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

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Rosco was at his desk when the Troopers brought Luke in to the jail. Dixie was told to take a seat at Rosco's desk which she did. Rosco had no idea what was going on. He said, "You can just put him up here until we process him." referring to the upstairs cell.

Luke managed to find his voice, "Rosco if it's all the same to you. I'd just as soon go downstairs. It will probably be safer there once Luther is called."

Rosco raised his eyebrows and looked to Trooper Mitchell who nodded in agreement with Luke.

Luke was booked. Dixie's father called to pick her up and to see what he wanted done with Luke. Dixie's father and Cooter were furious! He wanted the book thrown at Luke. Luke could hear the commotion upstairs. He expected at any minute Luther and or Cooter to storm down the stairs leading to the cells. What Luke didn't know was that it had taken both Troopers, Rosco, Dixie's pleading, and promises of their own arrests to convince them both to leave the jail. Cooter even told them at one point to arrest him and put him downstairs with Luke.

When Peggy arrived downstairs, Luke was setting on the bunk Indian style. He had been staring at nothing replaying the nights events when he heard footsteps on the steps. He turned to look at Peggy as she asked Luke, "Do you want to make a call now?"

"What time is it?" asked Luke.

Peggy looked at her watch, "Three thirty."

Luke shook his head, "Not now, there's nothing Jesse can do until morning anyway. Unless Luther wakes him now, it will be better to call about five thirty, if that's Ok?"

Peggy gave him a slight smile. "It will be fine. I'll let get the phone for you then."

Luke knew no news was good news but had to ask, "I heard," he nodded towards the steps. "Did Trooper Mitchell change the charges yet?" he asked glumly.

"He told Mr. Davenport what he charged you with. He also told him what you could be charged with, then he said he'd give him until tomorrow to think about it. For now they stand the same as he told you." Peggy explained.

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Trooper Mitchell and his young partner headed to their cruiser. It was late, or early, depending how you looked at it. The 'eager beaver' was making Trooper Mitchell very tired. He sighed as he started the car. The radio came to life and dispatched them to a small hotel on the outside of Hazzard called the Dixie Inn. The complaint was that the owners had been robbed at gun point just moments ago by a hooded person driving a Firebird that had headed South. The hotel was out of Rosco's area and the two troopers were the only ones on duty as they were working late because of the incident with Luke Duke. Trooper Mitchell dropped the younger trooper off at the hotel to get a statement. He headed South looking for the Firebird. After looking for the Firebird for quiet sometime without any luck he returned to the hotel. Trooper Mitchell looked at the statement from the owners. 'Da--!', he thought, 'I know that car and where it's owner lives. SH--! Have all the young adults went off the deep end tonight?' he said to himself. To the owners, "We'll be getting back with you as soon as we know something."

In the car Trooper Mitchell told the young trooper, "You are about to see what's its like to wake a Judge at ..." looking at his watch, "Five in the morning for a search warrant."

"What, you know who did this?" said the younger trooper.

Trooper Mitchell replied, "I think I do. I know who has a car matching that description and has access to guns. Had they said an older GOLD Firebird on the call I may have been able to have done this sooner."

At the State Police office Trooper Mitchell called Judge Milton C. Hardcastle at the wee hour of 5:15 am!

The Judge answered, "Hardcastle, and it BETTER be GOOD!"

"Judge Hardcastle this is Trooper Mitchell. I need to obtain a search warrant to search a house and car as soon as possible. The description I have fits a suspect in an Armed Robbery at the Dixie Inn." said the Trooper. He listened to the other end of the conversation. "I have a statement and I can be at your house in twenty minutes. Thanks you Sir and I am sorry for getting you up so early." He then said to the younger trooper, "Come on."

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Peggy looked at the clock it was 5:30am. She got the phone hooked up where the cord would reach to the cell.

Sleep had alluded Luke, though he was laying on the hard bunk starring at the ceiling. Peggy's movement had gotten his attention. As Luke sat up he saw Peggy coming his way with the phone and a large cup of coffee. She handed the coffee to Luke and sat the phone down on a shelf on the wall near the side of the cell.

Taking a drink of the coffee Luke looked at the phone and sighed. "You know all my life I have been able to tell Uncle Jesse anything, but I don't think I can tell him this." He had decided hours ago to prepare Jesse the worst then hope for the best. He heard how upset Luther and Cooter had been. He doubted that even Uncle Jesse could calm them down enough to keep him from being charged with the felony. He sighed again.

For Peggy she didn't know what to say to make this any better for Luke. She had been party to the events upstairs last night as she had came in, in the middle of it.

Luke asked, "What time is it?"

"5:40 am" was all Peggy said.

Luke knew he had to call now before Jesse discovered him not home. Reaching through the bars Luke picked up the phone. "Maybelle get me the Duke farm please."

Jesse had just poured his first cup of coffee when the phone rang. Looking at the clock. Jesse knew no one called here that early unless something was wrong. "Jesse Duke." he answered.

Luke bit his lip hard at the sound of Jesse's voice. He knew what he was going to say would hurt Jesse more than it did him IF that was possible. "Uncle Jesse ..."

"Luke? Where are you?" Jesse asked not sure he wanted to know.

There was a long silence before Luke answered, "In jail."

"What in tar nation did you do now? Let me guess been in another fight with just anyone who wanted to fight? OR maybe the last time wasn't long enough, so you went out racing again, you're sure to get your license revoked if you keep of this foolishness!" Jesse wasn't happy.

Jesse was answered with total silence.

"Luke. Tell me what they charged you with." replied Jesse sternly.

Luke stood rock solidly still, yet he felt him shaking uncontrollably on the inside as he said, "St, ... Stat, ..., Statu, ... tory, ... Rape." Luke's voice had cracked up badly and the last word was almost unheard, but Jesse heard him LOUD AND CLEAR.

Jesse almost dropped his coffee cup, "What? Who? Did they manage to set you up?"

"Jesse, I only wished it were one of their set ups." Luke said as he turned his back to Peggy. His eyes had, against his will, filled with tears. "Just listen a minute. That's not the formal charge yet. Though I'd bet my life it will be after seeing the Judge.

Jesse replied, "Peggy's there? Ask her when is the earliest I can come talk to you about this and see what we can figure out.

Luke did and replied, "8:30 am."

Jesse said, "Luke I'll be setting there at 8:30am. Who's is the girl?"

Luke would rather tell him that in person but figured he'd better prepare him in case he ran into the Davenports, "Thanks, Uncle Jesse." Luke paused, his voice barely heard by Jesse. He cleared his throat, "Dixie Dav, ... en, ... port."

Confused Jesse said, "What? Didn't you all just tell me she had her 18th birthday party?" Jesse voice was a bit loud for the hour of the morning.

Luke sighed, "It's a long story. I've got to go. It makes me feel better knowing at least you think like I did."

Jesse looked at the phone confused now more than ever, "Luke, I love you."

"I love you too." Luke handed the phone to Peggy. He laid on the bunk and faced the wall.

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Just after 7am the Trooper arrived at the house in question. The Gold Firebird was parked in the driveway. As the Senior Trooper walked by he laid his hand on the hood -- it was warm. They knocked on the door of the house.

It was answered by Brenda McCormick, Robin's mother. She was shocked to see two State Police on her door step at this hour.

Trooper Mitchell said, "State Police, Ma'am. Is Mark McCormick here? We have a search warrant for this house and that Gold Firebird."

Brenda nodded 'yes' as she called for her husband, "Bill I think you're needed out here."

After talking with Trooper Mitchell and seeing the search warrant, Bill let him in the house, while the younger trooper stayed outside to watch the cars since it was a large house. Bill called up stairs, "Mark. MARK! Get up, someone is here to see you."

Mark groaned. He looked at the clock. 'Who in the name of Hanna would show up to see ME at 7 am on a Saturday morning. Everyone I knew, but me went partying last night at the lake.' he thought. He set up a bit too quickly and his throbbing head told him so. He looked at the half gallon of "Jim Bean" setting by his bed. 'No wonder I'm hurting.' The bottle only had about an inch of brown liquid left in it.

Bill this time bellowed, "MARK, Get down here NOW! This is not an option!"

Mark yelled back, "Coming!" He then said aloud to him self, "Ok, yelling isn't good." He reached for his pants, pulled on a T-shirt, and boots. When he stood up far too quickly he staggered a bit.

NARRATOR: Nope folks he's not hung over he's still drunk!

Mark stumbled out of his room to the bathroom before coming down the stairs. His eye squinted against the bright lights of the kitchen as he rounded the corner.

Trooper Mitchell said, "Mark McCormick?"

Now Mark's eyes began to focus on the strange voice. He could make out the familiar uniform of the Trooper but he couldn't make out which one it was. "Yeah, I'm Mark." he said but thought, 'I think.'

"Where were you last night from say midnight to 6 am?" asked the trooper.

Mark looked confused. It was way too early for questions that involved thought. He tried to focus and said, "Here. I got in about 9pm."

Trooper Mitchell looked to his parents, "Is that true?"

Bill answered, "I can't say when he got home. We were out late."

Mitchell moved to another point, "Mark what vehicles do you own?"

Mark said, "A 78 Firebird." he sighed.

"When is the last time you drove the Firebird?" Mitchell asked.

Mark replied, "Three days ago."

Bill and Brenda looked at each other puzzled. The Firebird had been gone when they got home last night but thought that might be better said later.

"Are you sure about that? And where did you go?" asked the Trooper.

"Yeah, I'm sure. I took a friend out to the Dixie Inn to get her a job." said Mark.

The trooper wrote his answer down, then asked, "Who was the friend?"

Mark replied, "Sharon Jones."

After writing that down in his notebook, Trooper Mitchell said, "Mark I have a search warrant to search your Firebird. Let's go take a look."

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Outside at the Firebird Mark, Bill and Brenda looked on as the younger Trooper began searching the car. When he opened the drivers door he saw something stuffed down by the drivers seat. Pulling it out it was obvious it was a ski mask with only the eyes out of it.

Mark said with a bit of an attitude, "I guess there's no point in telling you I've never seen that before."

They watched the trooper open glove compartment under a loaded .357 Magnum was what looked like several checks. After securing the weapon and unloading it, the checks were taken out. They were all made out to the Dixie Inn and were listed on the warrant as part of the property the Troopers were looking for.

Trooper Mitchell asked, "Is this your gun?"

Mark looked closer, "I can't tell."

Bill spoke up, "What's the last 4 digits or the serial number? We have several Magnums."

Trooper Mitchell looked at the weapon, "3024."

Bill replied, "It's mine."

"Did he have access to it?" The younger trooper asked.

Bill sighed, "Yeah, it's kept on the refrigerator."

Mark looked at his Father, "I didn't do it! Whatever it was. I was home with a half gallon of Jim Bean that I took your truck to buy about 8pm last night. Da-- it ask, Luke Duke if you don't want to believe me. I ran into him at the garage and asked him over, but they were all going out to the lake. I wanted to just stay home last night."

The young Trooper showed Trooper Mitchell the checks.

Mitchell shook his head. "Mark, you are under arrest for the armed robbery of the Dixie Inn. You have the right to remain silent, ..."

After his rights were read, Mark was handcuffed and placed in the cruiser for the ride to town.

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The younger Trooper came down the steps to the locked gate at the bottom of the stairs. "Peggy we have you another customer."

Peggy got up, unlocked the gate, locked it back then went upstairs.

At this point Luke wondered if Cooter HAD gotten arrested to try to get to him.

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Quiet awhile later, Luke had almost dozed off when footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. He turned to see Mark McCormick coming through the gate with Peggy. When Mark saw Luke there eyes met for a brief second. They both saw surprise and a bit of relief in each others eyes. Mark was put in the cell by Luke with only a set of steel bars dividing the two cells. Peggy went upstairs in a couple minutes.

Luke spoke first, "What are you doing here? The last time I saw you, you were heading home with a bottle of Jim Bean."

Mark replied, "Well, I should have went out with you all!" then the realization of what he said hit him. "I think. What are YOU doing here?"

Luke replied, "It's a Long story. You?"

"They convict me of what I'm charged with, I'll have all the time in the world to hear your long story." he paused, "Armed Robbery."

"What? I know better. How much of that Jim Bean did you drink?" asked Luke.

"Way too much, and not enough either!' said Mark.

Luke could relate to that statement. After the shine he'd drank and the couple of beers, it wasn't enough to let him sleep after last night, yet still felt rough from it this morning. He felt his left shoulder, that reminded him of how stupid it was for him to pull away from the trooper, 'Yeah, I wished I'd drank more or less too.' he thought. 'Maybe I would have had better since than to try to pull away from a Trooper.'

Mark made a motion as to how much was left. "There was about this much left this morning. That I wished I'd drank before coming down stairs, had I known THIS!"

The two friends both explained to each other what had happened. They concluded that had Mark not stayed home he might have had witnesses that he didn't rob the place and had Luke went to party with Mark then he and Dixie wouldn't have done anything and given Mark a witness too!

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Jesse pulled up in front of the Courthouse and jail just before 8:30am. He had to know what went on with Luke in order to try to help him. He hoped there would be SOMETHING he could do.

Jesse took a seat outside Luke and Mark's cells. "Ok, Luke you first. What happened?"

Luke sighed, "You remember Dixie's big birthday party, we all went all out for. Well, it turns out it was her 16th birthday NOT 18th!..."

Jesse interrupted, "Did she tell you she was 18?"

Luke gave Jesse a brief sad smile, "No." he sighed, "I figured that out ALL on my own. I know, ... I assumed myself into a God awful lot of trouble."

Jesse asked, "So what did they charge you with?"

"Trooper Mitchell said he'd give me as big a break as he could and ONLY charge me with Indecent Exposure, Public Intoxication, two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, and Resisting Arrest. Luther can insist on him charging me with the felony, which, ... after what I heard going on upstairs I figure he will." replied Luke.

Jesse gave Luke a look of reassurance, "I'll go talk to Luther." he said simply.

"I appreciate it, but Jesse, ... I'm not so sure that will help. Just make sure Dixie is Ok. She had no idea what was wrong last night and as mad as Luther was I'm sure she has lived hard." said Luke with concern. "Jesse, I had a lot of time to think last night about a whole lot. Other than the age thing, I'm not a bit sorry for what happened. I do love Dixie."

Jesse looked surprised.

Luke continued after seeing the look, "Yeah, I said that. ... I just thought I loved Robin. Then I ran around trying to prove something." he shook his head, "I guess I proved what a jerk I can be... He--, ... as far as I know, ... I was Da-- lucky that none of them showed up pregnant." he paused. Jesse just let him talk, "I love Dixie. I am not saying what I'm about to say to try to get me out of anything. I want to marry her and I intend to tell the Judge that this morning. When you talk to Luther, if you think it will help you can tell him that for me."

Jesse looked at his nephew. It seemed he had watched him grow up right before his eyes in the last five minutes. Luke looked much older than his twenty years. "Your sure about that?"

"As sure as I've been about anything for quiet sometime, now. No matter what happens. I love her. She will have to live with what we did last night. It might be easier for her, at least if she has my name. I don't want anyone to think that she was just the last in a long line of conquests." said Luke with seriousness.

Jesse asked, "Luke is there any doubt about WHAT was going on last night?" Jesse continued a bit embarrassed, "I mean, ..."

Luke stopped him, shook his head 'no', looking into his Uncle's eyes. "No, what they said they saw was EXACTLY what they saw." he sighed. Luke felt himself shake inside as he stood up straight to tell Jesse the rest of his decisions, "I know in order to prove it though they will want 'tests' ran on Dixie. I won't let that happen. I'll not let her go though that."

"Luke, ..." Jesse was interrupted.

Looking Jesse in the eyes, "I'll plead guilty and hope for the best if it comes to that. IF they run the tests it will only confirm what did happen and put her through He--. Her having to live with my assumption is bad enough."

"Luke you could talk yourself right into prison." informed Jesse.

"I know that." he sighed.

"Isn't there any doubt? Those tests could come out shedding some doubt." said Jesse.

Luke shook his head no. "The evidence would be there."

Jesse looked him in the eye, "Could she be pregnant?"

Luke got a kind of far off look and smiled just a bit before answering, "That would be the only good thing to come out of this. Yeah, she could be." He seemed a bit satisfied at that thought.

Jesse stood up looking Luke face to face, saying a bit loud, "Luke have you lost all your senses? How long have you two been seeing each other?" Jesse asked worriedly.

Luke replied, "We've talked and went places since she's been here. We got to know each other, but last night was the only time."

Jesse asked, "You swear?"

Luke nodded yes, "Yes." he continued, "Can I ask you to do something for me that I might not get to do myself, depending on what goes on upstairs?"

Jesse realized so far Luke had not asked him to do anything for him. He had not asked him to talk to the Judge. He hadn't asked him to talk to Luther, Jesse had offered. He hadn't even asked Jesse to get him out of jail. "What is it, Luke?"

Luke looked very serious. "On my dresser is a small white box. It has been there since I dated Robin. I just recently figured out Dixie's size and had it sized and cleaned. I had plans to give it to her myself but never found the right moment. Will you see she gets it. NO matter what happens I want her to have it."

Jesse knew the box. "Luke would that be your Mother's engagement ring?"

With tears in his eyes for the first time since Jesse arrived, Luke bit his lip before he answered. He said as his voice cracked just a bit, "Yes, ... it is. If she'll have it after all this, I'd like her to have it, ... and all the promises that goes with it."

"You'll be able to do that yourself." Jesse tried to assure Luke.

Luke shook his head, "I'm not so sure about that. Before you go. Can you see what you can do to help Mark?"

Again Luke wasn't asking for help for himself. Jesse nodded, "So Mark what's up with you?"

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Mark began, "I went out last evening and bought a half gallon of liquor after taking my, ... " he almost spit the word, " 'GIRLFRIEND' to work. I talked to Luke then went home and got plastered. Dad woke me up this morning. I was and still am pretty drunk. When I came downstairs there were two Troopers at the house wanting to know where I was last night. It was my luck no one had been home when I got back home. My Firebird was identified. Jesse I haven't driven it in days. I was in Dad's pickup last night. They had search warrants to search the car and house. They started with the car. They found a ski mask I've never seen before, then opened the glove box. Inside was a .357 Magnum of Dad's and several checks from the Dixie Inn. They charged me with Armed Robbery. I didn't do it."

Jesse asked, "Do you have any ideas who could have done it?"

Mark nodded, "Do you remember Sharon Jones? We've dated for awhile. I've known she runs with a tough bunch over there where she lives. The guys have tried to convince me to dump her. I guess I should have listened, when she got into trouble about six months ago. He-- she just got back from a Women's Correctional Facility for Sh-- like this."

Luke looked surprised.

"Yeah, I kept my mouth shut. I guess I figured maybe it was a bunch of sh-- like goes on here sometimes." said Mark a bit embarrassed he'd not talked to his friend.

Jesse asked, "But the car and the gun?"

Mark shook his head and gave a sick smile, "Easy. She knew I kept and extra car key in the bumper. As for the gun, I had to think on that too, but it came to me about an hour ago. That Magnum was kept on top of the refrigerator insight. She has been with me when I have forgotten my house key, ... the extra key is on the porch light. The last time I drove the car was to take her out to the Dixie Inn and talk, FOR HER BENEFIT, so she'd get the job. The thanks I get, is she not just used MY car and Dad's gun but made DA-- sure she left plenty of evidence that I did it. Isn't that SWEET?" Mark was raising his voice.

"Jesse you know his parents wouldn't even get him out for racing or fighting..." said Luke.

Jesse held up his hand to silence Luke. "I'll do what I can for you both. Luke if they upgrade your charges, ... they are both serious charges. I just don't know if I can help you both." Jesse looked at his watch. "I need to go see if I can talk to Luther though."

Luke nodded, "Remember what I said?"

Jesse nodded 'yes', "I will. Luke hang in there. I love you."

Luke tried to assure Jesse, "I'm fine. I love you too."

Jesse knew Luke was not anywhere near fine as he drove over to the Davenport farm.

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Luther Davenport wasn't a bit surprised to see the white pickup coming down the driveway. He stepped out on the porch. He was dressed to go into town.

Jesse walked onto the porch. "Luther our families go way back." he began.

Luther nodded, "Jesse, I know that. I don't want hard feelings between us, ... but there's going to be. They both betrayed my trust..."

Jesse interrupted, "Luther there doesn't have to be."

The porch door opened and Dixie stepped on to the porch. It was obvious she had been crying.

Jesse reached out to comfort her as Luther scolded, "I told you to get in your room and not to come out until we go to town! Now GO!"

She gave Jesse a pleading look before she bolted for her room.

Jesse watched her go. "What is done is done. What is the point of all this?" asked Jesse in a quiet calming voice.

"MY 16 year old daughter has now got the reputation of a WHORE. HE's done this to one too many girls Jesse. I'm going to see to it that I do everything in my power to have the book thrown at him." Luther's voice was raising.

Jesse calmly said, "I've talked to Luke this morning. He would like to do what he can to fix the situation."

"Jesse there is no going back here. He can't fix it!" said Luther.

"Luke knows what you and most everyone else is going to think. He told me that Dixie wasn't just another girl. He said he loves her." Jesse sees steam coming out of Luther's ears and his face is turning red. "Hear me out ... He'd like to marry her."

"There is no way that him marrying her would change my mind!" Luther exclaimed. "And him marrying her to get out of this mess would never work. Then, she'd never be happy."

Jesse tried to explain further, "Luke knows that even if you allow her to marry him that you may not change your mind about the charges. He's not saying that to get out of trouble. How happy do you think she'd be knowing you sent him to prison?"

"She'll get over it and maybe in time she'll find someone to have her with her 'reputation'!" Luther insisted.

"Oh, for Pete's sake, Luther she isn't the first 16 year old to ever, ..." Jesse was interrupted.

"Maybe NOT, but she is my only daughter and I'll not just let this go. Now, if you'll excuse me I've got to be getting to the Courthouse to talk to the Troopers and Judge." said Luther.

Before Jesse turned to go he said, "Luther, please don't do this to my boy. It won't change anything."

Luther walked into the house without saying a word.

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When Dixie did go back to her room while Jesse and her Dad was talking, she took the telephone with her. She figured how much more trouble could she possibly get into.

Daisy answered, "Duke farm."

"Dai, ... sy?" Dixie sniffed.

She didn't even recognize Dixie's voice. "Yes, it's me?" Bo looked up at her, hearing trouble in her voice.

Through her tears and sobs, Dixie said quickly before Luther came back in, "Daisy. Please believe me, I wouldn't have done anything to get Luke into trouble if I'd only known."

"Whaoooo, Dixie. What trouble is Luke in?" asked Daisy. She now had Bo's attention and motioned for him to pick up the other phone.

"We went parking last night..." Dixie started.

Bo said, "You and LUKE went WHERE?"

Daisy was pretty surprised herself but she knew Dixie had a crush on Luke but with him seeing every girl in the county never thought he'd go out with Dixie.

"Bo please. I don't have much time. Jesse is talking to my father or I'd not have gotten the phone. Yes, we went parking and, ..." she paused, "That's not ALL. It was MY idea, ... now Luke is in trouble."

Bo couldn't help but ask, "Dixie, what trouble is Luke in? I can see your Dad being mad but with you both over 18 then, ..."

"BO that's the problem! I'm only SIX-TEEN! I HAD NO IDEA! I guess I'm just stupid. I had no ideaaa, that we were doinggg, anything iilllleeggaallllllllllllll un, ... tilllll, the Trooooooopers showed upppppp." She said obviously crying.

"Trooooooooopers?" Bo got really pale and let himself slide down the wall to set in the floor before he fell down. "Oh, Sh--!"

"Oh, Lord." Daisy said, "Dixie it will all be OK. If Jesse's there he'll get it worked out."

"NO, it won't beeeeee," she sobbed, "My father is insisting that they 'throw the book' at Luke."

Bo finally got his wind back, "Where is LUKE?"

She bit her lip and tried to form the words without crying, "In jaaaiiiiilllllll."

Bo hung up his phone. "I'm gone!" he was out the door, in the Road Runner, and gone before Daisy could say anything.

Dixie's door slammed against the wall as Luther stormed into the room, "WHO are you talking too?" He feared she had called her Mother. He saw something he didn't like seeing when she looked up. She had fear in her eyes.

"Daisy." she whispered as she hung up the phone.

Luther was hurt, angry and would be embarrassed by all this. Here his only daughter had finally came back to stay with him. How in such a short time could he have let this happen. Luther did not want to explain to his wife this situation. To think he had actually began to trust that Luke Duke. He thought, 'I just let the fox come right on and guard the hen house. Then, they both betray my trust.' Luther thought, 'Da--! He did do a good job with that wrecker. Guess I'll start looking for a replacement.' He could be a very stubborn man. "Let's go." he said to his young daughter who now looked even younger to him than she had yesterday.

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Daisy looked at the phone as it went dead. "JEB! Coy! Vance! Guys! Come on!" she yelled. She got the boys together and they all took off for town. She promised to explain what was going on while they drove.

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At the Courthouse. Jesse had returned from the Davenport farm. He was hoping to speak with his old friend, the Judge, before the hearing but he hadn't arrived yet. At just this moment, heard by all in the Courthouse, including the State Troopers who had showed up to swear to the complaint, the yellow Road Runner slide into a parking place so loudly that Bo would surely have to replace Daisy's tires when this was over. Seconds later, Bo stormed through the front door! It was all Jesse could do to calm him down enough to keep him from getting either thrown out or locked up. Bo was insisting on talking to Luke. Jesse and Peggy convinced him that Luke may need to see him more after the hearing. By this time, Jeb, Daisy, Coy and Vance showed up in Tilly which they parked out of sight in town. All conversation stopped when Luther, Cooter and an unwilling Dixie walked in. Followed just seconds later by Judge Milton C. Hardcastle taking the bench from a side door. Everyone who knew Judge Hardcastle, knew he was taking these cases very seriously. Even though this was only a bond hearing he wore his black robe.

Peggy went downstairs, locking the gate behind her. She opened a large metal 'gun cabinet' that hadn't housed guns in it for probably the last hundred years and took out a set of hand cuffs and leg irons. She sighed as she went to unlock Luke's cell, she said, "Luke. Time to go."

Seeing the restraints, Luke asked, "You don't need those."

Giving him a weak smile, she said, "I know. Rules." She placed the handcuffs on Luke in the front, then instructed him to turn around so she could place the leg irons on him which he did. Wearing the flip flops that he'd been given in place of his boots made it possible for the leg irons to fit.

Upon entering the Courtroom with Luke, Peggy was directed to take Luke into the Judge's Chambers and wait outside the door. She did as ordered by the Court.

Judge Hardcastle had been called a bit eccentric and true to all of Hazzard he did things his way in his Courtroom. The Judge closed the door behind him as he followed Luke into his private office. "Have a seat."

Luke did so though he was more than a bit nervous.

The Judge took a casual position at his desk and opened one the files before him. He looked up to see Luke setting stone still with his cuffed hands in his lap. "Relax, son. This conversation isn't on the record. I want to know more about this case than the 'black and white' of this complaint. I know you have been before me on several occasions. I have also been friends with your Uncle Jesse for many years, though that will not influence me in any way." The Judge thumbed through the file again. "How old are you?"

Luke replied, "Twenty."

"Were you drinking?" asked the Judge.

"Yes. " said Luke.

"On a scale of 1 to 10 how intoxicated were you if 1 is sober and 10 is the drunkest you've ever been?" questioned Judge Hardcastle.

Luke thought for a minute. He had drank quiet a bit over a long period of time and had also eaten. He answered, "A three. I might have been over the legal limit when they showed up but I could have driven home."

"So it takes something more than a couple drinks to make your thinking unclear?" the Judge asked.

Luke nodded, "Yes."

The Judge now did something very uncharacteristic for a Judge, but it is Hazzard. He reached into his top desk drawer and took something out, then asked, "What were you drinking?"

Luke replied, "When the Troopers showed up, I had a beer."

The Judge opened yet another desk drawer and dug around in it a few minutes before asked Luke, "You wouldn't be opposed to a little Jack Daniels would you?"

Luke Looked a bit surprised as the Judge tossed a handcuff key to him. "I don't suppose we need those bracelets for this conversation. Do we?"

"No, Sir. I'm not going anywhere until this is straightened out." replied Luke who was beginning to calm down just a bit.

"Good. Good. Now, you can take those things off and put them on the table while I pour us a drink. Then, we are going to talk about last night. You will tell me the truth?" He said as he handed Luke a good sized drink.

"I've never lied to you. If I have done something, I'll tell you I did." Luke said looking the older man in the eyes.

"Luke I intend to talk to all the parties involved in this. I understand from the Troopers the charges may change." Judge Hardcastle began as he took a sip of his drink.

Luke had taken his drink and set it on the table. He surely didn't want to seem over eager for it. Luke smiled a sick smile and shook his head, "From what I could hear last night when Luther Davenport came to pick up Dixie, yeah, he wants the book and the bookcase it is on thrown at me!"

"That's my understanding too." The Judge asked, "How long have you known Miss Davenport?"

"Dixie? Since we were small kids. She has lived with her Mother out of here until last summer." replied Luke.

"This isn't a test or anything. Drink up." The Judge motioned to Luke's untouched drink. "Did you know she was younger than you?" the Judge asked.

Luke took a sip of his drink before answering. "Well, everyone knows she is Cooter's 'little sister' but he is older than me. She had been talking about a birthday coming up. Saying things like, 'after this birthday maybe I can make my own decisions about things like staying here.' Now, I know my last big birthday when I could do a lot more things than I had before was my 18th one. With her appearance, actions, and statements I just knew she meant her 18th birthday." Luke gave a weak smile, "Yeah, this time I assumed one He-- of a lot!"

"Yes, I'm afraid you did. You mean to tell me as long as you have known Ms. Davenport you didn't know her age?" asked the Judge.

Luke thought a long moment before answering. He was trying to word his response just right. "You said you have known my Uncle Jesse for years. Do you know how old he is?" Luke watched the puzzled look on the Judge's face. When Luke saw his expression change to where Luke was certain the Judge did not know Jesse's age, he continued, "Ms. Meade has been your secretary for years and years. Is she older or younger than you?"

Luke's point had sunk in. Judge Hardcastle said, "You do realize the three of us went to school together. You have a point. I don't know who's older or how old they are, but ..."

Luke interrupted, "I know that it is not important for you to know. I was just making a point."

Now the Judge got to the meat of the discussion. "Were you both willing?"

Luke said matter of factly, "Yes. Between you and me, she made the first move on me. Everything that happened was my fault. I let it happen. I should have known better. He--, I did know better!"

Luke continued, "I know what her Father wants. I can't change that, any more than I can change what happened last night. I know no matter what happens to me, this is going to be hard for Dixie to live with, the way it's getting blown up like this. Judge Hardcastle I'd like to do my best to make things as easy for her as I can. For one reason or another since she has been here, we have spent a lot of time together. I have known I cared for her for quiet some time now. With her, what happened, wouldn't have happened if I hadn't already decided that I love her." Luke let that register with the Judge before continuing.

Judge Hardcastle looked a bit surprised. He knew Luke's history of running around.

"Yeah, Jesse gave me that same look. It's true. I cared enough about her to wait until she was, I thought, eighteen." Luke explained.

"Did Mr. Davenport know you were seeing her?" asked the Judge.

Luke sighed, "Kind of, but not exactly. He knew she rode with me on wrecker calls and to get parts. He let me take her to the Boar's Nest after a date had gone bad to meet everyone. He let her help with my cousin's band which put us quiet often at the same table or singing together. She has stayed over at the house with Daisy. But, no he didn't know we were dating because actually we weren't. It just ended up that we spent a lot of time together and had fun while we were together." Luke took a sip of his drink. "Do you remember when I was before you for fighting? You sentenced me to 14 days. You asked me to explain myself. I opted not to. I will now. I had fought the guy because he had given Dixie an option of 'putting out' or 'getting out' she had gotten out in the rain and started walking. I was in the wrecker and found her. I took her home and made sure she got a warm shower. I told her I'd take care of him and I did so. Rosco and the Troopers just happened in while I was taking care of him."

"I see. That explains quiet a bit. Why didn't you tell me that before?" Asked Judge Hardcastle.

"I had been asked not to tell anyone, but I thought it would explain that I'd not do anything to intentionally hurt Dixie or any other girl. I have been a run around this last little bit but I haven't done anything they didn't want to do." explained Luke.

Judge Hardcastle explained, "When I talk to Mr. Davenport, if he wants the charges changed, I'll have to allow the Troopers to do so. You also need to know that if he does this you and Dixie will have to submit to a number of tests..."

Luke held up his hand. "I won't let her be put through that."

The Judge sighed, "If her Father insists, then, I'll have to order the tests."

Luke looked the Judge in the eye. "At this point we're just talking correct? If I say something now will I be bound to follow it in court?"

Hardcastle's was curious now. "No, you are not under oath. We are just trying to get this worked out."

"Ok, if he insists the charges be changed. I have every intention of pleading guilty to keep Dixie from having to go through with the tests." said Luke.

Hardcastle looked at the young man in front of him. "You do realize that if you plead guilty at that time there would be no backing out. I want you to know that it would very likely mean going to prison."

"I understand that. But, I won't let Dixie be hurt anymore by this than she already is being. He can have me locked up and throw the key away but it won't change what happened. He doesn't realize that by bringing this all out public like this, he is doing her more harm than if he'd just swept it under the rug. Luther could have settled this easier for everyone involved with a good old 'shot gun wedding'. He--, I told Jesse, I'll tell you, and if I could get in the same room with him, I'd tell him, I'd be more than willing to marry Dixie even if he doesn't want to drop the charges just so she could hold her head up in this town."

The Judge was impressed by Luke's willingness to try to made things right for the young lady involved. Most young men in his situation would be more concerned about themselves. Hardcastle said, "I see. Jesse is aware of your decisions?"

Luke said, "Yes."

"Well, I'm going to have him brought in here in a few minutes and make sure. Then, I'm going to do my best to see to it that he explains how the law can work to protect you and frankly I'm going to try to convince him to change your mind." said Hardcastle. "There is no point in throwing your life away because of this and I don't want to be the one who sentences you to prison without every avenue being explored first."

Realization of the Judge's words sank in hard. Luke asked, "Could you arrange something before this is over, if you see it's going badly? ... I'd like to see Dixie two minutes, to apologize."

Judge Hardcastle looked at the young man before him being so unselfish. "I'll do what I can. Now, finish that drink and get that 'jewelry' back on before you ruin my bad imagine."

Luke finished the drink, replaced the handcuffs and handed the judge back the key. "Judge Hardcastle, I truly would like to marry Dixie. Could you express that to her father for me?"

"I'll do it." The Judge went to the door. He spoke briefly with Jesse. He had Luke and Jesse put in a witness room to talk the case over while he had Dixie brought into his chambers.

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Don't for get to review – There's still a lot more action to follow!