Previously On DALLAS:
----------------Lucas and John Ross came to blows when Lucas caught John Ross in bed with Emma.
----------------Ashley overheard the truth that Alex is John Ross's son, and told Alex, who ran away after John Ross confirmed the truth.
----------------Todd was rushed to the hospital in a coma after his suicide attempt.
----------------Jay received an email from Todd confessing his homosexuality and that John Ross had been blackmailing him.
----------------Bobby and Ann's marriage suffered yet another rift when the family learned that Emma had slept with John Ross again.
----------------Jimmy found Alex and brought him home.
---------------Cliff let Emma move into Pamela's apartment after she moved off Southfork.
----------------Cody's mother and Judith's co-conspirator turned out to be none other than Katherine Wentworth!
----------------Ashley overheard the truth that Alex is John Ross's son, and told Alex, who ran away after John Ross confirmed the truth.
----------------Todd was rushed to the hospital in a coma after his suicide attempt.
----------------Jay received an email from Todd confessing his homosexuality and that John Ross had been blackmailing him.
----------------Bobby and Ann's marriage suffered yet another rift when the family learned that Emma had slept with John Ross again.
----------------Jimmy found Alex and brought him home.
---------------Cliff let Emma move into Pamela's apartment after she moved off Southfork.
----------------Cody's mother and Judith's co-conspirator turned out to be none other than Katherine Wentworth!
The Campbell Center....
"Oh, sweetheart, you look so wonderful," says Katherine Wentworth, giving a hug to her son, Cody, in Judith Ryland's office. "You look great too, Mom," Cody says. "I can't believe you're actually here. But, is it safe for you to be in Dallas right now? What if someone sees you?" Katherine smiles. "Don't worry. No one will. I've taken a suite right here at the Doubltree, so I only have to travel inconspicuously between my suite and the offices here in the same plaza." "Your mother has taken every precaution, Cody," says Judith. "She's come too far to screw this up now. We all have." "Yes," Katherine says. "Judith tells me everything is proceedings as we'd planned. You've managed to gain the Ewings' trust after all these months of working on that God-awful ranch. Darling, I know it's been hard on you, but believe me, it'll all be worth it." "I know it will, Mom. I know it will." |
Katherine walks over to the desk, then turns back to her son and Judith. "Soon, Cody, you will have everything that you're entitled to. Everything that was stolen from our family. The company my father started, that that little weasel Cliff Barnes somehow managed to get his grubby little hands on after he lost Ewing Oil. Damn him! Renaming MY FATHER'S company Barnes Global. And now, even worse......EWING Global."
Cody walks over to her. "Mom, don't worry. Ewing Global will soon be back in our hands. And it'll be Wentworth Industries again, just like you want."
"And we owe it all to Judith here," Katherine says. "She will continue to stop the Ewings from being able to drill anywhere in the state of Texas, and YOU, my son, will create some personal distractions for Bobby and the rest of the Ewings so that they take their eyes off their precious company. And when things get bad enough, Bobby will have no choice but to start selling off company assets."
"And the best part of this is......one of the Ewings is actually helpin' us with our plan," says Judith. "John Ross has placed his confidence in Cody and asked your son to arrange a little drug arrest for his cousin, Lucas Krebbs."
"Lucas Krebbs?" Katherine asks. "That's Bobby's son, isn't it?"
Cody walks over to her. "Mom, don't worry. Ewing Global will soon be back in our hands. And it'll be Wentworth Industries again, just like you want."
"And we owe it all to Judith here," Katherine says. "She will continue to stop the Ewings from being able to drill anywhere in the state of Texas, and YOU, my son, will create some personal distractions for Bobby and the rest of the Ewings so that they take their eyes off their precious company. And when things get bad enough, Bobby will have no choice but to start selling off company assets."
"And the best part of this is......one of the Ewings is actually helpin' us with our plan," says Judith. "John Ross has placed his confidence in Cody and asked your son to arrange a little drug arrest for his cousin, Lucas Krebbs."
"Lucas Krebbs?" Katherine asks. "That's Bobby's son, isn't it?"
"Yes," Judith replies.
"Good," Katherine says with a smile. "That's perfect. Now then, you'd better get back to Southfork."
"Good," Katherine says with a smile. "That's perfect. Now then, you'd better get back to Southfork."
"Sure, Mom," Cody says. "When will I see you again?"
"Soon. But we have to be careful. The last thing we need is for you to be seen coming in and out of this building. Or for the Ewings to connect you to Judith in any way."
"Don't worry about that. That phony history you and Judith put together for me did the trick. John Ross's private detective bought it hook, line, and sinker. And I'm sure John Ross did, too."
"From what I've heard about J.R.'s son, he certainly has nowhere near the brains his father had. Well, anyway, I'll walk you out. Judith, I'll be in touch."
"Of course," Judith says as Katherine and Cody walk out of the office.
Mother and son leave the receptionist's office and get on an elevator. "I'll be so happy when our plan is ready for completion and we can get rid of that insufferable woman."
"You mean Judith?" Cody asks.
"Yes. I don't trust her. And as soon as we're ready to take over Ewing Global, Judith Ryland will no longer be of use."
"So, how are we gonna get rid of her?"
Katherine looks at her son and smiles. "The way you always get rid of a pest........by extermination."
Cody returns his mother's smile, and soon their smiles turn into laughter as they think about their plan coming to fruition....
"Soon. But we have to be careful. The last thing we need is for you to be seen coming in and out of this building. Or for the Ewings to connect you to Judith in any way."
"Don't worry about that. That phony history you and Judith put together for me did the trick. John Ross's private detective bought it hook, line, and sinker. And I'm sure John Ross did, too."
"From what I've heard about J.R.'s son, he certainly has nowhere near the brains his father had. Well, anyway, I'll walk you out. Judith, I'll be in touch."
"Of course," Judith says as Katherine and Cody walk out of the office.
Mother and son leave the receptionist's office and get on an elevator. "I'll be so happy when our plan is ready for completion and we can get rid of that insufferable woman."
"You mean Judith?" Cody asks.
"Yes. I don't trust her. And as soon as we're ready to take over Ewing Global, Judith Ryland will no longer be of use."
"So, how are we gonna get rid of her?"
Katherine looks at her son and smiles. "The way you always get rid of a pest........by extermination."
Cody returns his mother's smile, and soon their smiles turn into laughter as they think about their plan coming to fruition....
Pamela's apartment.....the next day
Cliff walks into the living room of Pamela's apartment the next morning and pours himself a drink at the bar. In his left hand he carries with him a 5 x 7 framed photo. After taking a sip of his drink, he walks over and takes a seat on the sofa. He looks at the photo, which is a picture of Pam. Cliff smiles as he looks at the photo.
He is unaware that Emma comes out of the guest bedroom upstairs and is about to head down the stairs. When she sees Cliff looking at the photo and seemingly deep in thought, she pauses a moment and watches him.
"Oh, Pam," Cliff says quietly, looking at the photo of his late sister. "Even after all these years, I still miss you so much. Sure wish you were still here, Pam."
After a moment, Emma comes down the stairs and clears her throat.
"Oh, Emma," Cliff says, standing.
"Sorry, I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"No. No, you're not. I was just thinking about my sister Pam."
"Christopher's mother?" Emma asks, walking over to him.
"Yeah. I had forgotten that, this past Friday would've been Pam's birthday," Cliff says. "My little sister would've been sixty-five years old."
He is unaware that Emma comes out of the guest bedroom upstairs and is about to head down the stairs. When she sees Cliff looking at the photo and seemingly deep in thought, she pauses a moment and watches him.
"Oh, Pam," Cliff says quietly, looking at the photo of his late sister. "Even after all these years, I still miss you so much. Sure wish you were still here, Pam."
After a moment, Emma comes down the stairs and clears her throat.
"Oh, Emma," Cliff says, standing.
"Sorry, I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"No. No, you're not. I was just thinking about my sister Pam."
"Christopher's mother?" Emma asks, walking over to him.
"Yeah. I had forgotten that, this past Friday would've been Pam's birthday," Cliff says. "My little sister would've been sixty-five years old."
Emma picks up the photo of Pam and looks at it. She smiles. "She really was beautiful. Pamela looks a lot like her."
"Oh, yes I think s, too," Cliff says. "I can't believe I let her birthday go by and I didn't even think about it until this morning."
"Well, you have had other things on your mind. And I'm sorry if I've added to that. Maybe I should just look for my own place."
"What? No. There's no sense in that."
"I don't think Pamela's very happy to have me here, and I know Afton can't stand me."
"Well, it's MY hope that in time, you and Pamela will become like REAL sisters, and the best way for that to happen is for you to be here," Cliff says. "Besides, in less than two weeks, Pamela and Tripp are gonna be married and she'll move into his place. Then, I'm sure Afton will move into an apartment of her own."
"So are you gonna stay here?" Emma asks.
"Maybe. I kinda like this apartment. Of course if I had my way, I'd buy a big house and have my whole family together under one roof, just like the Ewings."
"Yeah, well, that much togetherness doesn't always work for them," Emma says sadly.
Cliff laughs at Emma's remark. "Do you miss Southfork?"
"A little, I guess. But I know I can never go back there."
"I'm very glad to hear you say that. Too many members of my family have lived in that den of vipers over the years. First my sister Pam. Then both my daughters."
"What about Christopher?" Emma asks. "Or do you not consider him your nephew anymore?"
The smile disappears from Cliff's face. "I loved Christopher very much. When he was growing up, I loved that boy like he was my own son. I guess I still do love him. But with this feud between the Barnes and the Ewings, everything got so twisted. My relationship with Christopher is over, damaged beyond repair, and I've accepted that."
Emma looks at Cliff and puts her hand on his shoulder.
"A little, I guess. But I know I can never go back there."
"I'm very glad to hear you say that. Too many members of my family have lived in that den of vipers over the years. First my sister Pam. Then both my daughters."
"What about Christopher?" Emma asks. "Or do you not consider him your nephew anymore?"
The smile disappears from Cliff's face. "I loved Christopher very much. When he was growing up, I loved that boy like he was my own son. I guess I still do love him. But with this feud between the Barnes and the Ewings, everything got so twisted. My relationship with Christopher is over, damaged beyond repair, and I've accepted that."
Emma looks at Cliff and puts her hand on his shoulder.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital...
Jay Smithfield stands in the waiting room at the hospital that afternoon when Jillian walks in. "Hey," she says, walking up to Jay and kissing him.
"Hey."
"I came to see how Todd's doing."
"Hey."
"I came to see how Todd's doing."
"They moved him, this morning, from Critical Care to ICU," replies Jay. "He's doing better, but still pretty much out of it, and still not out of the woods."
"Well, at least if he's doing some better, that's a good sign."
"Yeah," Jay says with a sigh.
"Jay, what's wrong? You don't seem at all encouraged by Todd's progress."
Jay turns and looks at her. "It was all true, Jill. John Ross was blackmailing Todd. That's why he tried to kill himself."
"How do you know?" Jillian asks.
"I hadn't checked my personal email all weekend. Until this morning. I had an email from Todd." Jay takes his cell phone out of his pocket and opens his email app. He opens the email from Todd and shows it to Jillian.
She reads it, then her mouth drops open in shock as she gasps. "Oh my God."
"Todd and I were as close as brothers. All our lives. I thought there was nothing we couldn't tell each other."
"And you never had a clue that he's gay?"
"Not a single clue," Jay replies. "He hid it well. Damn it, Jill. My cousin was so afraid of coming to me or any other member of our family and telling us. ME. His best friend. He thought we'd judge him. He thought I would. He was so ashamed of who he is, that he let that son of a bitch John Ross blackmail him. And he wanted to end his life rather than let the family know. I mean, what the hell does that say about the Baxters and Smithfields as a family?"
"You're family is very.....conservative?"
"That's putting it mildly. My grandmother is not only stuck living in the last century, but the EARLY part of the last century."
"Jay, what are you gonna do?" Jillian asks. "Are you gonna show that email to Todd's parents?"
Jay looks at her and hesitates a moment. "I dunno. Not just yet, I'm not. They're already upset enough, and I think this would just make things ten times worse. And knowing how much my Uncle John already hates the Ewings, he might just kill your brother."
"Well, at least if he's doing some better, that's a good sign."
"Yeah," Jay says with a sigh.
"Jay, what's wrong? You don't seem at all encouraged by Todd's progress."
Jay turns and looks at her. "It was all true, Jill. John Ross was blackmailing Todd. That's why he tried to kill himself."
"How do you know?" Jillian asks.
"I hadn't checked my personal email all weekend. Until this morning. I had an email from Todd." Jay takes his cell phone out of his pocket and opens his email app. He opens the email from Todd and shows it to Jillian.
She reads it, then her mouth drops open in shock as she gasps. "Oh my God."
"Todd and I were as close as brothers. All our lives. I thought there was nothing we couldn't tell each other."
"And you never had a clue that he's gay?"
"Not a single clue," Jay replies. "He hid it well. Damn it, Jill. My cousin was so afraid of coming to me or any other member of our family and telling us. ME. His best friend. He thought we'd judge him. He thought I would. He was so ashamed of who he is, that he let that son of a bitch John Ross blackmail him. And he wanted to end his life rather than let the family know. I mean, what the hell does that say about the Baxters and Smithfields as a family?"
"You're family is very.....conservative?"
"That's putting it mildly. My grandmother is not only stuck living in the last century, but the EARLY part of the last century."
"Jay, what are you gonna do?" Jillian asks. "Are you gonna show that email to Todd's parents?"
Jay looks at her and hesitates a moment. "I dunno. Not just yet, I'm not. They're already upset enough, and I think this would just make things ten times worse. And knowing how much my Uncle John already hates the Ewings, he might just kill your brother."
Ewing Global....
Christopher walks into Bobby's office and finds his father in the middle of an angry phone conversation. "Well, can't you do ANYTHING to get that variance for us, Phil?" Bobby angrily asks the person he's talking to. "Well, alright, then, thanks for NOTHIN'!" Bobby slams his phone down on the receiver.
"Dad, what's up?" Christopher asks.
"Judith Ryland again," Bobby says, standing from his seat. "Now she's blocked our drilling variance in Angelina County."
"How the hell can she legally keep doing this?"
"Her position as Railroad Commissioner gives her almost total power over who drills and who DOESN'T drill in this state, and it doesn't help us that she has the governor on her side."
"Bobby," says Sue Ellen, standing in the open door of the office.
"Yes, Sue Ellen?"
She walks in. "I heard what you were saying to Christopher. And I have even more bad news."
Bobby sighs. "That's all we need around here right now is more bad news. Alright, what is it?"
"Judith Ryland again," Bobby says, standing from his seat. "Now she's blocked our drilling variance in Angelina County."
"How the hell can she legally keep doing this?"
"Her position as Railroad Commissioner gives her almost total power over who drills and who DOESN'T drill in this state, and it doesn't help us that she has the governor on her side."
"Bobby," says Sue Ellen, standing in the open door of the office.
"Yes, Sue Ellen?"
She walks in. "I heard what you were saying to Christopher. And I have even more bad news."
Bobby sighs. "That's all we need around here right now is more bad news. Alright, what is it?"
"I just got off the phone with a representative of Stan-Hope Oil. And they've decided to sign with Patterson Petroleum instead of with us."
"DAMN IT!" Bobby says angrily. "We were counting on that deal with Stan-Hope."
"How many is that we've lost because of being unable to drill?" Asks Christopher.
"Three, including Stan-Hope," Sue Ellen replies.
"At this rate we'll be out of business in a couple months," Christopher says.
"DAMN IT!" Bobby says angrily. "We were counting on that deal with Stan-Hope."
"How many is that we've lost because of being unable to drill?" Asks Christopher.
"Three, including Stan-Hope," Sue Ellen replies.
"At this rate we'll be out of business in a couple months," Christopher says.
"Well, I think that's what Judith Ryland is countin' on," says Bobby. He retakes his seat at his desk. He picks up his phone.
"What are you gonna do?" Christopher asks.
"Somethin' I should've followed through on months ago," Bobby replies. "It's time to start playin' dirty." Bobby dials a number on the phone as Sue Ellen and Christopher exchange puzzled looks. On the second ring, the party on the other end of the line answers. "Yes," Bobby says. "I need to speak to Senator Culver, please. This is Bobby Ewing. Yes, I'll hold."
"What are you gonna do?" Christopher asks.
"Somethin' I should've followed through on months ago," Bobby replies. "It's time to start playin' dirty." Bobby dials a number on the phone as Sue Ellen and Christopher exchange puzzled looks. On the second ring, the party on the other end of the line answers. "Yes," Bobby says. "I need to speak to Senator Culver, please. This is Bobby Ewing. Yes, I'll hold."
Westar....
Melissa buzzes John Ross's office at Westar. "Krystina Carrington is here to see you," she says rather abruptly.
"Send her in," John Ross says. John Ross stands from his seat at his desk and walks over to the door as Krystina enters the office.
"Hello, I....." Krystina stops short and her smile disappears when she sees John Ross's battered face. "Oh my gosh. What in the world happened to you?"
"Just a little fam'ly misunderstandin'. I had forgot that you were comin' to town today."
"I told you when we talked on Friday," says Krystina.
"I know. I've had a lot on my mind this weekend."
"Obviously. John Ross, what's wrong?"
"You want a drink?" John Ross asks.
"I could use one."
"Good. So could I. Have a seat and I'll tell you all about it."
Krystina looks at him with curiosity.
"Send her in," John Ross says. John Ross stands from his seat at his desk and walks over to the door as Krystina enters the office.
"Hello, I....." Krystina stops short and her smile disappears when she sees John Ross's battered face. "Oh my gosh. What in the world happened to you?"
"Just a little fam'ly misunderstandin'. I had forgot that you were comin' to town today."
"I told you when we talked on Friday," says Krystina.
"I know. I've had a lot on my mind this weekend."
"Obviously. John Ross, what's wrong?"
"You want a drink?" John Ross asks.
"I could use one."
"Good. So could I. Have a seat and I'll tell you all about it."
Krystina looks at him with curiosity.
The Smithfield Home....
A nervous John Baxter walks into the living room of the Smithfield home that afternoon and pours himself a drink. As he takes a sip, his mind wanders back to the conversation he had with his wife Linda two days earlier.....
"You have the nerve to stand there and lash out at ME for having a one night stand with another woman?" John asks his wife. "Huh, Linda? Okay, I just told you one reason I hate the Ewings so much. But what about the other reason?"
"I don't know what you are talkin' about."
"The hell you don't," John says, walking over to her. "You really wanna know why I hate anyone named Ewing as much as I do? Because every single day of my life I'm reminded of those people. Every day I look at Dylan I'm reminded........not only did J.R. try to ruin me, but ANOTHER damned Ewing bedded my wife and fathered her child!"
Linda's heart sinks as John speaks these words. She looks at him, stunned, her mouth open in shock.
"You didn't think I knew, did you?" John asks. "Well, yes, my dear. I do know that I am NOT Dylan's father. And that his last name should be EWING instead of Baxter." John angrily puts his coffee cup down on a table, spilling most of the coffee out, then storms past his wife and out of the room, leaving Linda in tears.
"You have the nerve to stand there and lash out at ME for having a one night stand with another woman?" John asks his wife. "Huh, Linda? Okay, I just told you one reason I hate the Ewings so much. But what about the other reason?"
"I don't know what you are talkin' about."
"The hell you don't," John says, walking over to her. "You really wanna know why I hate anyone named Ewing as much as I do? Because every single day of my life I'm reminded of those people. Every day I look at Dylan I'm reminded........not only did J.R. try to ruin me, but ANOTHER damned Ewing bedded my wife and fathered her child!"
Linda's heart sinks as John speaks these words. She looks at him, stunned, her mouth open in shock.
"You didn't think I knew, did you?" John asks. "Well, yes, my dear. I do know that I am NOT Dylan's father. And that his last name should be EWING instead of Baxter." John angrily puts his coffee cup down on a table, spilling most of the coffee out, then storms past his wife and out of the room, leaving Linda in tears.
John is snapped back to reality. He finishes off his drink, then pours himself another as Dylan walks into the room.
"Dad?" Dylan says.
John sighs. "Thought you were in class."
"Dad?" Dylan says.
John sighs. "Thought you were in class."
"I'm just about to leave," Dylan says. "I don't have class until afternoon on Mondays."
"Well, you'd best get goin' so you're not late," John says in an irritable tone.
"Yeah, I will. Mom still at the hospital?"
"Yes, she is," John snaps, taking a sip of his drink.
"Dad, are you okay?" Dylan asks.
"I'm FINE! Now you get on to class before you're late."
Dylan looks at his father for a moment. "Yeah, sure. Bye, Dad." Dylan turns and walks out of the room. After the boy is gone, John pours himself another drink, then starts to cry.
"Well, you'd best get goin' so you're not late," John says in an irritable tone.
"Yeah, I will. Mom still at the hospital?"
"Yes, she is," John snaps, taking a sip of his drink.
"Dad, are you okay?" Dylan asks.
"I'm FINE! Now you get on to class before you're late."
Dylan looks at his father for a moment. "Yeah, sure. Bye, Dad." Dylan turns and walks out of the room. After the boy is gone, John pours himself another drink, then starts to cry.
Westar....
"Wow," Krystina says in John Ross's office. "Sounds like you had a very interesting weekend. A 15-year-old son you never even knew existed?"
"Yep. And my whole fam'ly kept it from me. Even my uncle."
"John Ross I'm so sorry. Is that what happened to your face? Why you and your cousin got into a fight?"
"That had been buildin' for a long time," John Ross replies. "You know, I really am happy to see you. I've missed you, darlin'."
Krystina smiles as she walks over to him. "I've missed you, too," she says, putting her arms around him. So much. I'm sorry this is such a bad time for you."
"That's only part of it. Now, in just a couple weeks, I've got this big board meetin' comin' up here at Westar."
"You really think they could vote you out?"
"With my ex-wife now ownin' half the shares I use to own, I'm no longer majority share holder in this comp'ny. Anything can happen."
Krystina sighs. "I wish I could help somehow."
"You can," John Ross says.
"Oh yeah? How?"
He smiles, then kisses her passionately for a few seconds. "That answer your question?"
"Ummm, have you had lunch?"
"Yes I have, but, I would LOVE to have desert."
"Good," says Krystina. "Then why don't we go back to my room at The Omni and have some......desert?"
John Ross kisses her again, then walks over and picks up his jacket and brief case. Then together, he and Krystina walk out. "Melissa," he says as he passes by his secretary's desk. "I'll be out for the rest of the afternoon. If anybody calls, tell them I had a business meetin'."
Melissa watches with anger as John Ross and Krystina head out of the office and to the elevator, hand in hand. Tripp comes out of Pamela's office and sees them as they walk by. Curious, Tripp walks over to Melissa's desk.
"Hey, Melissa," he says. "Who's the cute blonde with John Ross?"
"His new......business 'associate.' Krystina Carrington."
"Yep. And my whole fam'ly kept it from me. Even my uncle."
"John Ross I'm so sorry. Is that what happened to your face? Why you and your cousin got into a fight?"
"That had been buildin' for a long time," John Ross replies. "You know, I really am happy to see you. I've missed you, darlin'."
Krystina smiles as she walks over to him. "I've missed you, too," she says, putting her arms around him. So much. I'm sorry this is such a bad time for you."
"That's only part of it. Now, in just a couple weeks, I've got this big board meetin' comin' up here at Westar."
"You really think they could vote you out?"
"With my ex-wife now ownin' half the shares I use to own, I'm no longer majority share holder in this comp'ny. Anything can happen."
Krystina sighs. "I wish I could help somehow."
"You can," John Ross says.
"Oh yeah? How?"
He smiles, then kisses her passionately for a few seconds. "That answer your question?"
"Ummm, have you had lunch?"
"Yes I have, but, I would LOVE to have desert."
"Good," says Krystina. "Then why don't we go back to my room at The Omni and have some......desert?"
John Ross kisses her again, then walks over and picks up his jacket and brief case. Then together, he and Krystina walk out. "Melissa," he says as he passes by his secretary's desk. "I'll be out for the rest of the afternoon. If anybody calls, tell them I had a business meetin'."
Melissa watches with anger as John Ross and Krystina head out of the office and to the elevator, hand in hand. Tripp comes out of Pamela's office and sees them as they walk by. Curious, Tripp walks over to Melissa's desk.
"Hey, Melissa," he says. "Who's the cute blonde with John Ross?"
"His new......business 'associate.' Krystina Carrington."
"Krystina Carrington?" Tripp asks, surprised. "Denver-Carrington?"
"That's right," Melissa replies.
Tripp smiles, curious as to what John Ross is up to with the attractive female president of Denver-Carrington.
"That's right," Melissa replies.
Tripp smiles, curious as to what John Ross is up to with the attractive female president of Denver-Carrington.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....
Jay gets off the elevator down the hall from the nurse's station in Intensive Care at Texas Presbyterian that afternoon and approaches the nurse on duty. As he is about to speak to her, he sees Linda coming out of the double doors leading into ICU. He walks over to her.
"Aunt Linda," he says. "How's Todd?"
"He started to wake up. He opened his eyes and looked at me, and he started to say somethin'. The doctor's with him now, examining him."
"Well, is there any......I mean, do they know yet if there's any permanent damage?"
"Not yet," Linda replies. "Not until the doctor examines him thoroughly."
"Where's Uncle John?" Jay asks.
"At home, I suppose."
"Don't you think we should call him?"
"Your Uncle will be here sooner or later, most likely," Linda says, turning and walking into a waiting room across the hall, her tone of voice and her attitude toward her husband arousing Jay's curiosity.
Jay follows her into the waiting room. "Aunt Linda, is something wrong?"
Linda turns to her nephew and looks at him. "You mean other than the fact that my son tried to kill himself?"
"I mean between you and Uncle John."
"Aunt Linda," he says. "How's Todd?"
"He started to wake up. He opened his eyes and looked at me, and he started to say somethin'. The doctor's with him now, examining him."
"Well, is there any......I mean, do they know yet if there's any permanent damage?"
"Not yet," Linda replies. "Not until the doctor examines him thoroughly."
"Where's Uncle John?" Jay asks.
"At home, I suppose."
"Don't you think we should call him?"
"Your Uncle will be here sooner or later, most likely," Linda says, turning and walking into a waiting room across the hall, her tone of voice and her attitude toward her husband arousing Jay's curiosity.
Jay follows her into the waiting room. "Aunt Linda, is something wrong?"
Linda turns to her nephew and looks at him. "You mean other than the fact that my son tried to kill himself?"
"I mean between you and Uncle John."
"Things have not been GOOD between your Uncle and me in quite some time," Linda says. "Todd's apparent suicide attempt has only served to deepen that rift."
A look of confusion comes across Jay's face.
"Does that surprise you, nephew?" Linda asks.
"Frankly, yes, it does. You and Uncle John have always seemed so happy together."
"SEEMED......being the correct word here. We SEEMED happy in front of the family, for appearances' sake. We SEEMED happy when out in public, again for appearances' sake, lest we embarrass the family. We SEEMED happy in front of our sons, because we wanted them to believe we were the perfect American family. But alone, when it was just John and me......we didn't put on airs."
"I'm sorry, Aunt Linda," Jay as as Dr. Norris walks in.
"Mrs. Baxter?" The doctor says.
"Yes, Dr. Norris. How is he?"
"His condition is improving. Thankfully, there doesn't seem to be any visible signs of any permanent brain damage due to the overdose."
"Thank God," Linda says, breathing a sigh of relief.
"However, it's still too early to tell whether there are some underlying issues due to Todd's brain going without oxygen for so long. We'll know more as time passes. But right now, my main concern is your son's state of mind."
"His......state of mind?"
"Yes," Dr. Norris replies. "I'm very concerned about Todd, and I'd like to talk to you and your husband."
Linda looks at Jay with a worried expression. Also concerned about Todd, Jay takes his aunt by the hand.
A look of confusion comes across Jay's face.
"Does that surprise you, nephew?" Linda asks.
"Frankly, yes, it does. You and Uncle John have always seemed so happy together."
"SEEMED......being the correct word here. We SEEMED happy in front of the family, for appearances' sake. We SEEMED happy when out in public, again for appearances' sake, lest we embarrass the family. We SEEMED happy in front of our sons, because we wanted them to believe we were the perfect American family. But alone, when it was just John and me......we didn't put on airs."
"I'm sorry, Aunt Linda," Jay as as Dr. Norris walks in.
"Mrs. Baxter?" The doctor says.
"Yes, Dr. Norris. How is he?"
"His condition is improving. Thankfully, there doesn't seem to be any visible signs of any permanent brain damage due to the overdose."
"Thank God," Linda says, breathing a sigh of relief.
"However, it's still too early to tell whether there are some underlying issues due to Todd's brain going without oxygen for so long. We'll know more as time passes. But right now, my main concern is your son's state of mind."
"His......state of mind?"
"Yes," Dr. Norris replies. "I'm very concerned about Todd, and I'd like to talk to you and your husband."
Linda looks at Jay with a worried expression. Also concerned about Todd, Jay takes his aunt by the hand.
The Krebbs Ranch.....
A Braddock County school bus comes to a stop in front of the Krebbs Ranch that afternoon and Alex gets off. As he walks up the driveway to the house, he sees Lucas in the front yard shooting baskets at the basketball goal. When he reaches the front yard, Alex stops and looks at his uncle for a moment. Lucas notices the boy and returns his gaze. After a few seconds, Alex turns and heads to the house. Lucas jogs over to him.
"Alex," Lucas says.
The boy stops at the doorsteps and turns to him. "What do you want, Lucas?"
"Don't you think we should talk? I mean, you haven't said a single word to me in the couple days since I've been here."
"Alex," Lucas says.
The boy stops at the doorsteps and turns to him. "What do you want, Lucas?"
"Don't you think we should talk? I mean, you haven't said a single word to me in the couple days since I've been here."
"What do you want me to say?" Alex asks. "Thanks to you and your stupid girlfriend for ruining my life?"
"Look, Alex, I'm sorry about what happened," says Lucas. "Sorry about the way things turned out."
"Is that why you didn't want me seein' Ashley?"
Lucas is silent for a moment before answering. "Yeah."
"Have you known this all along? Since I was born?"
"No. Your mother told me a few months ago. Right after she first told me she was sick. Alex, I've been struggling with this for months. I didn't know what to do."
"Then why didn't you just TELL ME!?" The boy asks angrily.
"Tell you? Alex it wasn't that simple. I know how you felt about Phillip. How close you two were. And I also know how you feel about John Ross. I didn't want you to be hurt by finding out that John Ross is your father and not Phillip."
Alex looks at his uncle. "And, despite all your heroic efforts, UNCLE Lucas, that's exactly what happened anyway. But not only did I get hurt, but Ashley did, too. If we had known the truth, that we were cousins, we never would've let ourselves fall in love with each other. But you and whoever else knew about this.....you all just stood around and watched it happen. For that, I'll never forgive you." Without another word, Alex walks up the steps and into the house, leaving Lucas alone in the yard, tears streaming down his face.
"Is that why you didn't want me seein' Ashley?"
Lucas is silent for a moment before answering. "Yeah."
"Have you known this all along? Since I was born?"
"No. Your mother told me a few months ago. Right after she first told me she was sick. Alex, I've been struggling with this for months. I didn't know what to do."
"Then why didn't you just TELL ME!?" The boy asks angrily.
"Tell you? Alex it wasn't that simple. I know how you felt about Phillip. How close you two were. And I also know how you feel about John Ross. I didn't want you to be hurt by finding out that John Ross is your father and not Phillip."
Alex looks at his uncle. "And, despite all your heroic efforts, UNCLE Lucas, that's exactly what happened anyway. But not only did I get hurt, but Ashley did, too. If we had known the truth, that we were cousins, we never would've let ourselves fall in love with each other. But you and whoever else knew about this.....you all just stood around and watched it happen. For that, I'll never forgive you." Without another word, Alex walks up the steps and into the house, leaving Lucas alone in the yard, tears streaming down his face.
Southfork....night
Ann turns down the covers of her and Bobby's bed that night as he walks into the bedroom. The two exchange looks, then Bobby takes off his bathrobe. In awkward silence, the two climb into bed.
"How long is this gonna continue?" Bobby asks.
"I don't know what you mean," Ann says coldly.
"You know EXACTLY what I mean. We've barely spoken in two days.."
"What do you wanna talk about, Bobby? How you treated Emma so badly that she moved out of this house and in with Cliff Barnes?"
Bobby sighs. "Annie, you know as well as I do there was no way Emma could continue to stay here after what happened. Especially not after she renewed her affair with John Ross."
"So this is all Emma's fault?" Ann asks. "No one else in this house played a part?"
Bobby looks at her. "As far as I can see, no. Emma meddled in things that were NONE of her business and she caused no end of trouble in this family. Now you can't deny that."
"Bobby, I know that part of what you're sayin' is true. But Emma was hurt because Lucas didn't trust he enough to confide in her."
"Can ya really blame him? Honey, you know Emma better than anybody. And you know how she is. She was hurt and angry with Lucas, so what does she do, she tells John Ross that Alex is his son. And if that wasn't bad enough, she ends up sleeping with John Ross. Annie, I know you love your daughter, but the simple truth is, Emma hasn't changed at all from that same spoiled, selfish girl she was when she first moved in here. I'm sorry."
"Bobby, you just don't understand Emma. The things she's been through."
"I know Emma has been through a hell of a lot this last year. But so have we all. And that's no excuse for the trouble she caused. The trouble she ALWAYS seems to cause." Bobby reaches out to touch his wife's face. "Annie..."
She quickly pulls away. She turns over, switches off the light on her side of the bed and turns her back to Bobby as she lays in bed. Bobby shakes his head, an angry look on his face. He switches off his light, then lays down on his left side, his back to Ann.
"How long is this gonna continue?" Bobby asks.
"I don't know what you mean," Ann says coldly.
"You know EXACTLY what I mean. We've barely spoken in two days.."
"What do you wanna talk about, Bobby? How you treated Emma so badly that she moved out of this house and in with Cliff Barnes?"
Bobby sighs. "Annie, you know as well as I do there was no way Emma could continue to stay here after what happened. Especially not after she renewed her affair with John Ross."
"So this is all Emma's fault?" Ann asks. "No one else in this house played a part?"
Bobby looks at her. "As far as I can see, no. Emma meddled in things that were NONE of her business and she caused no end of trouble in this family. Now you can't deny that."
"Bobby, I know that part of what you're sayin' is true. But Emma was hurt because Lucas didn't trust he enough to confide in her."
"Can ya really blame him? Honey, you know Emma better than anybody. And you know how she is. She was hurt and angry with Lucas, so what does she do, she tells John Ross that Alex is his son. And if that wasn't bad enough, she ends up sleeping with John Ross. Annie, I know you love your daughter, but the simple truth is, Emma hasn't changed at all from that same spoiled, selfish girl she was when she first moved in here. I'm sorry."
"Bobby, you just don't understand Emma. The things she's been through."
"I know Emma has been through a hell of a lot this last year. But so have we all. And that's no excuse for the trouble she caused. The trouble she ALWAYS seems to cause." Bobby reaches out to touch his wife's face. "Annie..."
She quickly pulls away. She turns over, switches off the light on her side of the bed and turns her back to Bobby as she lays in bed. Bobby shakes his head, an angry look on his face. He switches off his light, then lays down on his left side, his back to Ann.
Meanwhile....Justin's room at the bunkhouse
Justin and Amanda are laying in bed in his room that night, neither saying a word as Amanda's head rests on Justin's bare chest while she plays with the few sparse hairs around his nipple and he gently strokes her silky blonde hair.
"It's time," he finally says.
"Time? Time for what?"
"For us to use that information Harris Ryland gave us to get you away from John Ross and out of that awful marriage."
Amanda raises her head and looks at him. "I thought you wanted to wait until that Westar board meeting."
"I did. But it's a hell of a lot more important to me to get you out of there and away from him. I can't stand the thought of you even goin' back there one more time. So, tomorrow, pack your bags and just leave. If John Ross comes down here to take you back to the main house, we show him this little file we have on him and Judith Ryland, and he won't be able to do a damned thing about it."
"So, you're talking about just using that information to blackmail him into letting me go?"
"And into givin' you a divorce," Justin replies.
"I thought you wanted to use it to ruin him," Amanda says.
"I do. But, there are other things we could do with this information. Like, force John Ross to do anything we want him to do, if he wants to keep his ass outta prison."
"I don't follow."
"Lettin' you go and givin' you a divorce is the first order of business. Once that's taken care of, we hit John Ross up for a piece of his Westar stock.....the same amount J.R. left me in that codicil and John Ross cheated me out of. Maybe more."
"John Ross will NEVER go for that."
"Oh, he will," Justin says. "Or, he'll spend the next ten or twenty years in prison. However long they give for blackmailin' people, includin' judges. That little file ol' Harris Ryland gave me gives us almost total power over big brother."
"Yeah, it sure does," Amanda says with a smile. "John Ross would be completely at our mercy. He'd do anything to avoid prison, and I mean ANYTHING."
Justin smiles as he looks at her. "That's right. And that would be better than sendin' him to prison." He and Amanda begin kissing.
"It's time," he finally says.
"Time? Time for what?"
"For us to use that information Harris Ryland gave us to get you away from John Ross and out of that awful marriage."
Amanda raises her head and looks at him. "I thought you wanted to wait until that Westar board meeting."
"I did. But it's a hell of a lot more important to me to get you out of there and away from him. I can't stand the thought of you even goin' back there one more time. So, tomorrow, pack your bags and just leave. If John Ross comes down here to take you back to the main house, we show him this little file we have on him and Judith Ryland, and he won't be able to do a damned thing about it."
"So, you're talking about just using that information to blackmail him into letting me go?"
"And into givin' you a divorce," Justin replies.
"I thought you wanted to use it to ruin him," Amanda says.
"I do. But, there are other things we could do with this information. Like, force John Ross to do anything we want him to do, if he wants to keep his ass outta prison."
"I don't follow."
"Lettin' you go and givin' you a divorce is the first order of business. Once that's taken care of, we hit John Ross up for a piece of his Westar stock.....the same amount J.R. left me in that codicil and John Ross cheated me out of. Maybe more."
"John Ross will NEVER go for that."
"Oh, he will," Justin says. "Or, he'll spend the next ten or twenty years in prison. However long they give for blackmailin' people, includin' judges. That little file ol' Harris Ryland gave me gives us almost total power over big brother."
"Yeah, it sure does," Amanda says with a smile. "John Ross would be completely at our mercy. He'd do anything to avoid prison, and I mean ANYTHING."
Justin smiles as he looks at her. "That's right. And that would be better than sendin' him to prison." He and Amanda begin kissing.
Southfork, the next morning....
Ann is on the patio the next morning spraying some flowers on the outdoor breakfast table when Conner comes out of the house.
"Good morning," he says.
"Mornin'," replies Ann.
"Hey, those are beautiful," Conner says, walking over and admiring the flowers.
"Thank you. Grew them myself."
"You sure have a green thumb, Ann."
"Are you leavin' for work this early?" Ann asks.
"Yeah, we have a lot of work to do over in Ray's north pasture, so he and Lucas wanna get an early start."
"I see. Well, why don't you have some coffee?"
"Sure," Conner says as he picks up a cup and pours himself some coffee as Christopher comes out of the house dressed for work.
"Mornin'," he says.
"Mornin', Christopher," says Ann. "Breakfast is in the kitchen."
"Good morning," he says.
"Mornin'," replies Ann.
"Hey, those are beautiful," Conner says, walking over and admiring the flowers.
"Thank you. Grew them myself."
"You sure have a green thumb, Ann."
"Are you leavin' for work this early?" Ann asks.
"Yeah, we have a lot of work to do over in Ray's north pasture, so he and Lucas wanna get an early start."
"I see. Well, why don't you have some coffee?"
"Sure," Conner says as he picks up a cup and pours himself some coffee as Christopher comes out of the house dressed for work.
"Mornin'," he says.
"Mornin', Christopher," says Ann. "Breakfast is in the kitchen."
"Thanks. Where's Dad?" Christopher asks.
"Your father already left."
"This early?"
"Yeah," replies Ann. "He said he'd grab some breakfast in town."
Christopher and Conner exchange worried looks.
"Ann, is everything okay between you and Dad? I mean because of Lucas and Emma."
Ann looks at her stepson for a moment before answering. "Things could be better."
"Ummm, Ann, look, maybe I should find a place in town," says Conner. "If it's a bad time for me to be here....."
"No, not at all," Ann says. "Conner, as Bobby told you, you're more'n welcome here for as long as you'd like to stay."
"Thank you. Well, I'd better be getting over to Ray's." Conner finishes off his coffee and sets the cup down on the table, then leaves.
After Conner is gone, Christopher walks over to Ann. "You wanna talk about it?"
"Thanks. But not really. Your father and I have just gotta work this out on our own somehow."
"Okay," Christopher says. "But I really hope you guys don't let what happened between Lucas and Emma affect your marriage."
Ann looks at him and sighs. "That's a little hard not to, especially when Bobby blames Emma for everything that's gone wrong around here. And a lot of that's true. Emma IS to blame for a lot of what happened. But Bobby's also holdin' it against me."
"Against you? How?"
"He still resents the fact that Cliff is Emma's father, and that I never told him about Cliff. Christopher, I'm not sure you're father will ever forgive me for that."
"Your father already left."
"This early?"
"Yeah," replies Ann. "He said he'd grab some breakfast in town."
Christopher and Conner exchange worried looks.
"Ann, is everything okay between you and Dad? I mean because of Lucas and Emma."
Ann looks at her stepson for a moment before answering. "Things could be better."
"Ummm, Ann, look, maybe I should find a place in town," says Conner. "If it's a bad time for me to be here....."
"No, not at all," Ann says. "Conner, as Bobby told you, you're more'n welcome here for as long as you'd like to stay."
"Thank you. Well, I'd better be getting over to Ray's." Conner finishes off his coffee and sets the cup down on the table, then leaves.
After Conner is gone, Christopher walks over to Ann. "You wanna talk about it?"
"Thanks. But not really. Your father and I have just gotta work this out on our own somehow."
"Okay," Christopher says. "But I really hope you guys don't let what happened between Lucas and Emma affect your marriage."
Ann looks at him and sighs. "That's a little hard not to, especially when Bobby blames Emma for everything that's gone wrong around here. And a lot of that's true. Emma IS to blame for a lot of what happened. But Bobby's also holdin' it against me."
"Against you? How?"
"He still resents the fact that Cliff is Emma's father, and that I never told him about Cliff. Christopher, I'm not sure you're father will ever forgive me for that."
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital
Jay walks into Todd's new room at the hospital later that morning and finds his cousin awake. Todd looks at Jay for a moment, then turns away. Jay walks over to his cousin's bedside and takes a seat.
"How do you feel?" Jay asks.
"How do you think I feel? Like a total failure. I can't even pull off killin' myself."
"Todd, that's not funny."
"I didn't mean it to be," Todd says.
"How do you feel?" Jay asks.
"How do you think I feel? Like a total failure. I can't even pull off killin' myself."
"Todd, that's not funny."
"I didn't mean it to be," Todd says.
"Why, Todd?" Jay asks. "Why'd you do this?"
"Didn't you get my email?" Todd asks sadly.
"Yeah, I got it."
"Well, my parents haven't said anything about disowning me yet, so I guess you haven't told them."
"No, I haven't, Todd. But I think you should."
Todd looks at his cousin. "Are you nuts? Why the hell do you think I tried to kill myself? So I wouldn't have to face them with this."
"Were you really THAT afraid and ashamed? Todd, you're gay. It's not like you killed someone or molested a kid."
"Jay, you grew up in that family, same as me. You know how they are. If I had told them, then I may as well have admitted to murder or to molesting a kid. Can't you just see the look on my parents' faces? Or Grandmother's? As much as I love her, it probably would've caused Grandmother to drop dead on the spot."
"And what about me?" Jay asks. "Did you think that I would react the same way? If so, then you don't know me at all."
"You're right," says Todd. "I don't. I guess the subject of homosexuality has never really come up, so I have no idea how you really feel about the issue."
"Todd, you're my cousin. Heck, you're more than that, I consider you my brother. And no matter what kind of choices you make for your life, or how you choose to live...."
"I DIDN'T choose this!" Todd says angrily, now in tears. "Do you really think that I would choose a life that would disgrace my family or turn them against me? Or that would leave me open to being blackmailed by a scumbag like John Ross Ewing?"
"I'm sorry," Jay says. "Todd, what about John Ross Ewing? He blackmailed you into taking his case to overturn that codicil to his father's will, didn't he? That's why?"
"I sure as hell didn't do it for my health," Todd says. "Anyway, it doesn't matter now. My life is ruined, all because of John Ross Ewing. My career is over when news of this gets out. If my being gay doesn't ruin me, then news of my suicide attempt will. Was that guard still out there in the hall? My body guard. He's here to make sure I don't try to harm myself again. And then of course there's the family. How am I gonna explain this to them? Lie and say that John Ross found out I was screwing some woman I shouldn't have been with, a married woman maybe, and he was blackmailing me with that?"
"You know, you may not believe this right now," Jay says. "But everything's gonna be alright. It will."
Tears filling his eyes, Todd looks at his cousin. "That's real easy for you to say, cousin. You like the right gender. You haven't lost everything because of who you are."
Jay looks at Todd, his own eyes beginning to fill with tears as he can sympathize with his cousin's pain.
"Didn't you get my email?" Todd asks sadly.
"Yeah, I got it."
"Well, my parents haven't said anything about disowning me yet, so I guess you haven't told them."
"No, I haven't, Todd. But I think you should."
Todd looks at his cousin. "Are you nuts? Why the hell do you think I tried to kill myself? So I wouldn't have to face them with this."
"Were you really THAT afraid and ashamed? Todd, you're gay. It's not like you killed someone or molested a kid."
"Jay, you grew up in that family, same as me. You know how they are. If I had told them, then I may as well have admitted to murder or to molesting a kid. Can't you just see the look on my parents' faces? Or Grandmother's? As much as I love her, it probably would've caused Grandmother to drop dead on the spot."
"And what about me?" Jay asks. "Did you think that I would react the same way? If so, then you don't know me at all."
"You're right," says Todd. "I don't. I guess the subject of homosexuality has never really come up, so I have no idea how you really feel about the issue."
"Todd, you're my cousin. Heck, you're more than that, I consider you my brother. And no matter what kind of choices you make for your life, or how you choose to live...."
"I DIDN'T choose this!" Todd says angrily, now in tears. "Do you really think that I would choose a life that would disgrace my family or turn them against me? Or that would leave me open to being blackmailed by a scumbag like John Ross Ewing?"
"I'm sorry," Jay says. "Todd, what about John Ross Ewing? He blackmailed you into taking his case to overturn that codicil to his father's will, didn't he? That's why?"
"I sure as hell didn't do it for my health," Todd says. "Anyway, it doesn't matter now. My life is ruined, all because of John Ross Ewing. My career is over when news of this gets out. If my being gay doesn't ruin me, then news of my suicide attempt will. Was that guard still out there in the hall? My body guard. He's here to make sure I don't try to harm myself again. And then of course there's the family. How am I gonna explain this to them? Lie and say that John Ross found out I was screwing some woman I shouldn't have been with, a married woman maybe, and he was blackmailing me with that?"
"You know, you may not believe this right now," Jay says. "But everything's gonna be alright. It will."
Tears filling his eyes, Todd looks at his cousin. "That's real easy for you to say, cousin. You like the right gender. You haven't lost everything because of who you are."
Jay looks at Todd, his own eyes beginning to fill with tears as he can sympathize with his cousin's pain.
Ewing Global....
"Mr. Ewing, Senator Culver is here to see you," says Bobby's secretary after buzzing his office intercom.
"Thank you, Janice" Bobby says. "Please show the senator in," Bobby stands from his seat behind his desk and walks over to the door to greet Matt as Janice, Bobby's pretty brunette secretary, shows him in. "Hello, Matt," Bobby says, shaking hands with the young senator.
"Thank you, Janice" Bobby says. "Please show the senator in," Bobby stands from his seat behind his desk and walks over to the door to greet Matt as Janice, Bobby's pretty brunette secretary, shows him in. "Hello, Matt," Bobby says, shaking hands with the young senator.
"Hi, Bobby," Matt says. "Great to see you."
"Senator, can I get you anything?" Janice asks.
"No thanks, I'm fine."
"Janice, would you ask Christopher and Sue Ellen to join us?" Bobby asks.
"Mrs. Ewing is at an appointment, but I'll ask Christopher to come in."
"Thank you," Bobby says as Janice walks out. "Matt, I really appreciate you seein' me."
"It's no problem at all, Bobby, I had to be in Dallas for a committee hearing. Besides, anything for a soon to be uncle-in-law."
Bobby laughs at the comment. "Speakin' of which, how are the weddin' plans comin'? Big day's almost here, huh?"
"Oh yes," Matt says. "A week from this Saturday, and I gotta tell ya, Bobby, I can't wait for Margaret to say 'I do' and become Mrs. Matthew Culver."
At that moment, Christopher walks in. "Hey, Matt," he says, shaking hands with the senator. "Great to see you."
"You too, Chris. So, guys, I take it Judith Ryland is causing you more problems?"
"Senator, can I get you anything?" Janice asks.
"No thanks, I'm fine."
"Janice, would you ask Christopher and Sue Ellen to join us?" Bobby asks.
"Mrs. Ewing is at an appointment, but I'll ask Christopher to come in."
"Thank you," Bobby says as Janice walks out. "Matt, I really appreciate you seein' me."
"It's no problem at all, Bobby, I had to be in Dallas for a committee hearing. Besides, anything for a soon to be uncle-in-law."
Bobby laughs at the comment. "Speakin' of which, how are the weddin' plans comin'? Big day's almost here, huh?"
"Oh yes," Matt says. "A week from this Saturday, and I gotta tell ya, Bobby, I can't wait for Margaret to say 'I do' and become Mrs. Matthew Culver."
At that moment, Christopher walks in. "Hey, Matt," he says, shaking hands with the senator. "Great to see you."
"You too, Chris. So, guys, I take it Judith Ryland is causing you more problems?"
"Yes, I'm afraid she is, Matt," Bobby says. "And this time, she's really got us over a barrel. So far she's stopped our drilling in four of our new fields."
"And at this rate, there's no way we can stay in business for long," adds Christopher. "Every day that we can't drill those fields, it's costing us millions of dollars, and making it almost impossible for us to do business and go into partnerships with other companies."
"Obviously, Judith's agenda has now gone from merely bein' a thorn in our side to a full fledged attempt to put Ewing Global out of business," Bobby says.
"Okay, Bobby," Matt says. "I think it's time I followed through on what we discussed months ago. I'll do everything I can and use all the influence at my disposal to have that lady removed as Railroad Commissioner. It's pretty clear now that she's using that position to wage her personal vendetta against the Ewings."
"Matt, I don't know how to thank you," says Bobby.
Matt smiles. "No problem, Bobby. I'll talk to the governor personally just as soon as I get back to Austin, and if that doesn't work, I'll go over his head. The name Culver still carries a helluva lot of weight in both Texas AND Washington."
Bobby smiles, confident that he has the right man on his side now.
Westar....
Melissa is pouring herself a cup of coffee in the break room of the Westar offices when Tripp walks in. Melissa gives him a quick look, then takes a sip of her coffee. Tripp smiles then walks over and pours himself a cup.
"Melissa," he says.
"Mr. McKay," she replies somewhat coldly.
"Listen, I was just curious.....yesterday, when I saw John Ross leavin' with that lady, Krystina Carrington? I was wonderin' what your boss is up to with the lovely president of Denver-Carrington Oil."
"Melissa," he says.
"Mr. McKay," she replies somewhat coldly.
"Listen, I was just curious.....yesterday, when I saw John Ross leavin' with that lady, Krystina Carrington? I was wonderin' what your boss is up to with the lovely president of Denver-Carrington Oil."
"I'm sure if John Ross wanted you to know, he'd fill you in," Melissa says.
Tripp smiles as he moves closer to her. "Come on, Melissa. You can tell me. After all, we're on the same team here."
"Since when?"
"Since.....Pamela now has half of John Ross's shares in this company. And, ya know, that big board meeting is coming up real soon. John Ross's days as CEO of Westar are numbered, Melissa. So, if I were you, I'd think twice about where my loyalties lie.......with a guy who's soon gonna be booted outta here on his ass, or with the two people who'll run this company in the future. Besides, I've seen the way you look at John Ross. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what's goin' on there. I've also seen the way he treats you. So, what exactly do you owe him?"
"I don't know WHAT you're talking about, Mr. McKay," Melissa says.
She starts to walk out of the room, but Tripp grabs her by the arm. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out three one hundred dollar bills, which he holds out to her. "There could be a lot more where this came from. All I want is a little information. I know it's kinda hard to talk here in the office, but.....have a drink with me later?"
Melissa grabs the money from Tripp's hand. "A quick drink after work might be nice."
"Great. The little tavern down the street? Say......6 o'clock."
Melissa nods, then turns and walks out, leaving Tripp with a smile of satisfaction.
Tripp smiles as he moves closer to her. "Come on, Melissa. You can tell me. After all, we're on the same team here."
"Since when?"
"Since.....Pamela now has half of John Ross's shares in this company. And, ya know, that big board meeting is coming up real soon. John Ross's days as CEO of Westar are numbered, Melissa. So, if I were you, I'd think twice about where my loyalties lie.......with a guy who's soon gonna be booted outta here on his ass, or with the two people who'll run this company in the future. Besides, I've seen the way you look at John Ross. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what's goin' on there. I've also seen the way he treats you. So, what exactly do you owe him?"
"I don't know WHAT you're talking about, Mr. McKay," Melissa says.
She starts to walk out of the room, but Tripp grabs her by the arm. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out three one hundred dollar bills, which he holds out to her. "There could be a lot more where this came from. All I want is a little information. I know it's kinda hard to talk here in the office, but.....have a drink with me later?"
Melissa grabs the money from Tripp's hand. "A quick drink after work might be nice."
"Great. The little tavern down the street? Say......6 o'clock."
Melissa nods, then turns and walks out, leaving Tripp with a smile of satisfaction.
Pamela's office.....later
A short time later, Tripp walks into Pamela's office. "You're never gonna believe this," he says happily.
"How's your eye?" Pamela asks.
"It's fine. The drops the doctor gave me seem to be helping."You know, I think you're incredibly sexy in your glasses. You should wear them more often."
"Haha, not on your life," says Tripp. "I'm strictly a contact lens guy. But anyway, listen to me, I was just in the break room talking to Melissa, and guess what?"
"What?"
"I think I can make her spill some of John Ross's secrets."
"How?" Pamela asks.
"I invited her to have a drink with me after work this evening, and she accepted."
"A drink?"
"Yeah. I think that if I show her a little sympathy, a little friendship, and she'll talk."
"How's your eye?" Pamela asks.
"It's fine. The drops the doctor gave me seem to be helping."You know, I think you're incredibly sexy in your glasses. You should wear them more often."
"Haha, not on your life," says Tripp. "I'm strictly a contact lens guy. But anyway, listen to me, I was just in the break room talking to Melissa, and guess what?"
"What?"
"I think I can make her spill some of John Ross's secrets."
"How?" Pamela asks.
"I invited her to have a drink with me after work this evening, and she accepted."
"A drink?"
"Yeah. I think that if I show her a little sympathy, a little friendship, and she'll talk."
"I'm not real sure I like the sound of that," Pamela says.
"Not jealous, are ya?"
"Melissa is a very beautiful woman."
"I'm not gonna sleep with her," says Tripp. "Just have a few drinks and pump her for information. It's pretty obvious to me that she and John Ross are carryin' on an affair, and I think it's more than just sex as far as she's concerned. But John Ross is probably just using Melissa on the side while he's banging that Carrington girl."
"Of course he is, or he wouldn't be John Ross." Pamela sighs. "Tripp, I'm not sure about this."
Tripp walks over to her and puts her arms around her. "Pamela, I'm NOT John Ross. And I'm NOT gonna cheat on you. Unlike John Ross, I love you far too much for that. And I don't intend to lose you."
Pamela looks at him for a moment. "I hope you mean that. Because I love you more than any man I've ever been with. And I wanna share my life with you."
Tripp kisses her, then smiles. "Ditto. And don't worry about Melissa."
"Not jealous, are ya?"
"Melissa is a very beautiful woman."
"I'm not gonna sleep with her," says Tripp. "Just have a few drinks and pump her for information. It's pretty obvious to me that she and John Ross are carryin' on an affair, and I think it's more than just sex as far as she's concerned. But John Ross is probably just using Melissa on the side while he's banging that Carrington girl."
"Of course he is, or he wouldn't be John Ross." Pamela sighs. "Tripp, I'm not sure about this."
Tripp walks over to her and puts her arms around her. "Pamela, I'm NOT John Ross. And I'm NOT gonna cheat on you. Unlike John Ross, I love you far too much for that. And I don't intend to lose you."
Pamela looks at him for a moment. "I hope you mean that. Because I love you more than any man I've ever been with. And I wanna share my life with you."
Tripp kisses her, then smiles. "Ditto. And don't worry about Melissa."
Corpus Christi, Texas....
Meanwhile, John Ross and Krystina are walking on the pier in Corpus Christi after inspecting their offshore well their companies are partnered in.
Krystina takes a deep breath. "Smell that wonderful Gulf air?"
"Smells like fish," John Ross remarks.
Krystina laughs at the comment. "Didn't you ever go fishing when you were a kid?"
"Sure I did."
"So did I. My father use to take me to this little place in the mountains where he and my Mom had bought a cabin. Those were some wonderful times. And sometimes when we'd visit my sister Fallon when she lived in L.A., Daddy and I use to fish off the pier down the beach from her house. The smell of this Gulf air brings back some great memories."
"You had a pretty happy childhood, didn't you?" John Ross asks.
"Yeah, I guess I did. For a rich kid."
"What does that mean?"
"Well, you grew up rich, but, from the way you talk your childhood wasn't very happy at all."
"It had it's moments. But unlike you, I didn't have two parents together who were happy. Even when my Mama and Daddy were together, it was anything BUT happy. Usually they were fightin' over me."
"I'm sorry, John Ross."
"It's alright," he says. "I overcame it."
"Is anything bothering you? I mean, other than your new found son?" Krystina asks. "You seem awfully preoccupied, even when we were inspecting the rig."
John Ross sighs. "Just got a lot on my mind. Alex included. And Westar."
"Well what about Westar?"
"That big board meetin' is in a couple weeks. And I'm afraid I may not have the support to stay in power."
Krystina stops walking and turns to him. "You think you really might lose control of Westar?"
"There's a chance. My ex-wife Pamela now has half of my shares of the comp'ny. She'll use those against me, and she's doin' her damndest to bring the rest of the board members over to her side. If she gets a majority of votes behind her, then I'm out."
"And that could be the end of our partnership in these Gulf wells," Krystina says, concerned.
"Not necessarily. Those wells are gonna mean a huge profit for Westar when they come in. If Pamela becomes CEO of Westar, she aint gonna jeopardize that deal. So you're investment is safe."
"But I didn't make that deal with your ex-wife. I made it with you. So what would you have to do to keep your position as CEO?"
"Either get all the board members to side with ME instead of Pamela. Or, do the impossible and somehow get my hands on enough shares to own the majority of the comp'ny again. And that'll take a LOT of money. More money than I got."
John Ross and Krystina resume their walk on the pier.
Krystina takes a deep breath. "Smell that wonderful Gulf air?"
"Smells like fish," John Ross remarks.
Krystina laughs at the comment. "Didn't you ever go fishing when you were a kid?"
"Sure I did."
"So did I. My father use to take me to this little place in the mountains where he and my Mom had bought a cabin. Those were some wonderful times. And sometimes when we'd visit my sister Fallon when she lived in L.A., Daddy and I use to fish off the pier down the beach from her house. The smell of this Gulf air brings back some great memories."
"You had a pretty happy childhood, didn't you?" John Ross asks.
"Yeah, I guess I did. For a rich kid."
"What does that mean?"
"Well, you grew up rich, but, from the way you talk your childhood wasn't very happy at all."
"It had it's moments. But unlike you, I didn't have two parents together who were happy. Even when my Mama and Daddy were together, it was anything BUT happy. Usually they were fightin' over me."
"I'm sorry, John Ross."
"It's alright," he says. "I overcame it."
"Is anything bothering you? I mean, other than your new found son?" Krystina asks. "You seem awfully preoccupied, even when we were inspecting the rig."
John Ross sighs. "Just got a lot on my mind. Alex included. And Westar."
"Well what about Westar?"
"That big board meetin' is in a couple weeks. And I'm afraid I may not have the support to stay in power."
Krystina stops walking and turns to him. "You think you really might lose control of Westar?"
"There's a chance. My ex-wife Pamela now has half of my shares of the comp'ny. She'll use those against me, and she's doin' her damndest to bring the rest of the board members over to her side. If she gets a majority of votes behind her, then I'm out."
"And that could be the end of our partnership in these Gulf wells," Krystina says, concerned.
"Not necessarily. Those wells are gonna mean a huge profit for Westar when they come in. If Pamela becomes CEO of Westar, she aint gonna jeopardize that deal. So you're investment is safe."
"But I didn't make that deal with your ex-wife. I made it with you. So what would you have to do to keep your position as CEO?"
"Either get all the board members to side with ME instead of Pamela. Or, do the impossible and somehow get my hands on enough shares to own the majority of the comp'ny again. And that'll take a LOT of money. More money than I got."
John Ross and Krystina resume their walk on the pier.
Back in Dallas.....later
Melissa walks into a small tavern down the street from Westar late that afternoon. She looks around and spots Tripp at the bar. She walks over.
"Well, hello," Tripp says. "Glad you could make it. Bartender, I'll have a scotch on the rocks and.....give the lady whatever she wants."
"I'll have the same," says Melissa.
"Comin' right up," says the bartender.
"I started not to come," Melissa says. "But I was curious."
"Curious?" Tripp asks. "Curious about what?"
"Curious about you," Melissa replies. "About why you wanted to meet me for drinks."
Tripp smiles. "Is that such a big mystery? I'd like to get to know you better."
"But why, Mr. McKay? I mean after all, you're going to marry Miss Barnes in about a week and a half, aren't you?"
"Yes, that's right. A week from this Saturday."
"Then why are you here with me? A secretary, when your fiance is worth millions? Is it because you want me to betray John Ross's trust and spill all his secrets?"
"You're a smart lady," Tripp says.
"Then it's true," Melissa says as the bartender sets her and Tripp's drinks down in front of them.
"Melissa, you don't hide your feelings for John Ross very well," Tripp continues after the bartender walks away. "It's pretty obvious to everyone who's paying attention that you have the hots for your boss. It's also clear that he's just using you. Now can you look at me and tell me I'm wrong?"
The smile disappears from Melissa's face as she lowers her eyes.
"I AM right, aren't I?"
After a moment, she looks at Tripp. "You really wanna know all of John Ross's dirty little secrets?"
"Yes ma'am."
"And....what's it worth to you?" Melissa asks.
"A lot. And it'll be worth a lot to you, too."
"If you're talking about money, John Ross already pays me quiet handsomely."
"I'm sure he does," Tripp says. "And I'm sure that Pamela and I can match any salary John Ross pays you, even increase it. And you'd be working for people who actually respect you and would never use you the way John Ross has."
"Use me?" Melissa asks with a slight laugh. "That's funny. Isn't that what you're doing right now, Mr. McKay? Using me to get information about John Ross."
"Melissa, why don't you call me Tripp?"
"Okay......Tripp. Maybe I would be willing to divulge a little information. But of course I'd want something in return," Melissa says seductively.
Tripp smiles. "Is that such a big mystery? I'd like to get to know you better."
"But why, Mr. McKay? I mean after all, you're going to marry Miss Barnes in about a week and a half, aren't you?"
"Yes, that's right. A week from this Saturday."
"Then why are you here with me? A secretary, when your fiance is worth millions? Is it because you want me to betray John Ross's trust and spill all his secrets?"
"You're a smart lady," Tripp says.
"Then it's true," Melissa says as the bartender sets her and Tripp's drinks down in front of them.
"Melissa, you don't hide your feelings for John Ross very well," Tripp continues after the bartender walks away. "It's pretty obvious to everyone who's paying attention that you have the hots for your boss. It's also clear that he's just using you. Now can you look at me and tell me I'm wrong?"
The smile disappears from Melissa's face as she lowers her eyes.
"I AM right, aren't I?"
After a moment, she looks at Tripp. "You really wanna know all of John Ross's dirty little secrets?"
"Yes ma'am."
"And....what's it worth to you?" Melissa asks.
"A lot. And it'll be worth a lot to you, too."
"If you're talking about money, John Ross already pays me quiet handsomely."
"I'm sure he does," Tripp says. "And I'm sure that Pamela and I can match any salary John Ross pays you, even increase it. And you'd be working for people who actually respect you and would never use you the way John Ross has."
"Use me?" Melissa asks with a slight laugh. "That's funny. Isn't that what you're doing right now, Mr. McKay? Using me to get information about John Ross."
"Melissa, why don't you call me Tripp?"
"Okay......Tripp. Maybe I would be willing to divulge a little information. But of course I'd want something in return," Melissa says seductively.
"Such as?"
"You're a smart man, Tripp McKay, as well as an extremely attractive one. I'm sure you can guess."
"Melissa, you are a VERY beautiful and very attractive woman," Tripp says. "And believe me, if things were different, I'd take you up on that in a heartbeat. But I happen to be very much in love with my fiance and I have no intention of cheating on Pamela."
"So you're one of those. An honorable, faithful man."
"Well.....I'm faithful, anyway," Tripp says.
"What Pamela doesn't know certainly won't hurt her," says Melissa.
"It'll hurt me, because I'll know."
"Well, I guess you really don't wanna get the goods on John Ross as much as I thought," Melissa says, finishing off her drink. She sets the glass down on the bar and starts to leave, then turns to Tripp. "Look, we could just have a drink at my place and talk. We can much more freely there than we can in a public place or at the office." Melissa reaches into her purse and takes out a card, which she lays on the bar in front of Tripp. "If you change your mind, my address and phone number are on the card. But don't wait too long to decide." Melissa smiles, then turns and walks out. After she's gone, Tripp picks up the card and looks at it.
"You're a smart man, Tripp McKay, as well as an extremely attractive one. I'm sure you can guess."
"Melissa, you are a VERY beautiful and very attractive woman," Tripp says. "And believe me, if things were different, I'd take you up on that in a heartbeat. But I happen to be very much in love with my fiance and I have no intention of cheating on Pamela."
"So you're one of those. An honorable, faithful man."
"Well.....I'm faithful, anyway," Tripp says.
"What Pamela doesn't know certainly won't hurt her," says Melissa.
"It'll hurt me, because I'll know."
"Well, I guess you really don't wanna get the goods on John Ross as much as I thought," Melissa says, finishing off her drink. She sets the glass down on the bar and starts to leave, then turns to Tripp. "Look, we could just have a drink at my place and talk. We can much more freely there than we can in a public place or at the office." Melissa reaches into her purse and takes out a card, which she lays on the bar in front of Tripp. "If you change your mind, my address and phone number are on the card. But don't wait too long to decide." Melissa smiles, then turns and walks out. After she's gone, Tripp picks up the card and looks at it.
Southfork....night
Christopher walks into the foyer that night as Amanda comes down the stairs carrying her suitcase.
"Amanda," he says. "You, uh.....you leaving?"
"What does it look like? I can't take living with your cousin anymore, Christopher."
"I'm sorry, Amanda. Sorry things turned out this way for you."
"Are you?" She asks.
"Of course I am."
"I didn't think you cared."
"Amanda, I do care," Christopher says. "I just couldn't be a part of your problems with John Ross."
"I know. And I understand that. But, I finally found a man who loves and cares for me, and treats me better than I've ever been treated in my life. So, I'm moving in with him."
"I see. I'm sorry things didn't work out with John Ross, especially with the baby on the way. If you ever need anything, you know how to get in touch with me."
"Thanks, Christopher, I appreciate that," Amanda says. "But......"
"But, she has all the help now she's gonna need," Justin says, walking into the foyer.
"Amanda," he says. "You, uh.....you leaving?"
"What does it look like? I can't take living with your cousin anymore, Christopher."
"I'm sorry, Amanda. Sorry things turned out this way for you."
"Are you?" She asks.
"Of course I am."
"I didn't think you cared."
"Amanda, I do care," Christopher says. "I just couldn't be a part of your problems with John Ross."
"I know. And I understand that. But, I finally found a man who loves and cares for me, and treats me better than I've ever been treated in my life. So, I'm moving in with him."
"I see. I'm sorry things didn't work out with John Ross, especially with the baby on the way. If you ever need anything, you know how to get in touch with me."
"Thanks, Christopher, I appreciate that," Amanda says. "But......"
"But, she has all the help now she's gonna need," Justin says, walking into the foyer.
"Him?" Christopher asks. "You're moving in with John Ross's brother?"
"Yes," Amanda replies.
"When did all this happen?"
"Amanda and I have been in love for a while, man," Justin says, putting his arm around Amanda.
"You know, when John Ross finds out about this, he's gonna just sit back and let it happen," says Christopher.
"We aint worried about John Ross," Justin says. "I can take care of big brother just fine."
"You know, when you say that, you actually remind me a lot of John Ross."
"Well, I guess I can take that as a compliment, cousin," says Justin. "Because, like my big brother, when I want somethin', I generally don't stop until I get it. Just like I'm gonna get back my birthright John Ross stole from me."
"Justin, listen to me," Christopher says. "Both of you, listen to me. This family has had enough drama and enough trouble for a while. I don't think we need anymore around here."
"Don't worry, Chris. There won't be any drama, or any trouble."
"I can't live with John Ross any longer," says Amanda. "And I'm not going to."
"You ready, darlin'?" Justin asks her.
"Ready," she replies.
Justin picks up Amanda's suitcase. He smiles at Christopher. "See ya, cousin," he says, then he and Amanda walk out.
"Justin, listen to me," Christopher says. "Both of you, listen to me. This family has had enough drama and enough trouble for a while. I don't think we need anymore around here."
"Don't worry, Chris. There won't be any drama, or any trouble."
"I can't live with John Ross any longer," says Amanda. "And I'm not going to."
"You ready, darlin'?" Justin asks her.
"Ready," she replies.
Justin picks up Amanda's suitcase. He smiles at Christopher. "See ya, cousin," he says, then he and Amanda walk out.
Tripp's apartment....
Tripp walks into his apartment that night and finds Pamela sitting on the sofa waiting for him.
"Well, how'd it go with Melissa?" Pamela asks, standing to meet him.
"Went fine," Tripp replies, a tone of sadness in his voice.
"Did you find out anything? Was she willing to talk?"
"No. No. It was a total waste of time."
"Well, how'd it go with Melissa?" Pamela asks, standing to meet him.
"Went fine," Tripp replies, a tone of sadness in his voice.
"Did you find out anything? Was she willing to talk?"
"No. No. It was a total waste of time."
"So what happened?" Pamela asks.
Tripp sighs deeply. "Melissa was willing to talk. But only for a price."
"That price being.....?"
"She wanted......"
"You," Pamela says, interrupting. "She wanted you, didn't she?"
"Yes, she did," he replies, walking over to her. "But, my darling fiance, you'll be happy to know, I turned her down FLAT." Tripp puts his arms around her.
"Tripp, i have to know something. And I want you to be honest with me."
"Of course."
"Were you tempted? I mean not just to get her to talk about John Ross and what he's up to, but, just because Melissa's a very attractive woman?"
Tripp is silent for a moment before answering. "You want the truth? Yeah, I was tempted. But that lasted about six seconds, and you know why?"
"Why?" Pamela asks.
"Because Melissa propositioning me made me realize just how much I love you, Pamela. Six months ago, hell, I'd have gone home with her, but now......I already have the ONLY woman I want and the only woman I'm ever gonna want. A week from this Saturday, you are gonna make me the happiest man that ever drew a breath when we stand up there at that altar in front of our families and friends and become my wife. And I never wanna do anything that's gonna jeopardize your happiness. Even if it means we never get the goods on John Ross."
"Tripp," Pamela says with a smile as a tear falls down her cheek. "You are the most wonderful man. And I don't know what I ever did to deserve you."
I'm the lucky one," Tripp says. He begins kissing her passionately.
Tripp sighs deeply. "Melissa was willing to talk. But only for a price."
"That price being.....?"
"She wanted......"
"You," Pamela says, interrupting. "She wanted you, didn't she?"
"Yes, she did," he replies, walking over to her. "But, my darling fiance, you'll be happy to know, I turned her down FLAT." Tripp puts his arms around her.
"Tripp, i have to know something. And I want you to be honest with me."
"Of course."
"Were you tempted? I mean not just to get her to talk about John Ross and what he's up to, but, just because Melissa's a very attractive woman?"
Tripp is silent for a moment before answering. "You want the truth? Yeah, I was tempted. But that lasted about six seconds, and you know why?"
"Why?" Pamela asks.
"Because Melissa propositioning me made me realize just how much I love you, Pamela. Six months ago, hell, I'd have gone home with her, but now......I already have the ONLY woman I want and the only woman I'm ever gonna want. A week from this Saturday, you are gonna make me the happiest man that ever drew a breath when we stand up there at that altar in front of our families and friends and become my wife. And I never wanna do anything that's gonna jeopardize your happiness. Even if it means we never get the goods on John Ross."
"Tripp," Pamela says with a smile as a tear falls down her cheek. "You are the most wonderful man. And I don't know what I ever did to deserve you."
I'm the lucky one," Tripp says. He begins kissing her passionately.
Southfork....the next morning
The next morning, Ann, Bobby, Christopher, and Conner are having break fast in uncomfortable silence on the patio when Lucas drives up and brings his car to a stop in the parking area. He gets out and walks over to the family.
"Morning," he says.
"Mornin'," Bobby greets his son.
"You want some breakfast?" Ann asks.
"Morning," he says.
"Mornin'," Bobby greets his son.
"You want some breakfast?" Ann asks.
"No, thanks, I ate before I left my Mom's," Lucas replies.
"How's Alex doin'?" Christopher asks.
Lucas sighs. "He's......not good. It's like he's shut down emotionally. Charlie still doesn't know about what happened, and she comes home from the hospital today. It's gonna be hard to tell her."
"Well," Conner says, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "I'd better be goin' over to Ray's. We've got a couple fences to mend today."
"I'll be over in a little while to help," Lucas says. "I just came over to check on my horse and maybe take a ride. Always helps to clear my head."
"Okay, I'll see you in a little while," Conner says, getting up from the table as his cell phone rings. "Oh, excuse me, everyone. It's Lt. Walden." Conner walks away from the others and answers his cell phone. "Hello? Yes, this is Conner Ewing," he says, walking away.
"Lucas, we really miss ya around here, son," Bobby says. "Sure wish you'd come home."
"Thanks, but, I just can't. Not with John Ross here. I can't live in the same house with him."
"I understand. If Mama hadn't left him half of this ranch, I'd kick him out. But my hands are tied there. Just know, Lucas, that, you may not have grown up here, but this is as much your home as it is John Ross's."
"That means a lot," Lucas says. "Well, I'll talk to you all later. I'm gonna head to the stables. I think I might just take Bo over to Ray and my Mom's."
"Really wish you wouldn't do that," Bobby says. "I mean, havin' your horse here gives you a reason to come by every mornin'."
Lucas manages a slight smile, then turns and walks back toward his car. He gets in a drives off toward the stables as Conner walks back over to the others at the breakfast table.
"Conner, what did the Lt. want?" Ann asks.
"How's Alex doin'?" Christopher asks.
Lucas sighs. "He's......not good. It's like he's shut down emotionally. Charlie still doesn't know about what happened, and she comes home from the hospital today. It's gonna be hard to tell her."
"Well," Conner says, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "I'd better be goin' over to Ray's. We've got a couple fences to mend today."
"I'll be over in a little while to help," Lucas says. "I just came over to check on my horse and maybe take a ride. Always helps to clear my head."
"Okay, I'll see you in a little while," Conner says, getting up from the table as his cell phone rings. "Oh, excuse me, everyone. It's Lt. Walden." Conner walks away from the others and answers his cell phone. "Hello? Yes, this is Conner Ewing," he says, walking away.
"Lucas, we really miss ya around here, son," Bobby says. "Sure wish you'd come home."
"Thanks, but, I just can't. Not with John Ross here. I can't live in the same house with him."
"I understand. If Mama hadn't left him half of this ranch, I'd kick him out. But my hands are tied there. Just know, Lucas, that, you may not have grown up here, but this is as much your home as it is John Ross's."
"That means a lot," Lucas says. "Well, I'll talk to you all later. I'm gonna head to the stables. I think I might just take Bo over to Ray and my Mom's."
"Really wish you wouldn't do that," Bobby says. "I mean, havin' your horse here gives you a reason to come by every mornin'."
Lucas manages a slight smile, then turns and walks back toward his car. He gets in a drives off toward the stables as Conner walks back over to the others at the breakfast table.
"Conner, what did the Lt. want?" Ann asks.
"He.......he thinks they may have a break in the investigation," replies Conner. "They may be getting close to finding the person who killed my father."
Meanwhile....
Lucas drives his car up to the barn and corral at Southfork and comes to a stop. Getting out, he walks over to the barn, where Cody is brushing his horse.
"Mornin', Cody," Lucas greets.
"Good mornin', Mr. Ewin'," Cody replies.
"Cody, why don't you call me, Lucas and stop with that 'Mr. Ewing' stuff?"
Cody laughs. "Sure thing, Lucas."
"And my last name is Krebbs. Not Ewing," Lucas adds.
"That's right, I keep forgettin'. Got him all saddled up and ready for you."
"Thanks," Lucas says, taking the horse's reins from Cody. Lucas climbs onto the horse. "I'll be back in a little while, Cody. See ya."
"Yes, sir," Cody says. With a smile, Cody watches as Lucas trots off on his horse, Bo. Once Lucas is out of sight, Cody looks around to make sure no one else is close. Then he casually walks over to Lucas's car. Reaching into his pocket, he takes out a small plastic bag. Again making sure no one is around and watching, Cody reaches into the open window of the passenger side of Lucas's car and opens the glove compartment. He quickly stuffs the plastic bag in and closes the glove compartment. Then, whistling, he nonchalantly walks back over to the barn, where he takes his phone from his pocket. He speed dials a number and waits for an answer. On the second ring, someone answers. "Hey, it's Cody. Mission accomplished where Lucas is concerned. And, I also thought ya might wanna know, your wife spent the night with your brother at the bunkhouse."
"Mornin', Cody," Lucas greets.
"Good mornin', Mr. Ewin'," Cody replies.
"Cody, why don't you call me, Lucas and stop with that 'Mr. Ewing' stuff?"
Cody laughs. "Sure thing, Lucas."
"And my last name is Krebbs. Not Ewing," Lucas adds.
"That's right, I keep forgettin'. Got him all saddled up and ready for you."
"Thanks," Lucas says, taking the horse's reins from Cody. Lucas climbs onto the horse. "I'll be back in a little while, Cody. See ya."
"Yes, sir," Cody says. With a smile, Cody watches as Lucas trots off on his horse, Bo. Once Lucas is out of sight, Cody looks around to make sure no one else is close. Then he casually walks over to Lucas's car. Reaching into his pocket, he takes out a small plastic bag. Again making sure no one is around and watching, Cody reaches into the open window of the passenger side of Lucas's car and opens the glove compartment. He quickly stuffs the plastic bag in and closes the glove compartment. Then, whistling, he nonchalantly walks back over to the barn, where he takes his phone from his pocket. He speed dials a number and waits for an answer. On the second ring, someone answers. "Hey, it's Cody. Mission accomplished where Lucas is concerned. And, I also thought ya might wanna know, your wife spent the night with your brother at the bunkhouse."
Meanwhile....aboard the Westar jet
John Ross puts his phone down after hearing Cody's news from Southfork and an angry look comes over his face.
"John Ross, is everything okay?" Asks Krystina, sitting across from him.
"John Ross, is everything okay?" Asks Krystina, sitting across from him.
"Everything's fine, darlin'. I just got some business to take care of back at home just as soon as we land."
Jay Smithfield's apartment....
Jillian walks into Jay's living room from the bedroom after taking a shower that morning and finds him standing in the middle of the room holding framed photo in his hand, which he is looking at intently. She pauses for a moment, then walks over to him. She looks at the photo he's holding, one of two little boys. She smiles.
"The one in the red shirt, that's you, isn't it?" She asks.
"Yep, that's me," Jay replies.
"I could tell. And the little one in the suit.....is that Todd?"
"Yeah, it is."
"Aww, you guys were so cute," Jillian says.
"I think I was about 11 then. Todd was 8."
"You two have been close all your lives, haven't you?"
"Oh yeah. See, I never had a biological brother. Just one sister. So, Todd's always been the brother my parents never gave me. When we were kids he was always tagging after me. Todd was a mischievous kid, that's for sure. Always getting in trouble."
"And I suppose you were the level-headed one?" Jillian asks.
Jay smiles. "Oh, I admit I had a little mischief in me, too. But nowhere near as much as Jay. He was always in something. Always scheming. But he never got into any serious trouble. Always small stuff." The smile disappears from Jay's face as he looks at the photo again. He sighs deeply. "I dunno what happened, Jill. Todd is my best friend. I always thought we could tell each other anything. I never considered myself homophobic, or having any kind of prejudice against anyone. Was it that he didn't trust me to keep his secret? Or did he just think I would judge him? What the hell happened to him, that he would try to take his own life rather than face who he is?"
"I'll tell you what happened," Jillian says. "My brother happened. This just proves that John Ross will do anything to get what he wants, and he has to be stopped."
"Don't worry, Jill. Guys like John Ross Ewing always end up getting what's coming to them. And John Ross will, too."
"Maybe sooner than you think."
Jay looks at her. "What do you mean by that?"
"Jay, I have something to tell you. But you have to promise me that, at least for now, you'll keep this information to yourself."
Jay puts the photo down. "Depends on what it is."
"You two have been close all your lives, haven't you?"
"Oh yeah. See, I never had a biological brother. Just one sister. So, Todd's always been the brother my parents never gave me. When we were kids he was always tagging after me. Todd was a mischievous kid, that's for sure. Always getting in trouble."
"And I suppose you were the level-headed one?" Jillian asks.
Jay smiles. "Oh, I admit I had a little mischief in me, too. But nowhere near as much as Jay. He was always in something. Always scheming. But he never got into any serious trouble. Always small stuff." The smile disappears from Jay's face as he looks at the photo again. He sighs deeply. "I dunno what happened, Jill. Todd is my best friend. I always thought we could tell each other anything. I never considered myself homophobic, or having any kind of prejudice against anyone. Was it that he didn't trust me to keep his secret? Or did he just think I would judge him? What the hell happened to him, that he would try to take his own life rather than face who he is?"
"I'll tell you what happened," Jillian says. "My brother happened. This just proves that John Ross will do anything to get what he wants, and he has to be stopped."
"Don't worry, Jill. Guys like John Ross Ewing always end up getting what's coming to them. And John Ross will, too."
"Maybe sooner than you think."
Jay looks at her. "What do you mean by that?"
"Jay, I have something to tell you. But you have to promise me that, at least for now, you'll keep this information to yourself."
Jay puts the photo down. "Depends on what it is."
"Well what about attorney-client privilege?" Jillian asks.
"What do you mean?"
"If I retain you as my attorney, then anything I tell you is confidential."
"Well, sure, but, Jill, what's this about?"
"First, to make this official, I retain you as my attorney."
"I accept," Jay says. "Now tell me, what is it?"
"My brother, Justin, he managed to get his hands on some information that could ruin John Ross. Probably even send him to prison."
"What kind of information?" Jay asks.
"When John Ross went to court to challenge my father's will, or rather the codicil concerning Justin and James.......
Todd wasn't the only one John Ross was blackmailing."
"Jill, I still don't understand what you're trying to tell me."
"John Ross also had some dirt on the judge in the case, courtesy of Judith Ryland."
"Judith.....the Railroad Commissioner?" Jay asks.
"That's right. She and my brother have this......weird friendship going on. You see Judith has a little side business here in Dallas. A brothel. A very high class brothel that caters to rich businessmen, politicians, and people like that. She keeps files on all of her regular clients. That judge was one of them. Judith provides John Ross with information he can use to blackmail her clients if he ever needs a......favor."
"How long have you known about this?"
"A while. Justin showed me the information right after he got it."
"And how did your brother get this information?" Jay asks.
"Judith's son, Harris Ryland, gave it to him."
"Damn," Jay says, walking to the window.
"Jay, remember, everything I told you is privileged," Jillian says.
"Jill, I know that. But this is too big to keep quiet. Not only did John Ross blackmail my cousin and drive him to attempt suicide, but he also blackmailed a judge, a felony. Your brother has to be stopped."
"And he will, Jay. Justin has a plan. He's going to use that information to bring John Ross down. But, at JUST the right moment."
Southfork....
After his morning ride, Lucas returns his horse to the barn, where another ranch hand takes the animal's reins. "Thanks, Carl," Lucas tells the hand. He then walks to his car and gets in. Cody watches with a satisfied smile from around the corner of the barn as Lucas drives away.
Dallas Police Department....
Meanwhile, Bobby and Conner are waiting at the Dallas Police Department to talk to Bobby's friend, Lt. Steve Walden, who is in charge of the investigation into Jack Ewing's murder. Conner paces anxiously. Finally, an officer comes out to them.
"Mr. Ewing," the female officer says. "Lt. Walden will see you now."
"Thank you," Bobby says as he stands. He and Conner walk into Steve's office and find the Lt. at his desk.
"Mr. Ewing," the female officer says. "Lt. Walden will see you now."
"Thank you," Bobby says as he stands. He and Conner walk into Steve's office and find the Lt. at his desk.
"Bobby, Conner, thank you for coming in," Steve says.
"It's no problem, Steve," says Bobby.
"You said you had a lead in the case?" Conner asks.
"Yes. Conner, after sifting through your father's phone records from the last several months, we found a number that kept popping up in his phone logs. Jack Ewing first spoke to someone at this number on September 19th of 2014. Again on September 21st, September 28th, October 15th, 22nd, 29th, November 30th, December 5th, and the last two times was the same week he was killed."
"It's no problem, Steve," says Bobby.
"You said you had a lead in the case?" Conner asks.
"Yes. Conner, after sifting through your father's phone records from the last several months, we found a number that kept popping up in his phone logs. Jack Ewing first spoke to someone at this number on September 19th of 2014. Again on September 21st, September 28th, October 15th, 22nd, 29th, November 30th, December 5th, and the last two times was the same week he was killed."
"What was the number, Steve?" Bobby asks.
Steve picks up a paper on his desk and looks at it. "713-259-0804."
"Area code 713? That's Houston," Bobby says.
"Yes. The number is no longer in service, but is a cell number. We managed to subpoena all records from Houston Verizon for the period from September, 2014 through January of this year, and the number was traced to a Bradley Corporation."
"Bradley Corporation? What's that?" Conner asks.
"Your father never mentioned it?" Steve asks.
"No. I never heard of it."
"Well, you answered one of the questions I was gonna ask. Bradley Corporation doesn't exist. It's a dummy corporation for a company out of Houston called McCarthur Industries."
"McCarthur Industries?" Bobby asks. "I've heard of them. They're a mining operation."
"Yes. Right now, we're working on finding out how Jack Ewing was connected to McCarthur, and why this Bradley Corporation was set up to begin with."
At that moment, a knock comes at Steve's door, and a uniformed officer walks in. "Lt. Walden, here's that fax you were waiting for," the young officer says, handing Steve a paper.
"Thank you, McNeal," Steve says, looking at the paper. "Yes, this is exactly what I thought."
"What is it?" Asks Bobby.
"This is a report on that 713 number. The last call from that number was made on February 17, the day before Jack Ewing was found dead. That last call made to Ewing's phone from this number, was made right here in Dallas."
Bobby's mouth drops open in shock. "From Dallas? My God, Steve, are you saying what I think you're saying?"
Steve picks up a paper on his desk and looks at it. "713-259-0804."
"Area code 713? That's Houston," Bobby says.
"Yes. The number is no longer in service, but is a cell number. We managed to subpoena all records from Houston Verizon for the period from September, 2014 through January of this year, and the number was traced to a Bradley Corporation."
"Bradley Corporation? What's that?" Conner asks.
"Your father never mentioned it?" Steve asks.
"No. I never heard of it."
"Well, you answered one of the questions I was gonna ask. Bradley Corporation doesn't exist. It's a dummy corporation for a company out of Houston called McCarthur Industries."
"McCarthur Industries?" Bobby asks. "I've heard of them. They're a mining operation."
"Yes. Right now, we're working on finding out how Jack Ewing was connected to McCarthur, and why this Bradley Corporation was set up to begin with."
At that moment, a knock comes at Steve's door, and a uniformed officer walks in. "Lt. Walden, here's that fax you were waiting for," the young officer says, handing Steve a paper.
"Thank you, McNeal," Steve says, looking at the paper. "Yes, this is exactly what I thought."
"What is it?" Asks Bobby.
"This is a report on that 713 number. The last call from that number was made on February 17, the day before Jack Ewing was found dead. That last call made to Ewing's phone from this number, was made right here in Dallas."
Bobby's mouth drops open in shock. "From Dallas? My God, Steve, are you saying what I think you're saying?"
"Wait, I'm confused," says Conner. "What does this mean?"
"Conner, it means that we have reason to believe that someone lured your father here to Dallas to kill him," Steve replies.
Conner is stunned by the news he's just heard.
"Conner, it means that we have reason to believe that someone lured your father here to Dallas to kill him," Steve replies.
Conner is stunned by the news he's just heard.
Braddock Road, near the Krebbs Ranch....
Lucas is driving back from Southfork to the Krebbs Ranch, listening to a country music station on the radio. Deep in thought and lost in the music, Lucas is unaware that a police car has begun to follow him. After a moment, the police car siren comes on, as well as the blue lights, signaling Lucas to pull over. Lucas looks in his rear view mirror, sees the police car, and is confused. "Damn," he says to himself as he pulls his car off the road and comes to a stop. The police car comes to a stop directly behind him. Lucas waits anxiously in his car as the uniformed officer gets out and walks over to him.
"Lemme take a look at your license and registration, son," the officer says with a thick Texas drawl.
"What's the problem, officer?" Lucas says. "I know I wasn't speeding."
"License and registration," the cop repeats.
Lucas reaches into his pocket and takes out his license, handing it to the officer.
"Lemme take a look at your license and registration, son," the officer says with a thick Texas drawl.
"What's the problem, officer?" Lucas says. "I know I wasn't speeding."
"License and registration," the cop repeats.
Lucas reaches into his pocket and takes out his license, handing it to the officer.
He looks at the license, then hands it back to Lucas. "Mr. Krebbs, did you know you have a tail light out?"
"No, sir, I didn't. It was working fine earlier."
"Well, it aint workin' fine now, son. Registration, please?"
Lucas sighs, then opens his glove compartment. Unable to find his registration immediately, he takes out all the contents of the compartment, and when he does, the plastic bag Cody had planted earlier falls out onto the passenger seat. Lucas looks at it in shock.
"Just hold it," the officer says. "Get out the car."
Lucas does as he's told and gets out of the car.
"Now you just stay right there, son," the deputy orders. He walks to the other side of the car and reaches in the passenger window, picking up the bag and looking at it. Then he opens the bag. "Well, well," he says. "Looky what we got here."
"Whatever that is, it's not mine!" Lucas says, getting frightened.
"Sure," the deputy says, walking back over to Lucas. "Put your hands on the car."
"Look, officer, I swear, it's NOT mine!"
Getting annoyed, the deputy pulls his gun. "Now you do as I say, and we won't have no problem."
Now really afraid and sweating, Lucas obeys and puts his hands on the car, spreading his feet.
The deputy frisks him, then grabs his hands and puts them behind his back, handcuffing him. "Lucas Wade Krebbs, you're under arrest for the possession of drugs," he says, seeming to take great pleasure in carrying out his duty. "Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law...."
"No, sir, I didn't. It was working fine earlier."
"Well, it aint workin' fine now, son. Registration, please?"
Lucas sighs, then opens his glove compartment. Unable to find his registration immediately, he takes out all the contents of the compartment, and when he does, the plastic bag Cody had planted earlier falls out onto the passenger seat. Lucas looks at it in shock.
"Just hold it," the officer says. "Get out the car."
Lucas does as he's told and gets out of the car.
"Now you just stay right there, son," the deputy orders. He walks to the other side of the car and reaches in the passenger window, picking up the bag and looking at it. Then he opens the bag. "Well, well," he says. "Looky what we got here."
"Whatever that is, it's not mine!" Lucas says, getting frightened.
"Sure," the deputy says, walking back over to Lucas. "Put your hands on the car."
"Look, officer, I swear, it's NOT mine!"
Getting annoyed, the deputy pulls his gun. "Now you do as I say, and we won't have no problem."
Now really afraid and sweating, Lucas obeys and puts his hands on the car, spreading his feet.
The deputy frisks him, then grabs his hands and puts them behind his back, handcuffing him. "Lucas Wade Krebbs, you're under arrest for the possession of drugs," he says, seeming to take great pleasure in carrying out his duty. "Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law...."
Westar....
At Westar that morning, Melissa is in the break room pouring herself a cup of coffee when Pamela walks in. "Well, good morning," Pamela says with a slight smile.
"Miss Barnes."
"How was your evening?'
Nervous about Pamela's inquiry as to how her evening went, Melissa looks at her quizzically. "My.....evening? I'm not sure what you mean."
"Come off it, Melissa. I know you had drinks with Tripp after work yesterday. He told me everything."
"Did he, now?" Melissa asks.
"Yes. Like how you offered to exchange personal information about John Ross for.......Tripp's company for the night. Tired of John Ross already?"
"Look, Miss Barnes....."
"No, Melissa, YOU look," Pamela says, walking over to her. "I can understand your proposition to Tripp. After all, he is a VERY handsome and desirable man. But he's also very much taken. Melissa, Tripp and I could use your help, and we'd love to have you on our side. You'd certainly benefit from joining us, because after that board meeting, John Ross will be OUT of Westar, and you'll be out of a job."
Melissa turns to Pamela. "That's not gonna happen. John Ross is a very creative and resourceful man. He'll find a way to hold on to his power here at Westar."
"Miss Barnes."
"How was your evening?'
Nervous about Pamela's inquiry as to how her evening went, Melissa looks at her quizzically. "My.....evening? I'm not sure what you mean."
"Come off it, Melissa. I know you had drinks with Tripp after work yesterday. He told me everything."
"Did he, now?" Melissa asks.
"Yes. Like how you offered to exchange personal information about John Ross for.......Tripp's company for the night. Tired of John Ross already?"
"Look, Miss Barnes....."
"No, Melissa, YOU look," Pamela says, walking over to her. "I can understand your proposition to Tripp. After all, he is a VERY handsome and desirable man. But he's also very much taken. Melissa, Tripp and I could use your help, and we'd love to have you on our side. You'd certainly benefit from joining us, because after that board meeting, John Ross will be OUT of Westar, and you'll be out of a job."
Melissa turns to Pamela. "That's not gonna happen. John Ross is a very creative and resourceful man. He'll find a way to hold on to his power here at Westar."
"You're delusional," Pamela says.
"Am I? I guess time will tell," Melissa says as she walks past Pamela and starts to leave the room. She pauses in the doorway and looks back at Pamela. "By the way.....if I were you, I'd keep a short leash on that man of yours. From the vibes I was getting last evening, it wouldn't take much at all to make a man like him stray. After all, he and John Ross aren't that different." Smiling with satisfaction, Melissa turns and walks out.
The smile disappears from Pamela's face as she thinks about Melissa's final words.
"Am I? I guess time will tell," Melissa says as she walks past Pamela and starts to leave the room. She pauses in the doorway and looks back at Pamela. "By the way.....if I were you, I'd keep a short leash on that man of yours. From the vibes I was getting last evening, it wouldn't take much at all to make a man like him stray. After all, he and John Ross aren't that different." Smiling with satisfaction, Melissa turns and walks out.
The smile disappears from Pamela's face as she thinks about Melissa's final words.
Southfork....the bunkhouse
Justin and Amanda return to the bunkhouse around noon. As they walk onto the front porch, Justin kisses her, then smiles.
"You sure are happy," Amanda says.
"I got every reason to be. The woman I love is movin' in with me, we're about to put the screws to my brother, and, now, as of today, my name has legally been changed. No more Justin Harper. From now on, I am Justin Randall Ewing."
"I'm so happy for you. I know it's what you wanted."
"And just think. When you're divorced from John Ross and we get married, you won't even have to change your last name."
Amanda smiles and kisses him again. Then Justin unlocks the door and they walk in. They are stunned when they find John Ross sitting in Justin's living room.
"You sure are happy," Amanda says.
"I got every reason to be. The woman I love is movin' in with me, we're about to put the screws to my brother, and, now, as of today, my name has legally been changed. No more Justin Harper. From now on, I am Justin Randall Ewing."
"I'm so happy for you. I know it's what you wanted."
"And just think. When you're divorced from John Ross and we get married, you won't even have to change your last name."
Amanda smiles and kisses him again. Then Justin unlocks the door and they walk in. They are stunned when they find John Ross sitting in Justin's living room.
"Well, now," John Ross says, looking at them. "The happy lovebirds have returned."
"What the HELL are you doin' here, and how'd you get in?" Justin asks.
"I happen to own half this ranch, little brother. I can go wherever I want, and get in anyplace I want," John Ross says, standing to his feet. "Itn't this a real pretty sight? My wife and my baby brother, carryin' on behind my back."
"Like you really give a damn," says Amanda.
"Did you two honestly think I wouldn't find out?"
"We were actually hopin' you WOULD find out," Justin says. "Now, you just saved us the trouble of tellin' you."
"Amanda, I warned you what would happen if you tried leavin' me," says John Ross.
"You really think I'm scared of you, John Ross?"
"You'd better be, darlin'. Because you two just made the biggest mistake of your young lives."
"Well, I don't think so, big brother," says Justin. "Amanda has finally had enough of you, and she's with me now. And she's gonna stay with me."
"Like hell, she is," John Ross says, walking over to them. "I shoulda run you off Southfork months ago when I first found out who you were. Well now I can correct that mistake. Pack your bags. I want you off this ranch by this evenin'. Amanda, you're comin' home with me."
"Only in your dreams, John Ross." Amanda says.
Justin smiles. "Think you're a real big man, don't you? Well, John Ross, you're not. You're nothin' but a criminal in a suit. Amanda's stayin' right here with me, and there's not a damned thing you can do about it."
"You wanna bet?"
"What the HELL are you doin' here, and how'd you get in?" Justin asks.
"I happen to own half this ranch, little brother. I can go wherever I want, and get in anyplace I want," John Ross says, standing to his feet. "Itn't this a real pretty sight? My wife and my baby brother, carryin' on behind my back."
"Like you really give a damn," says Amanda.
"Did you two honestly think I wouldn't find out?"
"We were actually hopin' you WOULD find out," Justin says. "Now, you just saved us the trouble of tellin' you."
"Amanda, I warned you what would happen if you tried leavin' me," says John Ross.
"You really think I'm scared of you, John Ross?"
"You'd better be, darlin'. Because you two just made the biggest mistake of your young lives."
"Well, I don't think so, big brother," says Justin. "Amanda has finally had enough of you, and she's with me now. And she's gonna stay with me."
"Like hell, she is," John Ross says, walking over to them. "I shoulda run you off Southfork months ago when I first found out who you were. Well now I can correct that mistake. Pack your bags. I want you off this ranch by this evenin'. Amanda, you're comin' home with me."
"Only in your dreams, John Ross." Amanda says.
Justin smiles. "Think you're a real big man, don't you? Well, John Ross, you're not. You're nothin' but a criminal in a suit. Amanda's stayin' right here with me, and there's not a damned thing you can do about it."
"You wanna bet?"
"That's a bet you already lost, big brother," Justin says. "You see, you tried stealin' my inheritance our Daddy left to me. You even didn't want me to have the Ewing name. Well, you'll be sorry to know that I have just returned from court, and my name has legally been changed to Justin Randall Ewing. Now, ol' J.R. has two sons with the same initials. I've already taken your wife, and now the next thing on my agenda to take from you is those Westar shares you stole from me."
John Ross laughs. "Just who the hell do you think you are? You're talkin' mighty big for a man with absolutely nothin'."
"Nothin'?" Justin asks with a smile. He walks over to a desk in one corner of the room, takes a key from his pocket, and unlocks a drawer. Reaching in, he takes out a file folder. "Oh, I've got the best weapon in the world to beat you."
"What the hell is that?" John Ross asks.
"See for yourself," Justin says, walking over and handing the folder to his brother.
John Ross takes the folder, opens it, and begins reading. A look of shock mixed with fear crosses his face as he reads. "Where'd you get this?" He asks.
"Let's just say that, like you, I have my ways of findin' out stuff I wanna know."
"And as you can see, John Ross, there's enough in that file to send both you and Judith Ryland to prison fora VERY long time," Amanda says.
John Ross laughs. "Just who the hell do you think you are? You're talkin' mighty big for a man with absolutely nothin'."
"Nothin'?" Justin asks with a smile. He walks over to a desk in one corner of the room, takes a key from his pocket, and unlocks a drawer. Reaching in, he takes out a file folder. "Oh, I've got the best weapon in the world to beat you."
"What the hell is that?" John Ross asks.
"See for yourself," Justin says, walking over and handing the folder to his brother.
John Ross takes the folder, opens it, and begins reading. A look of shock mixed with fear crosses his face as he reads. "Where'd you get this?" He asks.
"Let's just say that, like you, I have my ways of findin' out stuff I wanna know."
"And as you can see, John Ross, there's enough in that file to send both you and Judith Ryland to prison fora VERY long time," Amanda says.
"Y'all blackmailin' me, huh," John Ross says, looking at Amanda.
"Yeah, I guess ya could call it that," Justin says. "You can keep that file. It's just a copy. I got the original tucked away in a real safe place where you'll never find it."
"So. What the hell are y'all gonna do? Send me to prison?"
"Not if you're a good little boy and do as we say," replies Justin. "First of all, give Amanda a divorce, along with a real nice little settlement and sign a paper givin' her sole custody of her baby when it's born."
"I'll never give up my child to this little tramp," John Ross says.
"Well, either way, John Ross, I WILL have sole custody of my child," Amanda says. "Now, whether you grant me that voluntarily, or whether I achieve that by you going to prison, it's going to happen. The choice is yours as to how."
"Second," Justin says, "I want back what you stole from me when ya blackmailed that judge. My ten shares of Westar, AND those shares of Jensen Technologies that rightfully belong to me and our brother James."
"You little bastard," John Ross says. "You think I'm gonna just stand still for this?"
"You've got no choice, John Ross. Now get out of here."
John Ross looks at Justin harshly for a moment, then at Amanda. For the first time in a long time, John Ross feels totally defeated. He knows he has no way out of this, and no choice but to give in to Justin and Amanda's blackmail He walks to the door and places his hand on the doorknob and pauses.
"Now you know how poor Todd Baxter felt when you blackmailed him," says Amanda.
John Ross turns back and looks at them.
"You're real lucky, John Ross," Justin says. "My first inclination was to send you to prison. But then I got to thinkin', and, truth is, no matter how much I dislike you, you're still my brother. And Amanda didn't wanna see the father of her child sent away for a long time. So, you got off easy, because we know you wouldn't be so generous with the two of us."
John Ross looks at his wife and brother, an angry scowl on his face as he feels the rage building up inside of him...
"Yeah, I guess ya could call it that," Justin says. "You can keep that file. It's just a copy. I got the original tucked away in a real safe place where you'll never find it."
"So. What the hell are y'all gonna do? Send me to prison?"
"Not if you're a good little boy and do as we say," replies Justin. "First of all, give Amanda a divorce, along with a real nice little settlement and sign a paper givin' her sole custody of her baby when it's born."
"I'll never give up my child to this little tramp," John Ross says.
"Well, either way, John Ross, I WILL have sole custody of my child," Amanda says. "Now, whether you grant me that voluntarily, or whether I achieve that by you going to prison, it's going to happen. The choice is yours as to how."
"Second," Justin says, "I want back what you stole from me when ya blackmailed that judge. My ten shares of Westar, AND those shares of Jensen Technologies that rightfully belong to me and our brother James."
"You little bastard," John Ross says. "You think I'm gonna just stand still for this?"
"You've got no choice, John Ross. Now get out of here."
John Ross looks at Justin harshly for a moment, then at Amanda. For the first time in a long time, John Ross feels totally defeated. He knows he has no way out of this, and no choice but to give in to Justin and Amanda's blackmail He walks to the door and places his hand on the doorknob and pauses.
"Now you know how poor Todd Baxter felt when you blackmailed him," says Amanda.
John Ross turns back and looks at them.
"You're real lucky, John Ross," Justin says. "My first inclination was to send you to prison. But then I got to thinkin', and, truth is, no matter how much I dislike you, you're still my brother. And Amanda didn't wanna see the father of her child sent away for a long time. So, you got off easy, because we know you wouldn't be so generous with the two of us."
John Ross looks at his wife and brother, an angry scowl on his face as he feels the rage building up inside of him...