Carolyn Davenport was not expecting THAT! She was so shocked that she could not hide her surprise. She stood straight up, looked at her daughter who appeared much older than a mere 16, then she turned away to TRY to get a grip on her own emotions before she spoke to Dixie. She stepped to the front door and said, "Jesse? Would you mind coming out here for a bit?"
Dixie watched her Mother very closely trying to gage her response. She asked Jesse to join them this may not be good.
Uncle Jesse came out on the porch. "What can I do for you Carolyn?"
"Maybe I missed something in Dixie's explanation as to why I'm here and I might need your help controlling my temper." she said still not speaking to Dixie.
"Well, now I'm not sure how I can help but I'll do my best. As for tempers, I think there been far too many turned loose on this. Now, for starters, like I've told Luke and Dixie I can't ab hold what they did, but like I told Luther what's done is done." Jesse paused, "Our families have been close for years and believe me if this was Daisy the young man would be paying dearly but not like Luke is."
"Jesse I know he's your nephew. I've known him since he's been in this world and I've always loved him as I have all the kids." Carolyn paused, thinking, "Did he just run off or has he even made an offer to make this right? Where is he? I'd like to hear his side of this."
Jesse looked at Dixie. "You didn't finish the story?"
Dixie just bit her lip and shook her head. "No. No, ... I ah, hadn't gotten that far only that the Troopers showed up and that them or Luther were happy about it. Mom, Luke has asked Luther to let us get married. He even asked the Judge in Court to over rule Luther which the Judge said he couldn't do..."
"Judge?" Carolyn asked. She figured that between Jesse and Luther they could have worked this out without getting a Judge into it.
Jesse took over the explanation, "See, they charged Luke with Statutory Rape because of the age difference..."
"Oh, no!" Carolyn explained. Though she wasn't happy about the whole thing either she couldn't believe this. "Luther stood by and let that happen? As close as we've all been?"
With spite Dixie hissed, "No, he didn't just let it happen he pushed for it to happen!"
"So where is Luke now?" Dixie's Mother asked.
Jesse spoke up, "He's been in jail since this happened. He turned down bond being set and plead guilty to keep Dixie from having to undergo the embarrassment of the tests to prove he was guilty or innocent. Luke also told me that he thought Dixie was 18 and she didn't realize how much trouble her being 16 could cause him."
Carolyn wasn't happy with her daughter or Luke but from just the little she was hearing it sounded like Luke was trying to make up for this. "Tell me everything. Then, I'm going to town and I plan to have a long talk with Luke and then I plan to have it out with a certain husband of mine!"
Jesse started to begin when the phone rang. "I'll be right back." He went just inside the door to answer the phone. Carolyn and Dixie could hear his end of the conversation. "Duke Farm."
Peggy shook her head. This was going to be the hardest phone call she'd made since she had been working as a Correctional Officer. "Mr. Duke, this is Sgt. Blevins from the Hazzard County Jail."
Jesse hoped she was calling to ask him to bring something for Luke. "Yes, Ma'am."
"Mr. Duke, Luke asked me to call you. Department of Corrections picked Luke and Mark up earlier today. I'm sorry that I had to wait before calling but for security reasons it couldn't be helped." She explained.
It was all Jesse could do to find his voice, "I understand. Thank you for calling."
Peggy said, "Mr. Duke I'm sorry to have been the one to call. Also, Luke had some personal property here you can pick up anytime."
Jesse said, "I'll be down later today. I'm glad it was you that called, my boys have always spoken well of you. Thanks again." Was about all Jesse could manage to say as he wiped a tear from his cheek as Dixie and Carolyn came into the house. Putting his handkerchief away Jesse told Carolyn. "Looks like that talk with Luke is going to have to wait. Department of Corrections has already picked him up."
Dixie didn't wait to hear all of Jesse's sentence she just turned and bolted out the front door and headed across the field.
Carolyn looked at her with concern and started out the door.
Jesse stopped her. "Let her be a spell. I'll send one of the kids after her if she doesn't show up in a bit."
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Handcuff and shackled the van ride to where ever they were going seemed endless for Luke and Mark, but unfortunately it was not endless. Though they couldn't see much from the paneled van, they could see way too much as the van rolled up to the high fences topped with several layers of razor wire. Had anyone been watching, they would have seem both Luke and Mark swallow hard, set their jaws, and square their shoulders for what waited ahead of them.
The van made it's way through two main gates and continued for quiet a distance before passing through two more gates. They would later learn that the reception area for the prison and work camp (where they would be) used the same intake area as an intimidation method. Once out of the van other than the massive fences and buildings it was apparent this place was located on a section of flat land that appeared to go on for miles upon miles. In the intake area was the highest sections of double fencing in the entire place. Luke and Mark were taken into the intake area, searched, showered, sprayed, then issued their clothes and linen. Finally they were taken down a massive hallway to were they would later learn was the receiving area for the work farm which was totally separate and much smaller than the prison. They were placed in a cell only slightly bigger than the one in the Hazzard County jail which had two bunks, a toilet area, and one piece metal desk seat which was of course bolted down. They were told they would be housed here for at lease thirty days for processing and orientation before they would be put on work crews on the grounds and then later they could be placed on crews outside the grounds.
Once they were basically alone for the first time since leaving Hazzard Mark spoke for the first to Luke without worry of what the guards would think. Neither wanted to give them the satisfaction of appearing worried or intimidated. "Sh--! This place is bigger that Hazzard!"
Luke sighed heavily, "I know. What have we got ourselves into?"
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It was almost supper time and Dixie hadn't showed up back at the Duke farm. Jesse walked on to the front porch trying to act unworried. The closest nephew there was Jeb. "Jeb, can you find Dixie?" There was no need in Jesse explaining to Jeb what had happened. He saw her leave. Then, Jesse, had the unpleasant task of telling the others that Luke had been transported out of the County. Other than Dixie, Jesse knew he'd have a time with Bo for quiet sometime.
Jeb stood up, "I think maybe I can." he headed off to check the barn and found nothing. After checking several spots he decided to try the back forty as a hunch. Sometimes Luke would go there if he was feeling down, but Jeb didn't think he'd shown it to her, but then there was a lot of surprises he was finding out lately. As he climbed the fence into the back forty he could barely make out a shadow near the base of an old Oak tree by the stream than ran through the property. He very slowly and quietly made his way to the tree. When he was only inches away from Dixie, he said, "Dixie." very quietly. "Can I join you?"
She never took her eyes off the water, just nodded, 'yes'.
They sat there staring at the water for a long while without saying anything. Then, Jeb figured he'd better get her back to the house before they were worried he hadn't found her. "Dixie ..."
Before he could say more, she turned and looked at him, "Why? Jeb, I really love him. Twenty years or two hundred won't change that ... Why is my Father doing this to me? and to Luke?"
Jeb sighed, "Come here." He held out his arms for her. She found herself holding on to him like her life depended on it, yet she didn't not shed the first tear. Jeb knew her love for his cousin. Dixie knew Jeb's Duke loyalty to Luke. They both understood they could never be boyfriend and girlfriend but it was this moment they bonded with each other in what would remain even through years of separation a very close friendship. Jeb vowed to himself and to her (and later he would also write Luke) that as long as she was near him nobody would hurt her in anyway just as if Luke were here himself to protect her.
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At the house, Jesse and Carolyn went through the motions of fixing supper knowing that no one was going to feel much like eating.
They heard the 'kids' begin to fill the porch. Coy and Vance were on the steps. Daisy had taken Jesse's rocker where she often went when she needed to feel comforted. Jesse looked out the living room window at the three. He said to Carolyn, "It's going to be a long night. Still no sign of Jeb and Dixie and I haven't seen Bo since, well, ..."
Carolyn placed her hand on Jesse's shoulder. "They are close, Jesse. It will take time."
Jesse nodded as he opened the screen door he could see Jeb and Dixie walking up the yard, about that time Bo came out of the barn looking like his chin was going to drag the ground. When they got to the porch Jesse said, "Supper is sandwiches. The table is set when you all feel like eating. You all need to eat something."
Coy and Vance being growing boys headed to the kitchen. Daisy said, "Come on Dixie."
Dixie went with Daisy followed by Jeb.
Bo remained on the swing.
Carolyn took Jesse by the arm. "Come on Jesse. Take your own advice."
Jesse nodded, "Bo are you going to join us?"
Bo voice was barely recognizable. "Thanks, Uncle Jesse, but I just don't think I can keep anything down yet. Maybe later. I promise."
Jesse nodded, as he and Carolyn walked in Daisy was trying to get Dixie to let her make a sandwich. All she could manage to get her to put in her plate was a few chips and a half of glass of pop. Jesse of course noticed that Daisy also only put chips on her dish. Jesse and Carolyn were making yet another pot of coffee when Dixie set her plate down. Carolyn noticed she was looking a bit 'green'. Her nerves had gotten the best of her and her stomach refused to hold any food down as she bolted to the bathroom. Again, Jesse, stopped Carolyn as he saw Jeb head out after her. Since she had left the door to the bathroom open Jeb went in still leaving the door open as he reached for a towel and sat on the edge of the tub.
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Later on the front porch Jesse said quietly to Carolyn, "I really hate this. There is a lot of growing up going on out here today and I can't do a, ..." Jesse paused, and rubbed his tired face, " darned thing to make it any easier on any of them here, ... or, ... the one that ain't here. I see the pain they are going through and we all have each other. Luke is alone except for Mark McCormick."
Carolyn looked puzzled, "Mark? Mark who?"
Jesse waved his hand. "Luke has a friend. Actually, he was almost engaged to Mark's sister at one time. It seems they picked the same time to get into trouble over their heads. Judge Hardcastle made a deal with Mark that if he'd plead guilty instead of a trial that he'd see they were put together at a 'work farm' instead of a prison."
Though Carolyn had been out of Hazzard for years she still felt very close to Jesse and his family. "I'm sorry, Jesse, if I had known, maybe there is something I could have done. Is there anything I can do now? Would it do any good to 'convience' Luther to drop the charges? or talk to the Judge?"
Jesse patted her hand. "I think we are way past that now, but thanks."
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The
night was long in Hazzard for Bo and Dixie and the others.
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It was longer still at the work camp for Luke and Mark, being locked into a small unfamiliar place, with all the strange sounds of the 'prison' or work farm or whatever polite society named it. It was still a place that 'housed' those that society didn't want. Both Luke and Mark were well aware they were now apart of this group, that seemed to wake up in the evening and sleep the day away, if they weren't on a work crew.
Work. Luke would be glad for work to busy his mind. Mark would even be glad for the distraction. This too, would have to wait, for now all there was to do was to stare at the three cedar block walls, cement ceiling and floor, and the God awful view of the steel barred front of the locked cell and listen to those society had 'thrown away'... yet they were thankful the door was locked and it was only them inside the cell...
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Bo turned over for what seemed like the millionth time since going to bed. He knew when he had said he was going to bed that he wouldn't sleep but at least he could be alone with his thoughts without everyone trying to avoid the subject that was one everyones mind. He looked at the empty bed beside him. It just wasn't right for Luke not to be here. Sure, it had been empty since Luke had been in jail, but it was different with him being in the Hazzard Jail. Now, he was gone. He was gone to who knew where and Bo felt more alone than he had in years. Bo looked at the clock. It was 2am. The house was quiet but he knew he wasn't the only one awake. He slide on his jeans and quietly made his way to the front porch steps. He looked up at the stars. The stars he pretty much knew that Luke was unable to see tonight.
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Daisy and Dixie were also awake. Dixie had curled up in the rocker with her feet in the seat and her arms locked around her legs. "Why?" she mumbled more to herself than to Daisy. "How could they call what happened at the lake rape? Just because Luke is older? He was a sight more gentle than that creep Tommy was the night he wanted to force me into it and I walked."
Daisy looked at Dixie surprised, "What?"
Dixie sighed, "Yeah, you remember when Luther 'let' me go out with him?"
Daisy nodded 'yes'.
"Well, he had started 'pawing' me and told me to 'put out or get out' -- I got out and started walking. Luke happened by in the wrecker and took me home. He stayed with me for several hours with out so much as trying anything because he was afraid Tommy would come to the house while Cooter or Luther wasn't home. If you remember after that Luke and Tommy got into a fight..." Dixie was interrupted.
"That's what that was about?" Daisy asked surprised
Dixie nodded with tears in her eyes, "Yeah, he went to jail then because of me too!"
"Sugar, Luke knew what he was doing with Tommy." Daisy said trying to sound convincing she continued, hoping her voice wouldn't give away her doubt. "And, he knew the decisions he made this time were best for you."
"Daisy how can you say that? How was him getting the maximum sentence by admitting what we did best for me?" Dixie asked, not believing that Daisy could truly feel this way.
"Honey, even if he'd fought this tooth and nail it wouldn't have changed his situation. I think Luke felt like by admitting he was guilty he thought things may have been better for him. But, he knew that by admitting to this it would save you a lot of embarrassment. He did what he could. He did all he could do for both of you." Daisy tried to sound convincing, but it was hard for her to think like she was trying to get Dixie to think. "Come on. It's been a long day. What do you think about trying to get some rest?"
"That neither one of us is going to get any sleep." Dixie said flatly.
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Jesse Duke sat in his room holding the family Bible that he was trying to concentrate on without much luck. He had to be strong for his family. His entire family. He had turned to the Bible as he often did in times of trouble as a source of comfort, but tonight even this brought him little comfort. Looking out the window, heavenward, he said, "Watch over my boy and keep him safe."
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The youngest of the Dukes were also awake though Jeb was trying to act like he was asleep hoping that Coy and Vance would go to sleep so he could have some time to himself.
Coy asked Vance, "What do you think it's like being in jail?"
Vance replied to Jeb's relief, "I think, I don't want to find out."
Jeb could stay silent no longer, "I think that our name is Duke, we live in Hazzard County and I pretty much figure we'll all get to find out, far to soon. Now, go to sleep. Luke wouldn't want you all losing sleep on account of him."
Vance said, "And he would want you and Bo and Daisy and Uncle Jesse and Dixie losing sleep?"
Being the oldest in the room Jeb snapped at Vance just a bit, "Do as I say not as I do." Then he realized how sharp his voice had been. "Look, guys I'm sorry. No, Luke wouldn't want any of of losing sleep because of him. We're all family here and we need each other. Now more than ever."
Coy being the youngest asked, "So if we need each other more than ever now, who does Luke have?"
Biting his lip hard Jeb sighed and replied, "Us." then he explained, "There may be distance between us but Luke still needs us. It just might have to be through letters or cards but we have to let him know we care about him without making him worry about us. And, we have to let him know we are stepping up to do his share around here so he won't worry about Uncle Jesse. Now let's get some rest so we can do our chores and Luke's tomorrow without having to be asked to." Jeb laid silently for a few seconds before he voiced said, "Guys, I love you."
The three knew that they loved each other but they were at the age it had been said less lately. Vance was the first to answer, "I love you two, too."
Finally, Coy said in a voice barely above a whisper, but his two cousins heard it loud and clear, "I love ya'll too."
They both caught the sniffle that followed.
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NOTE : I probably should have mentioned this before, but I will do it now. --The sentencing for Luke and Mark were fictional and doesn't apply to any State. -- As we all know THINGS are different in Hazzard! Especially, the section of Luke's court order that the Judge put in Latin!
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Carolyn Davenport also was awake starring at the ceiling of her room at the Hazzard hotel, where she had insisted on staying. She knew the Dukes had far to much going on to have 'company', but she had let Dixie stay with Daisy.
She had talked to Luther that day. She had no more luck than Jesse Duke had when he tried to get him to see that what was done was done. She saw how much her only daughter was hurting. She could also see how much older her 'baby girl' had seemed. She was sure that Dixie thought that she loved Luke Duke. Carolyn also felt that Luke would stop at nothing to see Dixie not hurt. He'd proved that to her by going to prison to protect Dixie from the embarrassment and shame of the tests that would have had to be ran on her to prove him not guilty. Even with the slim chance that the tests may not prove his guilt, Luke had refused to make Dixie go through with them. He had signed his own one way ticket right to prison. He had asked to marry Dixie, with no strings attached. Just what else could a parent ask for from him, except that it never have happen, but no one could change that now.
Carolyn would get his address and write him a long letter tomorrow, since she hadn't had the chance to talk to the young man that should have been her son-in-law, and would have been if she'd had any say so about the matter.