Previously on DALLAS:
----------Charlie shared a shocking secret about her son with Lucas.
-----------Unable to lie to John Ross anymore, and with Cliff's deadline for her to get information the Ewings framed him running out, Amanda decided to leave, but not before discovering that she truly is pregnant with John Ross's baby. Before leaving, she leaves John Ross a long text detailing Cliff's scheme, and her true identity!
The Krebbs Ranch....
"Lucas, would you please say something?" Charlie asks, taking a seat in the chair across from him.
"I......I don't know what to say, Charlie. I just don't. What you told me.....John Ross? John Ross is Alex's father?"
"I shouldn't have told you," Charlie says, standing.
"I'm glad you did," Lucas says, pulling himself to his feet using his crutches. "I just can't believe it. Of all people, Charlie......John Ross Ewing? But you....you said you MET Alex's father here in Dallas."
"That's true. I did meet John Ross here. When I came here almost sixteen years ago with Mom and you and Ray, I hadn't seen John Ross in years. Not since we were kids. So it was like meeting him for the first time. He was still very young. He was only nineteen. I was twenty-six. But in many ways John Ross was a lot more mature, worldly, and experienced than I was, even then. We were both so needy. And John Ross certainly wasn't that same little boy I'd known years earlier when we were kids and Mom was dating Bobby. That night, John Ross and Christopher had had some argument about something. And John Ross and I had a few drinks. One thing led to another, and, we had sex. After it was over, we both agreed to never mention it again. I think we both felt a little weird about it, since we'd known each other since we were kids."
"Oh, God," Lucas says. "I think I'm gonna be sick."
"Lucas, I know you don't like John Ross, but...."
"Don't LIKE him? Charlie, I can't STAND the guy. He's smug, he's arrogant. He's an ass."
"And he's also my son's biological father," Charlie says. "If I don't make it, Lucas. I want John Ross to know the truth. And Alex deserves to know."
"No, Charlie, he doesn't," Lucas says. "Alex doesn't deserve to know. Because he deserves so much better than John Ross as a father."
Southfork....
"Well, how'd it go?" Christopher asks.
"It went extremely well for your cousin Justin here," Bobby replies.
"Oh?"
"Yeah. J.R. left him very well off. Ten shares of stock in Westar that J.R. had placed in trust all these years, and some shares in a software company."
"Well, congratulations," Christopher says to his cousin.
"Thanks. I' not at all sure what I'm gonna do with this," says Justin.
"Don't worry," says Bobby. "I'll help you any way I can. But first thing, I think you should phone your mama and tell her the good news. I'm sure she'd wanna know."
"I'll start supper," Ann says. As she's about to head into the kitchen, they hear the sound of glass breaking upstairs, then sounds as if someone was throwing furniture around. "What in the world is that?" Ann asks.
"It's comin' from John Ross's room," Bobby says. He and Christopher sprint up the stairs while Ann and Justin remain in the foyer as Emma walks in.
"What's going on?" Emma asks.
"No idea," replies Ann.
Upstairs, Bobby and Christopher walk into John Ross's room and find him standing in the middle of a mess of broken glass and two chairs laying on the floor, dressed only in his boxers. "John Ross, what's goin' on?" Bobby asks.
"What the hell's wrong with you?" Christopher asks.
"Now hold on," Bobby says. "What exactly is this about? You two have a fight or somethin'?"
"You know why she started workin' at Ewing Global? You know why she married me? To get information!"
"Information about what?" Christopher asks.
"About us. Amanda was workin' for Cliff Barnes to try to find proof that we framed him for J.R.'s murder!"
Bobby and Christopher look at John Ross in shock, unable to believe what they just heard....
Southfork....
"Yes, she did," says Bobby. "But that was all part of the act."
"Well, who exactly is she, then?" Emma asks.
"Well, according to this," Bobby says, holding Amanda's phone. "Her name really IS Amanda Shepherd. And she was hired by Cliff Barnes to spy on us."
"Bobby, you said somethin' about Amanda's mother," says Ann.
"This whole thing just seems so unreal," Ann says.
"Yes, it does," Bobby agrees.
"I know how he feels," says Christopher. "Exactly how I felt after I married Pamela and I found out she'd been lying to me."
Before anyone else can say anymore, Sue Ellen walks in. "Bobby, I got here as fast as I could," she says, walking into the living room. "What's going on? What's happened?"
"It's about Amanda, Sue Ellen," Bobby says.
"What about her?"
"She wasn't who or what she claimed to be," replies Christopher.
Bobby stands and walks over to his sister-in-law. "Sue Ellen, Amanda was workin' for Cliff Barnes."
Sue Ellen is stunned by the news. "Cliff? But.....why?"
"Cliff hired her to spy on us," says Christopher. "To find evidence that we framed him for J.R.'s murder."
"Oh my Lord," Sue Ellen says. "John Ross, where is he?"
"He's up in his room," says Bobby. "But he doesn't wanna see anyone."
"I have to try," Sue Ellen says. She walks out of the room.
"What do we do, Bobby?" Ann asks. "Call the police?"
"No, that's John Ross's call to make, if he decides to."
Emma looks at the clock on the wall. "I wonder where Lucas is. He should've been back from the Krebbs before now."
At that moment, Sue Ellen returns. "Bobby, John Ross isn't in his room."
"He's not."
"No. And I looked all upstairs."
"Knowin' John Ross, he probably went over to Pamela's to confront Cliff about this," Christopher says.
"I'd like to confront Cliff Barnes myself. With my fists," Sue Ellen says angrily.
Pamela's apartment....
"Yes, Mom. Sorry, but Tripp is taking me out."
"You and that McKay boy are getting pretty close, aren't you?" Cliff asks.
"Yes, Daddy, Tripp and I have gotten very close."
"Why don't you ask him over here for dinner some night?" Afton suggests.
"That's a great idea," Cliff says. "I'd love to get to know that young man better."
"Have a good time, sweetheart," Afton says.
"I will, Mom. Bye." As Pamela walks to the front door and opens it to head out, she is surprised to see John Ross standing there. "What the hell are you doing here?" She asks.
"I wanna see your old man," John Ross snarls.
"No way. Get out!" Pamela says as she starts to close the door in his face, but John Ross grabs the door and holds it open.
Pamela looks at him for a moment, then steps aside. John Ross walks in.
"What are you doing here, John Ross?" Afton asks as she and Cliff stand from their seats at the dinner table.
"I came here to see this.....filthy piece of garbage you call your baby daddy."
"John Ross, get out of here or I'm calling the police," Cliff says.
John Ross walks over to him. "You can call the damned president if you want to, Barnes. I ought to rip your head off right now for what you did to me."
"What are you talking about?" Cliff asks nervously.
"You know DAMN WELL what I'm talkin' about. Amanda Shepherd."
"And you're a LYIN' SON OF A BITCH!"
"How DARE you talk to my father that way!" Pamela says. "Get out of here!"
"Not til I say what I came here to say. Barnes, you really crossed the line this time. My Daddy never was able to destroy you for good. But I will."
"Your DADDY was a failure, John Ross, just like you!" Cliff yells. "Look how he ended up, and if it's the last thing I ever do I'm gonna see you, your Uncle Bobby, and the rest of your family in prison for framing me for killing that snake you called a father. And whoever REALLY killed J.R. should get a medal instead of prison time!"
"YOU......." Unable to control his anger, John Ross lunges at Cliff, grabs him by the jacket collar, and shoves him down into his chair. As John Ross starts for Cliff again, Pamela grabs him by the arm.
"John Ross, don't you even THINK about it!" Afton says, stepping between him and Cliff and placing a forceful hand on John Ross's chest.
"I'm warning you," Pamela says. "Get out of here right now, or I will call the police and have you arrested not only for trespassing, but also for assault and battery."
Breathing hard with anger, John Ross looks at Afton, then at Pamela. He snatches his arm out of Pamela's grasp and looks at Cliff seated in the chair. "You're little plan didn't work, Barnes," he says. "Amanda is
Afton turns to Cliff. "What was he talking about?"
"That girl," Pamela says, looking at her father. "Amanda. You hired her to seduce John Ross, didn't you?"
"Yes, I did," Cliff says, looking his daughter in the eye. "I paid Amanda to get close to John Ross and find evidence those Ewings framed me and sent me to prison for a murder I didn't commit."
"Who is Amanda?" Afton asks.
"Jackie's daughter," Cliff replies.
"Jackie? Your old secretary, Jackie?"
"That's right. Amanda owed me because I paid for her mother's medical bills when Jackie was dying. I can't believe she betrayed me like this."
Jillian's apartment.....night
"Justin, hey, what are you doing here?"
"Well, hey, sis. Let me in and I'll tell ya."
"Come in." Justin walks into the apartment and Jill closes the door behind him. "You're in an awfully good mood tonight."
"Justin, what are you talking about?" Jillian asks.
"I got a surprise yesterday. I got a phone call from a lawyer here in Dallas by the name of Smithfield. He requested my presence at his office this afternoon at three o'clock for a matter concerning the will of one Mister J.R. Ewing, our father."
"A matter concerning J.R.'s will?"
"That's right. Seems the old man left a special codicil to his will which named me and big brother James. In that codicil, James and I and John Ross were left each ten shares of some software comp'ny I aint never heard of before. And in addition to that, Daddy Dearest also left me ten shares of stock in John Ross's comp'ny, Westar Oil."
Jillian's mouth drops open in shock at the news. "What? J.R. left you ten shares of Westar stock?"
"Yep. I talked with Mr. Smithfield afterwards, and he says that my ten shares of that software comp'ny....hell I can't even remember the name....are worth around a hundred million bucks. And that Westar stock? Ten shares don't sound like a whole lot, but those ten shares are worth around another hundred million or so."
Jillian smiles. "Well, congratulations. I'm happy for you. I really am."
"Happy for me? Happy for US."
"What do you mean....us?"
"After you told me what John Ross did to you.....stealin' Westar out from under you and kickin' you out of that comp'ny? Jill, I wanna give you half of my Westar shares."
"You......you wanna what? Justin, do you realize what you're saying?"
"Sure I do."
"No. Thank you, but, I can't accept that."
"Any reason why not?" Justin asks.
"It's too generous."
"Look. I feel real bad that the old man left me and the other boys somethin' in his will and you got left out."
"That's because he didn't know I existed."
"Never the less. I want you to have those shares. If for no other reason than to right some of the wrong our big brother did to you. And maybe.....just MAYBE....we can make his life pretty miserable in the process."
"How?" Jillian asks. "If I decide to take your generous offer, we still only have ten percent of Westar stock between us. John Ross has over fifty percent."
"Uh-uh," Justin says, shaking his head and smiling. "He should be down to about twenty-somethin' percent by the end of this week, because his ex got half his shares in their divorce. Maybe we could make friends with her."
"I don't think so. I know Pamela Barnes, and the two of us are about as far from being friends as Adolf Hitler and FDR."
"But.....Miss Barnes aint met me yet. And I can be a pretty charmin' guy when I wanna be."
Jillian looks at him and smiles.
Meanwhile....
"John Ross?" Bum's voice comes from behind.
"You're late," John Ross says, turning to look at him.
"Yeah, my phone had a little.....accident," John Ross says.
"What's goin' on? Sounded urgent."
"It's more urgent now than it was when I called you to meet me. Now I've got another job for you."
"Okay, what is it?" Bum asks.
"I need you to find Amanda Shepherd," John Ross says.
"Amanda? But I thought....."
"Barnes?"
"Yeah. He hired her to worm her way into our lives and my fam'ly to find evidence against us for our framin' him for killin' J.R."
"Damn. I'm sorry, John Ross," Bum says.
"It's my own damned fault. I saw a pretty face, and a pretty smile, and I fell for it, hook, line and sinker. Just like a fool. I've already been to her apartment, but all her stuff was gone. I want you to find her, Bum. Find her and drag her back."
"John Ross, if this girl defrauded you into marryin' her, are you gonna press any charges?"
"No," John Ross replies.
"Any reason why not?"
"Just find her. Bring her back. I wanna talk to her."
"Just talk? John Ross....."
"She's pregnant, Bum. Amanda's carryin' my child."
"You sure 'bout that?" Bum asks.
"That's one reason I want her found," John Ross says. "If she lied to me about everything else, she coulda lied to me about bein' pregnant. I wanna know for sure. I also want an eye kept on Cliff Barnes. Chances are she'll be in touch with him for money. I confronted Barnes a little while ago, and from the look on his face, I know he had no idea their scam was up. Find her, Bum. And do a better job findin' Amanda than you have in findin' Elena." John Ross turns and walks away from Bum.
Southfork....the next morning
"I didn't come to gloat, John Ross. Just wanted to say I'm sorry. I know how you're feeling right now. As you recall, the exact same thing happened to me two years ago when Pamela lied to me about who she was."
"Kinda strange, huh? Same scam happ'nin to both of us. And both times it was done by a damned Barnes."
"You went to confront Cliff last night, didn't you?" Christopher asks.
"I did. I wanted to kill that son of a bitch, Christopher. And I prob'ly would have, if I hadn't thought about the fact that there are two women out there carryin' two babies. Babies that are MINE."
"John Ross, how do you know that Amanda is really pregnant? After all, she lied to you about everything else. What makes you think this isn't just another lie to keep you from sendin' her to jail?"
"I don't know that," John Ross says. "That's why I asked Bum to find her."
"I can't believe she's Jackie Dugan's daughter. I remember Jackie from when I was a kid. I use to visit my mother at Barnes-Wentworth before her accident. Jackie was always so nice to me. It's a shame Cliff used her daughter this way."
"For the money he prob'ly paid her, I'm sure she was a very willin' participant. One thing's for certain, Christopher. I'm gonna get even with Barnes for this if it's the last thing I ever do."
"Yeah? Well I'll help," Christopher says. "I have a few scores to settle with 'Uncle' Cliff myself."
Braddock High School...
"Well, here we are," Charlie says.
"Yep. Here we are. In hell," Alex says with bitter sarcasm.
Charlie sighs. "Alex will you give me a break here? Will you just please cooperate with me for once? You've only gone to school here ONE day. Hardly enough time to decide if you like it or not."
"Don't need any longer." Alex looks at his mother. "I HATE this place. The teachers suck, the kids are a bunch of snobs, the classes are lame, and this school is in the middle of nowhere!"
"I'm not gonna have this argument with you again, Alexander. We live here now, and this is your new school. Might as well get use to it and start making some new friends."
"What about all our stuff back home?"
"The Morgans next door are gonna pack up our stuff and have it sent to us."
Alex looks at his mother angrily for a moment. "This is total BS. This is so lame that you made me move here. I'm never gonna forgive you for this." The boy unbuckles his seatbelt and gets out of the car, grabbing his back pack. He looks back at his mother, then slams the car door.
"Never gonna forgive me?" Charlie says quietly to herself. "Yeah, I've heard that before." Charlie puts the car in gear and drives off.
Standing in the doorway of the school, Alex watches as his mother drives away. Once she turns onto the street and is out of sight, the boy smiles, then quickly dashes off, running away from the school.
Westar Oil.....a short time later
Melissa walks in carrying a stack of papers.
"Thank ya, Melissa."
"Umm, I hate to bother you right now, but, Miss Cryder is here to see you with a young man, Justin Harper? He says he's your brother."
John Ross sighs deeply. "Oh good Lord," he says. "Tell 'em to go away."
"Miss Cryder says it's urgent that they see you."
John Ross hesitates a moment, then he turns to face Melissa. "Alright, then. Send 'em in."
"Yes, sir." Melissa smiles, then walks back out of the office.
John Ross walks over to his desk as Jillian and Justin walk in, both smiling. "Good morning, John Ross," Jillian says. "And how are YOU today?"
"I was fine til you two showed up. Now what in the hell do you want here?"
"Yes, we are."
"Look, I'm in no mood in your childish games," John Ross says. "Say what you gotta say, then get the hell out.
"Okay, then," says Justin. "Jill and me have just come from meetin' with that lawyer, Mr. Smithfield, and you are lookin' at your TWO newest stockholders in Westar."
"The hell are you talkin' about?"
"He GAVE you five of his shares?" John Ross asks.
"Oh, I tried to give him money for them, but he wouldn't accept it."
"Well, now. That was mighty nice of you, little brother. I had hoped that I would be able to buy those shares from you."
Justin looks at John Ross and smiles deviously. "I know. That's why I decided that Jill should be the one to have 'em, instead of you. You see, I TRUST her. I wouldn't trust you any farther'n I could pick this buildin' up and move it."
"No matter. I know you two came here to gloat and hold this over my head," John Ross says. "But those measly ten shares itn't gonna do y'all any good. Because I own fifty one percent of this comp'ny."
"Not for long," Jillian says. "Not once Pamela gets her half as part of her divorce settlement. You know, I think it's time Pamela and I got to know each other better. Maybe we can become good friends."
"You would side with the enemy over your own brother?" John Ross asks angrily.
The smile disappears from Jillian's face as she walks closer to John Ross. "Brother," she says. "Enemy. When I look at you, I don't see my brother. I see the man who stole my company away from me. THIS company. What does that make you? More a brother.....or more an enemy? Bye, John Ross. See you at the next board meeting."
Justin smiles. "Later, bro."
"You sneaky little bastard!" John Ross says. "You're gonna be real sorry for this. You and I could have been allies. Together, we coulda turned this town on its ear. But you just made yourself a real bad enemy, boy."
As soon as they're gone, John Ross walks over to his desk and buzzes Melissa on his intercom.
"Yes, Mr. Ewing?" Melissa answers.
"Melissa, I won't you to get my lawyer Todd Baxter on the phone for me. Now!"
Later....
"Todd, I am very well aware of what I'm askin' you to do."
"You actually want me to file a petition to the court to overturn your father's will?"
"Not the whole will. Just that codicil that was added later. The one that gives Justin Harper those shares of my comp'ny."
"On what grounds do you want J.R.'s will contested?" Todd asks.
"Any damned thing you can think of," John Ross replies. "Hell, you're the lawyer. Mental incompetence. That codicil was drawn up not long before my Daddy went into that nursin' home sufferin' from depression. Who's to say he wuttin' already losin' it when he had Anita write that damned codicil?"
Todd sighs. "I'm sorry, John Ross. I can't do it."
"Are those the only two words they taught you at law school, Todd? I can't? Because I been hearin' those words a lot from you lately."
"John Ross, another attorney in my firm drew up that codicil. I can't very well contest it. Besides, it will make it look as though you're simply angry that those shares were left to your brother instead of you. And you and I both know that's true."
"The reason duttin' matter," says John Ross. "I want it done, Todd. ASAP!"
"No, John Ross. I can't."
"You WILL. Or else."
"Or else what, John Ross?" Todd asks, becoming slightly angry with his unreasonable client. "Are you threatening me?"
"Call it what you want to. But you WILL do what I ask you to do."
"This conversation is over," says Todd, picking up his brief case. "John Ross, I think you'd better find yourself another attorney." Todd walks to the door and starts to leave.
"When's the last time you seen David Hennesy?" John Ross asks.
Todd stops at the door and looks back at John Ross, a look of shock on his face upon hearing the name.
"Or how about....what's that other dude's name......Mark, somebody? Then there was Tyler Phillips. Been gettin' around, Todd."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Yes, ya do," says John Ross. "David Hennesy, you went to law school with. Y'all still keep in touch from time to time, even get together ever now and then. Mark, let's see, he was a client, wuttin' he? You handled his divorce? And Tyler, I believe you met him about two weeks ago in a gay bar over in Fort Worth."
Todd looks angrily at him. "You tryin' to blackmail me, John Ross?"
"Tryin'? Nah, I'm not tryin'. I AM blackmailin' you, Todd. Now, I personally don't give a damn what you do in your personal life, or whether you sleep with Eve or Steve. But your fam'ly.....I'm sure they'd care. Real conservative folks, from what I hear. And your political ambitions. How'd it look if a risin' young lawyer-slash-politician, the grandson of one of Dallas's most prominent and best loved lawyers, the great Harve Smithfield, was seen frequentin' gay bars lookin' for illicit hookups at all hours of the night."
"John Ross.......this could ruin me. You.....you can't do this."
"I'm not gonna do anything, Todd. Not if you do this one little favor for me. File a petition contestin' that codicil to my Daddy's will."
"And then what?" Todd asks. "Every time I don't do exactly as you say, you're gonna threaten me with this?"
John Ross walks over to the young lawyer. "Todd, I prefer to think of this as a mutually beneficial business arrangement. You wanna remain.....in the closet.....and I want a good lawyer who has my best interest at heart. Now, then, you go on back to your office, and do whatever it is you lawyer fellas do to start the ball rollin'. And while you're at it, try to come up with some legal loophole or somethin' to keep that whore of an ex-wife of mine from gettin' her hands on half my shares of Westar."
Todd puts his hand on the doorknob and starts to open the door, then he turns back to John Ross. "J.R. Ewing didn't die. He was just reincarnated in you." Todd storms out of the office, leaving John Ross smiling.
Southfork....
"Just wannted to see my frand."
"You're high?"
Alex laughs. "How'd ya guess?"
"Dude, what are you on?"
Alex nods his head. "Nope. Not gonna tell ya. Not unless ya want some too."
Justin looks at the boy, realizing he somehow has to get Alex straightened out before anyone finds him here.
A restaurant in Dallas....
"Tripp, I was getting worried," Pamela says.
"Sorry I'm late, babe. But when you hear the reason, you'll be glad I was."
"So, tell me."
"I just heard some very interesting news. Seems that old J.R. Ewing is still springing surprises, even this long after his death."
"What do you mean?" Pamela asks.
"J.R. left a belated bequest in his will to his youngest son, Justin Harper."
"So?"
"Soooo......that bequest was none other than ten percent of Westar stock," Tripp says.
"Okay, I'll say it again.....soo?"
"Word has it there's no love lost between J.R.'s sons. In other words, Justin and John Ross can't stand each. What's more, Justin has given his sister, Jill Cryder, five percent of his ten. Now, don't you see? Jill wants to get back at John Ross for ousting her as CEO. All we have to do, is join forces with Jill and her other brother, get a few votes from the board, and BAM! John Ross is OUT of Westar once and for all."
Tripp hesitates a moment before answering. "I, uh, I spoke to Jill. She called me."
"You spoke to Jillian Cryder?"
"Yeah."
Pamela sighs.
"Look, I know how you feel about her," Tripp says. "But what happened between me and Jill ended over a couple of months ago. Pamela, if we join forces with them, we can get John Ross out of Westar. And then who knows? Maybe the board will make you CEO. That would be the perfect revenge against John Ross."
"You're right, it would. I just don't like having to team up with your former lover to get that revenge."
Tripp reaches across the table and takes Pamela's hand. "You know it's you I love. This could be our one chance to really stick it to John Ross for all the dirty things he's done. But you have to decide who you hate more.....John Ross? Or Jill?"
Pamela looks across the table at Tripp, unsure of what to do.
Back at Southfork....
"So why, dude?" Justin asks.
"Why, what?"
"Don't gimme that. You know what. Why get messed up like this? And why aint you in school?"
Alex looks at him. "I hate that school. And I hate my mother for makin' me move here and go to that stupid school."
"That aint no reason for runnin' away," says Justin. "And especially for gettin' stoned outta your mind."
"It helps. Helps me not to think about how messed up my life is right now."
"Look, kid. I'm sure your mama has a good reason for movin' down here. After all, her fam'ly's here."
"It's okay to visit, but I wanna go back to New York to live," Alex says, standing to his feet.
"Have you told your mama how you feel?" Justin asks.
"I'm sure that's not true, man."
"It is true, dude. All she thinks about is herself."
Justin sighs. "You want somethin' to eat?"
"Sure."
"I'll fix us somethin', then I gotta get you home."
"Maybe I could just stay here with you," Alex says.
"I'd love the comp'ny, man," says Justin. "But, I don't think your mama would like that."
"If my Dad were alive, things wouldn't be so messed up. Everything changed when he died."
"I'm sorry, Alex, I know how bad you're feelin' about stuff right now. You just lost your daddy a year ago. You had to leave your friends and move down here to a strange place. But, bro, what you're doin'......drugs and skippin' school, that aint the way to handle this stuff. All it'll do is get your ass into trouble."
"So?"
"So? You don't care if you get in trouble?"
"Why the hell should I care?" Alex asks. "Nobody else would. Especially my mom."
Justin looks at the boy sadly, unsure of what to say or do to help. Before he's able to say anymore, a knock comes at the door. Justin and Alex exchange looks, then Justin walks over and opens the door to find Christopher there. "Christopher, hey," he says. "What can I do for you?
"I was wondering if I could get your help....." Christopher stops short when he sees Alex in the room. He walks in. "Alex, what are you doin' here? Aren't you supposed to be in school?"
"Maybe," the boy says.
"I found him here when I got home," Justin says. "What was it you wanted, Christopher?"
"Some help over on section ten," replies Christopher. "Alex, everything okay?"
"Just fine," Alex snaps.
"Christopher, just give me a minute to change, and I'll be right with you," Justin says.
"Justin, see if you can get one of the hands to help you over on ten," says Christopher. "I think I saw Cody out at the stables."
"Sure thing,"
"Thanks, but no thanks."
"Alex, I mean it. Let's go."
Alex looks at Justin, who nods to him. After a moment's hesitation, he picks up his back pack and walks out. Christopher follows.
The Krebbs Ranch....a short time later
"All done with your work?" Jenna asks.
"Well, for now. But, as you know, work on a ranch is never done."
"Ray, I do wish you'd hire a hand to help you around the place. Alex can help on weekends, but he's gonna be in school all week now. This place is too much for one man."
"Now I've done just fine runnin' a ranch all these years without any help."
"You were younger then," Jenna says.
"Well, thanks a lot. I'm not exactly ready to be put out to pasture just yet, ya know," Ray says as he walks into the kitchen.
"Ray, I didn't mean it like that and you know it. I just worry about you working so hard. I see how exhausted you are at night."
Ray returns to the living room with a bottle of beer. He opens the bottle and takes a sip. "Maybe you're right. As much as I hate to admit it, runnin' this place all by myself is startin' to get to me a little. Guess I really am startin' to slow down a bit."
"Then you'll hire a hand? Or two?"
"Yep. I'll put an ad in the paper tomorrow."
Jenna smiles. "Good," she says as Charlie comes down the stairs. "Hi. Did you sleep well?" Jenna asks her daughter.
"Not really," Charlie replies with a sigh. "I couldn't keep my mind off of Alex."
"Charlie, I hate to butt in," Ray says. "But maybe you're just smotherin' the boy too much. He's a good kid. He's just been through the worst year of his life. It's gonna take some time for him to get back to his old self."
Charlie sighs. "Sometimes, I wonder if he ever will get back to the old Alex."
"Ray's right, sweetheart," says Jenna. "Don't worry too much."
As Charlie is about to say something else, they hear the front door open, and Alex walks into the foyer with Christopher. Charlie, Ray, and Jenna walk in to meet them. "Alex, what are you doing here?" Charlie asks. "What's going on?"
"Nothin'," Alex replies.
"I found him over at the bunkhouse at Southfork. With Justin."
An exasperated Charlie looks at her son. "What the hell were you doing over there? You were supposed to be at school."
"Told you I hated that school."
"Get up to you room. NOW!"
Alex looks at his mother angrily, then brushes past her and stomps up the stairs.
"Christopher, thank you for bringing him home," Jenna says.
"Yes, thank you, Christopher," says Charlie.
"No problem. Charlie, can I talk to you outside for a second?"
"Sure." Charlie grabs her coat and follows Christopher out of the house onto the porch, closing the door behind herself. "Thank you again for bringing Alex home."
"It's okay," Christopher says. "Charlie, is Alex always like this? In the car, he was angry. Sullen. Every question I asked him he made some smart, sarcastic remark."
"Charlie, look, don't get angry, but, Lucas told me."
Charlie looks at him for a moment. "Told you what?"
"About the cancer."
"He did WHAT? Oh my God, I asked him....no, I BEGGED him not to say anything to anyone."
"Charlie, just calm down," Christopher says. "I haven't said a word to anyone, and I wouldn't. Lucas didn't wanna tell me, but I practically dragged it out of him. Charlie this was eating him up inside. He had to talk to someone about it."
Charlie walks to the end of the porch and puts her arm around one of the posts. "I never should've burned our little brother with this."
"You had to talk to someone too. Charlie, I just want you to know.....I'm here for you, too. You don't have to go through this alone. This is a time when you need your family. You need support."
"I worry so much about Alex. How's he going to handle this on top of everything else?"
"Alex seems like a good kid underneath the rebellion and the resentment. And, I want you to know, I'm here for him, too. Whenever he needs a friend. An adult male. Someone to talk to or help him. Oh, I know he has Ray, but, sometimes a kid needs someone younger."
Charlie turns back to face him. "A father figure rather than a grandfather?"
"Yeah."
Charlie looks at him and smiles. "Some kid is gonna be real lucky to have you as a dad someday, Christopher."
"Thanks. That compliment means a lot."
"It was sincere. You're not that same little kid I use to play with in the pool at Southfork."
Christopher laughs. "No, I guess I'm not. We've all changed a lot since then. A lot's happened. Well, I guess I'd better be gettin' back to Southfork. I meant what I said. If you need me, or if Alex needs me, I'm only a phone call away."
"Thanks. I'll probably take you up on that."
"Anytime. Bye."
"Bye," Charlie says as Christopher walks off the porch and back to his car. She watches as he gets in and drives away. Why couldn't John Ross be more like Christopher? She wonders to herself. If he were, it would make him being Alex's father a lot easier for her.
Southfork.....that night
"Evenin', everybody," Justin says as he enters.
"Good evening, Justin," says Bobby. "Jill, we're very glad you could both join us."
"Thanks, Uncle Bobby," Justin says as they take their seats. "I hope y'all didn't mind me bringin' Jill."
"Of course not," says Ann. "Jill, you're part of this family, and you're always welcome here."
"Thank you."
"Well, where's John Ross?" Justin asks. "Still lickin' his wounds?"
"I think he went out for dinner," says Christopher.
"Yeah, he doesn't eat with the family much these days," Lucas adds. "I guess he doesn't really like our company."
Justin laughs. "Christopher, did you get Alex home okay today?"
"Yeah, I did."
"What's this about Alex?" Bobby asks.
"Kid ran away from school," Justin replies. "I found him in my room at the bunkhouse when I got home today. Christopher took him home."
"He ran away from school and came to you?" Lucas asks.
"Yeah, he did."
"Why you?"
Justin looks across the table at Lucas. "I guess he trusts me. Thinks I won't judge him or get all over him for somethin'."
"I feel really bad for Charlie," Emma says. "Alex seems like a pretty troubled kid."
"I guess you would know, huh?" Justin asks.
"What the hell is THAT supposed to mean?" Emma asks in return.
"Nothin'. Just......you seem a little troubled yourself, sometimes. I didn't mean nothin' by it. Really."
Bobby and Ann exchange looks and smile at each other over the somewhat comical exchange at the dinner table.
Sue Ellen's home....
Dusty smiles. "Yes, this is wonderful. And Sue Ellen, this dinner is delicious."
"Thank you. John Ross, is everything alright with your dinner?"
"DInner's just fine, Mama," John Ross says. "Soooo, Dusty, how long ya gonna be around?"
"Oh,I don't know. I have no set plans at the stage of my life. I retired from the rodeo quite a few years ago, I have no job or family to hurry back to in Colorado." He looks at Sue Ellen and smiles. "And everything that makes me happy....is right here."
John Ross watches Dusty take his mother by the hand, and a feeling of nausea comes over him. Sue Ellen notices her son's bad mood and the smile disappears from her face as she watches him.
"John Ross, are you alright?" Sue Ellen asks her son. "I know you're hurting right now because of Amanda."
"Amanda's only part of it, Mama."
Another moment of uncomfortable silence follows John Ross's statement. "Well, Sue Ellen, I'll clear the table and put the dishes in the dishwasher for you," Dusty finally says. "That'll give the two of you a chance to talk alone."
"Thank you, Dusty. John Ross, let's go in the living room."
John Ross and Sue Ellen stand from their seats at the table, and John Ross follows his mother to the living room wile Dusty starts clearing the dinner dishes. The two walk into the living room. "Would you like a club soda?" Asks Sue Ellen.
"No," John Ross replies.
"John Ross, things have been very strained between us for quite some time. But I'm still your mother, and I hate the way things have been between us. If you would like to talk about Amanda, and how you're feeling...."
"It's more'n just Amanda," says John Ross. "It's my Daddy's will, too. I feel like he stabbed me in the damned back....again!"
"You mean those Westar stock that he left Cally's son?"
"John Ross, I don't think...." Sue Ellen pauses a second before continuing. "I know your father didn't intend to hurt you by leaving that stock to Justin and James. He simply wanted to provide for all three of his sons."
"You know what my little brother did?" John Ross asks. "He turned around and gave half that stock to Jill. The two of them came to my office today and gloated about it to my face."
"John Ross, you're my son, and I love you with all my heart. Despite some of the things you've done. My heart hurts for you because of Amanda. Because of what Cliff Barnes did to you. My heart aches for my little boy who has been hurt, sometimes by his father, sometimes by me, sometimes by others. But I find it very hard to feel sorry for J.R. leaving that Westar stock to Justin. You came to gain control of that company by very.......ruthless means. You did exactly what your father would've done to get something he wanted. And that's one thing about you that I don't like, John Ross. I don't like that particular resemblance to J.R."
John Ross looks his mother in the eye. "I AM my father's son," he says. "Nothin' I can do to change that. Nor would I want to change it, and you know why? Because unlike the rest of you.......I go after what I want. And I usually get it."
"But at what cost?" Sue Ellen asks.
John Ross remains silent for a moment. He walks out of the living room into the foyer. He starts to leave, but turns back to his mother and looks at her. "At ANY cost." Without another word, John Ross walks out of the house.
Sue Ellen takes a seat on the sofa as she fights back tears. Dusty walks into the room. "Sue Ellen? Is everything alright? What happened with John Ross?"
"I think I've lost him Dusty," she replies sadly. "I truly think I've lost my son. J.R. may be dead, but John Ross still belongs to him."
Southfork....the next morning
Bobby takes a seat at the table and picks up the morning paper. He sighs when he opens it and looks at the front page, which is a large photo and an article about Railroad Commissioner Judith Ryland meeting with the governor.
"What is it?" Ann asks.
"Railroad Commissioner Judith Ryland attends a meeting with the governor in Corpus Christie," Bobby says, reading the headline. "Seein' that woman's face first thing in the mornin', even in the paper.....I kinda lost my appetite."
"I know what you mean," Ann says as Emma walks into the room. "Good morning," Ann greets her.
"Morning."
"Where's Lucas?" Bobby asks.
"He left early. He went over to his mother's house."
"This early?" Asks Ann.
"Yeah. I really get the feeling Lucas is keeping something from me. He's so quiet these days."
"I'm sure everything's okay," Christopher says, a tone of sadness in his voice.
"Christopher, do you know somethin' the rest of us don't?" Bobby asks.
Before Christopher is able to answer his father's question, someone knocks on the glass patio doors. They see that it's Jay Smithfield. "I'll get it," Christopher says, thankful for the distraction away from Bobby's question about Lucas. Christopher gets up, walks over to the sliding glass door, and opens it. "Jay," he says.
"Hi, Christopher."
"Hello, Jay," Bobby says. "Come in."
"Jay, you know my wife, Ann," says Bobby. "And my stepdaughter, Emma Ryland?"
"HI," says Jay.
"Would you like some breakfast?" Asks Ann.
"No, thank you, Mrs. Ewing. I'm sorry to disturb your breakfast, Bobby. But, I wanted to drive out here and deliver this news myself before you hear it from someone else. And I also wanted to inform Justin Harper."
"What news? This sounds serious."
"It is, I'm afraid. Yesterday, my cousin, Todd Baxter, acting on John Ross's behalf, filed a motion with Judge Simmons. John Ross is contesting the codicil to J.R.'s will."
"He's what?" Bobby asks, stunned by the news.
"Yeah."
"On what grounds?" Christopher asks.
"Mental incompetence, since the codicil was written shortly before J.R. was admitted into the nursing home."
"Damn. I can't believe it," Bobby says. "What the hell am I sayin', this is John Ross we're talkin' about. Of course I can believe it."
"What happens if John Ross is successful in contestin' the will?" Ann asks. "Does that mean that Justin and James both lose what J.R. left to them?"
Jay sighs. "I'm afraid so. And now I have the unpleasant task of informing both Justin and James about this."
"Is there any chance John Ross could succeed?" Bobby asks.
"Bobby, anything is possible," Jay replies. "But, be prepared. James and Justin, I'm fairly certain, won't take this lying down. This could get real ugly. Your family could be in for a pretty nasty fight."
Ewing Global....later
Bobby and Christopher walk into the offices at Ewing Global a short time later, and Bobby knocks on Sue Ellen's door.
"Come in," Sue Ellen says.
Bobby and Christopher walk into the office. "Sue Ellen, are ya busy?" Vobby asks.
"No. Is anything wrong?"
"Yes, I'm afraid there is," replies Bobby. "Jay Smithfield came by the house this morning with some news. It seems that John Ross has decided to contest J.R.'s will. Specifically the codicil leaving those shares of stock to James and Justin."
"Good grief," Sue Ellen says, rising from her seat. "I was afraid he'd do something like this."
"So was I, but I'd hoped I was wrong."
"I seriously don't think so," she replies sadly. "John Ross had dinner at my house last night with Dusty and me. We talked afterward, and, it was like listening to J.R. speaking instead of my son. He even said something that sent cold chills down my spine. He said he'll do anything to get what he wants.....at any cost."
Bobby sighs. "A fight over J.R.'s will is somethin' we don't need right now. It could really hurt this family."
Sue Ellen and Christopher exchange worried looks. Just then Christopher's cell phone rings. He takes it out of his pocket and looks at the Caller ID but doesn't recognize the number. "Dad, Sue Ellen, excuse me for a minute," Christopher says. He steps out of the office and answers his phone. "Hello?" But no one says anything. "Hello, anyone there?"
"Christopher, it's Amanda," says the female voice on the other end of the line.
"Amanda, what do you want?"
"You know, you have a lot of nerve asking me to meet you after what you did to John Ross," says Christopher. "I know he and I don't always get along, but he's still my cousin, and he didn't deserve what you did to him."
"I know. And I'm really sorry. Christopher, please. If you'll just meet me somewhere, I'd like to explain. Please, Christopher. You were the only one I could call. I really need to explain. And I need your help."
Back at Ewing Global, Christopher holds the phone in silence, unsure of whether he should meet Amanda and hear what she has to say, or not.
Fountain Place, Dallas....later
"Hello, Christopher," she says nervously.
"Amanda, I've been waiting for you for ten minutes. I don't have all day."
She walks toward him. "I know and I'm sorry. I had to make sure that you were alone. That John Ross wasn't with you. Thank you for coming."
"I came because I was curious as to what you had to say for yourself. And out of respect for your late mother, who I remember from my childhood as a sweet, kind woman and a friend of my mother's. I couldn't believe it when we found out you're Jackie's daughter."
"No choice?" Christopher asks. "Amanda, we all have choices. I know from that text message you sent John Ross that Cliff Barnes paid your mother's medical bills and you felt like you owed him. But you had a choice."
Southern Methodist University....
"Well, dude, you are looking at a fully registered, official student here at SMU," Jimmy says.
"That's awesome, man. Congrats."
"Thanks, Justin. Ya know, you could register and join me. Classes don't start til Monday, so you have time."
Justin laughs slightly. "Nah, I don't think I'm cut out for college, man."
"So what are you gonna do with all that money Grandpa J.R. left you?" Jimmy asks.
"I may not be able to do nothin', if John Ross has his way."
"Justin, I seriously don't think John Ross has grounds to contest Grandpa's will. My dad is gonna fight him on that, and I think Uncle Bobby will, too. So don't give up just yet."
"Jimmy, my man, givin' up is the LAST thing on my mind," Justin says. "John Ross is in for the fight of his life. No way am I gonna just give up and let him take away what's rightfully mine."
"That's what I wanna hear," says Jimmy. "With everyone against him, John Ross doesn't stand a chance of winning on this. Let's go get some lunch. My treat."
"No way, bro. MY treat."
Justin laughs. "Sure, just take advantage of your rich uncle, why don't ya?"
Fountain Place....
"So, he paid ALL of Jackie's medical expenses?" Christopher asks.
"Yes. For her treatments, her medications, even the rent to our apartment every month. He came to see her often. And he never asked for anything in return. He always talked about when my Mom use to work for him at Barnes-Wentworth and how loyal she was. Said he was just paying her back for all her years of service. And then, on May 29, 2009, she died. Mr. Barnes paid for her funeral."
"What happened to you after Jackie died? You had no family?"
"No. Mr. Barnes stepped in, again," Amanda continues. "He arranged to have me sent to a convent school rather than placed in foster care. That way, I would be taken care of, and would get a good education. He was so good to my Mom and me, and he never asked for anything in return."
Amanda hesitates a moment. "Yes," she finally says. "He told me what the Ewings had done to him. Framing him for the murder of John Ross's father. Sending him to prison for something he didn't do. So I agreed to help him. Mostly to repay him for all he'd done for my Mom, and for me."
"When you agreed to help him, did you know that he was responsible for blowing up an oil rig with his pregnant daughter on it? Her babies died as a result of that. MY babies, Amanda."
She starts to cry. "No. I didn't find out until later. Christopher, I'm so sorry. After I went to work at Ewing Global and got to know Bobby and Sue Ellen. I liked them. And then I met John Ross. None of you seemed like the monsters who Mr. Barnes described. And I fell in love with John Ross. I didn't mean to, but I did, Christopher. I fell deeply in love. I wanted out of this, but Mr. Barnes wouldn't let me. He kept reminding me of all he'd done for me, and that I owed him. And then he threatened to expose that I was working for him. When I found out I was really pregnant, I didn't know what to do. I knew I couldn't go through with helping Mr. Barnes hurt your family, especially John Ross. That's why I left. And I couldn't face him, so I sent him that text explaining everything. Christopher, I swear to you, I wanted out of my deal with Mr. Barnes. And I do love John Ross. You have to believe that."
"It doesn't matter if I believe it or not, Amanda. John Ross is the one you should be telling this to and trying to get to believe you."
"If only it were that easy," says Amanda. "John Ross probably hates me right now."
"Look, do you have any money?" Christopher asks.
"No."
"Where are you staying? Surely not back at your apartment."
"Last night I stayed in this cheap motel on the edge of town. Pretty disgusting place, really."
Christopher reaches into his back pocket and pulls out his wallet. He opens it and takes out some money. "Here, take this. Check into the Singletree Motel. It's over on the LBJ Freeway." He takes out a pen and piece of paper and writes something then hands it to her. "Here's the address."
"Christopher, I can't take this from you."
"Just take it. And stay there until you hear from me. I don't want you leaving Dallas, and you have to lay low. I know Cliff is gonna be looking for you after you quit on him."
Amanda looks at him for a moment. "Thank you, Christopher," she says, kissing him on the cheek. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate this."
"Just.....don't leave town. I wanna help you, Amanda, but you've gotta trust me, and I have to be able to trust you."
"I do trust you," she says. "Probably more than anyone else I know right now."
"Call or text me tonight. Let me know you're there and you're okay."
"I will. And thanks again."
Amanda kisses Christopher on the cheek again, then turns and walks away.
Southfork....
"Jimmy, you know you're welcome to stay here with me instead of that dorm room," Justin says as he takes his key from his pocket. "I sure could use the comp'ny around here."
"Company? What about all the other hands?"
"They don't talk to me much these days." Justin unlocks his door.
"Well, I may take ya up on that. I'll probably get a lot more studying done here than at that dorm," Jimmy says as Justin unlocks the door. The two walk into Justin's room, then stop short when they see Justin's mother Cally sitting on the sofa waiting for her son.
"Hello, Justin," Cally says as she stands from her seat.
The smile disappears from Justin's face when he sees her. "Mama. What on earth are you doin' here?"
"I came to see my son. And to talk to you."
"Justin, I'll get out of here and let you talk to your mother," Jimmy says.
"Ya don't have to go, Jim,"
"It's okay. I think I'll just go up to the main house and see who's home."
"Thank you, Jimmy," Cally says.
"No problem, ma'am," Jimmy says. "It's real nice seeing you again."
"Nice seein' you, too," Cally says.
Jimmy smiles, and then leaves. After he's gone, Justin turns to his mother and looks at her. "Well, Mama," he says. "What do you want?"
"I wanna talk to you about this bequest that J.R. left to you in his will. Justin, I want you to come home with me to Florida."
"Can't do that, Mama. Especially not now. John Ross is contestin' J.R.'s will. If he wins I could lose everything my father left me."
"I don't think that would be a bad thing," says Cally. "All this money, all this power. It's never meant anything but unhappiness, and even misery for this fam'ly. I don't want you to go through that. We have gotten along just fine all these years without anything from J.R. or the Ewings."
"Maybe you've gotten along fine, but I aint," Justin says. "Mama, this could be my one chance to make somethin' of my life. To be somebody. I never knew my father, and he never met me face to face. But he thought enough of me to leave me somethin' in his will, and I'll be damned if I'll give it up and walk away. And I especially won't let John Ross take it away from me, Mama. If big brother wants a fight, then I'll damn sure give him one."
Cally looks at her son, a worried look on her face, terrified of what her son is getting himself into.
Southfork....that evening
Christopher returns home to Southfork early that evening and heads upstairs. As he reaches the upstairs hallway, he meets John Ross.
"Hey, John Ross," Christopher says. "Heading out?"
"Not that it's any of your business, Christopher, but yes, I am."
"Look, I just wanna say how sorry I am about what happened with Amanda. I know how you feel."
"I feel fine, cousin," John Ross says. "Life goes on."
"Is there a point to this, Christopher?" John Ross asks.
"Just letting you know, if you need to talk, I'm here."
"Thanks," John Ross says coldly. "That it?"
"No, actually it's not," says Christopher. "I also wanted to talk to you about your trying to overturn that codicil to J.R.'s will. John Ross, this family has had enough trouble. Enough fighting. What is it you think you're going to accomplish by doing this?"
"John Ross this DOES have somethin' to do with me, and with the whole family. This fight you're starting is gonna tear this family apart."
"Then so be it."
"You really don't give a damn about anyone but yourself, do you?" Christopher asks.
"Christopher I am SICK of workin' to get somewhere only to turn around and have somebody tryin' to take away what I've got. Our granddaddy bought that stock in Cyberbyte that was supposed to go to ME. So what does my father do? He goes and takes what was mine and divides it three ways between me and his other two sons. I gain control of Westar on my own, and what happens? Damned judge turns around and gives Pamela half my shares. And if that aint bad enough, J.R. leaves ten shares in Westar to Justin, who goes and gives half to Jill, and they as much as told me they're gonna team up with Pamela and Tripp McKay to take Westar away from me. I will do whatever I have to do to keep what's mine, and if that means overturnin' my Daddy's will, then so be it. The rest of you have a choice to stay out of this, so if the whole fam'ly gets dragged in.....then that's not my fault." Without another word, John Ross walks past Christopher and down the stairs. For a moment, Christopher stands there thinking about what John Ross just said, and he feels sorry for him.
Dallas....night
"Your server will be with you shortly," the young woman says, then walks away.
"Well, Mr. Barnes, I was surprised when you called and asked to meet me for dinner," Tripp says.
"I'm sure you were. I just figured it was about time I got to know the young man my daughter is interested in."
"That the only reason?" Tripp asks.
"That reason being?"
"As you already know, Pamela was awarded half of John Ross's shares in Westar in the divorce. And, J.R.'s will left a special codicil giving ten percent to his youngest son."
"I know that," Tripp says.
"Tripp, I need your help," says Cliff. "I know you and your granddaddy want revenge against the Ewings almost as much as I do. I want you to talk to your granddaddy and get him to persuade all the Westar board members to side with us against John Ross. If we can do that, then we can get him out of Westar."
"That's our plan already, Mr. Barnes."
"Please, call me Cliff."
"Cliff......would you get to the point, please?"
Cliff smiles. "You remind me a lot of your grandfather. No nonsense and right to the point. Okay, here's what I want. I want John Ross kicked out of Westar on his ass, and I want to be voted in as CEO in his place."
Tripp is stunned speechless for a moment. "You want.....YOU wanna be CEO of Westar?"
"That's right. Now I realize that my daughter sort of had that role in mind for herself, or maybe you. But if that happens, it could put a serious strain on your relationship."
"How so?" Tripp asks.
"You and my daughter have become very close," says Cliff. "I know that she's in love with you and I think you love her."
"You're right. I'm very much in love with Pamela."
"Good. And I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather have a son-in-law than a bright young man like you, who also happens to be Carter McKay's grandson. But if Pamela becomes CEO of a big company like Westar, then she'll be so focused on business and running the company that she won't have much time for a relationship. Now you can't tell me this hasn't crossed your mind."
"So what is it you want me to do? Betray Pamela and get my grandfather to persuade the board to side with you instead of her?"
"You wouldn't be siding against Pamela at all. Because when I become head of Westar believe me, son, there will be a place in that company for both Pamela AND you. Then, when I decide to retire, I'll name Pamela as my successor. And with the two of you together, hopefully eventually getting married, the Barnes and the McKays will form a true Dallas Dynasty that will be unbeatable. This works out for everybody."
"I really don't know, Cliff," Tripp says. "Pamela has her heart set on this."
"I know. Don't worry about Pamela. She'll never have to know you had anything to do with this. As far as she's concerned, she'll just think your grandfather and I were workin' together."
"Why, Cliff? I mean you have to know that if the board names you as CEO over Pamela, she'll be really pissed. Your relationship with your daughter is fragile at best considering your history."
"Yes, I know that. But Pamela will soon realize this is for the best. Just trust me on this."
Tripp looks across the table at Cliff, unsure of what to make of this man and his plan.
The Krebbs Ranch....the next morning
"Alex, come have some breakfast, sweety," Jenna says.
"Not hungry," the boy says rudely.
"Charlie, it's alright," says Jenna.
"No, Mom. It's NOT alright. I'm sick of his attitude. Now apologize to your grandmother, Alex."
Jenna nods at her grandson.
"Come sit down and eat something," says Charlie.
"No, I said I'm not hungry. I'll wait outside." Alex turns and walks out, and leaves the house.
Charlie sighs deeply. "I really don't know what I'm gonna do with him. It's like his attitude gets worse by the day. And then there was that disappearing act he did from school the other day. I just can't trust him."
"He does seem angry at the world," Ray says. "I have to admit I'm beat. I tried talkin' to him, gettin' him to work with me on the ranch, and the boy just duttin' seem interested in anything but lashin' out."
"Maybe what he needs isn't any of us," Charlie says.
"What do you mean?" Jenna asks.
"Christopher offered to help. Alex is so angry at the whole family right now he doesn't even talk to Lucas anymore, and you know how close they use to be. Maybe Alex needs an adult male role model who isn't part of his immediate family."
"I think that's a good idea," Ray agrees. "Bobby was tellin' me that Christopher use to coach a boys' baseball team at the rec center a couple years ago. He's real good with kids. Him bein' a young man himself, maybe it would be a good idea for Alex to spend some time with him."
Charlie stands from the table. "Well, I'd better go and get him to school. I'll see you both later."
"Bye," Jenna says as Charlie leaves. Jenna lets out a deep sigh. "What memories this brings back."
"You mean when Charlie was his age and actin' out the same way?"
"Yes. It's like history repeating itself. But with one big difference."
"And what's that?" Ray asks.
"I had you. I wish that Charlie had a man in her life and Alex had a real father figure."
Ray reaches across the table and takes Jenna's hand. He is shocked when she pulls her hand away and gets up from the table. "What's wrong, Jenna?" He asks.
"Nothing," she replies quickly. "I think I'll go get dressed and drive into town."
Ray watches with astonishment as his wife walks out of the dining room and heads up the stairs. He wonders why Jenna has been so distant lately.
Westar Oil....later
"Well, you took your sweet time gettin' here," John Ross says.
"John Ross, I'm actually three minutes early," Todd says.
"I was hopin' you'd have some good news for me by now. That you'd found a way to keep Pamela from gettin' her grubby little hands on what's mine."
"Well I'm sorry," Todd says. "No luck."
"Maybe you didn't understand our conversation the other night, Todd."
The young lawyer puts his brief case down on the table and looks at his client. "John Ross, no matter how many times you threaten to expose my personal life......that's still not gonna give me the power to work miracles by getting a judge to change his mind. And Judge West CAN'T be bought off."
"Every man has his price, Baxter," John Ross says.
"Not Henry West. The man is as honest as the year is long, and he has no skeletons in his closet that you can blackmail him with."
At that moment, Pamela, Tripp, and Pamela's attorney walk in. "Well, good morning, Todd," greets Pamela's
"George," Todd greets back.
Pamela walks over to John Ross and smiles. "Well, are you ready to hand over to me what I earned for being married to you?"
"This itn't over, Pamela," John Ross says. "You may have me over a barrel right now, but I'm gonna pick myself up and I'm gonna beat you."
"Don't count on it, Ewing," Tripp says.
"Pamela, can't you go anywhere these days without your trained bulldog?"
"If you mean Tripp, I actually love his company much more than I ever enjoyed yours when we were together,"
"Everyone, we really should dispense with the insult trading and get down to business," suggests George Russell. "Have a seat, please."
John Ross, Pamela, Tripp, and the two attorneys each take seats at the board table - John Ross and Todd on one side, Pamela, Tripp, and George on the other.
"Now then," George continues. "We are here today to see that the 51% interest in Westar Oil Company currently owned by Mr. John Ross Ewing III is equally and fairly divided between Mr. Ewing and his former wife, Mrs. Pamela Rebecca Barnes Ewing, as per the divorce settlement set forth by Judge Henry West on December the 29th."
Later....
"Well, John Ross," says Tripp. "How does it feel to lose.....again?"
"You two can gloat all you want to now," John Ross says. "But this itn't finished."
"Oh, I think it is," says Pamela. "You're done, John Ross. You took this company from your sister. And now, we're about to take it from you."
"I wouldn't count on that, Pamela. First, y'all have to get the votes from the board to have me removed, and the board is VERY loyal to me."
"You really are delusional, aren't you?" Tripp asks. "My grandfather has a lot of influence with the Westar board, still. So does Kimberly Cryder. Their relationship with this company goes back several decades. So who do you think the board will side with? Well, I'm sure it was fun while it lasted."
"Yes, I'm sure it was," says Cliff as he walks in smiling. "Hello, John Ross."
"Barnes, what the hell are you doin' here?"
"I just came to gloat, along with my daughter and the man I hope will one day become my son-in-law. I waited outside until I saw the meeting was over."
"Get the HELL out of my boardroom," John Ross says angrily.
"YOUR boardroom?" Pamela asks. "Darling, this is now OUR boardroom, since I now control 25 and a half percent of Westar. I think while we're here, we should start picking out offices." Still smiling, Pamela and Tripp turn and walk out of the room.
"I'm gonna pay you back, you miserable son of a bitch!" John Ross says with gritted teeth. "For everything. You can count on that."
Cliff laughs. "In your dreams, boy. In your dreams." Smiling ear to ear, Cliff walks out of the room. After he's gone, unable to control his anger, John Ross picks up one of the chairs in the conference room and throws it as hard as he can against a wall. Outside, hearing the crash, Cliff stops, lets out a slight laugh, and walks away.
Southfork....
"Thank you, Ann," says Cally. "And I can't thank you and Bobby enough for lettin' me stay here last night."
"Cally, you're more than welcome."
"Sue Ellen has Dusty at her house, and well, I didn't wanna intrude on them."
"We have more than enough room here."
Cally takes a sip of her coffee. "Sue Ellen sure seems happy havin' Dusty around."
Ann smiles. "Yes, she does. And I couldn't be happier for her. It's been a long time since Sue Ellen had a man in her life."
"I think the one man who'll ALWAYS be in Sue Ellen's life, in one way or another, is J.R.," says Cally.
"I think you're right. And what about you? Is the ghost of J.R. still present in your life?"
A sad look crosses Cally's face. "Well, it wasn't. Not until that codicil was read, leavin' Justin all that stock in Westar and that other comp'ny.....what is it?"
"Jensen Technologies. It use to be called Cyberbyte, I think. It's a software company."
"I just wish J.R. hadn't left my son anything. I've always provided well for Justin. We weren't rich by any means, but, we did alright. And now, I'm just worried."
"You're worried bout this fight John Ross has started over J.R.'s will," Ann says.
"Yes, I am."
"So is Bobby. And So is Sue Ellen. Things had just started to calm down around here a little, and now, here we go with another battle."
"I still remember John Ross as that little boy I knew when I was married to J.R. I hate seein' what he's grown up to be. A carbon copy of his daddy."
"You know, I think for once, J.R. did the right thing leavin' that stock to Justin, and James. They were his sons, same as John Ross."
"I know, Ann, but I'm just afraid of what this will do to my son. He's already changed so much since he found out J.R. was his father. And with all that money."
"I understand what you're sayin'. Money changes people. And you're right, it does. But Justin's a grown man, Cally. And there's nothin' you can do except be there for him, and support him. Advise him when he needs it. I learned that myself with Emma."
At that moment, Justin walks up to them. "Well, what are you ladies talkin' about?" He asks.
"About you," Cally replies.
"Would you like some coffee?" Ann asks.
"No, thanks."
"Justin, we need to continue our conversation from the other day," Cally says.
"You can talk out here," says Ann, standing from her seat. "I have some things I need to do in the house."
"Thank you, Ann," Cally says as Ann walks into the house and closes the door. Cally stands and walks over to her son. "Justin, I'm real worried about you. About this whole situation."
"Mama, I already told you. I'm not givin' up. Not without a fight."
"That's just what worries me. Justin, John Ross is a lot like J.R. He's ruthless. He'll hurt and try to destroy anyone who gets in his way."
"You think that scares me?" Justin asks, raising his voice slightly. "I have nothin' to be afraid of John Ross about. You kept me from knowin' my father my whole life. I didn't even know who he was until the man was already dead. But I know that he loved me. He wrote a letter to me that was in the envelope with that codicil to his will. And he left that stock to me. To ME, because I was his son too. Just like John Ross." Justin walks over near the pool and looks out over the ranch.
After a moment, Cally walks over to her son. "You know this fight could get real ugly," she says. "Justin it scares me, you gettin' caught up in somethin' like that. When I was married to J.R. and livin' in this fam'ly, it nearly destroyed me. I'm not gonna let that happen to you."
A worried Cally places a reassuring hand on her son's shoulder. In her mind, Cally understands why her son has to fight John Ross. But in her heart, it scares her to death.
Smithfield And Bennett....afternoon
His cousin, Jay Smithfield, walks in. "Todd, we've gotta talk."
"Can't it wait? I have a lot on my mind right now."
"No, it can't wait," Jay says, closing the door. He walks over to Todd. "Todd, why are you representing John Ross Ewing in his attempt to overturn his father's will?"
"Because John Ross is my client."
"The Ewings are our clients, Todd. Not just John Ross. You know that I'm representing James Beaumont and Justin Harper AGAINST John Ross, and that means against you, too. We're gonna be on opposite sides of this case."
"Todd, is anything wrong?"
"Wrong?"
"Yes, the last couple days you've really been acting.....I dunno, strange. Quiet. Not like yourself at all."
"I'm fine, Jay."
"Todd, I really don't wanna go up against you on this," Jay says.
"I"m sorry, but you're gonna have to," says Todd.
"Couldn't you recommend another lawyer for John Ross?"
"No. He asked me to represent him. And that's what I'm gonna do."
Jay looks at his cousin for a moment. "Todd, you and I have always been close. Growing up, you were more than just my cousin. You were the little brother I never had. We've always been able to tell each other everything, but now, I get the feeling there's something you're keeping from me. Ever since you filed this motion to overturn that codicil for John Ross, you've withdrawn."
"Jay, everything is fine. I don't wanna have to go up against you on this either, but, I'm an attorney and I have an obligation to my client."
"Okay. I respect that," Jay says. He walks to the door and starts to leave, then turns back to Todd. "You know, if something is bothering you, you can talk to me. That's what family's for." After a brief pause, Jay walks out.
Todd lets out a deep sigh after his cousin is gone. "Yeah, I could always talk to you about anything," he says quietly. "But not this."
Singletree Motel.....
"Hi," he says, walking in.
"Hi."
"Are you all settled in?"
"Amanda, have you given any thought about what you're gonna do? About John Ross, I mean?"
"That's all I've done, is think about John Ross."
"Amanda, you need to talk to him in person," says Christopher.
"I know. I'm just dreading it."
"I don't know if you're aware of this or not, but I went through this exact same thing two years ago when I married Pamela Barnes. She lied to me about who she was. She and her father were working together to get their hands on some methane technology I had developed. When I found out, I kicked her off Southfork. I despised her. But the one thing that softened my attitude toward Pamela was her pregnancy. You know, you're gonna need medical care. And that takes money."
"I know."
"You can stay here for a while, until you figure things out. Right now I think it's a good idea for you to lay low. But soon you're gonna have to talk to John Ross."
Amanda looks at Christopher and smiles. "Why are you being so kind to me after what I did to your cousin?"
"I dunno. I guess I feel bad for you. And your mother was a good friend of my mother's. I wanna help you, but only as long as you're straight with me."
"Don't worry. I will be."
"Well, I'd better get goin'. I'll call you tomorrow," Christopher says. "Is there anything you need while I'm here?"
"Thank you Christopher, but no. I just need this whole thing to be over."
"Talk to you soon."
"Bye," Amanda says as Christopher leaves. She locks the door again behind him.
Meanwhile, as Christopher walks from Amanda's room and gets in his car, he is being watched by someone. The person watches as Christopher drives away from the motel. That person is Bum. He takes his cell phone out of his pocket and dial's John Ross's number. On the second ring, John Ross answers.
"John Ross, it's me," Bum says. "I've found Amanda Shepherd. She's hiding out at the Singletree Motel out on the LBJ Freeway. And you'll never guess who just paid her a visit."
Meanwhile....
"Of course I'm sure, John Ross," Bum replies. "What do you want me to do? Want me to talk to Amanda or bring her to you?"
"Neither," says John Ross. "Just keep an eye on her. If she tries to leave town, you grab her. Otherwise, don't do anything until you hear from me." John Ross ends the call and puts his new phone back into his pocket. "Christopher? What the hell are you up to, cousin?"
The Krebbs Ranch....
"Oh, Mom. I was just planting some Bulbs."
"When did you become interested in gardening?"
"After we moved to New York," Charlie replies. "It helped me concentrate sometimes when I was trying to come up with new designs for work. A friend suggested gardening, and it worked."
Jenna smiles. "You never told me that. I guess I'm finding out new stuff about my daughter all the time. So what is gardening helping you concentrate on now? Alex?"
"Yeah, among other things."
"What other things?" Jenna asks.
Charlie looks at her mother, then stands, but remains silent.
"You know, we use to be able to talk about anything. Charlie ever since you got here at Christmas, I've had the feeling there's something troubling you. Something really big."
"Of course there's something troubling me," Charlie says as she turns to face her mother. "My husband was killed a year ago. My son has been acting out and getting worse all the time."
"I feel it's more than that," Jenna says. "Charlie, you're my daughter. And for years, from the time you born until you were fifteen, it was just the two of us. I had to be both a mother and a father to you, and I learned how to tell when something was wrong. I can tell something is wrong now. Charlie, please. Whatever it is, tell me. We can work through it together."
Charlie looks at her mother, tears streaming down her face. "I didn't wanna tell you," she says, crying. "But I know I have to. I can't put it off any longer."
"Tell me what? Charlie, sweetheart, what is it?"
"Part of the reason I decided to move back here with Alex is.......I'm sick, Mom."
"Sick? Sick.....how?" Jenna asks.
"I have cancer. I found out a couple of days before we came here for Christmas. I have Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. And it's spread. Mom, the only hope I have is a bone marrow transplant, and Lucas has agrees to be my donor."
"Your brother knew about this?"
"Sweetheart why? Why didn't you tell me this?"
"I didn't wanna worry you, Mom. But now, I have to tell you, because, on Monday I have to go to the hospital to start chemotherapy, so they can prepare me for the transplant. And I need to know....Mom, I HAVE to know.....if something happens to me, will you take care of Alex?"
Jenna grabs her daughter and pulls her into an embrace. "That won't be necessary," Jenna says. "You're going to take care of him. Because nothing is going to happen to you. Nothing."
"I'm so scared, Mom," Charlie says as Jenna holds her, and both women cry together.
Ewing Global.....late afternoon
"Leaving?" She asks.
"Yep. I'm all done for the day. What are your plans for the evening?"
"Dusty and I are having dinner with Cally."
"Oh, good," Bobby says, grabbing his coat from the back of a chair.
"Listen, why don't you and Ann join us if you don't have plans already?"
Bobby smiles. "I'll give her a call. I'm sure she'd love it." As Bobby and Sue Ellen walks out of his office and he closes the door behind them, a man approaches them.
"Excuse me," the man says. "Mr. Bobby James Ewing, and Mrs. Sue Ellen Shepherd Ewing?"
"Yes, may we help you?" Bobby asks.
"These are for you," the man says, handing them both a sealed envelope. "Have a nice evening." The man turns and leaves without another word.
Puzzled, Bobby quickly tears into his envelope and Sue Ellen does the same. When he reads the piece of paper inside, an angry look crosses Bobby's face. "Damn it."
"Oh my God," Sue Ellen says, reading hers. "I don't believe it."
A look of pure frustration crosses Sue Ellen's face upon hearing of her son's latest move....
ALSO STARRING:
AIMEE TEEGARDEN
as Amanda Shepherd Ewing
ALYSSA MILANO
as Charlie Wade Walton
COLIN FORD
as Alex Walton
CATHY PODEWELL
as Cally Harper
AUDREY LANDERS
as Afton Cooper
STEVEN R. McQUEEN
as Jimmy Beaumont
KEVIN PAGE
as Bum
WILL ESTES
as Jay Smithfield
MATT LANTER
as Todd Baxter
JOSEPH LAWRENCE
as George Russell
SARAH JOY BROWN
as Melissa
JARED MARTIN
as Dusty Farlow