Previously on DALLAS:
--------------Emma told Ann what she'd overheard Lucas and Christopher discussing.
--------------John Ross threatened not to even think about leaving him or Southfork.
-------------After Emma told John Ross that Alex is his son, John Ross confronts the family at dinner and almost comes to blows with Lucas.
-------------John Ross and Emma resumed their old affair, and John Ross got his revenge on Lucas by arranging for keeping the secret about Alex by arranging to have Lucas find them in bed together!
Southfork....
"Oh my God, Lucas," Emma gasps, quickly sitting up in bed and pulling her open shirt closed.
"Well, cuz," says a gloating John Ross. "Thought you were out for the day."
"Yeah I'll just bet you did," Lucas says with gritted teeth.
Emma quickly gets off the bed. "Lucas, please. Let me explain."
"Explain what. Emma? How you betrayed first by tellin' this jerk that he's Alex's father? Or how you betrayed me a second time by sleeping with him?"
"Lucas, I'm so sorry.......I........." Emma cries.
"Sorry for what? Sorry for bein' such a whore, or sorry you got caught at it?"
"Hold on just a minute," John Ross says angrily as he gets off the bed. "Who the HELL do you think you are talkin' to her like that?"
"John Ross, it'd be in your best interest right now to shut your damned mouth and get out of my sight."
Unable to control his anger, Lucas draws back and punches John Ross, knocking him backwards and onto the bed.
John Ross wipes blood from his bottom lip and looks angrily at Lucas. "I'll give ya that one. But not another," he says, standing to his feet. He lunges at Lucas and tackles him around the waist, the two cousins crashing into the wall and a table by the door, breaking the table as Emma looks on.
"STOP IT!!!" Emma screams as John Ross and Lucas wrestle around on the floor.
John Ross gets to his feet and pulls Lucas up by the shirt collar, then punches him. Filled with rage, Lucas quickly rebounds and punches John Ross across the face, sending him crashing into Emma's dresser. Lucas then rushes at his cousin, grabs John Ross by the hair and pulls him to his feet, then punches him twice in the stomach and then again across the face.
"OH MY GOD, LUCAS STOP IT!!! YOU'RE GONNA KILL HIM!!!!" Emma again screams. She grabs for Lucas, but as the cousins struggle, Emma is knocked off her feet and to the floor. Quickly, she gets up and as Lucas and John Ross continue to wrestle around, destroying her bedroom in the process, Emma runs out of the room and down the hall. A moment later, she runs out of the sliding glass doors and onto the patio. "HEEELLLPPP!!!" She screams loudly. "SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!"
A few moments later, Justin, Jimmy, and James reach the patio and a still hysterical Emma, dressed only in a long shirt and panties. "Emma, what's wrong?" Justin asks.
"What's going on?" Jimmy asks.
"Lucas and John Ross, they're fighting!" Emma cries. "They're gonna kill each other!"
The three men quickly run into the house through the living room and hear the fight going on down the hall in Emma's bedroom. They rush down the hall and into the room to find Lucas on top of a half naked John Ross, his hands around John Ross's throat in a death grip.
"Lucas, STOP IT!!" James yells, grabbing his cousin. It takes Justin, Jimmy, AND James to pull Lucas up and away from John Ross. They shove Lucas into a wall.
Lucas quickly rebounds and again lunges for John Ross, but Jimmy grabs him. John Ross grabs a bed post and pulls himself to his feet, then without warning punches Lucas in the stomach. Justin and Jimmy hold Lucas back while James shoves John Ross backwards.
"John Ross, that's enough!" James yells. "Stay back there! Now would someone mind telling me what the HELL is goin' on here?"
"Why don't you ask your brother," Lucas says, breathing hard as he wipes blood from his face.
"This idiot comes chargin' in here, callin' Emma all sorts of names, then he attacks me," says an equally bloody-faced John Ross.
"Lucas, come on, buddy," Jimmy says. "Let's go outside."
"I think......that's a good idea......," Lucas pants. "Because if I stay here any longer, I'm gonna kill that son of a bitch."
Jimmy takes Lucas by the arm and leads him out of the room. Justin gives John Ross a disgusted look, then shakes his head and walks out of the room.
John Ross wipes blood from his nose, then looks at James. "I'll have Lucas Krebbs arrested for assault for this," he says as James looks at him.
Meanwhile....Dallas
As the paramedic speaks to the hospital, Todd's heart monitor flatlines. "We're losing him," the other paramedic says.
"Todd, NO!" Dylan cries as he watches his brother flatline and the paramedics work to keep him alive....
Southfork....
"Hey, wonder what's going on," Debra Lynn says when the women see Justin, Jimmy, Lucas, and Emma standing around on the patio.
"I dunno," Ann replies. "But looks like somethin's up."
The women get out of the SUV and walk over to them.
"What in the world is goin' on?" Ann asks just as James comes out of the house.
"Is John Ross alright?" Emma asks, much to Lucas's disgust.
"He seems to be fine," replies James.
"James, would you PLEASE tell us what's happening?" Debra Lynn asks.
"John Ross and Lucas got in a fight," Jimmy replies.
"Yeah, a pretty good one at that," Justin adds.
Ann walks over to Emma. "I don't need to ask what this is about," she says.
"You're right, you DON'T," Lucas says, walking over to them.
John Ross, now dressed in his jeans and an open shirt, walks out of the house holding a hankerchief to his bleeding mouth.
"Lucas, I'm sorry," Emma says.
"Sorry? Sorry for sending me a text asking me to come home so we could talk?"
"Text?" Asks a confused Emma. "Lucas, I didn't send you a text."
Once again, Lucas feels the rage building inside of him. "Then it was John Ross," he says with gritted teeth. "It had to be. That sick son of a bitch." Lucas starts to head toward the house to go after John Ross again.
Jimmy grabs Lucas by the arm and holds him back. "Whoa, Lucas. Come on, dude."
"Are you sayin' that John Ross sent you a text from Emma's phone to lure you here so you'd catch the two of them in bed?" Ann asks.
"I didn't send any text," Emma cries. "John Ross is the only one who could've sent it. My phone was on my table when I was in the bathroom. It had to be him. But why?"
"Alex? What about Alex?" James asks.
Everyone remains silent for a moment.
"What's going on here?" Asks Debra Lynn. "Amanda, are you talking about Alex Walton?"
"Yes."
"Look, Alex has been seeing our daughter," James says. "If there's something you all know about the kid that we don't, I think you should tell us."
At that moment, Ashley approaches the patio where the others are assembled, but no one sees her coming since everyone is so concerned with the conversation. Ashley stops before approaching the pool area when she hears Alex's name.
"Well, come on," James says.
James, James, Debra Lynn, and Jimmy exchange stunned looks, their mouths dropping open in shock, then they turn back to John Ross.
"What did you just say?" Debra Lynn asks.
"It's true. I found out, thanks to Emma, a couple days ago. Alex Walton is my son. Lucas here knew it all the time, but he decided to play God with my life as well as Alex's and keep the truth from everyone."
"I was trying to PROTECT my nephew from knowing that he had a piece of scum like you for a father!" Lucas yells.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....
"Excuse us, our son was brought in here a little while ago," John says.
"Can you please tell where he is?" Linda asks.
"Name?" The nurse asks.
"Todd Baxter."
Dylan, seated in the waiting room across the hall, hears his parents and walks out to them. "Mom? Dad?" He says.
"Dylan, what happened?" Linda asks her younger son. "Where is your brother?"
"I don't know.," Dylan replies in tears. "They took him back to the emergency room and told me to wait."
"Mr. and Mrs. Baxter?" The nurse says. "I paged Dr. Norris. He'll be out to talk to you shortly."
"Thank you," John says.
"Dylan, sweetheart, are you alright?" Linda asks her son.
Dylan starts to cry again. "Mom, I was so scared, seeing him like that. I thought he was dead."
"It's okay, sweety, it's okay." Linda embraces the boy as John looks on, worried to death about Todd's condition and what happened to his son.
Southfork....
"Got nothin' to say?" He finally asks.
"What do you want me to say? I'm sorry you got the crap beat out of you for bedding your cousin's girlfriend?" Amanda stands and turns to him. "Or maybe you want me to show you just how angry and hurt I am that my ever loving husband slept with another woman under our very own roof? Take your pick. But sorry to disappoint you, my darling, but I'm not sorry about either. I'm actually glad that Lucas beat your ass. And I'm even more happy about you hooking up with Emma."
"Is there a point to this?" John Ross asks.
"You wanna bet?" John Ross asks. "Amanda, you tend to forget just who I am. One phone call from me, and you won't past the front gates of this ranch, much less anywhere else. And even if you do manage to get away, I'll find ya. Let me tell you a little story. About my Uncle Gary and Aunt Valene. When Uncle Gary was, oh, 17, I think, he ran off and got this 15-year-old girl pregnant. He brought her home to Southfork to meet my grandparents, Jock and Miss Ellie. To make a long story short, Uncle Gary was a born loser as my Daddy said, and he started drinkin' and eventually ran off and left his little wife here with their baby.....my cousin Lucy. Aunt Val fled Southfork, and you know what happened? J.R. went after her. He wuttin' about to let some little country bumpkin like Valene raise a Ewing baby. He and some ol' boys caught up with Valene all the way over in Virginia or someplace like that. They brought Lucy back here, and Aunt Val didn't see Lucy again for about sixteen years. Now, the moral of the story: if my Daddy was able to track Valene down in Virginia back in 1962, imagine how easy it'd be for me to track YOU down in 2015 with all the technologies and private investigators at my disposal. You're gonna remain my wife until I say otherwise, Amanda."
She looks at him angrily. "They should've let just let Lucas kill you. One day, someone's going to, and I just hope I have a front row seat."
John Ross smiles slightly. "Don't hold your breath, darlin'. My Daddy, as mean as he was, lived to a ripe old age. I plan to do the same. So don't count on becomin' my widow." John Ross grabs his shirt and walks out of the room without another word, leaving Amanda angry and frustrated.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital...
"I'm doctor Adam Norris. Are you the Baxter family?"
"Yes, we're Todd Baxter's parents," John replies.
"How is our son? And what's wrong with him? We were told somethin' about an overdose?"
"I'm afraid so," says the doctor. "Todd overdosed on a sedative called Nembutal, a sleep aid. He had also consumed large amounts of alcohol. We managed to get him stable, but I won't lie to you. His condition is VERY serious. Critical, even."
"Oh my God," Linda cries as John attempts to comfort his wife. At that moment, Jay and Jillian walk into the waiting room and pause in the doorway as they listen.
"Doctor, is my son gonna make it?" Asks a worried John.
"Oh dear God!" Linda cries.
"How serious would the damage be?" John asks.
"It's too early to tell," Dr. Norris answers. "We won't know until Todd regains consciousness, which could be some time. One thing we can be grateful for is the fact that your son was found as soon as he was. Had it been even another ten minutes longer, we wouldn't have been able to save him."
"You're making it sound as if my son doesn't have much of a chance," says Linda.
"Look, I don't wanna upset you folks any more than you already are, but I believe in being completely honest. Your son DOES have a chance. But I'm afraid his chances are pretty slim."
"Do you think my son was trying to kill himself?" John asks, his voice shaking.
"It isn't my job to speculate," says Dr. Norris.
"Please. You said that you believe in being completely honest, and I want the truth," John says. "Was my son attempting to take his own life?"
Dr. Norris looks at each member of the hurting family standing before him. "I'm afraid that it appears that way, Mr. Baxter."
"No," Linda insists. "This could have been an accident, couldn't it? I mean, you hear all the time about accidental overdoses."
"I'm sorry, ma'am. But, the amount of alcohol in Todd's system, and the number of pills he took, this couldn't have possibly been accidental. I wish I could tell you differently. But I can't."
"Can we see him?" John asks.
"Very soon. We're moving him to Critical Care right now. When we get him settled, you and Mrs. Baxter can go in. But no one else. I'll let you know."
"Thank you," John says as Dr. Norris turns and leaves the waiting room.
"I just heard," says Jay. "I called the house and Nancy told me Todd was brought in here."
"Oh my God," Jay says.
"What I wanna know is WHY?" John says. "Damn it, that boy was a rising young lawyer who had plans to go into politics. Why the hell would he do this?"
Jay and Jillian exchange worried looks, both of them hoping that they were wrong that John Ross had pushed Todd so far that he tried to kill himself.
Southfork....
"Thinking about quitting the office and goin' back to ranching full time?" Christopher asks.
"I would, but I doubt Sue Ellen would let me quit Ewing Global that easily."
As the two men start to head into the house, Lucas comes onto the patio and walks past them carrying his suitcase.
"Lucas," Bobby says to him. "Where you goin'?"
Lucas stops and turns back to them. "Not sure. Maybe to my Mom and Ray's. All I know is, I can't stay here any longer."
"Why not?" Christopher asks. "What happened to your face?"
"I got in a fight with John Ross."
"A fight about what?" Bobby asks as Ann comes out of the house.
Lucas looks at her. "Ann will explain. I gotta get the hell out of here. I can't be in the same house as John Ross and Emma." Without another word, Lucas turns and walks to his car. As Bobby, Ann, and Christopher watch, Lucas throws his car in gear and speeds away.
"Annie, what the hell is goin' on?" Bobby asks his wife.
"You two come on in and get cooled off. I'll try to explain," Ann says.
A short time later....
As he listens to his wife, Bobby feels his anger rising inside of him. "Damn it, Annie!" He yells as he stands to face her. "All this time I honestly thought that Emma had changed, but I guess I was wrong. She's right back to the same old Emma who wrecked John Ross's marriage to Pamela and turned this household upside down."
"Bobby, she feels horrible for what happened," Ann says.
"And she should! My son was in LOVE with that girl, and she not only broke his heart but drove him out of this house!"
"And what about John Ross's part in this? You're actin' like he was just an innocent bystander, but he set this whole thing up, Bobby!"
"Oh, I'm sure he FORCED Emma into bed with him again!"
"Guys, just stop it," Christopher says, standing to his feet. "This fighting isn't helping anyone."
Ann looks at her husband, fighting back tears. "Bobby, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what Emma did and I'm sorry that Lucas felt like he needed to leave. If I could change this mess, believe me, I would."
"Well, you can't," Bobby says angrily. "Not unless you're willin' to ask your daughter to move out of this house!"
"Well there's always Cliff Barnes, her REAL father!" Bobby says. "Let her move in with him!"
"I can't believe you just said that! You've subtly thrown Cliff Barnes in my face for MONTHS. But never once have I thrown YOUR past misdeeds in your face, Bobby. Like your framing Cliff for J.R.'s murder when you knew he was innocent!"
"Hey!" Christopher yells as he motions to the other side of the room.
Bobby and Ann turn around and are stunned to find Emma standing there listening. "Emma," Ann says.
"Emma, it wasn't like that," says Christopher. "Cliff Barnes is anything BUT innocent. He was responsible for the deaths of mine and Pamela's twins."
"Barnes got exactly what he deserved," Bobby says.
"That explains a lot," says Emma. "That explain how you were able to get him out of prison to donate that kidney after my accident."
Ann walks toward her daughter. "Emma...." Ann says as she reaches out to touch her daughter's arm.
"Don't," Emma says, backing away. "Don't touch me. You're all nothing but a bunch of hypocrites."
"And what does that make you?" Bobby asks. "You claimed to love my son, but then you turn around and you sleep with his cousin!"
"Well, don't worry, Bobby. I'm leaving. I'll be out of this house and off your precious Southfork within an hour."
"Emma, don't! Please!" Ann cries.
"I can't live in the same house with the Ewings. Not after what they did to my father." Emma turns and runs out of the room toward her bedroom.
Ann turns back to Bobby. "I hope you're happy, Bobby. I am the only family that girl has, and you are drivin' her away!"
"No, Ann," Bobby says. "Emma destroyed her relationship with this family all by herself. Now, I only wish I had the power to kick John Ross's sorry ass outta here!" Without another word, Bobby storms out of the room, leaving Ann in tears.
Christopher puts his arms around his stepmother and embraces her as she cries.
Meanwhile....the cottage
"Ashley still in her room?" James asks, taking a sip of his drink.
"Yes," Debra Lynn replies. "James, how are we going to tell her?"
James sighs as he turns around. "I don't know. But we've got to."
"We've got to tell our daughter that the boy she's been dating is her cousin," Debra Lynn says. "Wow. That's a situation I never thought we'd ever have to face in a million years."
"Yeah, me either. Debra Lynn, I'm sorry."
"Sorry for what? James, this isn't your fault."
"You had no idea something like this was gonna happen," says Debra Lynn.
"I should've known that with my family, anything could happen."
As James and Debra Lynn talk, Ashley quietly opens the window of her bedroom and climbs out. The girl has been crying a lot, her face red and her eyes puffy and swollen from the tears. Once outside, she runs off toward the stables.
Afton's new lounge.....late afternoon
"Yes," she says to two men. "Jim, you and Pete move those chairs and tables there. I think I like them better on the other side."
"Yes, Ms. Cooper," one of the young men says.
Cliff walks in at that moment and approaches Afton with a smile. "Well, hi," he says.
"Hi, Cliff, what are you doing here?" Afton asks.
"I came to see if I could lend a hand. Place is coming along nicely."
Afton smiles. "Yes it is. I intend to have this place ready to reopen the first week of May."
"That soon?"
"Yep, that soon. I already ordered the sign and it should be here sometime this week."
Cliff smiles. "So you've decided on a new name for the place? Or are you gonna just still call it The Stardrift Lounge?"
"No. I'm gonna call it.....Afton's."
"Afton's," Cliff repeats as Pamela and Tripp walk in. "I really like the sound of that."
"You like the sound of what?" Pamela asks.
"Your mother was just telling me that she's renaming her new club Afton's."
"Great name, Mom," says Pamela.
"Thank you, sweetheart," Afton says. "Tripp."
"Hello, Afton."
"Mom, Daddy, I'm glad I caught you both here at the same time. Tripp and I wanted to tell you something, and we hope you like the sound just as much."
"Come on, you two," says Afton. "What's up?"
"Tripp and I have set a date for the wedding. Saturday, April the 25th."
"Mom, you don't have to do anything."
"We've already talked to my Aunt Tracy, and she's gonna do most of the planning," says Tripp."
"But I'm the mother of the bride. It's my place to plan this wedding," Afton says.
"And thankfully THIS time, you're not marrying a Ewing," says Cliff.
Afton laughs at Cliff's comment. "Well, Tripp I want you to tell your Aunt that I want to help her with the plans."
"I will," Tripp says with a smile.
"Tripp, can I speak to you for a moment?" Cliff asks.
"Sure."
"Excuse us, ladies," Cliff says. "I wanna have a word with my future son-in-law." Cliff and Tripp walk away from the women, then Cliff turns to the younger man. "April the 25th, huh? That's a little more than a week before the big Westar board meeting."
"Good idea. Now, I hope you're not getting cold feet on our plan."
"To be honest, Cliff, I have had my reservations."
"Look, son, I'm telling you. If Pamela is made CEO of Westar, then your marriage will be doomed before it ever gets started. You know how busy her life will be then. She won't have time for you or for your life together. Now is that what you want?"
Tripp looks at his future father-in-law, then looks over Cliff's shoulder at Pamela happily chatting with her mother. A worried expression crosses his face. He knows Cliff has a point, but he also knows Pamela wants to be Westar's new CEO very badly. Tripp finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place.
Southfork.....late afternoon
"Hey," he says, climbing down from the horse.
"Hey," Ashley says as she continues to brush the animal without looking at Alex.
He walks over to her. "I went by the cottage and tapped on your window," he says. "I didn't wanna knock on the door."
"How come?" Ashley asks.
"Cause I really don't think your folks like me very much. Although I don't know why, as nice a guy as I am." Alex tries to put his arms around Ashley.
"Alex, don't," she says, pulling away from him.
"Ashley, what's wrong?" Alex asks.
"Nothing."
"Well, come on, then. We still got some daylight left. Let's go off somewhere so we can be by ourselves." Alex again tries to put his arms around the girl, and again, she pushes him away. The smile disappears from Alex's face. "What is wrong with you? Did you forget that we were supposed to hang out this evening?"
"I didn't forget," Ashley replies. "I just can't."
Ashley starts to cry. "Alex, please, just go away."
"No, I won't go away," Alex says, walking over to her again. "Not until you tell me what's wrong with you. Did your parents say something? Did Lucas or Justin tell them about us smokin'?"
Ashley turns to him. "No. It's not that." She starts to cry.
"Well, if your folks don't know, then what is it? Please tell me. I wanna help."
Ashley looks at him through tears. "You can't. No one can help, Alex. No one can help us. We just can't see each other anymore."
"I don't understand. Ashley, I love you. I thought you felt the same about me."
"Then......then why are you breaking up with me?" Alex asks, now in tears himself.
"Because I have too!"
"WHY?"
"Because.......we're cousins, Alex."
"What?" Alex asks, confused. "Ashley, that's crazy. We're not cousins. We're not related at all."
"Yes, we are," Ashley says. "There was a big fight at Southfork earlier. I think it was Lucas and John Ross. And I heard them talking. Alex......John Ross is your father."
"I don't know. But I heard both John Ross and Lucas say it was true. Alex, I'm so sorry."
"No. No. No," the boy cries three times. "No, this....this can't be true. It can't be." Devastated, he turns, and runs toward the main house.
"ALEX! ALEX WAIT!" Ashley calls after him.
A moment later....
"JOHN ROSS!" Alex yells as he approaches.
"Tell me," Alex says. "Is it true? Are you my father?"
The boy starts to cry. "No. No you're LYING!!!!" He screams.
"I'm not lyin', Alex. It's true. I'm your father."
"Then......my whole life has been nothing but a LIE! Everyone has lied to me!!"
"I didn't lie to you," John Ross says. "I just found out myself a couple days ago. Look, son....."
"NO," Alex says. "Don't call me that. Don't you EVER call me that, because I will NEVER be your son!!!" In tears, Alex turns and runs away.
"ALEX!!" John Ross calls to him as Ashley runs up to him.
Ashley looks at her uncle with tears in her eyes. Then she starts to run after the boy.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital.....night
"Thanks," she says.
"You're welcome. Listen, why don't you go on home? There's really nothing you can do here."
"Thanks. But, I think I'll stay. I wanna be here for you."
Jay kneels and takes her hand. "You are such a special person."
"Maybe I'm not," Jillian says, fighting back tears. "Maybe I'm just feeling terrible about this, especially since my brother may have been responsible."
Jay sighs. "I hadn't even thought about John Ross. I've been so worried about Todd."
"John Ross Ewing?" Dylan asks, walking over to them. "Is that who you're talking about?"
"Yeah, Dylan," Jay replies. "We didn't think you heard us."
"That's your brother?" Dylan asks, looking at Jillian.
"HALF-brother," Jillian says.
"Why do you ask, Dylan?" Jay asks.
"I saw him the other day. At Todd's office."
Both Jillian and Jay stand and face the young man. "You saw John Ross at your brother's office?" Jillian asks.
"Yeah. He was leaving when I got there. Todd told me who he was. Todd acted really weird after John Ross left."
"I dunno how to explain it. He acted, nervous. Scared, even."
"Todd seemed nervous and scared after John Ross left?" Jay asks.
"What's going on?" Asks a man's voice from the doorway. Jay and Jillian turn and see John Baxter standing there. He walks into the room. "John Ross Ewing? You said something about Todd seeming scared and nervous after a visit from Ewing?"
"Dad, I......I went to Todd's office the other day. John Ross Ewing was leaving."
"And your brother was nervous and scared?" John asks.
"Yeah, it was weird."
John turns to Jay and Jillian. "Jay, do you think that's what's been bothering Todd all these months? You think Ewing had something on him?"
"I don't know, Uncle John. I mean, I can't imagine what. Todd's as clean as they come, I don't know what kind of dirt John Ross Ewing could have on him."
"Neither do I," says John. "But I'm damned sure gonna find out." Without another word, John turns and walks out. Dylan starts to cry and Jay puts his arm around his younger cousin.
Southfork....a short time later
Bobby sighs. "Well, I'll let him explain most of it, Sue Ellen, since it's his place to. But we've had a very dramatic day around here to say the least. And both Lucas and Emma moved out."
"Oh? They found their own place?"
"Bobby, please don't tell me that John Ross and Emma....."
"Yes, Sue Ellen, they did."
"Yes, well, we all did," says Bobby. "But apparently, John Ross and Emma decided to start up their affair again. Lucas came home and found them in bed together. He and John Ross had a real knock down drag out, and Lucas left. He's over at Ray and Jenna's. Then Emma moved out, Ann and I had this huge fight about her, and now she's upstairs angry with me and I'm down here angry with her. It's just a big mess."
"Bobby, I am SO sorry this happened."
"So am I," Bobby says as John Ross walks in.
"Mama," he says.
"John Ross, what the HELL were you thinking getting involved with Emma Ryland again?" Sue Ellen demands to know.
"My grandson?" Sue Ellen asks. "John Ross what are you talking about?"
"I'm gonna let the two of you talk," says Bobby. "Because frankly, Sue Ellen, right now, I can't stand to be in the same room with this son of yours." Bobby walks past John Ross and out of the living room.
"Would you mind telling me just what is going on?" Sue Ellen asks her son.
"Mama, I have some news. I have a son. Your grandson. I have a 15-year-old kid that I never even knew about until just a couple days ago."
Stunned by the news, Sue Ellen slowly sits down on the sofa.
Meanwhile, as Bobby walks into the foyer, Christopher, Justin, James, and Jimmy walk into the house by the front door.
"Well, we looked everywhere we could think of, and there's no sign of him, Dad," Christopher says.
"Yeah, Ray, Lucas, and Conner are still out lookin'," says James. "Listen, I need to get home. Ashley's really upset by all this, and I need to check on her."
"Sure, James," Bobby says. "Thanks for helpin' with the search."
"Sure. That kid happens to be my nephew, so you bet I wanna find him. Jimmy, you comin'?"
James nods, then leaves.
"I doubt we're gonna be able to do much more searchin' tonight," says Justin.
"You're prob'ly right," Bobby says sadly.
Sue Ellen sighs deeply. "Oh my God, John Ross. This is all so unbelievable. Charlie Wade's son, is my grandson?"
"And now, Alex is out there somewhere," John Ross says. "After he found out, he ran off. Christopher, Justin, James, and some of the others have been out lookin' for him. I didn't go because I figured if I found him, it'd just make things worse."
"What are you going to do when he's found?" Sue Ellen asks.
"Good question. I really don't know. I mean, he's my son. My own flesh and blood. I want a relationship with him. But that kid hates my guts."
Meanwhile, the front doorbell rings as Bobby, Christopher, Justin, and Jimmy stand in the foyer and talk. Bobby opens the door and finds John Baxter standing there.
"John Baxter, what are you doin' here?" Bobby asks.
"Bobby, I need to see your nephew, John Ross. Is he here?"
"Yes, he's in the living room."
"Thank you," John says, barging in and heading straight for the living room. Bobby and the other men follow. "John Ross Ewing," John says as he walks into the living room where John Ross and Sue Ellen are.
"Who the hell are.....wait a second, you're John Baxter, right?" John Ross asks.
"That's right. I need to talk to you. Just what the hell have you done to my son?"
"I don't know what you're talkin' about."
"John, what's this all about?" Bobby asks.
John turns and looks at him. "My oldest son, Todd? He's lying in a coma right now at Texas Presbyterian Hospital."
"My God, John, I'm sorry. What happened?"
"My son tried to kill himself this morning, and do you know why, Bobby? It was because this scum of the earth nephew of yours drove him to it. John Ross was holding something over Todd's head, and I bet that's why Todd took that case of his to overturn J.R.'s will in the first place. Right, John Ross? You blackmailed Todd into it."
"You're crazy, Baxter," John Ross says. "You don't know what the hell you're talkin' about. Did Todd tell you that?"
"No. I knew something was wrong with my son. For weeks my wife and I worried about him. Our whole family did. And this morning, my youngest son Dylan found his older brother near death from a drug and alcohol overdose brought on by YOU!" John lunges at John Ross, but Bobby grabs him and holds him back.
"John, stop it!" Bobby says.
"You'd best get outta here, Baxter," says John Ross. "Or I'll call the police and have you arrested."
John snatches himself away from Bobby's grip and walks over to John Ross and Sue Ellen. "I thought your father was a real son of a bitch, but you make J.R. look like a choir boy by comparison. I'm giving you fair warning, young man. If my son dies, or if he has any form of brain damage because of this, I swear to God.....I'll kill you with my bare hands. And you can consider that a promise!" John turns and walks to the door, then turns back to the assembled group of Ewings and looks at them all. "Damn all you Ewings," he says with gritted teeth. "How many more lives are you people gonna have to destroy before somebody stops you once and for all?" Without another word, John turns and walks out. Standing atop the stairs, a teary-eyed Ann, who overheard the conversation, watches as John storms out the front door of Southfork.
Back in the living room, all eyes turn to John Ross. Sue Ellen is so stunned she doesn't know what to say.
John Ross looks around the room at his mother, uncle, brother, nephew, and cousin. He remains silent and simply looks away.
"Never mind," Bobby says. "Your silence says it all. I gotta get out of here and get some air. Before I get sick to my stomach bein' in the same room with you." Bobby turns and walks out.
Christopher gives John Ross a disgusted look for a moment, then follows his father out.
"So that's how you did it, big brother," says Justin. "Blackmailed your lawyer into takin' that case. And now the poor guy's in a coma and may die.....all because of you. Hope you sleep well tonight thinkin' about that." Justin turns and walks out, followed by Jimmy, leaving John Ross and Sue Ellen alone in the living room.
"I appreciate you speakin' up in my defense, mother," John Ross says sarcastically.
Sue Ellen turns to him and fights back tears. "What kind of man are you, John Ross? You once told me that you would do anything to get what you wanted. You've proven that to be true. But I had hoped that there was at least some humanity left in you. I guess I was wrong. Remember when you said to me and Bobby that you were not like your father? That you're worse? Well, John Ross, congratulations. You have also proven THAT to be true." Shaking her head, Sue Ellen walks out of the room.
Now alone in the living room, John Ross walks to the bar and pours himself a drink. As he takes a sip, a tear falls from his face.
Meanwhile....Pamela's apartment
"Hi, Pamela. I needed a place to stay."
"Yes she did," Cliff says, coming in from the kitchen carrying two cups of hot chocolate. "Emma was outside in the hall when I came home this afternoon, needing a place to stay. I didn't think you'd mind, so I said she could stay here."
"I see."
"Pamela, if it's a problem, I'll go to a hotel," Emma says.
"No. No need for that. After all, Emma, you ARE family. You're welcome here."
Cliff smiles. "There, ya see? I finally have one of the things I've wanted most ever since I found out Emma was my daughter.......and that is my two girls right here with me under one roof."
Pamela looks at Cliff, then at Emma, her expression showing that she doesn't share in Cliff's enthusiasm over their new happy little family.
The Krebbs Ranch.....the next morning
"No, Bob, nothin' yet," replies Ray. "We got the sheriff and his men out lookin'."
"How's Jenna?"
"Neither of us slept a wink last night. We're both worried sick. Charlie still duttin' know anything about any of this."
"That's good," Bobby says. "Last thing she needs right now is more stress."
Ray sighs. "I still can't wrap my head around any of this. Charlie and John Ross? John Ross bein' Alex's father. Whole damned thing seems like a bad dream."
"Yeah, it does," Bobby says as Jenna comes down the stairs.
"Hello, Bobby," she says.
"Hello, Jenna. Are you alright?"
"Maybe you won't have to tell Charlie anything," Bobby says. "There are a lot of people out lookin' for Alex. Christopher, Justin, and some of the other boys went back out this morning. He couldn't have gotten very far on foot. They'll find him."
"Lucas went out at the crack of dawn this morning, too," Jenna says.
"Bobby, what exactly happened at Southfork yesterday, anyhow?" Ray asks.
"It's a long story, Ray. But, a couple days ago, Emma overheard a conversation between Lucas and Christopher. She heard them talking about John Ross being Alex's biological father. And she told John Ross."
"Emma?" Jenna asks angrily. "Emma told John Ross that Alex is his son, and then John Ross told Alex? That's what happened?"
"Yes, Jenna."
"Damn her. DAMN her! I knew that girl was trouble from the moment I laid eyes on her. She not only broke my son's heart, but now she may be responsible for my grandson being out there, God knows where! I'll make that girl pay. I swear I will!"
"Jenna, just calm down. Emma has moved off Southfork. She won't be around to upset anyone anymore."
"Is everything alright between you and Ann?" Ray asks.
"Ann?" Jenna asks. "You're worried about ANN in all of this when Alex is the one we should be concerned with?"
"I am worried about Alex, and you know that!" Ray snaps at his wife. " But placin' blame here isn't helpin' anyone."
"Ray, I'm gonna get goin'," says Bobby. "I'm gonna go out and do some lookin' for the boy myself on Southfork."
"I think I'll come with ya," Ray says. He turns to his wife. "Jenna, everything's gonna be okay, now. You have to believe that." Ray grabs his hat from the rack, then he and Bobby leave.
Left alone in the foyer, Jenna starts to cry.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....
"How is he?" John asks.
"No change," the young nurse replies. "I'm sorry, Mr. Baxter." The nurse quietly leaves the room, and the Baxters take seats on opposite sides of Todd's bed.
"You never told me what happened last night when you went to Southfork to see John Ross Ewing," Linda says.
"He denied having anything to do with Todd's.....situation. But I know he was lying."
"John, what terrible secret could our son possibly have that Ewing could have been usin' against him."
"You've always hated the Ewings," Linda says. "For as long as we've been married, you've never had anything good to say about that family, John. And I've never understood why. The Ewings were Smithfield And Bennett's biggest clients, yet you always refused any cases that had to do with them. Why, John? What did the Ewings ever do to you?"
John looks at his wife. "Our son is lying here in a coma, fighting for his life because of them, and you can sit there and ask me why I hate the Ewings?"
"You know damned well I'm not talkin' about Todd. You have hated the Ewings for years. But, even more so recently, it seems. Even before this whole thing started with Todd."
John stands and walks to the other side of the room, then turns back to his wife. Then without saying another word, he turns and walks out of the room.
A moment later, Linda finds her husband in the waiting room pouring himself a cup of coffee. "Why did you walk out when I tried to talk to you, John?"
"Because I didn't think our son's hospital room was the right place to discuss my hatred for the Ewings."
"You're right, Linda," John says, interrupting his wife. "You're right. There is something I never told you. When we were first married, and your father brought me into the firm, something happened. J.R. Ewing tried to blackmail me. No, wait. Tried isn't the right word. J.R. DID blackmail me. He wanted to take a look at his father's will before it was read publicly, and he forced me to let him have a peak."
"He blackmailed you?" Linda asks. "With what, John?"
"That's not important."
"It's important to ME," Linda says. "Was it another woman?"
John looks at his wife for a moment and remains silent, then turns away.
"Oh my God," Linda says. "J.R. Ewing blackmailed you because you were havin' an affair with another woman right after we got married?"
"It wasn't an affair," says John. "It was a one time thing that J.R. himself set up. He engineered the whole thing just so he could blackmail me. That's how twisted those Ewings are."
"That doesn't excuse you sleepin' with another woman," Linda says, now in tears.
John turns and looks at her. "You have the nerve to stand there and lash out at ME for having a one night stand with another woman? Huh, Linda? Okay, I just told you one reason I hate the Ewings so much. But what about the other reason?"
"I don't know what you are talkin' about."
"The hell you don't," John says, walking over to her. "You really wanna know why I hate anyone named Ewing as much as I do? Because every single day of my life I'm reminded of those people. Every day I look at Dylan I'm reminded........not only did J.R. try to ruin me, but ANOTHER damned Ewing bedded my wife and fathered her child!"
Linda's heart sinks as John speaks these words. She looks at him, stunned, her mouth open in shock.
"You didn't think I knew, did you?" John asks. "Well, yes, my dear. I do know that I am NOT Dylan's father. And that his last name should be EWING instead of Baxter." John angrily puts his coffee cup down on a table, spilling most of the coffee out, then storms past his wife and out of the room, leaving Linda in tears.
Southfork....the cottage
"Ashley, are you alright?" Debra Lynn asks.
"This is all my fault, Mom," the girl says. "Alex ran away because of me."
"Sweetheart, this is not your fault."
"Oh yes it is. If I hadn't told Alex that John Ross is his father, he wouldn't have ran off like that. Mom, why did this have to happen? I meet a boy that I'm crazy about, and, he turns out to be my cousin. It's so unfair."
Debra Lynn walks over to her. "I don't know, baby. I'm so sorry you got hurt in all of this."
"Honey, that just isn't true."
"Yes, it is. From the first time you met Alex, you didn't like him. You didn't think he was good enough for me."
"Ashley, it's not that I didn't like him," says Debra Lynn. "I just thought he was a little......mature......for you."
"He's a month older than me, Mom."
"I don't mean mature in years. I mean Alex is a lot more worldly than you."
"I guess it doesn't matter now, anyway," Ashley says.
"I wish you'd eat something," Debra Lynn says.
"I'm not hungry. All I want is to know that Alex has been found and that he's okay."
"Honey....."
"Mom, please. Just leave me alone. Please."
Debra Lynn looks at her daughter for a moment, then turns and walks out of the room, closing the door behind her. As she walks back into the living room, James comes in from outside.
"How's Ashley?" He asks.
"Heartbroken. And worried. Still no sign of him?"
"No," replies James. "But, with both Southfork and Ray's ranch, there's a million places the boy could hide."
Debra Lynn walks over to her husband. "James, I feel so terrible for Ashley. She really cared for that boy. Figures he'd turn out to be John Ross's son."
James puts his arms around his wife and embraces her.
Southfork....
"There'a an awful lot of open country out there, Bob."
"I know. Ray, mind if I ask a question?"
"Sure," Ray says. "Go ahead."
"Is everything alright between you and Jenna?"
"Was it that obvious?"
"A little," says Bobby. "I know Jenna's real worried about Alex, but, I got the feelin' there was somethin' more goin' on."
Ray sighs. "You're right."
"Ray, you know if you need to talk, I'm here."
Ray looks at him. "I know. And I appreciate it, Bob. Truth is, things are at an all-time low right now between me and Jenna. Things haven't been great between us for a long while. I thought movin' back here, bein' near Lucas would help, but, it's only made things worse. Jenna's been so distant the last few months, and I guess I've kinda been distracted myself. And then there's......." Ray stops talking and shakes his head.
"There's......what, Ray?" Bobby asks.
"There's Donna."
"Donna? What's she got to do with this? Unless.......Ray, are you still in love with Donna, even after all these years?"
"Yes. Damn it, Bobby, yes I am. Just like Jenna's still in love with you. Oh, I've always known she's never gotten over her feelings for you. Last few months, ever since the barbecue last fall, I've been seein' more of Donna than I have in the whole last five or so years. Especially with Margaret's weddin' comin' up and everything. I thought I'd put those feelings behind me, but, they're still there."
"What are you gonna do, Ray?"
"Good question," Ray says. "I wish I knew."
Meanwhile....
"You just now figurin' that out, Jimmy?" Justin asks.
"My little sister is back at the cottage cryin' her eyes out. Alex is missing. Todd Baxter is in a coma. And it's all because of John Ross Ewing. Somebody needs to stop that guy."
"Don't worry, Jimbo," Justin says. "John Ross is gonna get what's comin' to him real soon. I can promise you that. Hey, you think maybe we should split up? We can cover more ground that way."
"Sure," Jimmy says.
"I'll double back and check out Two-Stick Pasture."
"I'll check across Section 10 and let's meet back at the cemetery in about half an hour?" Jimmy suggest.
"Sure thing," Justin says. He pulls the reigns and turns his horse around, and he and Jimmy trot off in opposite directions.
A few minutes later.....
"HEY! ALEX!!!" Jimmy calls to him. "ALEX, WAIT UP!"
Jimmy takes off after the boy and catches him as Alex is about to run into the woods. Alex quickly turns and runs in the other direction. Jimmy quickly climbs off the horse and begins chasing Alex on foot. He finally catches up to him and tackles him to the ground.
"Let me go!" Alex yells as he struggles.
"Now just wait a minute!" Jimmy tells him. "Stop it!" Jimmy stands and then pulls Alex to his feet, holding him by the arm.
"Dude, let me go!"
"I will, but ONLY if you promise you won't run. I may be about ten years older than you are, but I can run just as fast as you if you wanna test me."
Alex looks at him for a moment. "Okay, I won't run."
"Good," Jimmy says, releasing his grip on Alex's arm. "Why'd you run away?"
"Your life is over? Because you found out that John Ross is your real father?" Jimmy asks.
"How would you feel? My whole life has been a freaking joke! Everyone lied to me!"
"Yeah? Then what is?" Alex asks with tears in his eyes.
"Dealin' with it. Look, I know you've just been dealt a tough break. I can't even imagine what it must be like finding out the man you always thought was your father really wasn't. Sometimes, things happen in life that we have no control over. And the only way to get through it is to just deal with it."
"This must make you and your folks happy. Your parents didn't like me, and they didn't want me seeing Ashley. I guess they got their wish. So just leave me alone and let me go."
"No way, bro," Jimmy says.
"Dude, why do you even care?" Alex asks.
"For one thing, we're family now. You're my cousin. And another thing, there are a lot of people I care about that care about you. Justin. The rest of the family. There have been dozens of people out looking for you since last night."
"I know. I saw them. I was hiding."
"Third reason I care......my little sister. You're not the only one hurt by this, Alex. Ashley really cares for you. You're her first love."
"But we can't be together now," Alex cries.
"I know you can't. At least not as a couple. But, now the two of you share a different bond. Look, I'm gonna call Justin and some of the others and tell them I found you. Then, I'm gonna take you home. Okay?"
Alex nods, but remains silent as tears continue falling down his face. Jimmy takes his cell phone from his pocket
Back at the house....
"Aight, let's hear it."
"Austin Cody Williams, 21-years-old, born September 21, 1993, in Odessa. His father was a ranch hand, worked on a couple ranches down in South Texas while Cody was growin' up. The family was dirt poor. Mother died when Cody was 12, and his father died a couple years ago. After that Cody, who was 18 at the time, struck out on his own. He worked at the Big K Ranch near Galveston for a while, and then he came to Southfork. The kid duttin' seem to have many friends. He went to numerous schools growin' up because his fam'ly moved around so much. Grades were unremarkable."
"So the kid's clean?" John Ross asks.
"Yep, about as clean as it gets."
"Thank ya, Bum. I appreciate this info. I'll be in touch." John Ross ends the call and then types a text message and sends it.
Meanwhile....
A few minutes later....
John Ross turns around. "Yes, Cody. I did." He walks over to the young man. Looking around to make sure no one else was in sight, John Ross reaches into his pocket and pulls out two $100 bills and quickly slips them into Cody's hand.
"What's this for?" Cody asks.
"That is to show my appreciation for you keepin' tabs on my wife and my brother. And, I have another little job for you, Cody. Do it right and it'll be worth 500 more bucks to you."
Cody smiles. "Well, what is it?"
"I'm sure you know my cousin, Lucas Krebbs?"
"Sure I do. Lucas comes out here to ride every day."
"Good. Cody, I want you to arrange somethin' for Lucas," John Ross says.
"Arrange somethin', sir?"
"I think I understand, sir," says Cody.
"So which would you prefer? A fall from his horse, maybe a broke wrist? Or, that other idea you had?"
"I leave that entirely up to you. Just one thing, Cody. Make damn sure, whatever happens, Lucas itn't seriously hurt. No matter how I feel about the boy, he IS still my cousin."
"Yes, sir," Cody says. John Ross turns and walks away, leaving Cody with a big smile.
Back at the house....
"Grandma, take me home, please," Alex says.
"Alright. Come on," says Jenna. She looks at Jimmy and Justin. "Thank you, for finding him."
As Alex is about to get into Ray's truck parked in the driveway, he sees Ashley walking toward the house from the cottage. "Just a minute," he says. She stops and looks at him. The two stare at each other from a distance for a brief moment, then start walking toward each other. They meet in the driveway, both of them in tears. Without saying a word, the two teens embrace and cry together as the other family members watch from a distance....
The Campbell Center....later
Judith Ryland stands at the window of her new office at The Campbell Center later that afternoon when her secretary buzzes her office.
"Ms. Ryland, Cody Williams is here," the secretary says.
Judith smiles. "Thank you, Susie. Please send young Mr. Williams in."
A second later, Cody walks into the office. "Good afternoon, Judith. I'm surprised to see you at your office on a Sunday afternoon."
"Yes ma'am. John Ross gave me another two hundred bucks to do a job for him."
"Do tell."
"He and his cousin, Lucas Krebbs, had some sort of confrontation, and Lucas beat the crap out of John Ross. So now, John Ross wants revenge. He asked me to arrange a little mishap for Lucas. Either an accident with his saddle so he breaks a bone, or......and this is priceless.....he wants me to set Lucas up to be arrested for drug possession."
Judith laughs. "My, my. John Ross has certainly gotten ambitious in his quest for revenge."
"He only asked that Lucas not be seriously hurt. John Ross may hate his guts, but after all, Lucas is blood family. And the best part of all of this.......John Ross had that dimwit private detective of his check into my background. Good thing we saw that one coming, so we could......INVENT......a fool proof history for Cody Williams."
"Yes. That's exactly what we wanted," says Judith. "It's very fortunate that I know John Ross as well as I do. I knew he would try to have you checked out. Now that he has and you came up clean, he'll trust you."
"Yes he will. Hell, he already does. And what's even more perfect......his feud with his cousin Lucas. And Lucas bein' Bobby Ewing's son.......we get to kill two birds with one stone."
Judith walks over to him. "Your mother will definitely LOVE the Lucas connection."
"Speaking of my mother, have you talked to her lately?" Cody asks.
Judith smiles. "That's another reason I asked you to come here today. I have a biiiig surprise for you, Cody." Judith walks to her desk and buzzes her secretary. "Susie, would you please ask our guest to come in?"
A puzzles look comes over Cody's face. Then, he hears Judith's office door open and close. Slowly he turns around and standing there at the door is a woman. Cody smiles. "Mom!" He says happily. "I can't believe it. What are you doing here?"
"I came to see you, my darling," the woman replies. "And to make sure our plan is proceeding nicely."
"Mom, I'm so glad to see you," Cody says, walking over to her.
"I'm happy to see you, sweetheart. Together, we're going to destroy the Ewings and take back what was stolen from us."
Cody embraces his mother. "Yes, we will. Together," he says, then after a moment, pulls out of the embrace and looks at her....