EPISODE 137 - Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures

 

 

"Ann, how are Emma and the baby?"  Courtney asks.  

 

"I hope you brought back lots of pictures," says Heather.

 

The smile fades from Ann's face as she looks at Heather and Lucas.  "Emma and the baby are just fine.  And, I did.  I brought pictures."

 

"So what'd Emma name the baby?"  Lucas asks, the question causing a look of worry to come over Ann's face.  "She named him Logan. Logan Chase.  Chase being the name of Kevin's biological father."

 

"I'll bet Richard Channing just LOVED that, didn't he?"  Bobby asks with a smile.  

 

Ann looks at her husband, the expression on her face causing Bobby to be concerned.

 

"Well, why don't we all go inside?"  Christopher asks.  "Ann, you must be tired.  And, Courtney and I wanna tell you all about our wedding, and about her son Jacob."

 

"I can't wait to hear."

 

"You all go on ahead,"  Bobby says.  "We;ll be there in a minute."

 

Christopher nods to his father, then he and the other women go into the house.  

 

"Honey are you alright?"  Bobby asks his wife once the others are gone.

 

"I'm fine."

 

"You got this strange look when Lucas asked about Emma's baby.  Why?"

 

"Bobby, it was nothin'.  I was just, well, I thought it might be awkward, since Lucas and Heather just got married.  I mean, considerin' his history with Emma."

 

"Oh, well, I don't think ya have to worry about that.  Lucas and Heather seem like they're doin' just fine."

 

Ann manages a slight smile.  "Good.  Well, I guess we need to start doin' some plannin' for a party to celebrate Christopher and Courtney's weddin'."

 

 

"Honey, we may have to hold off on doin' any celebrating, at least for a while,"  Bobby says.

 

"Why?  Bobby, what's wrong?"

 

"Well, I wasn't gonna tell ya until you were a little more settled back at home, but, a couple days ago, Sue Ellen was indicted, for the murder of Brittany Ewing."

 

"Oh, no.  Poor Sue Ellen.  She must be goin' through hell right now.  I need to go give her a call."

 

"Sure,"  Bobby says.  He and Ann head toward the house.

Dallas Racquetball Club....

 

John Ross pulls off his sweat drenched shirt. "I tell ya little brother, it's great to see you back on your feet, but damn.......you make me realize just how outta shape I am.  How the hell can you play that hard after months of not usin' your legs?"

"Ever since the feelin' started comin' back into my legs, I been workin' out,"  Justin says.  "Besides, I'm a lot younger'n you, which means, I'm more agile."

 

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," says John Ross.  

 

"You want a rematch, John Ross?"

 

"I'd love to, but it'll have to be some other time.  I gotta get back to the office.  With both Uncle Bobby and Christopher away from Ewing Oil, and Mam dealin' with what she's got to deal with right now, I'm kinda runnin' the comp'ny on my own, with Jill's help."

 

"Speakin' of your Mama, how is Sue Ellen?"  Justin asks.

 

John Ross sighs.  "Not too good.  This whole ordeal, especially this indictment, has been real hard on her.  She's scared.  And so am I."

 

"I'm sorry, John Ross.  I wish there was somethin' I could do."

 

 

 

"I appreciate that,"  John Ross says.  He pauses for a moment. "Justin, let me ask ya somethin'."

 

"Sure, go ahead."

 

"This whole mess with Jimmy and Amanda.  That really happen the way you said it did?  Jimmy really push you off that cliff?"

Justin looks at his brother.  "What, you think I'm lyin'?"

 

"No, I never said that. But sometimes, with a real traumatic injury like you had, sometimes, the way you remember things gets all mixed up in your head. Same thing happenes to me after my hit and run."

 

"Jimmy pushed me, John Ross.  He and that slut of a wife of mine were screwin' around behind my back and they wanted me outta the way so they could be together.  Simple as that."

 

"Amanda, maybe, but, I just can't see Jimmy doin' somethin' like that."

 

"Did James put you up to this?"  Justin asks.

 

"Put me up to what?"

 

"Up to spendin' this little brotherly time with me today, so you could find out if I was lyin', or maybe convince me to drop the charges against his precious son?"

 

"James never put me up to anything.  I was just askin', little brother.  I know how pissed off you musta been when you found out Jimmy was screwin' Amanda.  Trust me, I know that feelin' well."

 

Justin smiles.  "Yeah.  I guess you're prob'ly thinkin' I got what I deserved.  After all, Amanda and me did hook up while she was still married to you, and now......I got a taste of my own medicine."

 

"Justin, that was totally different,"  John Ross says.  "Look,  was pissed as hell when Amanda left me for you, but, not because I loved her.  I never did love her, even though I thought I did at first.  I was pissed because I lost.  And I lost to YOU.  I don't give a damn about that now.  What I meant was........I know what it's like bein' cheated on by the woman you love."

 

Justin looks at him. "John Ross, are you sayin' that.......Krystina?"

 

"Yep.  That's why the two of us separated for a few months.  Long story short, Brad Stone set me and Krystina up.  He set it up to make her think that I cheated on her, so, she was hurt and vulnerable, and Stone took advantage of that.  I could've killed 'em both when I found out.  Hell, I wanted to.  And I do still plan on destroyin' Brad Stone for what he did to us.  So I know exactly how you feel, wantin' revenge."

 

"No, John Ross,"  says Justin.  "Yeah, you know what it's like bein' cheated on.  But our situations are not the same.  Your wife didn't sleep with the man you considered to be the best friend you ever had.  Your own nephew.  I loved Jimmy like a brother, and he betrayed me in the worst way.  I'm never gonna forgive that.  And Amanda......I gave that girl everything.  I loved her, John Ross."  Justin stops talking and begins to cry.  "I even bought that ranch so we could have a life together, and one day, a fam'ly.  And she threw all that away, for HIM!  I'm sorry, John Ross.  I don't wanna talk about this anymore."  

 

"Okay, ya don't have to.  Come on, let's hit the showers and get outta here."

 

As the two Ewing brothers walk over to one corner of the court to pick up their things, Justin takes off his sweaty shirt, then he  hears his cell phone vibrate.  He picks it up and unlocks  

the screen, looking at it.  He sees he has a new text from Pamela.  He smiles upon reading the text.  

 

"Hey, must be good news,"  John Ross says, noticing his brother's apparent shift in mood since receiving the next.  

 

"Oh yeah, real good news,"  Justin replies, then he proceeds to type a reply to the text.

 

 

 

Austin stands from his seat at his desk.  "Yes, we have a deal."

 

"Excellent,"  Tripp says with a smile.

"Tripp, are you sure your board is okay with this?" Austin asks.  "I mean, this is a lot of money."

 

"Austin, if I didn't have my board behind me, I wouldn't be here making this deal,"  Tripp says.  

 

"True enough, I suppose.  Well, as I said, as far as I'm concerned we have a deal.  But,  probably do need to at least meet with a couple other oil companies and hear their offers, just to be fair."

 

"But why?"  Tripp asks.  "I seriously doubt that any other company would be able to match Westar's offer."

 

"Well, you're right about that.  Alright, then.  I'll have my attorney draw up a contract, and we should be ready to sign by tomorrow afternoon."

 

"Good.  You're not gonna regret this, Austin.  This deal is gonna make a lot of money for both Westar AND Wentworth Industries."

 

"You're right, I'm sure it will,"  Austin says.  "You know,  cousin-in-law, you're quite a businessman."

 

Tripp laughs.  "Well, I learned from one of the best.......my grandfather, Carter McKay.  I'll be in touch."

 

"I'll give you a call tomorrow morning and we can set up a time to meet and sign the contract for the sale of the drill."

 

"I look forward to it,"  Tripp says, shaking Austin's hand.  "Take care."

 

"Yeah, you, too,"  Austin says as Tripp leaves.  After Tripp is gone, Austin retakes his seat and picks his cell phone up from the desk.  He dials a number, then sits back in his chair as he waits for an answer, which comes after the third ring.  "Hey, Mom," he says.

Falcon Crest....

"Austin, hello, darling,"  says Katherine Wentworth Channing, talking to her son on her phone from Falcon Crest in the Tuscany Valley, California.  "This is a surprise."

Wentworth Industries....

"Mom, I have some news,"  Austin tells his mother.  "I just made one of the biggest deals in Wentworth Industries' history."

Falcon Crest....

"Well tell me,"  Katherine says.  "I can't wait to hear all about it."

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

"Oh, ya mean my super busy, super chaotic day?"  Justin jokingly asks.  "Nah, I think I could spare a few minutes to come by and see a friend.  Or maybe.........hopefully.......give a friend and her son a ride home from the hospital?"

 

Pamela smiles.  "I would like that," she says as the nurse walks in carrying baby Randall.

 

"Here we are, Mrs. McKay,"  the nurse says.  "Your little angel."

 

"Awww, thank you,"  Pamela says as the nurse places the tiny infant in her arms.  

 

"Young Randall is good to go,"  the nurse says.  "The doctor checked him out thoroughly, and she was gonna come tell you herself, but she was called away on an emergency.  But the doctor did say to call her office tomorrow for an appointment."

 

"Thank you, I will."

 

"Well, are you almost ready to go, Mrs. McKay?"

 

"I sure am."

 

"I'll get a wheelchair and be right back,"  the nurse says.  She looks at Justin.  "Mr. McKay, you must be so happy right now."

 

Justin smiles and looks at Pamela.  "Uh, yeah, I am," he says as the nurse leaves the room. After she's gone, Justin and Pamela laugh.   "Everyone around here thinks I'm Mr. McKay," Justin says.

 

As Pamela is about to say something, Afton walks into the room.  She is surprised to see Justin.  "Oh, Pamela,"  she says.  "I'm sorry I'm late.  There was an accident on the Central Expressway, and I was stuck in traffic."

 

"It's fine, Mom."

 

"Are you almost ready to go?"

 

"Yes, the nurse just went to get a wheelchair to take us down,"  says Pamela.

 

"Well, I'll go ahead and take your things down to my car,"  Afton says.

 

"Mom, actually.........Justin came by to drive me home."

 

"Oh, really?"  Afton asks.

 

"Yeah.  I'm sorry you drove all the way over here."

 

Afton looks at her daughter, then at Justin, and back at Pamela again.  "No, it's fine.  Well, I guess we should get the car seat out of my car and put it in yours."

 

Justin looks awkwardly at Afton, then at Pamela.  "I'll tell you what, Miss Cooper, since you're already here, why don't Pamela and the baby ride with you, and I'll take her things in my car and just follow you?  Pamela, would that be okay for you?"

 

"Yeah, that'll be fine.  Then we won't have to bother with taking the car seat out of Mom's car."

 

"Fine,"  Afton says.  "Well, I think I'll go and see what's keeping the nurse with that wheelchair.  Be right back."  Afton walks to the doorway of her daughter's room, then 

 

 

 

 

C.J. is working at his desk that evening at Catlin Oil when someone knocks at his door.  "Come in," he says.

 

Catlin walks in.  "Hey," he says to his son.

 

"Dad, what's up?"

 

"I'm just about to leave. I was hoping I could convince you to join Sue Ellen and I for dinner."

 

C.J. looks at his father. "No, thank you.  I already have plans.  I'm having dinner with Conner."

 

"Oh, well, maybe tomorrow night, then.  I haven't gotten to spend any time with you outside of the office in weeks."

 

"Of course not, because you're always with Sue Ellen," C.J. says quickly.  

 

Catlin looks at his son.  "Oh, C.J., I'm sorry.  I really am sorry.  I should've realized how this was affecting you.  I've just been so caught up in trying to help Sue Ellen through this, that I failed to see how much you're hurting."

 

"Dad, I'm sorry.  I know how much you love Sue Ellen.  But I cannot be around her right now.  She's been indicted for Mom's murder.  She's gonna go on trial soon, and how you can constantly support her when she may be the one who murdered your wife, my MOTHER, is beyond me."

 

"Because I don't believe that Sue Ellen killed your mother," Catlin says.

 

"Then who did?  Dad, if anyone had a motive, Sue Ellen did.  She hated Mom."

 

"And with good reason."

 

"Alright, maybe so.  But that did NOT give her the right to kill her.  She had motive, means, and opportunity.  She doesn't even have an alibi for the time Mom was killed."

 

"Sue Ellen was drugged out of her mind, drugged because Brittany slipped something into her drink."

 

"All the more reason she looks guilty,"  C.J. says.  "Look, Dad, maybe Sue Ellen isn't capable of cold blooded murder in her right mind, but in a drugged state like that.....who knows?"

 

"I still don't believe she did it, son."

 

"Then who did?"  C.J. asks.

 

"I don't know,"  replies Catlin.  "But I'm damned sure gonna find out."

 

"I think you've just let yourself become blinded by love, Dad,"  C.J. says as Conner comes to the door and knocks.  

 

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt," Conner says.

 

"No, no, it's okay, Conner,"  says Catlin.  "I was just about to leave.  C.J., I understand how you feel, son."

 

"No, Dad, I don't think you do.  Not really."

 

"We'll talk more about this later,"  Catlin says to his son.  "Conner, it's good to see you."

 

"Yeah, good to see you too, Catlin.  Good night."

 

"Goodnight,"  Catlin says as he leaves the office.  

 

"It seems that every time lately that you invite your son to join us for lunch or dinner, or for anything, he has other plans,"  Sue Ellen says sadly.  "It's because of me, isn't it?"

 

Catlin sighs.  

 

"That's alright.  You don't have to answer.  I know the answer."

 

"Sue Ellen, please don't take it personally. C.J. is hurting.  He doesn't show it, but my son is hurting very deeply over his mother's death."

 

"Catlin, you don't have to explain.  I understand.  I don't blame C.J.  I've been accused and indicted for the murder of his mother.  Naturally, he wants nothing to do with me."

 

"I'm sorry, Sue Ellen,"  Catlin says.

 

Sue Ellen reaches across the table and touches his hand.  "Catlin, the last thing I would EVER want to do is come between you and your son.  If  our relationship is doing that, then, perhaps we should......"

 

"No,"  Catlin says.  "Sue Ellen, don't even finish that conversation.  You are NOT coming between me and my son.  C.J. is hurting right now.  And I'm gonna be there for him anyway I can be.  But Sue Ellen, I do not believe that you murdered Brittany."

 

"But what if I did?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "Catlin, I don't even know myself what happened that night. What if I did kill her?"

 

"Sue Ellen, when I left you in that office that night, you were so out of it, you were in no condition to take a knife and kill anyone.  You couldn't even stand up by yourself."

 

"But I must have been able to stand.  Otherwise, how did I leave that room?"

 

"I don't know.  But I'm gonna find out."

 

 

"Well, I do declare,"  says Marilee Stone, walking up to Sue Ellen and Catlin's table.  "Sue Ellen, hello."

 

 

"Marilee,"  Sue Ellen says, somewhat coldly.

 

"I must admit, I am surprised to see you out and about."

 

"And why is that, Marilee?"

 

"Well, I mean, your indictment for that woman's murder is pretty common knowledge,"  Marilee says. I would think that you'd be keeping a bit of a low profile around town now."

 

"And why should Sue Ellen do that?"  Catlin asks.  "Especially since she's innocent."

 

"Well, I just meant that......"

 

"I think we know what you meant, Mrs. Stone.  You ARE Marilee Stone, right?  You're Brad Stone's mother?"  

 

"Yes, that's right, I am."

 

"Did you know that your son was responsible for helping Brittany drug Sue Ellen the night of the Oil Baron's Ball?"

 

Marilee immediately drops her haughty attitude as she looks at the two.  "Well.....enjoy the rest of your evening," she says, unsure of how to respond to Catlin's accusation.  Marilee walks away.  

 

"That's certainly a first,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"What do you mean?"  Catlin asks.

 

"In all the years I've known that woman, I've never known Marilee Stone to be at a loss for words.  Did you see how quickly she shut up when you mentioned Brad's helping Brittany to drug me that night?"

 

"Yes.  Which makes me think that the Stones know more than what they told the police."

Ewing Oil....the next morning

building nearby, her cell phone rings. Taking the phone out of her purse, she looks at the screen, a concerned look on her face.  After a brief hesitation, on the fourth ring, she answers.  "Hello," she says.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile....

 

"Katie, it's me,"  says the young man who's calling her, who is none other than Brian Jeffries, the same Brian Jeffries who had been responsible for sending the bomb to Kevin and Emma's wedding several months earlier.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Brian?"  Katelyn says.  "Brian, what are you doing calling me?"

 

 

 

"I'm coming to Dallas and I need to see you."

 

 

 

 

 

"No, absolutely NOT,"  Katelyn says.  "We had an agreement, remember?"

 

"To hell with our AGREEMENT,"  says Brian.  "I'm in trouble and you're the only who can help me, so I need you.  Desperate times call for desperate measures, Katie.  I'll be in touch soon."  He ends the call.

 

"Damn,"  says an angry Katelyn after Brian hangs up on her.  She lets out a deep sigh of frustration. Now that things were going so well between her and Jimmy, having Brian show up is the last thing Katelyn needs.

 

Royal Thai Restaurant in Dallas....

"Nothing,"  replies Dylan.  

 

"Hey, how are YOU doing, little brother?"

 

"Just great.  I went by the house to see Grandmother on my way over here."

 

"Really?"  Todd asks.  "How was it?"

 

"I don't even think she knew I was there.  It was so hard seeing her like that, man."

 

"I know.  I'm sure Mom appreciated you coming by."

 

"Mom's still trying to convince me to move back in.  But that's not gonna happen, Todd.  I can never go back there."

 

"Dylan, let me ask you something.  Are you happy with the Krebbs?  Are you REALLY happy?  I ask because you really don't seem happy to me."

 

"Happy?"  Dylan asks.  "What does that even mean, Todd?  I don't ever remember what it was like to feel really happy."

 

"Have you discussed this with your doctor?"  Todd asks.

 

"Why?  All he'll do is prescribe more medication.  Like I need that.  Maybe some people just aren't meant to ever feel happiness.  They just go through the motions of life."

 

"I use to feel that way, Dylan.  When I was hiding the fact that I'm gay from everyone.  But now that I've come to terms with who I am, and now that I know longer have to hide that part of me, I'm happy.  I'm TRULY happy now, Dylan.  I want that for you.  Maybe there's a part of you that you need to come to terms with.  To make peace with."

 

"I'm not gay, Todd, so I don't need to come to terms with that."

 

"That's not what I meant,"  Todd says.  "Dylan, I meant that you have to figure out who you are, and who you wanna be."  At that moment, Todd's cell phone rings.  He takes the phone from his pocket and looks at it.  "Hold on, I have to take this."  Todd answers his phone.  "Hello, this is Todd Baxter.  Yes?  No, but I can take a look at the deposition and get back to you.  Sure. I'm about to head back to my office, so if you want, we can meet in......say, about half an hour?  Okay.  Fine.  Bye."  Todd ends the call and looks at his brother.  "I'm sorry, Dylan, but, I have to get going back to the office."

 

"Yeah, sure,"  Dylan says sadly.  

 

"Listen, I'll make it up to you.  Maybe we can see a movie together real soon.  I'll get the check."

 

"Yeah.  Thanks for lunch, man,"  Dylan says, getting up from the table.  

 

"No problem,"  Todd says.  

 

"I'll see you later, Todd,"  Dylan says, then walks away.  A few seconds later, Dylan walks out of the restaurant and to his car.  After getting into the car, Dylan opens the glove compartment and takes out a small flask.  Opening it, he takes a sip of the alcohol in the flask.  After a brief pause, he takes a second, then a third sip before replacing the cap on the flask.  Putting the flask back into the glove compartment, he starts the car and drives away.

Reverchon Park....

 

 

"Mr. Stone has a business deal in the works with Tripp McKay of Westar Oil,"  Brenda replies.

 

"McKay?  What kinda deal?"  John Ross asks.

 

"It has to do with some new drilling technology Wentworth Industries has developed.  Mr. Stone and Mr. McKay are going in as partners to buy exclusive rights to that drill from Wentworth."

 

 

"This new drill must really be somethin' special," John Ross says.

 

"I heard Mr. Stone say that it would revolutionize the oil industry, and any company possessing the technology would be able to drill faster and deeper, thereby increasing their productivity by as much as 30%.  McKay is acting as the front man since Mr. Stone has bad blood with the Wentworths, he knows they'd never do business directly with him.  So, McKay is cutting the deal with Wentworth Industries, then Westar and Stone Oil share in the use of the drill."

 

"Well, well,"  John Ross says.  "Brad Stone and Tripp McKay partnerin' up.  And you said Wentworth has no idea Stone is involved in this?"

 

"None,"  Brenda replies.  "Mr. Stone told Tripp McKay that his cousin, Austin Wentworth, president of Wentworth Industries, would never do business directly with him in a million years, and Mr. Stone feels the same way about Wentworth.  But, I guess McKay is on better terms with young Wentworth."

 

"Anything else?"

 

"Cliff Barnes is in on this deal somehow.  I'm not exactly sure of what his involvement is, but, he's been spending a lot of time at Stone Oil, and I'm beginning to wonder if Mr. Stone is maybe bringing Barnes into the company as a partner or something."

 

"Well, itn't that interesting?  Thank ya, Brenda.  I think this information will be very useful to me."

 

"I really hate doing this,"  Brenda says.  "Brad Stone has been very good to me."

 

"Maybe so, Brenda,"  says John Ross.  "But is your loyalty to Brad Stone more important than you son's freedom?  I sure would hope not.  Keep in touch,"  John Ross says, then walks away from Brenda.

Southfork....late afternoon

"Now, what can I do for ya, Jay?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Bobby I need to talk to you about Sue Ellen.  Ann, I'm sorry to ask, but, could you....."

 

"Say no more,"  Ann interrupts, holding up her hand and smiling. "I'll make myself scarce."  Ann walks out of the room.

 

"Jay, what's up?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Bobby, I need to ask you about the night Brittany Ewing was murdered.  Specifically, when you found Sue Ellen after she had been drugged that night."

 

Bobby sighs.  "Jay, I've already been through this story, I dunno how many times, both with the police and with you."

 

"I know, but Bobby, this is extremely important.  Is there ANYTHING you can think of from that night that might help our case?  Anything at all?"

 

"No, Jay, there isn't,"  says Bobby.

 

"Now you said that you found Sue Ellen wandering around in the hallway at the hotel?"

 

"Yes, that's right.  She was totally out of it, barely even able to stand up by herself.  So I took her into one of the offices to try and sober her up before anyone else saw her in that condition."

 

"Did Sue Ellen say anything?"  Jay asks.

 

"She was very confused.  She didn't even know where she was."

 

"And she wasn't carrying anything?"

 

"Jay, if you're trying to ask me in a round about way, if Sue Ellen was carrying a knife, the answer is no, she wasn't."

 

"Did Sue Ellen have any blood on her hands that you could see?"  Jay asks.

 

Bobby looks at the lawyer and remains silent.

 

"Bobby?"

 

"Jay, no,"  Bobby finally answers, turning away from Jay.  "There's nothing new I can add to this story."  He walks to the bar and pours another drink.

 

"I have a feeling you're not being truthful with me, Bobby.  You hesitated when I asked you if you saw any blood on Sue Ellen's hands.  There IS something you're not telling me.  Bobby, listen to me.  I'm Sue Ellen's attorney.  I'm on HER side.  I wanna help her.  But I can only help her if I know EVERYTHING.  So if you're holding something back, now's the time to tell me. We sure as hell don't need any surprises when Sue Ellen's case goes to trial.  Please, Bobby."

 

"Alright,"  Bobby finally says in frustration.  "Yes.  When I found Sue Ellen that night, there was blood on her hands.  I took her into the office, and I cleaned the blood off.  Sue Ellen didn't remember any of it later, so I never said anything."

 

Jay nods.  "Thank you for being honest with me."

 

"Jay, I know this looks bad."

 

"Bad?  Bobby, this looks worst than bad.  The only way this could look any worse would be if Sue Ellen had been seen standing over Brittany Ewing holding the murder weapon."

 

"What are you gonna do with this information?"  Bobby asks.

 

Jay looks at Bobby.  "No one else knows about this?"

 

"No.  Not even Sue Ellen herself."

 

"Then we keep this between us.  At least for now.  My job is to defend Sue Ellen to the best of my ability.  Fortunately for us, the defense is under no legal obligation to reveal anything to the prosecution.  So, unless someone else knows, then there's no reason for anyone else to find out."

 

Bobby looks at Jay and breathes a sigh of relief.

Katelyn Spencer's apartment....evening

Jimmy walks into the apartment, and Katelyn closes the door.  "I texted you, but you never replied,"  Jimmy says.  "Are you okay?"

 

"Yeah, I'm fine.  How was the rest of your day?"

 

"Not so great,"  Jimmy says with a sigh.  "I'm trying to keep a positive attitude about this whole situation, but, that's hard."

 

"I know."

 

"Listen, I was hoping we could hang out.  Maybe watch a movie or something.  I just kinda need some company right now."

 

"Sure,"  Katelyn says.  "I'd like that.  Why don't you make yourself comfortable, and pick a movie.  Have you eaten?"

 

"I had a sandwich on campus earlier,"  replies Jimmy.

 

"Well, have a seat, and I'll fix us a couple of TV dinners,"  Katelyn says, then walks into the kitchen.  

 

As Jimmy takes a seat on the sofa, he notices the photo on the floor.  Reaching down, he 

picks up the photo and looks at it, curious as to who the young man was with Katelyn. 

 

 

 

 

"Jimmy, do you want....."  Katelyn says, returning from the kitchen, but she stops short when she sees him looking at the photo of her and Brian.

 

"Hey, who's the guy in this pic with you?"  Jimmy asks.  "Your ex-boyfriend or something?"

 

Katelyn hesitates a moment before answering.  "Something," she finally says.

 

 

 

 

 

Pamela's apartment....

Pamela is just finishing feeding baby Randall that evening when her doorbell rings.  "Oh, who in the world could that be?"  Pamela playfully asks the tiny infant.  Getting up from her seat on the sofa, she walks to the door and opens it.  She's pleasantly surprised to see Justin.

 

"Well, hello, little mother," he says.

 

Pamela smiles.  "Justin," she says.  "Hi, come in."

 

Justin walks into the apartment.  "So, any plans for tonight?"

 

"Are you kidding?  I have two small babies."

 

Justin laughs.  "Well, how do you like pizza?  Please say you love it."

 

"Yes, actually, I DO love pizza, but, who doesn't?  Why?"

 

"I ordered one for us when I was on my way over.  I just figured you were so busy with the kids that you barely had time to cook, and I knew goin' out was prob'ly out of the question."

 

"Wow, you're absolutely right. I just fed Randall, and I was just about to try and figure out what I was gonna have for dinner."

 

"Well, now ya don't have to figure it out.  Got pizza comin'.  Hope you like pepperoni and cheese."

 

"My favorites,"  Pamela says.  

 

"Mine, too."

 

At that moment, Hunter begins crying.  "Oh, I'd better see to him."

 

"Here, why don't you let me take my little namesake there?"  Justin asks.

 

"Are you sure?""

 

Justin smiles.  "I do know how to hold a baby."

 

"I know.  Okay, here,"  Pamela says, handing the infant carefully to Justin, who lovingly takes Randall in his arms.  

"Awww, hey there, little man,"  Justin says as he looks down at the precious baby in his arms, as Pamela goes into the bedroom to check on Hunter.  "Look at you, I think you get bigger every time I see you."  Justin walks over to the sofa and takes a seat, cradling the baby.  "Ya know, Randall, you and me, we got a real bond between us.  That's right.  My ugly face was the first thing you saw when you came into this world.  Yep.  I brought you into the world, little man, and I promise, I'm gonna always be here for you."

 

As Justin continues talking to the baby, Pamela comes back into the living room carrying Hunter.  She stops in the doorway when she hears Justin speaking so lovingly to Randall.

 

"You sure are a handsome little man,"  Justin says to the child as Pamela looks on from behind him.  "I think ya got your Mama's good looks.  You're real lucky, Randall.  You were blessed with a mother who loves you so much.  And y'know what?  I know I'm not your father and I'm not related to you, but, I love ya, too.  I sure do.  Who couldn't love a cute little guy like you?"

 

 

Pamela smiles, brought to near tears of joy as she watches Justin Ewing, this young man she had only known for a short time, with her son.  She couldn't help but again be reminded of how completely different John Ross's younger brother was from him.

Southfork.....the next morning

Bobby, Ann, Lucas, Heather, and Michael are having breakfast on the patio the next morning when Christopher and Courtney come out of the house.

 

"Good morning,"  Christopher says.  

 

"Morning,"  says Bobby.  

 

"Son you sure you wanna come back to work today?"  Bobby asks.  "You and Courtney haven't even really had a honeymoon."

 

"You're goin' back to work at Ewing Oil already?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Yeah, I am.  I've been away from the office long enough, and Courtney and I plan to take a little honeymoon in the near future."

 

"We still do need to plan to have a little party to celebrate your weddin',"  says Ann.  

 

"There's no hurry with that, Ann,"  says Courtney.  "With what's happening with Sue Ellen right, a party doesn't really seem.......appropriate.  But, hopefully, soon, we can celebrate not only our marriage, but also Sue Ellen being a free woman."

 

Ann smiles.  "Well, I certainly hope so."

 

John Ross and Krystina come out of the house with Alex and take their seats at the table. "Uncle Bobby, Christopher, I'm glad you're both here,"  John Ross says.  "Somethin' I need to talk to you both about."

 

"Alight, John Ross, what's up?"  Bobby asks.  

 

"I got word yesterday that Wentworth Industries has just developed a new, really advanced drill that would allow oil comp'nies to drill faster, and deeper, even tappin' into old reserves previously thought were used up.  Well, Westar and Stone Oil have become partners in a bid to be the first to buy exclusive rights to this new drill.  I think that Ewing Oil should put in a bid."

 

"Wentworth Industries?"  Christopher asks.  "Come on, John Ross, you know as well as I do that there's no way Austin Wentworth would do business with us."

 

"Christopher's right, given our history with the Wentworth family,"  Bobby says.  

 

"Maybe we could use a middle man,"  John Ross suggests.  "This drill could mean a helluva lotta money for Ewing Oil in the long run, and make us even bigger than Westar."

 

"Well, it's worth looking into,"  says Bobby.  "We should all have a meeting at the office later with Sue Ellen and see what our options are."

 

"Well we need to hurry on this and not drag our feet,"  says John Ross.  "Westar and Stone have already submitted an offer to Wentworth."

 

"So Alex, what do you plan on doin' for spring break next week?"  Heather asks.

 

"I plan to sleep a lot," the boy replies.

 

"I think I'll take a couple days off from the office next week and we can do somethin'," John Ross says.  "Maybe head down to the beach or somethin'."

 

"I'd like that,"  Alex says.  "Can I invite Shawn?"

 

"Sure."

 

A car drives up to the house and comes to a stop in the parking area.  "Wonder who that is," Ann says.  

 

Attorney Drew Demarest gets out of the car and approaches the house.  "Drew, good morning,"  Christopher says.  

 

"Morning, Christopher."

 

"Dad, you remember Drew Demarest, don't you?"  

 

"Of course,"  Bobby replies.  "Scotty Demarest's grandson."

 

"That's right, Mr. Ewing,"  Drew says.  "It's good to see you again."

 

"Good to see you, too.  Drew, this is my wife, Ann.  My son Lucas, his wife Heather and their son Michael.  My nephew John Ross, his wife Krystina, and John Ross's son Alex."

 

"It's nice to meet all of you."

 

"Drew, what can we do for you?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Christopher, I need to have a word with you and Courtney, if I may."

 

"Of course,"  Courtney says.

 

"Let's go over here,"  Christopher says.  He and Courtney get up from the table, and Drew follows them to the back porch near the pool.  "So what's up, Drew?"

 

"I have to be in court over in Braddock this morning, so I wanted to stop by and tell you in person,"  Drew says.  

 

Christopher and Courtney exchange worried looks.  "Tell us in person?"  Christopher asks.

 

"I'm not sure I like the way that sounds,"  says Courtney.

 

"I received a call late yesterday, just as I was leaving my office from an attorney in California who is representing Adam and Jennifer Reed.  The judge denied our request to force the Reeds to relinquish custody of Jacob."

 

"What?  But why?  HOW?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Apparently, the judge feels that it would be detrimental to the child to remove him from the custody of his adoptive parents so suddenly.  And.......the Reeds are gonna fight us.  They have a very competent attorney, and they're willing to fight us in court to keep Jacob."

 

 

"Courtney, you okay?"  Christopher asks his wife.

 

"I'm fine.  Just really worried about this.  Last thing I wanted was to have to involve Joseph and Chase in this, but, I'll do anything to have my son."

 

Christopher puts his arms around his wife and embraces her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pamela's apartment....

"Well, it was certainly my pleasure,"  Justin says as he stands.  "And thank you for listenin' to me talk about my marriage and my problems."

 

"It's the least I can do after all you've done for me.  Well, I'll go in and fix us some breakfast,"  says Pamela. 

 

"Okay, I'll straighten things up in here, and then I'll come help."

 

Pamela smiles, then turns and walks into the kitchen.  

 

Justin smiles as he watches her go.  Then he picks up the blanket that had covered him as he slept last night, and folds it.  As he is about to take the blanket into the bedroom, a knock comes at the door.  Justin walks over and opens the door to find Afton.  She is shocked to see Justin at her daughter's apartment first thing in the morning.  "Miss Cooper," says Justin.

 

"What are you doing here?"  Afton asks.

 

"I......"

 

"Where's my daughter?"  Afton asks, barging into the apartment.  "Where's Pamela?"

 

"She's in the kitchen."

 

At that moment, Pamela walks into the living room.  "Mom?"

 

"Pamela, hello, darling."

 

"Umm, Mom, what are you doing here?"  

 

 

Afton looks at Justin, then at her daughter.  "Pamela, can we talk?  Privately, please?"

 

"I......Pamela, could I possibly take a shower?"  Justin asks.  

 

"Of course."

 

"Thanks.  I'll be out soon."  Justin smiles, then leaves the room.

 

After hearing the bathroom door close down the hall, an irritated Afton looks at her daughter.  "What is HE doing here?"

 

"HE has a name, Mom.  It's Justin."

 

"Would you mind answering my question?"  Afton asks.

 

"Justin came over last night and we had dinner,"  replies Pamela.  "He was a big help with the kids, and we ended up talking until really late, and he fell asleep on the couch."

 

"He slept here all night?  Pamela are you out of your mind?  You're a married woman, he's a married man."

 

"We're both separated, Mom.  My husband walked out on me, remember?  And Justin's wife cheated on him.  We're FRIENDS, Mom.  He's helped me so much and he's been there for me when my husband hasn't been.  I like him, Mom.  I enjoy his company.  And this is really none of your business."  Without another word to her mother, Pamela walks away from Afton and returns to the kitchen.  Afton sighs in frustration, worried that her daughter is making a huge mistake getting involved with another Ewing.

Wentworth Industries....a short time later

 

 

 

 

"Aren't you gonna offer me a drink?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Nope, hadn't planned on it,"  Austin says.

 

"Still as cocky as ever I see."

 

 

 

"This coming from the king of cocky?"  Austin asks.  "Say what you have to say, John Ross, and leave.  I have a very busy morning ahead."

 

"Yeah, I'm sure ya do.  You have a meetin' this mornin' with Tripp McKay about your new revolutionary drill."

 

"And how did you know that?"

 

John Ross smiles.  "Just like my Daddy, when I wanna know somethin', I make it a point to find out."

 

"So what are you doing here, John Ross?  If you know about our new drill, are you gonna make me an offer for it?  You must know that Ewing Oil is about the last company I'd ever do business with."

 

"And what about Stone Oil?"  John Ross asks.  "I know you're not too fond of Brad Stone, either, even if he is your cousin."

 

"What does Stone Oil have to do with anything?"  Austin asks.

 

"Well, Austin, if you make a deal to sell that new drill to Westar, then you'll also be doin' business with Brad Stone."

 

"What in the hell are you talking about?"

 

"Damn,  I guess I was right.  McKay didn't tell you about Westar's little arrangement with Stone Oil, did he?  Nah, I guess he wouldn't, because if you knew that McKay and Stone were teamin' up as partners to buy that drill of yours, then you prob'ly wouldn't sell to Westar."

 

"Okay, I think this meeting is over,"  says Austin.  "You need to leave."

 

"Austin......Ewing Oil is willin' to offer you top dollar for exclusive rights to that drill," says John Ross.  "And we won't do business deceptively as Tripp McKay and Brad Stone have attempted to do.  Now we don't have to like each other, but both our comp'nies and our families can benefit from our doin' business together."  John Ross walks over to Austin and holds out a piece of paper.  "I can tell that the news that McKay was deceivin' you has got ya shaken up, and I'm sorry.  But here's my offer.  Think about it, and get back to me."  John Ross smiles, then turns and leaves the office.  

 

After John Ross has left, Austin stands at his bar for a moment, fuming with anger over what John Ross has just told him.  He looks down at the glass in his hand for a few seconds, then, unable to control his anger, he hurls the glass across the room, smashing it against the far wall of the office.  Like his mother and his father, Austin Wentworth was a young man who did not like to be deceived.  

Catlin Oil....

 

"No, I can handle it on my own.  I should be back in an hour and a half, tops."

 

"Alright,"  Catlin says.  "Good luck, son."

 

"I'll call you and let you know how the meeting goes,"  C.J. says, then turns and leaves the office.  After his son is gone, Catlin returns to his work.

 

 

 

A few minutes later....the parking garage....

C.J. steps off the elevator in the parking garage a few minutes later, and as he heads toward his car, he is unaware that someone is watching him from behind one of the pilars in the garage.  The mystery person watches C.J. very intently as he walks to his car and gets in.  The person continues to watch him as C.J. drives his sports car away.

 

Katelyn Spencer's apartment....