Previously on DALLAS...
---------John Ross set his plan to takeover Westar in motion by having Bum compile blackmail information on all of Westar's largest stockholders, and begins strong arming them into selling him their shares of the company.
---------Lucas decided to stay in Dallas after Ray and Jenna leave, and starts to bond with Bobby.
---------Jillian became suspicious of John Ross when he rejected her sexual advances.
----------Carter McKay's other grandson, Thomas "Tripp" McKay, Jr. came to Dallas and found an unlikely ally (and possibly more) in Pamela, who planned to use Tripp in her war against the Ewings.
The Omni Hotel....morning
"You have to go so early?" Tripp asks. "It's only a little after 8."
"It was for me, too," Tripp says. "Maybe you could come back tonight for a repeat performance." Pamela looks at him and smiles. "I'd like that. Hopefully, a celebratory performance if all goes well today." "What do you think John Ross is up to at Westar? I mean, when I first arrived in town, I saw him at lunch with Jillian Cryder, and now you tell me he's working at Westar?" "I don't know what he's up to," Pamela says. "But I'm damned sure gonna find out. Whatever it is, I have a feeling it's got to do with him losing Ewing Global." |
"And I plan on taking back my family's company. I'm not sure how yet, but I will."
Tripp smiles. "Not only are you sexy as hell, but also feisty, and determined."
"Determination has brought me a long way in life," says Pamela.
Tripp kisses her. "Determination is one of things I find most attractive about any woman. Determination and......a healthy appetite." Pamela grabs Tripp and pushes him down on the bed, getting on top of him.
"I thought you had to leave," Tripp says,
"I do. But, I think maybe I can spare a few more minutes."
Tripp forces Pamela onto her back and rolls over on top of her. He smiles, then they kiss passionately.
Westar Oil...
"Well, good mornin'," he says with a half smile.
"Morning," Jillian says. "Can we talk for a minute?"
"You bet. Step into my office." John Ross opens the door and Jillian follows him into his office. "What can I do for you?"
"I've just noticed the last couple of days that you seem to be avoiding me."
"Avoiding you?" John Ross asks with a slight laugh. "I haven't been avoiding you."
"Yes, you have, John Ross," Jillian says. "Ever since that night at my apartment. If I had known it would've made things so awkward between us, I never would've made those advances."
"Jillian, look, things are not awkward between us. I just had a lot of crap goin' on. I got some real.....interestin' news the other day and it kinda threw me for a loop. Plus I been busyin' myself tryin' to get caught up on all this paper work here at the office. It has nothin' to do with you. I promise. Just been busy."
Jillian smiles. "Good. I was really worried that I had made our working relationship awkward, and that's the last thing I want."
"No, you're all good."
"I do have some great news you're gonna wanna hear," Jillian says.
"Let's have it, then," says John Ross.
"Yesterday afternoon, after you left the office, I signed the Foskey International contract. Their cold weather drilling technology is all ours."
John Ross smiles happily. "Damn, that IS good news."
"I owe it all to you, John Ross. With my lack of experience, I never would've been able to negotiate that deal on my own."
"You're really good at making me believe in myself. Well, I have to get to work. I'll talk to you later."
"Sure thing," John Ross says.
Jill starts to leave the office, but stops and turns back to him. "You wanna have lunch this afternoon?"
"Sorry, I can't today. I already have a luncheon engagement."
"Okay. See you later," Jillian says. She smiles, then walks out of John Ross's office.
Pamela's apartment....
"Just because you're an adult doesn't mean that I don't worry about you. I am still your mother, And besides that it was terrible trick to play on me leaving me here alone last night with Cliff."
Pamela smiles. "Where is he?"
"Out again. I can only hope he's out looking for his own apartment."
"You must be planning on sticking around for a while," says Pamela.
"I will be here as long as you need me. And as long as it takes to right the wrongs John Ross and your father have done to you."
Pamela shakes her head. "I'm not gonna ask because I don't even wanna know how you're gonna accomplish that. If you'll excuse me, Mom, I have to go change and shower. Then I have a very busy day ahead of me."
"Busy day?" Afton asks. "Doing what?"
"Finding out exactly what my estranged husband is up to working for Westar Oil. And then, finding a way to use THAT to take him down." Pamela smiles at her mother, then heads up the short staircase to her bedroom on the second level of her grand apartment.
Southfork....
"See all that land over there" Bobby asks him.
"Yeah," Lucas replies.
"I remember a time when there was cattle as far as the eye can see over that next hill. Southfork beef was the best in the state back in those days. Still is. It's just less profitable to raise as much cattle as we once did, so we downsized years ago."
"This ranch is really somethin'."
"It sure is," Bobby says with pride.
"Just how big is Southfork?" Lucas asks.
"Wow," Lucas says in amazement. "That's incredible. I'd get lost out here by myself."
Bobby looks at him. "I guess we'd best be gettin' back. I have to get back to town and head into the office this afternoon."
"Hey, why don't you come with me?" Bobby asks.
"Come with you where?"
"To Ewing Global. Then you could see what it is we do there. You're a business major, right?"
"Yeah," Lucas says.
"How 'bout it then? Maybe you could give me some business advice."
"Okay, sure. Not like I have anything else to do with my time these days."
Bobby smiles. "Great. Come on. Race ya back to the stables."
"Sue Ellen," Bobby says. "Are we interrupting?"
"Not at all, Bobby. I'm happy you're here, please come in." Bobby and Lucas walk into the room. "Bobby, this is Amanda Shepherd. I was interviewing her for the job of my new secretary."
"Well, Amanda, it's very nice to meet you," Bobby says.
"Thank you. Umm, this is my....." Bobby starts to introduce Lucas as his son, but stops himself...."This is Lucas."
"Hi," Amanda says with a smile. Lucas nods a greeting and returns her smile.
"Well, Amanda, I think that's all for now," says Sue Ellen. "Thank you for coming in."
"Thank you, Mrs. Ewing. I really appreciate you taking the time to grant me this interview, and I hope to hear from you soon."
"You certainly will," Sue Ellen says as she and Amanda both stand. Amanda smiles again at the three, then leaves.
"Seems like a real nice young lady," Bobby says.
"She is. Very," Sue Ellen agrees. "I really like what I saw on her resume and after meeting her I'm even more impressed. I think I'm gonna hire her."
"Good. Oh, I brought Lucas in to observe how the oil business works in person."
"Well, Lucas, you'll definitely be learning from the best oil man I know. And in fact, the best MAN I know."
Bobby smiles. "Well, thank you very much. Lucas, come on, let's go into my office."
"Bobby, can I have a word with you?" Sue Ellen asks.
"Sure, Sue Ellen. Lucas you go on ahead. My office is the third door down. Can't miss it, my name's on the door."
"Okay," Lucas says. He turns and walks out of the room.
Sue Ellen waits until Lucas is out of earshot. Then she turns to Bobby. "How, um, how are things between you and Lucas?" "Well, he's still a bit distant," replies Bobby. "But he's comin' along. Just gonna take time for him to get past all the years he was lied to." "I'm sure in time, he will. Just be patient, Bobby. Don't try to rush things." "I won't. Speaking of parents and sons, how are things between you and John Ross these days?" |
"I suspected it was John Ross all along. Sue Ellen, I'm afraid this isn't the only time we're gonna come up against Westar. I just hope the competition doesn't put more of a strain on your relationship with John Ross."
Sue Ellen nods. "So do I. But this was John Ross's choice."
"Yeah. Well, I guess I'd better get to my office. I'll talk to you later."
"Alright," Sue Ellen says. Bobby kisses her on the cheek, then leaves the room.
"I am so happy you were able to join me for lunch in my office, John Ross," Judith says, rising from her seat. "I hope you like smoked salmon."
"I do," John Ross says.
Judith walks over to him. "How do you like my new office?"
John Ross looks around. "Very nice. Movin' up in the world. It's a hell of a lot better than the one at your other.....establishment."
Judith laughs. "Well, now that I am the new railroad commissioner, I thought I should get an office befitting my new position."
"Do you have that information you promised me?" John Ross asks.
"The information first, then lunch."
Judith hesitates a moment. Then she reaches onto her desk and picks up a file, handing it to John Ross. "Here's what you wanted."
"Thank you," John Ross says, taking the file. He opens it, looks at the first page, then the second. A sly smile comes over his face. "I'll be damned," he says. "Looks like some of them ol' boys who hold the biggest shares of stock in Westar have been VERY naughty."
"I take it this will be of help to you," Judith says coyly.
"Yes, ma'am, Judith. LOTS of help."
Judith smiles. "I always aim to please."
"Good. Because there's a couple other favors I may need."
"And just what are those favors?" Judith asks.
"As the new railroad commissioner, you're in a position to help me. And help Westar."
"And just why should I give a damn about Westar Oil?"
Judith pauses a moment and looks at him. "You're right," she says. "Exactly what is it you're up to with this information I'm supplyin' you with on my former clients?"
"Let's just say I have big plans for Westar. Real big plans."
"You're plannin' to takeover that company, aren't you?"
"Maybe I am."
Judith moves closer to him. "You know, John Ross, I'm very sorry I never had the chance to know your Daddy. From everything I hear about him, he must have been quite a man. Just like his son."
"Thank ya, Judith. I appreciate that. Now, how 'bout that smoked salmon? Smells awful good."
Judith smiles. "Been quite a while since I've had the company of an attractive young man over lunch."
Westar Oil...
"Thank you, Melissa," Jillian replies. "Please, send Mr. McKay in." Jillian stands and walks to the front of her desk as her secretary Melissa shows Tripp into the office,
"Can I get you anything, Mr. McKay?" Melissa asks.
"No, thanks, I'm fine," Tripp replies, Melissa smiles, then leaves the office.
"Mr. McKay, this is a surprise, says Jillian.
"Well, ever since I've been in town I've wanted to come by and see the company my grandfather ran for so many years. I haven't been here since I was a kid. I remember my granddad brought me and my brother to the office a couple times."
"So Westar must hold some memories for you," Jillian says.
"Yeah, it does."
"I actually have a little free time. I could give you a tour of the offices if you'd like. You can see how the place has changed, and tell your grandfather how well Westar is doing."
"Sure. Things are kinda quiet around here this afternoon, and John Ross should be back soon. He can mind the office."
"Then the rumor is true."
"Rumor?" Jillian asks.
"Yeah, I'd heard that John Ross was working here at Westar. I'm kinda surprised, considering how his father was always at war with Westar."
"To be honest, John Ross has been invaluable to me since he's been working here."
Tripp smiles. "Well, why don't we take that tour and you can tell me all about it."
"Sure. Where would you like to start?" Jillian asks as they walk to the door.
"You just lead the way," replies Tripp as they leave.
Forest Park Medical Center...late evening
"Yes, may I help you?" The nurse asks.
"I'm looking for Emma Ryland."
"Down the hall."
"Thank you," Cliff says. He turns and starts down the hall when he sees Emma and the nurse walking back in his direction. Cliff pauses a moment and looks at this beautiful young woman - his new found daughter. After a moment, he walks down the hall a few doors and catches up with them just as Emma and her nurse are about to go back into Emma's room. "Emma?" He calls to her.
Emma stops in the doorway of her room and looks back to him. "Yes?"
"How are you feeling?" Cliff asks.
"I'm fine. Do I.....I know you, don't I?"
"We've never actually met. But I'm....."
"You're Cliff Barnes, aren't you? Pamela's father?
Cliff smiles. "That's right."
"What....what are you doing here? I thought you were still in prison."
"Nope. I was pardoned. I did not kill J.R. Ewing, so I was in prison for a crime I didn't commit."
"I see," Emma says. "Well what are you doing here?"
"I just dropped by to see how you were doing," replies Cliff. "Your father and I did some business together last year, and I heard about your accident."
Meanwhile, the same elevator Cliff had taken a few minutes earlier opens again, and Ann steps off. She stops short when she sees Cliff Barnes down the hall talking to Emma. Ann feels the anger rising up inside of her. She quickly marches down the hall to Emma's room. "Cliff, what are you doing here?" Ann asks.
Hearing Ann's voice behind him, Cliff turns around to face her. "I just wanted to see how Emma's doing."
"Nurse, would you please take Emma into her room?"
"Of course, Mrs. Ewing," the nurse replies. She helps Emma into her room.
Ann closes Emma's door, then grabs Cliff by the arm and forcefully pulls him down the hall and away from Emma's room. "Hey, what are you doing?" Cliff asks.
"I told you to stay away from my daughter," says an angry Ann.
"That is something my daughter will never know if I have anything to say about it."
"So what are you gonna do? Just let that girl go on believing the lie that Harris Ryland is her father for the rest of her life?"
"Harris is certainly no prize," says Ann. "But compared to you, the man is a saint."
"Look, lady....."
"No, Cliff, YOU look!" Ann says, moving close to him. "I warned you once before. Consider this your final warnin'. Stay away from Emma, or I'll make you wish you back in prison."
"Ya know, I put up with threats from J.R. and Bobby for a lot of years, and now I'm gettin' them from Bobby's wife? I am sick to death of the Ewings taking from me and my family. Well it ends NOW! That girl in that room is my daughter, and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let you or anybody else keep me from getting to know her."
"Oh yeah? I'll stop you," Ann says. "If you don't believe me, just try me. Now get out of here."
Cliff hesitates a moment. He brushes past Ann, and then stops and turns back to her. "Now I'm gonna give YOU a warning, lady," he says. "You can tell that husband of yours that payback is coming. I'm gonna take back my company, and get vengeance on the Ewings for framing me for killing J.R. And nothing on earth, not you and your threats, and not Bobby....NOTHING is gonna keep me from seeing my daughter." Without another word, Cliff turns and leaves. After he's gone, Ann fights back tears, scared to death that Cliff Barnes could cause a lot of problems and potentially destroy her relationship with Emma.
The Omni Hotel....
"I cam as soon as I could," Pamela says, walking in. "So what's up? How'd it go today?"
"I spent a couple hours at Westar this afternoon with Jillian Cryder. And I got a little information from her. Apparently John Ross is working for her as a consultant. Given the fact that Jillian is really inexperienced in business, so she hired John Ross to teach her the ropes on how to run an oil company."
"Well, you know, Jill is a very beautiful young woman, and with you and John Ross separated, he's a guy, and probably lonely...."
Pamela turns and gives Tripp an angry look.
"Sorry," Tripp says.
"Don't be," says Pamela. "Tripp, I'm not stupid. I'm very well aware that my husband is most likely sleeping with young Miss Cryder. But it's more than that. John Ross can get sex from any woman he wants. He's proven that. No. He wants something."
"Like what?"
"I don't know. But I'm damned sure gonna find out what. And when I do, I'm gonna stop him from getting it."
Tripp smiles. "Wow. Remind me never to piss you off."
Pamela looks at him and smiles back. "That would be a good thing for you to remember, Mr. McKay," she says.
The Omni....next morning...
"What?" Ann says, looking up at him. "Oh, Bobby, I'm sorry, I guess I was daydreamin'."
"Yeah, I guess you were. Honey, somethin' botherin' you? Ya hardly said two word last night after you came back from the hospital."
"It's nothin'," Ann replies, getting up from her seat.
"Now come on. We've been married almost 9 years. I know when somethin's botherin' you. So tell me."
Ann sighs, then walks over and takes a seat on the sofa. Bobby follows and sits beside her. "Last night, when I went to the hospital to see Emma, Cliff was there."
Bobby's mouth drops open in shock. "Cliff? Cliff was there to see Emma?"
"Is that right?" Bobby says angrily with gritted teeth, "Well, I can guarantee I'll stop him." Bobby stands and starts to leave.
"Bobby, no," says Ann, standing and grabbing his arm. "I don't want there to be anymore trouble."
"Bobby, please stay calm and don't do anything that you'll regret, or that I'll regret," Ann pleads.
"Don't worry, honey. I'm not gonna hurt the man. Just talk to him." Bobby storms out of the suite.
Pamela's apartment...
"Morning, Mom," Pamela says.
"Good morning. I made pancakes and sausages for breakfast."
"I'm sorry, Mom. I don't have time for breakfast this morning."
"Why?" Afton asks. "Where do you have to go this early that's so important?"
Pamela looks at her mother and smiles. "Just a little research."
"Research?"
"Yes," Pamela replies. "You know John Ross is working at Westar now."
"Of course."
"Like what?"
"I don't know yet. But I'm working on it. With a little help."
"Help from who?" Afton asks.
"Remember Tripp McKay? We met him the other day at lunch."
"Yes, of course. Carter McKay's grandson."
"Tripp hates the Ewings about as much as I do. And he's helping me to figure out what John Ross is up to at Westar." At that moment, the doorbell rings. "I wonder who that can be this early," Pamela says. She heads into the living room to answer the door. Afton follows. Pamela opens the door and finds Bobby standing there. "What are you doing here?" She asks.
"Pamela, I need to see Cliff," Bobby says.
"Why?"
"Just let me in."
Pamela pauses a moment, then steps aside. Bobby walks in and she closes the door.
"Hello, Bobby," Afton says.
"Afton. I didn't realize you were back in town."
"I'll be staying here for a while. To make sure my daughter is all right."
Cliff walks into the room. He stops short when he sees their unexpected company. "Bobby? What the hell are you doing here?"
Bobby walks over to him. "I came to see you, Barnes. My wife told me about your little visit to the hospital to see Emma last night. And I'm here to tell you to stay away from Emma, from Ann, and from the rest of my family."
"I have news for you, Bobby. Emma Ryland happens to be my daughter. I donated a kidney to save that girl's life. I have a right to see her."
"You have no rights as far as Emma or any member of my family is concerned," Bobby says angrily. "And I'm warning you now, Cliff......stay away from Emma. That girl has been through hell and the last thing she needs is the likes of you coming into her life and makin' things worse. I hear of you goin' anywhere near Emma or my wife again....."
"Bobby, I think it's time that you left," says Pamela.
Bobby glares angrily at Cliff, then starts to leave. He stops at the door and turns back to Pamela. "How can you stand havin' him here after what that monster did to you and to Christopher?"
"You heard my daughter," says Cliff. "Get out of this apartment before we call the police. And you might wanna just go on over to Ewing Global and start packin' your things up because I plan to have my company back in a very short time."
"Hell will freeze over before that'll happen," Bobby says. "In fact, I'll see you in hell before I LET that happen."
"Bobby, get out," Pamela orders. Bobby looks at all three, then without another word, leaves.
Cliff smiles. "Well, thank you for standing up for me, sweetheart," he says to Pamela.
"That feud never ended," says Cliff.
"How many lives have been destroyed by that damned feud of yours over the years? Remember your own mother? Getting involved in the feud got her killed. How many more people are going to have to die or have their lives torn apart by your hatred of the Ewings? I had hoped that one day you would finally grow up and end this, but I see that's never going to happen. But I promise I will not let you take our daughter down with you."
"Pamela's a grown woman, capable of deciding on her own whether she wants to help me take down the Ewings," says Cliff.
"Would you both stop it?" Pamela yells. "Just stop talking about me as if I'm not even in the room. Mom, this has nothing to do with Daddy. I have my own score to settle with the Ewings." Pamela grabs her purse and quickly leaves the apartment.
Downtown Dallas...
"How do you think Jillian Cryder is gonna react to that?" Bum asks.
"I imagine she won't be too happy. But, when she finds out the rest of my plan, she'll prob'ly go along."
"John Ross this is kind of a dangerous game you're playin'. Especially with Jillian's mother Kimberly Cryder watchin' your every move."
"I can handle Kimberly Cryder," John Ross says.
"And what about Tripp McKay?"
"What about him?"
"Here's what I've been able to find out so far," Bum says. "McKay has been askin' questions at the Dallas PD about the death of his brother, Hunter. He's also hired a private investigator named Eric Brody to look into Hunter's death."
"That's all well and good, Bum, but what does that have to do with me? And with my plans for a takeover of Westar?"
"Tripp went to the office the other day while you were out. Jillian Cryder took him on a tour of the offices and then the two had coffee in the little coffee shop downstairs."
"Really?" John Ross asks, his curiosity aroused. "Jillian didn't say anything to me about that."
"And that's not all."
John Ross looks at him. "From the way you said that, I have a feelin' I'm not gonna like what comes next."
"You're not. Pamela has been spendin' time with McKay. In fact, She went to his hotel room night before last and didn't leave until the next morning."
"Pamela, huh? Damn. What the hell is that wife of mine up to with McKay?"
"I have no idea," replies Bum. "But whatever it is, be careful, John Ross. Because if either McKay or Pamela find out what YOU'RE up to, they could blow your whole plan out of the water before that board meeting."
"I know," John Ross says. He looks up and sees the man he was waiting for walk into the cafe. "Speakin' of which, here comes ol' George Grimes now. Excuse me, Bum. I got some business to attend to." John Ross gets up from the table and walks across the lobby to approach Grimes.
"Mr. Grimes, I'm...."
"You're John Ross Ewing," Grimes says. "I recognized you. I knew your daddy very well during his time over at Westar. What can I do for you?
"Actually, I'd like to talk to you about Westar," John Ross says as the elevator opens.
"Okay, well, mind if we talk on the way up to my office?"
"Not at all."
"Good," Grimes says. He and John Ross get on the elevator and the doors close. "Now, what is it you wanna talk to me about?"
"Well, Mr. Grimes....do you mind if I call you George?"
"Of course not."
John Ross smiles. "Good. It's always easier doin' business with a man on a first name basis. George, I'd like to buy your shares in Westar."
"Buy my shares?"Grimes asks.
"That's right. Now, I don't have a whole lot of capital, so I won't be able to pay you full market value, but I have somethin' you're gonna want more than money."
The smile disappears from Grimes's face. "What is this? A joke?"
"I assure you it's no joke, George," says John Ross as he pushes the button to stop the elevator. "I want those shares. And as I said, you won't be paid full market value, but I think the price of your secret life, as well as your rather strange fetish remainin' secret would be worth a lot more to you."
"I don't know what the hell you're talkin' about."
"Oh yes you do," says John Ross, opening his brief case and taking out a file. He hands it to Grimes, who opens the file and looks at it, his face turning pale. "You have been a real busy and a real naughty boy, there, George. How do you find time for your wife? Dorothy, it'n it?"
"This could ruin me. Ruin my marriage," Grimes says.
"It duttin' have to," John Ross says. "All I want in exchange for that file, are your Westar shares. And your promise to keep your mouth shut about our business deal until after the board meetin' in a couple days."
Grimes closes the file and looks at the younger man. "As I recall, your daddy used strong arm tactics to get whatever he wanted."
"He sure did. A talent he passed down to me. I already have a contract ready for you to sign right here and now. So do we have a deal?"
Grimes hesitates a moment. "Do I have a choice?"
John Ross looks as if he's thinking for a moment. "Nah, not really," he says.
"Give me the damned contract, and I'll sign," Grimes says, his tone of voice one of defeat.
John Ross smiles, confident that within two days, he will control enough Westar stock for the board to name him CEO.
Forest Park Medical Center...
The door opens slightly, and a hand carrying a beautiful bouquet of roses emerges. Then Lucas peaks in with a smile.
"Lucas, come in," Emma says.
He walks into the room and closes the door. "How ya feeling?"
"Much better. The doctor says I can get out of here and go home tomorrow."
"Hey, that's awesome," Lucas says happily. "Oh, brought you some flowers."
Emma smiles. "They're beautiful. Thank you."
"I'll put 'em in some water," Lucas says. He grabs a large cup, fills it with water from the bathroom sink, and places the roses in it. Then he takes a seat beside Emma. "I'm real happy you're getting out of this place."
"I bet, When you get out of here, I hope that, in a few days, when you're feeling better, you'll let me take you out to dinner and for a night on the town."
"That sounds nice," Emma says.
"Emma, I want you to know that, what you said to me about Bobby, about him bein' a good man and all, I believe it."
"What changed your mind?"
"Lucas, I'm so happy to hear that," says Emma. "And I hope that means you'll be staying in Dallas for a while."
"Oh yeah. I will be. It's weird but for some reason, I feel really at home here in the Big D. And I have a family here I need to get to know. But not only that, there's a very special girl here I wanna get to know, too."
Emma looks at him with a smile. "I think you're very special, too."
"Well, I need to get going. I told Bobby I'd be at the office by 11. Where are you gonna go when you leave here? Home to your Dad's?"
Emma sighs. "I really don't know. Ann wants me to stay with her and Bobby. And I'm seriously considering it. I'm lot real sure what's going on with my father, but he's only been to see me a couple times since the accident. And my grandmother has called, but she hasn't been to see me at all."
"You're kidding," Lucas says, surprised.
"No. It's really weird. After my kidnapping, my father and grandmother bent over backwards for me. But now, since the accident, it's as if they don't even care."
"I'm sure that's not true."
"I hope you're right," Emma says. "But you now what? For some strange reason, it doesn't even bother me."
A park in Dallas...
"Turn around and take a look," Tripp says. He takes her by the shoulders and gently turns her around to face the Bank Of America building across the street, which houses Westar.
"What am I looking at?"
"Westar. I just got off the phone with my grandfather, and he has given me his proxy to act in his behalf at the Westar board of directors/stockholders meeting day after tomorrow."
Pamela turns back to him. "I didn't realize your grandfather still owned stock in Westar."
"You know, this could work to our advantage," says Pamela. "You being in that stockholders' meeting, it could be a way to find out exactly what John Ross is up to."
Tripp smiles. "That's just what I was thinkin'. How about I take you to lunch?"
Pamela steps back and looks at his attire - a wife beater and gymn shorts. "Dressed like that?"
"Oh, yeah. I went runnin'. Guess I'd better get back to the hotel and shower. Then we can have lunch in the hotel restaurant."
"Okay. I guess I can find something to occupy myself while you're in the shower."
Tripp puts his hands on Pamela's waist. "You could always join me. And instead of the restaurant, we could order room service."
Pamela kisses him. "Then why are we standing around in this park?"
"Yeah, why are we?" Tripp kisses her again, then they head across the street to her car.
Ewing Global....later...
"Bobby, can I have a word with you?" Sue Ellen asks.
"Of course. Lucas would you excuse us for a minute?"
"Sure," says Lucas. He quickly leaves the office, and closes the door behind him.
"What's up?" Bobby asks.
"I just spoke to Matt Flowers. You know, our foreman on the Lubbock field?"
"Yes," says Bobby.
"Apparently our drilling variance has been rescinded."
"Rescinded? But why? I got that variance issued myself when I was railroad commissioner."
"Yes, and I have a feeling our new commissioner is responsible for it being rescinded."
Bobby sighs. "Damn. Between Judith Ryland and Cliff Barnes today, I....."
"Cliff Barnes?" Sue Ellen asks.
"Yeah, Cliff went to the hospital to see Emma the other night. Upset Ann. I confronted him about it this morning and he's makin' his usual threats about takin' his company back."
"I wouldn't worry much about Cliff," says Sue Ellen. "But Judith Ryland is another story. She could be a lot of trouble for us as long as she holds that office."
"Which is why we somehow have to find a way to get her OUT of that office," Bobby says.
"How?"
"I have an idea of who might could help us. I'm gonna call Matt Culver down in Austin."
"Matt Culver?" Sue Ellen asks. "You mean, Dave's son?"
"Yep. Matt's gained a lot of clout in Austin since takin' his Daddy's old seat in the state senate. If he can't help us directly, I'm sure he can put me in touch with someone who can." Bobby picks up his phone and dial's the number to Matt Culver's office in the state capitol.
Later...
"Well, it could be," Bum says.
"What's goin' on?"
"I just found out that ol' Carter McKay still owns a substantial amount of stock in Westar, and holds an honorary position on the company's board of directors."
"So? McKay duttin' own enough stock to prevent me from becomin' majority stockholder. And even if he does have a position on the board, there's still not a damned thing he can do about. I hear the old man's not in very good health these days. I doubt he'd make a trip to Dallas just for a stockholder's meetin'."
"Probably not, but you're forgetting one thing. His grandson, Tripp McKay, who ol' Carter has given his proxy to."
"Is that a fact?" John Ross asks. "Oh well, how much of a threat could Tripp be?"
"None. Unless he somehow finds out about your plans before that stockholders meeting on Thursday."
"No way he could."
"Unless he and Pamela can somehow put two and two together. There's gotta be a reason those two are hangin' out together."
John Ross looks at Bum, a slightly worried expression on his face. "Don't worry. We've covered our tracks real good. Part of my agreement not to use the information I have on those stockholders is that they won't spill the beans about my takeover plans. So ya see, Bum? Nothin' to be concerned about. Day after tomorrow, I'll have Westar, and hopefully, Tripp McKay will leave Dallas with his tail between his legs. Chin up, Bum. Just continue to keep an eye on McKay for me."
"I'll do it," says Bum. "But the sooner Thursday comes and all this is over, the better I'll feel."
"You're a good friend, Bum," John Ross says, putting his hand on Bum's shoulder. "And I really appreciate it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to the office. Keep me posted."
"Sure thing, John Ross."
John Ross smiles, then turns and walks away.
Ewing Global...late evening...
"Annie, come in," Bobby says.
Ann walks into the office. "Well, y'all ready to go to dinner?"
"Just about. I was just bringin' Lucas up to speed on a little problem we have on our field down in Lubbock."
"What's the problem?" Ann asks.
Bobby stands and looks at her. "Our illustrious new railroad commissioner has gotten our drilling variance rescinded on some trumped up technicality."
"Judith," says Ann. "Damn that woman."
"Don't worry about it, honey. I'm already workin' on it. I put in a call to Matt Culver down in Austin. You remember Senator Dave Culver, right?"
"Of course, he was at our weddin'."
"That's right. Matt is Dave's son. He's holdin' his daddy's old seat in the state senate with plans to run for U.S. senate in a couple of years, and he still has some pull with some of Dave's old cronies in the capitol. If anybody can help, he can."
Ann smiles. "Sounds like you're on top of it."
"I am."
"Well, I think we should probably get to dinner before my stomach has a fit," Ann says.
"You're right, honey. I'm pretty hungry myself," Bobby says. "I was so busy I didn't get to have lunch. Let's go." Bobby grabs his coat, and he, Ann, and Lucas leave, Bobby closing his door. "Hey, why don't we ask Sue Ellen to join us? She's still workin'."
"That's a fine idea," Ann agrees. The three walk over to Sue Ellen's office and Ann peaks in, finding Sue Ellen still working at her desk.
"Sue Ellen," she says.
"Ann, hello," says Sue Ellen, getting up from her seat behind her desk. "It's so good to see you." She walks over and gives Ann a hug.
"It's great to see you, too. We have to catch up."
"Sue Ellen, the three of us are just headin' out to dinner," Bobby says. "Why don't you join us?"
"Yes, please," Ann says.
"Come on, it's late," says Bobby. "It can wait til mornin'."
"You're right. It can. Umm, just give me a minute? I need to make a phone call. Won't take long."
"Of course," Ann says. "We'll wait for you downstairs."
"Alright," Sue Ellen says. After Bobby, Ann, and Lucas leave, she walks over to her desk and picks up her phone and dials a number. On the third ring, the other party answers. "Hello, Amanda, this is Sue Ellen Ewing," she says. "I'm fine, thank you. Listen, I've considered your application and your qualifications, and I think you would be a wonderful and invaluable addition here at Ewing Global. So, you've got the job."
Meanwhile....
"Would tomorrow morning be too soon?" Sue Ellen asks.
"Tomorrow morning would be great. 9 a.m.? I'll see you then. And thank you. Good night." Amanda ends the call, puts down her phone and smiles. "I'm in," she says to someone else in the room. "I start tomorrow morning." Amanda turns around to the person she's talking to. That turns out to be none other than Cliff Barnes!
"So I heard," Cliff says, holding a glass in his hand. "That's excellent, Amanda. I really appreciate you doing this for me. Of course, I am paying you handsomely for it."
"No problem, Mr. Barnes. I consider this a personal favor for you, and for my Mom. After all, you gave her a job years ago when you owned Barnes-Wentworth, and she always thought the world of you. And, I don't know what I would've done when she was sick if you hadn't paid most of her medical bills."
"You're mother was a wonderful secretary," Cliff says. "I miss her, and wish she were here now."
"Are you sure this is gonna work?" Amanda asks. "I mean, there's no chance the Ewings could find out who I am and that I'm working for you?"
"Not a chance. You're using a fake last name, and we faked all your employment records, college records, everything. You just get in there and find out everything the Ewings are up to, and report back to me. I wanna know everything that goes on in that office, no matter how minor it is. And then, when I have my company back, Amanda, you have a permanent job as my assistant." Cliff gulps down his drink and then laughs.
"What's so funny?" Amanda asks.