We've all heard that the 'Truth will set you free'. Will it? In Hazzard County?

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Chapter 38

To Luke it seemed that he had been in the Judge's Chambers forever. The small amount of offered alcohol had taken the edge off his discomfort. When Luke heard the soft knock on the Judge's door, he took in his appearance. He was dressed in a bright orange jump suit. At this moment he hated the color. Thankfully his hands were still uncuffed while he still wore the leg irons. Luke unconsciously folded his legs together and tried to tuck them under his chair in an effort to hide the restraints he was still wearing.

The back of the chair that Luke was setting in was a high back chair. From the door of the Judge's office he could not be seen. Hardcastle reminded as he went to the door, "Just stay still until I talk to them." Hardcastle said.

Luke nodded.

Hardcastle moved from his large desk where he and Luke had been talking to a smaller desk after he had opened the door. Hardcastle offered Robin and her brother a seat at the smaller desk. The first thing the older man did was take in the young woman that apparently was the center of the troubles between the two young men. She was nice looking with her long hair, but she was no model. Once everyone had taken their seats Hardcastle said to the girl, "Can you tell me what you know about why Luke (Lucas) Duke and Ralph Green are continuing to have problems with each other?"

Being that this was her first time being involved in any court proceedings it took a minute or two for Robin to find her voice, "Your Honor, I know they have had problems since high school football. I used to date Luke, but that has been months ago. After we broke up I have been seeing Ralph." She paused, "I actually have accepted his marriage proposal, though we have not set a date."

Hardcastle filed that information in his head before asking, "Do you have any idea why Ralph Green would have attacked Luke Duke at the Hazzard Garage without anyone there knowing why?"

Robin thought a minute about how to word her answer, "Only from what I heard from my brothers, " she looked at Mark before adding, "He took my car to the garage to be worked on. I only recently found out that he parked my car by Luke's. It also seems that my younger brother was giving Ralph a ride, saw my car parked by Luke's and pointed it out to Ralph."

Luke was finding it hard to stay silent where he was seated but at least for the time being held his peace.

"That was enough to make him suspect that you were somewhere with Luke Duke?" The judge asked.

Luke's temper was passing simmer.

"I really don't know for sure. I haven't talked to Ralph, but that's the only conclusion I can come up with." The young woman said.

The Judge looked at Mark, "Do you have any idea what went on other than what is in your statement that you gave the Sheriff?"

"Like it says I went to the garage in Robin's car to get it repaired and parked it out of the way. When I got home last night it came out that where I parked Robin's car had been pointed out to that Turnip Brain, " Mark pointed at his sister, "that she is dating by pipsqueak of a brother of mine. It had the effect of dropping a lite match into a keg of black powder."

Hardcastle couldn't help but grin slightly at the young man's opinions, but warned, "I normally don't allow name calling in my court. I'll allow that, but no more."

Mark replied, "Sorry, Judge."

"As for you Miss, if a man is that jealous before he puts a ring on your finger, how will it be after he does?" Hardcastle asked. He had noticed that even though the young girl before him advised him that she had accepted Green's proposal she still was not wearing an engagement ring.

Robin nodded. For the first time she was thinking that maybe, just maybe the judge had a point.

"Alright. Thanks for coming down here and talking to me. If you're not in too big of a hurry could you wait outside a few more minutes?" Hardcastle asked.

Both agreed after looking with at the other they replied, "Sure."

After the two went outside the door, Hardcastle returned to his desk where Luke was, "Is Green really the 'Turnip Brain' they just described?"

"And then some." Luke replied.

Hardcastle asked, "Their younger brother. Would he really point out the vehicles were parked together to get a reaction?"

Luke replied honestly, "In a heartbeat. In fact it was just last week that Robin had car trouble and I helped her. She went on her way and I went out with my date. Ralph and I nearly got into it then, but I was able to show him he'd been set up when we watched Robin's younger brother's truck leave out like his tail was on fire."

Judge Hardcastle set back in his desk chair considering all that he had heard. He looked at Luke, "Do you want this over with today?"

"Over with?" Luke repeated. He had not followed the Judge's thoughts.

Hardcastle explained, "What I'm suggesting is skip a bond hearing and go right to the hearing."

Luke had not heard of that before but if the Judge suggested it then it surely was legal. "Fine by me. I think."

Hardcastle assured him as he tossed the hand cuffs to him, "Put those back on. Wave the bond hearing. It'll be fine."

Something in the Judge's calm manner reminded him of Jesse. Luke did as he was told.

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Once Jesse was seated, Rosco brought Luke in from the Judge's Chambers before the Judge entered the room. The court was called to order. Judge Hardcastle went on record to say, "The defendant and I have talked in Chambers. I have read the statements. At this time Lucas Duke is being charged with Battery. For a charge of Battery, if convicted or a plea of guilty entered, Lucas understands that he could be sentenced up to 12 months in the County and/or Tri-Counties jail."

Luke grimaced. He didn't remember that being a part of their talk, though he vaguely remembered it from the last time. He looked down at the cuffs on his hands as the Judge continued.

"At this time, I am giving Mr. Duke here an option to wave a bond hearing and us go straight to court proceedings." Judge Hardcastle explained, "Mr. Duke, do you agree to go straight to court proceedings and wave the bond hearing?"

Luke knew the Judge had more than suggested this option, but thinking about next twelve months behind bars if he was found guilty. Luke wasn't certain he wanted to go that way. Hurt and behind bars had proved not to be anywhere near bearable. Yet, the Judge had more than insisted that he agree. Finally, he found his voice and decided to trust the older man, "Yes, Sir. I'll wave the bond hearing."

Judge Hardcastle nodded, "You have been charged with battery. How do you plead?"

Luke knew that he had only tried to defend himself, so he replied, "Not guilty."

Hardcastle couldn't let that plead stand as the other man was also injured. "Lucas Duke, I will have to find you guilty on the charge of Battery."

Luke's eyes went wide but he wisely contained his thoughts.

Judge Hardcastle continued, "Since from all reports your acts of Battery were done as a means of self defense I'll sentence you to Time Served on this charge."

If Luke had been able to have been holding a deep breath he would have let it out right then.

Hardcastle warned, "Understand you still have until next Friday just after midnight before your license will be reinstated from your previous charges. Sheriff, Mr. Duke is free to go."

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Rosco was taking Luke down to change into his clothes as they passed Ralph's cell.

Ralph asked, "When do I get to tell my side of this?"

Sheriff Coltrane replied, "Just after he's released."

"Released?" Ralph questioned.

Luke suggested as he walked down stairs, "Just go along with him if he gives you the chance to wave a bond hearing." Something told Luke it would be a different outcome for Green.

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Hardcastle did indeed give Ralph the option of waving his bond hearing. He figured that if Luke could get out by waving his bond hearing then surely Ralph could. So he did wave the bond hearing.

Hardcastle was glad that Rosco and Deputy Petticord were both in the court room as he didn't think that the young man before him was going to be very happy. "How do you plead to the charge of Battery?"

Ralph replied, "Not guilty. He attacked me."

Hardcastle gave Rosco and the Deputy a look, then proceeded, "Mr. Green due to the statements and reports I have to find you guilty as I did Mr. Duke. I also find that you were the aggressor in this fight, so I am sentencing you to 15 days in the County jail."

Ralph said, "You can't be serious. Look at me. The Doc will tell you he hurt me. I got it you are only doing this cause he bribed you."

Hardcastle simply said, "30 days."

Rosco and Deputy Petticord were now on both sides of the cuffed man and were attempting to get him to calm down.

Once Green felt hands on his arms he began to fight them in an attempt to fight them off. Since he was still wearing the cuffs and leg irons his fight was about useless. He continued to shout remarks about how and why Luke had gotten off the charge.

"Forty-five days." Hardcastle said.

Green now began to curse the Judge.

"Sixty days." Hardcastle said.

Still not willing give up Ralph continued and attempted to elbow Deputy Petticord.

Hardcastle seen this and said harshly, "Mr Green. Ninety days at Tri-Counties. Any more resistance and I'll bring you back in on Contempt of Court charges as well as Battery to a police officer and give you the full year on this charge. Now stand up and walk out of here like a man."

The Judge's words had gotten through to Ralph as he let himself be taken out of the courtroom. Only as he was in the hall did he see Robin and Mark.

Robin's eyes met his. She had seen enough of what had went on in the courtroom that when their eyes met she dropped her gaze in shame and shook her head.

From there on Rosco and Deputy Petticord had their hands full until they got him to the down stairs cell next to where Luke had spent the night.

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Outside the courthouse Mark and Robin were just coming out as Luke waited for Jesse to bring the truck over. Jesse had insisted Luke not walk to the truck.

Robin looked at Luke, "I'm sorry about all this."

"You didn't, …. do it... You can't, …. help, …. his actions." Luke said as he still found it painful to do much talking.

Robin went to Luke and hugged him tightly, "I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

Luke had seen her coming at him and had already tensed before she hugged him.

Robin had felt Luke guard himself from her before. Back when he played football, "Something wrong?"

Luke merely shook his head 'no'. It was all he could manage at the moment. He barely managed to get out, "Take care." Then he headed for the pick up.

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By Friday afternoon, John was beginning to wonder if his actions the previous week had been such a good idea. No he wouldn't have changed running blocker for Jesse and Jeb for nothing in this world. However, with each passing day since he'd tried to calm Pauline's temper with his attentions, she had gotten more and more moody. He knew the reason. He was sure he knew the reason. She was worried. John had been reminded a bit too late to care that Pauline had not been back to see her doctor for birth control since the twins were born. John laughed at the memory from last evening. He'd came right out and told her if she was that worried then maybe she should go see her doctor. John had barely dodged the glass she threw his way as she had declared that she would do 'No such thing.' Pauline claimed she had been mortified of embarrassment when the Doctor had confirmed her pregnancy and then topped it off by telling her she was having twins when she carried the girls. The longer she went without beginning her cycle the harder she was to live with. In fact he barely got to sleep in the same bed last night in pajamas, on top of the cover and on the edge of the bed. John would likely only admit this to himself and maybe Jesse, but having the girls so late in life had did something for his ego. Having more children even now wouldn't bother him one bit. John basically still had no one to talk to in Placid County and decided then and there to call Jesse sometime today. He knew it would have to be when Pauline was busy with the girls away from the phone. She would pitch one more fit if she caught him talking to Jesse about this.

John looked up to see Karen coming toward him.

Her face was red as a beet. "Daddy! You have got to do something with Mom. I've cleaned my room, the house, bathed the girls..." She gasped nearly in tears. "And she, she, she, ... ooohhh!" The young girl stomped her foot.

John held his arms out to his daughter, "Honey, what is wrong?"

"Danny, ... that Jeb played ball with. He finally asked me out. Mom doesn't want me to go." Karen said, "Any other time she is trying to marry me off. With Jeb not here, I already told him I'd go. Now, Mom doesn't want me to go out with him. He's not asked me before cause of Jeb."

John nodded, "Honey. Call Danny back and meet him in town. Tell Mom you are going to a girlfriend's house and I'll take care of the rest."

"But, Daddy. I don't want to lie to her." Karen said.

"Let me handle your mother for the next few days. Just go and have a good time, but not too good." John reminded.

"Daddy he's so worried about Jeb he's not even asked me out before. How scared of you do you think he is?" Karen smiled at her father. "Thanks Daddy."

He watched his oldest run off to follow up on his suggestion. John had seen enough. He went to the house to find Pauline rocking the girls in the living room. After washing his hands he went the phone and took it to the furthest point of the phone line and dialed the Hazzard operator, "Yes, Miss. Could you connect me with the Duke Farm?" John waited as she made the connection.

Jesse answered on the second ring, "Duke Farm, this is Jesse."

John let out a sigh, "I'm really glad you answered, Jesse."

Jesse heard something he couldn't quite peg in his younger brother's voice. "What's wrong John?"

"Wrong?" John repeated. "I'm not really sure I'd say anything is wrong, but I've got to talk to someone. Can you meet me up at number 7 in say two hours?"

Jesse rubbed the back of his neck. It had already been a long day. First with having to go to court with Luke, then he had spoke to Judge Hardcastle about the ticket Jeb had received. Finally Jesse and Jeb had gotten the evening chores done. Bo was still not able to help with much of the chores and now Luke would not be able to do much of anything at all for a few weeks. He was tired, but his younger brother needed him. "Two hours. Yeah see you then."

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