Previously on DALLAS:
------------Lucas confronted Ray about seeing him having dinner with Donna.
------------John Ross found Elena living in San Francisco, and she told him the tragic news that their baby was stillborn.
-----------Christopher finds the woman who owned the apartment building Kristin lived in, and the woman gave him the name of a friend of Kristin's.
-----------Amanda undergoes the prenatal DNA test which proves John Ross to be the father of her baby.
-----------The Ewings and close friends gathered at Southfork to remember Miss Ellie's 100th birthday.
-----------Elena's baby was revealed to be alive!
Southfork....
"Mavis, thank you so much for coming," Bobby tells Mavis.
"Bobby, your mother was my closest friend," Mavis says. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world. Ellie would have been very pleased. Sue Ellen, thank you so much for inviting me."
"You're very welcome, Mavis," Sue Ellen says.
"Yes, Dusty came back to Dallas on New Years Eve," Sue Ellen says.
"I'm glad for you, Sue Ellen, and it's very nice to see you happy again."
"Thank you, Mavis," Sue Ellen says, a hint of awkwardness in her voice, which is noticed by Ann. "Well, Donna, if you're ready, I suppose we'll go," Mavis says. "I really wish I was still able to drive after dark. It's bad when ya get old." "You know I don't mind driving you home, Mavis," says Donna. "Goodnight, Mavis," Bobby says, kissing the elderly woman on the cheek. "Goodnight, Bobby. You an Ann please come see me one day." "We'll be sure to," Ann says. "Hey, wait up," Ray says as he walks over. "I'll walk you two out." Ray opens the sliding glass door leading from the kitchen to the patio and walks out with them. |
Sue Ellen looks from Ann to Bobby, then back at Ann. She smiles. "Everything's fine," she replies, unconvincingly.
"It's been a really good day," Donna says.
"Yes it has. Especially seein' you here with Margaret. Just look at our daughter, Donna. Over there with her cousins."
Donna turns and looks across to the pool area and sees Margaret chatting with Lucy, Christopher, and Lucy's brother Bobby II. Donna smiles. "We may not have done a whole lot right when we were married," she says. "But the one thing we did do right was to produce a beautiful, wonderful, and perfect daughter."
"Yes we did," Ray agrees. "But I think the main reason she turned out so well is because of her mother's influence.
Donna looks at him. "Thank you. Ray, it's really been wonderful seeing you. When you have some time, I'd like to get together and talk about the wedding before the big day."
"That's fine. Just give me a call and let me know when."
"I will. And tell Margaret she can stay as long as she likes. I'll have a nice visit with Mavis before she picks me up."
"Will do," Ray says. "Night, Donna."
"Goodnight, Ray." Donna kisses him on the cheek, smiles, then walks around and gets into the driver's seat of Mavis's Cadillac.
What Ray is unaware of is that Jenna is standing in the kitchen watching him and Donna through the sliding glass door, a look of anger on her face....
Southfork......the next morning
"Such a nice mornin'," Ann says. "Spring is sure in the air."
"Yes it is," Bobby agrees. "Honey, that party yesterday in remembrance of Mama's birthday was wonderful," Bobby says. "I can't thank you enough for puttin' that together."
"Sue Ellen and I had a real fun time doin' it," Ann says. "And speakin' of Sue Ellen, did you notice how strange she acted last night when talkin' about Dusty?"
"I noticed she seemed a little awkward. But, she and Dusty seemed real happy earlier."
"Do you think they had some sort of argument?"
"I have no idea, but it's NONE of our business," Bobby says. "If Sue Ellen and Dusty are havin' a disagreement, we have to let THEM work it out."
"I guess you're right," Ann says, taking a sip of her coffee as Conner comes out of the house.
"Well, good morning," Bobby says.
"Morning," Conner greets back.
"Are you workin' today?" Ann asks.
"Would you like me to come with you?" Bobby asks. "I'm free all mornin'."
"Yeah, that'd be great. He'd probably be more likely to talk to you than to me."
"Alright. Sit down and have a cup of coffee and then we'll go."
Meanwhile....John Ross and Amanda's room
"You really tied one on last night," Amanda says. "Must have something really major on your mind."
"Maybe," John Ross says. He walks over to the bed. "Hungover?" Amanda asks. "Why all the damned questions?" Amanda turns and looks at him. "You know, you were pretty disgusting last night. You passed out drunk. And you're not much better this morning even after a shower." "Amanda, I'm not in any mood for your crap this mornin'." "Not surprising," Amanda says. "Were you ever gonna tell me, John Ross?" |
"About Elena's baby. I overheard your mother telling Christopher at the party yesterday. John Ross, I am SO sorry."
"Are you, really?" John Ross asks.
"Of course I am. Despite all the problems we've had, I wouldn't wish the loss of a child on anyone."
John Ross looks at her for a moment and remains silent.
"John Ross, why don't we just end this?"
"End what?" He asks.
"This pathetic farce that we call a marriage," Amanda replies. "It's obvious that we've made each other very unhappy. You still hate me for lying to you, and you'll probably never forgive me. And I can't go on being miserable like this. It's not good for me and it's not good for the baby."
John Ross walks over to her. "You really think I'm gonna let you walk out of this house and outta my life with my child? Especially now, after I already lost one kid? It aint gonna happen, Amanda."
"Why try to hold on to this marriage, John Ross? I'm not leaving town. I won't try to cut you out of this baby's life."
"Damn right you won't. Because you're gonna spend your pregnancy right here on Southfork until that baby's born. Then after that, I don't give a damned where you go or who you go there with. But my son or daughter WILL be raised right here on Southfork. By ME." John Ross walks back over to the bed and picks up a shirt and a pair of boxers, then turns back to her. "And don't even think about tryin' to leave Southfork." Without another word, John Ross turns and walks into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.
The Channing mansion, near San Francisco, California....
After slipping on his jeans, Michael walks over to them. He smiles. "That's a beautiful sight. You and the baby."
"Thank you," Elena says, gently laying the baby back in his crib. "Michael, I still don't think it's a good idea that we stay here."
"Erica, I already told you. This place is like a fortress. There's no way John Ross Ewing can get to you here, or even find you here."
"He already found me once. If he has any suspicion that the baby is alive......"
"Erica, we do need to talk about that," Michael says.
"About what?" Elena asks.
Elena sighs. "It's not that I think he deserves it. But Michael, you don't know John Ross. I do. He can be cruel, and vindictive, and ruthless. And just like his father, he would take my son and try to influence every aspect of his life. He would mold Drew into HIS image. And the last thing in the world that I want is for my son to grow up with that kind of influence. John Ross's own mother had to sit back and watch J.R. Ewing do that to John Ross, and look how he turned out. I want better for my little boy."
"I understand."
"But, you're right," Elena says. "You're absolutely right. It's not fair for me to drag you and your family into my mess with John Ross. The best thing is for us to just leave."
"That's NOT the best thing," Michael says, putting his hands on her shoulders. "At least not for me, and I don't think it is for you, either. Erica, in the short time I've known you, I've fallen head over heels for you. I told you about Jenny, my college sweetheart? When Jenny left me, Erica, it was the worst hurt I've ever felt. And on top of that it happened right after my stepmom Lauren died. It took me six years before I was ready to give my heart to another woman, and that was when you came into my life. I'm sure as hell not gonna let you get away now after it took me this long to find you."
"I love you, too, Michael Channing. And I sure don't know what I ever did to deserve you. How many other men would take a pregnant woman into his life with the kind of baggage I have, help her fake death records for her baby, and then still love her unconditionally?"
"A man very deeply in love, that's what kind of man," Michael says. "Come on. Let's go downstairs. We'll take the baby to Angie's room. You know she loves taking care of him."
"Sure. It's a beautiful Sunday. Nice day for a walk in the garden."
Michael smiles. "Yes it is. Let's go."
A few moments later, Michael and Elena come down the stairs into the foyer of the Channing home, and pass by his father's study. "Michael, Erica," Richard Channing calls, sitting behind his desk.
Michael stops, turns, and takes a few steps to the doorway of the study. "Yeah, Dad?"
"Come in here a minute, would you?"
"Sure," Michael says, walking into the room with Elena.
"Close the door."
Michael hesitates nervously for a moment, then he and Elena exchange nervous looks. Then Michael does as his father has instructed.
"Erica is the baby alright?" Richard asks.
"He's fine, Mr. Channing......Richard," Elena replies nervously.
"Good," Richard says with a smile.
"Dad, what's up?" Michael asks.
"I don't know what you mean."
"Michael, you have never been able to lie to me. You both know I'm talking about Erica here. And we all know, Erica, that's not your real name. Erica Ramirez doesn't exist." Richard stands from his seat and walks to the window and looks out.
"You checked into her background after I told you I'd done that already?" Asks an annoyed Michael.
"Yes, son, I did. I had a feeling, and that feeling proved to be right. Now Erica, you're staying here in my home, working at my newspaper, and dating my oldest son. Don't you think I have a right to know what's really going on with you? Oh, I can find out for myself easily enough, but it'd be better for all concerned if you just told me the truth yourself."
Elena looks at him for a moment, then sighs. "You're right, Mr. Channing. I'm really sorry. I never wanted to deceive you. But I didn't have a choice."
"What's your real name?"
"Elena Ramos. And I'm from Dallas."
"What are you running from, Elena Ramos?" Richard asks.
"The baby's father," Michael replies quickly. "He's a very rich and very powerful man in Dallas."
Richard turns to face them. "And what's his name?"
"John Ross Ewing," Elena replies.
"Ewing? John Ross......Ewing? As in.....J.R. Ewing?"
"J.R. was John Ross's father," Elena says.
"Wait, you know them?" Michael asks.
"No, but I do know OF the Ewings," says Richard. "Having diverse business interests all over the country as I do, I've run across the Ewing name on numerous occasions. And you're right. Very wealthy and very powerful. So what happened between you and young Mr. Ewing?"
"It's a long story. But, the condensed version is.....I've known John Ross since I was twelve. My mother worked for the Ewings as their cook, and John Ross and I and his cousin Christopher became very close as teenagers. I was involved with Christopher, until something happened, and we broke up. So then......"
"Then you became romantically entangled with his cousin, right?" Richard asks.
"Yes. The history is very complicated and very long. But the main thing is, my son was not conceived in love. John Ross and I were simply using one another the night we made love and conceived Drew. After John Ross found out about the baby, I was terrified that he would try to take my baby away from me after it was born. So I left Dallas and at first I went to Mexico. Then New York. I tried to stay on the move so he wouldn't find me, and then I ended up in San Francisco, using the name Erica Ramirez. That's when I went to The New Globe and asked for a job."
Richard walks over to them. "This, uh, John Ross Ewing.......he's a bad guy, huh?"
"Very. I didn't want my son to grow up under his influence. The Ewings have ruined a lot of lives, including framing a man for a murder he didn't commit."
"Dad, I love Erica.......Elena," says Michael. "I'll do anything to protect her and little Drew."
Richard hesitates a moment. "Tell you what. Let me do a little digging. Find out what I can about the Ewings, and then I'll get back to you."
"And in the meantime?" Michael asks.
"In the meantime, relax. Miss Ramos, you're welcome to stay here, unless I find out anything you've told me to be a lie."
"It's the truth, Mr. Channing. But please, if you dig into the Ewings, they can't know anything about me or about where I am. John Ross found me at my apartment in San Francisco a week ago. That's why I left there."
"Don't worry. I know how to be discreet. Just so happens I have an old contact in Dallas I can get in touch with. Just let me find something out about these people, and maybe we can use it."
Elena smiles at the man. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet," Richard says. "Now you two go on and get out of here. I'll make a couple calls."
"Thanks, Dad," Michael says with a smile. He and Elena join hands and walks out of the room.
After they are gone, Richard walks over to his desk and picks up his phone.
Back in Dallas.....The Ryland Home
"Hello, Harris, it's been a long time," says the man's voice on the other end of the line.
"Oh, about that," Richard says. "I just took a chance you still had the same number."
"So what can I do for ya? Is this agency business, or somethin' else?"
"Something else entirely. Since you live in Dallas, I couldn't think of anybody better to contact. Harris, I need you to tell me everything you know about the Ewing family. Specifically, John Ross Ewing."
A sly smile comes across Harris's bearded face as Richard tells him what he wants.
Dallas Police Department....
"Look, Conner, I understand your frustration," Steve says. "Yours too, Bobby. "I have every available man working on this case. And we've conducted dozens of interviews. But, there's one interview that we need to do that you might could help us with. Have you heard anything at all from your mother since your father's death?"
"I told you before. I haven't heard anything. I don't even know where she is to contact her."
"Well, I've got detectives working on it, trying to find her using her last known address," Steve says.
"My mother wouldn't have had any motive for wanting my father dead. They've barely spoken to each other since I was a little kid."
"Steve, isn't there anything you can do to speed up this investigation?" Bobby asks. "As you can see this is very important to my family, and I'd consider it a personal favor."
"Bobby, as I already said, we're doing everything possible. I've got every available detective working on this case, and I can't pull detectives from other cases. Conner, your father's homicide looks like a professional hit. And professional hitmen are all but impossible to track down. They cover their tracks very well, and they know how to hide."
"So you're telling me that the son of a bitch who murdered my father in cold blood is just gonna get away with this. Great," says an angry Conner.
"Son, I didn't say. I just want you to be prepared that it may take a while to come up with any leads. You have to be patient."
Conner looks at the detective for a moment. "Patience never was one of my strong points, Lt. Walden." Without another word, Conner turns and walks out of the office.
"I'm sorry, Steve," Bobby says. "The boy's just upset, and he's anxious."
"It's fine, Bobby. I understand where he's comin' from. But rest assured that everything that can be done to find your cousin's killer is being done."
"Thanks. Take care, Steve."
"You too, Bobby," Steve says as Bobby walks out.
Westar....the next morning
"Good morning to you, too," she says sarcastically.
"What do you want, Melissa?" John Ross asks, staring out the window.
"Wow. Bad weekend?"
"Is there anything particular I can do for you? Or are you just in here puttin' your job in danger for no reason?" John Ross asks angrily as he turns to face her.
"Well, excuse me. Just thought you might like to know that Krystina Carrington has called twice this morning."
"Is that is?"
"Yes."
"Thank you," John Ross says rudely. "You may go."
Melissa walks to the door, then turns back to him. "You know, John Ross, you might wanna start paying a BIT more attention to business around here. In case you hadn't noticed, your ex-wife and her lover are in the next office just waiting for you to screw up before that big board meeting."
She smiles. "You know, I'm free this evening after work, if you'd like to get together and.......talk?"
"Maybe another time. I got somethin' to do this even'nin."
"Sure." Melissa smiles, then walks out of the office.
After she's gone, John Ross takes his cell phone from his pocket and unlocks the code. He scrolls through and finds three missed calls from Krystina. He walks over to his desk. He takes a seat and after a moment's pause, he buzzes Melissa on the intercom. "Melissa, call Love Field. Tell Jerry to have the Westar jet ready for me by noon today," he says. "I'm flyin' to Denver."
Southfork....
Lucas stops and turns back to her. "Emma, what is it?"
"Where are you going? I was hoping we could talk."
Lucas sighs. "Emma, not now. I'm going out for a ride."
"Then I'll come with you," Emma says.
"I need some time alone. I need to think."
Emma pauses and looks at him for a moment. "You need time alone? To THINK? You seem to need an awful lot of that these days. What is it you need to think about? Whether or not you really wanna be with me?"
"Emma, this has NOTHING to do with you at all."
"Obviously not. Because nothing in your life has anything to do with me anymore, Lucas. I try to get you to talk to me. I try to get you to confide in me. But all you do is shut me out. How do you think that makes me feel?"
Lucas walks over and takes her by the hand. "Emma, please try to understand. There are things on my mind. Things goin' on right now that I can't talk about. And it's not about me."
"So you don't trust me with whatever this is," Emma says.
"It's not that."
"Well if you won't confide in me, then at least won't you let me try to help take your mind off whatever is stressing you much?"
"Look," he says. "I'm just gonna go for a ride for a while. To be alone and clear my head. When I get back, I'll shower, and then I'll take you out. We'll go shopping, stay in town, maybe catch a movie and then dinner."
"And then, will you tell me what's had you so upset for the last couple of months?" Emma asks.
Lucas sighs. "Emma, if I could, I would. Please try to understand that there are some things I can't share with you. At least not right now."
Emma angrily nods her head. "Oh, I understand. I understand just fine." She pulls her hand away from his. "You know what, just go for your ride alone. Deal with whatever little secrets you're dealing with ALONE. And just forget about any movie and dinner." She turns and storms back into the house.
"Emma!" Lucas calls to her, but she continues walking into the house. An annoyed Lucas turns and walks away.
As Emma walks into the kitchen, she meets a smiling Amanda.
"Wow," Amanda says. "That looked like a pretty intense conversation you and Lucas were having. Trouble in paradise?"
"Go to hell," Emma snaps and walks past her, leaving Amanda smiling that she's finally had some payback.
A restaurant in Dallas....
"Sweetheart, you've barely touched your food," Kimberly says. "You've always loved Shrimp Alfredo."
"I'm sorry, Mom. I guess I'm just not hungry."
"Jillian, what's wrong?" Kimberly asks. "You should be happy. That Westar board meeting is coming up in a few weeks, and that is our opportunity to get that little creep son of J.R.'s OUT of our company."
"I've been doing a lot of thinking about the board meeting. You know that John Ross's ex-wife Pamela has her eye set on the CEO position."
Kimberly smiles. "Yes, so I've heard. Should be very interesting to see how that plays out."
"What do you mean?" Jillian asks.
"Pamela's father, Cliff Barnes, also has aspirations of becoming Westar's new CEO."
"Really?"
"Yes. And it wouldn't surprise me if Pamela's boyfriend, Tripp Mckay, also wanted the position. After all, Tripp is Carter McKay's grandson. He automatically has Westar in his blood."
"So who's your preference, Mom?"
"I'll just say that the jury is out on that, for now," replies Kimberly. "Oh my," she continues, looking at her phone. "I didn't realize it was getting so late. I have a doctor's appointment at 2 o'clock, and it's all the way across town. I have to be going."
"You want me to drive you?" Jillian asks.
"No, thank you, darling, that won't be necessary. I'll call you tonight and let you know how it went." Kimberly stands from her seat.
"Okay. I think I'm gonna stay here and order some desert."
"I love you," Kimberly says, bending down to kiss her daughter on the cheek.
"Love you too, Mom."
"I am SO happy to hear you say that again. After you learned the truth about who your father was, I had my doubts you would ever tell me you loved me again. Talk to you later, darling." Kimberly smiles at her daughter, then turns and walks away.
After Kimberly leaves, a waitress comes over to Jillian's table. "Can I get you anything else, Miss Cryder?"
"Yes, I'd like a piece of your coconut cake," Jillian says.
"Coming right up," the waitress says, then walks away.
Standing up from his seat at the next table, Jay Smithfield walks over to Jillian. "Excuse me," he says. "You're Jillian Cryder, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am. And you're......Jay Smithfield, the attorney who opposed John Ross in court."
"Well, it's very nice to see you outside of a courtroom," says Jillian.
"Thank you, and the same to you. Hey, I'm really sorry for the way that case turned out. I was sure we'd win against that codicil being overturned."
"Thanks, Jay, I know you did your best. John Ross's attorney was just.......ruthless in court. And that was your cousin, wasn't it?"
The smile disappears from Jay's face. "Yeah, my cousin Todd," he replies sadly. "Well, I have to get back to the office now. It was very nice running into you."
"Nice seeing you again, too. Maybe I'll see you around again."
Jay smiles. "I'd like that. Take care."
"You do the same," Jillian says. She smiles at Jay, then he turns and walks away. Jillian watches him as he walks out of the restaurant, the smile still on her face.
Denver, Colorado....
"I'm here to see Krystina Carrington," John Ross says.
"Do you have an appointment?"
"No, I do not, but just tell her John Ross Ewing is here to see her."
"I'm afraid I can't do that without an appointment," the receptionist says.
"Look, I'm a business associate of Ms. Carrington. If you just let her know that I'm here, I'm sure she'll wanna see me."
The reception gives John Ross a harsh look, which he returns.
"Look, darlin', I've got all day to stand here and wait for Ms. Carrington to come out of her office. So I'll just go over here and take a seat and get comfy."
The receptionist then buzzes Krystina's office. "Miss Carrington, there's a John Ross Ewing out here to see you."
"John Ross?" Asks Krystina, surprised. "Send him in."
"Yes, Miss Carrington." The young woman looks at John Ross. "You can go in."
John Ross looks at her. "Told ya, darlin'," he says, walking to Krystina's office. He walks in.
Krystina walks over to greet him. "Well, I'm surprised to see you here. Especially after you've been ignoring my calls for days."
"I hadn't exactly been ignorin' your calls," John Ross says. "I just had some things to deal with. Personal stuff."
"It must be very serious for you to come all the way to Denver," Krystina says. "I needed somebody to talk to." "All those people in Dallas, and you fly here for someone to talk to?" John Ross moves closer to her. "Yeah," he says sadly. "John Ross, what's going on?" John Ross looks at her and sighs. "You got a little time?" "Yeah, I do. Come on. Let's go have a drink and you can tell me what's on your mind." |
Southfork....
"Justin!" Ashley says nervously as she quickly puts out the joint and disposes of it.
"Well, now," Justin says with a sly smile. "I think this is the second time I've caught you two in a compromisin' situation."
"We weren't doing anything," Alex says.
"Nothin' but smokin' a little dope, which is a against the law. And, who knows what else."
"Are you gonna tell my Dad?" Asks Ashley.
"I dunno, Ash. You think I should?" Justin asks as Lucas walks into the stables after returning from his long ride.
"Hey, what's goin' on?" Lucas asks. He walks over to Justin and sees Alex and Ashley in the stall.
"Look, Lucas, we can explain," Ashley says, standing. "We just came out here to....."
"To what? And you never answered me. Why aren't you in school?"
"Because we skipped today, that's why," says Alex as he stands to his feet. "We just didn't feel like going."
"Oh yeah?" Lucas asks. "Do you honestly think I don't smell that weed in here? Is that what you guys have been doing? Or maybe the weed and something else."
"Look, Lucas, maybe they weren't doin' anything," Justin says. "And I don't smell any weed."
"Why don't you just stay the hell out of this and mind your own business?"
"And why don't YOU lighten up. They're just kids doin' what kids do."
"You're justifying two 15-year-olds skipping school, hiding out in a horse stall all day smoking weed and probably having sex?"
"No, I don't," Justin replies. "All I'm sayin' is they're just kids, and all kids do this kinda thing. Don't tell me you never cut school, smoked dope, and made out with your girlfriend."
"Justin, just stay out of this and get out of here, okay?"
"I got just as much right to be here as you," says Justin, losing patience with his cousin.
"Maybe you didn't hear me," Lucas says, turning to face Justin.
"And maybe you didn't hear ME, cousin," says Justin, getting in Lucas's face.
Lucas pauses a moment, then looks at them. "Ashley, you'd better get home," he says.
"Okay, sure," the girl says, near tears. She looks at Alex.
"Don't worry, it'll be okay," Alex assures her.
Ashley picks up her jacket, walks past Lucas and Justin, and runs out of the stables.
Lucas turns to his nephew. "Alex, what the hell is the matter with you? Are you completely nuts? Your mother is in the hospital. Do you think the rest of us need this crap from you right now?"
"Hey, go easy on the kid," Justin says.
Lucas turns and looks at him. "I already told you to stay the hell out of this. This is none of your damned business."
"I care about Alex, I think that kinda makes it my business."
"Don't you have some stalls to muck out or something?" Lucas asks.
"Just keep runnin' your mouth."
"Oh yeah, what are you gonna do?"
"Okay, that's it!" Alex says angrily. "Look, you two can just stay here and beat each others' brains out for all I care, I'm getting out of here." He brushes past Lucas and starts to leave.
"Hey, we're not done here," Lucas says, grabbing the boy by the arm.
"Yes, we are," Alex says, snatching his arm out of Lucas's grasp. "I told you once before, you're NOT my father, so you can't tell me what to do, so just get off my back! What, are you pissed or somethin' because Emma's not givin' you any?"
"And what are you gonna do about it, Lucas? Hit me? Go ahead, I'd sure like to see ya try it." Without another word, Alex turns and walks out of the stables, leaving Lucas furious.
"Just shut up," Lucas says. He turns and walks out of the stables.
Pamela's apartment....
"Here you go," Cliff says as he hands Emma a cup of coffee at Pamela's apartment that afternoon.
"Thanks," Emma says.
"You're welcome. I"m the one who should be thanking you. I'm so glad you decided to come over this afternoon."
"Well, I needed to get away from Southfork for a while."
"Away from Southfork.......or away from a particular person at Southfork?" Cliff asks. "Did you a Lucas have a fight?"
Emma looks at him as she takes a sip of her coffee. "How did you know?"
"Lucky guess. Besides, you're my daughter. You're an awful lot like Pamela. Easy to read. So what happened?"
Emma sighs. "Lucas is going through something. I have no idea what it is, because he won't share it with me. All I know is, it must be something big. But every time Lucas has something on his mind, he shuts me out, but he can share it with Christopher or Bobby."
"Sweetheart, I've told you what those people are like. I've known the Ewings a whole lot longer than you have, and they don't let outsiders in. At all. And especially since you're my daughter. Same thing happened with my sister Pam. She was never fully accepted by the Ewings, and J.R. spent years trying to get her out of Southfork."
"That's not what's happening here," Emma says. "No one is trying to get me out of Southfork."
"Lucas isn't like that," Emma says.
"So you told me once before. But he is hurting you. Emma, listen to me. The last thing in the world I want is for another daughter of mine to be hurt by those Ewings the way Pamela was."
"That was partly my fault."
"No. No it wasn't," Cliff says adamantly. "You were used by John Ross just the same as your sister was, and he nearly destroyed you both. Emma, those people are poison. They've ruined a lot of lives, and look at what they did to me. They framed me for J.R.'s murder and let whoever really killed the old bastard walk free, all because they hated me so much and wanted me out of the way so they could steal my company."
Before Emma can say anymore, Pamela walks into the apartment. She is surprised to see Emma there. "Emma," she says. "What are you doing here?"
"Emma just came over to see me," Cliff says. "And I was hopin' I could convince her to stay for dinner. If it's alright with you, of course."
"Thank you," Emma says.
Cliff smiles. "Oh, this is wonderful. Having dinner for the first time with my two girls. Pamela, do you know if your mother will be home?"
"I don't think so, Daddy. I talked to her earlier, and she said she was working late with the contractor at the club."
"Oh, well, that's fine," Cliff says. "Tell you what, we'll order out. Who else besides me is in the mood for Chinese tonight?"
Southfork.....night
"Missed you at dinner," Christopher says, closing the door behind him.
"Wasn't hungry," Lucas says, out of breath from lifting.
"What's goin' on, little brother? You've been upset all evening. And I noticed Emma wasn't here for dinner, either. She just came home."
Lucas places the weights back in their slots, then sits up on the weight bench. "Something happened today," he says, grabbing a towel to wipe the sweat from his face.
"What happened?" Christopher asks.
Lucas looks at his brother and pauses for a moment, then stands to his feet. "First thing was......Emma and I had a fight."
"Big one?"
"Yeah, pretty big."
"About what?"
"She keeps pressing me to tell her what's on my mind. But I can't," Lucas says.
"You mean.....about Alex?" Christopher asks.
"Yeah. Chris, she just doesn't understand that there are things I can't talk to her about. And I dunno how to make her see that."
"I'm not sure you can, bro. Lucas, Emma loves you. I can see that. And I think that she feels that since you know pretty much everything there is to know about her........you know about her being Cliff Barnes's daughter, and all the ugly details of her affair with John Ross......that you should trust her enough to tell her everything about you."
"Emma already knows everything there is to know about me, Chris. Even right down to the mole I have in a very private place."
Christopher laughs slightly. "Yeah.....too much info, little bro."
"My point is, I have no secrets from her about myself. But Christopher, what's bothering isn't about me. There's no way I can tell Emma that John Ross is Alex's father. It's not that I don't trust her, it's just that......" Lucas stops abruptly.
"Just that what, Lucas?"
"I dunno, man. Maybe I don't trust her with this. I mean, Emma's still pretty impulsive and unpredictable sometimes. If she were to ever get pissed off or upset, then she could spill the truth."
"You're right about that. So what's the other thing that happened today?"
Lucas looks at his brother and sighs deeply. "Justin and I caught Alex and Ashley in the stables."
"Messin' around?" Christopher asks.
"Yeah. And not only that, man, they'd been smoking weed. I didn't see it but you could smell it a mile away, and all over them. Chris, what am I gonna do?"
"I know, and that's what scares the hell out of me. But I'll say it again, dude, the last thing in the world I want is for Alex to find out that John Ross is his father. It would wreck that kid's world."
"Maybe you're right about that," says Christopher. "But Lucas, trust me. Secrets like that never stay buried forever. Maybe it could, if Charlie and Alex moved back to New York and never came back here, but living RIGHT next to Southfork? Charlie wanted John Ross to know the truth, but you talked her out of it. Lucas, I think you're gonna have to decide whether you wanna take the chance that John Ross and Alex will never finding out the truth.......or telling them. Yeah, you and Emma were both in your twenties when you found out who your biological fathers were, but the point is, the truth eventually DID come out, and it wasn't pretty for either of you."
The Carrington Mansion in Denver....the next morning
"Krystina?" A woman's voice calls from the other side of the door. Before John Ross can say anything, Krystle Carrington walks into the room and is startled to find a barefoot John Ross standing there.
"You must be Krystina's mother," John Ross says.
"Yes, I am. And you'd better tell me just who you are before I call security."
"Oh, sorry, I'm.....John Ross Ewing. I'm a friend and business associate of your daughter."
At that moment, Krystina walks in from the bathroom, a large towel wrapped around her.. "Mom," she says, surprised to find her mother there. "I see you've met John Ross."
"You might say that."
"Mom, what are you doing here?" Krystina asks.
"I came to ask if you wanted to have breakfast with me in the garden since it's such a nice morning, but, I see that was a bad idea."
"Breakfast in the garden sounds very nice, Mrs. Carrington," says John Ross.
"Yes," Krystle says, looking at the young man suspiciously. "Well, Krystina, as soon as you're dressed, I'd like to see you downstairs in the den, please."
"Sure, Mom."
Krystle looks at her daughter's new friend once more, a look of displeasure on her face, then turns and walks out.
"That went very well, don't you think?" Krystina asks jokingly.
"Oh yeah," John Ross says with a sigh. "I could tell she really liked me."
A few minutes later, Krystina walks into the den, where she finds her mother standing by the fireplace. Krystina closes the door and walks over to her. "Mom," she says.
Krystle turns to face her daughter. "So. THAT young man standing in the middle of your bedroom in his bare feet was John Ross Ewing."
"Yes. Handsome, isn't he?"
"Krystina....."
"Mom, before you say anything or start to lecture me, don't. I'm thirty-years-old, and I don't need to feel embarrassed because my mother finds a man in my room. I'm an adult."
"Yes," says Krystle. "Yes, you are. So what is he doing here? Other than the obvious?"
"He had a very bad day yesterday. Got some really bad news, and he needed a friend."
"So, he flew here all the way from Dallas, Texas, to 'hang out' with a friend? You? Doesn't he have friends back in Dallas? Or better yet.....a wife?"
"I already told you about that."
"Yes, that his marriage is very unhappy and in name only. But Krystina, he's still a married man, and I don't like this one bit."
"And, does he care for you, as well?" Krystle asks.
"I think so, yes."
Krystle sighs. "If you were seventeen, I could put my foot down and forbid you to see him again. But, that doesn't work when your daughter is thirty and running the family company."
Krystina smiles. "No, it doesn't."
"Just be careful, darling."
"I will, Mom. I'm going into this with my eyes open. And who knows, this may never go any further than business and......."
"Yes, I get the idea," says Krystle.
"But if it doesn't, at least John Ross makes me feel good about myself again. And that's something I haven't felt in a long time."
Krystle moves closer to her daughter and gently touches her face. "Well, like I said, just be careful. And why don't you go up and ask your new......friend.....to join us for breakfast?"
"In the garden?" Krystina asks.
"Yes, in the garden."
"I will. I love you, Mom."
"And I love you."
Krystina kisses her mother on the cheek, then turns and walks out of the room.
Meanwhile....back at Southfork....
"Morning, Lucas," Bobby says as his son takes a seat at the table beside Emma.
"Morning."
"is everything alright?" Ann asks.
"Yeah, everything's fine," Lucas replies. "I just didn't sleep very well last night."
"I could tell," says Emma. "You tossed and turned most of the night."
"Sorry. I didn't mean to keep you awake."
"You didn't. I couldn't sleep very well myself," Emma says as Ann and Bobby look at the young couple with concern.
At that moment, Amanda walks out.
"Good mornin', Amanda," An greets.
"Morning."
"Breakfast?" Bobby asks.
"Thanks, I'm not very hungry right now. Just some orange juice," Amanda says, taking a seat.
"Where's John Ross?" Bobby asks. "I didn't hear him come home last night."
Amanda sighs. "Because he didn't. He's out of town on business."
Amanda gives her a dirty look, but remains silent.
"Well, if everyone will excuse me," Conner says, taking a sip of coffee. "I have to be going to work."
"How you like workin' as a hand over at Ray's place?" Bobby asks.
"I'n loving it. It's hard work, but, it keeps my mind busy so I'm not thinking so much about my Dad, and the murder. I'll see you all this evening."
"Bye, Conner," Ann says.
"Have a good day," Christopher says.
"Yeah, y'all, too," Conner says as he turns and walks away.
"Well, Christopher," says Bobby. "I guess we'd better be gettin' in to the office."
"We have a couple very important meetings this mornin'," replies Bobby. "And Sue Ellen, Christopher, and I need to meet with each other and go over a few things first. I'll see you tonight, honey." Bobby kisses his wife.
"Alright. Hey, tell Sue Ellen to give me a call if she's free for lunch."
"I will. Christopher, you wanna ride in to the office together?"
"Sure, Dad, that'd be fine." As Christopher stands, his cell phone vibrates in his pocket. He takes the phone out and looks at the caller ID. "Dad, wait for me in the car, I gotta take this."
"Sure, son," Bobby says. He smiles and walks away.
Christopher walks away from the others then answers his phone. "Bum, have you found Sharon for me?"
"Sure thing," Bum says.
Christopher ends the call with a smile and puts his phone in his pocket. He walks out to his car where Bobby is waiting.
"That musta been good news," Bobby says.
"It was," replies Christopher. "Bum found Kristin's friend Sharon. She still lives in L.A. So, after that meeting this morning, I'm gonna book another flight to California so I can talk to her. I think if anyone will be able to tell me about those months Kristin spent in California while she was pregnant with me, it'll be Sharon."
"I hope so, son," Bobby says as they get into Christopher's car.
The Omni Hotel....
"Ray," she says.
"Mornin' Donna. Mind if I come in?"
"Of course not, please do."
"Thanks," Ray says, walking into the suite.
Donna closes the door behind him. "Would you care for some breakfast?"
"No, thank ya, I already had breakfast. But some coffe'd be nice if ya have some."
"Coffee comin' right up." Donna walks over to the table and pours Ray a cup of coffee and hands it to him.
"Thanks," he says.
"You're welcome. So what brings you over?"
"Well, I just wanted to see you before you headed back to Austin. See if ya needed any help with Margaret's weddin' plans or anything."
Donna smiles. "No, we have everything taken care of. And, you've never been very good at planning weddings and events like that, so, I'm gonna take a wild guess and say that's not the real reason you came over here this early in the morning."
"No. No, you never could," Donna says. "So what's the real reason for your visit?"
The smile disappears from Ray's face and he sighs. "I, uh, I just.....well, to be honest, Donna, I just wanted some comp'ny. Jenna was exhausted from bein' at the hospital so much. She took a sleepin' pill this mornin', so she'll be out for hours. And, now that Jack's boy Conner is workin' at the ranch for me, I don't have to do a whole lot there these days, so I decided to drive into town for a while."
Donna smiles. "Well, I'm glad you did."
"Yeah. I thought it'd be nice to talk about old times," says Ray.
"Good old times," Donna says with a tender smile.
Ewing Global....later
"No problem, Bobby," says Mike, a tall, hefty man in his early 50s. "We will consider Ewing Global's proposal carefully, and get back to you in a few days."
"Thanks again."
"It was nice meeting all of you," says Jim, slightly shorter than Mike, with grey hair.
"Pleasure to meet you gentlemen as well," Sue Ellen says.
"Take care," Mike says as he and Jim leave.
Bobby closes the door behind them, then turns to Christopher and Sue Ellen. "Well, what do you think?"
"So do I," Bobby agrees. "If we make this deal with Stan-Hope Oil, it'll make us a lot of money. Christopher, what do you think?"
"Good, then we're all in agreement. If Stan-Hope accepts our terms, then we make the deal."
"Yes," Sue Ellen says.
"Christopher, what time's your flight?" Bobby asks.
"One thirty," Christopher says looking at his watch. "Which, actually, I should be getting ready to leave now."
"I'll drive you."
"You don't have to, Dad. I'll take a cab."
"Flight?" Asks Sue Ellen. "Are you going somewhere?"
"Yeah, I asked Bum to find a woman named Sharon, who was a neighbor and friend of Kristin's when she was in L.A. back in 1980 and '81. He called me this morning and said that he'd found her, still living in L.A. So I'm flying out to try and talk to her this afternoon."
"Good luck," Sue Ellen says, a hint of unhappiness in her voice which Bobby notices. "I wish you all the best."
"Thanks. I'll see you both later." Christopher picks up some papers and walks out of the room.
"I'm fine."
"You sure about that? You didn't seem very happy when Christopher told you he was flying to California to see Kristin's friend. Painful memories?"
Bobby sighs. "I have to admit, that worries me, too. I've had my reservations about Christopher pursuin' this."
"You really think he's going to find something that could hurt him?"
"I sure hope not. You and I both know some of the things Kristin did when she was alive. But Christopher is bound and determined to find out what happened durin' those months she was in California. I just hope there's not some other deep, dark secret Kristin had that we've never heard about waitin' to be discovered."
Sue Ellen looks at him, an expression of concern on her face.
Richard Channing's newspaper, San Francisco....
Elena is working at her desk at The San Francisco Globe early in the afternoon when her intercom is buzzed. "Erica," the voice of a secretary says.
"Yes, Sandy?"
"Mr. Channing would like to see you in his office."
"Michael?" Elena asks.
"No. Mr. Richard Channing."
A look of worry crosses Elena's face as she wonders what Michael's father could be doing at the newspaper since he has retired. "Thank you, Sandy. Please tell Mr. Channing I'll be right in." Elena takes off her glasses and lays them on the desk. Then she stands from her seat and after a brief pause, leaves her small office.
A moment later, Richard Channing is sitting at his desk when a knock comes at his door. "Come in," he says.
"Yes, I did. Please come in and close the door."
Elena does as she is told, then walks over and takes a seat in the chair in front of Richard's desk. "I'm surprised to see you here."
"My father started this paper many, many years ago. I inherited it when he died, but, due to some very bad business and personal decisions, I lost the paper. But, fortunately, a few years later I was able to get it back for my children, as part of their birthright. I occasionally pop in and see how things are going from time to time since I stepped down as publisher and turned the reigns over to Michael."
"Is there something wrong?" Elena asks nervously.
"Harris Ryland?" Asks a stunned Elena.
"Yes. Do you know him?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do."
"Well, small world," Richard says.
"If you don't mind me asking, how do you know Harris Ryland?"
"I've had some dealings with the CIA before. In fact I've worked with them on numerous occasions over the years, including the agency's efforts to take down a number of Mexican drug cartels. Harris was one of my contacts in Texas. Anyway, that's beside the point. I phoned him the other day and asked him about the Ewings, and especially about John Ross Ewing III. And Harris had quite a lot to say about young Mr. Ewing, and none of it good."
"Of course not. They hate each other."
"So I was told. And you were right, Erica. Or, Elena," Richard says as he stands and walks to the other side of his desk. "John Ross Ewing is not a nice guy at all, and I can understand why you wouldn't the likes of him anywhere near your son."
"I'm terrified that if John Ross finds me again and finds out my son is alive, he'll try to take him."
"Elena, let me ask you something," Richard says.
"Of course. Anything."
"My son seems to be very much enamored of you. Just how do you feel about Michael?"
"Mr. Channing, I am in love with your son. I have been since I first met Michael."
Richard smiles at her, then nods. "That's all I needed to hear. Don't you worry, Elena. John Ross Ewing won't be able to touch you, or your son, while you're with us."
"Thank you, Mr. Channing. Thank you SO much. I don't know how I can ever repay you."
"Just make my son happy," Richard says. "I haven't been the best father to any of my kids, but if I can help Michael and the woman he loves, then maybe I can make up for some of that."
Denver, Colorado.....Krystina's office at Denver-Carrington
"I don't think you have to worry about that," says John Ross, putting his arms around her. "You look fabulous."
"Well, thank you, Mr. Ewing," she says, kissing him. "I wish you didn't have to leave this afternoon."
"So do I. But if I don't get back to Dallas and Westar, there's no tellin' what that ex-wife of mine and her lover might do with my comp'ny. Besides, you'll be in Dallas next week to fly with me to the Gulf to inspect our wells there."
Krystina smiles. "True," she says as a knock comes at her door. "Excuse me for a moment."
"Certainly."
Krystina walks to the door and opens it to find her secretary standing there with some papers. While Krystina quietly discusses them with the secretary, John Ross walks over to a filing cabinet and looks at a framed photo standing on top. He picks the photo up and looks at it. Just then, the secretary leaves and Krystina walks over to him.
She takes it and looks at it with a smile. "Yes it is. I was about three or four then, I guess."
"Nice lookin' fam'ly. You were an adorable little girl who turned into an adorable big girl."
"Thank you. You're pretty adorable yourself," Krystina says. "Now its your turn to show me a childhood photo."
"Maybe when you're in Dallas. Speakin' of which, I have to get goin'."
"Alright. I wish I could ride with you to the airport. I would if I didn't have a meeting in forty-five minutes."
"It's okay," John Ross says. "I'll see you in a week."
"I'm already looking forward to that," Krystina says.
John Ross kisses her passionately for a moment, then pulls away. "Okay, I'd better get the hell outta here, or else I'm not gonna get back to Dallas today and you're not gonna make that meetin'. Thanks for makin' me feel better."
"Glad I could," says Krystina.
John Ross gives her another quick kiss, then turns and leaves.
Braddock High School....
"Hey," he says.
"Hey."
"Have your parents said anything about what happened yesterday?" Alex asks.
"No. What about your grandfather?"
"Nope. Not a word."
"I don't know whether to be relieved, or to still be scared to death," Ashley says.
"What makes you so sure?" Ashley asks.
"Because I think if either of our uncles was gonna say anything about catching us yesterday, they'd have already done it and we would've heard about it by now, either from your folks or my grandparents."
"I wish I was as sure as you."
"Don't worry. Look, I trust Justin. I don't think he'd say anything. It's Lucas we have to worry about. He's been a real jerk lately."
"So how do we get Lucas to keep his mouth shut?"
"Not sure yet," Alex replies. "But just leave it to me. I'll find a way. I really care a lot about you, Ashley, and I'm NOT gonna let my Mom's stupid kid brother do anything to mess up our seeing each other. I promise you that."
Meanwhile....
She turns to him. "Yes?"
"Sharon Wyatt?"
"I hope so, Mrs. Wyatt. My name is Christopher Ewing, and I'd like to ask you some questions about a woman who was a friend of yours back in the early 80s."
"I had lots of friends," Sharon says.
"Yes. This woman's name was Kristin Shepherd. She died in 1981. Here's a photo." Christopher takes a polaroid photo from his pocket and shoes it to her.
"Kristin," Sharon says, somewhat shocked as she looks at the photo. "Oh my. Kristin Shepherd. That's a name I haven't heard in years. Yes, Kristin and I were good friends. We were neighbors at one time. What is this to you? You're too young to have known her."
"You're right, I didn't know her," Christopher says. "But, when Kristin lived in the same apartment building as you, she was pregnant. With me. Kristin was my mother."
Sharon's mouth drops open in shock. "For heaven's sake. So you're.......I always wondered whatever became of Kristin's baby. Well, you certainly grew up to be a handsome young man."
"Thank you. Mrs. Wyatt, could we please talk?"
"Sure. What is it you wanna know?" Sharon asks.
"I'd like to know about those months Kristin lived here in L.A. How she met my biological father, Jeff Faraday. Why she turned to drugs. Anything you can remember."
Sharon looks at him for a moment, then nods. "Alright. That was a long time ago, but, my memory is very clear on those days. Come on. I'll tell you everything I remember."
Christopher smiles. "Thank you," he says.
Southfork....
"Hey, Emma," Alex says.
"Oh, Alex, hey. How'd you get here?"
"I rode my bike over. I was just wondering, is my Uncle Lucas here?"
"He headed down to the stables a few minutes ago," Emma says, her tone sounding angry. " I assumed he was going out for a ride."
"Okay......thanks. I'll try to catch him there." Alex flashes Emma his most charming smile, then turns and walks away in the direction of the stables.
The stables.....a few minutes later
"Alex. What are you doin' here?"
"Just came over to talk to my favorite uncle. Look, about yesterday, I'm sorry. Have you told Grandma or the Beaumonts about it?"
"No, I haven't," Lucas says.
"Well are you going to?" Alex asks.
"I haven't decided yet," Lucas replies. "Alex, this behavior or yours has got to stop. You're out of control. Smoking pot in the stables with Ashley and doing God knows what else. Your mother is in the hospital, having just undergone a bone marrow transplant a few weeks ago. She doesn't need the added stress of her son running wild. None of us do."
"So are you gonna tell Grandma and Ashley's parents or not?"
Lucas sighs. "Not if you stay away from Ashley."
"What?"
"You heard me, Alex. If you and Ashley stay away from each other, then I won't say a word about the weed."
"You're......you're kidding, right?" Alex asks.
"No. I'm not kidding. You two stay away from each other, and no one has to know that you and she were smoking."
"Have it your way, then," Lucas says as he puts a saddle on his horse.
Alex stares angrily at his uncle for a moment. "You know, Lucas, I'd really hate for you to go to Grandma or to Ashley's folks about yesterday. And I'd really hate to tell my Mom and everyone else, especially the police, what you did to me."
Lucas stops what he's doing and turns to look at the boy. "What I did to you? What are you talking about?"
"Two years ago, when I was only thirteen. How, when I visited Grandma and Grandpa's, you use to spend time with me. How it made me feel uncomfortable when you......touched me........in certain ways. And certain places."
"What the hell is this, Alex?" Lucas angrily asks. "You know DAMNED well that never happened. I never laid an inappropriate hand on you. EVER!"
Lucas's mouth drops open in shock at what he's hearing. He walks over to Alex. "Oh my God. You would seriously tell a lie like that and ruin my whole life because I told you to stay away from some girl? You're trying to blackmail me?"
"Isn't that what you were doing to me? You said if I stayed away from Ashley, you'd keep your mouth shut about yesterday. Isn't THAT blackmail? And Ashley isn't just SOME girl. She's the girl I'm in love with. Just because we're only fifteen doesn't mean that we can't be just as much in love as you and Emma are."
"Your mother is my sister, Alex. You wouldn't do that to me. You wouldn't do that to Charlie or your grandmother."
"I wouldn't want to," Alex says. "Look, all I'm asking is......you keep your mouth shut about yesterday, and I'll keep my mouth shut about.........that. It's simple. We both win. Just think about it. Think about how bad it would make Grandma feel if she thought her son, her precious baby boy, had molested her grandson."
"You little bastard," Lucas says, tears streaming down his face.
Alex smiles. "You're calling ME a bastard? My parents were married when I was born. Yours weren't. I think you're the real bastard here, Lucas."
Without another word, Alex turns and walks away, leaving Lucas both hurt and stunned that his own nephew would do this. Lucas angrily kicks the ground. "Oh, yeah," he says quietly to himself as he watches Alex walk away in the direction of the house. "You are DEFINITELY John Ross's son."
Los Angeles....
"How did she meet Jeff Faraday?" Christopher asks.
"They met at a party. Faraday was bad news. I knew that from the start. Do you know whatever happened to him?"
"Yeah, I do. He was killed, murdered, not long after Kristin died. Some drug deal gone bad or something."
"I can't say I'm surprised," Sharon says. "I never liked him, but Kristin, well, she was smitten from the start. So sad. That girl really did have a lot of potential. I remember she use to talk about this guy she met when she first arrived in L.A. He was a record producer if I remember correctly. His name was Kenny.......yes.....Kenny Ward. Kristin thought he was very handsome. But, he was married."
"Oh, yes. She saw him a few more times, even after she started seeing Jeff. In fact, I think Kenny even gave her some money once or twice. He probably felt sorry for her. She was getting money from someone else. Every month she received a check from someone out of town. But, after her drug habit developed, that money never lasted her the whole month. And Faraday always talked her out of a big chunk of it. When I first met Kristin, she was such a lovely girl. Then, Jeff Faraday came along. Within a couple of months, he turned her on to drugs, and she started to change."
"Change? How?"
"She became moody, sullen. And when she needed a fix, boy was she impossible to be around, especially when her money ran out. I think it was one of those times that she contacted Kenny and asked him for money. It really bothered me that she was using drugs while she was pregnant. But, her addiction and the drugs became more important to Kristin than anything, even her baby. Kristin and Jeff were married, and at the time, I thought it was the one decent thing that guy ever did in his life. But it was a bad marriage from the start. Jeff was mean. Real mean. He sometimes would hit her. I was the only one she would tell. I begged her to go to the cops, but, as long as she gave him money and he supplied her with drugs, Kristin was willing to put up with most anything from him, including his cheating on her."
"He cheated on her?"
"Oh yes. Kristin was very upset when she first found out, and she said the best way to pay Jeff back was to find another man to cheat on him with. Whether she followed through on that or not, I never knew. Sad thing is, Kristin really loved that jerk. But he didn't give a damn about her or her baby. All he cared about was the money Kristin received every month. Money Jeff took for drugs." Sharon pauses for a moment and looks at him. "I'm afraid that's all I can really tell you. Christopher, I'm sorry. I know these things must be hard to hear about your parents."
"No, it's fine. I needed to know the truth."
"It's amazing. You seem like a very nice young man, considering......."
"Considering the kind of people my parents were," Christopher says.
"That's not exactly what I meant," says Sharon. "Your adoptive parents must have been wonderful people."
"They were. Sharon, thank you for telling me all this." Christopher stands to his feet.
"You're welcome," Sharon says, also standing.
"Is there anyone else you remember who may have been close to Kristin, or to Jeff Faraday, in those days?"
"No. I'm sorry. Kristin and I had been very close friends, but, as her pregnancy and her drug use advanced, we slowly started to drift apart. Soon after you were born, Kristin went back to Dallas, and I heard soon afterward that she was dead. Jeff took you, and he disappeared. I never knew what happened to him, or to you. But....."
"But what?" Christopher asks.
"I do remember a young couple who came to the apartment complex where I was living at the time, where I'd met Kristin. They were asking about her. This was several months after I heard she had died."
"Yes. That was Bobby and Pamela Ewing. The couple who adopted me."
Sharon smiles. "I'm glad to hear that, Christopher. I only met them very briefly, but they seemed like lovely people."
"Thank you. I really appreciate everything."
"Good luck. I hope you find what you're looking for."
Christopher nods, then turns and leaves.
Southfork.....late evening
"I wish I could. But....."
"But.....what?" Justin asks, getting out of bed. He walks over to her. "You're married? So what? You're husband's a total douche who duttin' give a damn whether you're there or not."
"Then leave him, Amanda," Justin says, taking her by the hand. "You don't need John Ross. And you don't need that kinda treatment. Lemme ask you somethin'. How do you feel about me?"
"What?"
"You heard me. How do you feel about me, Amanda?"
"I've fallen in love with you," she replies. "I thought you knew that. You're the kindest, most gentle, most loving man I've ever known."
Justin smiles. "And I think you know that I love you."
"I do."
"Then divorce my brother. Move out of the big house and move in here, with me."
"John Ross would NEVER let that happen."
"He wouldn't have a choice. Remember I told you I had somethin' on him, that I was gonna use, real soon?"
"Yes," replies Amanda.
"John Ross won't be able to stop you from leavin' him. And he sure as hell won't be able to take your baby away from you."
"Justin, you keep saying that, but, why won't you tell me what you have on him? And how will it stop him from taking my baby once it's born?"
"Convicted felon? Justin, are you saying that John Ross......he might be convicted of a felony?"
"Oh yeah. He will be."
"You have proof?" Amanda asks.
"Yeah, I got proof," replies Justin. "I'm not ready to say what it is just yet. I will say that what I have could put John Ross away for a long time. Now I'm savin' this information for just the right time. I was gonna use it when time comes for that Westar board meetin'."
"Yes. After the way John Ross has hurt me, I wanna see him lose everything. But I'm not sure if I wanna see him in prison. I know you despise him. But John Ross is STILL your brother, Justin. Do you really wanna send your own brother to prison? I'd better get going before he gets home. Please think about what I said." Amanda kisses him, then grabs her coat from a chair by the door, and leaves.
A few minutes later
"Where the hell were you?" John Ross asks.
"What difference does it make? Where have YOU been the last couple of days?"
John Ross walks over to her and kneels beside her. "Amanda, I was on a business trip. But that duttin' matter. I asked where the hell YOU were. I come home and I find my pregnant wife gone, and no one in the fam'ly knows were you were."
"I went out for a walk, okay?" Amanda says, standing and walking over to the bed.
John Ross stands and looks at her. "A walk? This time of night? In the damned dark?"
"I took a flashlight. Besides, I enjoy walking at night."
John Ross walks over to her. "Okay, we need to get one thing straight here, darlin'," he says. "You are my wife. You are carryin' my child. I already lost one son, I'll be damned if I'm gonna risk losin' another. That means that you are to be here at all times. You wanna go out walkin' at night, then you wait for me to come home and I'll take you. But next time I come home and find you gone this late at night, we're gonna have a serious problem."
John Ross moves closer to her, backing her against the wall, his face only inches from her. He puts his arms up on the wall on either side of her, basically trapping a frightened Amanda. "You wanna know what I'd do?" He asks. "When my Mama was carryin' me, she had a drinkin' problem. And ya know how my Daddy handled that problem? By stickin' her away in a sanitarium. I look at you, darlin', and every day I see you becomin' more and more........unstable. I'm not sure you're fit right now to take care of yourself and the baby you're carryin'. Maybe you might need to go somewhere so you can't hurt yourself or my child." John Ross stares at her for a moment, then releases her. He turns and walks around the bed. As he starts to head back into the bathroom, he pauses in the doorway and turns to her. "So........now you scared?" He asks. Without another word, he turns and walks into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.
Amanda breaks into tears, her back still against the wall. Crying, she sinks to the floor and buries her face in her hands.
The back porch, later....
"It's after 11:30," she says.
"I know," Lucas says, taking another sip of his beer.
Emma walks over to him. "I was wondering if you were ever gonna come inside and come to bed. Or if you were just gonna stay out here in the freezing cold all night and drink."
"Maybe. If I feel like it."
"Oh, God, Emma, PLEASE don't start nagging me again! I can't handle it and I'm not in the mood right now."
"Not in the mood again? That's the only answer I ever get from you these days about anything. You won't talk to me. You walk around here angry at the world all the time and I have no idea why. I don't know if it's me or of it's something else. You never show me any affection anymore. Lucas, we sleep in the same bed but we haven't made love in over two weeks."
"You wanna keep your damned voice down?" Lucas asks angrily.
"Why? Afraid someone might be listening? I really don't care, Lucas. What kind of a relationship do we have here? One where you won't share anything with me? Where you won't confide in me, or even let me into your world? A relationship where we almost never make love anymore."
"Is that what you want?" Lucas angrily asks, turning to her. "You want sex? Okay, then, let's go. You wanna take it to the bedroom or do it right here on the patio?"
Unable to control her anger at Lucas's drunken behavior, Emma slaps him across the face as hard as she can. "You can just find yourself someplace else to sleep tonight, and maybe from now on unless your attitude changes," she says. Without another word, Emma storms into the house, leaving Lucas alone on the porch rubbing his stinging face.
Meanwhile, standing around the corner on the patio, listening to the entire argument.......is a smiling John Ross.
Southfork....the next morning
"Mornin', honey," he says, kissing his wife on the cheek.
"Good mornin'."
"Where is everybody?" Bobby asks, taking a seat at the table.
"Conner already left for work at Ray's, and I have no idea where everybody else is."
Bobby sighs. "There was a time when we had this many people livin' in this house that everybody sat down to breakfast together. I miss those days."
"Unfortunately, times change," Ann says as Emma walks in and takes a seat. "Well, good mornin'."
"Morning," Emma says.
"Lucas still asleep?" Bobby asks.
"No idea. He slept in Christopher's room last night."
Bobby and Ann exchange worried looks. "In Christopher's room?" Bobby asks.
"That's right."
"Why? You two have a fight?"
"I really don't wanna talk about it. I"m sorry, I'm not hungry this morning. I'm going out for a ride." Emma takes a sip of orange juice then gets up from the table and walks out.
"I wonder what that's all about," Ann says.
"Search me."
A few minutes later....
"Mr. Ewing," Cody says, meeting John Ross near the garage door.
"Yes?" John Ross.
"Not sure if you remember me. I'm Cody Williams."
"Oh, yes. You're a ranch hand."
"Yes, but make it fast, I have to get to my office. What can I do for you, Cody?"
"It's about your wife, sir."
"Just thought you'd like to know," Cody replies. "Your wife's been spendin' an awful lot of time down at the bunkhouse."
"The bunkhouse?"
"Yes sir. In your brother Justin's room. I've seen her goin' in there quite a few times, and not comin' out sometimes til the next mornin'. I just thought it was only fair that you know."
John Ross feels the anger rising up inside of him. "You've seen my wife spendin' time in Justin's room?"
"Yes sir, I sure have," says Cody. In fact, I even have a picture on my phone. Cody takes his cell phone from his pocket, opens his photo gallery, and shows John Ross a picture taken the day before of Amanda entering Justin's room at the bunkhouse.
"How long's this been goin' on?" John Ross asks.
"Not sure, Mr. Ewing. But, umm, first time I saw Mrs. Ewing at the bunkhouse was about two weeks ago."
"Well, thank you, Cody," John Ross says, attempting to hide his anger from the young ranch hand. He reaches into his back pocket and takes out his wallet. Opening the wallet, he takes out a $100 bill and gives it to the young man.
"What's this for, Mr. Ewing?" Cody asks.
"Want you to do a little job for me, Cody. Keep an eye on my wife. And on my little brother. Here's my card with my cell number on it. Next time you see Mrs. Ewing at the bunkhouse or with my little brother, I want you to take picture, text it to me, and let me know."
Cody smiles. "Yes sir, I'd be glad to, Mr. Ewing."
"And keep this quiet. Do a good job for me, Cody, and you'll be well rewarded."
"I sure will."
John Ross pats the young man on the shoulder, then walks past Cody toward his car. Cody smiles deviously, then puts his hat back on and walks away toward the bunkhouse as John Ross drives away.
The Omni Hotel....
"Ray, what on earth are you doing here with those flowers?"
"Let me in and I'll tell ya."
Donna stands aside and motions him in. Ray walks in and she closes the door behind him. "Since you were leavin' today, I just wanted to see ya again," he says.
"And the flowers?"
"Oh," Ray says with a smile. "A little goin' away gift. I remembered they were your favorites."
Donna takes the flowers. "Thank you. I can't believe you remembered something like my favorite flower after all these years."
"I remember everything about you. I remember your favorite color. Your favorite movie."
"How do you know some of those things haven't changed in almost thirty years?" Donna asks.
"Have they?"
"No," she replies with a smile. Then after a moment of uncomfortable silence, the smile fades from her face. "Ray...."
"Donna, just let me say somethin'," Ray interrupts.
"Go ahead."
"Seein' you again as much as I have recently, it's made me realize somethin'. Donna, I never stopped lovin' you. I know how wrong that sounds because of Jenna, but it's true. I love Jenna, too, and we've had a pretty good marriage, but, even after all these years, my feelin's for you are as strong today as they were when we first fell in love."
Donna fights back tears. "Ray, don't do this," she says, turning away from him.
"Donna, can you honestly say you don't still feel the same about me?" Ray asks. "Just look me in the eye and tell you're not still in love with me."
"I know that," says Ray. "But I also know that most people only have one true love in their lifetime. I've known for years that Bobby is and always will be Jenna's one true love. And you're mine. Donna, we never should've gotten divorced." Ray moves closer to her and gently touches her face.
"Ray, don't," she says.
Ray leans in and begins kissing her. Everything in her knows returning his kiss is wrong, but Donna can't help herself and she gives in to the kiss.
Southfork....later
"Thanks for pickin' me up at the airport," he says.
"Oh, it's no problem. Just glad to have you home," Ann says as she and Christopher head into the house.
A moment later, Christopher walks into his bedroom and finds Lucas standing at the window looking out. "Hey, little brother," Christopher says.
"Hey," Lucas replies, turning to him. "So how'd it go in California?"
"It went well. I found the woman who knew Kristin when she was pregnant with me, and I talked to her. Is everything okay with you?"
"I hope you didn't mind. I slept in here last night," says Lucas.
"Oh? Did you and Emma have a fight?" Christopher asks, pushing the door shut and walking over to him, a slight crack left in the door.
"Yeah. Probably the worst one yet."
"What happened?"
"Same old thing, man. Emma keeps pushing me to tell her what's going on. And I'm almost tempted to."
As the two brothers talk, they are unaware that Emma is walking down the hall and about to go into her bedroom across the hall. She stops when she hears Lucas's and Christopher's voices in Christopher's room. And being Emma, she moves closer and listens.
"Maybe. Maybe I should just tell Alex and John Ross the truth."
"Lucas, what happened to change your mind? You were always so against telling them the truth."
Lurking outside in the hallway, Emma's mouth drops open in shock upon hearing Lucas's revelation, the secret he's been keeping from her all this time!
The Campbell Center in Dallas....
"Yes, I did," the woman says. "Come in and close the door."
Cody does as he is told.
"Yes, please," the young man replies.
Judith walks to the bar and pours two glasses of scotch. "How is your end of our plan comin' along?" She asks, handing Cody one of the glasses.
"Workin' on it," Cody says. "In fact, a situation fell right into my lap that made for an ideal opportunity to get John Ross to trust me. And his wife and kid brother unwittingly helped."
"Really, now?" Judith asks. "Do tell."
"John Ross's brother, Justin, is screwin' John Ross's wife, Amanda. I told John Ross about the little woman's regular visits to baby bro's room at he bunkhouse, and he paid me a hundred bucks to keep tabs on them."
Judith smiles. "Excellent. Excellent. Keep me posted on our progress."
"Sure will. So how about the REST of our plan? Is everything gonna be in place for the Ewings to lose their company?"
"Just let me handle things on that end, Cody. In my position as Railroad Commissioner, I can stop the Ewings from bein' able to drill anywhere in the state of Texas. Bobby Ewing THINKS he's about to strike a big deal with Stan-Hope Oil, but when his drilling variance is denied because of some slight problem, he'll lose the deal. And, unable to pump oil and keep his comp'ny afloat, he'll have no choice but to start sellin' off fields and assets, just to keep Ewing Global running."
"I'll drink to that," Judith says, raising her glass in a toast as she and Cody both smile at the thought of revenge against the Ewings, and the Barnes....