EPISODE 145 - Captive Hearts

A taxi pulls into the front gate at Southfork early in the morning and makes its way up the long driveway to the ranch.  A few seconds later, the taxi comes to a stop at the main house. Elena Ramos Channing emerges from the taxi and pays the driver.  She then walks toward 

the house.

 

Meanwhile, Bobby and Ann come down the stairs as Lucas, Heather, and Michael are standing in the foyer, about to head to the patio for breakfast.

 

"Well, good morning, you three,"  Bobby says cheerfully.

 

"Morning, Grandpa," Michael says.

 

"Good morning," says Lucas.  "You almost ready for that cattle drive?"

 

"I am DEFINITELY ready,"  replies Bobby.

 

"Can I come on the drive, too?"  Michael asks.

 

"Umm, I dunno, buddy."  Heather says.  "I think you're a little young yet."

 

"Oh, I don't know about that, Heather,"  Bobby says.  "I took Christopher on a cattle drive when he was just about Michael's age and he loved it."

 

"Besides, Michael has gotten really good on a horse, and there'll be plenty of us there to watch out for him."

 

"Can I, Mom?" The boy pleads.

 

Heather looks at her son, then at her husband and father-in-law.  "I'll think about it," she says as the maid, Maria, walks into the foyer.

 

"Excuse me, Mr. Ewing,"  Maria says.

 

"Yes, Maria?"

 

"You have a visitor,"  Maria says.  

 

The group of assembled Ewings are all shocked when Elena walks in. "Hello, Bobby.  Ann," she says.

 

"Elena, what are you doin' here?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I'd like to know the answer to that question myself," says John Ross, he, Krystina, and Alex coming down the stairs. He descends the stairs to the foyer to face his ex-lover.  "What the hell are you doin' here, Elena?"

 

"I've been in Mexico City visiting my mother, and I took an early flight this morning because I wanted to stop in Dallas and see my son," Elena says.

 

"Well, it's not your regular time to visit Little John, so that's not gonna happen," John Ross says angrily.

 

"Come on, John Ross, what harm could it do?"  Ann asks.

 

"John Ross, I'm not here to fight, or start trouble," Elena says.  "All I want is to see my son and spend a few hours with him, and then I'll leave."

 

"Well, that's not gonna happen."

 

"Look, why don't the rest of us go on out to breakfast and let these two talk?"  Bobby suggests.

 

"That sounds like a good idea," Ann agrees.

 

"Elena, you said you were in Mexico visiting your mother?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Yes, I was."

 

"How is Carmen?"  Ann asks.

 

"She's just fine," replies Elena.

 

"Give her our best next time you talk to her," says Bobby.

 

"I will, Bobby, and thanks."

 

"Come on, Alex, let's go on to breakfast,"  Krystina says.  "John Ross, try and keep your cool."

 

"Darlin' you don't have to go anywhere."

 

"I think this is between you and Elena."

 

"Thank you, Krystina,"  Elena says.  Krystina nods, then follows Bobby, Ann, Lucas, Heather, Michael, and Alex out of the room.

 "Where the hell do you get off just showin' up here like this?"  John Ross asks.  "The judge gave me full custody of Little John and gave you visitation at certain times of the month."

 

"I know.  But I was in Mexico, and on my way back to California, I wanted to see my son.  I don't know why you have such a problem with this.  My visitations with Little John have been going very well."

 

"I know."

 

"Then why is it such a problem that I see him now?"  Elena asks.  "Look, John Ross, I know I'm early for my visit with him.  But please......just let me spend some time with our son. Right here at Southfork, if that's what you want."

 

John Ross remains silent.

 

"Do you really still hate me so much?"  

 

"I don't hate you, Elena,"  John Ross says.  "I hate what you did to me.  You lied to me and told me that my son was born dead.  Then you and that scum you married, Michael Channing, conspired to keep Little John away from me for the rest of my life.  How the hell am I supposed to feel about you after that?"

 

"John Ross, I'm sorry.  I'm sorry for what I did.  But your hands are certainly not clean in all this, either.  But I didn't come here to fight and dredge up our old history.  John Ross, PLEASE!  Let me see my son."

 

"Excuse me,"  Krystina says as she returns.  "John Ross, you should let Elena see and spend some time with Little John today, if she wants."

 

John Ross looks at his wife, then back at Elena.  "I'll go up and get him," he says after a pause of several seconds.  "But you will NOT take my son off this ranch.  Understood?"

 

"Understood,"  Elena says.

 

John Ross turns and goes back up the stairs.  

 

After he's gone, Elena turns to Krystina.  "Thank you."

 

 

"You don't have to thank me,"  says Krystina. "You're Little John's mother.  You should be able to see him."

 

"Krystina, there's something very different about you.  Not only in your attitude toward me, but, there's something else.  You and John Ross seem truly happy?"

 

"I can honestly say I'm happier than I've ever been in my life.  I might as well tell you.  John Ross and I are gonna have a baby."

 

"You're pregnant?"  Elena asks.

 

"Yes I am."

 

Elena smiles.  "Krystina, that's wonderful.  Congratulations.  I'm really happy for you."

 

"Thank you,"  Krystina says, as John Ross returns with his and Elena's son.  

 

Elena becomes choked up with emotion when she sees her son.  "Hello, sweetheart," she says, gently taking the two and a half year old infant from John Ross's arms.  "How are you? My, you're getting so big."  She looks at John Ross.  "Thank you."

 

"Just remember what I said.  You don't take him off Southfork."

 

"Understood,"  Elena says.  John Ross and Krystina leave the room.  Elena takes her son into the den and takes a seat on the sofa with him.  Holding the child close to her, she begins to cry.  "I love you so much, Little Drew......I'm sorry.......Little JOHN.  I just had to see you.  I needed the strength you give me before I go back to California and face Michael and decided what I'm gonna do about our marriage."

Jay and Jill's apartment....

 As Jill walks into the bedroom of her and Jay's apartment that morning, Jay is standing near the bed, on the phone.  "Hey, Jimmy, it's Jay Smithfield again," he says to Jimmy's voicemail. "Listen, man, I've been trying to get in touch with you for a couple of days now.  As soon as you get this message, you need to give me a call.  Your attempted murder case will be coming up soon and we need to get together and discuss your defense, so call me, ASAP!" Jay hangs up his phone and sighs in frustration.

 

"You still can't get in touch with him?"  Jill asks.

 

"No, I can't.  Jill, when was the last time you talked to Jimmy?"

 

"It's been quite a while.  Where do you think he could be?"

 

"I don't know,"  Jay says.  "But I'm getting worried.  I've been calling Jimmy for a couple of days, and I've left at least ten voice messages.  I've even called his apartment manager, and he hasn't seen Jimmy in two or three days."

 

"Do you suppose he could've gone to visit James and Debra Lynn back east?"  Jill asks.

 

"He better not have," says Jay.  "Not without letting me know.  He's out on bail and he's not supposed to leave Dallas County without permission from the court.  But I'm gonna call your brother.  Do you know James's number?"

 

"It's in my phone,"  Jill says.  She walks over to the nightstand beside the bed and picks up her cell phone.  Scrolling through her contacts, she finds James Beaumont's number, then hands the phone to Jay.  "There it is."

 

"Thanks," he says.  He dials James's number on his own phone.  After four rings, James answers.  "James, hi, this is Jay Smithfield.  I'm doin' just fine, how are you?  That's good. James, have you spoken to or heard from Jimmy in the last few days?  No, no, nothing's wrong, I've just been trying to reach your son and I can't.  No no one else has heard from him, either.  No, I'm sure there's no need for worry.  But, if you do happen to hear from him, tell him to call as soon as possible.  Okay, I will.  Thanks, James.  Yeah, you take care.  Bye." Again frustrated, Jay tosses his phone onto the bed.

 

"No luck?"  Jill asks.

 

"No,"  Jay replies.  "James hasn't heard from Jimmy in a few days, either.  And I have to tell you, Jill, I'm getting more than a little worried."

 

"Jay, what do you think this means?  You think Jimmy might've skipped bail?"

 

"I sure hope to hell not.  Honey, I have to get going.  I'm gonna run by Jimmy's apartment and see if he's there, and then I have a lot of work to do today."

 

"Sure you don't have time for breakfast?" Jill asks.

 

"No, I'm afraid not.  I have to work on three different depositions before this afternoon."

 

 

"Okay, then, why don't I come down and we have lunch?"

 

"I can't.  I have to get these depositions done, so I'll probably just order lunch in.  I have to go.  I'll see you tonight."  Jay gives Jill a quick kiss on the cheek, then hurriedly leaves.

 

Disappointed at her husband's lack of attention recently, Jill shakes her head.  After a momentary pause, she walks to the bed and takes a seat.  She opens the drawer of the nightstand.  Reaching in, she digs under some papers and envelopes and pulls out the business card Detective Craig Anderson had given her a few days earlier and looks at it for several seconds.  Jill seriously considers taking Craig up on his offer to get together and catch up.

The Wentworth mansion.... 

 Jimmy is awakened by the sound of the basement door opening and closing that morning.  A couple of seconds later, Katelyn comes down the stairs carrying a covered tray.  "Rise and shine, sleepy head," she says with a smile.  "Time for your breakfast."

 

Jimmy sits up on the foot of the bed and looks at her.  "Katie, this has gone on long enough.  Please let me out of this cage."

 

"Now, Jimmy, you know I can't do that.  Besides, it's not so bad here.  We had the cage placed so you have access to the bathroom and a shower, you have a nice, soft, comfortable bed to sleep in, and a little later today I'm gonna bring a TV down here for you to watch so you don't get bored.  I'm also going to be spending more time down here with you.  We can talk and get to know each other a lot better."

 

"Katie, you CANNOT keep me here in this cage for the rest of my life like an animal."

 

"Yes, Jimmy, I can, so you might as well get use to it.  This is your new home now.  It's going to be okay, I promise."  Katelyn opens a small slot in one side of the bottom of the cage, and slides the tray into the cage on the floor.  "Here's your breakfast.  Waffles, and bacon this morning. I can't wait for you to see what I'm making you for dinner."

 

"Katie, I'm begging you.  Please.  Just let me go.  I have a life.  I have a FAMILY that's gonna be wondering where I am and worrying about me.  People will be looking for me!"

 

Katelyn looks at him and smiles.  "You won't have to worry about that.  I'm gonna take care of that today."

 

"What?  What do you mean?"  Jimmy asks.

 

"Well, after today, everyone will believe that James Richard Beaumont, Jr., afraid of going to prison, simply skipped bail because he was guilty of attempted murder."

 

"That won't work," says Jimmy.  "I did NOT push Justin off that cliff, and Justin knows the truth."

 

"Maybe and maybe not,"  Katelyn says.  "But even if you didn't push him, with you gone do you really think Justin will come forward to clear your name?  The guy hates you, Jimmy.  You were supposed to be his best friend and you slept with his wife.  Justin is never going to help you.  Especially when he finds out you skipped town.  Better eat your breakfast before it gets cold."

 

"Why are you doing this to me?"  Jimmy asks in tears.  "If this is some sort of revenge or payback for the things I said to you that night......"

 

"No, of course not.  That's all forgotten.  Jimmy, I'm doing this because I love you, and I don't ever wanna be without you.  Besides, you really didn't give me a choice.  If I hadn't stopped you, you would've turned my brother in, and I couldn't let that happen."

 

"What happens if I get sick or something?"  Jimmy asks.

 

"Jimmy, come on.  Look at you.  You're young, healthy, and strong.  It's not likely you're gonna come down with anything more serious than a common cold.  But if you're worried, I'll get you some vitamins when I go out.  Now eat those waffles or they're gonna be stone cold."  Katelyn smiles at him again, then turns and walks up the stairs.  Jimmy hears the 

door open and close behind her.  Tears stream down the young man's face as he again realizes that he may never escape from this place and from this crazy woman.  He looks down at the breakfast tray on the floor.  His stomach feels empty, but he is not hungry.  But he also realizes that he has to keep up his strength.  After a pause, he gets up, walks over to the tray on the other side of his cage, and picks it up.  He carries the tray back over to his bed, takes a seat, and removes the cover.  Reluctantly, he begins eating, forcing down each mouthful despite the incredible fear and hopelessness he now feels.

Ewing Oil....

Janice buzzes Krystina's office at Ewing Oil later. "Yes, Janice?"  Krystina says.  

 

"Krystina, there's an Elliot Walker on line one for you."

 

"Thank you, I've been waiting for his call." Krystina picks up her phone and presses the '1.'  "Elliott, hi.  Do you have that report for me on the land in Wood County?"  Krystina listens for a moment as the man on the other end of the line speaks.  Krystina nods, a look of disappointment coming over her face.  "I see," she finally says.  "Could you fax those reports over to me now?  Okay, thanks, Elliot.  I really appreciate this.  You take care, too.  Bye."  Krystina hangs up her phone and sighs.  Shortly, she hears her fax machine running on the table near her desk.  She gets up, walks a few steps over to the machine as several pages are expelled from the fax.  When the pages are

 done coming, she picks them up and looks them over, then shakes her head.  After a brief hesitation, she leaves her office with the fax.

 

Meanwhile, John Ross is at his bar pouring himself a drink.  A knock comes at his door. "Come in," he says.

 

Krystina walks into the office.  "Hi," she says.

 

"Hey, darlin'.  Want a drink?"

 

"Sure, thanks."

 

John Ross pours his wife a drink and hands it to her.  "Here."

 

"Thanks,"  Krystina says.  "Are you okay?"

 

 "I'm fine, I'm just not too crazy about the idea of Elena bein' at the ranch with Little John."

 

"Don't worry.  Ann and Lucy are both there, and I highly doubt that Elena would jeopardize her visitation rights by taking off with your son."

 

"I guess you're right,"  John Ross says.  "I still don't like it, though."

 

"John Ross, have you spoken to Harry Tidwell about closing the deal to buy his property?" Krystina asks.

 

"I have a meetin' with Tidwell here in my office later this afternoon, and I'd like you to be here for that," replies John Ross.  "You and I can close this deal together."

 

"No, John Ross, I'm afraid we can't," Krystina says.

 

"Well why not, darlin'? You got somethin' else to do this afternoon?"

 

"No.  John Ross, I mean that you can't make the deal to buy Tidwell's property in Wood County."

 

"And why is that?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Because........the land is worthless, John Ross.  There isn't a drop of oil on it."

 

John Ross laughs.  "Darlin', that's impossible.  Jared Paxton called me and said that......"

 

"I'm sorry, but Paxton was either wrong......or he was lying to you."

 

"Krystina, how do you know this?"  John Ross asks.  

 

"Because......Bobby was right about getting a second geologist to do a survey of that property.  When you refused, I.........I took it upon myself to get a second opinion from another  geologist."

 

"You went behind my back and did this?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yes.  I have the reports right here.  They were just faxed over."  Krystina hands John Ross the fax.  He takes it and looks it over.  After a moment, he puts the fax down and lets out a deep sigh.  

 

"I'll be damned.  You're right.  Elliot Walker is one of the best in the business."

 

"I'm really sorry I went behind your back.  Are you angry with me?"

 

"No.  Hell, no.  I am angry, but only at myself,"  says John Ross, standing to his feet.  "I was so damned anxious to get my hands on that property before Westar that it blinded me to everything else.  Darlin', thank ya.  You just saved this comp'ny millions of dollars, and maybe even saved my ass around here.  I'm REAL glad I asked you to come into Ewing Oil.  If I hadn't......."  John Ross walks back to his bar.  "So, there's only one explanation here.  Jared Paxton had to have been lyin' to me, and so was Tidwell."

 

"But why?"  Krystina asks.

 

John Ross turns and looks at her.  "Itn't it obvious?  Who was it had his eye on that land first?"

 

"Westar."

 

"Yeah, that's right.  And who is Westar?  It's Tripp McKay."

 

"You think this was a set up?  That McKay was just baiting you?"  Krystina asks.

 

"I'm sure of it,"  replies John Ross.  "I'll know more when I talk to the source of my information about that Wood County land.  But in the meantime, I can hardly wait for ol' Harry Tidwell to get here."

 

"Why?"

 

John Ross looks at his wife, a slight smile on his face.  "Because Tidwell is gonna help us turn the tables on McKay," he says.

 

Krystina smiles back, wondering what scheme her husband was up to.

Southfork....

 

"He couldn't possibly be enjoying it any more than I am," Elena says as she plays with the child.  

 

"I brought you some lemonade,"  Ann says.

 

"Oh, thank you, Ann."

 

"You're welcome.  So, how've you been since that night at Falcon Crest when Josh McQueen held us all at gunpoint?"

 

Elena looks at her for a moment before answering.  "Not so great."

 

"Are you and Michael still havin' problems over that?"

 

"Michael lied to me, Ann,"  Elena says.  "He was partly responsible for what Josh McQueen did.  If he had turned McQueen over to the police then none of that would've happened."

 

"I agree, Michael should've been honest that he knew McQueen's whereabouts."

 

"I hope McQueen is punished to the fullest extent of the law for what he did," Elena says.

 

"Elena, you haven't heard?"

 

"Heard what?"

 

"You haven't heard the news about Josh McQueen?"  Ann asks.

 

"No, I've been in Mexico for the last few weeks.  I haven't heard much news.  Why, what's going on?"

 

"Apparently, Josh McQueen was not the one who sent that bomb. He was tellin' the truth all along.  The person responsible for my brother's death and the deaths of those other people is a young man named Brian Manning, who goes by the name of Brian Jeffries."

 

"Oh my God,"  says a stunned Elena.  "McQueen was telling the truth?  This......Manning, or Jeffries.......is the one who killed my baby?"

 

"Yes,"  replies Ann.  "It's been all over the news.  There's a nationwide manhunt for him, and recently he was even spotted in Texas, right in the Dallas area."

 

"The man who killed your brother and my child was here?  In Dallas?  Why was he here?"

 

"I have no idea.  But the police are gonna find him, soon I hope."

 

Shaken upon hearing the news that the man who caused her to miscarry her baby was still on the loose, Elena grabs her son and holds him to her tightly.

San Angelo, Texas.....afternoon

 

"I'm very glad that the owners of the Southern Cross agreed to allowing Dusty's service and burial to be on the ranch."

 

"Well, Mrs. Ewing, that is, umm, that's something I wanted to talk to you about.  You see, Dusty OWNED the Southern Cross Ranch."

 

"What?  No, that's impossible,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Two years ago, I went to visit the Southern Cross with Dusty. We met the owners."

"Mrs. Ewing, after Dusty left Dallas, when he learned he had a serious heart condition, he traveled around for a while, hoping to find a doctor somewhere who could cure his condition," George says.  "When he realized that was not to be, he returned here to San Angelo last summer, and he bought the Southern Cross from the family who owned it.  Dusty was given some very bad news.  In addition to his heart condition, Dusty also had prostate cancer that had spread to his colon."

 

"Dusty had......cancer?"  Sue Ellen asks, stunned by the news.

 

"Yes.  He was told by his doctors that, because of his weakened heart, he would not be able to take any treatments such as chemotherapy.  He did take radiation treatments, which slowed the spread of the cancer, but, unfortunately, couldn't stop it.  All the radiation did was buy him a little more time.  The cancer was the main reason he purchased his family's former ranch.  Dusty wanted to spend his final days on the ranch where he was born and had spent so many happy days when he was a child and a young  man."

 

"Dusty really did love the Southern Cross.  He use to tell me how happy he was growing up there.  Until his mother died, anyway."

 

"Yes,"  George says.  

 

"Mr........George.......was Dusty alone when he died?"

 

"No.  I was with him, and so was his private nurse."

 

"I see.  Well, I'm very happy that Dusty was able to spend his last days on the Southern Cross.  So what will happen to the ranch now?"

 

"Well, that's really up to you, Mrs. Ewing."

 

"I don't understand."

 

"Two months ago, Dusty had me draw up a new will,"  replies George.  "That's why I asked you here to my office.  Since Dusty had no heirs.  No family, no children.  His parents are long dead and he had no siblings or nieces and nephews, Dusty left his entire estate, including the Southern Cross Ranch.........to you, Mrs. Ewing."

Sue Ellen's mouth falls open in shock.  "To me?  Dusty left the ranch, to me?"

 

"Yes.  Along with this letter."  George picks up a sealed envelope from his desk and hands it to Sue Ellen.  "Dusty gave this to me and asked that I deliver it to you after his death.  I think it will explain everything."

 

Sue Ellen looks at the envelope in her hand, surprised by this turn of events and the news that she was now the owner of the Southern Cross Ranch.

Ewing Oil....

"Mr. Ewing, it's a pleasure," Tidwell says, extending his hand.

 

"Tidwell," John Ross says, shaking hands with the man.  "This is my wife, Krystina."

 

"Mrs. Ewing, a pleasure.  Now then, I hope you've had a chance to look over the portfolio I sent you on my property in Wood County?"

 

"Oh, yes, I've had a chance to look over everything," says John Ross.

 

"Well, that's good,"  Tidwell says.  "I'm very anxious to close this deal and I'm sure that you're anxious as well, to get started drilling."

 

"Well, not so fast, Tidwell."

 

"Is there a problem?"

 

"No, no problem at all.  I've just changed my mind about purchasing your land."

 

The smile fades from Tidwell's face.  "What?  I.....I don't understand.  I thought we had a deal."

 

"Yeah, well, that was before,"  John Ross says.  

 

"Before?  Before what?"

"Before I found out that the piece of land you were tryin' to sell me was completely worthless," John Ross says.

 

"Wor.....worthless?  I don't know what you're talking about."

 

"The hell you don't, Tidwell.  We had a second geologist take a look at that land, and accordin' to him, and accordin' to every other survey that's been done on that land, there itn't a drop of oil anywhere on it."

 

"There has to be some mistake," says Tidwell, his nervousness now evident.

 

"Oh, yes, there's been a mistake, and a real big one, but you're the one who made it."

 

"Okay, look, let's just forget this whole thing,"  Tidwell says, standing from his seat.  

 

"Tidwell, you're not goin' anywhere.  Not yet, at least.  Krystina, would you please?"

"Of course,"  Krystina says.  She walks over to the door which connects John Ross's office to the conference room and opens it.  Bobby and Bum walk in.

 

"What the hell is this?"  Tidwell asks.

 

"Who put you up to this?"  John Ross asks.  "Was it Tripp McKay at Westar?"

 

"I don't have to answer any of your questions, and I'm getting out of here."

 

"Not so fast,"  Bobby says, standing in Tidwell's way.  "First, you're gonna tell us exactly who you're working for, and why you tried to set my nephew up to buy a worthless piece of land."

 

Now shaking with fear and feeling cornered, Tidwell looks first at Bobby, then at John Ross and Krystina, then at Bum.  

 

"You can either answer Mr. Ewing's question willingly, or I can persuade you to answer," Bum says.

 

 

 

 

"And my friend Bum can be very, VERY persuasive when he wants to be," says Bobby. "Was it McKay who put you up to this?"

 

"Yes,"  Tidwell replies.  "McKay and his partner."

 

"And who was his partner?"  John Ross asks.  "And if you even think about lyin' to us, you're gonna be one sorry bastard."

 

"Bradley Stone.  Stone Oil.  They were in it together."

 

"Stone and McKay,"  Bobby says.  "Tidwell, here's what we're gonna do.  We're gonna let you leave here, but on one condition.  You're gonna help us."

 

"Help you how?"  Tidwell asks.

 

"You're gonna make Brad Stone and Tripp McKay believe that this land deal went through without a hitch and that John Ross remains completely ignorant of how worthless that property is."

 "You're gonna give the performance of a lifetime, Tidwell,"  says John Ross.  "You tell McKay that I fell for his little plan."

 

"And what do I get in return?"

 

John Ross walks over to the man and looks him in the face for a moment.  "That's real simple.  You get to keep your knee caps and walk straight for the rest of your life.  You think about double crossin' me, and my good friend Bum, who has an EXCELLENT track record when it comes to findin' people, will pay you a little visit, no matter where you are, and then you won't be walkin' so straight anymore.  Do I make myself clear?"

 

Tidwell nods.  "Yes.  Crystal clear."

 

"Good.  Now get the hell outta my office,"  John Ross says.

 

Tidwell lowers his head and then quickly leaves without saying another word.  

 

"I'll have a tail on him,"  Bum says.  "Make sure he duttin' try to leave town."

 

"Thank ya, Bum,"  John Ross says as the private investigator leaves.  

 "John Ross, I'm very impressed and very proud of the way you handled this,"  Bobby says.  "And I'm pleased that you took my advice and got another geologist to check out Tidwell's land before you went through with buying it."

 

John Ross and Krystina exchange knowing looks.  "Uncle Bobby, I....." John Ross starts to say.

 

"You're right, Bobby,"  Krystina interrupts.  "John Ross was very smart in getting a second opinion.  Right after you suggested it, he was on the phone calling Elliot Walker, one of the best geologists around."

 

Bobby smiles and nods.  "Good.  John Ross, it seems you're finally learning to ere on the side of caution rather than just jumping into somethin' head first.  I'm proud, and I can't wait for your mother to hear about this when she returns from San Angelo.  I'll see you both later." Bobby winks at the couple, then turns and leaves the office.

 

"Why didn't you tell him the truth?"  John Ross asks.

 

"What would be the point?"  Krystina asks.  "John Ross, the important thing is......we found out the truth in time."

 

"Yeah, thanks to you."

 

"You are my husband, John Ross.  You would've done the same for me."

 

"I wouldn't have had to,"  John Ross says.  "Because you wouldn't have done somethin' so stupid as to wanna go ahead with this deal without gettin' a second geologist to do a survey."

 

"You just wanted this deal so bad, and wanted to impress your Uncle Bobby, which, you ended up doing.  It's over."

 

"Not quite,"  John Ross says, taking his cell phone from his pocket.  "Not until I take down Tripp McKay and Cliff Barnes's bastard son for what they did."  He opens up his contacts on his phone and sends a text.  "When I do that, then this will be over."

Sharon Smith's apartment....

 

Meanwhile, Shawn is coming out of his bedroom and about to leave the apartment he shares with his mother when his cell phone beeps, indicating that he has received a text message.  Shawn takes the phone from his pocket and looks at it.  His text is from John 

"I need to know somethin' from you."

 

"Sure.  What?"  

 

"Shawn, you remember when I first hired you to do a little spyin' on your brother for me?  I warned you that you'd be real sorry if you double crossed me?"

 

"Of course, I remember,"  Shawn says.  "John Ross, what's this all about?"

 

"Shawn I'm gonna ask you a question point blank, and if you lie to me, I'll know it, and I can promise you, the rest of your day WON'T be so good."

 

"John Ross, what are you talking about?"  Shawn asks.  "I wouldn't lie to you."

 

"Good,"  says John Ross.  "That deal you told me about at Southfork a few nights ago, the one Westar was workin' on?"

 

"Yeah, what about it?"

 

"It was a setup."

 

"What do you mean, a setup?"  Shawn asks.

 

"It means what it says.  It was a SETUP.  That land in Wood County your brother told you about........completely worthless. Not a drop of damned oil anywhere on the place.  So, it just stands to reason that Westar and Tripp McKay would NOT be wantin' to buy a worthless piece of land.  But Tripp WOULD want me to buy it."

 

"Why?"

 

"To sink all that money into a dry hole, Shawn,"  John Ross says.  "Then I'd look like a fool in front of my fam'ly, and maybe even get booted out of Ewing.  McKay was bankin' on me bein' so impulsive, that I'd just take the word of a geologist I trusted and not get a second opinion.  Your brother and Brad Stone set me up to take a fall, and I wanna know from your own lips......did you help 'em?  Did you purposely feed me false information for your brother?'

 

"What?  No.  HELL NO!  John Ross, I wouldn't do that.  In all these months that I've been working for you, have I ever once steered you wrong, or given you any reason not to trust me?  I wanted to hurt my brother just as much as you did.  John Ross, I swear to you, I did NOT help Tripp set you up!"

 

John Ross looks at the boy for a moment, and a look in Shawn's eyes, and the expression on his face convinces John Ross that he is telling the truth.  "Okay. I believe you."

 

"If Tripp did feed me false information........then that must mean........that he's on to me.  He knows I've been spying on him for you.  But how?"

 

"There are any number of ways he could've found out,"  John Ross says.  "Damn."

 

"I should've known he was telling me stuff way too easily,"  says Shawn.  "Stuff about Westar and that land he wanted to buy that he said was one of the richest oil reserves in the state.  And like a fool, I fell for it!  John Ross, I'm sorry.  I am SO sorry."

 

"Not your fault, kid.  Your brother thought he was one step ahead of us with this, but, now I'm one step ahead of him since I know.  Shawn, whatever the hell you do, you avoid your brother for now.  Don't talk to him, don't go near him."

 

"For how long?"  Shawn asks.

 

"Till I tell you otherwise.  Just kinda lay low for a while.  Might even be a good idea if you were to ask your Mama to let you come stay here at Southfork for a few days.  Maybe you can go on that cattle drive Uncle Bobby is plannin'."

 

"What are you gonna do about Tripp?"  

 

"What I always planned to do.........take him and that bastard son of Cliff Barnes, Brad Stone, down, as hard as I can.  You go on back to your house and talk to your Mama about stayin' at the ranch.  Come up with any excuse you can."

 

"That won't be hard.  Since she's been spending more time with Dr. Cooper, I really don't wanna be there when he comes around."

 

"Good.  Now get goin'."

 

Shawn nods, then starts to leave.  After a brief pause he turns back.  "John Ross, I'm really sorry this happened."

 

John Ross nods at the boy, then Shawn walks back to his car and gets in.  John Ross watches as he drives off.  John Ross is now more determined that ever to make Tripp and Brad pay for everything.

Southfork....that evening

 Bobby and Ann come down the stairs arm-in-arm that evening and walk into the dining room as the family gathers for dinner, including Lucas, Heather, and Michael.  "Good evening, everyone,"  Bobby says, he and Ann taking their seats at the table.  

 

"Well, all ready for the cattle drive tomorrow, Dad?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Mentally, yes, but physically.....I'm not so sure.  It's been a long time since I've been on a cattle drive.  Not sure how this old body is gonna react to the shock."

 

"It'll be okay, Grandpa," Michael says.

 

John Ross and Krystina come down the stairs just as Lucy comes into the foyer.  "Hey, you, two," Lucy says.  

 

"Lucy," John Ross greets his cousin, the three walking into the dining room and taking their usual seats at the table.

 

"John Ross, where's Alex tonight?"

 

"He and Shawn went to a movie."

 

"Yeah, I think they went to see that new Wonder Woman movie," says Krystina.

 

"Shawn's gonna be spendin' a few days here at the ranch,"  says John Ross.  "His Mama said it's okay with her.  And, Uncle Bobby, he's gonna be comin' along on the cattle drive."

 

"Well, the more the merrier,"  Bobby says.  

 

"Ann, what time did Elena leave?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Just before you got home from the office,"  Ann replies.  "She had a real nice day with Little John, and I think he enjoyed it, too."

 

"I still don't like the idea of her showin' up like that, unannounced,"  John Ross says.

 

"Come on, John Ross,"  says Lucy.  "Little John is HER son, too, and nothing bad happened because she came to visit her child.  She didn't kidnap him, or poison him, or anything."

 

"Lucy, this is none of your damned business."

 

Bobby's cell phone rings.   He quickly takes the phone from his pocket and looks at it. "Excuse me, everyone," he says.  "It's Christopher."  Bobby gets up from the table, and walks into the den to answer his call as Lucy and John Ross can be heard arguing in the background.  "Hello, Christopher?"

San Francisco....

 

"Hey, Dad,"  Christopher says from his and Courtney's hotel room in San Francisco.

 

"How's it goin', son?"

 

"I was just calling to check in.  Courtney and I are here in San Francisco.  We arrived today, and Courtney went to see Jacob's biological father, to tell him about his son."

 

 

 

Southfork....

"And how'd that go?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Not so great,"  Christopher replies.  "Chase was naturally angry and upset that Courtney had kept this from him for so long.  And he insisted that he wants to be there when the case goes to court."

 

"I can imagine how that must be affecting Courtney.  Any word yet on when the case goes to court?"

 

"No, but soon, we hope.  There's some other stuff going on that I can't get into right now, but, hopefully this will all be over in a few days, and Courtney and I can come home......with Jacob."

 

"I hope so, son,"  Bobby says.  "We sure miss you two around here, and I was really hopin' you'd be home in time for the cattle drive."

 

"Yeah, I really hate to miss that."

 

"It can't helped.  Your wife needs you more now."

San Francisco....

"Dad, can you hold on a second?"  Christopher asks.  "Courtney wants to talk to you."  Christopher hands the phone to his wife.

 

"Hello, Bobby?"  Courtney says.

 

"Hi, Courtney, how are you?"

 

"I'm fine, just really stressed right now.  Bobby, have you heard from my Mom at all the last few days?  She called me and left a voicemail that sounded strange, and I've tried calling her back several times, but she doesn't answer."

 

"No, Courtney, I'm afraid I haven't," replies Bobby.  "But, I'm sure she's fine.  You know your mother.  She's always keeping herself busy.  I wouldn't worry, but if you'd like, I'll try and reach her myself."

 

"Thank you, I would really appreciate that."

 

"Sure, no problem."

 

"Well, I'll let you talk to Christopher again.  Thank you, Bobby.  Bye."  Courtney gives the phone back to Christopher.

 

"Dad, listen, I'm gonna go ahead and let you go,"  Christopher tells his father.  "I just wanted to check in."

 

"Well, I'm glad ya did, son.  Good luck, and keep me posted on what's goin' on, and if you and Courtney need me or any of us there as character witnesses, just give us a call and we'll be right there."

 

"Thanks, Dad.  I'll talk to you soon.  Bye."  Christopher ends the call and puts his phone down. He walks over to Courtney, who is standing at the window looking out at the sun setting over the city of San Francisco.  "Courtney, you okay?"

 

She wipes a tear from her eye.  "Yeah, I'm just........worried about Jacob, and worried about my Mom.  Bobby said that he would try and reach her.  He said she's probably just been busy."

 

"My Dad's probably right."

 

"Then why hasn't she returned my calls?"  Courtney asks, turning to face him.  "She can't be so busy that she can't return any of my calls."

Christopher walks over to his wife and embraces her.

Memorial Hermann Medical Center, Houston, Texas....

 Meanwhile, Phyllis is sitting up in bed in a hospital room in Houston that evening when a doctor walks in.  "Good evening, Phyllis, how are you feeling?"  The male doctor asks.

 

"Hello, Dr. Parker,"  Phyllis says.  "I'm feeling......nervous, for one thing."

 

"That's understandable.  But try to put your mind at ease and get some rest tonight."

 

"Easier said than done when you're not about to undergo open heart surgery first thing in the morning."

 

"Phyllis, although this is a serious operation, bypass surgery is very common these days, and relatively safe.  Your prognosis is very good, IF you make a few lifestyle changes after the surgery."

 

"Change my eating habits, no alcohol, and......"

 

"And......limit your amount of stress,"  Dr. Parker says.  

 

"I'll try.  Right now the main thing stressing me is this surgery."

 

"Phyllis, what about your family?"  Dr. Parker asks.  "Your daughter?  I thought she would be here with you."

 

Before Phyllis is able to answer Dr. Parker's question, someone knocks at the door.  "Come in," Phyllis says.  

 

The door opens, and, to Phyllis's pleasant delight, in walks her longtime friend and former co-worker, Sly.  

 

"Oh my gosh, Sly!"  Phyllis says excitedly.

 

"Hi, are you up for company?"  

 

"Of course, please, come in."

 

"Phyllis, I'll let you visit with your friend,"  says Dr. Parker.  

"Thank you, Dr. Parker,"  Phyllis says as the doctor smiles at her, then leaves.

 

Sly pauses a moment as she looks at her friend, then takes a seat at Phyllis's bedside.  "I'm glad you called me and told me what was going on."

 

"Well, I needed somebody to know, just in case.  Bobby Ewing knows about my condition, but, he doesn't know I've checked into the hospital for surgery."

 

Justin and Pamela lay in bed the next morning at her apartment, kissing.  After several seconds, Pamela pulls out of the kiss, looks at Justin, and smiles.  "You know, you really are amazing."

 

"Yes, I am, aren't I?"  Justin jokingly asks.  "But ya know what?  You, are every bit as amazing.  I think I keep fallin' more and more in love with you every mornin' I wake up to your beautiful smile."

 

"I love waking up in your arms,"  says Pamela.  

 

"I hope this itn't gonna sound insensitive or anything, but, I can't wait for your divorce to be final."

 

"To be perfectly honest, neither can I.  I really wanna build a life with you, Justin."

 

"And I want that more'n anything,"  Justin says, kissing her again.  As they kiss, he looks at the digital clock on the nightstand on Pamela's side of the bed.  "Oh, damn," he says.  "7:30. Darlin', I gotta get up and get dressed."

 

"Oh, right.  The cattle drive at Southfork,"  Pamela says.  

 

"Yeah,"  Justin says, getting out of bed.  He grabs his boxers from the floor and slips them on. "Y'know, I'm really lookin' forward to this.  Gettin' out there on the ranch, workin' with my Uncle and my cousin, and possibly my brother."

 "Do you really think John Ross is going to be out there driving cattle with the rest of you?" Pamela asks.

 

"Sure, why not?"  Justin asks.

 

"I know your brother a little better than you, and, a cowboy, John Ross is NOT."

 

Justin laughs.  "Yeah, well, I guess he takes after my Daddy in that.  Uncle Bobby told me that J.R. hated bein' out on the ranch and around cattle.  He was more of an air conditioned office kinda guy."

 

"I'm really glad that you didn't take after J.R. and John Ross there."

 

"And why is that?"

 

"Because.  I think cowboys are really sexy.  Especially those who are super handsome, with blonde hair, blues eyes, who are about 5'11", and who are incredibly good in bed."

 

Justin looks at her and smiles.  "Hmmmm, sounds like you've been with one of those cowboys you just described," he playfully says.  "Should I be jealous?"

 

"No way,"  Pamela says.  "No one could ever hold a candle to my very own cowboy."

 

Justin leans over the bed and kisses her.  "I'd better get a shower.  Care to join me?"

 

"I'd love to, but, I'd better get the kids ready for breakfast, and then, I'll fox you a nice breakfast."

 

"How'd I get so damned lucky?"  Justin asks.  He kisses her again, then walks into the bathroom.  A few seconds later, Pamela hears the shower water running.

 

She gets out of bed and puts on her bathrobe.  As she is about to go across the hall to the nursery, the doorbell rings.  Before going to answer the door, Pamela walks into the nursery and looks at Hunter and Randall in their cribs.  Both babies are sound asleep.  Pamela smiles, then leaves the nursery, heading down the hall and into the living room as the doorbell rings a second time.  She opens the door.

 

"Good morning, sweetheart,"  Cliff says, kissing his daughter, then walking past her and into the apartment.

 

"Daddy, what are you doing here this early?"  Pamela asks.  "It's barely 7:30 in the morning."

 

"I know.  But I figured you'd be up with my two beautiful grandsons by now, so I wanted to stop by and see you all,"  Cliff says.  The smile fades from his face as he hears the shower water running down the hall.  "Let me guess.  Your new........friend, that Ewing kid, is here."

 

"His name is Justin, and yes, he's taking a shower."

 

"I was hoping that, by now, this.....whatever it is you have going on with J.R.'s son.....would've blown over."

 

"Daddy, what I have going on with Justin is called a RELATIONSHIP,"  Pamela says.  

 

"Pammy, you and Tripp are still husband and wife. Now isn't there some way, ANY way, that the two of you could sit down and try and work out whatever problems you've had?"

 

"No.  Daddy, I'm sorry.  I know how you feel about Tripp, and how excited you were to have merged the Barnes empire with the McKay empire.  But there is no way that I could or even would stay married to Tripp after the way he treated me.  He gave me an ultimatum, Daddy.  Either I got rid of the baby I was carrying, or our marriage was over.  I chose my son, and Tripp couldn't handle that."

 

"Last year when you and your mother were kidnapped by that madman Scott Van Buren, Tripp was worried to death about you," says Cliff.  "He went to Canada and risked his own life to save you.  He even got himself shot to save you."

 

"I know that, and I will always be grateful to him not only for that, but also for Hunter.  But nothing could make up for the choice he tried to force me to make.  Tripp killed the love that I felt for him when he insisted I choose between him and my child."

 

"Honey, I understand how you feel,"  Cliff says.  "But why on earth, out of all the men in Dallas, did you have to get involved with ANOTHER Ewing?  Didn't you learn anything from your past experiences with that family?  From the way John Ross treated you?"

 

"Justin is NOT John Ross."

 

"Both of them are sons of J.R. Ewing, and anyone with that man's blood running through their veins is tainted by the curse of the Ewing DNA.  Pamela, I'm telling you, nothing good can come of this relationship."

 

"Look, if you came over here for the sole purpose of bashing my relationship with Justin, then you can leave."

 

"What's goin' on in here?"  Justin asks, walking into the room, his hair still wet, only a towel around his waist.  "Pamela, is everything okay?"

 

"Everything is fine.  My father was JUST leaving."

 

Justin walks over to Pamela and puts his arm around her. "Look, Mr. Barnes.  I know that you don't approve of my relationship with your daughter, and I'm sorry about that. But Pamela and I are in love, and we ARE together, and that's just somethin' you're gonna have to live with, like it or not.  I know you don't like me because I'm J.R.'s son.  Well there's nothin' at all I can do about that.  But I can promise you one thing, and that's that I will never purposely hurt your daughter.  I love her and I intend to make a life with her."

 

"You heard him, Daddy,"  Pamela says.  

 

Cliff walks to the door, pauses a couple of seconds, then turns back to his daughter.  "Pamela, I love you.  And it absolutely breaks my heart to see you making the same mistake again.  He may not be J.R. or John Ross, but he's still a Ewing, and he will hurt you, just like John Ross did, and just like the Ewings hurt and almost destroyed your Aunt Pam.  And I will NOT let that happen."  Cliff looks at Justin for a moment, then leaves.

 

Pamela sighs deeply.  "I'm so sorry about that," she says.

 

"Hey, it's okay.  I can handle your Daddy,"  Justin says.  Pamela embraces him.

Southfork....

 Bobby, Ann, and Lucy are already on the patio at Southfork having breakfast that morning when Lucas, Heather, and Michael come out of the house, chatting away.  "Well, are you guys ready for today?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I sure am,"  replies Michael, taking a seat at the table.  

 

"And so am I,"  says Lucas.  "Been a long time since I've been on a cattle drive.  Not since I worked at the ranch where Heather and I met, ten years ago."

 

"I almost wish I was going on this cattle drive with you, guys,"  Lucy says.

 

"Yeah, so do I,"  Heather says.

 

"And how about you, honey?"  Bobby asks Ann.  "You wanna come along, too?"

 

"No, thanks, I'm fine just bein' domestic."

 

John Ross and Krystina come out of the house, followed by Alex and Shawn.  "Well, if anybody wants to take my place on this drive, then be my guest,"  John Ross says.  

 

"Nothing doing,"  says Krystina.  "You're going on this cattle drive with your son, your uncle, your cousin, and your brother, and you're gonna have fun.  Jill and I can handle things at Ewing Oil, so I don't want you guys to worry about the company at all."

 

"I have complete faith in both of you," John Ross says, kissing his wife.

 

"I'm really looking forward to this,"  Shawn says.  "I've never been on a cattle drive before.  Thanks, Uncle Bobby, for letting me come along."

 

"No problem, son," says Bobby.  "The more the merrier.  And we're all gonna have a great time."

 

Justin's truck pulls up and comes to a stop.  Getting out, he grabs two bags from the back of the truck and walks over to where the others are having breakfast on the patio.

 

"Well, good morning,"  Bobby greets his nephew.  "Looks like you're all set."

 

"Sure am."

 

"Justin, I didn't know you were coming along,"  Alex says.

  

 

Tripp's secretary buzzes his office.  "Mr. McKay, Cliff Barnes is here to see you."

 

"Thank you, Carol.  Send Mr. Barnes in." Tripp stands from his seat at his desk as Cliff walks into the office.

 

"Tripp, thank you for seeing me," Cliff says.

 

"What can I do for you, Cliff?"

 

"I dropped by Pamela's apartment this morning, and guess who was there."

 

"Justin Ewing?"  Tripp asks, a tone of anger and disgust in his voice.

 

"Yes, that's right.  So what are we gonna do about that?"

 

"I'm not sure what you mean."

 

 

 Later that morning, Sue Ellen comes down a hallway and then onto an enclosed sun porch at the Southern Cross Ranch in San Angelo.  As she steps onto the sun porch, she is greeted 

by the sight of Dusty's flower draped casket straight ahead. She pauses a moment as she looks at the casket.  She slowly walks over to the solid black coffin and gently touches it.  "Dusty," she says softly.  "I can't believe you're really gone.  I never even got to say goodbye.  But I suppose that's what today is about, isn't it?  Saying goodbye to the man I loved not once, but twice in one lifetime.  The man I was certain I would be spending my life with."  Sue Ellen's mind travels back in time many years, to the end of her first relationship with Dusty.......

"Mrs. Ewing?"  A man's voice calls to Sue Ellen.  But still lost in her memories, she fails to hear him at first. "Mrs. Ewing?"  The man calls again, finally snapping Sue Ellen back to the present.  

 

"Oh, Mr. Lancaster, I didn't hear you come out," she says.

 

"Are you alright?"

 

"I'm fine.  I was just thinking about Dusty."

 

At that moment, another man steps onto the sun porch.  "Mr. Lancaster," he says.

 

"Carl Tanner, this is Mrs. Sue Ellen Ewing.  Mrs. Ewing, may I present Mr. Tanner, the director of Tanner and Smith Funeral Home here in San Angelo."

 

"Mrs. Ewing, I hope that you've found everything satisfactory," Tanner says.

 

"Yes.  Everything looks lovely."

 

"The guests are starting to arrive,"  George Lancaster says.  "Dusty planned his funeral, right down to who he wanted in attendance.  He asked of course that you be here, and some of his former rodeo friends.  He also asked me to contact his former wife, Linda, but, I wasn't able to locate and contact her."

 

"Dusty lost contact with Linda years ago,"  Sue Ellen says.  "I'm not even sure if she's still alive."

 

"Whenever you're ready, Mrs. Ewing, we can begin,"  says Tanner.  "We'll be having a small wake here in the house for about an hour, and then, a memorial service at the graveside."

 

"Alright, that sounds fine.  Could you both please give me another moment?  I'd just like to be alone with Dusty for another minute."

 

"Yes, of course,"  Lancaster says.  He and Tanner go back into the house.

 

After the two men are gone, Sue Ellen again walks over to Dusty's coffin and touches it. Tears begin to fall down her care-worn face.   "Part of me will always remember you as that handsome, young, cowboy I met so many years ago," she says.  "Maybe it's a good thing that you did walk out of my life again, because, now, in my mind I can always picture you as you were 36, 37 years ago."  Once again, Sue Ellen's mind travels back in time.....

 

 

 At Southfork that afternoon, as the hot summer Texas sun beat down on them and the sounds of cattle lowing, the Ewing men, consisting of Bobby, Lucas, John Ross, Justin, Alex, Michael, and Shawn,

 

 as well as a few Southfork ranch hands, are herding cattle across the vast Southfork landscape.  

"I gave Pamela a small percentage of Ewing Records," Justin replies.  "When the record label is launched, Pamela is gonna be workin' right by my side."

 

"You did WHAT?  Are you out of your freakin' mind?  Of all people for you to give part of a EWING comp'ny to!"

 

"John Ross, have you forgotten that when Pamela was married to you, she owned part of Ewing Global?"  Lucas asks.

 

"And we all know how well that turned out, don't we?"

 

"John Ross, this really itn't any of your business, so why are you so concerned about what I do with MY comp'ny?"  Justin asks.

 

"Because you're my little brother, and you're makin' a huge mistake in trustin' a member of the Barnes fam'ly with anything, let alone part of your business. First time Pamela gets pissed off at you, what do you think she'll do?"

 

"I won't have to worry about that, because I don't plan on cheatin' on her the way you did."

 

"Alright, boys, that's enough," Bobby says, finally intervening in the argument.  "We got work to do, so let's try to do it in peace, okay?"

 

John Ross and Justin exchange angry looks between them, while Shawn and Alex snicker at the exchange.

Klyde Warren Park in Dallas....

 Detective Craig Anderson is working up a sweat enjoying an afternoon jog at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas.  Meanwhile, Jill is also at the park, taking a walk during her lunch hour from Ewing Oil.  As she begins her walk, Jill sees Craig approaching on his jog.  Spotting her, Craig pauses, smiles, then jogs over to her, much to Jill's displeasure.  She turns and walks over to a set of bleachers, where she begins to re-tie her shoes.

 

"Jill!"  Craig calls to her.  "HEY JILL!"  

 

She stops, lets out a deep breath, then turns to face Craig as he jogs up to her.  "Hey," he says, out of breath from his vigorous exercising.  

 

"Hello, Craig."

 

"Well, fancy meeting you here in the middle of the day.  I thought you had an oil company to run."

 

"I sometimes come here on my lunch hour to walk," Jill says.  "And what about you?  Aren't you supposed to be out hunting down criminals?"

 Craig takes a seat on the bleachers.  "Today's my day off," he says with a smile.  "So, as long as we're both here, uh, you care to join me for a jog?  Or, we could just take a nice, slow walk and talk.  Catch up on each others' lives.  You know, the way I was hoping we could do if you ever decided to take me up on my lunch invitation."

 

 

 

"Craig, I don't think that's a good idea for us to......."

 

"To, what, Jill?"  Craig asks.  "To have lunch as old friends from high school?"

 

"Craig, you know why."

"Jill, come on.  What's really going on here?" Craig asks.  "You and I have a past.  So what? Everybody has a past. The two of us were..... involved......when we were in high school. We were 16-17 years old, Jill. That was a long time ago.  You're happily married now, so you and I should be able to get together and catch up without any problems or hangups.  Unless, of course......"

 

"Unless what?"  Jill asks.

 

"Unless maybe there's some reason you don't wanna be around me.  You seem uncomfortable every time we're together.  Why is that, Jill?  Why are you uncomfortable around me?"

 

"I'm not, Craig,"  Jill replies, awkwardly.  

 

"Yes, you are.  Does our past bother you that much?  Or maybe.....maybe the reason is that you still have feelings for me, even after all these years."

 

"That's ridiculous."

 

"No, it's not, Jill.  Because I still have feelings for you,"  Craig says.  "What we had when we were teenagers was really strong, Jill.  Not even time can erase it."

 

"Maybe time can't,"  Jill says.  "But what you did.........that can sure erase any kind of good feelings, including love.  No matter strong it may have been."  Jill turns and leaves.  Craig watches her as she walks away from him.

The Wentworth mansion....

 At the Wentworth mansion that afternoon, Brian paces restlessly around the living room as a nervous Katherine and Austin watch. 

 

"I've got to get out of here,"  Brian says.  "If I don't get out of this house and this town soon, I'm gonna lose my mind."

 

"Little late for that, bro,"  Austin says.

 

Brian looks at him angrily.  "I'm in no mood to hear from you.  So the best thing you can do is keep your mouth shut.  Where the hell is Katie, anyway?  She should've been back by now."

 

"She'll be here soon,"  says Katherine.  "Brian, why don't you just sit down and relax?"

 

"Oh, YOU sit down and relax!  I'm literally going stir crazy.  And I'm also worried about that guy in the basement.  No, this whole things is coming apart.  None of this is working out like I hoped."

 

"You expect us to feel sorry for you?"  Austin asks.

 

As Brian is about to reply, Katelyn walks into the house, carrying a shopping bag, and a McDonald's bag in the other hand.

 

Brian approaches his sister.  "Katie, what the hell took you so long?"  

 

"I had a lot to do, Brian.  I had to get you a new burner phone and activate it, and do the other stuff you asked me to do.  Plus, I had a few things to take care of for myself."

 

"Okay, so is everything set?"  Brian asks.

 

"Yes.  I got you a fake passport, and a new burner phone.  And some money."

 

"Good.  And Katherine's pilot is standing by," Brian says.  He turns and looks at Austin.  "So it looks like you and I are gonna be leaving on a little trip, brother."

 

"Brian, this isn't a good idea,"  says Katherine.  "I'm asking you, please, leave your brother here."

 

"And have the two of you call the cops and turn me in before I can even get to the airport? No, thanks, Mommy, I think we'll be doing things MY way."

 

"No one is going to turn you in,"  Katherine says, walking over to her son.  "You have my word on that."

 

Brian laughs.  "Your word.  You really should go into politics.  Your word's about as good as any politician's.  Katie, you have to decide NOW what you're gonna do with your little guest downstairs."

 

"I'm not going to do anything with hjm.  Jimmy is staying with me."

 

"Here?  In MY house?"  Austin asks.

 

"Sure.  After all, this is really Katherine's house, right?"  Katelyn asks. 

 

"Katelyn, how long do you think you'll really be able to keep him down there?"  Asks Katherine.

 

"As long as I want to."

 

"Maybe I could solve my entire dilemma by just taking you all with me."

 

"Yeah, that'd work great,"  says Austin.  "Until of course my board of directors at Wentworth start looking for me."

 

"And my husband,"  Katherine says.  "I've been out of touch with Richard for days.  He must be out of his mind with worry by now."

 

"Richard.  Damn,"  says Brian.  "I hadn't even thought about him.  Damn it, I should've had you call that guy and make up some excuse for not being in touch with him."

 

Austin laughs.  "Dude, you're not really a very good criminal, are you?  You've been really, REALLY sloppy with this whole thing."

 

"I am getting sick to death of your snide remarks,"  Brian angrily says.  "So if you wanna keep that handsome face, you'd better shut your damned mouth.  Okay.  Katie, you go upstairs and pack some clothes.  Some for me, and some for our bro here.  The sooner we get out of here, the better."

 

"I need to check on Jimmy first,"  Katelyn says.  "I brought him his dinner."

 

"Just pack the damned clothes, then you can check on lover boy!"  Brian angrily says.  

 

"FINE!"  Katelyn snaps, then heads up the stairs.  

 

"Katherine, why don't you go down and check on our.......guest?"  Brian asks.

 

"Me?  You want ME to check on Jimmy Beaumont?"

"That's right.  While Katie is packing some stuff for me and Austin, go down and see if Mr. Beaumont needs anything."

 

Katherine looks at her son, then reluctantly does as Brian says.

 

Brian looks at Austin.  "Better take a good look around, bro.  This may be the last time your see this house."

 

Brian's words send a shiver down Austin's spine as he looks up at his brother, terrified that once he leaves here with Brian, he'll never again return, at least not alive.

Dallas-Fort Worth Airport....

 A man picks up his baggage at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport that afternoon.  As the man makes his way through the crowded airport terminal and out of the front doors of the building, the man is revealed to be Richard Channing, arriving in Dallas to find his wife. Richard walks to an awaiting taxi, parking on the curb.  The driver gets out, takes Richard's bag, and places it into the trunk.  

 

"Thank you,"  Richard says.  

 

"You're welcome, sir.  Welcome to Dallas.  You here visiting, or coming home?"  The driver asks, getting into the taxi.

 

Richard gets into the backseat.  "Visiting,"  he replies to the driver's question.  "I'm here to find my wife and get some answers."

The Wentworth mansion....

 

 

Sitting on the bed in his cage in the Wentworth basement, Jimmy hears the cellar door open and close.  Expecting Katelyn to come down the stairs, Jimmy is surprised to see Katherine.

 

"Who......who are you?"  He asks nervously.

 

"Hello, Jimmy," she says.  "How are you feeling?"

 

"Who are you?"  

 

"I'm Katherine.  Katelyn is my daughter."

 

"You're.......YOU'RE Katelyn's mother?  Wait, don't I know you from somewhere?"

 

"No.  We've never met,"  Katherine says.

 

"Look, you have to help me.  You have to let me out of here.  Your daughter, she......she locked me up in this cage.  You have to let me out."

 

"Jimmy, I'm really sorry.  But I can't do that.  I can promise that you won't be hurt.  But for now, just sit tight and relax.  My daughter won't harm you.  And, hopefully soon, you will be able to leave."

 

"Katie said she was never gonna let me go.  I'm begging you.  Just let me out of this place and I swear to you, I'll never tell a soul what Katie did to me.  I swear it on my life."

 

"Like I said, I can't,"  Katherine says.  "Now, do you need anything?"

 

"Just to get the hell out of here."

 

"My daughter will be down to check on you soon."

 

"Look, lady.......Ms. Spencer.......Manning..........PLEASE!"

 

"My name isn't Spencer, or Manning.  But my name does rhyme with Manning."

 

"You........doesn't it bother you that your daughter has a man in a cage in your basement?"

 

"Well, of course it does,"  Katherine says calmly.  "Your presence here is a very unexpected, and unfortunate turn of events no one foresaw.  But since you ARE here, we all just have to make the best of it."

 

"My God.  Katie said that guy, Brian.....ummmm.....Brian Jeffries, or Manning......the one responsible for that explosion at Richard Channing's home last year.  That means.....he's YOUR son!"

 

"Yes, that's right.  Brian and Katelyn are my children.  And I would do anything to protect them."

 

"Even kidnapping and accessory to murder?"  Jimmy asks.

 

Katherine looks at the young man and smiles.  "You know, looking at you, I can see why my daughter adores you so much.  You seem to be very strong willed, and not only that, you're incredibly handsome.  Just like your Uncle Bobby.  Your grandfather was very handsome as well, but, J.R. was a snake."

 

"You know my grandfather and my Uncle Bobby?"

 

"Of course.  I go WAY back with the Ewings.  My sister use to be married to Bobby."

 

"What?"  Jimmy asks, stunned.  "Your sister?  Oh my God.  Uncle Bobby was married to Pam Barnes.  And her sister was....."

 

"That's right, Jimmy.  Katherine Wentworth."

 

"YOU'RE Katelyn's mother?"

 

"Yes I am.  And it's lovely to meet the man my daughter is going to spend the rest of her life with."

 

"You're as crazy as your psychotic kids!"  Jimmy says.  "Now I know where Katelyn gets hers from.  You tried to kill my Uncle Bobby."

 

"That was a long time ago.  I'm a different person now."

 

"Yeah, sure.  Accessory to kidnapping and murder."

 

"I don't expect you to understand this,"  says Katherine.  "But I'm only trying to protect my children.  Something I failed to do when they were growing up."

 

"What's going on down here?"  Katelyn asks, coming down the stairs.  She stops short when she sees Katherine.  "Oh, Jimmy, I see you've met my mother."

 

"Katherine Wentworth is your mother,"  Jimmy says. "That explains a lot."

 

Katelyn smiles.  "Well, I'm just gonna assume that you mean I inherited Katherine's great beauty."

 

"I'll leave the two of you alone,"  Katherine says.

 

"Thank you,"  Katelyn says as Katherine leaves.  A moment later, the door leading to upstairs can be heard closing.  Katelyn smiles at Jimmy.  "She's really nice, isn't she?"

 

"Your whole family is INSANE!"  Jimmy yells. 

 

"Now, Jimmy.  That's not a very nice thing to say.  Oh, by the way, I went out today, and I got something for us.  For you, specifically."

 

"Whatever it is, you can KEEP IT!"

 

Katelyn shakes her head.  "Jimmy, can't you at least TRY to be a little nicer?  After all, I'm really trying to make this work.  Now, ask me what I got for you."

 

Jimmy remains silent as he continues to stare at her, angering Katelyn.  She walks over to the cage, and before Jimmy can react, Katelyn takes a small taser from her purse and quickly touches him with it, shocking him.  "OUCH, WHAT THE HELL!"  He yells.

 

"I said for you to ask me what I got for you, unless you want me to do that again.  And staying in the middle of the cage out of my reach won't help you.  I'll just get my brother down here to hold you while I tase you again and again until you do start treating me better. Now.....ask me what I got for you."

 

Again, Jimmy fails to answer as he continues giving her an angry look.

 

"ASK ME!!!"  She screams, startling Jimmy.

 

He looks at her, now trembling with fear.  "Wha.......what did you get for me?"  He asks, his voice shaky as he fights back tears.  

 

Katelyn laughs.  "It's a surprise," she says playfully.  "Now, I need you to come over here."

 

"What?"

 

 

"Come over here to me,"  she repeats.  Jimmy continues to look at her, and Katelyn begins to lose patience.  "Jimmy, either you can come over to me, or I get my brother down here.  Your choice."

 

Jimmy hesitates, then, with great reluctance, walks over to her.  

 

Katelyn smiles at him.  "Very good, Jimmy. Now, here."  She pulls what looks like a wrapped burger from a McDonald's bag she had brought with her.  "I brought you a cheeseburger from McDonald's.  I know how you love those.  Eat up before it gets cold."

 

"I'm not hungry."

 

"Jimmy, you're REALLY trying my patience,"  Katelyn says.  "You have to keep up your strength, so EAT THE DAMNED BURGER!"

 

Jimmy grabs the burger from her hand and unwraps it.  He looks at her, then takes a bite.  

 

"Now isn't that delicious?"  Katelyn asks.  "I know it's been a while since you've had one.  If you're a good boy, tomorrow, I'll get you a Chick-Fil-A sandwich.  Come on, eat up.  I want EVERY bite of that cheeseburger gone before I walk out of here."

 

Jimmy again looks at her, then takes another bite of his burger, then a third bite.  As much as he is not in the mood to eat, he has to admit to himself that he was hungry and this burgery hits the spot.  As he continues to eat, he looks at Katelyn, who is smiling at him very strangely.  After a couple of more bites, Jimmy finishes off the burger, then wipes his mouth with the napkin Katelyn had given him with the burger.  

 

"Here's a coke for you,"  Katelyn says, handing Jimmy a can of soda she had already opened. "Go on.  Take a sip."

 

Jimmy does as he's told and takes two quick sips of the coke.  Katelyn takes it out of his hand. 

 

"Turn around,"  Katelyn tells him.

 

"Why?"  Asks a curious and worried Jimmy.

 

"Just do as I say.  This is the second part of your surprise.  Turn around and face the other way.  Do what I say, and I promise, you WON'T regret it."

 

Afraid to not follow the instructions of this deranged young woman, Jimmy reluctantly turns around, his back to her, his arms against the side of the cage.

 

"Jimmy, I'm really sorry to have to do this to you, but, I'm afraid there's no other way,"  Katelyn says.  

 

"What...."  Jimmy says.  Before he can even react, Katelyn quickly takes a syringe filled with some drug from her purse and plunges a needle into the muscle of Jimmy's upper left arm. "Katie, what are you doing?"  Jimmy asks, grabbing his arm with his right hand as he turns to face Katelyn and backs away from her to the middle of his cage.

 

"I'm sorry.  But this is the only way I can get you to cooperate with me."

 

 "Katie, what the hell was that?"  Jimmy asks.  "What did you just give me?"

 

"Don't worry.  I'm sorry if that hurt.  I always hated needles myself, but, this was the only way.  It was only a sedative.  Very fast acting.  You'll be asleep in no time."

 

"A sedative?  Why? Why did you give me a sedative?"

 

"THAT is the surprise,"  Katelyn says.  "I'll be back in a few minutes.  You should be sound asleep by then."  She smiles, blows him a kiss, then heads up the stairs.

 

"Katie!"  Jimmy calls after her.  "KATIE, WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST GIVE ME?"  As he speaks, Jimmy begins to feel very woozy and lightheaded.  He begins to stagger as he tries to walk.  Almost falling, he barely makes it to the bed, where he lays down.  Once he lays down, he finds that he is unable to get back up.  Jimmy's eyes grow heavy and he finds it harder by

 the second to keep them open.  As he looks around, the room begins to spin.  Within another minute, Jimmy's eyes close as he drifts off into a deep sleep.

Meanwhile....

Richard Channing's taxi pulls up in front of the Wentworth mansion.  The driver gets out, takes Richard's suitcase from the trunk.  Richard pays and thanks the man.  "Maybe you'd better wait here,"  Richard tells him.  "If no one is home, I'll need you to drive me to a hotel."

 

"Yes, sir."

 

Richard walks up the steps leading to the mansion, then goes onto the porch.  He rings the bell.

 

Inside the home, just as Katelyn comes up from the basement, she, Katherine, Brian, and Austin are startled by the ringing of the doorbell.  "Who in the hell could that be?"  Brian wonders aloud.

 

"No idea,"  Austin says.  

 

"Katie, keep an eye on them while I take a look.  Not a word from any of you,"  Brian says. He quietly slips into the den, adjacent to the living room, and moves the curtain back ever so slightly to peak outside.  He sees Richard on the front porch. 

 

 

Richard rings the doorbell a second time, then a third.  When no one answers, he becomes worried.  Finally, he knocks on the door.  "Damn it, Katherine, where the hell are you, and where's Austin?"  After ringing the bell again, he looks around, then tries to open the front door, which is locked.  Richard sighs deeply with disappointment.  "Well," he says to himself.  "I suppose my next stop should be Wentworth Industries."  Richard turns and heads back down the walk to the cab, but as he walks away from the house, he suddenly has an eerie feeling that someone is watching him.  He turns back and looks the house.  In the den, Brian quickly closes the curtain so as not to be seen.  Richard sees the curtain move, but, thinking nothing of it, he returns to the cab and gets in.  Brian watches through the window as the taxi drives off.  A few seconds later, he returns to the living room, where Katherine, Katelyn, and Austin are waiting anxiously.

 

"Who was it?"  Katherine asks.

 

"It was your hubby."

 

"Richard?  Richard is here?"

 

"Yep.  Good ol' Uncle Richard Channing,"  Brian says.  "Hopefully he got the message that no one is home and he's gone.  Because if he comes back before Austin and I leave tonight.......I'll have to kill him."

 

Katherine looks at her son, a worried expression on her face.

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile....on board a private jet headed for Dallas....

                                                                                                                         Jeremy Lord is looking out the window of his private jet as he, too, is en route to Dallas to clear up the mystery of Katherine and his two previously unknown children, Brian and Katelyn.  In his lap, he holds the photo of the two infants he never knew existed.  As he looks at the photo, his anger rises up within him.  "Damn you, Katherine," he says.  "You will regret what you've done to me, and to our children."

A high rise in Dallas.....early evening

 As the sun sets on another day in Dallas, Cliff and Tripp are on an elevator riding to the top floor of one of Dallas's tallest skyscrapers.  "Cliff, can't you just tell me who we're going to see?"  Tripp asks.

 

"Nope.  I want it to be a surprise."

 

"So you and your........friend......met in Colorado when you were on your way back from visitig Emma in California after her baby was born?"  

 

"That's right.  I stopped off in Denver on an unrelated business matter, and I found out that an old associate of mine was there, so we talked.  This associate has a hatred for the Ewings that rivals even mine, and was all too willing to talk about forming an alliance to destroy them.  Especially Bobby."

 

"Why, especially Bobby?"  Tripp asks.

 

"You'll find out soon enough,"  Cliff says as the elevator doors open.  He and Tripp step off the elevator.  "Ah, this way,"  Cliff says.  Tripp follows him down the hall to an apartment. Cliff rings the bell.  A moment later, a man answers the door.  "Your boss home?"

 

"Mr. Barnes," the man says.  "Yes, do come in."

 

"Thanks,"  Cliff says, walking into the apartment with Tripp.

 

"This way," the other man says.  He leads Cliff and Tripp to another door, on which he knocks, then walks in, followed by Cliff and Tripp.   Someone is seated in a chair facing toward a window, their back to the three men.  "Mr. Barnes is here," says the man who answered the door.

 

Slowly, the chair turns around and the person faces Cliff and Tripp, the mystery person's face obscured by shadow.  Cliff smiles.  "Hello," Cliff says.  "I told you I had a surprise.  Well, here he is.  Tripp McKay, Carter McKay's grandson."

 

 

 

 

 

Tripp steps forward into the light, where, for the first time, he gets a good look at the person Cliff has brought him to see.  Tripp's mouth falls open in shock.  "Oh my God,"  Tripp says in disbelief.  "I don't believe it."

   

 

 

"Tripp, allow me to introduce you to one of your predecessors at Westar......this is Jeremy Wendell,"  Cliff says.  

 

"Hello, Tripp,"  says Jeremy Wendell, a gray haired, elderly man of about 90, but still as imposing a figure as he ever was.  "It's very nice to finally meet the grandson of my old friend, Carter McKay."

 

As Cliff smiles, a completely stunned Tripp looks at Jeremy, unable to believe that he is finally coming face to face with the man he's heard so much about for his entire life!!!

 

 

 

 

END OF EPISODE 145....