EPISODE 144 - Tell Me Lies

 Justin and Pamela are cuddling on the floor of her living room, their naked bodies partially covered by a blanket, as they kiss.  "I love spending a quiet afternoon like this, in your arms," Pamela says.

 

"I love it, too.  And, I love your Mama for takin' baby Randall so we could have this afternoon together to spend like this."

 

Pamela sighs.  

 

 

"Hey, what was that for?"  Justin asks.  "Darlin', when I said that, I didn't mean that I was glad the kids are outta the house, I just meant...."

 

"I know,"  Pamela says.  "It wasn't that.  Tripp is bringing Hunter home this evening, and, I can't wait to have my little boy home, but, I always dread dealing with Tripp."

 

"I'm sorry."

 

"It's not your fault."

 

"Well, that's not really true.  The reason your relationship with your soon-to-be ex-husband became even more tense than it already was is because you're involved with me."

  

"Who I'm involved with is none of Tripp's business,"  Pamela says, sitting up.   "He made his choice when he asked me to choose between him and my baby.  I'm happy now, and that's what's important."

 

"I'm happy, too.  Happier than I think I've ever been.  It's like the beginnin' of a new chapter of both our lives.  My divorce hearin' is tomorrow, and afterwards, you and me will be shoppin' for office space for Ewing Records."

 

"I'm really excited about being a part of your record company," Pamela says.

 

"OUR record comp'ny,"  Justin corrects.  "And I'm excited about it, too, but ya know what I'm most excited about?"

 

"No.  What would that be?"

 

"You.  And gettin' my marriage to Amanda over and behind me.  And makin' her and Jimmy pay for what they did to me."

 

Pamela looks at him.  "Justin, when you speak of Amanda, you sound so angry.  So bitter."

 

"How am I supposed to sound, Pamela?"  Justin asks, sitting up.  "The woman cheated on me with my own nephew, a guy who was supposed to be my best friend, and then lied to me for months. Am I supposed to sound grateful for that?  Damned right I'm angry, and maybe a little bitter."  He stands to his feet and slips his boxers on.  

 

"Justin, I understand how you feel," Pamela says.  "I've been through the same thing when John Ross cheated on me with Emma.  I was angry, and I wanted them to pay.  But in the end, that anger I was holding onto was only hurting me.  I see the same thing happening to you."

 

"So what are you sayin'?  I'm not supposed to be mad as hell that my wife and my nephew slept together behind my back, right in my own house?"

 

"No, I'm not saying that at all.  Be angry. You have every right to feel anger.  Even to hate them.  But what I don't want is for that hate and anger to consume you and make you bitter.  Justin, you're much too good of a person for that.  You're about to be divorced from Amanda.  You have to let go of that bitterness and move on."

 

"I know,"  Justin says with a sigh.  "You're right.  You're right, I HAVE let my anger toward Jimmy and Amanda consume me."  He takes a seat beside her and looks at her with a smile. "You really are the best thing that's ever happened to me.  Not only are you very beautiful, but very wise, too.  I think you can definitely help me keep my feet on the ground."

 

"Well I AM a few years older than you, and with age, comes wisdom."

 

Justin smiles.  "Wisdom, experience, and, in your case.......all around perfection," he says, then kisses her.

Katelyn's apartment....

 Katelyn paces restlessly around her apartment as dusk begins to fall over the city of Dallas. She is startled by the ringing of her doorbell.  "Who is it?"  She nervously asks.  

 

"It's me," comes Brian's voice from outside.  

 

Katelyn rushes to the door and opens it to find Brian and Katherine.  "Thank God," she says.  "Come in."

 

The two hurry into the apartment, Brian wearing dark glasses and a hoodie.  "Katie, WHAT is going on?"  Brian asks, taking the hood from his head.  "Do you realize what a chance I took coming here?"

 

"I'm sorry, but I really needed your help.  Where's Austin?"

 

"He's tied up back at the house.  Very securely.  He isn't going anywhere.  I figured I'd bring Mom along as insurance.  Now what's going on?"

 

"Brian, we have a very serious problem,"  Katelyn says.  "Come with me.  Both of you."

 

Brian motions for Katherine to follow Katelyn as she goes into her bedroom.  Brian in turn follows Katherine.  Upon walking into the bedroom, they find a still unconscious Jimmy laying on Katelyn's bed, his hands and feet tied.  

 

"Katelyn, what have you done?"  Katherine asks.

 

"Katie, what the HELL is going on here?  This guy........this is Jimmy Beaumont, right?"

 

"Yes."

 

"And what is he doing here?"

 

"I had no choice,"  Katelyn replies in tears.  "As I was leaving to head back to the house, Jimmy showed up at my door.  Brian, he knows about you."

 

"What do you mean, he knows about me?"  Brian angrily asks.

 

"He saw a photo of you and me, here, a couple of months ago.  He must have seen your picture on the news or in the paper, and he recognized you. He came here to confront me about you, so I had to stop him."

 

"Good,"  Brian says.  "Katie, you did good."

 

"Brian, what are we going to do?"  Katelyn asks.  

 

Brian looks at his sister for a few seconds.  "We have no choice.  We have to kill him," he replies, much to the horror of both Katherine and Katelyn!

 As John Ross takes a shower, Krystina is getting dressed in their bedroom the next morning.  After zipping her blouse, she walks over to her dresser and picks up her phone, opening her pictures app.  Scrolling through her photos, she stops on a photo of her positive pregnancy test. She smiles happily looking at the photo.  A baby.  Krystina couldn't believe it.  She and John

Ross are going to be parents.  Krystina looks at herself in the mirror and smiles. She gently touches her stomach.  "So, what are you going to be, little one?  A boy, or a girl?  And what are we gonna name you? John Ross Ewing IV is already taken. But how about Blake? After my father?"

 

As Krystina is talking to her unborn child, John Ross comes out of the bathroom, a towel around his waist. He smiles when he sees his wife at the mirror, then walks up behind her and puts his arms around Krystina.  "Wish you'd have joined me in that shower," he says.  "So whatcha doin'?"

 

"I was just thinking about our baby," Krystina replies. Wondering if we're having a boy or a girl."

 

"Well, what would you like?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I dunno.  What would the baby's daddy like?" 

 "As long as it's healthy, I don't care,"  says John Ross.  "But, I already got two sons, so, this time around I wouldn't mind havin' a little girl who looks just like her Mama."

 

"Maybe it'll be twins."

 

John Ross laughs.  "Twins?"

 

"Sure, why not?  A boy and a girl."

 

"Sounds like you kinda got your mind set on a boy."

 

Krystina smiles.  "Well, like you said, boy or girl, as long as it's healthy, I don't care what sex our child is."

 

John Ross kisses her.  

 

"You're still wet."

 

"Sorry, darlin'."  John Ross takes his towel and begins to dry himself off more.  

 

"So, now that your mother is going to be returning to Ewing Oil, I guess my time there is over, short as it was,"  says Krystina.

 

"Why you say that?"

 

"Well, with Sue Ellen coming back, there's no need for me there anymore."

 

"Darlin', that is simply NOT true.  I need you at Ewing Oil, especially now."

 

"Why especially now?"  Krystina asks.

 

"I got wind of a real big deal that Westar is workin' on right now, and I think with the right offer, Ewing Oil could just swipe that deal for ourselves.  And when that happens, I want my 

beautiful wife by my side at the comp'ny.  Besides, I already talked to Uncle Bobby, and he would love for you to stay on.  And you can't tell me it's not what you want, too."

 

"You're right, I can't.  I would love nothing more than to become a permanent part of Ewing Oil.  I've really missed the oil business since I turned Denver-Carrington over to L.B."

 

"Then this is the perfect solution to your problem,"  John Ross says, putting his arms around his wife.  

 

"I really feel like everything is falling into place, John Ross.  Sue Ellen's trial ending on a good note.  Our baby, and me working with you at Ewing Oil."

 

John Ross looks at her and smiles.  "Mrs. Ewing, the first half of this year may have been a little rough, but I got a feelin' that the second half of 2017 is gonna be OUR year.  Together, you and me are gonna turn Dallas on its head and become the biggest power couple this town ever saw."

 

"I love the sound of that,"  Krystina says, kissing him again.

The Wentworth mansion....

 The door of the darkened basement of the Wentworth mansion opens, and Katelyn walks down the stairs into the basement.  Carrying a tray of food, she pauses a moment.  She looks across the room, where Jimmy is sitting in a chair, his hands tied behind him, his feet bound, and his mouth covered by a piece of duct tape. His head is bowed as he appears to be asleep. Katelyn walks over to him, placing the tray of food on a small table beside him,  "Jimmy?" She calls to her captive.  "Jimmy?"

 

Slowly, he begins to wake up and opens his eyes.  He looks up at Katelyn, who smiles at him. 

 

"Hey, sleepy head," she says.  "I'm gonna remove that piece of tape, but, you have to promise me that you aren't gonna scream or anything.  Because if you do, well, Brian is upstairs, and if he hears you, I don't know what he'll do.  Promise?"

 

Jimmy nods.  

 

"Okay," Katelyn says.  She reaches over, grabs a corner of the tape, and pulls it from Jimmy's mouth.  

 

Jimmy looks at her, fear in his eyes.  "Katie, what the hell are you doing?"

 

"I'm bringing you your breakfast," replies Katelyn.  "I made you pancakes.  I know how much you love them."

 

"Where am I?  Why are you doing this to me?"  Jimmy asks.

 

"I can't answer that first question, because, it's best you don't know where you are.  As for the second question.......you didn't give me any choice, Jimmy.  I didn't wanna hurt you, but I had to stop you."

 

"You're never gonna get away with this,"  says Jimmy.  "Look, just let me go.  Let me go and I won't say anything about what's happened."

 

"Jimmy, you know I can't do that," Katelyn says.  

 

"How long are you gonna keep me here?"

 

"I really don't know.  I guess as long as necessary.  You should consider yourself lucky.  Jimmy, I saved your life."

 

"You what?"  Jimmy asks.

 

"I saved your life.  Brian wanted to kill you, but I wouldn't let him.  I wouldn't let him because I love you, Jimmy.  Despite all the horrible things you said to me, I still love you."

 "You still love me, so you're helping this Brian guy hold me captive?"  Jimmy asks.

 

"Jimmy, I didn't want it this way.  But you gave me no choice.  You would have gone to the police and turned Brian in, and I couldn't let that happen."

 

"Sounds to me like it's HIM you love, and not me."

 

"Of course I love Brian,"  Katelyn says.  "He's my brother."

 

"Your.......your BROTHER?"  Asks a stunned Jimmy.  

 

"That's right.  He's my brother."

 

"Your brother killed those people in California?  Including the brother of my Uncle Bobby's wife?"

 

"Ironic, isn't it?"

 

"I don't believe what I'm hearing.  All this time, and your brother is the one responsible for that explosion?  And you were helping him?  Or hiding him?  God, I never knew you at all, did I?"

 

"No, I guess you didn't,"  says Katelyn.  "Come on.  Eat your breakfast.  You have to keep up your strength."

 

"I'm NOT hungry."

 

"Well, you might as well eat.  You're not going anywhere anytime soon.  And I don't wanna see you get weak and sick."  Katelyn picks up a fork and cuts a small piece of a pancake, dips it into some syrup on the plate, and holds it to Jimmy's mouth.  

 

"Can't you at least untie my hands so I can eat by myself?"  Jimmy asks.

 

"Nope, sorry.  I can't do that.  Not until I'm sure I can trust you."

 

"Katie, come on.  Please.  Don't do this.  You say you love me, but if you do, you'll let me go."

 

"I'm sorry, Jimmy, but I can't do that, especially not now."

 

"What do you mean, not now?"

 

"The minute I let you out of this house, you'd go straight to the police, and then both Brian and I would be in trouble.  Jimmy, I couldn't stand that.  I couldn't bear it if you turned me in. I do love you, and that's why I can't let you do that.  So you're gonna stay here."

 

"For how long?"  Jimmy asks, tears running down his face.

 

Katelyn looks at him for a few seconds.  "Forever.  Jimmy, I'll take really good care of you, I promise.  And eventually, maybe you'll finally learn to love me the way you loved Amanda. Now come on.  Eat."

 

Jimmy looks at her, silently refusing to open his mouth.

 

"Jimmy, you REALLY don't want me to get my brother down here to help me feed you.  Because Brian would not be as gentle as I am.  So we can do this the easy way, or you can be force fed.  Now which is it gonna be?"

 

Jimmy looks at her, his heart pounding with fear as he realizes just how unbalanced Katelyn Spencer is.  Reluctantly, he opens his mouth.  

 

Katelyn smiles.  "There, that's better," she says.  She feeds him the piece of pancake. Although he chews and swallows it, Jimmy's fear for his life is making him physically sick to his stomach.

Dallas County Courthouse....

 Justin and Pamela are waiting outside of the courtroom before his divorce hearing that morning, when Jay Smithfield approaches with Jill.  Both are surprised to see Pamela with Justin.  

 

"Morning, Justin,"  Jay says.  "Pamela."

 

"Jay,"  Justin says.

 

"Well, are you ready for the hearing?"  

 

"I'm more'n ready to get this over with.  Jill, I appreciate you comin' to support me."

 

"Of course.  I had no idea you already had Pamela here as support."

 

"Oh, yeah.  Pamela has been a real big support to me through this whole thing."

 

"And Justin has helped me more than he knows,"  Pamela says, sparking a lot of contempt from Jill.

 

Meanwhile, the elevator down the hall opens, and Amanda steps off, accompanied by Brad and an older man.  Amanda hesitates when she sees Justin, as their eyes lock for several seconds.  "Amanda, don't let him intimidate you,"  Brad tells her.

 

"Mr. Stone is right," the older man says with a very pronounced southern drawl.  "Come on.  Let's walk right up there with your head held high, Miz Ewing."

 

Amanda nods, then she and the two men walk over to Justin, Pamela, Jay, and Jill.  

 

"Well, hello, counselor,"  the older man says to Jay.  

"Well, Roger Franklin,"  Jay says.  "I take it you're representing Mrs. Ewing?"

 

Roger smiles.  "Yes I certainly am."

 

 

 

"You're just wastin' your time on this one," Justin says.  "Because your client itn't gonna get a damned thing from me.  Not one red cent."

 

"We'll see about that, young man."

 

"Yes, we sure will.  All she IS gonna get is a jail cell when her attempted murder case comes to court soon."

 

 

 

 

"I'm not worried in the least, because you KNOW those charges are bogus,"  says Amanda.  "You know damned well Jimmy and I never conspired to kill you."

 

"I remember things a little differently," Justin says.  

 

"Brad, what are you doing here with her?"  Pamela asks her brother.

 

"Amanda needed a friend here for support, so, here I am."

 

Justin laughs.  "A friend?  Yeah, Amanda is real good at makin' friends.  Especially friends who are men.  RICH men.  So if I were you I'd watch my back with this.......woman."

 

"Thanks, but I really don't need your advice,"  Brad says.  

 

"Well, one day you're gonna wish you'd taken it," says Justin.  

 

"Do you really hate me that much, Justin?"  Amanda asks.  "So much that you're willing to send me to prison for a crime you know I didn't commit?"

 

Justin looks her in the eye.  "You slept with my best friend.  You and that bastard conspired to get me out of the way so you could be together."

 

"Look, let's just go on into the courtroom, shall we?"  Jay says.  "Court's about to start."

 

"Good idea,"  Jill says.  As the group heads into the courtroom, Jill sees Detective Craig Anderson down the hall.  He spots her and smiles.  Jill turns to her husband.  "Umm, Jay, I'm gonna go visit the little girl's room, and I'll be right in."

 

"Okay, sweetheart,"  Jay says, then follows Justin and Pamela into the courtroom as Craig walks over to Jill.

 

"Well, Jill,"  Craig says.  "I don't see you for years and now all of a sudden, we run into each other two days in a row."

 

"What are you doing here?"  Jill asks.

 

 

 

 

"I'm testifying in a case this morning," Craig says.  "Mind if I ask what YOU'RE doing here?  Not in any kinda trouble, are you, Jill?"

 

"No.  I'm just here for my brother's divorce hearing."

 

"Oh, I see.  Well, listen, Jill, umm, we didn't get a chance to really talk the other day at Mrs. Smithfield's funeral, and I have to be in court in like five minutes, but I really would like to get together and catch up on each others' lives since high school."

 

 

"I don't think that's a very good idea, Craig."  

 

"Why not, Jill?  Why are you so uncomfortable around me?"

 

"You know why,"  Jill replies.

 

"Our past was a long time ago.  We were just a couple of high school kids, Jill.  We're all grown up now, and I think that two old high school friends should be able to sit down together for a cup of coffee without any problems.  So how about it?  Here."  Craig reaches into his pocket and pulls out a business card, which he hands to her.  "Here's my card, with my cell phone number.  Why don't you call or text me one day soon, and we'll have lunch or something?  It's really great to see you again after all these years.  You're still as beautiful as you were in high school."  Craig smiles, then walks away from her.  Jill watches Craig as he makes his way down the long hallway and goes into a courtroom.  She sighs deeply as memories of her high school days with Craig come flooding back.  She wipes a tear from her face, then braces herself before going in to join the others for Justin and Amanda's divorce hearing.

 

Jill walks in just as the bailiff has called court into session.  A female judge of about 45, Judge Andrea Sutton, takes her seat on the bench.  "Please be seated," she says.  "Would the clerk please call the first case?"

 

"Your honor, the first case on the docket this morning is Ewing Vs. Ewing,"  the clerk states.

 

"Are all parties present?"  Judge Sutton asks.

 

"Yes, Your Honor,"  replies Jay.  "Jay Smithfield, counsel for Mr. Justin Randall Ewing, the petitioner in this case."

 

"And Roger Franklin, counsel for Mrs. Amanda Shepherd Ewing."

 

"Good.  Mr. Smithfield?"

 

"Thank you, Your Honor,"  Jay says.  "Mr. Ewing is filing a petition of divorce against Mrs. Ewing on grounds of adultery."

 

Amanda looks across the courtroom at Justin, who is returning her gaze, an angry expression on his face.

Los Angeles, California....

 "Drew, come in,"  Christopher says, welcoming attorney Drew Demarest into his and Courtney's suite at The Crowne Plaza Hotel that morning.  

 

"Drew, thank you for flying out here so early and on such short notice," Courtney says.

 

 

"No problem, I took the earliest flight I could get,"  Drew says.  "Your phone call sounded urgent."

 

"It is," Christopher says.

 

"What's going on?"  Drew asks.  "Have you seen Jacob?"

 

"Yes,"  replies Courtney.  "And, based on our visit, and his injury, we think that it's very possible that Jacob's injury wasn't an accident. Christopher and I think there's a very real possibility that Jacob is being abused by the Reeds."

 

"Abused?  That's a very serious charge.  Based on what evidence?"

 

 

"The way Jacob was acting," says Courtney.  "But it's more than that."

 

"When we arrived at the hospital, Adam Reed was very angry and hostile toward us," Christopher adds.  

 

"Well, you can't blame him for that,"  says Drew.  "After all, you ARE trying to take his adopted son away."

 

"Drew, it was obvious that Adam Reed has one hell of a temper, and he even seemed the type that could become violent if pushed," says Christopher.  "And another thing, when we were trying to talk to Jacob to see how he was feeling, Jennifer Reed would barely let the kid say anything.  When we asked how he hurt himself, Jennifer cut him off when he was about to reply and answered the question herself."

 

"And her answer didn't seem believable?"  

 

"Drew, if these people are abusing this little boy, then we have to act fast,"  Christopher says.  "We have to get Jacob away from them before something else happens."

 

"I agree, IF there is abuse.  But abuse has to be proven, or at least suspected by someone other that the two of you, who have an ulterior motive for wanting Jacob away from his adoptive parents."

 

"So, what are you say, that there's NOTHING we can do?"  Christopher asks.

 

"No, I'm not saying that at all,"  replies Drew.  "I'm saying that we have to do some investigating.  Talk to Jacob's school teachers, and anyone else that may know the family well.  Find out if Jacob has had to make repeated visits to the doctor or the hospital with similar injuries.  Courtney, have you been in touch with the boy's biological father yet?" 

 

Courtney sighs. "No. I plan to do that today.  As long as we're in California, I'm flying up to San Francisco to see Chase."

 

"Good.  Because we're gonna need him on board with this, or at least be able to say that he has knowledge of the existence of his child, whether or not he's interested in being a part of Jacob's life."

 

A sad look on his face, Christopher turns and walks to the window and looks out at the city. Privately, he is worried that Courtney telling Chase the child was his would backfire, and tha Chase Gioberti would want to have a big part in Jacob's life.

Stone Oil....

 Marilee Stone walks into the receptionist's office at Stone Oil and approaches the young woman who is sitting in for Amanda while she's in court.  "Good morning,"  the young woman says.

 

"Good morning,"  says Marilee.  "I'm here to see Bradley Stone."

 

"I'm sorry, but Mr. Stone is out of the office until this afternoon, but....."

 

Before the young woman can finish her sentence, Cliff walks out of Brad's office carrying some papers.  "Amber, could you file these for me?"  He says, then smiles when he notices his former lover.  "Well, Marilee," he says.  "This is a surprise."

 

"Yes, it certainly is.  Cliff, what are you doin' here?"

 

"Brad is out of the office for a few hours, so he asked me to sit in for him in case any important business came up."

 

"Sure, why not?  After all, not only am I a very experienced oil man, but I'm also Brad's father.  Say, as long as you're here, why don't you come into our son's office, and we can have a little chat?  Catch up a bit."

 

"No, thank you, Cliff, I really MUST be going,"  Marilee says.

 

"Aww, come on,"  Cliff says, taking her by the hand.  "I'm sure you can spare a couple of minutes to chat."  He pulls her into Brad's office and closes the door.  "Have a seat."

 

"Thank you, I prefer to stand."

 

"Okay, suit yourself."  Cliff says, taking a seat at Brad's desk.  "Nice office the boy has, isn't it?"

 

"Yes, it's very nice.  And you look way too comfortable behind my son's desk."

 

"OUR son's desk,"  Cliff says with a smile.  "And yes, this is very comfortable.  I have to admit I really miss being in the oil business, and, I may just be thinking about getting back in the saddle.  Maybe right here at Stone Oil."

 

"Here?  At Bradley's company?"

 

"That's right.  Brad mentioned to me that he'd like for me to join the company, and I've been seriously considering it."

 

"You can't possibly be serious,"  Marilee says.

 

"Oh, I'm very serious.  Don't believe me, you can ask Brad yourself."

 

"Oh, I intend to do just that.  Word of advice, Cliff......don't get too comfortable here in my son's company."

 

"Marilee, Bradley is OUR son.  I don't know why that's so hard for you to say."

 

"You're Bradley's father simply by an accident of birth....."

 

Cliff laughs.  "An accident of birth, my ass.  I'm the boy's father because you were feeling unhappy and sexually neglected in your marriage to Seth Stone and you found me incredibly attractive when we first met after I spoke at that DOA way back then."

 

"Well, you are right about that,"  Marilee says with a smile.  "Back in those days, Cliff, you were a very handsome and very attractive man with what seemed like a bright future in law and politics.  But look at you now.  You're just.....old."

 

"Yes, well, you're no spring chicken yourself, my dear,"  Cliff says.

 

"I've certainly aged better than you have."

 

"Only because of all the thousands of dollars you've spent on cosmetic surgeries over the years."

 

"I'll have you know, Cliff Barnes, that I have aged completely naturally, WITHOUT the aid of any surgeries."

 

"Oh, come on, Marilee, it's no shame in it.  Almost every woman of financial means has had some work done, and you're not gonna make me believe for one second that you still look almost the same as ya did 30 years ago without a little help from a team of plastic surgeons."

 

"You go straight to hell!"  An angry and offended Marilee says as she storms out of the office.

 

Cliff laughs at the fact that he had gotten under Marilee's skin, so to speak, as his cell 

phone rings.  He picks the phone up and looks at it, then answers. "Hello," he says.

 

"Cliff, Richard Channing here,"  says the voice on the other end of the line.

 

"Well, Richard, hello.  This is a surprise.  What can I do for you?"

 

"Cliff, I know that you and my wife aren't close, but I was wondering if you've seen or spoken to Katherine since she's been in Dallas," Richard says.

 

"Of course not,"  says Cliff.  "I had no idea that Katherine was even IN Dallas, and if I had known, she'd be about the last person in the world I would try to contact, aside from one of the Ewings, that is."

 

"Well, I just thought I would ask anyway.  Katherine left for Dallas a couple of days ago, and I haven't heard from her or been able to reach her since she arrived there."

 

"Maybe my sister did you a favor and ran out on you,"  Cliff says.

 

"Not funny, Cliff.  I'd really appreciate it if you'd do me a favor and drop by the Wentworth house to see if she's there, and if everything's alright."

 

"Richard, come on, ya know how Katherine and I feel about each other, and......"

 

"I know, I know.  But I wouldn't ask if I wasn't really worried about her.  I didn't know anyone else I could call to check on her since Harris Ryland is out of town right now."

 

"Okay,"  Cliff says.  "I'll drop by over there this afternoon, and if Katherine is there, I'll tell her to call you."

 

"Thank you, Cliff, I really appreciate it.  Bye, now."

 

"Uh-huh,"  Cliff says, then puts his phone down.  He shakes his head and sighs.  "Katherine Wentworth.......that's all I need today."

The Wentworth mansion....

 Brian meets Katelyn when she comes up from the basement of the Wentworth home, where Jimmy is being held prisoner.  "Katie, we have to talk,"  Brian says.

 

"Okay.  About what?"

 

"You know damned well.  About that guy you have down in the basement.  Katie, this is nuts.  We have to get rid of him."

 

"No,"  Katelyn.  "I won't, and I won't let you, either."

 

Katherine walks over to them.  "Brian, do you really want to add another murder to your list?"

 

"I have nothing to lose at this point.  That guy knows who I am, and he knows who Katie is. If he EVER gets out of here, he'll go straight to the cops."

 

"He's never getting out,"  Katelyn says.

 

"And how do you plan on keeping Mr. Jimmy Beaumont prisoner for the rest of his life?"  Brian asks.

 

"I won't be that hard,"  Katherine says.  "If you're.......creative enough."

 

"Mom, what the HELL are you saying?"  Austin asks.  "These two kidnapped an innocent person who they're keeping as a prisoner in our basement, and now you're actually talking about helping them continue to hold him here?"

 

Katherine looks at her son.  "Austin, sweetheart, I know you don't understand.  But Brian and Katelyn are my children, too, and after everything they've been through already, I can not.....I WILL not see them thrown in jail."

 

"Yeah?  Well your other son here is a cold blooded murderer.  Mom, you spent 30 years on the run as a fugitive.  You were pardoned.  You're a free woman now, and you're willing to risk that freedom for these two?"

 

"It's the least Mommy can do after she abandoned us,"  Brian says.

 

"You son of a bitch,"  Austin says.

 

"Wow,"  says Brian.  "Mom, did you hear what your son just called you?  Austin, it's not nice to call your own mother a bitch."

 

"If you didn't have that gun, I swear to God, I'd......."

 

"You'd what?"  Brian asks, pointing the gun at Austin's face.  "You'd WHAT, brother?"

 

"Alright, stop it!"  Katherine says.  "This bickering isn't getting us anywhere.  We have to figure out what to do about Jimmy Beaumont, and Brian, you have to get to the airport and get on that plane and leave the country."

 

"I'd already be sticking my feet in the sand on some tropical island if it wasn't for Katie's friend downstairs.  Damn it, I can't believe you were that stupid to let him see a photo of the two of us in your apartment."

 

"I never meant for that to happen,"  Katelyn says.

 

"Yeah, a lotta good that does me now, huh?  I should've put a bullet between that dude's eyes last night.  Listen to me, Katie.  You'd better figure out what to do with Jimmy Beaumont, and soon.  Or I will."  Brian turns and walks away.

 

As Katelyn begins to cry, Katherine puts her arm around her daughter as Austin looks on in disgust, finding it hard to believe that he seemed to be losing his mother to his psychotic siblings.

Dallas County Courthouse....

 "Having heard from both sides in this case,"  says Judge Sutton, as Justin and Amanda's divorce hearing is coming to a close.  "And since Mrs. Ewing is not contesting this divorce, I am inclined to grant the divorce on grounds on adultery and irreconcilable differences.  I am also granting Mr. Ewing's request that his wife receive none of the property or assets acquired after the marriage."

 

"Your Honor, this is unfair to my client,"  Amanda's attorney, Roger Franklin says.

 

"Mr. Franklin, let me finish,"  the Judge says.  "Mrs. Ewing, marriage vows are to be taken VERY seriously and are to be honored.  You broke those vows in possibly the cruelest way, by having an affair with a member of your husband's own family.  Therefore, I do not believe that you are entitled to any portion of your husband's wealth, or of the ranch that you and your husband shared during your marriage.  I am, however, granting you a small living monthly allowance to supplement your income.  You are employed as a secretary for the Stone Oil Company, correct?"

 

"Yes, Your Honor,"  Amanda replies.

 

"Fine.  Your monthly allowance will be set at $2,000 per month."

 

"Two thousand?"  Roger Franklin asks, standing.  "Your Honor, with all due respect, I must object to this ridiculously small amount, considerin' Mr. Ewing's vast wealth.  $2,000 is mere pennies to him."

 

"Mr. Franklin, I feel that, given the reasons for the break up of Mr. and Mrs. Ewing's marriage, an allowance of $2,000 a month, which comes to roughly 500 a week, is more than generous, especially since Mrs. Ewing is currently employed and more than able to support herself at this time.  Mrs. Ewing, do you accept these terms?"

 

"Yes, Your Honor,"  Amanda replies sadly, realizing that her choice was to accept the two thousand a month, or walk away with nothing.

 

"Very well.  This divorce between Justin Randall Ewing and Amanda Shepherd Ewing is hereby granted."  The Judge bangs her gavel, signaling the end of the proceedings.

 

"Miz Ewing, we don't have to accept these terms, we can appeal this,"  Roger Franklin tells his client after the case is over.  

 

"No, Mr. Franklin.  My marriage is over, and I just want a clean break."

 

"Amanda, are you sure?"  Brad asks.

 

"I'm sure."

Justin and Pamela walk past them.

 

"Well, you got what you wanted,"  Amanda says to her now ex-husband.  Justin turns to face her.  "You're rid of me, and I walked away with nothing," she continues.

 

"Not exactly,"  Justin says.  "You're walkin' away with $500 a week, which is pretty generous under the circumstances."

 

"You can keep your generous......allowance,"  says Amanda.  "There's only one thing I want from you, Justin.  Drop these ridiculous charges against me."

 

"Against YOU?"  Justin asks.  "Just you, and not your lover Jimmy?"

 

"I don't really care whether you drop the charges against Jimmy or not.  I don't know what happened between the two of you on that cliff a year ago.  All I know is, I had NOTHING to do with it."

 

"If you're innocent, then you should have nothin' to worry about then, should you?"  Justin asks with a smile, then he turns and walks away with Pamela.  

Ewing Oil.....afternoon

 Janice buzzes John Ross's office.  "John Ross, there's a Jared Paxton on line one for you."

 "Okay, thank ya, darlin',"  John Ross says as Krystina looks on.  John Ross picks up his phone and presses the '1' button.  "Jared, what's goin' on?  Hope you got some good news for me."

Meanwhile....

"I have VERY good news for you, John Ross," says Jared Paxton, a man of about 40, talking to John Ross from his office.  "I just spoke to Phil Grimes.  That property over in Wood County is sitting on top of one of the richest reserves of oil and natural gas in East Texas, and, word has it that Westar is having trouble coming up with the cash needed to close the deal on the land."

Ewing Oil....

"Well, now, that IS good news,"  John Ross says.  "I really appreciate this, Jared, and don't you worry, I never forget my friends.  Soon as I close this deal, you can expect a real nice check as a token of my appreciation. Fax me over a copy of the geology report on that land as soon as you hang up. You take care now."  John Ross hangs up his phone and smiles.

 

"So what's the good news?" Krystina asks.

 

"Remember that deal I told you about that Westar was interested in?"  

 

"Yeah, the deal you wanted to swipe out from under Westar."

 

"Exactly,"  John Ross says, standing to his feet.  "That was an associate of mine I had check on the deal, which involves some land over in Wood County that is rich in oil and natural gas.  If I can snatch this piece of property up, it'll mean a LOT of money for Ewing in both the short AND long run."

 

Krystina smiles.  "And not only that, you'll be sticking it to Tripp McKay," she says, placing her hands on John Ross's chest.

 

"And added bonus," he says with a smile.  "Come with me.  Let's go give Uncle Bobby the good news."

 

"Okay, but first, I wanna congratulate you in private,"  Krystina says, kissing him.

Meanwhile....

 

After getting off the phone with John Ross, Jared Paxton picks up his cell phone and dials a number.  After the second ring, someone answers. "It's Paxton,"  Jared says.  "I just got off the phone with John Ross Ewing.  He fell for it. Your plan is working.  Ewing is ready to swoop in and make a bid on that land in Wood County."

 

 

 

Westar Oil....

 

Standing at the window of his office at Westar, Tripp laughs as he hears what Paxton has to say.  "Man, that is some AWESOME news!"  Tripp says excitedly.  "You did the right thing in helping me pull this off."

 

"Yeah, well, I just wanna be far away from Dallas when Ewing finds out I helped you set him up," Paxton says. "That guy does NOT take kindly to being double crossed."

 

"Don't worry, Paxton,"  Tripp says.  "With the money I'm paying you, you can relocate anywhere in the world, and John Ross won't be able to touch you. Besides, when this deal blows up in his face, he'll be out of Ewing Oil on his ass, and he'll be stripped of his power."  Tripp ends the call and laughs again.  After a brief pause, he dials a number on his phone and waits for an answer.

Stone Oil....

Just as Brad and Amanda walk into the office of Stone Oil, having returned from court, the phone rings.  Amanda walks to her desk and picks her phone up.  "Good afternoon, Stone Oil.  Yes, just one moment."  She looks at Brad.  "It's Tripp McKay, for you."

 

"Thanks.  I'll take it in my office,"  Brad says.  He walks into his office, closes the door, 

walks to his desk and picks up his phone.  "Tripp, what's up?"

 

"I tried your cell phone first, but it went to voicemail."

 

"Yeah, sorry about that, I was in court for Amanda's divorce hearing and I forgot to turn my phone back on. What's goin' on?"

Westar....

"I have some great news,"  Tripp says.  "John Ross took the bait.  He fell for our scheme hook, line, and sinker.  I just got off the phone with Jared Paxton."

 

Stone Oil....

"HA!  That is the BEST news I've had in a long time," Brad says with a laugh.  "Has John Ross made a bid on that land yet?"

 

Westar....

"It's only a matter of time," Tripp says.  "Knowing John Ross, he'll be closing the deal on that land by tomorrow morning.  And little does he know that he's really buying a piece of worthless waste land,"

 

Stone Oil....

"And I can only imagine how upset Bobby Ewing will be when he finds out John Ross has sunk so much of Ewing Oil's capital into a dry hole.  But, ummm, I guess the fact that John Ross knows about Wood County only proves that your kid brother was working with him."

 

Westar....

The smile disappears from Tripp's face.  "Yeah, it does," he says, the disappointment evident in his voice.  "But, don't worry about that.  Main is, we're finally gonna bring John Ross down, and hard.  I'll take care of Shawn in my own way.  I'll be in touch, man."  Tripp ends 

the call and returns his gaze out the window at the city skyline, his thoughts centered on his younger half-brother and Shawn's betrayal.  As Tripp looks out the window of his high rise office, his eyes wander over to the building down the street that houses Ewing Oil.  Staring at the building, his anger rises up inside of him.  "Damn you, John Ross, you son of a bitch," he says in a low, angry tone.  You got my little brother to stab me in the back.  Well, I'm gonna get you and your whole damned company.  And then I'm gonna take care of my brother.  Or better yet, maybe I should leave Shawn for your to take care of."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ewing Oil....

Bobby is talking to Christopher on his cell phone in his office when a knock comes at his door.  "Come in," he says.  John Ross and Krystina walk in.  Bobby holds up his hand to indicate to them that he will be with them in a moment.  "Well, how long do you think you and Courtney will be in California, son?  Alright, well, look, you two take all the time you need.  I know how important this is to both of you.  Yeah, we'll be fine here.  And good luck. I'll talk to you later.  Bye."  Bobby puts his phone down.

 

"That was Christopher?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yes, it was."

 

"Is everything okay?"  Asks Krystina.  

 

"Christopher and Courtney are gonna try to get their custody case into court soon, hopefully in the next few days.  Drew Demarest has flown out to Los Angeles to try and speed things along."

 

"That's great.  Hopefully Courtney and Christopher will come home soon with her little boy."

 

"I sure hope so,"  Bobby says.  "So what can I do for the two of you?"

 

"We have some real good news, Uncle Bobby."

 

"Well, I could sure use some good news right about now, so what's goin' on?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Uncle Bobby, I recently got wind of a little tract of land over in Wood County that is sittin' on top of one of the riches reserves of oil and natural gas in all of East Texas. And I plan on makin' a bid for the land, with your approval of course."

 

"Have you had the tract surveyed by a geologist?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Here is the geological report."  John Ross says, handing his uncle the fax his friend Jared just sent him.  

 

Bobby takes the fax and looks it over carefully.  "Well, you weren't kidding," he says.  "This is one of the richest tracts I've seen in several years.  Only problem is.......how much is the owner asking for this property, and do we have the capital to afford it?"

 

"We do have the capital, Bobby,"  Krystina says.  "I checked into our holdings and available capital, and we're good."

 

"The land is owned by Harry Tidwell, and he's askin' a real reasonable price,"  says John Ross. "$11 million for the entire tract."

 

"11 million?  Well, that IS reasonable,"  says Bobby.

 

"So, do we have your okay?"  

 

"This sounds like a good deal, John Ross, so, yes, go ahead and make a bid, but, make absolutely sure to do some more research on this before making an offer.  Get a second opinion from another geologist."

 

"Come on, Uncle Bobby, we don't have time for all that," John Ross says.  "If we don't hurry up and grab this land, we're gonna lose it.  Westar is also interested in that tract."

 

"John Ross, I don't want any problems or any surprises where this deal is concerned.  We always get every tract we buy checked out by two geologists to make sure the first one was accurate. The last thing this company needs is to spend eleven million dollars on land that's worthless."

 

"Worthless?"  John Ross asks.  "You've seen the report and you agreed this land is a gold mine."

 

"I agree this report LOOKS good, John Ross.  I just wanna make absolutely sure it's as good as it looks."

 

"Uncle Bobby....."

 

"Just......get a second opinion from another geologist,"  Bobby says.

 

"Fine," says an angry John Ross.  He turns and walks out of the office, Krystina following.  Outside Bobby's office, John Ross sighs deeply.

 

"Are you okay?" Krystina asks.

 

"Uncle Bobby would have us fool around until we lose that damned land in Wood County."

 

"Well, we don't have a moment to lose,"  says Krystina.  "We'd better get on the phone and get a geologist over there ASAP."

 

"I'll take care of it,"  John Ross says.  

 

"Okay.  I have a couple things I need to take care of.  I'll see you a little later."

 

"Sure, darlin',"  John Ross says.  He kisses his wife, then Krystina walks over to her office and goes in.  John Ross pauses a moment, then goes back to his own office.  He goes to his bar and pours himself a drink.  After taking a sip, he walks to the window and looks out.  "Damn it," he says.  "I will NOT lose this deal on this land by draggin' my feet.  I know that report is right, so I don't see any need for a second one.  Sorry, Uncle Bobby, I know you're just bein' careful, but, this is too good a deal to pass up or lose because we were too careful."  John Ross goes to his desk and takes a seat.  He reaches over and looks through his rolodex until he finds the phone number he wants.  Picking up his phone, he dials the number, then 

impatiently waits for an answer.  "Tidwell, this is John Ross Ewing, Ewing Oil over in Dallas. I'd like to talk to you about your piece of land in Wood County.  I don't just wanna make a bid.  I wanna BUY that land, and I'm willin' to pay slightly over your askin' price to make sure Ewing Oil gets it, and not Westar."

 

The Wentworth mansion....late afternoon

laughs.  "I'll be damned," he says, returning to the living room and Austin.  "You will never guess who that was.  That was our old Uncle Cliff Barnes. Damn, I thought he and Mommy Dearest couldn't stand each other. So I wonder what he was doing here."

 

Austin makes an attempt to say something. 

 

"Oh, yeah, sorry about that, bro," Brian says, removing the sock from Austin's mouth.  

 

"Oh my God, I think I'm gonna puke,"  Austin says.  

 

"Yeah, sorry about having to use my sock, but, I had to grab the first thing I could find to keep your mouth shut.  So what was Cliff Barnes doing here?"

 

"How the hell should I know?"  Austin angrily asks.  "Maybe he heard his long lost nephew was in town and he wanted to meet you."

 

Brian looks at Austin with a worried expression, continuing to wonder why Cliff would come to the Wentworth home, knowing that he and Katherine were about as friendly with each other as two rabid dogs."

Catlin Oil....night

 Catlin is finishing up some work in his office that night when Sue Ellen knocks on his door. "Come in," he says.

 

Sue Ellen walks into the office.  "Catlin."

 

"Well, hi.  Oh, Sue Ellen, I'm sorry.  I was just finishing up some work here and I completely lost track of the time."

 

"It's alright.  I just thought you'd be finished by now."

 

Catlin sighs.  "I got behind on a lot of things during the trial, and I'm playing catch up now.  Hey, are you okay?"

 

"Dusty's attorney phoned me a little while ago.  Dusty's funeral will be day after tomorrow, in San Angelo."

 

Catlin stands and walks over to her.  "Would you like for me to come with you?"

 

"Thank you, sweetheart, but no, this is something I really need to do on my own."

 

"I hate for you to go through this alone," Catlin says.

 

"I know.  But, I need to do this,"  says Sue Ellen.  

 

"I'm really sorry, Sue Ellen.  "After the trial, we'd hoped that things would start looking up.  I understand how much Dusty Farlow meant to you."

 

"Dusty was a very big part of my life, not once, but three different times.  I shared a lot of history with him."

 

"And until about a year and a half ago, you thought you were gonna spend the rest of your life with him,"  says Catlin.

 

"Yes I did.  But Dusty had other ideas.  Catlin, I don't want you to think that the love I had for Dusty, or my memories of him, are coming between us.  That's not going to happen."

 

"I know that, Sue Ellen.  So when will you be leaving for San Angelo?"

 

"Tomorrow afternoon,"  Sue Ellen replies.  "In a way, I'm not looking forward to this.  Attending Dusty's funeral will be painful, and I have to prepare myself for that.  But, in another way, I also know that this is the only thing that will give closure to mine and Dusty's story once and for all.  And I really need that closure.  Saying goodbye to him is the only way that I'll be able to get on with the rest of my life.  And once I have that closure, I can come home, and then give my all to you, the man I wanna spend the rest of my life with."

 

Catlin puts his arms around Sue Ellen and smiles.  "Do you have any idea just how much I love you?"

 

"I think I have some idea."

 

"No, I don't think you do,"  Catlin says.  "Because however much you think I love you, that doesn't even begin to describe how much I REALLY love you."

 

"You must be starved.  Why don't we get out of here and get some dinner?"

 

"Yes, why don't we?  I can finish this in the morning.  Let's go."  Catlin closes the laptop on his desk, then he and Sue Ellen leave the office.

The Wentworth mansion....

 

 

Still tied and held captive in the basement of the Wentworth mansion, Jimmy is startled when he hears the basement door open and close.  A couple of seconds later, Katelyn descends the stairs into the basement.  "Well, good evening, Jimmy," she says.  "I'm sorry your dinner is late tonight, but I'm afraid it's gonna have to wait a little longer."

 

"Katie, how much longer is this gonna go on?"  Jimmy asks.  "How long can you keep me here?"

 

"As long as I need to," Katelyn replies, walking over to him.  "Jimmy, I'm REALLY sorry to have to do this, but, I'm gonna need you to go to sleep for a while."

 

"Asleep?  What are you talking about?"  Jimmy asks.

 

Katelyn pulls a bottle of clear liquid from her purse, and a handkerchief.  She opens the bottle, places the handkerchief over the top, and pours some of the liquid into it.

 

"Katie, what the hell are you doing?"

 

"Just relax," she says.  "You'll be asleep in a second."  As Jimmy attempts to struggle, Katelyn grabs him by the hair with one hand, while placing the saturated handkerchief over Jimmy's mouth and nose with the other hand.  Jimmy's struggles and squirms in his chair for a few seconds, then, as the chloroform begins to take effect, he quickly passes into unconsciousness.  

Later....

 Jimmy slowly begins to wake up and opens his eyes later.  Groggy, it seems to him that he has been asleep for days.  As he awakens, he realizes that he is no longer tied to a chair.  He is laying in a comfortable bed.  His hands and feet are free.  Was he dreaming?  Is it possible that he is at home in his own bed?  He wonders to himself.  But as he looks around, he sees that he is laying in a bed in the middle of the same basement he had been in before, only the bed he is on is in a cage.  Jimmy sits up, feeling dizzy from the effects of the chloroform. After a moment of composing himself, Jimmy stands to his feet, then staggers to the edge of the cage, where he grabs onto the bars.  "KATIE!!!"  He yells.  "KATIE!!!"  

 

After a moment, Katelyn comes down the stairs.  "Oh, you're awake," she says with a smile.  "I was beginning to worry.  You've been out for a couple of hours now."

 

"Katie, what the hell is this?"

 

"It's a cage, Jimmy.  That should be obvious."

 

"Why am I IN this thing?  Katie, what's going on?"

 

"Well, Jimmy, it's a lot easier this way.  Now you don't have to stay tied to that chair all the time.  You can move around a little, and be comfortable, and even sleep in a nice, soft bed."

 

"Katie this is nuts,"  Jimmy says.  "You have to let me out of here."

 

"No, Jimmy.  I'm sorry, but I can't.  I can't ever let you go."

 

"What?"

 

"It'll be okay.  I promise.  Brian will be leaving, so you won't be in any danger of him hurting you.  And you'll get use to your new home.  And, in time, I just know I can make you fall in love with me.  When that happens, then I might let you out.  But that might take years.  Oh, well, we have time.  We're young, and we have the rest of our lives."

 

"You can't be seriously thinking about keeping me here from now on,"  Jimmy says.

 

"I'm not just thinking about it.  I'm DOING it,"  Katelyn says, obviously as unbalanced as her brother now.  "I left your dinner on the table.  It may be a little cold now, but, sorry.  Eat it, and get some sleep, and I'll bring you a gourmet breakfast tomorrow morning.  Sleep tight." 

 "Katie, please, for God's sake, don't do this!"  Jimmy begs.  "Don't leave me here.  Let me go, and I swear, I won't say a word about any of this."

 

Katelyn smiles at him.  "Nice try, Jimmy, but no.  Just make yourself comfortable.  Because you're never going anywhere.  Oh, and if you think about yelling, you should probably know......the walls of this basement are sound proof, so no one outside can hear you."

 

"People will be looking for me."

 

"I'll take care of that.  After all, to the world, I'm still Katelyn Spencer, sweet, trustworthy college girl.  Besides, I don't think anyone would be too surprised if you skip town, since you're still facing those attempted murder charges for pushing Justin off that cliff.  Everyone will assume you're guilty, and think you just jumped bail.  Anyway, I love you.  Get some sleep."  Katelyn turns and quickly heads back up the stairs.

 

"Katie!" Jimmy calls to her.  "KATIE!!!!!!!"  He yells again, then hears the basement door shut.