Previously On DALLAS:
-------------John Ross is unhappy to see his new cousin Conner staying at Southfork.
------------John Ross strikes a business deal with a beautiful new associate, Krystina Carrington from Denver.
------------Charlie undergoes her bone marrow transplant procedure.
Southfork.....morning
Meanwhile...
"Hey," he says.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake up."
"It's okay." Justin sits up in bed.
"Oh my God," Amanda says, looking out the window. "Justin, it's snowing. Oh, it's beautiful. Come look."
"I'm actually enjoyin' the view from right here," Justin says with a smile.
Amanda turns and looks at him. "Justin, last night was......."
"Wonderful?" Justin asks.
"More like....amazing," she says. "You made me feel alive again. You made me feel really wanted and cared for. I haven't felt that way in.....I can't even remember how long. Not even with......" Amanda stops herself before she reveals her brief affair with Christopher.
"With John Ross," Justin says.
"Yeah. Not even with John Ross in the beginning of our relationship. Thank you for last night."
Justin gets out of bed. "Damn, it's kinda cold in here," he says. He grabs a blanket from the bed, wraps it around himself and walks over to her. "Amanda, last night was one of the best nights of my life. I really wanted you last night. I want you now. And I DO care for you."
Amanda sighs. "I should get going."
"Why? It's early."
"Justin, I....."
"Shhhhhh," he says. "Do you really have any reason to go back up there? If John Ross gave a damn about where you were last night, don't you think he would've called you? Your phone didn't ring all night and you didn't get any texts, did you?"
"No," she replies sadly.
"Then why go? It's freezing outside. It's snowing. I can put some more wood on the fire and we can have a nice day right here." Justin moves closer and wraps the blanket around her as well, his warm body against hers sending waves of warmth through her body. "Unless....for some reason you really wanna go. Do you?"
Amanda looks at him. After a moment's hesitation, she shakes her head. "No."
"Then don't," Justin says, almost in a whisper. He begins kissing her.
Omni Hotel, Corpus Christi, Texas....
"Shoulda joined me in there," he says.
Krystina turns to him and smiles. "After last night, I kinda felt like you needed a break. I know I did."
"Too much of a good thing, huh?" John Ross asks.
"Definitely. I also feel a little....guilty."
"Guilty for what?"
"Because you're married," Krystina replies.
"As I told you last night, my marriage is in name only. Only reason I'm keepin' Amanda around is so I can find out if that baby she's carryin' is really mine or not."
"And what if it is?"
"I wonder if any woman will ever mean anything to you, John Ross," Krystina says.
"I'll tell ya somethin'," says John Ross. "It's gonna take one hell of a woman to make me catch feelin's again after all the crap I went through with Elena, Pamela, and Amanda."
Krystina smiles. "And in the meantime, what? You just find the occasional bed partner and move on?"
John Ross walks over and puts his arms around her. "Can you think of a better, or more enjoyable way to pass the time while waitin' for.....'the right on'?" He asks seductively, then kisses her....
Southfork....
"I'm sorry," Emma says. "I didn't mean to disturb you."
"Now he would be your......what?" Emma asks.
"Well, he was my Dad's uncle, so he was my great-uncle."
"It's amazing how much you look like the Ewings."
"Thanks," Conner says. "There's so much I don't know about my family. Like that guy the other day at my Dad's memorial service. The one Christopher wanted to get rid of."
"Cliff Barnes," Emma says.
"Yeah. He said he was married to my Aunt Jamie. I never knew that."
"I really wasn't aware of that, either, which is sad, considering that Cliff Barnes is my father."
Conner gives Emma a surprised look. "You're kidding," he says.
"Nope. Long story."
"Wow, this family's even more complicated that I thought."
"Good morning," Bobby greets. "It is REALLY freezin' out there."
"I was thinking about taking a walk," Emma says. "I love the snow. It's so beautiful."
"Lucas still asleep?" Ann asks.
"Yeah. He wanted to go to the hospital, but the TV said the roads are pretty bad and everybody should stay in unless they have to be out driving. So, he decided to get some more sleep."
"Conner, did you have breakfast?" Bobby asks.
"I did, thanks. I was actually about to take a walk myself. Look around the ranch and see how beautiful it is in the snow."
"But don't wander too far on foot," Bobby says. "In this weather it'd be easy to get lost."
Conner smiles. "I won't. Tell you what......Emma, since you were gonna go walking anyway, why don't we go together and you can show me around. Keep me from getting lost?"
Emma looks from Conner to Bobby and Ann, then back at Conner. "Ummm, yeah, sure, I'd love to. Just let me go grab my coat." Emma turns and walks out of the room.
Conner turns to Bobby. "Have you heard anymore from Lt. Walden about my Dad's case?"
"No, I haven't," Bobby replies. "But Steve promised to keep me updated."
Conner sighs. "I'm sorry. I'm just anxious to find out who killed my father."
"I know, Conner."
"I can't even imagine what you're going through," says Ann.
"I was thinking. If I'm gonna be sticking around in Dallas until the cops catch whoever did this, maybe I should find my own place."
"I really appreciate that. But, I don't wanna wear out my welcome."
"You're NOT wearing out your welcome," says Ann.
Emma returns at that moment, dressed in a heavy winter coat. "All set?" She asks.
Conner picks his coat up off the sofa. "All set," he says, putting the coat on. "Be back soon."
Bobby and Ann watch as Conner and Emma walks out one of the French doors leading outside. After they leave, Ann turns to Bobby. "I'm glad you stayed home from the office today in this weather."
"Well, nothin' important was happenin' today, so Sue Ellen and I agreed to send out a mass text to everyone and just close the office down for the day. No sense everyone gettin' out on icy roads unless it's necessary."
"Well, since you have the whole day free, why don't we go cuddle by the fireplace in the den with some hot chocolate and a good old movie?"
"Sounds good to me," Bobby says, kissing her. "And we can talk about that cruise we're plannin' this spring."
Meanwhile....
The Smithfield Home....
"Really comin' down out there, huh?" John asks his wife. Linda doesn't respond. After a moment, John walks closer to her. "Linda?" He calls. Still no response. "Earth to Linda Baxter."
"What?" Linda finally asks, snapping out of her daydream. "I'm sorry, honey, I was just watching it snow."
"Linda, what's on your mind? You've been preoccupied for days."
"I've noticed he's been a little.....distant. Moody."
"It's more than that. He's changed, John. Our son seems so sad these days. And I don't know why. It all started when he represented John Ross Ewing against Jay in court."
"Neither did I."
"Those damned Ewings. They're nothing but trouble. Always have been. If your father's firm hadn't represented them since the days of Noah's Ark I would've severed ties with that family right after Harv's death. I tried to get Anita to cut ties with them and she wouldn't listen to me. Maybe if she had, she wouldn't have had to be humiliated on the stand like that."
"John I want you to talk to Todd," Linda says.
"Linda, I don't think that's a good idea."
"You're his father. He's always listened to you."
"Honey, he's a grown man. I haven't meddled in his life since he turned twenty-one."
"BIG mistake," says a raspy female voice from behind John. He turns around and finds his 93-year-old mother-in-law, Agnes Smithfield, standing in the doorway, leaning on her cane. The old lady makes her way into the room.
"Mama, I thought you were restin'," Linda says.
"Yes, we were," replies Linda.
"Linda's just a little worried about Todd," says John.
"And she asked you to talk to him and you refused."
"I didn't exactly refuse. I just said that I stopped meddling in my son's life a long time ago. Todd's a grown man. Whatever's bothering him, he'll work it out."
"John, I'd feel better if you just......casually asked him if anything is wrong," says Linda. "I'm sure he'll confide in you."
"She's right, John," Agnes says. "I think you should talk to him. Somethin' mighty serious is botherin' that boy. I just feel it."
John looks at his mother-in-law, then at his wife, then at Agnes again. He sighs. "Alright, I can't fight the both of you. I never could. I'll talk to him."
Linda smiles as she walks over and kisses her husband. "Thank you, my darling husband."
"I'll find out what's bothering him, and try to help him as best I can," John says.
Dallas.....later
"No problem, Chris," Ryan says. "What are old friends for? And it just so happens, you lucked out. I had a cancellation this afternoon due to the weather. Have a seat."
"Thanks," Christopher says, taking a seat on the sofa in Ryan's elegant office.
"I thought you had decided to end our sessions a couple months ago, after the nightmares stopped. Has something happened, or have they come back?" Christopher sighs. "The nightmares have come back. I've been having them the last three nights and this morning I had one so bad I woke up in a cold sweat." "Same nightmares? About Mexico and Nicolas Trevino?" "Yeah. Ryan, I honestly thought that my sessions with you had helped me come to terms with what happened to me in Mexico, and with killing Trevino." "Chris, the ordeal you went through was a terrible one. And the guilt you felt over Trevino's death, that's understandable." "But the guy was a monster," Christopher says. "He nearly destroyed my family, and the woman I loved. If I hadn't shot him he'd have probably killed me and Elena." |
"I hate feeling like this. I hate these damned nightmares. I hate feeling like a murderer for taking the life of a man who would have just as soon gunned me down in cold blood as to look at me."
"Chris, I've known you a long time. We went to school together, from middle school all the way til high school graduation. I know what kind of person you are. And honestly, if you didn't have these feelings over Trevino's death, if it didn't bother you, then I'd be really worried about you. People who can kill another human being without batting an eye.....those people are without conscience, and trust me, you don't wanna be one of those. I told you before that it will take a while for you to work through this."
"Before the nightmares started again, did anything happen?"
"Such as?"
"Anything out of the ordinary. Or, perhaps, anything you're feeling especially guilty or conflicted about?"
Christopher lowers his head and remains silent for a moment.
"There is something, isn't there?" Ryan asks.
"Yeah," Christopher replies, nodding his head.
"Well what is it What happened, Chris?"
Christopher continues to remain silent.
"Chris, I can't help you if you won't tell me what's going on. I'm not only your therapist right now, but I'm also an old friend."
"That's exactly why this is hard for me to tell you stuff like this."
"Okay," Ryan says. "Forget that we've known each other since we were 12-years-old. Forget we went to school together. Just think of me as........DOCTOR Ryan Benson."
"There was a woman," Christopher says. "A woman I was very drawn to. Very attracted to. I was very lonely, and a little needy. There hasn't been anyone since Elena. At least not anyone serious. Until this woman came along. Like me, she was needy and very lonely. So we slept together. A couple of times."
"So far, I don't see a problem."
"The problem is......she's married."
"I see."
"But the marriage is a very unhappy. In fact, her husband treats her like crap, and she's purely miserable with him."
"Yet you still feel guilty for having sex with her because of her marriage?" Ryan asks.
"Yeah. What the hell does that make me, some kind of fool? Or some kinda nutcase."
"Neither."
"You think this has something to do with the nightmares coming back?" Christopher asks.
"Yes, I think so."
"But how? I mean, how does my sleeping with this woman have anything to do with what happened in Mexico, and with me shooting Nicolas Trevino?"
"It has to do with the guilt you're feeling, Chris," Ryan says. "You haven't fully come to terms with your feelings and your anger over the taking of another human life. And so now, after having a relationship with a married woman, your self esteem has taken a hit and it brings back those feelings of guilt over Trevino's death."
"So how do I come to terms with this so I can get on with my life?"
"We need to start our sessions again, and continue them until you've come to terms over your ordeal in Mexico, and finally realize you had no choice but to shoot Trevino."
Christopher stands to his feet and walks to the window. He looks out over the beautiful snow covered city. "I do know I had no choice," he says quietly, tears streaming down his face. "But that doesn't make it any easier. Nicolas Trevino was a monster. A murderer who would've killed me and killed Elena if I hadn't shot him. But then, I realize he was also a human being. He was a man just like me. But unlike me, he was a husband, and a father. Ryan, I took a man's life. I sent a man straight to hell, so how am I supposed to live with that for the rest of my life? Especially if everything I do in life that I think is wrong is gonna eat me up so much inside that it brings Trevino's death back to haunt me?"
Corpus Christi....
"Well, I just talked to the airport again," he says. "All flights are canceled goin' into and out of Dallas because of the winter storm there. Runways are too icy, so it looks like we're gonna be stuck here in Corpus Christi for a day or so."
"Oh that's just great. Just great," says an annoyed Krystina.
Krystina looks at him. "I get the feeling you're not as upset about this as I am."
"I'm not," John Ross says, walking over to her. "Heck, I couldn't think of a more beautiful companion to be stranded with. Or a more beautiful place. So, since we can't do anything about the weather back in Dallas, I say we just relax, enjoy this vacation in this lovely hotel, and.........enjoy each other."
"Beautiful? Wonderful? Out of this world, mind-blowin'?"
Krystina laughs at John Ross's comment. "Well, that, too, but what I was gonna say is.....last night was a mistake that shouldn't have happened."
"And it was a mistake.....for what reason?" John Ross asks.
"You're a married man for one."
"My marriage duttin' mean anything. I told you that earlier."
"I know you did. But, that doesn't change the fact that you ARE married. John Ross, I've been involved with a married man before, and I won't go down that path again. I refuse to be the other woman."
"Darlin', you would definitely not be the other woman here. Amanda would. And besides, there's nothin' to worry about. She's about to be far enough along in her pregnancy to have the prenatal paternity test, and after that, I plan to divorce her."
"Even if the baby is yours?" Krystina asks.
"Yes. Even if the baby is mine."
"That definitely would not make me feel any better about getting involved with you."
"You're actin' like you're the reason for my problems with my wife. Darlin', you're NOT. That girl lied to me. She was workin' for my fam'ly's mortal enemy to try to destroy us. She lied her way into workin' for my Mama as her secretary, lied her way into my life and my bed, then drugged me and tricked me into marryin' her. And not only that, she lied to me about bein' pregnant before she found out she really was, which is what makes me doubt the baby's even mine."
"Wow," Krystina says.
"So, you see, Krystina, there is NOTHIN' stoppin' us from.......enjoyin' each others' comp'ny."
John Ross starts to kiss her, but she puts her hand up to his lips. "Just as long as we get one thing perfect clear," she says.
"And what might that be?"
"About our little......arrangement," Krystina says, seductively. "I can't deny that I find you incredibly attractive, and I wouldn't be totally against the idea of a mutually beneficial 'friendship.' But just so we understand each other. This arrangement is just business, with a little pleasure on the side. Nothing more. No strings. No feelings."
"Just business and sex, is that it?" John Ross asks, putting his arms around her.
"That's it."
"I can definitely live with that arrangement," he says, kissing her.
Southfork....
"Well, well," Emma says. "Where on earth have you been all day? And out in this frigid weather?"
"That's none of your business."
"John Ross didn't come home, either."
"So?"
"So, I just thought you'd like to know," Emma says, smiling.
"I'm going upstairs," Amanda says. She starts to walk past Emma and into the foyer, but Emma steps in front of her. "Get out of my way."
"Does Christopher know?" Emma asks.
"Does Christopher know.....what?"
"About you and John Ross's brother, Justin? I saw you coming out of his room at the bunkhouse. And since you haven't been here since sometime yesterday, it's not hard to figure out where you were and what you were doing. Just going from one Ewing man to another, aren't you?"
"Excuse me?"
Amanda moves closer to her. "Let me give you a fair warning, Emma. Stay the HELL out of my face and mind your own damned business!"
"Or what, Princess?" Emma asks with a smile.
"Stick your nose in my face one more time and find out 'or what'," Amanda says. Without another word, she pushes past Emma and into the foyer, where she heads up the stairs.
Emma smiles with satisfaction knowing she's gotten under Amanda's skin.
Meanwhile....
"Oh, God, I am soooo happy school was cancelled today," Ashley says.
"Yeah me, too. That's one of the good things about living down here. A little snow and everything shuts down. In New York, this would be NOTHING. I'd be in school right now."
"Well I'm glad you don't live in New York."
Alex stops walking and turns to her. "Oh yeah? Why?" He asks with a smile.
"Because I like having you around. Especially now," Ashley says sadly.
"Your Mom's pregnancy still bothering you, huh?"
"Yeah."
"Why?" Alex asks. "I think you're lucky. I always wanted a kid brother or sister."
"So did I. When I was younger. But Alex, by the time this baby is my age, I'll be almost 31-years-old. This kid won't grow up with me, so what's the point of wanting a younger sibling now?"
Alex sighs. "I guess you're right. Hey, you wanna go back to the house and watch a movie?"
"My house? Or the big house?" Ashley asks playfully.
"The big house. I don't think your Mom likes me very much, so I'd rather not go there."
"Don't pay any attention to her. She has no reason to dislike you. She's just.....weird."
Alex lets out a slight laugh. "She probably thinks I'm some kind of hoodlum or somethin'."
A few minutes later....
Dallas.....early evening
"Today has been wonderful," Pamela says. "No John Ross at the office, we closed early, and now I get the spend the rest of the evening with the man I love."
"Speaking of John Ross, I wonder where he is," says Tripp.
"Who knows, who cares? All I know is he wasn't there in our hair today."
"Just seems kinda strange, him leavin' the office for a whole day like that. I mean, even with the weather like it was today, I seriously doubt John Ross would've just stayed home at Southfork."
"Well, I asked his secretary, Melissa, where he was, and she knows, but wouldn't tell me. All she would say is he was away on business."
"She didn't say what business?" Tripp asks.
"No. Not that she'd tell me, anyway. Why are you so curious about where John Ross was today?"
"Because I don't trust the guy. It's kinda like the snake you can't see. That's the one you've gotta worry about."
"Yeah I see what you mean," Pamela says.
"And I will be voted in as CEO," Pamela says with a smile. "I'm already getting some support from the board, and with you and your grandfather behind me, as well as Kimberly Cryder, I can't lose."
"Yeah," Tripp says sadly, knowing Pamela's dreams of becoming Westar CEO are being undermined by her own father, with his help.
Southfork....night
"Oh, Lucas," Conner says. "Sorry, I didn't know anybody'd be in here."
"It's.....okay man," Lucas says, out of breath from his hard workout. Despite his heavy breathing, Lucas continues to push himself.
"Hey, dude, everything okay?" Asks Conner. "Chill out there or you're gonna have a stroke."
Finally, Lucas stops his workout now that he's barely able to breathe and stands to his feet.
Conner walks over to him. "Lucas, what's goin' on, man? Looked like you had some MAJOR frustrations to work off there."
"Care to talk about it?" Conner asks.
"I'd love to talk about it. But......I can't."
"That bad, huh?"
"It could be. But I hope I'm wrong," Lucas says as Emma walks into the room.
"Thought I'd find you in here after I looked everywhere else," she says to Lucas.
"Yeah. I needed some time to myself. To work up a good sweat."
Conner looks at Lucas, then at Emma. "Look, I'll leave you two alone to talk."
"Thank you, Conner," Emma says. Without another word, Conner leaves the room, and Emma walks over to Lucas.
"What happened last night?"
"You know what I'm talking about. Seeing Ray at the restaurant with his ex-wife. I know how upset you were."
"Yeah, I was upset," Lucas says with a sigh. "But I'm fine now."
"Lucas, I know you're not fine. Don't shut me out. Talk to me."
"Emma, what is there to talk about?" Lucas snaps. "I saw the man I always knew as my father, the man who says he loves my mother, in a restaurant holding hands with the woman he use to be married to, after lying and telling my mother he was going back to the hotel to get some rest. Enough said."
"There must have been a good reason for Ray to be there with her. Maybe they were talking about Margaret and her wedding."
"He wouldn't have lied if that was the case," Lucas says.
"Is Ray all that's bothering you?" Emma asks.
"Why do you ask that?" Lucas inquires as he returns to his workout.
"Because I know you. Lucas, when something's bothering you, instead of talking about it, you bottle it up inside."
Lucas stops and looks at her. "Emma, if I could talk to you about this, I would. But this is somethin' I've gotta work out on my own."
Emma looks at him silently for a moment. "Alright, FINE!" She says angrily. "Work it out all on your own, then!" She turns and storms out of the room. After she's gone, Lucas resumes his angry workout.
Meanwhile....
"Amanda," he says. "John Ross called. He's been stranded in Corpus Christi because of the weather. Said he'll prob'ly be there til at least sometime tomorrow evening."
"I see. Thank you, Bobby."
"You're welcome. Are you alright? Missed you at dinner."
"I had dinner in my room," says Amanda.
"Ya know, you don't have to shun the family, Amanda. You're a part of this family."
"Bobby, I see the way that everyone looks at me. I know that what I did was wrong. But I didn't think I had a choice."
"I'm sorry, honey," Bobby says. "But you ALWAYS have a choice. But, I am glad that you finally made the right one to come clean with John Ross." Without another word, Bobby walks past her and up the stairs, leaving Amanda alone in the foyer.
A few minutes later....
"John Ross called," she says. "He's been in Corpus Christi, stuck there because of the weather. He won't be home until sometime late tomorrow."
Justin simply nods his head and smiles...
Southfork....the next morning
"Mornin', Christopher," says Ann.
"Good morning," Conner greets.
"Where is everyone?" Christopher asks, taking a seat at the table.
"Well," Ann says. "Since school is cancelled again because of the icy roads, Alex decided he'd rather sleep in than come to breakfast. Lucas and Emma, I guess are still in their room, I have no idea where Amanda is. I knocked on her door and went in, but she wasn't there. And your father........he's still upstairs. Said he'd be down for breakfast."
"Everything okay?"
"I'm not real sure," replies Ann. "He was real quiet this mornin'. I know somethin's botherin' him."
"I hope it's not me," says Conner.
"Why would it be you?" Christopher asks.
"I know he's been keeping in touch with the Dallas PD, trying to find out who killed my father. Maybe it's getting to him."
"I'm gonna go get him," Ann says. "You two go on with your breakfast." Ann stands from her seat and leaves the room.
Meanwhile....Bobby and Ann's bedroom
After a moment, Ann walks over to him. "Bobby, I thought you were comin' down to breakfast."
"I'm sorry, honey. I got distracted lookin' at these old photos."
Bobby takes the photo, looks at it and smiles. "Yep, that's me. And Gary, and J.R., and Mama and Daddy."
"Bobby, you were SO cute," Ann says. "Why are you up here lookin' through all these old fam'ly photos?"
"I was just thinkin'. Being nostalgic, I guess. Thinkin' about Mama. Next Saturday would have been her 100th birthday."
"Oh, Bobby."
"I was thinkin' about how proud she'd be right now of her family. Things are calmer around here than they've been in a while. There are more of her grandchildren livin' here at Southfork than ever before. And even one of her great-grandchildren, Ashley."
Ann looks at the family portrait again. "You know, lookin' at Jock back then, it's amazin' how much James and Jimmy resemble him."
"Yeah, it is," Bobby says sadly. "I miss 'em, Annie. I miss Mama and Daddy, even after all these years."
"I don't think you ever get over losin' a parent, Bobby. Especially not when you were as close to them as you were to yours. I sure wish I had known them."
Ann smiles, then kisses him. "You comin' down to breakfast?"
"I'll be right there."
"Okay," she says. After kissing him again, she leaves the room.
After his wife leaves, Bobby picks up one more photo and smiles as he looks at the photo of himself, J.R., and Miss Ellie from long ago....
Downstairs....the living room
"I need your help."
"My help?" Christopher asks, puzzled and a bit worried as he wondered what kind of help Ann needs.
Smithfield And Bennett....
"Morning, Erin. You really didn't have to come in today with the roads so bad. I just needed to work on the Donahue Case, otherwise I wouldn't be here."
"It's no problem," Erin says. "I only live a few blocks away. Besides, I figured you needed some help today. Oh, umm, your father is waiting for you in your office."
The news of his father's visit takes Todd by surprise. "My father's here? Did he say what he wanted?"
"No, just that he wanted to talk to you."
Todd sighs and hesitates a moment. Then he walks to his office, pauses a moment outside the door, and then goes in. He finds his father standing at the window waiting for him. "Dad, what brings you to the office?" Todd asks.
"I've been busy. What can I do for you?"
"Your mother and grandmother are very worried about you, Todd. Your mother feels that there's something weighing very heavily on your mind. And, although I don't share her sense of urgency in this, I have also noticed that you've been acting very differently for the last several weeks."
"Are you, son?" John asks. "Because you don't seem fine to me at all. You look exhausted, like you haven't slept in weeks. You've been avoiding the family like the plague. You and your cousin Jay are barely speaking now. Son, if there's anything on your mind, talk to me."
"There's nothing."
"Your mother seems to think your whole change in attitude and behavior started about the time you took John Ross Ewing's case to overturn that codicil to his father's will. Todd, I wish you had come to me before you took that case. I would've talked you out of it."
"Why?" Todd asks nervously.
"Because I've known the Ewings for a long time. They're bad news. J.R. was, and his son can't be any better, especially after all that I've heard about him."
"It was just a case, Dad. That's all. I did my job."
"You sure that's all it is, son? You know, I always taught you boys that you could come to me whenever you had a problem."
Todd sighs. "I know, Dad."
"Alright, Todd," John says. "I won't press the issue. I just want you to know that, if something is bothering you, you can come to me about it."
"I know. I appreciate that, Dad."
John sighs as he walks over to his son. "Good. Well, I figure as long as I'm here, do you need any help on any case you're working on? Jay tells me you've taken the Donahue case."
"Yeah, I did. And I'm fine. Thanks, Dad, but I can handle it on my own."
"Alright," John says, patting his son on the shoulder. "I'll tell your mother and grandmother that everything's fine, then."
Todd simply nods his head.
John walks to the door, then turns back to his son. "Come by the house for dinner soon. Maybe Sunday?"
"Yeah, sure, I will," says Todd. His father smiles at him, then leaves. After John is gone, Todd breathes a sigh of relief that his father didn't press the issue any further about John Ross.
Southfork....afternoon
"You're really gettin' good," Lucas says.
"Thanks," Alex says, slightly out of breath. "If I'm still at Braddock next year, I wanna go out for the basketball team."
"Sure, what's going on?" Alex asks. "Is this about my Mom? Is anything wrong with her?"
"No, no. Your Mom is fine."
"You and Ashley Beaumont," says Lucas. "You two are pretty close, huh?"
"Yeah, we are. Why?"
"We're........close," Alex replies with a smile.
"What does that mean?"
"Haha, very funny, wise guy," Lucas says. "No reason. It's just that with your Mom in the hospital, and your Grandma and Ray spending all their time in town to be near her, since you're staying here for the time being, I kinda feel responsible for you. I'd just like to know what's goin' on in your life, that's all."
"Okay then, yes. Ashley and I have gotten pretty close since she moved here. I really like her a lot. She's fun to be around, and she's the first person who's made me feel good about anything for a long time."
"Sounds like you two are more than just friends," Lucas says, holding his breath as he waits for the boy's answer.
"We are," Alex says. "I care about her, Lucas. A lot. I don't think I've ever felt this way about a girl before."
Lucas is stunned speechless. "Don't you think you're both a little young for a serious relationship?"
"We'll both be sixteen in a few months. I've heard that when Grandma and Bobby Ewing were sixteen, they were REAL serious."
"Alex, I just don't think you and Ashley should be getting too serious right now, or hanging out so much."
"Look, Lucas. No offense, but, you're not my Dad. You're just my Mom's kid brother, so you can't tell me what to do." Without saying another word to Lucas, Alex picks up the basketball and resumes his solo game of shooting baskets as Lucas watches him, deeply worried about how he was going to put an end to Alex's growing relationship with Ashley.
Dallas....
"I had another nightmare last night," Christopher says.
"The same recurring one?" Ryan asks.
"No. No, this one was different."
"Different....how?"
"About what, Chris?" Ryan asks.
"That's the funny thing. I honestly don't know. The dream it....it's very vague, but it seemed to have something to do with my biological mother."
"Oh?"
"Yeah."
"You told me once that the woman who gave birth to you died shortly after you were born?"
"Yeah, she did," Christopher says. "And my biological father died not long after."
"Tell me about them. What do you know about your parents?"
"If you're talking about my parents, then they were Bobby and Pam Ewing. I never considered Kristin Shepherd and Jeff Faraday to be my parents."
"Alright then," says Ryan. "Tell me about Kristin. And why you think she featured prominently in your latest dream."
"Isn't that what your job is supposed to be?" Christopher asks.
"That's just it. I don't. I mean, not anymore than a passing thought that I push out of my head as fast as I can."
"And why do you do that?"
"Why shouldn't I? I had two wonderful parents who raised and loved me. My Dad, anyway."
"And what about your Mom, Christopher?" Ryan asks.
"What?"
"You said.....'my Dad, anyway.' What about your adoptive Mom, Pam? Don't you think she loved you?"
Christopher remains silent for a moment as tears begin streaming down his face. "I honestly don't know, Ryan. If she loved me.......then why did she leave us? I know she said in her letter that it was because of the accident. She thought she was hideous. But she was my mother. I wouldn't have cared what she looked like. And then, she died alone. I should've been there. I should've been able to say goodbye to her, but I never got that chance."
"Your anger is understandable," Ryan says. "You loved your Mom very deeply, and you thought she abandoned you. That must have been really hard for you, Chris, finding out two years ago that your mother died back in 1989 after believing all those years that she had just abandoned you."
"She did abandon me. If she'd really loved me, she'd have stuck around instead of running away. Just like Kristin and Jeff."
"You're angry at them, too?"
"I don't know enough about them to be angry at them. Except that....." Christopher stops talking and lowers his head.
"Except that what, Christopher?" Ryan asks. "Please, go on."
"My biological father, Jeff Faraday. He sold me. Did you know that? He SOLD me to my Dad. What the hell kind of a parent does that? I wouldn't have known that except that, I overheard a conversation between my Uncle J.R. and Aunt Sue Ellen years ago, when I was a teenager. So I confronted my Dad about it and he admitted it. Jeff Faraday was a freaking drug addict who sold his own baby, me, for drug money. And my biological mother, Kristin? She was a drug addict, too. And a whore. So is it any wonder I'm so messed up?"
"Christopher, you're not messed up. You're a very good person who happens to have had some very bad things happen to him. I think what happened in Mexico, and almost losing your life at the hands of the Mendez-Ochoa Cartel has brought up a lot of old feelings you've bottled up for a long time. Feelings about three of the four people who were your parents. Out of the four - Bobby, Pam, Kristin, and Jeff - Bobby is the only one you feel has never abandoned you. I think it's time we examined those feelings and you worked through them. And I think learning about your biological parents is the best way to come to terms with them."
Southfork....the bunkhouse, that night
"You sure are quiet tonight," he says after a long silence.
Amanda sighs. "Just thinking."
"Thinkin' 'bout what?"
"About John Ross. He'll be home in the morning. And I don't want all this to end. I wish I could stay right here in your arms from now on."
Justin smiles. "Who says it has to end? And who says you can't stay here?"
"Justin....."
"I mean it, Amanda," he says. "Don't go back to take anymore of John Ross's abuse. Stay here with me."
Amanda looks up at him. "You're really serious?"
"I am. Amanda, these last couple days you been here, I been happier than at any time since I came to Southfork."
A look of sadness crosses Amanda's face and she gets out of bed, wrapping a blanket around her body. She walks to the window and looks out. Justin sits up in bed.
"What's wrong?" He asks.
"Everything you're saying. I feel the same way. Happier than I've felt in a long time. Safer. When you asked me to stay here with you, it's so tempting. But it's not that simple. Not only am I married to John Ross, but I'm pregnant with his child." Justin gets out of bed and walks over to her. "I'm afraid of what he'll do when my baby is born," Amanda continues.
"What do you mean?"
Amanda turns to face him. "The only reason John Ross is even keeping me here is because of the baby. When this baby is born, he'll probably try to get rid of me and take my baby."
"I won't let him do that," Justin says.
"You won't be able to stop him. When John Ross wants something, he goes after it full force."
"You sound so sure."
"I AM sure," Justin says with a smile. "I promise."
"I wish I could believe that."
Justin gently touches her face. "Amanda, look at me," he says. She looks into his eyes. "I would never lie to you. John Ross may have won that court battle over our Daddy's will. But the war is FAR from over. And I can promise you......I'm gonna win."
"How?"
"You'll know when the time is right. For now, all I can say is.......John Ross is about to go down, and his fall from the top aint gonna be a pretty one. So you got nothin' to worry about from my brother."
Amanda smiles, then she and Justin begin to kiss.
Ewing Global....the next day
Christopher opens the door and peeks in. "You got a minute?"
"Of course. Come in," Sue Ellen says.
Christopher walks into the office and close the door behind him. He hesitates before saying anything, and Sue Ellen can tell something is on his mind.
"Christopher, what's wrong?"
"Kristin?" Sue Ellen asks, stunned to hear her nephew speak her sister's name. She stands from her seat behind her desk and walks over to him. "Christopher, after all these years, why are you asking about her?"
"I dunno. I'm just curious. I mean this is the woman who gave birth to me, and I really don't know anything about her except her name. Since she was your sister, I figured you'd be the one person who could tell me."
"Just, anything you care to tell me about her. What was she like? What kind of person was she?"
Sue Ellen sighs. "Christopher, are you sure you want to drag all this up now? Some things may be very painful to hear."
"I'm sure. I've done a lot of thinking about this, and I wanna know. It's TIME I know."
"Alright then. I'll tell you. Kristin was my sister, and I loved her. But at times, I couldn't stand her. Kristin was very selfish. Very opportunistic. Of course part of the reason she was the way she was is because of our mother."
"What do you mean?" Christopher asks.
"Our father was an alcoholic. He walked out on us when Kristin was still a baby, so our mother, Patricia, had to raise us both on her own. Mama was a woman obsessed with obtaining the finer things in life. Money. Possessions. And, unable to achieve those things for herself, she looked to Kristin and I to achieve her dreams for her. So she raised us to be perfect little ladies, and to find a rich man to marry. There was quite a large age difference between Kristin and myself.....almost eleven years. She was still a rather small child when I left home for college, so Kristin bore the brunt of Mama's obsessive dreams and goals. When I married J.R., Mama was thrilled. And she was determined to make sure Kristin found a man of equal stature and wealth. Unfortunately, in pressuring the two of us to achieve the dreams she had failed to, turned us weak. When things went sour in my marriage to J.R., I turned to drinking. And Kristin, unable to live up to Mama's expectations, she became.......well......ruthless. Rebellious. Kristin would do anything to get what she wanted. She often slept with men, thinking it would make her happy. She was jealous of the life she thought I was enjoying, meaning my marriage to a wealthy man and living at Southfork, so she went after those things. Including my husband."
"J.R.?" Christopher asks.
"Yes. J.R. His secretary, a woman named Louella, went on an extended leave and he needed a secretary to fill in for her at Ewing Oil. So along came Kristin. And it wasn't long before they were sleeping together." Sue Ellen pauses and looks at him. "Christopher, are you sure you want to hear the rest of this? Because it only gets worse."
"Yes. Please, tell me. I wanna know. Unless it's too painful for you to talk about."
"No," she says. "It use to be. But now, it's not. J.R.'s affair with Kristin lasted for quite some time. And then, something went wrong. I never knew exactly what happened between them to end the affair. Or, if I ever did know, my mind has forgotten after all these years. It was around that time, that J.R. was working late in his office one night at Ewing Oil. Somebody walked into the office that night.......and shot him. I was drinking at that time, very heavily,
"My God," Christopher says.
"That was probably the worst time of my life. I wracked my brain trying to remember the events of that terrible night, thinking I had shot J.R."
"So, who really did it?" Christopher asks, dreading the answer that he already knew in his heart.
Sue Ellen looks at him and remains silent for a moment. "Christopher, I don't think it's a good idea for you to hear the rest."
"Please, Aunt Sue Ellen. I need to know."
"Eventually, I remembered what happened the night that J.R. was shot....."
"I'm fine. Thank you. That may have been hard to listen to, but I needed to know. What......what about the baby she was carrying? J.R.'s baby?"
"J.R. never had her prosecuted for shooting him," Sue Ellen says. "She went to California after that, and I never saw her again. I have no idea what all happened in her life out there, but, she miscarried J.R.'s baby. But, for months she continued to bleed him for money. He sent checks every month. I didn't find out until later that, while Kristin was in California, she became addicted to drugs. She met Jeff Faraday, and soon became pregnant again.......with you. I'm sorry, Christopher, but I can't really tell you anymore beyond that. I know very little of Kristin's life in California. She phoned one night and said that she had given birth to J.R.'s son, a lie she used to continue receiving those checks. I didn't hear of Kristin again until after J.R. and I separated. I was living at the Southern Cross Ranch in San Angelo with Dusty, and J.R. flew down to tell me that Kristin was dead."
"It's you that I'm worried about," Sue Ellen says.
"No, don't be. I needed to hear these things. I needed to know about my biological mother. Now, I need to know what happened to her in California."
Aboard the Westar Jet....
"Sure am glad to fin'ly be gettin' back to Dallas," he says. "Although I have really enjoyed our little vacation away."
"It has been nice," Krystina says. "But, I'd better be heading on back to Denver first thing tomorrow morning after we sign those contracts."
"I was hopin' I could convince you to stay around for a couple more days."
Krystina smiles. "I'd love to, but I can't. I have to get back home. I have a company to run, too, remember?"
"He is. But I don't want L.B. getting too comfortable in my office or my chair."
"Well, I guess I can take consolation in the fact that, now that we're about to be partners in those offshore wells, I'll be seein' quite a bit of you," John Ross says.
"That's true. I'll be coming to Dallas on regular trips, and I hope you'll find the time to fly to Denver sometime."
"Just try to keep me away," John Ross says, putting his arms around her.
"Do you really have to go home tonight?" Krystina asks.
"Huh?"
"You could spend the night at the Omni. I'd love the company on my last night in town."
"Darlin', you have just made me the best offer I have had in a LONG time," John Ross says, kissing her.
Dallas....
"It's been too long since we've gotten together," Sue Ellen says.
"Yes it has. We have to start doin' better than that. So tell me, how are things with Dusty?"
Sue Ellen smiles. "Wonderful. I love having him to come home to every evening after a long day at the office. But, ummm....."
"But what?" Ann asks.
"Sometimes, I get the feeling Dusty is getting......oh, I dunno.......a bit restless. He's always led a very active life, and now that he's retired and here with me, he seems as if he doesn't know what to do with himself. I'm at the office all day, and that leaves him sort of....."
"Twiddlin' his thumbs at home?" Ann asks.
"Yes."
"Well, maybe Dusty just needs something to occupy his time. Somethin' of his own. You have Ewing Global, and I can understand his frustration of bein' bored and restless with nothin' to do. Maybe you should suggest somethin'. Some kind of job."
"Well, I'm sure there must be somethin' he can do," Ann says.
"Yes, I'm sure. Now, enough about me and Dusty. You said there was something you wanted to talk to me about?"
"It's about Bobby. He's been a little down lately."
"I haven't noticed anything at the office," says Sue Ellen. "What's going on?"
"Nothin' serious. It's just that, next Saturday would be Miss Ellie's 100th birthday, and it's got Bobby a little down, missin' her."
"Oh my," Sue Ellen says. "I had forgotten all about that."
"I'd like to have a party. At Southfork on that day, with the family and a few close friends who knew Miss Ellie and were close to her. Nothin' big, just, a little celebration to remember the woman who helped start this great big wonderful, dysfunctional Ewing family. And to maybe cheer Bobby up."
Sue Ellen smiles. "Ann, I think that is a MARVELOUS idea. Bobby will love it."
"I know it's short notice and we only have a week to plan it, but, would you help me?"
"Ann, I would be delighted to help," Sue Ellen says.
The Smithfield Home....
"Mrs. Baxter, is there anything I can get for you?" She asks.
"No thank you, Ellen. I'm fine."
"Yes m'am. I'll start dinner now."
"Thank you," Linda says.
The maid turns and leaves the room, passing John on his way in. He nods to the maid then walks in to his wife.
"Linda, everything okay?" John asks.
"I'm still worried about Todd."
"Honey, I told you. I talked to him the other day and he's fine. Probably just has some things he needs to work out on his own, without his parents interfering."
"Maybe you're right," says Linda. "I can't help but worry. Call it mother's intuition, I suppose."
John walks over to his wife and gently touches her face. "I am right," he says. And try not to worry."
At that moment, the Baxters' younger son, Dylan, walks in.
"Hi, sweetheart," Linda says.
"What's goin' on? You guys talking about Todd again?"
John and Linda exchange looks. "What makes you think we were discussing your brother?" John asks.
"Because you guys discuss Todd a lot these days."
"Your Mom is just a little worried, but I talked to your brother and everything is fine. He's just overworked, and a little stressed these days."
Dylan smiles. "Maybe you should go back to work at Smithfield And Bennett, Dad. Help Todd and Jay out."
"Not on your life," John says. "I enjoy my retirement too much. Especially having retired as early as I did while I'm still young enough to have my health."
"My friend Kyle's Dad retired at about the same age as you. He got so bored he went back to work in a year."
"Well, that's NOT gonna happen with me."
"Well, I just wanted to tell you guys I have a study group, so I won't be home until late," says Dylan.
"Alright, sweetheart," Linda says. "Just be careful." Linda gives her son a kiss on the cheek.
"I will, Mom. See you guys later."
"Hey," John says. "Watch those roads. The snow is melting but the roads are still a little slippery."
"Don't worry, Dad, I'll be fine." Dylan smiles, then walks out of the room.
Linda sighs deeply. John walks over and puts his arms around her. "What's wrong, now?" He asks.
"I just can't get Todd off my mind. I have a feeling something really serious is bothering him."
"Mother's intuition again?" John asks.
"Yes. I know my sons very well. I know when something's not right, and lately, something is not right with Todd."
John sighs and embraces his wife as he also worries that there is more upsetting Todd than what his son had told him.
Southfork....late afternoon
"Well," he says. "Look who's here. Where were you when I got home?"
"Out," Amanda says. "Packing? Planning ANOTHER out of town trip?"
"Nope," John Ross replies. "But I won't be spendin' the night at home tonight."
Amanda smiles as she walks past him and to her dresser. "Really? Well, have fun."
"What the hell are you up to, Amanda?"
"Up to? Why, I'm not up to anything, my darling."
"You seem awful happy that I'll be spendin' another night away from home, and I'd like to know how come."
"John Ross, I have NO idea what you're talking about," Amanda says, still smiling, unable to control her elation.
"Not thinkin' of takin' advantage of my absence by leavin' Southfork, are you? Because that would not be in your best interest, especially not until we have that DNA test done."
John Ross moves closer to her. "You listen to me, Amanda. While you are my wife, I expect you to behave as such. Which means you stay faithful to those marriage vows you drugged and tricked me into takin' with you."
"Again, no need to worry. I'll be just as faithful to you......as you're being to me."
"You so much as think about leavin' this ranch alone, or tryin' to step out on me, you'll be one sorry little bitch."
Amanda turns to him. "And exactly what do you plan on doing about it? Gonna beat me, John Ross? Wouldn't that make a fine headline for the Dallas Morning News? Westar CEO beats pregnant wife he's been unfaithful to."
"You know what?" John Ross asks, his face just inches from her face as he grabs her by the arm. "I cannot WAIT for you to have that DNA test done so we can prove that kid you're carryin' aint mine. When that happens, I'll be rid of you once and for all."
"You'll never be rid of me completely," Amanda says. "Because this baby IS yours. But, if I really repulse you that much, I can just go ahead and leave."
"Nothin' doin'. IF that kid is mine, you aint goin' NOWHERE, darlin'. I let Elena waltz out of town carryin' my child. I'll be damned if I let that happen again." John Ross walks over to the bed, zips up his bag, picks it up, then turns to her. "I'll be home tomorrow. I expect you to be here." He smiles, then sarcastically blows her a kiss before walking out of the room.
"Don't count on it, John Ross," Amanda says. "Don't count on it."
The Cottage....
Jimmy walks into the kitchen. "Hey, sis."
"Jimmy, what are you doing here?"
"I came by to see Justin after class, but he's not at the bunkhouse, so I dropped by to see Mom and Dad. She had a doctor's appointment, so I told 'em I'd stay here and wait for you."
"I thought her appointment was at two o'clock," says Ashley.
"Just running late I guess," Jimmy says. "Actually, I'm glad they're not back yet. I wanted a chance to talk to you alone for a while."
"Oh? About what?"
"About Mom. And about her pregnancy."
Ashley sighs. "Jimmy, I'm not in the mood."
"Look, sis, I don't think either of us were being fair to Mom and Dad when they told us about the pregnancy."
"Fair? Do you think they were being fair to US? Jimmy, you're 25-years-old. Almost 26. Do you really want a baby brother or sister at your age?"
"Who knows, maybe it'll be cool," Jimmy says. "Ash, this isn't about us. It's about Mom and Dad. Think back to when you were a kid. Remember that time you had your tonsils out? Who sat by your bedside all night?"
"Mom did," Ashley replies sadly.
"You were too young to remember, but when I eleven, I got pneumonia. It was really bad. The doctor put me in the hospital and I stayed there for a week."
"I've heard Mom and Dad talk about that."
"Yeah. My point is, Mom never left my side. Dad stayed as much as he could, but he had work, and he took care of you in the evenings. Ash, we've been blessed. We have got some AWESOME parents. And in this screwed up family, that's saying a LOT. Ya know, we could've been stuck with parents like John Ross or Justin were. After everything they've given us and done for us our entire lives, who are we to be selfish and say that they shouldn't have another kid at their age?"
Ashley looks at her brother and nods. "I guess you're right. I really was being selfish, wasn't I?"
"We both were. I admit I wasn't any happier about this pregnancy than you. But, after doing a lot of thinking, I'm kind of excited. It'll be fun seeing Dad with a little baby again."
"That's my sweet little sis," Jimmy says, brushing her hair back. He kisses his sister on the forehead. "Hey, I got an idea. Since I'm here, why don't you and I cook dinner for Mom and Dad tonight?"
"Jimmy, have you forgotten? Last time we did that, it didn't turn out so well."
"Yeah, well, livin' on my own for a while now, I've had to get better at cooking, or starve to death. So, I think we got this. Let's see what they have in the fridge." Jimmy walks over to the refrigerator and looks in as Ashley smiles and shakes her head at him.
Meanwhile.....the bunkhouse
"Guess who?" Amanda says.
Justin smiles, grabs her hands, and turns around. "What in the world are you doin' here? I thought John Ross was comin' home today."
"He did. And he left again. Probably to spend the night with his current mistress, whoever she is."
"It means I can keep you company again tonight," Amanda says. "If you like."
"I like," Justin says. "Oh, I like." He begins kissing her.
Southfork....that night
"Hope I'm not disturbing you," Christopher says.
"No, not at all. I was just lookin' over some invoices for the ranch. What's on your mind?"
"Sounds serious," Bobby says.
"Yeah. Dad, lately I've been doing a lot of thinking. Thinking about my life and everything, and where I came from."
"Where you came from?"
"Yes," Christopher says. "I've been thinking a lot about my biological mother, Kristin. So, I went to Aunt Sue Ellen and I asked her some questions about Kristin."
"It's complicated, Dad. But, when I came back from Mexico, I started having nightmares. Nightmares about my ordeal there, and about shooting Nicolas Trevino. It got so bad that I started seeing my friend Ryan Benson."
"Ryan from high school?"
"Yeah. He's a psychologist now. I stopped my sessions when the nightmares went away, but now they've come back. And I also started having dreams about Kristin. I know that sounds weird since I never even knew her. I started my sessions with Ryan again and he thinks that it would help me to learn about my biological parents. I didn't wanna upset you with this and wasn't sure you'd tell me anything, so I went to Sue Ellen."
"And what did she tell you?" Bobby asks, standing and walking to the bar. He pours himself a drink.
"Pretty much everything. She didn't want to, but I kinda dragged it out of her."
Bobby pours another drink for Christopher and hands it to him. "Son, when you were growing up, after you discovered that you were adopted, I always dreaded the day when you would ask questions about Kristin Shepherd. It was hard enough when you found out about Jeff Faraday, but you were never that curious about Kristin. I thought we were safe from that territory after so many years passed and you never brought her up."
"I needed to know, Dad. For myself. Especially after coming so close to dying. I was wondering if there was anything you might be able to tell me. Sue Ellen told me about Kristin's childhood, and her affair with J.R. and her miscarrying his baby. And that she shot J.R. in cold blood."
"That musta been hard to hear," Bobby says.
"Yeah. But I needed to hear. Sue Ellen said that, she doesn't know much about Kristin's life after she went to California."
"Neither do I. Only that she became pregnant with you shortly after her miscarriage."
"I wanna find out. I wanna know what happened to her in California, and why she turned to drugs."
"Son, that would be pretty hard information to find out after thirty-four years."
"I know," Christopher says with a sigh. "I don't even know where to get started. That's why I was hoping you'd be able to tell me something."
"I'm sorry, son. I wish I could help."
"Thanks anyway. I might get in touch with Bum and see if maybe he can find somethin' out for me," Christopher says.
"This is really important to you, itn't it?" Bobby asks.
"Yeah. Dad, I don't want you to be upset. As far as I'm concerned, you and Mom ARE my parents. But all my life there's been somethin' deep down inside me that felt like I didn't belong anywhere. Now I know what that is. I need to find out about my biological parents. And I need to start with Kristin and her life in California. Thanks for understanding." Christopher flashes his father a weak smile, then turns and starts to leave.
"Christopher, wait a minute," Bobby says.
"Yeah, Dad?" Christopher says as he stops in the doorway and turns back to his father.
"How would they be able to help?" Christopher asks, confused.
Bobby walks over to him. "After Kristin left Dallas and went to California, she stayed with Gary and Val for a short while. I remember Gary phoned me one night and asked me about her. I told him everything I could. Of course I didn't know everything there was to know about her at the time. Maybe they'll remember somethin' about when she stayed with them."
"Thanks," says Christopher. "I'll talk to them. Night, Dad."
"Goodnight, son," Bobby says as Christopher turns and walks out of the room. A look of grave concern crosses Bobby's face as he worries about Christopher finding out something about his natural mother that would hurt him.
Westar.....the next morning
"Thank you, Mr. Franklin," John Ross says, shaking the man's hand.
"I trust that my wells are in good hands."
"They certainly are," Krystina says.
"Well, if that's all, then, I must get to the airport. I have to fly back to Corpus Christi. Today is my grandson's 5th birthday and my son and his wife are havin' a party for him this evening."
"Happy birthday to your grandson," Krystina says.
"Thank you, Miss Carrington."
"Hope you enjoy your retirement," John Ross says.
Mr. Franklin smiles. "I'm sure I will now that I've taken care of selling my last wells. Good day to you Mr.Ewing, Miss Carrington, Mr. Baxter." Franklin smiles at the three then walks out of the office.
After he's gone, John Ross smiles broadly. "Now that that's taken care of, it's time for a celebration." He walks over to his bar and picks up a bottle of champagne. "Todd, I hope you'll be kind enough to join Miss Carrington and myself," he says, opening the bottle.
"No thank you," Todd says. "I have to get back to my office."
"Come on. Just one glass." John Ross pours a glass and hands it to the young lawyer. "I really must insist," he says in a subtly threatening way as he looks at Todd. Reluctantly, Todd takes the glass of champagne. John Ross then pours himself a glass, then Krystina and hands it to her. "I propose a toast," he says, raising his glass. "To this new joint venture between Westar Oil of Dallas, and Denver-Carrington of Denver. May it be successful and make us even richer than we already are." John Ross and Krystina clink their glasses together, and after another threatening look from John Ross, Todd does the same.
Todd drinks his champagne quickly, then puts the glass down. "I really have to be going. Miss Carrington, very nice to have met you."
"And you as well, Mr. Baxter."
Todd turns back to him. "Yeah.....can't wait," he says with sarcasm. Without another word, the young lawyer walks out of the office.
"What was what all about?"
"I get the feeling you and your attorney were speaking some secret code that only the two of you can decipher."
"Yeah, well, Todd is a very.........reliable attorney. I'm lucky to have him workin' for me."
Krystina finishes her champagne, then puts her glass down. "I really hate to leave, but I have to get to the airport. My jet is standing by."
"Sure wish you could stay another day."
"So do I, but I've been away from Denver and away from the office long enough already. But the trip was definitely worth it."
John Ross walks over and puts his arms around her. "Business wise.....or personal wise?"
"Both."
"When will I see you again?" John Ross asks.
"I'll be back in a couple of weeks to check on our investment."
"Well, least I can do is drive you to the airport and give you a proper send off."
"That's really not necessary."
"I insist."
"Alright," Krystina says with a smile. "I'd like that."
John Ross and Krystina grab their coats, and walk out of his office. John Ross approaches Melissa's desk. "Melissa, I'm drivin' Miss Carrington to the airport. I'll be back in a bit, darlin'."
Ewing Global....
His thoughts are interrupted by a knock at his door. He puts the photo down on his desk. "Come in."
Sue Ellen walks into the room. "Hi," she says.
"Hi."
"I just wanted to see if you were alright. We haven't had a chance to talk since the other day, when you were questioning me about Kristin."
"I'm fine," Christopher says. "I have made a decision, though. I've decided to try to find out what happened back in 1980 and '81 when Kristin was in California."
"I'm wondering if that's wise," Sue Ellen says. "Christopher, I'm worried that you may find out some things you'll wish you hadn't. My sister was very....well, with her, you never know what you might find. I'm just afraid it might be too painful for you."
"However painful it is, I have to know," Christopher says. "Believe me, I'm prepared for whatever I find."
"Thank you. That means a lot to me."
Sue Ellen smiles at her nephew, then turns and walks out of his office. As she heads back to her own office, Lucas approaches her.
"Hi, Aunt Sue Ellen," Lucas says.
"Hello, Lucas, this is a surprise. What brings you to the office?"
"I came to see Bobby."
"I'm sorry, Lucas," Sue Ellen says. "He had a meeting and he won't be back until late this afternoon."
Lucas sighs. "Oh. Thanks. How about Christopher?"
"You're in luck. Christopher's in his office."
"Thanks." Lucas walks past Sue Ellen and to his brother's office, knocking on the door.
"Come in," he hears Christopher say.
Lucas walks into the office and closes the door. "Am I interrupting anything?"
"Not at all. As a matter of fact, I could use a distraction. What's up?"
"Christopher, I really need to talk to someone. Someone I trust. You were the only person I told about Charlie's cancer. And I've kept this secret for so long that I have to tell someone. It's eating me up inside."
"What's goin' on, little brother?" Christopher asks.
"You know that since he's been staying at Southfork, Alex has been seeing a lot of James and Debra Lynn's daughter Ashley, right?"
"Yeah, I do."
"Lucas, I agree those two are a little young to be getting so seriously involved. I caught them one day in the barn."
"Chris what were they doing?" Lucas asks. "Do you think they had sex?"
"I honestly don't know. They were making out. Who knows, maybe I caught them in time."
"I damn sure hope so. Now I know that somehow I've got to find a way to stop them. To keep them apart."
"Whoa, wait a second," Christopher says. "I can understand you being concerned about Alex because he's your nephew. But is that all this is? Are you afraid he's gonna get Ashley pregnant?"
"God forbid that ever happened."
"Lucas, what's really going on here?"
Lucas looks at his brother and remains silent for a moment. "Christopher, I have to stop Alex and Ashley from seeing each other because.........because Alex is dating his cousin."
"Yes, they are," Lucas replies. "Because John Ross is Alex's father."
Christopher is completely stunned speechless by what he has just heard.
Westar....
John Ross returns to Westar early in the afternoon after taking Krystina to the airport. He approaches Melissa's desk. "Melissa," he says. "Any calls or messages?"
"Bum is waiting for you in your office," Melissa says, somewhat rudely.
John Ross looks at her. "Somethin' botherin' you, Melissa?"
"You can ask that? You seemed awfully close with your new business associate, Miss Carrington."
"Jealous?"
"Should I be?" Melissa asks.
"No. No, you shouldn't be, because what I do and who I see in my private life is my business, darlin'. NOT yours. Now, you and I shared somethin' a couple times. We shared SEX, Melissa. That's all. Now I would suggest that in the future you keep your jealous attitude to yourself. It's bad for business. Now, why don't you go on to lunch?" John Ross then walks past her desk and into his office, leaving Melissa both angry and hurt by his callous attitude concerning their intimate moments they'd shared recently. John Ross walks into his office and finds Bum looking out the window at the Dallas skyline. "Say, Bum. It's been a while since you graced me with your presence."
"Yes it has, John Ross and I'm sorry about that," says Bum.
"Bum, I'm not real interested in the history of the whole Carrington fam'ly. I just wanna know about Krystina."
"Sorry," Bum continues. "At the age of four, Krystina became ill and had to undergo a heart transplant. She made a full recovery, and the rest of her childhood was fairly happy. She grew up closely with her two nephews, Blake Colby, known as L.B., Daniel Carrington, and her niece, Lauren Colby. She attended the University of Colorado in Denver, graduating with a business degree in 2007. She had a series of relationships, the longest of which was to a Michael Cameron. They were college classmates. The two became engaged in the fall of 2008."
"So what happened?" John Ross asks.
"Just before the wedding in July of 2010, Krystina caught her fiance in bed with another woman. She called off the wedding, and the relationship ended. She hasn't been involved in a serious relationship since. She started working at her family's oil company, Denver-Carrington in 2009. Her father, Blake Carrington, died two years ago, in 2013. Upon his death, Carrington left the majority of the company to his daughter Fallon and Krystina."
"What about the other children?"
"Blake Carrington and his son Adam never got along. Carrington cut Adam out of his will entirely. Fortunately for him, he's well provided for by his mother, Alexis Colby. Steven, an avid environmentalist, had no interest in the company, and neither did Amanda, who had a life of her own in England. So, that just left Fallon and Krystina."
John Ross smiles. "Thank ya, Bum. You've done a real fine and thorough job."
"Thanks, John Ross. But, that's not the only reason I came by."
"Oh? What else?"
Bum looks at John Ross and hesitates a moment. "John Ross, I found Elena."
Surprised by the news, John Ross is silent for several seconds. "You found Elena?" He repeats.
"Yes. She's livin' under an assumed name in San Francisco."
"You sure?"
"Dead positive. She goes by the name of Erica Ramirez."
John Ross sighs. "Erica Ramirez.......Elena Ramos."
"What do you want me to do?"
"Have an eye kept on her," says John Ross. "If she gets suspicious that she's bein' watched and tries to leave, have her stopped. I'm bookin' the first flight I can get to San Francisco."