Previously On DALLAS:
--------------Amanda and Christopher found comfort in each others' arms.
--------------Alex and Ashley grew closer.
--------------Pamela and John Ross clashed at Westar over losing a deal.
--------------Harris gathered evidence for Justin to use against John Ross.
--------------Lucy confided to Ann about her long ago abortion and inability to have children.
--------------Cliff told Emma about the history of the Barnes and Ewing families, and that the Ewings framed him for J.R.'s murder.
--------------
--------------Alex and Ashley grew closer.
--------------Pamela and John Ross clashed at Westar over losing a deal.
--------------Harris gathered evidence for Justin to use against John Ross.
--------------Lucy confided to Ann about her long ago abortion and inability to have children.
--------------Cliff told Emma about the history of the Barnes and Ewing families, and that the Ewings framed him for J.R.'s murder.
--------------
Jillian's apartment.....late morning
"Alright, I'm coming," Jill says as she rushes to answer her ringing doorbell. She opens the door and Justin breezes into her apartment.
"Goooood mornin', sister, darlin'," he says happily.
"Justin, hi. You're in a really great mood this morning. What's going on?"
"I am in an AWESOME mood, because I got some AWESOME news."
"Well, are you gonna tell me or make me guess?" Jill asks.
"I got the goods on John Ross. We are havin' that judge's decision appealed, and with what I have, it's gonna be overturned."
"You're sure? What do you have?"
Justin holds out the folder Harris had given him earlier. "Take a look at what's in there."
Jill grabs the folder, opens it, and starts reading. Half way down the first page, her mouth drops open in shock. "Oh my God. Is this for real?"
"Goooood mornin', sister, darlin'," he says happily.
"Justin, hi. You're in a really great mood this morning. What's going on?"
"I am in an AWESOME mood, because I got some AWESOME news."
"Well, are you gonna tell me or make me guess?" Jill asks.
"I got the goods on John Ross. We are havin' that judge's decision appealed, and with what I have, it's gonna be overturned."
"You're sure? What do you have?"
Justin holds out the folder Harris had given him earlier. "Take a look at what's in there."
Jill grabs the folder, opens it, and starts reading. Half way down the first page, her mouth drops open in shock. "Oh my God. Is this for real?"
"Oh, it's for real," Justin replies. "Big brother got real careless. And that carelessness is gonna cost him......BIG time."
Jill looks at Justin and smiles at the thought of finally taking John Ross down.
Jill looks at Justin and smiles at the thought of finally taking John Ross down.
Southfork....
Bobby opens the front door at Southfork and is surprised to find Derrick, the sheriff. "Well, Derrick, hello," Bobby says. "Please, come in."
"Thank you, Mr. Ewing," Derrick says, walking into the house.
"Haven't seen you in a while."
"Well, I haven't had a reason or a chance to get by here in a while."
"What can I do for you?" Bobby asks.
"I called your office first, and spoke to your secretary. She said you were home today."
"Yeah, Sue Ellen and Christopher are takin' care of things at the office today, so I had a few things that needed to be done around the ranch. Is somethin' wrong? You here on an official call?"
"Well, maybe," replies Derrick. "Bobby, last evening the body of a man was found in a hotel room in Dallas. This morning the man was identified as a Jack Ewing. The Dallas PD called me, and I wanted to find out if he was a relative of yours."
"Jack Ewing?" Bobby asks, stunned.
"Thank you, Mr. Ewing," Derrick says, walking into the house.
"Haven't seen you in a while."
"Well, I haven't had a reason or a chance to get by here in a while."
"What can I do for you?" Bobby asks.
"I called your office first, and spoke to your secretary. She said you were home today."
"Yeah, Sue Ellen and Christopher are takin' care of things at the office today, so I had a few things that needed to be done around the ranch. Is somethin' wrong? You here on an official call?"
"Well, maybe," replies Derrick. "Bobby, last evening the body of a man was found in a hotel room in Dallas. This morning the man was identified as a Jack Ewing. The Dallas PD called me, and I wanted to find out if he was a relative of yours."
"Jack Ewing?" Bobby asks, stunned.
"Yes."
"Do you have a photo or a description?"
Derrick takes out his notepad and opens it. "Caucasian male, 62-years-old, greyish-black hair, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall?"
"My God."
"Do you know this Jack Ewing?" Derrick asks.
"Yes, I do," Bobby answers. "He's my first cousin. I hadn't seen or heard from him in years. I didn't even know he was back in Dallas."
"I'm sorry to have to be the bearer of bad news, but, if he was a relative, I thought you'd wanna know."
"Do you have a photo or a description?"
Derrick takes out his notepad and opens it. "Caucasian male, 62-years-old, greyish-black hair, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall?"
"My God."
"Do you know this Jack Ewing?" Derrick asks.
"Yes, I do," Bobby answers. "He's my first cousin. I hadn't seen or heard from him in years. I didn't even know he was back in Dallas."
"I'm sorry to have to be the bearer of bad news, but, if he was a relative, I thought you'd wanna know."
"Thank you, Derrick, I appreciate you lettin' me know," Bobby says.
"Anytime, Bobby. I'd better be going." Derrick shakes Bobby's hand, then turns and starts to leave.
"Derrick, do you know what happened to Jack?"
Derrick stops in the doorway and turns back to Bobby. "Bobby.......it was a homicide. According to Dallas PD, it was a gunshot wound to the chest."
Without another word, Derrick leaves, while Bobby is stunned over the news of the death of his cousin whom he hasn't seen or spoken to in years.
"Anytime, Bobby. I'd better be going." Derrick shakes Bobby's hand, then turns and starts to leave.
"Derrick, do you know what happened to Jack?"
Derrick stops in the doorway and turns back to Bobby. "Bobby.......it was a homicide. According to Dallas PD, it was a gunshot wound to the chest."
Without another word, Derrick leaves, while Bobby is stunned over the news of the death of his cousin whom he hasn't seen or spoken to in years.
Jill's apartment....
"Justin, this is amazing," Jill says, reading over the material Justin showed to her that he got from Harris earlier.
"Itn't it, though?"
"So, John Ross blackmailed that judge by using his weird sexual fetish against him?"
"That's right. You see, Harris Ryland's mama, Judith Ryland, who is now Texas's Railroad Commissioner, has owned and operated a whorehouse right here in Dallas that is frequented by numerous high placed, and highly respected individuals, includin' judges, politicians, lawyers, businessmen. What none of them know is that the whole place is loaded with hidden cameras, so while they're engagin' in their bizarre little fantasies with Judith Ryland's workers....."
"They're being secretly videotaped," Jill finishes the sentence.
"Yep. And since John Ross seems to have this close relationship with old lady Ryland, she's been supplyin' him with names of people who can help him get pretty much whatever he wants in this town. With this woman's help, John Ross had that judge in his back pocket the whole time."
"I'll be damned. Why would Judith Ryland agree to help John Ross?"
"Itn't it obvious?" Justin asks. "She obviously didn't wanna be exposed as Dallas's most notorious madam, especially now that she has such an important position in state government. Her......'establishment', as she calls it........goes under the guise of bein' an exclusive mens' club. You have to be....'invited in'.....by one of Judith's current clients. That's why it's so exclusive, and that's why she's been able to get away with it all these years. Because the people who go there and know about it, well, they sure aint gonna talk."
"Wow," Jill says as she stands from her seat and walks across the room, still looking at the papers. She turns back to Justin. "This really burns me up. This is also how he managed to blackmail Westar's board members into selling him their shares."
"Exactly," Justin says, walking over to her. "We have enough evidence right there, to not only get that judge to reverse his decision, but to put John Ross away."
Jill sighs. "Put him away?"
"Yeah. As in....jail."
"Justin, I"m not sure about that. Of course I wanna make him pay for stealing Westar away from me. But sending John Ross to prison."
"Itn't it, though?"
"So, John Ross blackmailed that judge by using his weird sexual fetish against him?"
"That's right. You see, Harris Ryland's mama, Judith Ryland, who is now Texas's Railroad Commissioner, has owned and operated a whorehouse right here in Dallas that is frequented by numerous high placed, and highly respected individuals, includin' judges, politicians, lawyers, businessmen. What none of them know is that the whole place is loaded with hidden cameras, so while they're engagin' in their bizarre little fantasies with Judith Ryland's workers....."
"They're being secretly videotaped," Jill finishes the sentence.
"Yep. And since John Ross seems to have this close relationship with old lady Ryland, she's been supplyin' him with names of people who can help him get pretty much whatever he wants in this town. With this woman's help, John Ross had that judge in his back pocket the whole time."
"I'll be damned. Why would Judith Ryland agree to help John Ross?"
"Itn't it obvious?" Justin asks. "She obviously didn't wanna be exposed as Dallas's most notorious madam, especially now that she has such an important position in state government. Her......'establishment', as she calls it........goes under the guise of bein' an exclusive mens' club. You have to be....'invited in'.....by one of Judith's current clients. That's why it's so exclusive, and that's why she's been able to get away with it all these years. Because the people who go there and know about it, well, they sure aint gonna talk."
"Wow," Jill says as she stands from her seat and walks across the room, still looking at the papers. She turns back to Justin. "This really burns me up. This is also how he managed to blackmail Westar's board members into selling him their shares."
"Exactly," Justin says, walking over to her. "We have enough evidence right there, to not only get that judge to reverse his decision, but to put John Ross away."
Jill sighs. "Put him away?"
"Yeah. As in....jail."
"Justin, I"m not sure about that. Of course I wanna make him pay for stealing Westar away from me. But sending John Ross to prison."
"You sayin' you don't wanna send him to jail? Even after everything he's done to you?"
"I know John Ross has done some terrible things. And he deserves to have his power stripped. But Justin.......prison? Despite everything, he's still our brother."
"You think that matters to him?" Justin asks. "If the shoe were on the other foot, do you think John Ross would think twice before sendin' one of us to prison?"
Jill looks at him for a moment. "No," she says.
"Of course he wouldn't. John Ross has done some pretty low down things, and he deserves whatever he gets now."
"So what do we do?" Jill asks. "I mean, who do we take this information to?"
"Nobody. Yet," Justin replies.
"What?"
"We're just gonna sit on this for right now. Let John Ross go on thinkin' he's won. And then, when the time is right, we bring him down, and I mean HARD."
"I know John Ross has done some terrible things. And he deserves to have his power stripped. But Justin.......prison? Despite everything, he's still our brother."
"You think that matters to him?" Justin asks. "If the shoe were on the other foot, do you think John Ross would think twice before sendin' one of us to prison?"
Jill looks at him for a moment. "No," she says.
"Of course he wouldn't. John Ross has done some pretty low down things, and he deserves whatever he gets now."
"So what do we do?" Jill asks. "I mean, who do we take this information to?"
"Nobody. Yet," Justin replies.
"What?"
"We're just gonna sit on this for right now. Let John Ross go on thinkin' he's won. And then, when the time is right, we bring him down, and I mean HARD."
Southfork....
Ann walks into Southfork early that afternoon carrying three bags of groceries and takes them into the kitchen. "Bobby, are you home?" She calls out.
He walks into the kitchen. "I'm sorry, honey, I didn't know you were back from the grocery store or I woulda helped."
"It's okay. There's more in the car, but right now, this is stuff that needs to go in the freezer, so you can help put it away."
"Sure," Bobby says sadly.
Ann notices his somber mood. "Bobby, what's wrong?"
Bobby sighs. "Derrick came by while you were gone. He gave me some rather unsettling news."
"What is it?"
"Jack Ewing was found dead last night in a hotel room in Dallas."
"Jack Ewing? You mean.....that cousin you told me about?"
"Yeah. Daddy's brother Jason's son."
"Oh Lord, I'm sorry," Ann says. "What happened?"
"Derrick says according to the Dallas PD, Jack was shot. Murdered."
"Oh, Bobby. That's....that's horrible. Did you even know he was in Dallas? Had he contacted you?"
He walks into the kitchen. "I'm sorry, honey, I didn't know you were back from the grocery store or I woulda helped."
"It's okay. There's more in the car, but right now, this is stuff that needs to go in the freezer, so you can help put it away."
"Sure," Bobby says sadly.
Ann notices his somber mood. "Bobby, what's wrong?"
Bobby sighs. "Derrick came by while you were gone. He gave me some rather unsettling news."
"What is it?"
"Jack Ewing was found dead last night in a hotel room in Dallas."
"Jack Ewing? You mean.....that cousin you told me about?"
"Yeah. Daddy's brother Jason's son."
"Oh Lord, I'm sorry," Ann says. "What happened?"
"Derrick says according to the Dallas PD, Jack was shot. Murdered."
"Oh, Bobby. That's....that's horrible. Did you even know he was in Dallas? Had he contacted you?"
"No, not at all," replies Bobby. "Jack left Dallas back in, oh, '87 I guess. He stopped by to visit once a few years later, and then I never saw him again. Last time I even heard from him was 14 years ago when Mama died. He called, offering his condolences, and he sent flowers. After that, not a word. I just wonder why he didn't call or drop by and let me know he was back in town. I don't even know how long he'd been here, and why was he here in the first place?"
"Well, this is all really strange," Ann says.
"Yes, it is. I think I'm gonna go and see a friend of mine who's a detective with Dallas PD, and see if he can tell me somethin'. I'll be back after while." Bobby kisses his wife on the cheek, then walks out.
"Well, this is all really strange," Ann says.
"Yes, it is. I think I'm gonna go and see a friend of mine who's a detective with Dallas PD, and see if he can tell me somethin'. I'll be back after while." Bobby kisses his wife on the cheek, then walks out.
Judith Ryland's office....
"Well, John Ross," Judith says, ushering John Ross into her office. "It's been quite a while."
"Yes, it has, Judith, yes it has," says John Ross. "I just came by to personally thank you for that information you provided me on Judge Brewster. It really helped me win the case."
"Yes, it has, Judith, yes it has," says John Ross. "I just came by to personally thank you for that information you provided me on Judge Brewster. It really helped me win the case."
"Always happy to be of service. I have really enjoyed our mutually beneficial arrangement we made. You helped me get this appointment as Railroad Commissioner, and I provide you with blackmail material on some of Dallas's most prominent male citizenry."
"We both benefit all the way around," John Ross says.
"How would you like to take me to lunch this afternoon?" Judith asks in her characteristic drawl.
"I would love to. However, first, I have another little favor I need you to do for me."
"And what would that be?"
"Frank Brunson. I do remember seein' his name on your client list, don't I?"
"Frank Brunson. Oh, yes, the refinery guy. Yes, he has visited my establishment on a couple of occasions."
"I need you the videotape of him durin' one of his visits. And I need it as soon as possible."
"Hmmm....how soon?" Judith asks.
"Yesterday would be preferable. But today is gonna have to work."
Judith smiles. "I'll telephone Niles right now and you'll have that information in a couple of hours," she says.
"We both benefit all the way around," John Ross says.
"How would you like to take me to lunch this afternoon?" Judith asks in her characteristic drawl.
"I would love to. However, first, I have another little favor I need you to do for me."
"And what would that be?"
"Frank Brunson. I do remember seein' his name on your client list, don't I?"
"Frank Brunson. Oh, yes, the refinery guy. Yes, he has visited my establishment on a couple of occasions."
"I need you the videotape of him durin' one of his visits. And I need it as soon as possible."
"Hmmm....how soon?" Judith asks.
"Yesterday would be preferable. But today is gonna have to work."
Judith smiles. "I'll telephone Niles right now and you'll have that information in a couple of hours," she says.
"Thank you, Judith, and you'll be well rewarded for all the help you've given me."
Judith walks over to him. "Rewarded......in what way?"
"Keep helpin' me, and I will help you by keepin' my mouth shut about your little side business."
Judith laughs at the comment. "Don't try to blackmail me, John Ross," she says playfully. "We each know enough about the other to send one another to prison for a very long time. We have each other by the balls, so to speak. So, you keep scratchin' my back, and I'll keep scratchin' yours."
"And we'll both be kept very happy," says John Ross. "Now, how 'bout that call? Ol' Brunson, who IS a married man, has some refineries I want, and he met with my Uncle Bobby about sellin' 'em to Ewing Global. I need to get to him before any contracts are signed."
"Consider it done," Judith says. John Ross watches as she takes a seat at her desk and picks up her phone to call her man at the brothel, Niles.
Judith walks over to him. "Rewarded......in what way?"
"Keep helpin' me, and I will help you by keepin' my mouth shut about your little side business."
Judith laughs at the comment. "Don't try to blackmail me, John Ross," she says playfully. "We each know enough about the other to send one another to prison for a very long time. We have each other by the balls, so to speak. So, you keep scratchin' my back, and I'll keep scratchin' yours."
"And we'll both be kept very happy," says John Ross. "Now, how 'bout that call? Ol' Brunson, who IS a married man, has some refineries I want, and he met with my Uncle Bobby about sellin' 'em to Ewing Global. I need to get to him before any contracts are signed."
"Consider it done," Judith says. John Ross watches as she takes a seat at her desk and picks up her phone to call her man at the brothel, Niles.
Smithfield And Bennett....
Sitting in his office, Todd Baxter opens the bottom drawer of his desk and takes out a bottle of vodka. He opens the bottle and pours some in a small glass. Replacing the bottle in the drawer, he takes a sip of the vodka, then another as a knock comes at his door. "Yeah, come in," he says.
Jay walks into the office. "Hey, just wanted to let you know I'm about to head over to that meeting with Mrs. Morgan."
"Oh. Okay. You sure you can handle this case alone?"
"Yeah, I can," Jay says. "I mean, it would be easier if you were on it with me, but I can handle it myself, no problem."
"Thanks," Todd says quietly, lowering his head.
"Todd, is there any special reason you wanted out of the Morgan case?"
"No. Just......busy. You know, other cases to handle and some other stuff goin' on."
Jay walks into the office. "Hey, just wanted to let you know I'm about to head over to that meeting with Mrs. Morgan."
"Oh. Okay. You sure you can handle this case alone?"
"Yeah, I can," Jay says. "I mean, it would be easier if you were on it with me, but I can handle it myself, no problem."
"Thanks," Todd says quietly, lowering his head.
"Todd, is there any special reason you wanted out of the Morgan case?"
"No. Just......busy. You know, other cases to handle and some other stuff goin' on."
"Yeah, it's that 'other stuff' that worries me," Jay says. "Look, Todd...."
"Jay, please. Don't start. I've already told you a hundred times. I'm FINE. Nothing is wrong."
Jay looks at his cousin for a moment. "I know you've told me. I just wish I could believe it. My offer's still open, in case you ever do wanna get what's botherin' you off your chest. I'll let you know the Morgan meeting goes when I get back."
"Yeah, okay, sure," Todd says nervously.
Jay nods to his cousin, then turns and walks out of the office. After he's gone, Todd opens the bottom drawer of his desk and again takes out the bottle of vodka. Opening it, he pours another glass and takes a sip. Then he rubs his head as he leans back in his chair.
"Jay, please. Don't start. I've already told you a hundred times. I'm FINE. Nothing is wrong."
Jay looks at his cousin for a moment. "I know you've told me. I just wish I could believe it. My offer's still open, in case you ever do wanna get what's botherin' you off your chest. I'll let you know the Morgan meeting goes when I get back."
"Yeah, okay, sure," Todd says nervously.
Jay nods to his cousin, then turns and walks out of the office. After he's gone, Todd opens the bottom drawer of his desk and again takes out the bottle of vodka. Opening it, he pours another glass and takes a sip. Then he rubs his head as he leans back in his chair.
Southfork.....that night
Bobby, Ann, Christopher,
Lucas, Emma, Lucy, and Alex are seated around the dinner table that evening having their meal.
"Where are John Ross and Amanda?" Emma asks.
"John Ross is havin' dinner in town again, and Amanda decided she wanted to have lunch up in her room, so she came and got a tray and took it up."
"Poor girl," Lucy says. "Just like in the old days, with J.R. and Sue Ellen."
"I find it a little hard to feel sorry for her, considerin' she was workin' for Cliff Barnes to spy on us," Bobby says.
"She made some mistakes, Bobby," says Ann. "I think we should give the girl a chance. She's really very sweet."
"And, she IS Jackie's daughter, Dad," Christopher adds.
"That's true."
"Emma, I think it'd be real nice if you made friends with her," suggests Ann.
"You want ME to become friends with Amanda? Why?"
"To make her feel welcome. After all, you're not that many years older than she is, and I think it'd be nice for her to feel like she has a friend. So will you?"
Emma sighs. "Sure....I guess," she says, not sounding very interested in the project.
Lucas looks at Bobby at the head of the table and notices his somber mood. "Bobby, is everything alright? You seem bothered by somethin' tonight."
"I am. I got some rather disturbing news today."
"What is it, Dad?" Christopher asks.
"I found out that my cousin, Jack Ewing, died, in Dallas last night."
Christopher puts down his glass and looks at his father. "Jack? I remember him. He left Dallas when I was just a little kid, but he came back here to see you when I was what, about twelve or thirteen? I had no idea he was back in Dallas."
"Neither did I."
"What happened?" Lucas asks.
"Somebody shot him. I talked to a friend of mine at the Dallas PD and they don't have any leads yet."
"Isn't Jack the one who helped you and Uncle J.R. save Ewing Oil?"
Bobby smiles. "Yes."
"How so?" Asks Lucas.
Lucas, Emma, Lucy, and Alex are seated around the dinner table that evening having their meal.
"Where are John Ross and Amanda?" Emma asks.
"John Ross is havin' dinner in town again, and Amanda decided she wanted to have lunch up in her room, so she came and got a tray and took it up."
"Poor girl," Lucy says. "Just like in the old days, with J.R. and Sue Ellen."
"I find it a little hard to feel sorry for her, considerin' she was workin' for Cliff Barnes to spy on us," Bobby says.
"She made some mistakes, Bobby," says Ann. "I think we should give the girl a chance. She's really very sweet."
"And, she IS Jackie's daughter, Dad," Christopher adds.
"That's true."
"Emma, I think it'd be real nice if you made friends with her," suggests Ann.
"You want ME to become friends with Amanda? Why?"
"To make her feel welcome. After all, you're not that many years older than she is, and I think it'd be nice for her to feel like she has a friend. So will you?"
Emma sighs. "Sure....I guess," she says, not sounding very interested in the project.
Lucas looks at Bobby at the head of the table and notices his somber mood. "Bobby, is everything alright? You seem bothered by somethin' tonight."
"I am. I got some rather disturbing news today."
"What is it, Dad?" Christopher asks.
"I found out that my cousin, Jack Ewing, died, in Dallas last night."
Christopher puts down his glass and looks at his father. "Jack? I remember him. He left Dallas when I was just a little kid, but he came back here to see you when I was what, about twelve or thirteen? I had no idea he was back in Dallas."
"Neither did I."
"What happened?" Lucas asks.
"Somebody shot him. I talked to a friend of mine at the Dallas PD and they don't have any leads yet."
"Isn't Jack the one who helped you and Uncle J.R. save Ewing Oil?"
Bobby smiles. "Yes."
"How so?" Asks Lucas.
"Well, after Jack's father, my Daddy's brother Jason, died, Jack's sister Jamie came to Southfork. She had this old piece of paper that showed that Daddy, Jason, and Digger Barnes each owned a third of Ewing Oil. The document was drawn up by Sam Culver."
"Matt's grandfather?" Lucas asks.
"That's right. Anyway to make a long story short, J.R. pissed Jamie off, she teamed up with Cliff Barnes and they filed a lawsuit for their share of the company. Jack came to the rescue. He arrived in Dallas and provided proof that Jason and Digger both sold their shares of Ewing Oil to someone else, and Daddy bought those shares back and became the sole, rightful owner of Ewing. Of course in exchange for that help, we had to give Jack a small percentage of Ewing Oil."
"I wonder what he was doing back in town after all these years," Christopher says.
"I dunno, son. We may never know."
Ann looks at Alex sitting at the end of the table. "Alex, you're awfully quiet this evenin'."
"Sorry," he says. "Didn't know that being quiet was a crime."
"I was just wonderin' if anything was wrong."
"Nope, everything's just great," Alex says. "I think I'm gonna take a walk."
"Got any homework?" Lucas asks.
"Nah. Already did it." Alex gets up from the table and walks out of the room. A few seconds later, they hear the sound of one of the French doors in the living room open and close as the boy leaves the house.
"Everyone, I'm sorry for my nephew's attitude," says Lucas.
"It's not your fault, son," says Bobby. "The boy's just goin' through a hard time right now. He'll be fine."
"Matt's grandfather?" Lucas asks.
"That's right. Anyway to make a long story short, J.R. pissed Jamie off, she teamed up with Cliff Barnes and they filed a lawsuit for their share of the company. Jack came to the rescue. He arrived in Dallas and provided proof that Jason and Digger both sold their shares of Ewing Oil to someone else, and Daddy bought those shares back and became the sole, rightful owner of Ewing. Of course in exchange for that help, we had to give Jack a small percentage of Ewing Oil."
"I wonder what he was doing back in town after all these years," Christopher says.
"I dunno, son. We may never know."
Ann looks at Alex sitting at the end of the table. "Alex, you're awfully quiet this evenin'."
"Sorry," he says. "Didn't know that being quiet was a crime."
"I was just wonderin' if anything was wrong."
"Nope, everything's just great," Alex says. "I think I'm gonna take a walk."
"Got any homework?" Lucas asks.
"Nah. Already did it." Alex gets up from the table and walks out of the room. A few seconds later, they hear the sound of one of the French doors in the living room open and close as the boy leaves the house.
"Everyone, I'm sorry for my nephew's attitude," says Lucas.
"It's not your fault, son," says Bobby. "The boy's just goin' through a hard time right now. He'll be fine."
The cottage....later
James is doing his nightly workout while Debra Lynn gets ready for bed in the cottage at Southfork later that night. After completing his nightly 100 pushups, James takes a seat on the bed. "Debra Lynn, somethin' on your mind?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Been real quiet all day. Like somethin's botherin' you."
"Ashley's taken quite a liking to that boy Alex."
"Oh has she?" James asks.
"I'm not sure how I feel about that."
"How come? Seems like a pretty nice kid. And he's Ray's step-grandson."
"I know. But he just seems a little......I dunno, like he's sort of rebellious."
James laughs slightly. "What teenage boy isn't? Remember how I was?"
Debra Lynn turns to him and smiles. "THAT'S what bothers me," she says as a knock comes at the door.
"Who on earth could that be this late?" James asks. He stands and walks to the living room and opens the front door to find Justin there.
"James," Justin says.
"Well, what brings you over?"
"I'm sorry to bother you so late, but can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Yeah, sure," James says. "Debra Lynn, I'll be right back."
"Alright," she replies.
James grabs his coat from the rack by the door, and he steps outside with Justin, closing the door behind him. "What's up?"
"I found somethin' that's gonna help us win against John Ross," Justin says.
"Oh? What is it?" James asks.
Justin smiles. "I'd rather not say just yet. I'll let you know when I'm ready to drop the bomb on our lovin' brother."
"You've got me curious."
"James, trust me. What I've got on John Ross is DEFINITELY gonna be worth the wait," Justin says with a smile.
"Why do you ask?"
"Been real quiet all day. Like somethin's botherin' you."
"Ashley's taken quite a liking to that boy Alex."
"Oh has she?" James asks.
"I'm not sure how I feel about that."
"How come? Seems like a pretty nice kid. And he's Ray's step-grandson."
"I know. But he just seems a little......I dunno, like he's sort of rebellious."
James laughs slightly. "What teenage boy isn't? Remember how I was?"
Debra Lynn turns to him and smiles. "THAT'S what bothers me," she says as a knock comes at the door.
"Who on earth could that be this late?" James asks. He stands and walks to the living room and opens the front door to find Justin there.
"James," Justin says.
"Well, what brings you over?"
"I'm sorry to bother you so late, but can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Yeah, sure," James says. "Debra Lynn, I'll be right back."
"Alright," she replies.
James grabs his coat from the rack by the door, and he steps outside with Justin, closing the door behind him. "What's up?"
"I found somethin' that's gonna help us win against John Ross," Justin says.
"Oh? What is it?" James asks.
Justin smiles. "I'd rather not say just yet. I'll let you know when I'm ready to drop the bomb on our lovin' brother."
"You've got me curious."
"James, trust me. What I've got on John Ross is DEFINITELY gonna be worth the wait," Justin says with a smile.
Southfork....the next morning
As Christopher comes out of the house the next morning and walks to his car to head to the office, Amanda stands on the back porch. She watches as he gets into his car and drives away. Emma walks out of the living room and onto the back porch.
"Amanda," Emma says.
"Emma," Amanda greets back, somewhat coldly.
"Was that Christopher who just left?"
Amanda turns around to face her. "Yes, it was."
Emma smiles slyly. "How nice of you to come out and see him off to work. I guess you must be missing John Ross."
"I wasn't SEEING him off to work. I just happened to be standing here when Christopher left."
"You and Christopher sure have been spending a lot of time together, haven't you? Like, you coming out of his bedroom the other day. And it's ALWAYS when John Ross isn't home."
"Amanda," Emma says.
"Emma," Amanda greets back, somewhat coldly.
"Was that Christopher who just left?"
Amanda turns around to face her. "Yes, it was."
Emma smiles slyly. "How nice of you to come out and see him off to work. I guess you must be missing John Ross."
"I wasn't SEEING him off to work. I just happened to be standing here when Christopher left."
"You and Christopher sure have been spending a lot of time together, haven't you? Like, you coming out of his bedroom the other day. And it's ALWAYS when John Ross isn't home."
"Are you insinuating something, Emma?" Amanda asks.
"No, it's just that I find it curious."
"Well, you know what they say about curiosity......it killed the cat." Amanda walks over to her. "I really don't know what business this is of yours, Emma. I mean, if you're trying to insinuate that something is going on between me and Christopher, that's kinda like the pot calling the kettle black, isn't it? Weren't you sleeping with John Ross while he was married to Pamela Barnes?"
"No, it's just that I find it curious."
"Well, you know what they say about curiosity......it killed the cat." Amanda walks over to her. "I really don't know what business this is of yours, Emma. I mean, if you're trying to insinuate that something is going on between me and Christopher, that's kinda like the pot calling the kettle black, isn't it? Weren't you sleeping with John Ross while he was married to Pamela Barnes?"
"And you know what they say about pots and kettles...... takes one to know one," Emma says with a smile as she walks past Amanda and back into the house.
An exasperated Amanda shakes her head and sighs.
An exasperated Amanda shakes her head and sighs.
Todd Baxter's apartment....
Todd is awakened the next morning by the ringing of his doorbell. He slowly opens his eyes and looks at the clock beside his bed. It reads 9:30 A.M. Sitting up in bed, he rubs his face. "Damn," he says. Todd slowly gets out of bed as the doorbell rings again. He grabs his jeans off the floor and slips them on. Then someone starts knocking at the door. |
"Hold on!" Todd yells. "I'm coming, damn." He makes his way through the living room and opens the front door to find Jay standing there. Jay looks at his cousin, then walks into the apartment.
"Rough night?" Jay asks, giving his cousin a disgusted and displeased look.
"Jay, what are you doing here?" Todd asks.
"What am I doing here? You don't show up at the office, AGAIN, for an important meeting with one of our top clients, and then you have the nerve to ask me what I'm doing here? I came to see if my cousin was alive or dead. And from the looks of you, I'm still not sure which one you are."
Todd sighs. "Jay, I'm really sorry about the meeting. It was.....Forrester, right?"
"No, Brian Collier," Jay says. "Todd, what the hell is going on with you? And don't tell me it's nothing. For weeks now you've been acting like someone I don't even know. It's not like you to neglect your work or forget meetings with clients. I'm worried about you, cousin. Just look at you. It's pretty obvious you were drinking last night."
"Jay, please. Just leave me alone," Todd says, taking a seat on the sofa. He rubs his face.
"No. No, I'm not gonna leave you alone." Jay walks over to him. "Todd, you and I have been as close as brothers our whole lives. You use to be able to tell me whatever was bothering you. What's different about now?"
Todd looks up at his cousin. "Jay, I love you, man. But right now, I'm just goin' through some things that I can't talk about."
"Is it relationship stuff?" Jay asks. "Are you having problems with a woman?"
"No."
Jay pauses a moment as he looks at his cousin. Then he takes a seat on the sofa beside him. "Todd, does this have anything to do with John Ross Ewing?"
"Why would you think that?" Todd asks.
"Because all this......your whole change in attitude and behavior......started when you filed that motion for John Ross to overturn that codicil to J.R. Ewing's will. Ever since then, you're not the same person, Todd. I even got the feeling that you didn't wanna take John Ross's case, and then after you won, you acted more like the loser."
"Jay, John Ross has nothing to do with this. Look, you're just gonna have to trust me. Things will get better. I promise."
Jay stands and looks down at his cousin. "I sure hope so. Todd, I'm not only worried about you, but I also have Smithfield And Bennett to consider. You're my partner, and I can't have you neglecting the firm because of whatever personal problem you have. If you don't pull yourself together, I'm gonna have to talk to your dad about stepping in for you. I don't wanna have to do that, but I will." Jay walks to the door and then turns back to Todd. "Get your act together, cousin." After a brief pause, Jay leaves.
After his cousin is gone, Todd stands to his feet. Still feeling the effects of his previous night's drinking binge, he staggers a little, then walks to one of the windows of his living room and looks out over the city, his gaze coming to rest on the building which houses Westar. "Damn you, John Ross. Damn you!"
"What am I doing here? You don't show up at the office, AGAIN, for an important meeting with one of our top clients, and then you have the nerve to ask me what I'm doing here? I came to see if my cousin was alive or dead. And from the looks of you, I'm still not sure which one you are."
Todd sighs. "Jay, I'm really sorry about the meeting. It was.....Forrester, right?"
"No, Brian Collier," Jay says. "Todd, what the hell is going on with you? And don't tell me it's nothing. For weeks now you've been acting like someone I don't even know. It's not like you to neglect your work or forget meetings with clients. I'm worried about you, cousin. Just look at you. It's pretty obvious you were drinking last night."
"Jay, please. Just leave me alone," Todd says, taking a seat on the sofa. He rubs his face.
"No. No, I'm not gonna leave you alone." Jay walks over to him. "Todd, you and I have been as close as brothers our whole lives. You use to be able to tell me whatever was bothering you. What's different about now?"
Todd looks up at his cousin. "Jay, I love you, man. But right now, I'm just goin' through some things that I can't talk about."
"Is it relationship stuff?" Jay asks. "Are you having problems with a woman?"
"No."
Jay pauses a moment as he looks at his cousin. Then he takes a seat on the sofa beside him. "Todd, does this have anything to do with John Ross Ewing?"
"Why would you think that?" Todd asks.
"Because all this......your whole change in attitude and behavior......started when you filed that motion for John Ross to overturn that codicil to J.R. Ewing's will. Ever since then, you're not the same person, Todd. I even got the feeling that you didn't wanna take John Ross's case, and then after you won, you acted more like the loser."
"Jay, John Ross has nothing to do with this. Look, you're just gonna have to trust me. Things will get better. I promise."
Jay stands and looks down at his cousin. "I sure hope so. Todd, I'm not only worried about you, but I also have Smithfield And Bennett to consider. You're my partner, and I can't have you neglecting the firm because of whatever personal problem you have. If you don't pull yourself together, I'm gonna have to talk to your dad about stepping in for you. I don't wanna have to do that, but I will." Jay walks to the door and then turns back to Todd. "Get your act together, cousin." After a brief pause, Jay leaves.
After his cousin is gone, Todd stands to his feet. Still feeling the effects of his previous night's drinking binge, he staggers a little, then walks to one of the windows of his living room and looks out over the city, his gaze coming to rest on the building which houses Westar. "Damn you, John Ross. Damn you!"
Baylor Cancer Hospital....
Jenna sits by Charlie's bedside at Baylor later that morning when Ray walks into the room. "Still sleepin'?" He asks.
"Yeah," Jenna replies. "The anti-nausea meds make her so drowsy she's been sleeping a lot. That's probably a good thing."
Ray walks over to his wife. "You look exhausted. Why don't you go back to the hotel and get some rest?"
"I'm fine," Jenna says.
"No, honey, you're not. If you keep goin' like this you're only gonna wreck your health, and I don't wanna see you in a room down the hall. Now come on. I'll take you back to the hotel so you can rest. Charlie will be fine for a while, and the hospital will call us if they need to."
"Alright. I have to admit, I am pretty tired."
Ray smiles. "That's my girl," he says as Jenna stands. She leans down and kisses Charlie on the head, then she and Ray walk into the adjoining room, where they take off their masks, gowns, and gloves, and throw them in a hamper. Then they walk out into the hallway, where they are met by Dr. Conrad.
"Well, hello," Dr. Conrad says.
"Hello, Doctor," says Ray. "Jenna and I were just goin' back to the hotel so she can rest."
"I think that's a wonderful idea, Mrs. Krebbs. Charlie is well taken care of, so there's nothing you can do here."
"Thank you," says Jenna.
"I was just coming to let you both know, that, unless something changes, such as Charlie developing a fever or infection....the transplant will proceed as scheduled in a few days."
"That's good," Ray says.
"And after that, all we can do is wait, and pray. Now, you two go on and get some rest, and I'm just gonna check on Charlie."
"Thank you, Dr. Conrad," says Jenna. "We'll be back in a few hours." Doctor Conrad smiles at the couple, then walks into Charlie's room. As Ray and Jenna head down the hall, they see Bobby get off the elevator and walk toward them.
"Ray, Jenna," Bobby says.
"Bob," says Ray. "Jenna and I were just headin' back to the hotel to get some sleep."
"That's good. Ray, can I have a word with you? It'll only take a minute."
"Yeah, sure," Ray says. "Jenna, why don't you go on down to the lobby and wait for me. I'll be right down."
"Alright." Jenna walks away toward the elevator.
"What can I do for ya, Bob? Anything wrong?" Ray asks.
Bobby sighs. "Ray, I wanted to let you know before you hear it on the news or read it in the paper. But I got some news yesterday morning. Jack Ewing's been killed."
"Jack? Killed? Good Lord, what happened?"
"Jack was here in Dallas. I didn't even know he was back in town. Last time I even heard from him was 14 years ago when Mama died. But, he was murdered, Ray. Shot in a hotel room."
"My God. Hard to believe."
"Yeah, it is," says Bobby. "I know you haven't seen Jack in a long, long time, but I just thought you'd wanna know."
Ray nods. "I sure appreciate you comin' to tell me. It woulda been strange readin' somethin' like that in the newspaper. And I'll tell Jenna."
"Alright, Ray. Come on, I'll ride down with ya."
Bobby and Ray walk the short distance down the hall to the elevator.
"Yeah," Jenna replies. "The anti-nausea meds make her so drowsy she's been sleeping a lot. That's probably a good thing."
Ray walks over to his wife. "You look exhausted. Why don't you go back to the hotel and get some rest?"
"I'm fine," Jenna says.
"No, honey, you're not. If you keep goin' like this you're only gonna wreck your health, and I don't wanna see you in a room down the hall. Now come on. I'll take you back to the hotel so you can rest. Charlie will be fine for a while, and the hospital will call us if they need to."
"Alright. I have to admit, I am pretty tired."
Ray smiles. "That's my girl," he says as Jenna stands. She leans down and kisses Charlie on the head, then she and Ray walk into the adjoining room, where they take off their masks, gowns, and gloves, and throw them in a hamper. Then they walk out into the hallway, where they are met by Dr. Conrad.
"Well, hello," Dr. Conrad says.
"Hello, Doctor," says Ray. "Jenna and I were just goin' back to the hotel so she can rest."
"I think that's a wonderful idea, Mrs. Krebbs. Charlie is well taken care of, so there's nothing you can do here."
"Thank you," says Jenna.
"I was just coming to let you both know, that, unless something changes, such as Charlie developing a fever or infection....the transplant will proceed as scheduled in a few days."
"That's good," Ray says.
"And after that, all we can do is wait, and pray. Now, you two go on and get some rest, and I'm just gonna check on Charlie."
"Thank you, Dr. Conrad," says Jenna. "We'll be back in a few hours." Doctor Conrad smiles at the couple, then walks into Charlie's room. As Ray and Jenna head down the hall, they see Bobby get off the elevator and walk toward them.
"Ray, Jenna," Bobby says.
"Bob," says Ray. "Jenna and I were just headin' back to the hotel to get some sleep."
"That's good. Ray, can I have a word with you? It'll only take a minute."
"Yeah, sure," Ray says. "Jenna, why don't you go on down to the lobby and wait for me. I'll be right down."
"Alright." Jenna walks away toward the elevator.
"What can I do for ya, Bob? Anything wrong?" Ray asks.
Bobby sighs. "Ray, I wanted to let you know before you hear it on the news or read it in the paper. But I got some news yesterday morning. Jack Ewing's been killed."
"Jack? Killed? Good Lord, what happened?"
"Jack was here in Dallas. I didn't even know he was back in town. Last time I even heard from him was 14 years ago when Mama died. But, he was murdered, Ray. Shot in a hotel room."
"My God. Hard to believe."
"Yeah, it is," says Bobby. "I know you haven't seen Jack in a long, long time, but I just thought you'd wanna know."
Ray nods. "I sure appreciate you comin' to tell me. It woulda been strange readin' somethin' like that in the newspaper. And I'll tell Jenna."
"Alright, Ray. Come on, I'll ride down with ya."
Bobby and Ray walk the short distance down the hall to the elevator.
Westar....
John Ross is working at his desk when Melissa buzzes his intercom. "Yes?" John Ross says.
"Mr. Ewing, Frank Brunson is here," Melissa says.
John Ross smiles. "Thank ya, Melissa. Tell Mr. Brunson he can come in." Still smiling, John Ross stands and walks over to his desk as Brunson walks into the office. "Frank," John Ross says. "Thanks for comin'."
"Mr. Ewing, I just came out of curiosity," says Frank. "I wanted to see what kind of offer you said you had. But, just so you know, I've already committed to sell my refineries to Ewing Global."
"But no contracts have been signed yet, have they, Frank?"
"No, but I gave Bobby Ewing my word."
"Frank, Frank. Verbal promises were made to be broken," John Ross says.
"Maybe for you. But I prefer to do business the old school way, when a man's word was his bond," says Frank.
"Old school? So, you're the old fashioned type, huh, Frank? Marriage, fam'ly, makin' deals with a handshake?"
"That's it."
"Why don't we take a look at this?" John Ross asks. He grabs his laptop from his desk and clicks an icon on the screen. A second later, a video starts playing.
Frank's mouth drops open in shock as he watches a video of himself engaging in a rather bizarre sexual fetish at Judith Ryland's brothel.
"Old school? So, you're the old fashioned type, huh, Frank? Marriage, fam'ly, makin' deals with a handshake?"
"That's it."
"Why don't we take a look at this?" John Ross asks. He grabs his laptop from his desk and clicks an icon on the screen. A second later, a video starts playing.
Frank's mouth drops open in shock as he watches a video of himself engaging in a rather bizarre sexual fetish at Judith Ryland's brothel.
"Looks like you're into some real kinky stuff there, Frank," John Ross says. "Kinda the opposite of all that talk about old fashioned values, fam'ly, and such, itn't it?"
"What the hell is this?" Frank asks nervously.
"Come on, Brunson. You're a big boy. Even you oughta be able to figure that one out."
"I get it. Blackmail. You're gonna use that video to force me into selling my refineries to Westar instead of Ewing."
John Ross smiles. "I knew you were a bright guy."
"How the hell did you.....how did you get this?"
"I have connections, Frank. And I ALWAYS make sure to find out everything I can about anybody I do business with. That information can come in real handy sometimes."
"Ewing, please, you can't use that," Frank says. "I have a wife, and two sons. One of my sons is about to start law school at Harvard. This could ruin me."
"Duttin' have to, Frank," John Ross says, picking up some papers from his desk. He hands them to Frank. "All you gotta do to make this video disappear permanently.....is sign this contract I took the liberty of havin' drawn up. Just sell your refineries to me, and your secret is safe."
"But.....I already promised your uncle."
"Only verbally. Long as that contract hadn't been signed, your refineries aint been sold. Come on, Frank. Sign the contract. You know it's for the best."
Frank looks at him for a moment. "You know, I've always heard stories about how your daddy did business. Strong arming and blackmailing people to get what he wanted. Knowing that, I must've been crazy to even consider doing business with J.R. Ewing's son in the first place." Frank takes a pen from his pocket and signs the three pages of the contract, then gives it back to John Ross.
"You made the right decision, Frank. And hell, this can prob'ly even save your marriage, because my guess is you'll stop your foolin' around and visitin' whorehouses and become a more faithful husband to Nancy. Remember, Frank.....it never pays to have secrets you don't want anybody findin' out about. Especially in Dallas." John Ross smiles at the beaten man.
"What the hell is this?" Frank asks nervously.
"Come on, Brunson. You're a big boy. Even you oughta be able to figure that one out."
"I get it. Blackmail. You're gonna use that video to force me into selling my refineries to Westar instead of Ewing."
John Ross smiles. "I knew you were a bright guy."
"How the hell did you.....how did you get this?"
"I have connections, Frank. And I ALWAYS make sure to find out everything I can about anybody I do business with. That information can come in real handy sometimes."
"Ewing, please, you can't use that," Frank says. "I have a wife, and two sons. One of my sons is about to start law school at Harvard. This could ruin me."
"Duttin' have to, Frank," John Ross says, picking up some papers from his desk. He hands them to Frank. "All you gotta do to make this video disappear permanently.....is sign this contract I took the liberty of havin' drawn up. Just sell your refineries to me, and your secret is safe."
"But.....I already promised your uncle."
"Only verbally. Long as that contract hadn't been signed, your refineries aint been sold. Come on, Frank. Sign the contract. You know it's for the best."
Frank looks at him for a moment. "You know, I've always heard stories about how your daddy did business. Strong arming and blackmailing people to get what he wanted. Knowing that, I must've been crazy to even consider doing business with J.R. Ewing's son in the first place." Frank takes a pen from his pocket and signs the three pages of the contract, then gives it back to John Ross.
"You made the right decision, Frank. And hell, this can prob'ly even save your marriage, because my guess is you'll stop your foolin' around and visitin' whorehouses and become a more faithful husband to Nancy. Remember, Frank.....it never pays to have secrets you don't want anybody findin' out about. Especially in Dallas." John Ross smiles at the beaten man.
Dallas Police Department....
Bobby is ushered into an office at the Dallas Police Department that afternoon by his friend, Lt. Steve Walden. "Come on in, Bobby," Steve says. "Have a seat."
"Thank you, Steve," Bobby says, taking a seat in the office. "I really appreciate you seein' me."
"Thank you, Steve," Bobby says, taking a seat in the office. "I really appreciate you seein' me."
"It's no problem at all, Bobby," Steve says. "What are old friends for? So, you're here to ask about the investigation into Jack Ewing's murder?"
"Yes. Steve, I know you can't divulge any information that may compromise your investigation, but, Jack was a member of my family and any information you can give me would be appreciated."
"I understand, Bobby. Unfortunately, right now, we don't have any information. But, it doesn't look like robbery was the motive. Ewing's wallet was in his pocket, all his credit cards were there and he had over $500 cash on him."
"Nothing was taken?" Bobby asks.
"Nothing we can determine. No one at the hotel seems to have heard anything, or seen anyone strange. We're checking all the contacts in Ewing's cell phone. Right now, Bobby, that's all I can say."
"Thank you, Steve. I appreciate the info."
"Sure thing. You've helped me a lot over the years, I figure I can return the favor."
"Would you please call me if you find anything?" Bobby asks.
"I will. Bobby, how much did you know about your cousin's life?"
"Not much at all. Jack first came to Dallas about thirty years ago. He left a couple years later. He was in town a couple times few years later and dropped in to see me at Southfork. Last time I saw him was, I guess about '94. Then he contacted me after my Mama died in 2001. Since then I hadn't heard a word from him. I can't imagine what he was even doing back in Dallas, and why he hadn't contacted me."
"Alright, well, thank you, Bobby. I'll let you know as soon as we find anything."
"Thanks again, Steve," Bobby says. He shakes his friend's hand, then leaves.
"Yes. Steve, I know you can't divulge any information that may compromise your investigation, but, Jack was a member of my family and any information you can give me would be appreciated."
"I understand, Bobby. Unfortunately, right now, we don't have any information. But, it doesn't look like robbery was the motive. Ewing's wallet was in his pocket, all his credit cards were there and he had over $500 cash on him."
"Nothing was taken?" Bobby asks.
"Nothing we can determine. No one at the hotel seems to have heard anything, or seen anyone strange. We're checking all the contacts in Ewing's cell phone. Right now, Bobby, that's all I can say."
"Thank you, Steve. I appreciate the info."
"Sure thing. You've helped me a lot over the years, I figure I can return the favor."
"Would you please call me if you find anything?" Bobby asks.
"I will. Bobby, how much did you know about your cousin's life?"
"Not much at all. Jack first came to Dallas about thirty years ago. He left a couple years later. He was in town a couple times few years later and dropped in to see me at Southfork. Last time I saw him was, I guess about '94. Then he contacted me after my Mama died in 2001. Since then I hadn't heard a word from him. I can't imagine what he was even doing back in Dallas, and why he hadn't contacted me."
"Alright, well, thank you, Bobby. I'll let you know as soon as we find anything."
"Thanks again, Steve," Bobby says. He shakes his friend's hand, then leaves.
Ewing Global....later
Bobby steps off the elevator at Ewing Global a short time later. As he's heading toward his office, Christopher comes out of the conference room and meets him.
"Dad, can I have a word?" Christopher asks.
"Sure." Bobby follows Christopher to the conference room, where Sue Ellen is waiting for them. Christopher closes the door behind them. "What's up?" Bobby asks.
"Bobby, we have some bad news," says Sue Ellen.
"Yeah," says Christopher. "I got a call from Frank Brunson while you were out. He bailed on us, Dad. Decided to sell his refineries to Westar."
"Westar?" Bobby asks, stunned by the news. "But we had his word."
"Dad, can I have a word?" Christopher asks.
"Sure." Bobby follows Christopher to the conference room, where Sue Ellen is waiting for them. Christopher closes the door behind them. "What's up?" Bobby asks.
"Bobby, we have some bad news," says Sue Ellen.
"Yeah," says Christopher. "I got a call from Frank Brunson while you were out. He bailed on us, Dad. Decided to sell his refineries to Westar."
"Westar?" Bobby asks, stunned by the news. "But we had his word."
"Well, apparently, this Mr. Brunson's word isn't worth much," Sue Ellen says.
An angry Bobby takes his cell phone from his pocket. "Dad, what are you doing?" Christopher asks.
"I'm gonna give Brunson a call," Bobby replies. He dials the number to Brunson's office. On the third ring, a secretary answers. "I need to speak with Frank Brunson. This is Bobby Ewing. Look, either you get Brunson on the phone, or I'm comin' over there." A moment later, Frank takes the call. "Brunson, what the hell is your problem?
An angry Bobby takes his cell phone from his pocket. "Dad, what are you doing?" Christopher asks.
"I'm gonna give Brunson a call," Bobby replies. He dials the number to Brunson's office. On the third ring, a secretary answers. "I need to speak with Frank Brunson. This is Bobby Ewing. Look, either you get Brunson on the phone, or I'm comin' over there." A moment later, Frank takes the call. "Brunson, what the hell is your problem?
We had a deal to buy your refineries, and now I find out that you turned around and sold them to Westar?"
"Bobby, I'm sorry, but we never signed a contract, and Westar offered a better deal," Frank says on the other end of the line.
"What kinda businessman are you?" Bobby asks. "We shook hands on the deal, regardless of whether we had signed the contracts yet."
"I'm sorry. But, I did what I had to do."
Bobby angrily ends the call. "Damn," he says. "We could've really used those refineries with those new wells coming in."
"Bobby, it's alright," Sue Ellen says. "We'll find another refinery for sale."
"That's not the point, Sue Ellen. The point is that man gave me his WORD. We shook hands on it. Brunson's always had a reputation for fairness and honesty and doing business the old fashioned way. Makes ya wonder who the hell you can trust anymore." Without another word, Bobby angrily storms out of the room, leavings Sue Ellen and Christopher worried.
"Is he alright?" Sue Ellen asks. "I have a feeling this is more than losing that refinery deal."
"Yeah. I think this news about Jack Ewing really got to him."
"I understand. Your father and Jack weren't close, but, Jack was still a Ewing, and to Bobby, family means everything."
"Bobby, I'm sorry, but we never signed a contract, and Westar offered a better deal," Frank says on the other end of the line.
"What kinda businessman are you?" Bobby asks. "We shook hands on the deal, regardless of whether we had signed the contracts yet."
"I'm sorry. But, I did what I had to do."
Bobby angrily ends the call. "Damn," he says. "We could've really used those refineries with those new wells coming in."
"Bobby, it's alright," Sue Ellen says. "We'll find another refinery for sale."
"That's not the point, Sue Ellen. The point is that man gave me his WORD. We shook hands on it. Brunson's always had a reputation for fairness and honesty and doing business the old fashioned way. Makes ya wonder who the hell you can trust anymore." Without another word, Bobby angrily storms out of the room, leavings Sue Ellen and Christopher worried.
"Is he alright?" Sue Ellen asks. "I have a feeling this is more than losing that refinery deal."
"Yeah. I think this news about Jack Ewing really got to him."
"I understand. Your father and Jack weren't close, but, Jack was still a Ewing, and to Bobby, family means everything."
"Sue Ellen, what do you know about Jack Ewing?" Christopher asks. "What kinda guy was he?"
"Jack was a nice guy. He was somewhat of a wanderer. Sort of restless. I can't really tell you much. Why do you ask?"
Christopher sighs. "Just curious. I don't remember much about him. I just have to wonder why he came back to Dallas after all these years, and why he didn't let the family know he was here. Somehow, I can't help but think his being here has something to do with his murder."
"Jack was a nice guy. He was somewhat of a wanderer. Sort of restless. I can't really tell you much. Why do you ask?"
Christopher sighs. "Just curious. I don't remember much about him. I just have to wonder why he came back to Dallas after all these years, and why he didn't let the family know he was here. Somehow, I can't help but think his being here has something to do with his murder."
Southfork....that night
Bobby and Ann are in the living room having before dinner drinks that evening when Christopher walks in. "Hey,guys," he says.
"Christopher. You left the office before I did," says Bobby.
"Yeah. I had a few errands to run. Where is everyone?"
"Lucas and Emma are havin' dinner in town with Ray and Jenna," Ann replies. "And they took Alex with them. Amanda's upstairs, John Ross hasn't come home yet, and I'm not sure where Lucy is."
"Dad, you calmed down yet?" Christopher asks.
"Calmed down? What happened?" Asks Ann.
"Christopher. You left the office before I did," says Bobby.
"Yeah. I had a few errands to run. Where is everyone?"
"Lucas and Emma are havin' dinner in town with Ray and Jenna," Ann replies. "And they took Alex with them. Amanda's upstairs, John Ross hasn't come home yet, and I'm not sure where Lucy is."
"Dad, you calmed down yet?" Christopher asks.
"Calmed down? What happened?" Asks Ann.
"We lost a big deal to Westar today," Bobby replies. "A deal to buy two refineries that Ewing Global really could've used now that we have some new wells comin' in."
"I'm sorry."
"How do you suppose he did it?" Christopher asks. "When we met with Brunson the other day, the deal was all set and signing the contracts was just gonna be a formality. Then all of a sudden, John Ross swoops in and steals Brunson out from under us? That makes no sense."
"No, it certainly doesn't," Bobby says as Amanda walks in.
"Hi, Amanda," Ann says.
"Good evening, everyone," says Amanda.
At that moment, John Ross arrives home and walks into the living room. "Mmmmm, somethin' smells real good," he says with a smile as he walks straight to the bar to pour himself a drink.
"Dinner'll be ready soon," Ann says.
"Goo. Because I am famished."
"John Ross, I need to talk to you," Bobby says.
"What about, Uncle Bobby?"
"About Frank Brunson and that refinery deal you stole from us today."
John Ross turns around to face his uncle. "Stole?"
"That's right.....STOLE," Christopher says. "Frank Brunson made that deal with Ewing Global, John Ross."
"But y'all hadn't signed the contract with ol' Frank, yet. I just offered him a better deal and he went with it."
"It was dirty business, John Ross," says Bobby. "So how'd you get him to do it, huh? Blackmail? The way you prob'ly blackmailed Todd Baxter into goin' to court to overturn J.R.'s codicil?"
"Ya know, Uncle Bobby, you really are startin' to sound paranoid," John Ross says. "Amanda, why don't you and I go out to dinner tonight? The atmosphere around here itn't very pleasant this ev'nin." John Ross puts hi glass down on the bar and walks out of the room, followed by Amanda.
"I'm sorry."
"How do you suppose he did it?" Christopher asks. "When we met with Brunson the other day, the deal was all set and signing the contracts was just gonna be a formality. Then all of a sudden, John Ross swoops in and steals Brunson out from under us? That makes no sense."
"No, it certainly doesn't," Bobby says as Amanda walks in.
"Hi, Amanda," Ann says.
"Good evening, everyone," says Amanda.
At that moment, John Ross arrives home and walks into the living room. "Mmmmm, somethin' smells real good," he says with a smile as he walks straight to the bar to pour himself a drink.
"Dinner'll be ready soon," Ann says.
"Goo. Because I am famished."
"John Ross, I need to talk to you," Bobby says.
"What about, Uncle Bobby?"
"About Frank Brunson and that refinery deal you stole from us today."
John Ross turns around to face his uncle. "Stole?"
"That's right.....STOLE," Christopher says. "Frank Brunson made that deal with Ewing Global, John Ross."
"But y'all hadn't signed the contract with ol' Frank, yet. I just offered him a better deal and he went with it."
"It was dirty business, John Ross," says Bobby. "So how'd you get him to do it, huh? Blackmail? The way you prob'ly blackmailed Todd Baxter into goin' to court to overturn J.R.'s codicil?"
"Ya know, Uncle Bobby, you really are startin' to sound paranoid," John Ross says. "Amanda, why don't you and I go out to dinner tonight? The atmosphere around here itn't very pleasant this ev'nin." John Ross puts hi glass down on the bar and walks out of the room, followed by Amanda.
Meanwhile....the cottage
James, Debra Lynn, Jimmy, Ashley, and Justin are having dinner at the cottage, meanwhile. Debra Lynn places a platter of roast beef on the table then takes a seat.
"Debra Lynn, that sure smells good," Justin says.
"Well, thank you, Justin."
"Nobody can cook like my Mom," Jimmy says with a smile.
"Well, she's had plenty of practice," says James. "Debra Lynn was a wonderful cook even when she real young."
Debra Lynn smiles at the compliments. "My grandmother taught me a lot of what I know about cooking. And what she didn't teach me, I learned from my mother."
"Try as I may, I just can't seem to get the hang of cooking," says Ashley. "I guess the gene must have skipped me."
"Boy, I'll say it did," Jimmy jokes. "Justin, if you value your life, don't EVER eat anything my little sister cooks."
Justin laughs. "I really appreciate y'all havin' me over for dinner tonight. Gets kinda lonesome eatin' all by myself in my room. Ann told me I'm welcome to have dinner with the fam'ly every night, but, I always seem to lose my appetite eatin' at the same table with John Ross."
"Debra Lynn, that sure smells good," Justin says.
"Well, thank you, Justin."
"Nobody can cook like my Mom," Jimmy says with a smile.
"Well, she's had plenty of practice," says James. "Debra Lynn was a wonderful cook even when she real young."
Debra Lynn smiles at the compliments. "My grandmother taught me a lot of what I know about cooking. And what she didn't teach me, I learned from my mother."
"Try as I may, I just can't seem to get the hang of cooking," says Ashley. "I guess the gene must have skipped me."
"Boy, I'll say it did," Jimmy jokes. "Justin, if you value your life, don't EVER eat anything my little sister cooks."
Justin laughs. "I really appreciate y'all havin' me over for dinner tonight. Gets kinda lonesome eatin' all by myself in my room. Ann told me I'm welcome to have dinner with the fam'ly every night, but, I always seem to lose my appetite eatin' at the same table with John Ross."
"That's understandable," says Jimmy. "John Ross does tend to have that affect on people."
"Why does everyone hate Uncle John Ross so much?" Ashley asks.
"Honey, we don't hate John Ross," relies James. "We just hate some of the things he does."
"Why does he do the things he does?" Ashley asks.
James sighs. "You know, I've been asking myself that same question for years."
"So, little sister, how was your first week at your new school?" Jimmy asks.
"It was good," Ashley replies. "I actually think I'm gonna like Braddock."
"That have anything to do with the fact that Alex Walton goes there, too?" Justin asks.
Ashley smiles. "Maybe."
"Hmmm, what's this?" Asks Jimmy. "My kid sister has a crush?"
"Yeah," says James. "You know the kid. Alex Walton, he's Ray Krebbs' step-grandson. Remember, you met him at Southfork on Christmas."
"Oh yeah, I remember."
Debra Lynn lets out a deep sigh, which doesn't go unnoticed by everyone at the table.
"Anything wrong, Mom?" Jimmy asks.
"Mom doesn't really like Alex for some reason," Ashley says.
"It's not that I don't like him, it's just that I think he seems a little.....mature for you."
"Mom, we're the same age and we're in the same grade."
"Alex is a good kid," Justin says. "He's just been through a lot of stuff. I feel sorry for him."
"Why does everyone hate Uncle John Ross so much?" Ashley asks.
"Honey, we don't hate John Ross," relies James. "We just hate some of the things he does."
"Why does he do the things he does?" Ashley asks.
James sighs. "You know, I've been asking myself that same question for years."
"So, little sister, how was your first week at your new school?" Jimmy asks.
"It was good," Ashley replies. "I actually think I'm gonna like Braddock."
"That have anything to do with the fact that Alex Walton goes there, too?" Justin asks.
Ashley smiles. "Maybe."
"Hmmm, what's this?" Asks Jimmy. "My kid sister has a crush?"
"Yeah," says James. "You know the kid. Alex Walton, he's Ray Krebbs' step-grandson. Remember, you met him at Southfork on Christmas."
"Oh yeah, I remember."
Debra Lynn lets out a deep sigh, which doesn't go unnoticed by everyone at the table.
"Anything wrong, Mom?" Jimmy asks.
"Mom doesn't really like Alex for some reason," Ashley says.
"It's not that I don't like him, it's just that I think he seems a little.....mature for you."
"Mom, we're the same age and we're in the same grade."
"Alex is a good kid," Justin says. "He's just been through a lot of stuff. I feel sorry for him."
Later....
As Jimmy rinses the dishes and loads them in the dishwasher after dinner, James walks into the kitchen. "I'm glad you came over tonight, son."
"Yeah. I'm gonna hang out with Justin tonight at the bunkhouse since it's Friday."
"Jimmy, look, I know things have been a little frosty between us since the court hearing," James says. "I'm real sorry you had to hear all that stuff in court about me, and about what happened with your grandpa."
Jimmy sighs and turns to his father. "It was weird, Dad. To hear all those things I never about you. That you actually left your own father in a mental hospital and tore up his release papers. How could you do that?"
"Jimmy, it was a long time ago. And there were things goin' on. I regretted what I did afterward, and your grandfather forgave me. We got past that."
"I know. Dad, I'm sorry I reacted the way I did, it just threw me for a loop. But, I'm real glad you and Mom and Ashley are gonna be stayin' here for a while."
"Yeah. I'm gonna hang out with Justin tonight at the bunkhouse since it's Friday."
"Jimmy, look, I know things have been a little frosty between us since the court hearing," James says. "I'm real sorry you had to hear all that stuff in court about me, and about what happened with your grandpa."
Jimmy sighs and turns to his father. "It was weird, Dad. To hear all those things I never about you. That you actually left your own father in a mental hospital and tore up his release papers. How could you do that?"
"Jimmy, it was a long time ago. And there were things goin' on. I regretted what I did afterward, and your grandfather forgave me. We got past that."
"I know. Dad, I'm sorry I reacted the way I did, it just threw me for a loop. But, I'm real glad you and Mom and Ashley are gonna be stayin' here for a while."
"Well, ya know, your mother and I wanted to be near you. And I also wanted a chance to get to know my new kid brother."
"So what are you gonna do about a job, Dad?" Jimmy asks.
"Well, we have enough money saved to tide us over for a while. But, I guess soon I'm gonna need to be lookin' for a job."
"Dad, is Mom okay? She seems a little on edge lately."
"Yeah I've noticed it, too. I dunno, I think maybe it's just the move here, and she's been a little worried about Ashley seein' so much of this Alex kid. She'll be fine."
"So what are you gonna do about a job, Dad?" Jimmy asks.
"Well, we have enough money saved to tide us over for a while. But, I guess soon I'm gonna need to be lookin' for a job."
"Dad, is Mom okay? She seems a little on edge lately."
"Yeah I've noticed it, too. I dunno, I think maybe it's just the move here, and she's been a little worried about Ashley seein' so much of this Alex kid. She'll be fine."
Sue Ellen's home....the next morning
Dusty walks into Sue Ellen's bedroom the next morning carrying a breakfast tray as she still sleeps. He quietly places the tray on the table beside her bed, and looks down at her as she sleeps. He smiles, then gently touches her on the shoulder to wake her. "Sue Ellen," he says. "Sue Ellen."
She opens he eyes and looks up at him.
"Good morning," Dusty says.
"Good morning. What's this?" Sue Ellen asks, looking at the tray.
"I made you breakfast."
Sue Ellen sits up in bed. "Oh, Dusty, you didn't have to do that."
"I wanted to. You deserve it."
"It smells wonderful."
Dusty places the tray on her lap. "You've got bacon and eggs, and a sausage biscuit with orange juice."
Sue Ellen looks at him and smiles. "You are SO wonderful. I can't tell you how happy I've been since you came back into my life."
She opens he eyes and looks up at him.
"Good morning," Dusty says.
"Good morning. What's this?" Sue Ellen asks, looking at the tray.
"I made you breakfast."
Sue Ellen sits up in bed. "Oh, Dusty, you didn't have to do that."
"I wanted to. You deserve it."
"It smells wonderful."
Dusty places the tray on her lap. "You've got bacon and eggs, and a sausage biscuit with orange juice."
Sue Ellen looks at him and smiles. "You are SO wonderful. I can't tell you how happy I've been since you came back into my life."
"You didn't seem very happy last night," Dusty says. "You were quiet and then you tossed and turned most of the night."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep you awake."
"You didn't keep me awake. You still worrying about John Ross?"
Sue Ellen sighs. "It's that obvious?"
"Did something else happen?"
"Yes. Ewing Global was all set to sign a contract to buy two refineries. But, before we could sign, John Ross stole the deal out from under us for Westar. Bobby was very upset."
"Sue Ellen, why don't you just quit Ewing Global? Sell your share of the company to Bobby. You don't really need this stress. Why not just let it go and enjoy your life?"
"Just sell my share to Bobby and then do what? Stay home all the time? Travel?"
"Why not?" Dusty asks.
"Dusty, I love spending time with you. I really enjoyed our vacation to Galveston. But I need something else in my life. Ewing Global is very important to me. I really do enjoy it, aside from the occasional stress over being in competition with John Ross and Westar."
"I can understand how you feel. I felt the same about the rodeo, before age forced me to retire. You really do seem to thrive when you're talking about the business. You know what's funny?"
"What?" Sue Ellen asks, taking a bite of her biscuit.
"Back in the old days, I never could've pictured you becoming a big business tycoon."
"Neither could I. But I've honestly enjoyed most of it."
"Well, today is Saturday, which means no office for you today, so, how about we do something special?"
"Special? Such as?"
"Anything you'd like," Dusty says.
"Dusty, it doesn't matter to me what we do today. Because any time spent with you, is special."
Dusty smiles, then leans over and kisses her. "I feel the same. Hey, it's a real nice day outside, so, how about we pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon in the park."
"I'd like that," Sue Ellen says.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep you awake."
"You didn't keep me awake. You still worrying about John Ross?"
Sue Ellen sighs. "It's that obvious?"
"Did something else happen?"
"Yes. Ewing Global was all set to sign a contract to buy two refineries. But, before we could sign, John Ross stole the deal out from under us for Westar. Bobby was very upset."
"Sue Ellen, why don't you just quit Ewing Global? Sell your share of the company to Bobby. You don't really need this stress. Why not just let it go and enjoy your life?"
"Just sell my share to Bobby and then do what? Stay home all the time? Travel?"
"Why not?" Dusty asks.
"Dusty, I love spending time with you. I really enjoyed our vacation to Galveston. But I need something else in my life. Ewing Global is very important to me. I really do enjoy it, aside from the occasional stress over being in competition with John Ross and Westar."
"I can understand how you feel. I felt the same about the rodeo, before age forced me to retire. You really do seem to thrive when you're talking about the business. You know what's funny?"
"What?" Sue Ellen asks, taking a bite of her biscuit.
"Back in the old days, I never could've pictured you becoming a big business tycoon."
"Neither could I. But I've honestly enjoyed most of it."
"Well, today is Saturday, which means no office for you today, so, how about we do something special?"
"Special? Such as?"
"Anything you'd like," Dusty says.
"Dusty, it doesn't matter to me what we do today. Because any time spent with you, is special."
Dusty smiles, then leans over and kisses her. "I feel the same. Hey, it's a real nice day outside, so, how about we pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon in the park."
"I'd like that," Sue Ellen says.
Southfork....later
Ann walks into the breakfast room at Southfork later in the morning to answer a knock at the door. She sees Debra Lynn standing at the door, and opens it.
"Well, good morning," Ann says.
"Morning, Ann," Debra Lynn says, walking into the house carrying a dish. "I brought you something. It's a chicken casserole I made."
"Oh, Debra Lynn, it smells wonderful. Come on. Let's put this in the kitchen." Ann takes the casserole dish and Debra Lynn follows her into the kitchen. "You must've been up real early to make this."
"I was up around five this morning. I couldn't sleep, and when that happens, I usually get up and cook or bake something."
"I do the same thing," Ann says. "Is something on your mind the reason you couldn't sleep?"
"Ann, can I talk to you about something?"
"Of course. I hope you feel you can talk to me about most anything."
"Thank you. It's nice to have a friend here, so close by."
"I feel the same. So what's on your mind?"
Debra Lynn sighs. "I think I'm pregnant."
Ann looks at her, then smiles. "Well, darlin', that's great news," she says, hugging Debra Lynn. "You said you THINK you're pregnant?"
"Well, I won't be 100% sure until I see a doctor, but, I missed my period, and I've been having some other symptoms for several days now. So I went and bought a home pregnancy test. I took it last night before bed, and it came up positive."
"You sure don't seem too happy about this," says Ann.
"I'm not sure if I am. Ten yeas ago, or even five years ago, I'd have been jumping for joy. But now, at this stage of my life? Ann, James and I have a 25-year-old son and a 15-year-old daughter. Besides that, we just uprooted our family and moved here. It just doesn't seem like the right time."
"I think it's always the right time to bring a baby into the world. Because no matter what else is wrong, a precious little gift like that can make it all right."
"Well, that's not all that I'm worried about," says Debra Lynn. "There's my age. I'm 44, and I've had problems before."
"What sort of problems?" Ann asks.
"Well, good morning," Ann says.
"Morning, Ann," Debra Lynn says, walking into the house carrying a dish. "I brought you something. It's a chicken casserole I made."
"Oh, Debra Lynn, it smells wonderful. Come on. Let's put this in the kitchen." Ann takes the casserole dish and Debra Lynn follows her into the kitchen. "You must've been up real early to make this."
"I was up around five this morning. I couldn't sleep, and when that happens, I usually get up and cook or bake something."
"I do the same thing," Ann says. "Is something on your mind the reason you couldn't sleep?"
"Ann, can I talk to you about something?"
"Of course. I hope you feel you can talk to me about most anything."
"Thank you. It's nice to have a friend here, so close by."
"I feel the same. So what's on your mind?"
Debra Lynn sighs. "I think I'm pregnant."
Ann looks at her, then smiles. "Well, darlin', that's great news," she says, hugging Debra Lynn. "You said you THINK you're pregnant?"
"Well, I won't be 100% sure until I see a doctor, but, I missed my period, and I've been having some other symptoms for several days now. So I went and bought a home pregnancy test. I took it last night before bed, and it came up positive."
"You sure don't seem too happy about this," says Ann.
"I'm not sure if I am. Ten yeas ago, or even five years ago, I'd have been jumping for joy. But now, at this stage of my life? Ann, James and I have a 25-year-old son and a 15-year-old daughter. Besides that, we just uprooted our family and moved here. It just doesn't seem like the right time."
"I think it's always the right time to bring a baby into the world. Because no matter what else is wrong, a precious little gift like that can make it all right."
"Well, that's not all that I'm worried about," says Debra Lynn. "There's my age. I'm 44, and I've had problems before."
"What sort of problems?" Ann asks.
"After James and I got back together when Jimmy was two, and we moved back east, we started talking about having more kids. So we started trying. I had two miscarriages before Ashley was conceived. Then four years went by and I couldn't get pregnant. When I found out I was carrying Ashley, it took us by surprise. But thankfully, I had a beautiful and healthy baby girl. And then, two years after Ashley was born, I had another miscarriage."
"Oh, Debra Lynn, I'm so sorry," Ann says.
"After that third miscarriage, I stopped trying. I figured Jimmy and Ashley were all God was gonna bless us with. For me to suddenly get pregnant now, at my age and with the problems I had when I was younger, it's......."
"Scary, I know," Ann says, reaching out and touching Debra Lynn's hand. "Have you made an appointment to see a doctor?"
"No. Not yet."
"Tell you what. Why don't we call my doctor right now and see if she can see you this afternoon? She works at the hospital some weekends."
"Ann I'd really appreciate that. Would you go with me?"
Ann smiles. "I'd love to. I'll give her a call right now."
"Oh, Debra Lynn, I'm so sorry," Ann says.
"After that third miscarriage, I stopped trying. I figured Jimmy and Ashley were all God was gonna bless us with. For me to suddenly get pregnant now, at my age and with the problems I had when I was younger, it's......."
"Scary, I know," Ann says, reaching out and touching Debra Lynn's hand. "Have you made an appointment to see a doctor?"
"No. Not yet."
"Tell you what. Why don't we call my doctor right now and see if she can see you this afternoon? She works at the hospital some weekends."
"Ann I'd really appreciate that. Would you go with me?"
Ann smiles. "I'd love to. I'll give her a call right now."
A pasture at Southfork....
Justin and Jimmy are out riding horses across a pasture at Southfork early in the afternoon. "Sure is a beautiful place," Jimmy says. "Even if it is winter. I bet it's gorgeous in the spring and summer."
"Yeah, I can't wait to see it," Justin says.
"What were you and my Dad talking about last night?" Jimmy asks.
"When?"
"When you were whispering between you. You two got some big secret?"
"Yeah, I can't wait to see it," Justin says.
"What were you and my Dad talking about last night?" Jimmy asks.
"When?"
"When you were whispering between you. You two got some big secret?"
"Nope. No secrets," says Justin.
"Come on, dude. Looked like you and Dad were having a real intense convo last night. Was it about John Ross?"
Justin sighs. "Aight, Jimmy, I'll tell ya. But you gotta promise to keep this quiet."
"Sure."
"I got somethin' on John Ross. And real soon, I'm gonna use what I got to have that judge's decision overturned."
"Wow, must be something big."
"It is," Justin says. "Jimmy, you're the best friend I got in the whole world, in addition to bein' my fam'ly. I hadn't even told James this. Jill's the only one that knows. You gotta swear to me you're not gonna say anything to anybody, not even your daddy."
"Dude, you have my word," says Jimmy.
"Well, seems John Ross blackmailed ol' Judge Brewster into sidin' with him in court and overturnin' the codicil to J.R.'s will."
"Come on, dude. Looked like you and Dad were having a real intense convo last night. Was it about John Ross?"
Justin sighs. "Aight, Jimmy, I'll tell ya. But you gotta promise to keep this quiet."
"Sure."
"I got somethin' on John Ross. And real soon, I'm gonna use what I got to have that judge's decision overturned."
"Wow, must be something big."
"It is," Justin says. "Jimmy, you're the best friend I got in the whole world, in addition to bein' my fam'ly. I hadn't even told James this. Jill's the only one that knows. You gotta swear to me you're not gonna say anything to anybody, not even your daddy."
"Dude, you have my word," says Jimmy.
"Well, seems John Ross blackmailed ol' Judge Brewster into sidin' with him in court and overturnin' the codicil to J.R.'s will."
Jimmy stops his horse. "What? He.....he blackmailed the judge? You gotta be kidding me."
"Nope," Justin says. "I got the proof. Ya know Emma, right?"
"Ann's daughter? Sure."
"Emma put me in touch with her daddy, or rather, the man who raised her, Harris Ryland. Ryland's old lady runs this whorehouse in Dallas that is visited by some of the most prominent men in town, includin' that Judge Brewster. John Ross is in pretty tight with the old lady, and she provides him with blackmail material on anybody he needs a little leverage on."
"Oh.....wow. That's incredible. Dude why are you sitting on this? Why not take it to your lawyer and let him do something about it, to help you get your inheritance - OUR inheritance?"
Justin smiles. "Don't worry, Jimbo. Real soon. For right now, I want John Ross to think he's beaten us. Just let him savor his little victory for a while longer."
"Why?" Jimmy asks.
"Nope," Justin says. "I got the proof. Ya know Emma, right?"
"Ann's daughter? Sure."
"Emma put me in touch with her daddy, or rather, the man who raised her, Harris Ryland. Ryland's old lady runs this whorehouse in Dallas that is visited by some of the most prominent men in town, includin' that Judge Brewster. John Ross is in pretty tight with the old lady, and she provides him with blackmail material on anybody he needs a little leverage on."
"Oh.....wow. That's incredible. Dude why are you sitting on this? Why not take it to your lawyer and let him do something about it, to help you get your inheritance - OUR inheritance?"
Justin smiles. "Don't worry, Jimbo. Real soon. For right now, I want John Ross to think he's beaten us. Just let him savor his little victory for a while longer."
"Why?" Jimmy asks.
"Well, you know what they say......the higher up you are, the further you have to fall. I want big brother to fall a long way, and I want him to hit that ground hard," Justin says with a smile as he and Jimmy resume their ride. Jimmy laughs at the comment.
A cafe in Dallas....
Emma walks into a cafe in downtown Dallas that afternoon and spots Cliff sitting at a table across the room. She walks over to his table and takes a seat. "Hi," she says. "Emma, I'm glad you called and wanted to have lunch," Cliff says smiling. "Pamela said that you talked to her." "I did. And she confirmed everything you told me." |
"You see?" Cliff asks. "I wasn't lying. The Ewings framed me for the murder of J.R. And I'm not gonna let them get away with that."
"Pamela told me that Ann didn't know about the frame-up."
"I don't think she did. And I don't think Sue Ellen did, either, at least not til later. It was all Bobby, John Ross, and, as much as I hate to admit it.....my own nephew, Christopher."
Emma sighs deeply as she sits back in her seat and looks out the window. "This whole thing is so hard to believe, and to accept. I've lived in that house for a long time now. The Ewings have been my family."
"I know," Cliff says. "And having lived with them, I'm sure you've seen some of the things those people are capable of. Like what John Ross did to you and your sister."
"Pamela told me that Ann didn't know about the frame-up."
"I don't think she did. And I don't think Sue Ellen did, either, at least not til later. It was all Bobby, John Ross, and, as much as I hate to admit it.....my own nephew, Christopher."
Emma sighs deeply as she sits back in her seat and looks out the window. "This whole thing is so hard to believe, and to accept. I've lived in that house for a long time now. The Ewings have been my family."
"I know," Cliff says. "And having lived with them, I'm sure you've seen some of the things those people are capable of. Like what John Ross did to you and your sister."
"I'm just really confused right now," says Emma. "Part of me wants to get up from this table right now, and run out that door. And the other part of me wants to get to know you, because you're my father. On one hand, I wanna hate the Ewings for what they did to you, and on the other......I understand why they did it because you did some pretty horrible things, too."
"Emma, sweetheart, I know. I understand exactly how you feel. Don't think for a minute that I don't. And I really do hope you give me a chance to get to know you really well. I've thought about that a lot since I found out you were my daughter. I also hope you and Pamela can get past your differences and develop a real relationship as sisters."
"Well, I don't know about that one," Emma says. "I'm definitely NOT one of Pamela's favorite people these days. And I can't say as I blame her, considering."
"She'll come around," Cliff says. "And she'll realize that you did her a real favor having that affair with John Ross. It showed her that guy's true colors, and freed her from that family, and for that, Emma, I am also grateful. I'm just glad you didn't get mixed up with John Ross any further."
"Pamela said something to me. She said......the Ewings are all the same. She made it sound as if even Lucas would end up hurting me. I don't wanna believe that."
"I don't really know Bobby's son, Lucas. I met the kid once, a few months ago. But, Emma, I've said this a hundred times.....a Ewing is a Ewing. They're basically all a bunch of snakes. Some maybe to a lesser degree, but they all have the same brand. And I want you to be careful living with those people. Eventually, they hurt or destroy everything and everyone they come in contact with."
"Emma, sweetheart, I know. I understand exactly how you feel. Don't think for a minute that I don't. And I really do hope you give me a chance to get to know you really well. I've thought about that a lot since I found out you were my daughter. I also hope you and Pamela can get past your differences and develop a real relationship as sisters."
"Well, I don't know about that one," Emma says. "I'm definitely NOT one of Pamela's favorite people these days. And I can't say as I blame her, considering."
"She'll come around," Cliff says. "And she'll realize that you did her a real favor having that affair with John Ross. It showed her that guy's true colors, and freed her from that family, and for that, Emma, I am also grateful. I'm just glad you didn't get mixed up with John Ross any further."
"Pamela said something to me. She said......the Ewings are all the same. She made it sound as if even Lucas would end up hurting me. I don't wanna believe that."
"I don't really know Bobby's son, Lucas. I met the kid once, a few months ago. But, Emma, I've said this a hundred times.....a Ewing is a Ewing. They're basically all a bunch of snakes. Some maybe to a lesser degree, but they all have the same brand. And I want you to be careful living with those people. Eventually, they hurt or destroy everything and everyone they come in contact with."
Southfork....
"Mr. Ewing? Mr. Bobby Ewing?" The young man asks.
"Yes, I'm Bobby Ewing. Who are you?"
"I'm Connor Ewing. Jack Ewing's son."
A look of surprise comes over Bobby's face. "Jack's son? Please, come in."
"Thank you," Connor says, walking into the house.
"I was very sorry to hear about your father," Bobby says.
"Thanks. That's why I'm here. I came to Dallas to arrange for my father's funeral, and to see if the police have any leads on what happened to him. I'd often heard him talk about his relatives here, so I wanted to meet you."
"Well, I'm very glad. I'm sorry this is a bit of a shock to me. I didn't even know Jack had a son."
"I'm sorry, I assumed you knew. I guess you and my father hadn't kept in touch?"
"No, I hadn't heard from Jack in almost fourteen years," Bobby says. "Would you like a drink or somethin'?"
"That would be nice," replies Connor.
"Come on in the livin' room and we'll have a drink and talk," Bobby says. He heads into the living room, followed by his young cousin.
"I'm Connor Ewing. Jack Ewing's son."
A look of surprise comes over Bobby's face. "Jack's son? Please, come in."
"Thank you," Connor says, walking into the house.
"I was very sorry to hear about your father," Bobby says.
"Thanks. That's why I'm here. I came to Dallas to arrange for my father's funeral, and to see if the police have any leads on what happened to him. I'd often heard him talk about his relatives here, so I wanted to meet you."
"Well, I'm very glad. I'm sorry this is a bit of a shock to me. I didn't even know Jack had a son."
"I'm sorry, I assumed you knew. I guess you and my father hadn't kept in touch?"
"No, I hadn't heard from Jack in almost fourteen years," Bobby says. "Would you like a drink or somethin'?"
"That would be nice," replies Connor.
"Come on in the livin' room and we'll have a drink and talk," Bobby says. He heads into the living room, followed by his young cousin.
Southfork....later
Christopher arrives home a little while later and hearing his father's voice in the living room, he walks in and finds Bobby talking to a young man he doesn't know. "Dad?" Christopher says, walking into the room.
"Christopher, I'm glad you're home, son," Bobby says. "Someone I'd like you to meet. Connor, this is my oldest son, Christopher. Son, this is your second cousin, Connor Ewing, Jack's son."
"Hello," Christopher says, shaking hands with Connor.
"Nice to meet you, Christopher."
"Same here. I'm real sorry to hear about your Dad."
"Thank you," Connor says. "It's really hard. I just wanna find out who killed my father."
"Connor, do you have any idea what your father was doing back in Dallas?" Bobby asks.
"None," replies Connor. "That's one of the things I came here to find out. He'd talked about Dallas quite a bit, and wanting to come back here, but he hadn't mentioned it in the last three or four years. I can't imagine why he'd suddenly decide to come back here without even saying a word to me about it."
"This whole thing is very strange. What about your mother? You haven't mentioned her."
"My parents divorced when I was pretty young. I lived with my Dad, and only saw my mother occasionally. Well, listen, I'd better be going. I rented a car and went by the police station to talk to the detective in charge of investigating my Dad's death, and then came straight here. I need to check into my hotel and get settled."
"Where're you staying?" Christopher asks.
"I booked a room at the Omni. I hear it's one of Dallas's best hotels."
"It is," says Bobby. "Connor, I hope you drop by again while you're in town. It'd be real nice for you to meet the rest of the family."
"Thank you, Bobby, I'd like that."
"And please, let me know when you've made the arrangements for jack."
"I will. Christopher, it was very nice meeting you."
"Yeah, you too, man," says Christopher. "Sorry it was under these circumstances."
"Me, too. Bye."
"I'll walk you out," Bobby says. He follows Connor from the living room into the foyer, opens the front door for him, then pats him on the back as Connor walks out of the house. After a brief pause, Bobby returns to the living room, where he finds Christopher pouring himself a drink.
"That was sure a surprise," Christopher says.
"Yes it was," Bobby says, a hint of sadness in his voice. "I feel bad for the kid. I just hope the police can find who killed Jack, and soon."
"Hello," Christopher says, shaking hands with Connor.
"Nice to meet you, Christopher."
"Same here. I'm real sorry to hear about your Dad."
"Thank you," Connor says. "It's really hard. I just wanna find out who killed my father."
"Connor, do you have any idea what your father was doing back in Dallas?" Bobby asks.
"None," replies Connor. "That's one of the things I came here to find out. He'd talked about Dallas quite a bit, and wanting to come back here, but he hadn't mentioned it in the last three or four years. I can't imagine why he'd suddenly decide to come back here without even saying a word to me about it."
"This whole thing is very strange. What about your mother? You haven't mentioned her."
"My parents divorced when I was pretty young. I lived with my Dad, and only saw my mother occasionally. Well, listen, I'd better be going. I rented a car and went by the police station to talk to the detective in charge of investigating my Dad's death, and then came straight here. I need to check into my hotel and get settled."
"Where're you staying?" Christopher asks.
"I booked a room at the Omni. I hear it's one of Dallas's best hotels."
"It is," says Bobby. "Connor, I hope you drop by again while you're in town. It'd be real nice for you to meet the rest of the family."
"Thank you, Bobby, I'd like that."
"And please, let me know when you've made the arrangements for jack."
"I will. Christopher, it was very nice meeting you."
"Yeah, you too, man," says Christopher. "Sorry it was under these circumstances."
"Me, too. Bye."
"I'll walk you out," Bobby says. He follows Connor from the living room into the foyer, opens the front door for him, then pats him on the back as Connor walks out of the house. After a brief pause, Bobby returns to the living room, where he finds Christopher pouring himself a drink.
"That was sure a surprise," Christopher says.
"Yes it was," Bobby says, a hint of sadness in his voice. "I feel bad for the kid. I just hope the police can find who killed Jack, and soon."
The cottage....late afternoon
Ann and Debra Lynn arrive back at the Southfork cottage late in the afternoon from Debra Lynn's doctor's appointment.
"Ann, thank you again for getting me the appointment and going with me," Debra Lynn says.
"You're more than welcome. So I guess congratulations are in order."
Debra Lynn sighs. "Yeah, I guess so. Thanks. Now I just have to figure out a way to tell James."
"I'm sure James will be very happy about the news."
"I hope so. But it just comes at a time when, we've reached middle age, and finally have our lives a little more settled. And now......another baby when we were starting to look forward to Jimmy giving us grandchildren someday."
"I understand how ya feel," says Ann. "But this is a blessin', no matter what stage of life it comes. I'd give almost anything if I could have another one. If I were about ten years younger, I'd sure be tryin'. You're very lucky, Debra Lynn."
"Ann, are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Just feelin' a little jealous, I suppose. You know, Emma was taken from me when she was eighteen months, and I didn't see her again until just two years ago. I missed out on so much of her life."
"I'm sorry, Ann."
"It's alright. Because I found her, and we're closer now than ever."
James walks into the cottage. "Well, Ann, how are you?" He asks.
"Just fine, James. Well, I'd better be goin' before Bobby sends out a possy to look for me. I'll see you both later."
"Bye, Ann, and thanks again," says Debra Lynn.
Ann smiles, then leaves the cottage. James walks over to his wife and kisses her. "Thank her for what?" He asks. "Where were you? I came home and you were gone. Out shopping or something?"
"Not exactly."
"Oh?"
"Ann went with me to see her doctor."
"Doctor? Why, what's wrong?" James asks, concerned. "Debra Lynn are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Mostly."
"What do you mean.....mostly? Debra Lynn, you're scarin' me. What did you go to the doctor for?"
"I had some tests done," Debra Lynn replies.
"Tests. My God, why didn't you tell me?" James asks.
"I didn't wanna worry you until I was sure."
"Sure about what? Debra Lynn, come on, tell me. What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing," she replies with a smile. "Nothing except I'm a little bit......pregnant."
"You're......you're what? Pregnant?"
"Yes. I'm pregnant, James."
"Oh my God," James says, embracing his wife. "Honey, I....I can't believe it."
"James, you are happy about this, right? I mean.....I know this is very unexpected, especially at this stage of our lives."
James looks at her and smiles. "I couldn't be happier. Sure, it's a shock. But I'm happy."
"I was so afraid you wouldn't take the news well. James, are you sure we can do this? I mean, at our age?"
"Come on, you make it sound like we're old or somethin'. Haven't you heard? The forties are the new thirties. We're in the prime of life."
"I love you, James Richard Beaumont."
James again smiles at his wife, then kisses her.
"Ann, thank you again for getting me the appointment and going with me," Debra Lynn says.
"You're more than welcome. So I guess congratulations are in order."
Debra Lynn sighs. "Yeah, I guess so. Thanks. Now I just have to figure out a way to tell James."
"I'm sure James will be very happy about the news."
"I hope so. But it just comes at a time when, we've reached middle age, and finally have our lives a little more settled. And now......another baby when we were starting to look forward to Jimmy giving us grandchildren someday."
"I understand how ya feel," says Ann. "But this is a blessin', no matter what stage of life it comes. I'd give almost anything if I could have another one. If I were about ten years younger, I'd sure be tryin'. You're very lucky, Debra Lynn."
"Ann, are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Just feelin' a little jealous, I suppose. You know, Emma was taken from me when she was eighteen months, and I didn't see her again until just two years ago. I missed out on so much of her life."
"I'm sorry, Ann."
"It's alright. Because I found her, and we're closer now than ever."
James walks into the cottage. "Well, Ann, how are you?" He asks.
"Just fine, James. Well, I'd better be goin' before Bobby sends out a possy to look for me. I'll see you both later."
"Bye, Ann, and thanks again," says Debra Lynn.
Ann smiles, then leaves the cottage. James walks over to his wife and kisses her. "Thank her for what?" He asks. "Where were you? I came home and you were gone. Out shopping or something?"
"Not exactly."
"Oh?"
"Ann went with me to see her doctor."
"Doctor? Why, what's wrong?" James asks, concerned. "Debra Lynn are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Mostly."
"What do you mean.....mostly? Debra Lynn, you're scarin' me. What did you go to the doctor for?"
"I had some tests done," Debra Lynn replies.
"Tests. My God, why didn't you tell me?" James asks.
"I didn't wanna worry you until I was sure."
"Sure about what? Debra Lynn, come on, tell me. What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing," she replies with a smile. "Nothing except I'm a little bit......pregnant."
"You're......you're what? Pregnant?"
"Yes. I'm pregnant, James."
"Oh my God," James says, embracing his wife. "Honey, I....I can't believe it."
"James, you are happy about this, right? I mean.....I know this is very unexpected, especially at this stage of our lives."
James looks at her and smiles. "I couldn't be happier. Sure, it's a shock. But I'm happy."
"I was so afraid you wouldn't take the news well. James, are you sure we can do this? I mean, at our age?"
"Come on, you make it sound like we're old or somethin'. Haven't you heard? The forties are the new thirties. We're in the prime of life."
"I love you, James Richard Beaumont."
James again smiles at his wife, then kisses her.
Southfork....John Ross and Amanda's room....later
John Ross walks into his and Amanda's bedroom at Southfork later in the evening. "Amanda," he calls out to her. "You here?"
Amanda walks in from the bathroom, only a towel wrapped around her. "I'm here."
"You just get out of the shower?"
"I did. So?"
"Perfect timin'. You and I are goin' out to dinner."
"Again?" Amanda asks.
"Yep, again. Business dinner with a guy and his wife I'm tryin' to cut a deal with. You get dressed while I hop in the shower real fast."
"No, thanks, John Ross."
He stops, then turns to her. "What the hell do you mean.....'no thanks."?
"John Ross, you barely speak to me. You come home most of the time smellin' like some other woman's cheap perfume, when you come home at all, that is. And you never touch me or treat me like your wife, and now, all of a sudden, you have a business dinner so you want me to go with you so I can be your trophy wife? Sorry, John Ross, but no."
Amanda walks in from the bathroom, only a towel wrapped around her. "I'm here."
"You just get out of the shower?"
"I did. So?"
"Perfect timin'. You and I are goin' out to dinner."
"Again?" Amanda asks.
"Yep, again. Business dinner with a guy and his wife I'm tryin' to cut a deal with. You get dressed while I hop in the shower real fast."
"No, thanks, John Ross."
He stops, then turns to her. "What the hell do you mean.....'no thanks."?
"John Ross, you barely speak to me. You come home most of the time smellin' like some other woman's cheap perfume, when you come home at all, that is. And you never touch me or treat me like your wife, and now, all of a sudden, you have a business dinner so you want me to go with you so I can be your trophy wife? Sorry, John Ross, but no."
"Well, I'm real sorry, darlin', but you don't have a choice here. Now I want you to get your ass dressed by the time I get out of the shower."
"No, John Ross. If you want me to be your wife, I will. Your REAL wife, in every sense," Amanda says. "But I'll be damned if I'm gonna be some trophy wife you just parade around to make business deals."
John Ross walks over to her. "Let's get somethin' straight here, Amanda. I meant it when I said you don't have a choice. Because right now, darlin', Southfork is the only place you've got to go. You mess around and get kicked outta here, what are you gonna do? Live on the streets? Darlin', it's the middle of winter, and even though we have some warm days here and there, those nights are always cold."
"You son of a bitch. You'd really kick me out of here when I'm pregnant with your baby?"
"My baby? Only time will tell about that," John Ross says, moving closer to her, his face only inches from hers. "As for me kickin' you out.....well, if I were you, I wouldn't try me. Now, I'm gonna step in there and take me a shower. And when I come out, I expect you to be dressed and ready to go out and put on your biggest smile and your best attitude." He walks past her and heads into the bathroom. He stops in the doorway and turns back to her. "Oh, and uhh, wear that blue dress I bought you. I always did like that one." Without another word, John Ross walks into the bathroom and closes the door. After he's gone, Amanda starts to cry.
"No, John Ross. If you want me to be your wife, I will. Your REAL wife, in every sense," Amanda says. "But I'll be damned if I'm gonna be some trophy wife you just parade around to make business deals."
John Ross walks over to her. "Let's get somethin' straight here, Amanda. I meant it when I said you don't have a choice. Because right now, darlin', Southfork is the only place you've got to go. You mess around and get kicked outta here, what are you gonna do? Live on the streets? Darlin', it's the middle of winter, and even though we have some warm days here and there, those nights are always cold."
"You son of a bitch. You'd really kick me out of here when I'm pregnant with your baby?"
"My baby? Only time will tell about that," John Ross says, moving closer to her, his face only inches from hers. "As for me kickin' you out.....well, if I were you, I wouldn't try me. Now, I'm gonna step in there and take me a shower. And when I come out, I expect you to be dressed and ready to go out and put on your biggest smile and your best attitude." He walks past her and heads into the bathroom. He stops in the doorway and turns back to her. "Oh, and uhh, wear that blue dress I bought you. I always did like that one." Without another word, John Ross walks into the bathroom and closes the door. After he's gone, Amanda starts to cry.
A funeral home in Dallas.....the next day
The air is still thick with moisture and a slight drizzle the next afternoon following a morning rain as Jack Ewing's son has finished making arrangements for his father's funeral. As Connor Ewing stands next to his father's open coffin in a room, the funeral director shakes the young man's hand. "If there is anything else you need, Mr. Ewing, please feel free to let us know," the older man says.
"Thank you," says Connor. "I really appreciate all you've done already. Right now, I'd like some time alone with my father."
"Of course," the funeral director says, then turns and walks out of the room.
"Thank you," says Connor. "I really appreciate all you've done already. Right now, I'd like some time alone with my father."
"Of course," the funeral director says, then turns and walks out of the room.
After the man is gone, Connor looks down at his father in the coffin. A tear slowly falls down his face. "Dad," he says. "Can't believe I'm really here doin' this. Can't believe I'm having to this. Why, Dad? Why were you even here in Dallas? And why didn't you tell me you were coming here? Maybe if you had, this wouldn't have happened. I would've come with you, or something. Dad, I'm sorry I never told you enough how much I love you. I'm also sorry I was such a handful growing up. You were the best father I could ever have asked for. Especially since you had to do it all on your own after Mom left. I know it wasn't easy. I.....I tried getting in touch with Mom, to let her know what happened, but, I couldn't reach her. So, I guess I'm on my own with this. But don't you worry, Dad. If the police don't find out who did this, I swear to you, I will. And I'll make them pay. I love you so, much." Connor leans down and kisses his father on the head. Then wipes the tears from his face. As he turns and starts to leave the room, he's startled to see Bobby standing in the doorway.
"Hello, Connor," Bobby says.
"Bobby. I didn't hear you come in."
"I didn't wanna disturb you. That was beautiful, what you said to your father."
"Thanks," Connor says. "I only wish he could hear me say it. Wish I'd said it to him when he was alive."
"I believe he heard you, son," Bobby says. "I talk to my Mama's grave all the time, and I believe with all my heart that she knows what I'm saying. I take it you've made the arrangements?"
"Yeah. Funeral's gonna be here, on Tuesday at one. He's gonna be cremated, so there won't be a burial. It's what he always said he wanted. His father's buried up in Alaska, and my Aunt Jamie in California."
Bobby reaches out and places a comforting hand on the young man's shoulder. "Are you alright, son?"
"I just wanna find out who did this," Connor replies in tears. "And make them pay."
"I know. Don't worry. I have a friend on the Dallas PD and he assures me that everything possible is being done to find Jack's killer. Listen, why don't you go back to the Omni and pack your stuff? Come on over to Southfork and stay."
"Thank you, but, I wouldn't wanna put you and your family out."
"You wouldn't be. Besides, right now, you need to be with family."
Connor looks at him. "I really appreciate it."
"Good. Go pack your stuff. I have a couple errands to run but I should be home in about an hour and a half. Meet at Southfork then." Bobby pats his young cousin on the back, then turns and walks out.
"Hello, Connor," Bobby says.
"Bobby. I didn't hear you come in."
"I didn't wanna disturb you. That was beautiful, what you said to your father."
"Thanks," Connor says. "I only wish he could hear me say it. Wish I'd said it to him when he was alive."
"I believe he heard you, son," Bobby says. "I talk to my Mama's grave all the time, and I believe with all my heart that she knows what I'm saying. I take it you've made the arrangements?"
"Yeah. Funeral's gonna be here, on Tuesday at one. He's gonna be cremated, so there won't be a burial. It's what he always said he wanted. His father's buried up in Alaska, and my Aunt Jamie in California."
Bobby reaches out and places a comforting hand on the young man's shoulder. "Are you alright, son?"
"I just wanna find out who did this," Connor replies in tears. "And make them pay."
"I know. Don't worry. I have a friend on the Dallas PD and he assures me that everything possible is being done to find Jack's killer. Listen, why don't you go back to the Omni and pack your stuff? Come on over to Southfork and stay."
"Thank you, but, I wouldn't wanna put you and your family out."
"You wouldn't be. Besides, right now, you need to be with family."
Connor looks at him. "I really appreciate it."
"Good. Go pack your stuff. I have a couple errands to run but I should be home in about an hour and a half. Meet at Southfork then." Bobby pats his young cousin on the back, then turns and walks out.
Dallas Police Department....a short time later
Bobby walks into the Dallas Police Department a short time later and approaches a sergeant's desk. "Excuse me," he says. "Is Lt. Walden here?"
"Yes he is. He's in his office. Just knock."
"Thank you," says Bobby. He walks over to his friend's office and knocks on the door.
"Come in," he hears Lt. Steve Walden say.
Bobby walks into the office. "Hello, Steve."
"Hi, Bobby."
"I just came by to see if you'd had any progress in the investigation into Jack Ewing's death."
"As a matter of fact, Bobby, that's what I was working on," Steve says. "I was going over the coroner's report and analyzing the ballistics report. There were two bullets recovered from Ewing's chest. They were .22 caliber, the kind used by professional hitmen."
A look of shock comes over Bobby's face. "Professional hitmen?"
"Yes he is. He's in his office. Just knock."
"Thank you," says Bobby. He walks over to his friend's office and knocks on the door.
"Come in," he hears Lt. Steve Walden say.
Bobby walks into the office. "Hello, Steve."
"Hi, Bobby."
"I just came by to see if you'd had any progress in the investigation into Jack Ewing's death."
"As a matter of fact, Bobby, that's what I was working on," Steve says. "I was going over the coroner's report and analyzing the ballistics report. There were two bullets recovered from Ewing's chest. They were .22 caliber, the kind used by professional hitmen."
A look of shock comes over Bobby's face. "Professional hitmen?"
"That's right," Steve replies. "Bobby, considering the caliber of the gun used, and the fact none of your cousin's money or property was missing, I think we're looking at a professional hit here."
"A professional hit?" Bobby asks.
"I've already questioned the son, and I think he's clean, just my opinion. But, I think now we have to look at Jack Ewing's associates, friends, and his ex-wife. Basically every aspect of the man's private and professional life. First thing we have to do is find out why he was in Dallas, and who he was here to see."
Bobby is completely stunned by the news. Jack Ewing, killed by a professional hitman??
"A professional hit?" Bobby asks.
"I've already questioned the son, and I think he's clean, just my opinion. But, I think now we have to look at Jack Ewing's associates, friends, and his ex-wife. Basically every aspect of the man's private and professional life. First thing we have to do is find out why he was in Dallas, and who he was here to see."
Bobby is completely stunned by the news. Jack Ewing, killed by a professional hitman??