You are all under arrest! Now FREEZE!" It took Bo, Cooter and Mark to get Luke off of Ralph. The fight had been far too long in coming. Rosco managed to get them separated against two walls as Enos blocked the exit. "Get me the phone." He dialed Peggy. "Peggy I'm going to need you tonight. I have eight subjects detained at the Boars' Nest and only one Cruiser to haul them."
"I'm on my way Rosco. I'll bring a van from here." Here being the Tri-County Jail that she normally worked at.
It wasn't long before Peggy arrived with a jail van and enough hand cuffs for the group. She knew Rosco would be lucky to have two pair. The eight were handcuffed, seated in the van, and read their rights. Rosco, Enos and Peggy made sure that Luke and Ralph were separated the farthest apart.
Daisy put her arm around Dixie and said, "See, Luke and Robin aren't even talking but he'd not stand for Ralph to threaten her."
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Beth's Mother came into pick up Beth seeing the overturned tables and chairs with spilled pop, beer and popcorn. Beth was standing safely behind Jesse who saw the horror in the Mother's face. Jesse walked Beth to her Mother who asked, "What on Earth happened?"
Jesse explained as he and Dixie walked them out of the Boar's Nest, "Teen night is usually not like this, with all the parents and adults who show up. Unfortunately, there was a bit of unavoidable trouble. I will have you know that the guys did try to avoid it and then made sure the girls were well out of the way."
Knowing the thought that was crossing her Mother's mind, Beth ducked before her Mother asked the next question, "You knew the people involved in 'THIS' Mr. Duke.?"
Jesse replied, "As a matter of fact I know four, of the eight involved, quiet well. Four guys started trouble with my oldest nephew. His cousin and two friends equaled the odds."
"Oh, Dear." said Beth's Mother.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go see about my boys. Come Dixie I'll drop you off on the way ." Said Jesse as he headed to his pick up.
Beth's Mother asked, "He stayed with you, until I got here, after all that?"
Beth hoped to assure her Mother about the Duke family by saying, "Yes. That was the condition of me getting to go 'that an adult be with us'. He wouldn't just leave us there and Dixie's Father had a wrecker call."
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At the jail Rosco had another problem. He only had four bunks in his downstairs cells. Upstairs the one cell up there only had a bench around three sides. He put Ralph and his friends in the 'holding' cell upstairs and took Luke and the others downstairs. Bo and Luke were put in one cell beside Cooter and Mark. As soon as the guys were secured, Peggy went upstairs to call the Judge to see if maybe he'd come out that night since the jail was crowded. Judge Hardcastle was the one on call. He felt that if he did come in and let them bond tonight that they would have round two before dawn. He figured they would be OK on the benches and floor for one night. Fortunately the benches were wide enough for a mattress to fit on the three side which only left one to sleep on the floor. The guys by decided that since Ralph, not only got them in this, but lead them into a fight, where they not only went to jail because of him but lost, that he could sleep on the floor. Peggy did give him two mattresses. Peggy sent Enos downstairs with the boys. With Enos being new she felt better putting him in the most secure area. She took the cell keys and locked the gate on her way upstairs were she'd work tonight.
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Luke looked around at his cousin and friends, then said, "Sorry guys. I guess got a little carried away there."
Mark replied, "I seen it coming. I did try to stop you. I missed."
Bo replied, "Cooter and I missed too."
Luke looked at them confused.
Mark explained, "As you got up, we all tried to stop you. You were too quick, we all missed."
Luke couldn't help grin at the picture they painted, and said again, "Like I said, I'm sorry about this. I took all I could take. It was just far overdue."
Bo asked, "You still like her." (meaning Robin)
Luke got serious, "No, I don't. No one will ever hurt her in front of me, but that's it. As a matter of fact I have thought about getting more serious with someone else." he looked off in the distance.
Mark, Cooter, and Bo asked, "WHO?"
Luke smiled, "I'll let you know if it happens." He found himself thinking more about Cooter's sister. He was pretty sure that the feelings he was having were mutual but worried about what Cooter would think. Besides, she still hadn't convinced her father to let her go to school here this year. Luke was certain that if she stayed, by her big birthday in April, things would be better. Until then he planned to just be cool.
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NARRATOR: Well, in the last week since the huge fight at the Boar's Nest a lot has happened. Dixie had indeed talked her Mother and Dad into letting her go to school here. All eight boys were out on bond. Much to Luke's surprise he had taken little 'flack' about the fight. Jesse may not take to fighting but he also didn't like any one threatening any female or his nephews. The boys court date was set ironically one month from the day Luke had went to jail for the first time after being sentenced to fourteen days in jail for fighting Tommy.
Luke took out the official looking paper from the envelope. He knew it was his court date for the fight. He shook his head in disbelief. "Oh, man, this can't be good."
Bo opened his envelope. It had the same date and time set. "What's wrong Luke?" Not seeing the relevance of the date.
Luke sighed, "I went before Judge Hardcastle last month on the same date, for fighting Tommy."
Bo looked at Luke in disbelief as he dialed the number to the Hazzard Garage. Yes, Cooter's Court date was also set for the same date and time. Then he called Mark McCormick, Bo found out that Mark was also scheduled for the same time.
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August 25 10:00 am Hazzard Courthouse
Luke, Bo, Cooter and Mark walked into the Courtroom. Jesse Duke followed the boys in.
Judge Hardcastle took the bench and before calling the Court to order he said, "Boys, you were all in this together. It's up to you. We can save a lot of time by having your hearings together or we can be here all day having four separate hearings. I'll give you a minute to decide."
Luke was made the spokes person for the group, though he wasn't sure this was a good idea. They decided to stick together.
Judge Hardcastle asked, "Have you decided?"
Luke replied, "Yes, Sir. One hearing will be fine."
The charges of Battery and Destruction of Property were read. "What is your plea?"
Luke again spoke for the group. "Guilty."
Judge Hardcastle asked if the others agreed. They did, and all had agreed to go ahead and be sentenced today. Judge Hardcastle looked right at Luke before saying, "You are becoming a regular. Considering I haven't seen your friends before I'll be giving you more of a break than I would were you here alone."
Luke read the message clear. Had he been alone, and the next time he found himself here, the judge planned on throwing the book at him.
Judge Hardcastle spoke again, "I am going to sentence each of you to 30 days in jail with credit for the time you have served. Sheriff here are your commitments. They are all yours."
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Once at the jail Luke said as Rosco locked the door behind them after putting them in the holding cell until Peggy could get there to book them in. "I told you that this wasn't going to be good."
After being searched and booked they were taken downstairs to the two cells below. Though cards were not allowed in Jesse's house they were allowed in the jail. The boys attempted to pass time with either cards or checkers. None of the four free spirited guys took to being locked in the small jail cells. Peggy had let Jesse bring them several car magazines which they took turns reading and re-reading, but found them not that interesting since there wasn't a car there to try the new things they were reading about on. Of course they each took turns doing a far amount of pacing back and forth in the six by eight cell.
A couple of days into the boredom Peggy came down with four letters.
Cooter's as expected was from Kathy. She wrote ... Honey, I miss you! I know you couldn't and wouldn't have let your friends fight out numbered without at least evening the odds, but Daddy doesn't understand it. He's going to be a problem for us when you get home. I wanted you to know in case he tries telling you something like I don't want to talk to you. He'd do it, but its not true. I've had more fun in the time we've been seeing each other than I have with any of those 'Country Club' guys he wants me to date. I'm just not the evening gowned 'belle of the ball' he wants me to be. I'd much rather wear jeans and go to the Boar's Nest with you. I know you're sharing this with the guys, but I don't care. I love you Cooter:) Love ya, Kathy PS. Tell the others 'Hi!'
Mark was a bit surprised to see his was from his sister, Robin. She wrote ... Mark, Have you lost all your senses? You know they (her parents) have always told you that if you got yourself into trouble they would let you get yourself out of it. Yet, I hear you jumped right in to back Luke. What was this all over? I'm only hearing Ralph's side which I take with a grain of salt. Then there's David digging at him about Luke. Then, he reverses his line on me trying to get under my skin. For what its worth tell the others I'm sorry. I don't know what happened but feel it's some how my fault. Love Ya, Your Sis.
Bo was surprised to see his letter was from Daisy's friend, that he'd danced with at the Boar's Nest, Beth, who started, ... Bo, I wanted to write you and let you know that I enjoyed our dance the other night. I was hoping to get to know you a bit better until everything got crazy. That fight was unbelievable! You all showed them! Did I hear right? All that was over Luke helping his ex-girlfriend because she was broke down? I hope they aren't still a thing because I think someone else really likes him. If your not too busy answering the other girls letters you can write me back if you like. Beth. ... (Beth hoped he'd let her know if he was dating anyone if he wrote her back.)
Luke saw his envelope was from Dixie. He attempted to conceal this from Cooter for the time being. He opened the letter which read, ... Luke, I wanted to let you know I was thinking about something you told me. Yes, I was feeling guilty about you going to jail because of me. I saw for myself the other night, then Daisy also explained, that you are just the kind of guy who won't stand for anyone to hurt a girl no matter who she is. I am proud to have all you guys as my friends and I am proud of my brother too. The guys where I'm from would never have done what you all did. Nor would any of them have asked my Dad, to his face, about taking me out that first night we went to hear the band. They would have asked me, then, I'd have had to done the talking Dad into it.
I hope you won't share this with Cooter. I wanted you to know something else. The day by the barn -- that was my first kiss. It wasn't like any first kiss that I've been told about though:) I enjoy singing with you all at the Boars' Nest even though I was scared to death I'd forget the words.
I was able to talk them into letting me go to school here this year:) I can't wait for my birthday in April so I may get to make more of those choices for myself. At least I'll still be here when you get home. Dixie :)
Cooter was the first to finish his letter and said, "Ok, let's switch." Bo and Mark handed over their letters as Luke put his in his pocket. "Oh, now that's not fair. Hey, Bo who was his letter from anyway?"
Bo replied, "Beats me."
Luke just smiled, "Never mind, and I was asked not to share with you guys."
Mark said, "Must be someone who knows us pretty well. Was it Robin?"
Luke replied, "That is the last person who'd write me."
Mark questioned, "And, you wouldn't tell us if it were from her?"
Luke smiled, "Right! But, it wasn't from her."
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Late that night, when Luke thought the others asleep he pulled out Dixie's letter, reading it again. He sat up on the top bunk, got a few sheets of paper he'd put up there earlier and began to write. He left the name off it until finished it. Beginning simply:
Thanks for the letter. I'm not very good at putting things into words but I will try. It has been a long while since I have wanted to say things to a girl bad enough to put them into words. Just a word of caution, Jesse has always told us 'Never put things in writing that you don't want the whole world to see. Because you never know where or when that slip of paper will come back to haunt you.' So there may be things I'd tell you, that I might not put on paper. You asked me not to share a part of your letter, well, I didn't but it wasn't easy not too. We have about memorized the car magazines and they are bored. I can't wait to hear what you meant about that. Like I told you you have no reason to feel guilty and I hope your writing me wasn't out of that guilt. As you saw, we were all very capable of getting ourselves in this mess. Trouble does seem to find us Dukes. I'm glad you are going to school here this year and even more glad that you will be here when I got out. I'd have to agree, things should be much different after your birthday. Luke
He addressed the envelope putting the return address as Cooter Davenport. He folded the letter, then went back and added Dixie to the top of the page. After sealing the letter he slide it towards Peggy who was setting at the desk.
She raised her eyebrows at the return address. Luke replied, quietly, "Don't ask."
"Who? Me?" she said. Luke knew she had seen the incoming letter from Dixie.
Through out the many long nights Luke thought about Dixie and how things would be different after she turned 18 in April. That way Cooter or her Dad could protest, but they couldn't stop them from dating if they still wanted to then. It would also be up to her if she stayed in Hazzard. Luke decided to just ride this thirty days out, then they'd all be busy through the upcoming holidays. He'd turn twenty in January then she'd be eighteen in April. He thought, 'Yes, this could work.'
NARRATOR: 'It's ashamed, that even at such an early age how those Duke boys could figure so much out and STILL be so far off base! Don't go for the cookies and milk yet folks!'
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This post comes with a PG warning.
Nothing is really said but is strongly implied.
NARRATOR: Things in Hazzard were sure quiet for the next 30 days with the guys locked up. About the only excitement was school had started back. A couple of days into school Dixie was asked out by one of the football players. She for no reason that she could think of, turned down the football player. "Humm, ... Wonder why she said 'No.' ?"
The boys were released near the end of September.
The closer their release date got, the more the boys had planned to go juk'in when they got home. Mark planned on taking his steady Sharon, Cooter also planned to take his steady Kathy. Bo and Luke had other ideas. Bo had tried to date Jill but was 'getting' nowhere. Several girls had written him over the last month. Now, he'd thought about asking Beth out but not for this. Luke also wanted to ask Dixie out but the more the guys had talked the more Bo and Luke both figured they'd ask someone that was a little more of a 'sure thing' as they were all a bit 'frustrated'. Luke remembered Carol's offer of entertainment the last time he came home.
Dixie and Beth had offered their help to Jeb for the night the guys were released so they would have an excuse to go to the Boars' Nest. All Dixie had talked about was Luke to Beth. They had both been writing the guys, as the Visitation was set up during school so they were unable to visit.
Jeb who was now driving picked up Beth and Dixie. Dixie and Beth were dressed to get attention (they looked much older) though respectable. It was a couple of hours after Jeb and the others got to the Boars Nest before Bo, Luke, Cooter, Mark and their dates showed up. As the guys came in they were welcomed back by all their friends there. Dixie turned and saw Luke with Carol. She stopped dead in her tracks. Luke saw the 'very hurt' look on her face as he took in her appearance that was obviously for his benefit. 'DA--!' he thought. 'I just messed up!' The others took a table, but Luke suggested to Carol, "Let's grab a quick beer then get on with the 'entertainment'."
Dixie headed for the restroom determined not to let Luke know she was upset she was followed by Beth. Beth was also disappointed. In Bo's letters he had almost said they would go out. When the girls returned to the bar room Luke and Carol had left.
Luke and Carol went to get on with 'things'. Luke had every intention of it not taking long. He hoped to get back to the farm, take a shower and return to the Boars' Nest before Dixie left. He was sure she'd not like his explanation, but hoped she'd understand it. On the way home Carol sulked. She knew exactly why Luke had asked her out. She had played right into his hand. Usually Luke was a fun night but it was only 10pm and they were heading home. He had used her but then she had opened the door to be used when she called him last month.
By 11pm Luke walked in the Boars' Nest smelling of fresh after shave. He studied the crowd. Luther Davenport wasn't there. Cooter, Mark, Bo and the girls had already left. Luke spotted Dixie who turned her head away from him. Jeb, Coy and Vance witnessed the following exchange but didn't think too much of it. Luke walked over to where Dixie stood with Beth. "Dixie, I'm sorry. Give me five minutes to explain, then if you still want to be mad, I'll not bother you again."
At this point Dixie wanted nothing more than to be stubborn, but if she was, she wouldn't hear the explanation and might loose something before it even had a chance. She nodded, and said hoarsely, "Ok."
"Come on." he said as they headed outside.
"You didn't mean anything you wrote did you?" she asked showing her anger.
Luke replied, "Yes. I meant everything I wrote to you." He sat down on the General's hood with his feet on the bumper. "I am sorry I hurt you. For the last month I thought about you, wrote you, and dreamed of YOU. Excuse me for being a little crude. Darlin', believe me, that can be quiet frustrating, especially, when you are in jail with three other guys and there's nothing you can do about being frustrated."
Dixie was getting the picture and blushed.
Luke knew the explanation was getting through. "I am a heel, a jerk, a real dog. But, I thought too much of you, to 'use' you. Last month when you were at the house, Carol called and propositioned me. I turned her down. As you well know I've spent quiet a bit of time in jail, working or here with band. Frankly, it has been awhile, but I knew we weren't ready to cross that line. I respect you too much to ask you to do something you are not ready to do."
Dixie wasn't really happy with Luke's explanation but understood it. She looked into Luke's eyes with tears in her own eyes.
All Luke could say was, "I'm sorry." He pulled her into his arms and gave her the kiss he had wanted to a month ago. The kiss intensified and lasted several minutes when the sound of a familiar truck was heard approaching. Luke pulled himself away from Dixie, "That's your Dad coming."
She hurried to straighten her hair before returning to the others in the Boars' Nest. Luke was having his own trouble trying to straighten his own self out before going inside. Dixie couldn't help but notice he was a bit uncomfortable and couldn't resist. "So do you feel better after going out with Carol?"
Luke looked her in the eye and said, "No. ... Worse now." he said as he took her hand in his. It was obvious to her what he meant! Luke now figured on a third shower, a very cold one, when he got home!
Dixie couldn't help but laugh and blush as they walked inside.
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NARRATOR: As luck would have it. Ralph and his friends went to Court the day after Luke, Bo, Cooter and Mark got out. They were also each sentenced to 30 days Credit time served. 'At least the Judge was equal.' They would be released near the end of October.
Luke was working at the garage helping Cooter change an engine in Mercury Capri. The motor had blown on the previous owner and Cooter bought it, planning to change the engine and resale it. They were installing a 5 speed Turbo charged engine that Cooter had lucked up on in a trade. The little car should really scoot with it's light body and the Turbo charged engine. Luke asked, "Got any buyers for this thing yet?"
Cooter replied, "Nah, not many people know I have it yet. Figured to maybe drive it myself to see what it will do before putting a 'for sale' sign on it.
Luke replied, "Let me know first, OK? I might know someone wanting it."
"Sure thing there Lucas. You know it would never hang with the General or any of our cars." Cooter explained.
Luke said, "That's the whole point."
Cooter just shrugged and didn't ask anymore questions.
Dobro Doolin pulled into the garage about then in his green El Camino. "Cooter, got time to put a timing light on this thing? Everyone's going to go to the lake tonight and race them."
"Sure, pull on in. This can wait." Cooter replied.
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Dixie talked to Daisy later, they had plans to spend the night at Daisy's. Daisy and Dixie agreed to meet at the lake and watch the guys race for a bit before going to the farm.
At the lake Luke was at the General Lee with the hood up as Dixie and Daisy approached. Dixie asked "Problem?"
Luke said, "Nah, just checking him out before we run him."
Daisy asked, "Oh, Lord. Who's driving?"
"Well, I thought I'd run him a couple of times. Then Bo's wanting to try his luck with a couple guys that should get here anytime."
Mark McCormick showed up with his Firebird, "Care to let me try this thing out against the hottest car in the County?"
Luke handed his beer to Dixie to hold. "Sure thing."
They lined up. The flag was dropped by Daisy. Luke planned to take it a bit easy against his friend who had done major work to the Firebird. The Firebird jumped to the lead. Luke back shifted into passing gear and passed the Firebird easily about half way down the road they had set up as a race strip. When Luke saw Mark in the rear view mirror he shifted to Neutral and coasted across the Finish line. They both turned and went back to the stating point.
Mark asked Luke as he crawled out of the General. "Best two out of three? I want to try something else."
Luke said, "Sure as soon as they get off the strip." He motioned to the next two that were getting ready to race.
Dixie walked over to Luke still holding his beer. Setting in the window of the General Lee, Luke took a long drink of it before getting set to run a second time. Luke and Mark lined up. The second race went much like the first with Luke taking an easy win.
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Luke parked the General, took his beer back and handed Bo the keys. Luke and Dixie headed over to the wrecker to take a seat on the hood to have a good view of the rest of the racing. They watched a few races when Luke suggested, "Care to take a walk by the lake?" He knew no one would miss them with the racing going on. He took another beer with him as they started toward the lake. Down by the lake Luke stopped Dixie. "I know a lot has happened since you've been back in town. I am hoping we can date opening after your birthday. I think your Father would have a problem with you seeing me, considering my reputation with the girls and now especially with the trouble that I've been in." Luke took a long drink of beer. "There's also a couple of things you need to know. One of which I'll have to ask you not to talk about. I have only shared this with one other girl I dated. First, I want you to know that the local law here has 'wanted' me and Bo since we have been 18. They are out to get us for anything they can get on us."
Dixie gave Luke a confused look, as she reached for his beer taking a drink.
Luke continued, "There is a reason they want us, and that reason is something I need you to keep to yourself?"
Dixie nodded 'yes' as she said, "Sure, Luke. I'll not tell anyone."
Luke tried hard to impress the seriousness of the issue. As he watched her take another sip of his beer. "Dixie, what I'm going to tell you, should you get mad at me and decide to tell this could get my whole family in trouble, not just me. You need to know that this is very serious and that's why it's not shared. Our families go way back, Cooter and you Father know what I'm going to tell you. This is another reason I think you Dad would object to us seeing each other." Luke looked into her eyes and was convinced that he could trust her probably more so than he'd trusted anyone before.
He finished the first beer they were drinking and opened a second. "Dixie, my family has made and ran moonshine for the last two hundred years. Now, things are getting pretty hot. They are trying to put a stop to it in this area. Now, as for Rosco, Boss and the others they want to put us away to slow Jesse down. See Uncle Jesse makes the best and doesn't short cut his shine. If Jesse can't deliver, ..."
Dixie saw where he was going and finished the sentence. "Then Boss sells more. Rosco is his puppet to stop you all?"
"Exactly. So if we are ever together don't be surprised if I get shook down. They could stop me in any vehicle at any time and shake me down. I'll promise you this. No matter what vehicle you're ever in with me, there won't be any moonshine in it. Unless it would be planted there, and then I'd take full responsibility for it. I just wanted you to know the possibility of us getting stopped is there, so you won't be too shocked if and when it happens." Luke explained.
At this point Dixie shivered just as bit as it sunk in that Luke thought she was something special. "You can count on me to keep your secret."
"If I thought I couldn't, I wouldn't have told you." Luke said as he kissed her. Luke could still hear the the racing going on from where they were. After awhile they made their way back to the wrecker to watch some more of the races. As usual the General Lee was undefeated.
Luke opened another beer as Dobro Doolin walked up, saying. "What do you say we give it a try?"
Luke looked at his third beer, "Not tonight. You should have been here earlier. Bo might take you on."
"OK, I'll go talk to Bo. See ya'll." Dobro said as he walked off to find Bo.
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The evening continued much like this. Dixie occasionally sipped on Luke's beer. Bo had continued to race. Since Bo was driving home, Luke continued to drink beer, though he was by no means drunk he was feeling 'good'. He was watching the group, he knew that Dixie wasn't the only one under eighteen drinking tonight, though she was more subtly than many who were drinking underage. Including several of his own cousins. Bo had parked the General Lee for the night, content to watch the others most of whom were now drinking and racing. He made his way over to Luke at the wrecker. A car pulled up behind the wrecker for the most part unnoticed by anyone. As the driver approached, Luke saw the uniform. It wasn't Rosco. It was the State police.
Luke swore to himself and whispered to Dixie, "Easy." As a couple others who were near Luke saw the uniform, they attempted to hide their beers, several started to run. Luke said, "Just hold up a second. Stay put!" For the most part the others listened to Luke who was standing by the wrecker still holding his beer. Luke recognized Trooper Mitchell who had a new trooper with him. "What can I do for you Trooper?"
"Well, we've had complaints of racing up here." stated Trooper Mitchell.
The younger trooper said as he took in the scene, "I'll get the PBT (Portable Breathalyzer) and a ticket book. Should I call for a van?"
The older Trooper said calmly, "Just hold up." He looked to Luke. "Has there been any racing going on tonight out here?"
In his side vision he saw Jeb, Vance and Coy all had a beer in their hand. Luke saw no choice if he planned to keep a lot of people out of trouble. "Trooper Mitchell with so many people here tonight. Would you be satisfied with a conviction of second offense racing?"
The older Trooper asked, "And DUI?" looking at Luke's beer.
Luke knew he'd loose his license for a DUI. "I did race earlier before I started drinking."
"Well, since we are 'bonding' here. I'll tell you I have pictures of you racing. I also have pictures of you drinking while in the car. Now, suppose you tell me who you were racing?" asked the Trooper.
Luke knew if he had the pictures he said he did, that it had to be when he was racing Mark earlier. Luke attempted to bargain. "Suppose you let the rest of them go. I'll plead guilty to second racing, and public intox."
"Suppose I pull out this picture and identify the driver of that other car?" stated the Trooper who didn't want to haul in this whole bunch. He had really not wanted to stop here at all because he knew it would lead to way too much paper work before they got out of here.
Before Luke could answer, Mark McCormick who was standing close by and saw what Luke was up to said, "He was racing me."
"Have you been charged before for racing?" asked the older Trooper.
Mark sighed, "Yes, ... so you'll have two second racings." Mark's date was also drinking and under eighteen.
The younger Trooper asked his superior, "What about, ...?"
He was cut short. The older Trooper said, "Look, mostly what you'll end up with here is calling their parents and getting them chewed out for a little drinking. With hours upon hours of paperwork. You've got two agreements to plead guilty to jail able offenses. Had we not got that other call we may have been able to prove more than we can now. All we have is the pictures of these two racing. Besides, it will give the others something to think about."
Luke had never taken his arm from around Dixie and still sipped on his beer. She looked at him in disbelief as he took another drink. Luke also felt her shake just a bit.
"It's Ok." He said quietly. "Look I'm not going home tonight so what difference does it make. Are you still staying with Daisy?"
She nodded, and was barely heard, "Yes."
Luke whispered, he had heard her voice crack, "Don't do it. It will be Ok. You're going to be fine."
Dixie nodded. Unable to speak at this point without crying and Luke had asked her not to.
The older Trooper said, "Let's go."
Luke thought quickly and handed his wallet to Dixie, saying, "Give that to Jesse." It contained his pay day from the garage and he hoped enough for Jesse to Bond him and Mark in the morning.
Luke and Mark were both placed in handcuffs and put in the back seat of the cruiser. Mark said to Luke as the Troopers were fussing at the rest there. "Good move. All us over 18 would have been charged with Contributing if they'd wanted to push it. No matter where they got the beer."
"That was my thinking and hopefully there are several of them that their parents won't know they were out here tonight by us doing this." said Luke as the handcuff began to dig into his wrist. "Just remind me of that later. I don't think Jesse will see my logic here. I really don't."
"We're in the same boat on that one." said Mark about his parents. "And I think it has a whole in it."
Luke glared at him as the Troopers got back in the car.
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The day before Thanksgiving Jesse handed Luke an official looking envelope. Luke sighed, "Care to guess when this court date is?"
Jesse just gave him a bit of a dirty look. Jesse hadn't been happy that Luke was racing. No matter how much he explained that he admitted to it to keep the others out of trouble, Jesse still wasn't happy.
Luke opened the envelope, took out the paper, saw it was set exactly when he suspected. He walked outside and cursed. He asked himself, 'How can anyone have three court dates in four months all scheduled on the 25th before the same Judge?'
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Luke and Mark both plead guilty as agreed. Judge Hardcastle had said, "I'd like to teach you all a lesson but due to the fact Christmas is coming up and I'm a sucker for the holidays..." He paused, "Do you think you can manage to not come back before me this year if I only give you say, ..., fifteen days?"
Luke and Mark both answered that they could. So they were sentenced to fifteen days and were made a promise that they would be sorry if they came back before the Court that year."
Much to Luke and Mark's displeasure that statement was made in front of Rosco and the Troopers who they figured would do their best to arrest them before the first of next year. They were released Dec. 10th.
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Everyone in Hazzard enjoyed a quiet prosperous holiday season. The moonshine business was very good that year with little trouble from the law. By Jan. Luke was no longer a teenager, he turned twenty on Jan. 10, 19?6. In Early April Dixie had her big birthday celebration. It was celebrated with a pizza party followed by the entire bunch going to Placid County to go roller skating.
Easter school break was also toward the end of April. Everyone had a touch of Spring fever. They all headed out to the lake for a bit of racing. No one paid much attention to Luke giving Dixie a ride out. Now with two convictions of racing and several points on his license Luke decided to let Bo race the General tonight. He gave the General Lee a once over. As before, Dixie and Luke watched several races. Dixie had planned to stay with Daisy tonight unknown to Jesse. She now, virtually, didn't have a time to be in. Her Dad knew she was staying with Daisy. By Jesse not knowing she planned to stay, he'd not pay any attention if Daisy beat her home.
The night progressed without any law showing up. Though Bo had raced the General Lee several times it was Luke's turn to drive him home. Bo had finally gotten around to dating Beth steadily. Most everyone was heading off on their own to take the long way home tonight. Luke 'volunteered' to take Dixie home as Cooter had 'plans'. "I'm going to just make sure this fire is out." Luke called.
Dixie said a bit nervous, "That was slick." As everyone else pulled out on there way home.
Luke just smiled. He did make sure the fire was out then suggested riding down to the lake. He pulled the General Lee down into an open meadow that was just off the dirt road where they had raced. Luke asked, "Are you in any hurry to get home?"
Dixie replied, "No, not at all."
Luke said, "Good." He went to the trunk of the car and took out a a partial Mason jar of moonshine that he had been sipping on all evening. Luke placed the car keys on the dash, fixed him a glass of shine which Dixie was also sipping on. Luke was figuring on staying out until almost dawn then drifting the General Lee into the drive. He and Dixie would sneak in before Jesse got up. He and Dixie talked about all sorts of things for quiet some time. Luke poured the last of the shine into their glass and tossed the Mason jar to the bushes.
As he turned around Dixie had move into the back seat of the General Lee, she said innocently, "There's more room back here."
Luke cleared his throat before saying, "Well, yes there is. Are you sure?"
Dixie smiled, "I am very certain, ..., there is more room back here." she said slowly.
Luke didn't need a second invitation to join her in the back seat...
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LATER,
Trooper Mitchell was riding with his young partner down on lake road where they had caught some 'kids' racing several months ago. The new State Trooper was very eager to make a name for himself. His lights hit a car parked in a meadow. He indicated this to his Senior partner, "What do you make of that?" Trooper Mitchell knew the car and was pretty sure what was going on but the young Trooper insisted on checking into it.
The Senior partner replied, "You've probably got a couple kids making out. Lets go to the barn."
The young trooper said, "Let's at least check it out." He was far to eager for Trooper Mitchell but was far enough in his training that Trooper Mitchell was giving him the lead in a lot of stops. As they turned, both Troopers recognized the General Lee with the windows (What little windows there were) fogged up.
As Luke was kissing Dixie passionately he opened his eyes to the bright light of a flash light. "Sh--!" Luke sighed.
Once she realized they had company Dixie gasped.
The voice behind the flash light said, "State Police. Get out of the car."
Now Luke was really cursing! He said, "Give us a second OK?"
"Where are the car keys?" Another voice asked. He was afraid Luke was going to try to pull out. It was the voice of the younger Trooper who had been looking to get a 'feather in his cap' by arresting Luke the time before.
Luke replied as he handed Dixie her clothing. "On the dash, I'll hand them to you." He was trying to buy some time. He reached for the keys and handed them to the Trooper that had the light. Luke covered Dixie the best he could while she got dressed, then he put on his jeans, took his shirt and boots with him as he got out of the car. He turned to help Dixie out of the car. Both of their appearances were a bit unorganized. After stepping into his boots Luke plopped on the hood of the General Lee as he buttoned his shirt and motioned for Dixie to take the seat beside him on the hood. She did and he wrapped his arm around her to comfort her. He whispered in her ear, "I told you there would be nights like this!" Luke had finished the last of the shine and had opened a beer prior to the Troopers arrival which he had in his hand and now took a drink.
The new Trooper asked, "Have you been drinking?"
Luke knew that they had him already for at least indecent exposure, but he just hoped he could talk Dixie out of trouble. So he decided to be honest with them. "Yes, I have been drinking but I didn't intend to go anywhere until morning."
The young Trooper, taking the lead, said, "You are trespassing on private property. I need to see your license."
Luke was more than peeved, as he handed him his driver's license.
"I want to check the registration too." said the young Trooper.
Luke replied, "Mr. Peabody has never complained about us being out here. It's over the driver's visor. I can save you the time." he said looking at Trooper Mitchell. "My license is valid with six points for racing. The registration will come back to myself and Bo Duke and expires April next year."
Trooper Mitchell waved his hand. "Let him run it. It will give him something to do. He--, I'd never have stopped!"
The younger Trooper returned. "Ok, your license checks out like you said it would. Can the young lady drive this home or do I need to call for a wrecker?"
Luke didn't want a wrecker called. Knowing all He-- would break loose when Luther Davenport had to come and pick up Dixie from the Sheriffs office without finding her out here with him. He also knew that Cooter's Dad had the wrecker after midnight. Dixie had been drinking too. He figured to play it down, hoping they would just take her home so he lied. "Well, she can't drive a standard."
The younger Trooper said to Dixie, "Well, just for the sake of knowing who's who here let me see your license."
Dixie looked at Luke. She was shaking like a leaf. Luke replied with a sigh. This was becoming a very long night, "Go ahead give him your license." He took another drink of beer.
The young Trooper asked, "Have you been drinking?"
Luke answered for Dixie. "She's had a little to drink."
Dixie handed her license to the young Trooper who wasted no time in going to run it.
Luke asked Trooper Mitchell while the other Trooper was running Dixie's license. "I figure he's already stacking charges against me. Starting with Trespassing and Indecent Exposure which is fine. But, can we keep her out of this? Maybe just take her home or call her Dad and tell him I was racing again or something?"
Dixie looked at him in utter disbelief. It had never crossed her mind that Luke would be charged for 'nothing'.
He said only loud enough for her to hear, "I'm likely not going home tonight. ... I know that, ..., and it's OK. I'm just trying to get you home without charges."
The older Trooper smiled for a brief second. "I'll do what I can to tame the 'eager beaver'."
"I'd sure appreciate it." said Luke. He again sipped the beer.
The young Trooper came back to the General Lee like the forest was on fire, with his hand on the but of his gun, saying, "Duke, ..., get, ... on, ..., the hood, ..., NOW!"
Luke looked confused at the Senior Trooper. Luke was getting a bit disgusted at this point. "What is his problem?" he said getting off the hood of the General Lee still holding the beer. He was making all this fuss over a couple of misdemeanors?
"Hoooawh! Calm down! What?" Trooper Mitchell said, "This is not really necessary." He motioned to Luke to relax.
The younger Trooper showed Trooper Mitchell the licenses he had in his hands indicating the information in question.
Trooper Mitchell said showing his annoyance with the 'eager beaver', "I'll handle this! Luke is all your information correct here?"
Luke sighed as he looked at his driver's license he'd seen and shown to every law enforcement person in the Tri-Counties. "Yeah, it's right. Why?"
Trooper Mitchell just waved him off. "Miss Davenport is all your information correct?"
Dixie checked her license. It took a minute to find her voice when she said, "Yes, Sir, it is. What's wrong?"
Again, the Senior Trooper waved off her question. He handed Luke both driver's licenses, "Tell me the names and date of births on these.
Luke read his license, "Lucas K. Duke, Jan. 10, 19?6."
Trooper Mitchell said, "And the other one?"
Luke read, "Dixie Lee Davenport, April 8, 19?0. So?"
The Trooper saw Luke's confusion. "How old are you?"
Luke replied a bit annoyed, "Twenty."
"How old is Miss Davenport?" he asked.
Luke replied very annoyed and very sure of himself, "Eighteen."
Dixie shot Luke a confused look.
Trooper Mitchell said, "Look again. Do the Math. How old are you two?"
Luke replied, "Jan. 10, 19?6, twenty. April 8, 19?0, eight ..." There was a long silence as Luke looked at Dixie.
Dixie shook her head, 'No.' She was very innocent and confused about what was so important about her age and what difference two years could make.
Luke stared at both the driver's licenses before him for several minutes. He sighed loudly, and said while shaking his head, "I'll be a So-#$--$($& SIXTEEN?" Luke gasped almost unable to breath.
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Dixie was still confused and nodded 'yes'. "Yeah. What's wrong with that?"
At this point Luke almost passed out; he still remembers his knees going so weak he had to set down on the hood of the General to keep from falling. He had been preaching to Bo since before Bo turned 18 to ID any one before he even bought them a drink, to be really careful since the law was trying to bust them they could put someone up to setting them up. He had preached and preached! He had also thought that he had been so careful in this area, since he had been 18. "Sixteen….. Oh, ….. Hell." Luke looked utterly defeated at this point, but managed to try to explain, "Ever heard the term 'jail bait?'." The wind was definitely out of his sails.
Dixie replied honestly, "No? What are you all talking about?"
Luke whispered, "Sixteen? not eighteen? What was with the Big Birthday?"
Dixie was far to innocent to know what was wrong. She replied, "The eighth was a big Birthday. My sweet sixteen. Luke what is wrong?"
The look that was on Luke's face was like none Dixie had ever seen on his face before. It was of sheer TERROR!
The younger Trooper said, "Miss, you are under eighteen. He's over four years older than you. Which makes what was going on in that back seat when we came up very illegal for Mr. Duke here."
Luke was scaring her and he knew it but it was all he could do right now to breath. His chest was tight. He felt numb all over and he was struggling to breath to keep from passing out. He had been so careful to not let this happen. For the two years he could buy beer he'd ever asked his dates to see their ID before he bought them a beer, now THIS!
The young Trooper said in a voice of authority. "Mr. Duke on the car and spread 'um!"
Before moving, Luke said to Dixie, "This is all my fault. Just remember that. Nothing that happened tonight was your fault. I assumed way too much. I wouldn't have changed a thing except I would have hoped, I'd have waited until you were eighteen if I weren't such a jacka-- and assumed I knew everything." he finished the three quarters of beer in one drink as he slide off the hood.
Trooper Mitchell said to Dixie, "Come on you can ride up front with me as soon as we get a wrecker out here."
Luke now knew he certainly didn't want Mr. Davenport out here to tow the General Lee under these circumstances. He said, "I'll sign a waiver or whatever. Don't call a wrecker. Mr. Peabody and all of Hazzard know this car. It will be Ok here."
The younger Trooper said, "Suit yourself!" As he began to frisk Luke who was spread eagle against the car. At the moment the Trooper placed the first handcuff on Luke, he got a glimpse of Dixie who was crying.
Luke couldn't take the fact she was hurting like this and her crying tore him apart. He pulled away heading towards Dixie. Both Troopers turned their attention on Luke. Being a bit more skilled, Trooper Mitchell downed Luke. He had his left shoulder and arm behind his back and was putting pressure on it. Luke was still fighting. Trooper Mitchell applied more pressure as he said, "Calm down! I can, ..., and will, ..., break it!" he cranked the arm even harder. Finally Luke felt the pain above the adrenaline rush he had gotten when he saw Dixie crying and relaxed, letting the Trooper cuff him. Luke would be sorry of that move tomorrow, when the moonshine wore off and his shoulder began to hurt.
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Trooper Mitchell had always been a close friend of the Dukes but had to do his job. Once Trooper Mitchell got him to the car he said, "Luke I'm going to cut you as big a break as I can. Even after THAT stunt. I'm only charging you with Indecent Exposure, Public Intoxication , two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and now Resisting Arrest instead of the Felony."
Luke looked at him in disbelief.
The Trooper continued. "However, if her Father pushes, I'll have to drop one Contributing and charge you with the Felony charge of Statutory Rape . Understood?"
Luke felt a slight relief but was sure it would be short lived once Mr. Davenport found out.
The younger Trooper said, "What?"
Trooper Mitchell told him, "I'll be writing this report."
The younger Trooper stomped to his side of the car.
Statutory Rape is defined as a n. ---- Sexual relations with a person who has not reached the statutory age of consent.(even if both parties participating are willingly)
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