Previously on DALLAS:
----------Lucas seems less than thrilled by the return of his adopted brother.
----------John Ross visits Elena and tells her he believes he's the father of the baby she's carrying, which Elena denies. John Ross tells her he always gets what he wants.
----------After learning that Tripp slept with Jillian, Pamela gives him the cold shoulder and tells him their relationship is strictly for the purpose of destroying the Ewings.
----------Tripp has words with Christopher at the gym.
---------After being unable to have sex with Lucas, Emma confesses to Ann that she was raped by Luis while being held captive in Mexico.
---------Bobby enlists the help of Senator Matt Culver, son of the late Dave Culver, with help in getting Judith Ryland out of the Railroad commissioner's office.
---------Cliff forces a confrontation with Bobby at the Cattlemen's Club. Afterward, sparks fly between Cliff and Afton, and a kiss leads to more....
Southfork....morning
"Sure feels great to be back at Southfork," Christopher says,
"Yes, it does," Bobby agrees.
Ann smiles. "Sue Ellen offered to help me with the barbecue. We're gonna start sendin' invitations this afternoon."
"That's great," Bobby says. "This year's barbecue is gonna be the biggest one in years." He looks at his wife and son and smiles. "This family has an awful lot to celebrate this year, and a lot to be thankful for. Lucas and Emma came through the accident, Christopher's back with us, that whole nightmare with the cartel is over. Things are lookin' up."
The smile disappears from Christopher's face. Bobby notices his son seems worried.
"Son, what's wrong?"
"I was just thinking about what Cliff said yesterday at lunch."
Ann stops what she's doing and looks at them both. "Cliff?"
"Did he say anything about....." Ann stops herself before she asks Bobby is Cliff mentioned Emma's name.
"Say anything about what?" Christopher asks.
"Nothin'," Bobby replies as Emma walks into the room.
"I'm done unpacking my stuff," she says.
"Good," says Ann. How do you like your room?"
"It's beautiful. I love it."
"I thought John Ross would've come to help with the move, since he's part owner of Southfork," Christopher says.
"John Ross hasn't shown any interest in Southfork since he's been busy tryin' to conquer Westar," Bobby explains.
Meanwhile....Pamela's apartment
"I could have a more cheerful breakfast down at the county morgue," she finally says.
Afton and Cliff both look at her, then continue with their breakfast.
"What in the world is wrong with you two?" Pamela asks.
"Nothing," Afton replies.
"Mom, I know something is. You were fine when I left here yesterday morning, then when I came home last night you hardly said a word to me. And the same this morning. I've never known either of you to be this quiet before. EVER. Now what's going on?"
"Nothing's going on, sweetheart," Cliff says, smiling. "Everything is fine."
"I think I'm gonna go out for a while," says Afton. "I'm not really very hungry." She gets up from the table and leaves the room, Pamela watching her mother with a puzzled look.
"I'll be right, Pammy," Cliff says. He gets up and quickly follows Afton out of the kitchen. He catches up to her as she's about to head up the short stairway to her room. "Afton," he says. "You've hardly said a word to me since yesterday, either. Since we....."
"Since we NOTHING, Cliff," she says. "Nothing happened."
"Oh come on. You and I both know good and well what happened here between us yesterday afternoon."
"It was a mistake. One of the biggest of my life, and I never wanna talk about it again." Afton starts up the stairs, then stops and turns to him. "And Cliff, if you say anything about yesterday to Pamela, you'll be sorry." After giving him a dirty look, she turns and heads up the stairs....
Southfork....early afternoon
Bobby comes down the newly renovated staircase at Southfork that afternoon and stops in the foyer, where he looks into the dining room, then into his remodeled office. After a brief pause, he walks through the door leading from the foyer to the back of the house.
"Christopher?" Bobby says.
"Dad."
"Looks like you're real deep in thought."
"That obvious?" Christopher asks.
"To someone who's known you since you were about four months old, yes, it is. What's on your mind, son?"
"Haven't been sleepin' well. Not since Mexico. Actually, not since this whole ordeal started. I'd hoped once I was back home, I'd feel better."
"But you don't?" Asks Bobby.
"In a way, I do. But the nightmares."
"You're havin' nightmares?"
Christopher rubs the back of his head as he takes a seat at one of the patio tables by the pool. "Yeah."
Bobby sits down next to him. "Well, under the circumstances I think that's perfectly normal. You went through hell in Mexico, son, you were forced to shoot a man. To take a human life. That would weigh heavily on anyone's mind, especially someone as good and caring as you."
"That's the same thing Elena keeps tellin' me," Christopher says.
"Son, you mind me askin' you somethin'?"
"Of course not."
"Where exactly do things stand with you and Elena right now?" Bobby asks.
"We're still tryin' to figure that out ourselves."
"You still love her?"
Christopher looks at his father and nods. "I do. I never stopped."
"Son, I guess my big question is this: do you think you can be with Elena now, and deal with the fact that she's carryin' the child of a man who almost killed you both?"
"Sounds like you've got some tough decisions to make," Bobby says.
"I do. I only wish I knew how to make 'em."
The Ryland Mansion....
The butler walks in. "Excuse me, Mrs. Ryland, John Ross Ewing is here to see you."
"Thank you, Alfred," Judith says. "Send Mr. Ewin' in."
"Yes ma'am," Alfred says. He turns and leaves, and a second later, John Ross appears in the doorway.
"Afternoon, Judith," he says.
"Yes it has. I hear you been makin' some waves down in Austin in your new position."
Judith smiles. "And I owe that all to you," she says, standing to face him. "How are things over at Westar?"
"Things are just fine. But Westar is not why I'm here."
"Oh, well then, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
"Oh, yes," Judith interrupts. "I heard that handsome cousin of yours had made a most remarkable return from the dead. Your family must be thrilled to pieces."
"Yes, we were all very happy to have him back. Even me, despite the differences we've had. Anyway, as I was sayin' before I was so rudely interrupted, Uncle Bobby and Christopher met with state Senator Matthew Culver yesterday."
"So? Why should I care?"
"You should care because the topic of conversation....was you. Or more specifically, your current job as railroad commissioner."
"I see."
"I heard through the grapevine that Senator Culver went back to Austin yesterday and has been talkin' to some of his colleagues in the capitol."
"I guess Bobby wasn't none too pleased when I had his variance in Lubbock rescinded," Judith says.
"No, he wasn't. But not to worry, I have some connections of my own in Austin. Ol' boys that owed my daddy favors. Maybe they can nose around, find out what Culver's up too."
"I'm not particularly worried. After all, the governor and I are old friends."
"Don't underestimate Matt Culver. His daddy was Senator Dave Culver and his granddaddy was Sam Culver. That family has a lot of power in this state. And Dave Culver and my Uncle Bobby were pretty good friends."
"I think then, that I may just have to have a meetin' with Senator Culver," says Judith. "I'll set somethin' up for Monday mornin'."
"Just a word of warnin', Judith," says John Ross. "If Matt Culver is anything like his daddy and granddaddy, flattery, and bribery aint gonna work on him. Gonna have to find a new angle. Some.....weakness."
Judith smiles. "That's one thing I've always excelled in. Findin' men's weaknesses."
John Ross smiles back at her, then leaves the room. A couple of minutes later, as he comes down the stairway and into the foyer, he meets Harris as he walks into the house.
"The hell are you doin' here?" Harris asks.
"Harris, I came to pay a call on your mama. But I also came to have a little business chat with you."
"I can't see that there's any business we have to talk about," Harris says as he walks into the living room.
"Oh, but there is," John Ross says, following him.
Harris sighs and pours himself a drink. "John Ross, just say what you gotta say and then get out."
"Harris, I'm sure that by now you're aware that I am the new chief executive officer at Westar Oil. And I think you and I can do some business together."
"Oh, I think you'll change your mind when you hear my offer."
Harris just looks at him for a moment. "Aight," he says. "Just out of curiosity, let's hear it."
"I need a contract between Ryland Trucking and Westar," John Ross says.
Harris smiles, almost laughs at John Ross's audacity. "No deal."
"You haven't even heard what you'll be gainin'."
"Whatever it is, it itn't worth doin' business with you."
"You set up a contract between Westar and Ryland......and I don't tell Emma who her real daddy is. See, everybody wins if we do this my way."
The smile disappears from Harris's face. "How the hell did you know about that?"
"I have my ways. Now, since today is Saturday, I'm gonna give you a few days to think it over. I'll expect your answer by no later than.,.....oh, let's say.....Wednesday mornin'." John Ross smiles. "You have a nice weekend, Harris." Still smiling, John Ross turns and walks out, leaving Harris angry and worried.
A moment later, outside the Ryland home, John Ross takes out his cell phone and speed dials Bum's number. On the second ring, Bum answers.
Southfork....afternoon
"I'm happy to do it. I haven't helped plan a Ewing Barbecue in years, so this is quite a treat for me."
Ann looks at the guest list. "You know, I honestly think Bobby wants to invite the whole state of Texas, and even some from outside of Texas."
Sue Ellen laughs. "Well, Bobby said he wants this to be the biggest barbecue Southfork has had in many years. And it will be. Just like the old days. There'd be three, four hundred people here or more. And the barbecues would go on most of the day and into the night."
"Ya know, listenin' to you and Bobby talk about 'the old days' makes me kinda jealous," Ann says.
"Jealous?" Sue Ellen asks.
"Yes. Makes me kinda wish I'd been around here back then. I wish I had known Miss Ellie, and Jock."
"You and Miss Ellie would've gotten along fabulously," says Sue Ellen.
Ann smiles at the compliment as Emma, who had been sunbathing by the pool, comes up the steps of the balcony and walks over to her mother and Sue Ellen. "Hey, what are you two doing?" She asks.
"We're fixin' up invitations to the Ewing Barbecue," replies Ann. "You could help, ya know."
Emma smiles. "Sorry, I'm not real good at this sort of thing. I'll be glad to help in some other way. But right now, I have to change. Lucas is coming over in a little while. See you guys later."
"Bye," Sue Ellen says as Emma walks into the house through the french doors leading in from the balcony. "She and Lucas are becoming very close, aren't they?" Asks Sue Ellen.
"Yes, they are. I think he's been really good for her."
"I'm surprised Lucas isn't moving in here at Southfork, rather than staying in that hotel."
"Bobby's still tryin' to convince him to, now that we got all this extra room. I think Lucas still feels a little like an outsider around here."
Sue Ellen looks at her friend with worry. "Ann, do you ever plan on telling Emma the truth about who her father is?"
Ann is silent for a moment. "No. I don't ever want her to know that Cliff Barnes is her father. She may not have had the smoothest relationship with Harris, but findin' this out, it would just about kill her, Sue Ellen. Especially after everything else she's been through this year."
"I understand. But Ann, secrets like that always have a way of coming out. Sometimes in the worst possible way."
"Don't I know it. I just wish Cliff would go away somewhere. But I know that's not likely to happen, especially now that Afton's back in town."
"Afton?" Sue Ellen asks.
"Yes. Bobby saw Cliff and Afton at lunch the other day. He said Cliff came over and was spoutin' off like he always does."
"Afton was with him?"
"Uh-huh," Ann replies.
"Well, can't say I'm surprised. If there's any two people in the world who deserve each other....it's Cliff and Afton."
Ann laughs at Sue Ellen's comment.
A short time later....
Emma comes down the stairs at Southfork later just as John Ross walks into the foyer.
"Hi, John Ross."
"How ya doin'?"
"Just fine. Doctor says I'm almost back to normal now."
"That's good."
"What about you? How are you enjoying your new role at Westar?" Emma asks.
John Ross smiles. "I'm havin' a blast," he says as Lucas walks in.
"Emma," Lucas says. "You ready?"
"Yeah, I am."
"Where're you two young people headed on this beautiful Saturday afternoon?" John Ross asks.
"Lucas and I are going riding," replies Emma.
"What business is that of yours?" Lucas asks.
"Just wonderin', cousin. No need to go gettin' your boxers in a wad. I just thought it must be kinda inconvenient livin' at that hotel when your beautiful girlfriend is all the way out here at Southfork. I mean, assumin' Emma is your girlfriend these days. I mean, y'all do spend an awful lot of time joined at the hip these days."
"John Ross," Lucas says as he starts toward his cousin. Emma quickly puts her hand on Lucas's chest to stop him.
"Lucas, let's go," she says. She gives John Ross an angry look, then takes Lucas by the arm.
Lucas also looks angrily at his cousin for a moment, then turns and leaves with Emma through the front door. John Ross smiles, again having the satisfaction of knowing he got under his younger cousin's skin.
Outside, Lucas stops on the porch. "What's wrong?"
"Some day, that guy is gonna push me too far, and I'm gonna shove that arrogant smile down his throat."
"That's just John Ross being.....John Ross. He does that because he knows it upsets you. It's what he does. Tries to push everyone's buttons."
Southfork....that night
"Everyone, let me have your attention, please," he says. "Please." Finally, the group quiets down enough for him to speak. "Thank you. Thank you all for bein' here tonight. It's been a long time since this family gathered for dinner together. That was always the Ewing tradition for as long as I can remember until
"What was it, Dad?" Christopher asks.
"It turns out that J.R. has another offspring that none of us knew about, until recently. A daughter. Her name is Jillian Cryder."
The rest of the family exchanged stunned looks. "Jillian Cryder?" Asks Christopher.
"Yes," replies Sue Ellen. "Her mother is Kimberly Cryder. She and J.R. had an affair, which is why I left him the last time, when John Ross was nine."
"Wasn't she the former CEO of Westar?" Ann asks.
"That's right," replies John Ross. "I found out a couple months ago, right before Christopher's.....death.... that J.R. had fathered another child besides me and my two brothers James and Justin. And this child was a girl. So I had Bum find her, and it wasn't hard."
"Wait a second," Christopher says, breaking in. "You unseated Jillian Cryder as CEO of Westar. You stole her job and her company even after you knew she was your own sister?"
"You've gotta be kidding," says Lucas. "Just how arrogant and pompous can one person possibly be? You stole this woman's company, then you have the audacity to ask her to worth WITH you?"
"Why don't you just stay the hell out of this?" John Ross snaps.
"Alright, just hold on," says Bobby. "Look, I didn't tell you all this to start a fight. I told you because I'd like for us to reach out to this girl. Get to know her. Let her know she has a family here, if she wants it.
John Ross and Lucas continue to stare angrily at each other across the table, while Ann notices that Sue Ellen seems bothered by the talk of J.R.'s daughter and the thought of bringing her into the family fold.
Later....
"Well, I think that family dinner went well, don't you?" He asks with sarcasm.
"I thought Lucas and John Ross were about to kill each other," says Ann.
"Yeah I get the feelin' those two really don't like each other. But John Ross sure duttin' make it easy."
"Did you see the look on Sue Ellen's face?" Ann asks as she and Bobby crawl into bed.
"What do you mean? I noticed she was a little quiet."
"I think it really bothered her, talkin' about J.R.'s daughter by Kimberly Cryder."
"I asked Sue Ellen before dinner if it would bother her if I told the rest of the family."
"Bobby, what was she supposed to say? No, I'd really rather you didn't? Sue Ellen has told me about Kimberly Cryder and J.R.'s affair with her. It broke up their marriage the last time."
Bobby sighs. "Damn. I should've realized. But I spoke to her and she seemed fine."
"Sue Ellen's a lot more fragile and vulnerable than she would have us to believe, Bobby. She hasn't been sober that long."
"I'm really glad that you're involving her in planning the barbecue. I think it's doin' her good."
"It's doin' ME good," says Ann. "I don't know what I'd do without Sue Ellen's help."
Bobby kisses his wife. "Let's go to sleep. With the move, it's been a long day, and it sure feels good to be sleepin' back at Southfork again."
Ann smiles, kisses him again, then turns out the lamp beside her bed.
Meanwhile...
Southfork....the next morning
Christopher stops when he sees her. They look at each other from a distance for a moment, then Elena walks over to him.
"I went up to your room and you were gone," she says. "You seem to get up and go out early every morning, either running or riding."
Christopher rubs his face. "Yeah."
"Trouble sleeping again?"
"Can't remember the last decent night's sleep I had," he says. "I was gonna come by your place in a little while. Didn't figure you'd be up this early."
"Been up for hours. I couldn't sleep either."
"Elena, what's wrong? Ever since yesterday, you've been acting strange. Hardly said two words during dinner last night, and then as soon as it was over you were ready to head home."
"Nah, I don't buy that," says Christopher. "Somethin' else is botherin' you. Come on. What is it?"
Elena hesitates a moment. She looks away from him, then returns her gaze to his. "Christopher, I have to know something."
"What is it?"
"You said you love me. And I love you, too. But I need to know. How do you feel about this baby I'm carrying?"
Christopher moves closer to her. "Hey, where's this comin' from?"
"I overheard you and Bobby talking yesterday. When Bobby said you had some difficult decisions to make, and you said you wish you knew how to."
Christopher sighs. "Look, Elena, I didn't mean anything by that."
"No, you were right. This baby I'm carrying is always going to be a reminder of Nicolas, and what he did to us." She starts to cry. "I love this baby. I want it so much. But I feel.......I think I understand how a woman feels when she's been raped. Nicolas killed my brother. He ruined your life and mine. And this child is always going to be a reminder of that. Do you think you can live with that?"
He takes her by the hand. "Elena, I love you. And sure, everything you just said has crossed my mind. I have loved you for all of my adult life. I always pictured myself spendin' my life with you. Look at everything that's gotten in our way. Torn us apart. And here we are. After all that we still found our way back to each other. After everything else we've weathered, Elena, I think we can get through anything. As long as we're together."
Elena looks at him for a moment, her deep feeling for Christopher evident in her eyes. "I love you, Christopher Ewing," she says, tears filling her eyes.
"I love you." Christopher puts his arms around her and embraces her, then kisses her.
Southfork....later
"No, thank you, I'm fine."
"Are you sure? You seem a little.....oh, I dunno.....a little restless."
"Alright. Let's talk about it."
"Last night, at dinner, when the subject of Kimberly Cryder and her daughter were brought up, it made me feel.....well, it brought back a lot of painful memories I thought I had laid to rest a long time ago."
"I had a feelin'," Ann says. "Bobby said you were fine with him tellin' the family about this girl."
Sue Ellen nods. "I thought I was. But then, hearing it out loud like that...."
"It bothered you."
"Yes. More than I thought at first." Sue Ellen stands and walks to the fireplace, then turns back to Ann. In fact, it bothered me so much that, when I got home last night, I was tempted. Real tempted, to take a drink. And I almost did."
"Oh, Sue Ellen," Ann says, standing and walking over to her friend.
"I had a little heartburn, so before I went to bed I went downstairs to get some antacid. When I opened the cupboard, I found a bottle of vodka that had been there for months. I'd forgotten all about it. I took it out and sat it on the table. When I thought about how J.R. hurt me for all those years, and now there's living proof of that. I wanted a drink so bad."
"But you didn't take it?" Ann asks.
"No. I poured it down the sink."
Ann breathes a sigh of relief.
"I just couldn't do it," Sue Ellen continues.
Ann smiles as she gently rubs Sue Ellen's arm. "I'm so proud of you for that. You've just take a really big step."
"I realize that, no matter what, I've got to stay sober," Sue Ellen says in tears. "I will always be an alcoholic. But I can't let it control my life."
Westar....two days later
John Ross is working at his desk when a knock comes at his door. "Come in," he says.
His secretary, Melissa, walks in carrying a file. "Here are those contracts you wanted me to type up," she says.
"Thank you, Melissa."
"And there's a man named Bum here to see you."
"Oh, well, send him in," John Ross says. She starts to leave. "Oh, and Melissa?"
She stops and turns back to him. "Yes sir?"
"I really appreciate you agreein' to stay on as my secretary for a while."
"You're welcome."
As Melissa leaves John Ross's office, she sends Bum in. He closes the door behind him. John Ross stands and walks over to him. "Well, find out anything on Culver?"
Bum sighs. "John Ross, this one is gonna be a lot tougher than I anticipated."
"Oh? Why's that?"
"John Ross, I checked into Senator Culver's background real thoroughly. The guy's squeaky clean. Never even got suspended from school. So if you were tryin' to find some blackmail dirt, this one comes up empty."
"I'm sorry, John Ross. I checked Culver out thoroughly. Other than one traffic ticket he got while in college, there's nothin'."
"I'll be damned. Just like his daddy, I guess. Those Culvers. How can a family in politics manage to stay so damned clean?"
"Anything else you want me to do?"
John Ross is silent for a moment while he thinks. Then he turns to Bum. "As a matter of fact, there is. My Daddy told me once, if you can't find any dirt, then put some where you need it to be." He looks at Bum and smiles. "Get my meanin'?"
"Oh yeah, I get it," Bum replies. "But maybe that won't be necessary."
"What do you mean?" John Ross asks.
"I couldn't find anything on Culver, or his family. But, his girlfriend might be a different story."
"His girlfriend?"
"Yeah. I wasn't sure you'd wanna use this, John Ross, considerin' who Culver's girlfriend is."
"Well who the hell is his girlfriend?" John Ross asks.
Bum takes a folded piece of paper out of his coat pocket. He hands it to John Ross, who takes it, looks at it, and smiles. "Well, I'll be damned. This might be fun."
Ewing Global....
Bobby and Sue Ellen are looking over some graphs in the conference room at Ewing Global that afternoon when Lucas walks in and knocks on the door. "Am I interrupting anything?"
"No, we're just going over these charts," Bobby says.
"Just wanted to let you know I'm headin' out to lunch. I'm meeting Emma."
Bobby smiles. "That's fine, son."
"I also wanted to ask if Christopher has said anything about when he might be coming back to work here," Lucas says.
"No, he hasn't really mentioned it. Why?"
"Well, I just figured as soon as soon as he wanted to come back, I'd get out of here."
"Lucas, there's no need for that," Sue Ellen says.
"Of course not," agrees Bobby. "Lucas, this is a big company. A family company. There's room here for everybody. Besides, with John Ross and Pamela out of the company, we could sure use you around here."
Lucas smiles. "Okay. Thanks. I'll see you guys later."
Bobby smiles as he watches his son walk away. "You're very proud of him, aren't you?" Sue Ellen asks.
"I'm proud of both my sons. Never thought I'd see the day when I actually had both of them here."
"Bobby, I'd kinda like to know when Christopher is coming back, too. Miss him around here."
"So do I, Sue Ellen, but, I think he needs some more time right now. He's still dealing with a lot of issues from what he went through in Mexico, so I haven't asked him about comin' back to work just yet, although when he sat in on that meeting with Matt Culver last week, I was hopin' he was ready."
Almost as if on cue, Sue Ellen's new secretary, Amanda Shepherd, appears in the doorway. "Excuse me, Mr. Ewing?"
"Yes, Amanda?"
"Senator Matt Culver is here to see you."
"Oh, thank you," Bobby says. "Send him in."
Amanda smiles, then walks over and tells Matt he can go in. Matt walks into the conference room, where he is greeted at the door by Bobby.
"Matt, how are you?" Bobby asks, greeting the young senator with a handshake.
"Just fine, Bobby, thanks."
"Matt, you remember my sister-in-law, Sue Ellen Ewing?"
"Of course I do," Matt says. "How are you, Mrs. Ewing? Just as beautiful as ever."
Sue Ellen smiles. "I'm fine, Matt, thank you. How's your mother?"
"That's wonderful. Give her my regards."
"Will do. Bobby, I did a little checking with some friends of mine in the legislature on the matter of Judith Ryland...."
As Matt speaks, he is overheard by Amanda, who is lurking just outside the door, making an attempt to appear busy so as not to look as if she's eavesdropping. Bobby stops Matt, walks over, and closes the conference room door.
"Sorry about that," Bobby says. "I'd just like to keep this confidential for right now."
"I understand," says Matt. "Judith Ryland is a very.....interesting character....to say the least. According to what I found out, Mrs. Ryland and the governor are old friends from way back. I tried to find out more about their relationship, but, the door was closed. Apparently the governor is hiding something."
"Wouldn't be the first time," Sue Ellen says.
"I'm gonna keep digging," Matt says. "And if I find out anything that would compromise either the governor or Judith Ryland's appointment as railroad commissioner, I think I can pull some strings and have her removed from office."
"Matt, thank you," says Bobby.
"I also wasn't able to find a logical reason for her having your variance rescinded."
"Matt I really appreciate you comin' all this way to tell me in person," Bobby says,
"It's no problem. I had to be in Dallas for business anyway, and I'm meeting an old friend for lunch, so, I have to run. Bobby, Mrs. Ewing, I'll see you soon."
"It was wonderful seeing you again," says Sue Ellen. "And please, call me Sue Ellen."
"Will do."
"Matt, I'd like to extend a personal invitation for you and your mother to come to the Ewing Barbecue at Southfork," Bobby says. "It's gonna be a week from Saturday, if you don't already have plans."
"As a matter of fact, I don't have anything on my calendar that weekend, so I'd love to come. I'm sure my mother will be happy for a chance to see the Ewings again."
"Good."
"Talk to you later Bobby, Sue Ellen," says Matt. He smiles, then leaves.
Bobby closes the door behind him.
"Very nice young man," says Sue Ellen.
"Yes he is. Just like his daddy. I think he just might be able to help us."
Downstairs....a few minutes later
"Matt Culver?" He says.
Matt turns around and smiles. "I don't believe it. John Ross. It's been a long time."
"Yeah I don't think I've seen you since your daddy's funeral."
"That's right," says Matt. "Almost ten years."
"So what brings you to Dallas? And specifically, to Ewing Globa?"
Matt hesitates before answering. "Oh, I was in town on a little business and thought I'd drop in and say hi to your mom and your Uncle Bobby."
John Ross smiles. "I see. Well, how about you and I have a little lunch? Catch up some."
"Sorry, I can't today," Matt replies. "I'm meeting someone for lunch, and if I don't get going, I'll be late."
"Dinner, maybe?" John Ross asks.
Again, Matt hesitates before answering. "Maybe a quick drink this evening," he says, agreeing to meet with John Ross later strictly out of curiosity.
"Drinks sounds fine. Why don't you drop into my office at Westar around five?"
"Five it is," says Matt. "See you then."
"Yeah, sure thing," John Ross says as Matt walks away. John Ross smiles, confident that he's about to set a trap for the young senator. He watches as Matt gets into his car and drives away. Then he takes his cell phone out of his coat pocket and dials a number. A moment later, the other party answers.
"Good. I'll have my lawyer draw up the contract, and we can sign by week's end."
"If it's all the same to you, I'd rather have my OWN lawyer draw up that contract," says Harris. "Somehow I feel safer that way."
John Ross laughs. "Okay, whatever floats your boat. Call me when we're ready to sign. And get it done by week's end."
"You listen to me, John Ross. Only reason I'm doin' this is 'cause I don't wanna see Emma hurt. But if you so much as breathe a single word to her about this, or even mention Cliff Barnes name in her presence, I'll make you regret it."
"Duly noted," John Ross says. Without another word, he ends the call and smiles in the satisfaction that everything is going his way.
Pamela's apartment....
Afton comes down the stairs. "What do you want, Cliff?"
"I brought ya somethin'," he says. He takes the yellow roses from behind his back. "I remembered how much you love yellow roses. Thought they'r brighten your room."
"Thank you, they're lovely," Afton says coldly. "But you shouldn't have."
"I wanted to."
"Cliff, we have to talk."
"Okay, so talk."
"I think it's time you moved out."
The smile fades from Cliff's face. "Moved out? But why?"
"Because things are very uncomfortable with you here."
"You mean since the other day? When we made love?"
"You don't mean that," Cliff says, moving closer to her. "You enjoyed that as much as I did."
"Keep deluding yourself, Cliff," Afton says. "But you need to go. It shouldn't be hard to find an apartment in the next couple of days."
"You're really serious?"
"Of course, I'm serious."
"What if I don't wanna go?" Cliff asks.
"You don't have a choice. I'll tell Pamela that either you go, or I go. It's not hard to guess which one of us she'll choose."
"Are you gonna tell her WHY you're giving her this ultimatum to throw one of us out?" Cliff asks.
Afton remains silent.
"Fine, then. I'll move out."
"Afton wait," he says, grabbing her by the arm.
"Cliff, let go of me."
"Look, just hear me out. Okay, I'll admit that what happened between us shouldn't have happened the way it did. But we can't change it. And for what it's worth, I'm glad it happened. Afton, even after all these years, I still care for you. I always have. Of all the women I've been with, you have always held a special place in my heart. You don't have to leave. We can both stay here and I promise, I'll keep my distance. But don't go. I like havin' ya around. Even if you can't stand to be around me." Without another word, Cliff walks past Afton and heads into his bedroom, leaving Afton standing alone in the living room to think about his words.
Margot Perot Center, Dallas...
"It's fine, Dr. Griffith," Elena says. "How were my tests?"
Dr. Griffith smiles. "Everything is fine. Although your blood pressure is up slightly, but not enough to really worry about right now. How have you been sleeping?"
"Not very well."
"Well, I can prescribe something for you that's safe for the baby. I'd also like you to get started right away on a vitamin regimen."
"Fine."
"Now, is there anything else I can do for you? Any questions?" Asks Dr. Griffith.
"Of course."
"How far along in the pregnancy can a paternity test be done?"
"Usually between the tenth and the thirteenth weeks."
"How exactly is it done?"
"Well, a DNA sample is taken from the mother, and from the alleged father or fathers, and a sample is collected from the unborn baby by a procedure called chorionic villi sampling.
This procedure collects cells from the placenta to be analyzed."
"Is it dangerous for the baby?" Elena asks.
"Well, of course any procedure carries some risk, but they're minimal," replies the doctor. "Is there any particular reason you're asking?"
Elena sighs. "Yes. There's some question about who my baby's father is. I'd like very much to find out for sure."
"All right. How soon?"
"As soon as possible."
"We can collect a sample from you while you're here," says Dr. Griffith. "And we can make an appointment for you to come back in a day or two for collecting of the sample from the baby. And you can have the two men in question to come in and we can get samples from them as well."
"One of them can't come in," says Elena. "He was killed recently."
"Oh, I am sorry."
"And, is it necessary for the other man to come in himself? I mean, DNA testing can be done on hair, or something like that, right?"
"Yes it can. Do I understand that you don't want this man to know?"
"That's right, I don't," Elena says.
"Well, testing can be done without the knowledge or direct involvement of the suspected father. But this is called non-legal testing, and I'm afraid it wouldn't hold up in court at a later time if there were a problem concerning custody. It would have to be for personal information only."
"That's all I want it for. You see, the other man, the one who is dead, he was a criminal. He was killed during the commission of a crime, and I just wanna find out if he was the father.....or not."
"I understand," Dr. Griffith says. "If you could get a sample, for instance as you said, a lock of hair, it can be done. But as I said, the test would carry no legal weight without the express consent of the prospective father."
"I understand. Let's just get this done," Elena says. "I'll provide a sample today, and make an appointment as soon as possible for the baby's sample, and the father's. I'll get it somehow."
Downtown Dallas
"Hi, yourself," the young woman says on the other end of the line. "When will you be coming home?"
"I'll finish my business here in Dallas tomorrow morning and I'll be driving back to Austin right after lunch. Miss me?"
"Very much."
"I miss you too. Hey, guess who I ran into today."
"I don't know, who?"
"None other than John Ross Ewing. In fact I'm on my way to see him right now, He invited me to his office for a drink, and to catch up."
"John Ross? Are you serious?"
"Dead serious."
"What on earth did he wanna catch up with you for? You two hardly know each other," she says.
"Does that have to do with why you went to Dallas?" His girlfriend asks.
"One of the reasons. I'm sorry, sweetheart, I can't say anymore just yet. But I'll tell you all about it soon, I promise. I have to go. I'll call you when I get back to the hotel."
"I love you. And Matt, please be careful of John Ross. It can't be a coincidence that you ran into him. He's sneaky, just like his father."
Matt laughs. "I know. But there's nothing to worry about. I have nothing in my past that John Ross can possibly use against me. I'm a very boring guy."
"You're not boring to me," she says. "I love you. Bye."
"Bye, darlin'," Matt says. He ends his call and puts his phone away just as he reaches the Bank Of America Plaza, the high rise office building that houses Westar. Matt stands in front of the impressive skyscraper and looks up at it. Then after a moment, he walks into the front entrance.
John Ross's office....a few minutes later
John Ross stands at a window in his office when his intercom buzzes. He uses a remote control to turn it on. "Yes, Melissa?"
"Mr. Ewing, Senator Culver is here."
John Ross smiles. "Thank you, Melissa. Send the good Senator in. Then you can go on home." John Ross walks over to his bar as Matt walks in. "Well, Senator. Glad you could make it."
"No problem, John Ross," Matt says. "I appreciate the invite."
John Ross pours himself a drink. "What's your pleasure, Senator?"
"Scotch on the rocks."
"You got it." John Ross pours Matt a glass of scotch and hands it to him. The he walks over and takes a seat at his desk. "Have a seat."
"I really don't have long to stay," Matt says. "I have a meeting in the morning with a couple members of a committee I'm consulting with, and I have a lot of paper work to read through tonight. But I was a little curious why you wanted to see me. That's why I came. It's not like you and I have ever been close friends."
John Ross smiles. "You're right, we haven't. But our families do go way back, and I do mean WAAAY back, all the way to the time my grandfather hit his first gusher back in 1930, and your grandfather Sam Culver drew up the first charter for Ewing Oil."
Matt laughs. "Oh, yes. I heard that story many times from my father when I was growing up. I really hate that I never knew my grandfather. He died just three months before I was born."
"Yeah, I don't really remember mine too well either. But those old stories of the wildcattin' days. Whew!"
"John Ross, I'm sure you didn't call me here to talk about the good times our granddaddies had back in the day."
"You are a mighty perceptive man, Senator," John Ross says. "I like that. I really do. I think you're the kinda man I'd like to have on my side down in Austin."
"I'm not sure I understand," says Matt.
"Well, then, let me enlighten you a little. I did a little diggin' on you, and it's hard for me to believe anybody could be as squeaky clean as you are."
"Well, you might as well believe it, John Ross. I've had one traffic ticket in my whole life, and that's the only blemish on my record. So, sorry, you won't find anything on me to blackmail me with."
John Ross smiles. "I know. That's why I had my investigator look into some of the people you associate with. Your girlfriend, for instance."
"What about her? She's clean, too."
"Is she? Senator, Margaret Krebbs just happens to be my first cousin."
"I know that," says Matt. "What the hell is your point?"
"You and my cousin Margaret are thinkin' about gettin' married, am I right?"
"So?"
"Might not be too well for your political career havin' a wife who was arrested in college for drug possession."
A stunned look crosses Matt's face. "What the hell are you talking about? I've known Margaret since we were kids, she was never arrested."
John Ross picks up a file on his desk and hands it to Matt. "Read it," John Ross says.
Matt opens the file and reads a page. The look on his face is one of complete shock. "I can't believe this. Somehow, you made this whole thing up."
"No, Senator, I did not. Margaret's my cousin. Why would I wanna plant somethin' like that on her record. Her mama still carries a lot of weight in Washington, so she paid off the right people, and Margaret was never convicted. Ask her yourself if you don't believe your own eyes."