Previously On DALLAS:
------------John Ross put his plan into motion for Lucas.
------------Bobby and Ann grew further apart.
------------Melissa tried to seduce Tripp, who only wanted information from her about John Ross.
------------Lucas was arrested after Cody planted drugs in his car on John Ross's orders.
Braddock County Sheriff's Department....
Southfork....
"John Ross," Christopher says.
"What the hell do you want?"
"Wow. What put you in such a good mood today?"
John Ross puts his glass down, then turns to Christopher. "You wanna know what has me in such a great mood? How about the fact that my whole fam'ly is against me? Or how 'bout the fact that you all kept from me the fact that I have a 15-year-old? Or......maybe, just MAYBE......it's the fact that my pregnant wife has left me and moved in with my little brother." John Ross turns back to the bar and pours himself another drink.
"I had a right to know. He's my son, Christopher. If I had known, maybe things woulda been different."
"Different how, John Ross?"
"I don't know. Maybe Alex and I wouldn't have gotten off on the wrong foot and maybe the kid wouldn't hate my guts right now."
"You sure about that?" Christopher asks. "John Ross, in case anyone hasn't told you, you have this incredible gift for getting off on the wrong foot with everyone who comes into your life. Look at poor Todd Baxter."
"Damn it, Christopher, I do NOT wanna talk about Todd Baxter right now," John Ross angrily says, taking a sip of his third drink.
"That doesn't surprise me. You ruin a man's life and then you don't even give it a second thought. Look, I'm sorry about what happened with Alex, I'm sorry about Elena's baby, and I'm even sorry your marriage to Amanda didn't work out. But an awful lot of the troubles you have in your life are brought on by YOU, John Ross. Why don't you start being a more decent human being and maybe everyone won't be against you all the time and then maybe, just MAYBE, your life won't be such a mess." Without another word, Christopher turns and walks out of the room.
John Ross finishes off his drink, then starts to pour himself another, but he stops as he thinks about what Christopher just said to him. John Ross closes his eyes and sighs deeply. "You expect me to be a decent person?" He says quietly to himself. "Okay. I'll give that a try. Just as soon as I take down my little brother and that tramp of a wife of mine for what they did to me."
The Krebbs Ranch....
"Oh, Lord, it feels so great to be home and out of that hospital," Charlie says as they walk into the living room, Ray carrying her suitcase.
"Oh, I know it does," says Jenna. "But don't overdo it. Are you tired? Need to go upstairs and rest?"
"Mom, I'm fine," Charlie replies. She walks over to the fireplace and looks at the photos on the mantle. Her eyes stop when she comes to a photo of Alex. "Why didn't someone tell me what was going on with m son?"
"Charlie, you were in the hospital. None of us wanted to worry you," says Ray.
"Why should you have to say anything to John Ross?" Ray asks.
"Charlie, what I wanna know is, why didn't you tell me the truth about Alex?" Jenna asks.
Charlie sighs. "I never wanted anyone to know. Especially not Alex. But when I got sick, Mom, I knew I had to make some decisions. I thought that, if something happened to me, that Alex and John Ross should know the truth. I didn't wanna burden you with this. So I told Lucas. This had been weighing on my mind for so long, it felt good to just tell someone and get it out."
Before anyone is able to say another word, the phone rings. Ray walks over and picks up the phone. "Hello," he says.
While Ray is on the phone, Jenna walks over to her daughter. "Charlie, did Phillip know that he wasn't Alex's father? If he did, it sure never showed."
"He knew. When I found out I was pregnant, I told him about what happened when we came here to Texas, and what happened with John Ross that night. But Phillip loved me, and after Alex was born, he loved him every bit as much as if Alex were his own flesh and blood. That's the kind of man my husband was, Mom. And I miss him so much." As Charlie fights back tears, Jenna embraces her daughter.
At that moment, Ray walks over to them. Jenna can tell by the expression on his face that something is wrong. "What is it, Ray?" She asks.
"That was Lucas. He's been arrested. He's in jail in Braddock."
Jenna pulls out of her embrace with Charlie, her mouth falling open in shock upon hearing the news that her son is in jail!
Braddock County Sheriff's Department....
"May I help you?"
"Yes, I'm Ray Krebbs, this is my wife Jenna. Our son Lucas was brought in here a little while ago. He just called us. We need to see him, or someone who can tell us what's goin' on here."
"What was the name?" The officer asks.
"His name is Lucas Krebbs," Jenna replies. "Lucas Wade Krebbs."
The officer looks at a paper on his desk. "Ah, yes. Your son was arrested for possession of drugs."
"Drugs?" Jenna asks. "That's ridiculous. My son doesn't use drugs."
"Well he had a whole bag full in his car, Miz Krebbs."
"Officer, we wanna see Lucas," Ray says.
"I'm sorry. No visitors allowed just yet."
"Look, maybe you're new around here and maybe you don't know who I am and who that young man is you've got back there," says Ray, getting annoyed with the young officer. "My name is Ray Krebbs. My brother just happens to be Bobby Ewing, who also happens to be Lucas's father. Now, do we get to see Lucas, or do I call Mr. Ewing? And I can promise you when he gets here, we WILL see the boy."
The officer's face drains of color upon hearing the name of Bobby Ewing. "Umm, yes, sir, Mr. Krebbs. I'll check with the sheriff, and I'm sure it won't be a problem."
"Well, why don't you just do that," Ray says. He and Jenna watch with worried expressions as the officer stands and walks over to an office and goes in.
Ewing Global....
"And, the police seem to think now that Jack was lured here by the person who killed him," Bobby says as he and Christopher walk into the office.
"Lured here? You mean someone lured Jack to Dallas under false pretenses to kill him?" Christopher asks.
"Yeah. I felt so sorry for Conner when he heard that. He was real upset."
"But who? And why?"
"Good question," Bobby says. "Hopefully, the police will be able to come up with some answers soon. Now, what about you, son? You seem to have a lot on your mind these days. Still thinking about Kristin and your trip to California?"
"Yeah, I guess I am. Finding out all that stuff about Kristin's time in L.A. from her friend Sharon, it was like it was part of a missing piece of a puzzle for me. But there are still some things I have questions about. I've also had something else on my mind."
"Oh? Anything you can talk about with your ol' Dad?" Bobby asks.
"When I was in California at Uncle Gary's, his son Bobby made me a proposition."
"A proposition?"
"Yeah. Bobby suggested that we go into business together. He's thinking seriously about starting up a record company with two branches, one in California that he'll run and the other one here in Dallas that he wants me to head up."
"To be honest, Dad, I am. I know how much you depend on me here, but, I was thinking, maybe this record company could be a subsidiary of Ewing Global."
"Not a bad idea," Bobby says as his intercom buzzes. "Yes, Janice?"
"Mr. Ewing, Senator Culver is on line one," says Bobby's secretary.
"Thank you." Bobby picks up his phone and presses the button. "Matt, hello," he says.
Back in his office, Bobby smiles upon hearing the news. "Matt, I can't thank you enough for this. You already have the Ewings support in your next campaign, but you can expect a little extra in the way of campaign funding now."
Matt laughs. "Thanks, Bobby, I appreciate that. Listen, you take care and I'll let you know how it goes after I meet with the governor."
"Alright," Bobby says. "Thanks again, Matt. Talk to you soon. Bye." Bobby hands up the phone and smiles.
"Well, that must've been real good news," Christopher says.
"It was. Matt has a meeting with the governor tomorrow morning, and he feels certain he can get Judith Ryland removed from office."
Christopher smiles. "That IS great news. Sure pays to have someone with Matt Culver's pull on our side."
"Yes it does. Matt's a real good man, just like his daddy. He's gonna be a welcome addition to the family when he and Margaret get married," Bobby says as his cell phone rings. Picking it up, he looks at the caller ID. "It's Ray. Must be somethin' wrong." He quickly answers. "Ray, what's up? What? Well, what the hell happened? Alright Ray, I'll be there as fast as I can. Thanks for callin'." Bobby puts the phone down on the desk, his face growing pale.
"Dad, what is it?" Christopher asks.
"It's Lucas. He's been arrested."
"Arrested? For what?"
"He was pulled over because one of his tail lights was out and some drugs were found in his car."
"Drugs? That's crazy."
"I know. He's at Braddock SD. I have to get over there."
"I'll come with you."
"Son, call Jay Smithfield and ask him to meet us there. If you can't get ahold of Jay, then call Lou Rosen." Bobby grabs his jacket and rushes out of the office.
Braddock Sheriff's Department....later
"I swear.....I swear to ALL of you that those drugs were NOT mine," Lucas says adamantly.
"And you have no idea how they got into the glove compartment of your car?" Jay asks.
"No, I already told you. I have NO idea."
"Lucas, has anyone else had any access to your car?" Bobby asks. "Have you loaned it to anyone, or given anybody a lift?"
"No."
"What about Emma?" Bobby asks.
"No. Emma hasn't ridden in my car in over two weeks, and I looked in my glove compartment just a few days ago and those drugs weren't there then."
"Lucas, I'm gonna need a list of everywhere you've been in the last few days," says Jay. "Every place you've parked your car, and if you locked your doors...."
"I always lock my doors except....."
"Except.....what, sweetheart?" Jenna asks.
"Except when I'm at home, whether at Southfork or Ray's ranch," Lucas replies.
"And any number of people could've had access to the car then," says Ray.
"Lucas, where was the last place you went before you were pulled over?" Jay asks.
"I went to Southfork, to go riding on my horse. I parked down at one of the barns."
"Was anybody around?"
"Of course. There were hands around, like always, tending to the horses and stuff."
"And how long were you away from your car?" Jay asks.
"I don't know. An hour, hour and a half, maybe."
"We have several new hands on Southfork, too," Bobby says sadly. "Any one of 'em coulda planted those drugs in Lucas's car."
"What am I gonna do?" Lucas asks, near tears.
"What happens now, Jay?" Ray asks.
"Lucas will be arraigned and bail will be set."
"Hopefully not," replies Jay. "I'm gonna put in a call to the judge and see if I can't get Lucas arraigned and released on bail this evening."
"Thank you, Jay," Bobby says.
"Lucas, don't get discouraged. As soon as you're out of here, we'll set up a meeting at my office in Dallas and go over things. You need to try to remember anywhere and everywhere you've gone, where you've left your car unattended."
"I'll try. Right now I just wanna get out of here."
Jenna reaches across the table and takes her son's hand.
Westar....late afternoon
"John Ross, here are those reports you wanted," she says. He doesn't respond. She puts the contracts down on his desk and walks over to him. "Are you okay?"
"Just fine."
"No, thanks, Melissa. I said I'm fine."
A sad look crosses Melissa's face. "Well, let me know if you change your mind." Melissa walks to the door, then turns back to him. "John Ross......"
"You can go on home now, Melissa," he says, interrupting her.
Melissa looks at him for a couple seconds, then starts to leave. As she opens the door, Krystina is standing there about to knock on John Ross's office door.
"Oh," Krystina says. "Melissa, you weren't at your desk, so I thought you were gone for the day."
"No. I was just about to," Melissa says coldly. "Excuse me."
"Have a good evening," Krystina says as Melissa walks past her and out of the office. Krystina smiles, walks in, and closes the door behind her. "John Ross," she says.
He turns to face her. "I'm glad you're here. Could use a friend right about now."
Krystina walks over to him. "What's wrong? Has something else happened?"
"Yep. Somethin' else has happened."
"What is it?"
"Why don't we go back to your hotel room? And I'll tell you all about it."
Early evening in Dallas....
"Justin Ewing? I don't know any......wait a second. That must be Justin Harper. Tell him I'm about to leave."
"He says it's important, sir, and insists that he see you."
The judge hesitates for a moment. "Alright, send him in. And you can go on home, Denise."
"Yes sir. See you tomorrow, Judge Brewster."
"Yeah, fine," he groans.
A second later, Justin and Amanda walk in. "Good evening, Judge," Justin happily says.
"What can I do for you? It's late and I'd like to get home."
Justin smiles. "What can you do for me? Well, Your.....HONOR.....you can start by doing whatever it is you judges do to overturn a ruling."
"Overturn a ruling? Just what ruling is it you want overturned?"
"Yours. I'm sure you remember that little case a few months ago when my older brother, John Ross, went to court to overturn a codicil to my Daddy's will which gave me and my other brother James some shares of stock in a comp'ny called Jensen Technologies, as well as some shares of Westar to me."
"You're crazy. I made my decision in that case and that's final. Now, please leave."
"Not just yet. Not until you agree to do what I ask."
"What the......how DARE you? Young man, I'm giving you just five seconds to get out of my office, or I'll have both you in jail."
"Fine," Justin says. "Why don't you just go right ahead and call whoever you have to and have us arrested. But I guarantee you, Judge Brewster, you'll be sittin' right there in the next cell."
"What are you talking about?" Brewster asks.
"I know why you ruled in my brother's favor. Because he was blackmailin' you. John Ross found out from Judith Ryland that you been payin' her little whorehouse regular visits, and that you have a real.....fetish.....for young girls, as well as young men, some of whom were not quite of legal age."
Judge Brewster stands from his seat. "Why, you little....."
"Ummm, Judge, I wouldn't get into name callin' if I were you," Justin says. "Now then. Can we talk business?"
His lower lip trembling, a frightened Brewster retakes his seat, his face breaking out in a sweat. "What the hell is it you want?"
Justin walks over to the judge's desk and places his hands on the desk as he leans over to the judge. "First of all, you're gonna overturn that rulin' you made in my brother's favor. Just say that after examinin' the evidence more closely, you decided that you were wrong in declarin' J.R. Ewing mentally incompetent when that codicil was written. Next, just as soon as John Ross signs the papers, you're gonna grant Mrs. Ewing here a divorce and a very generous settlement, as well as sole custody of her child when it's born."
"You......do you know what you're asking? When John Ross Ewing finds out about this, he'lll....."
"He'll do NOTHING," Amanda says. "We've already taken care of John Ross by threatening him with his blackmail of a judge. He won't do anything to you."
"Besides, he can't really blackmail a retired judge, now can he?" Justin asks.
"Retired?"
"The last thing we want is for you to step down, resign, or whatever it is you judges do when you give up your seat on the bench. I'm sure you can live very comfortably in retirement."
"No way. Look, I'll do these other things, but I am NOT giving up my seat on the bench."
"Would ya rather retire and be able to keep your sterlin' reputation as a respectable judge? Or would you rather lose your position anyway and go down in disgrace? Prob'ly even prison?"
"You little son of a bitch. All you Ewings are the same, aren't you?" Brewster asks. "J.R. Ewing would certainly be proud of his two sons because you and your brother are both cut from the same cloth."
"That's where you're wrong, judge," Justin says. "Because I would never try to steal somethin' from John Ross that our daddy left to him."
The Krebbs Ranch....the next morning
"So how was jail?" Alex asks.
"How do you think it was?" Lucas snaps.
"Excuse me! I just asked."
"Bet you're really lovin' this, huh?" Lucas asks.
"Look, Lucas, I'm sorry about that. I never would've done that. Not really. I just wanted to scare you into getting off my back about Ashley, and I couldn't think of any other way."
"But you still hate me, don't you?" Lucas asks, standing. "Because of keeping the truth about John Ross from you?"
Alex looks at him for moment. "Maybe a little."
"Enough to wanna see me sent to jail?"
"What?"
"Alex, if you had something to do with those drugs in my car......"
"Hey, wait a second," the boy says. "Hold up a minute, dude. You don't honestly think I planted drugs in your car to get you arrested, do you?"
"What am I supposed to think? You threatened to have me arrested once before for something I didn't do because you were pissed off at me. I've seen you using drugs. Now all of a sudden a bag of stuff is found in my car?"
Alex walks over to Lucas and gets in his face. "I didn't do this. So don't go blaming me because you got caught. I gotta get goin' before I miss the bus." Alex finishes off his glass of juice and sits the glass on the counter, then turns to leave.
"Alex," Lucas calls to him.
The boy stops in the doorway and turns back to him.
"If you did this, then you have to help me here. This is my life we're talking about."
"I already told you I didn't. And you can go straight to hell." Without another word, Alex turns and walks out.
Southfork....later
"Good morning, you two," Bobby says.
"You two had better get dressed and ready for breakfast," says Ann.
"We will," says Conner. "Man that pool felt good."
"Yeah it's hot already this morning," Christopher agrees. "We'll be out in a few minutes."
The new main pours Bobby and Ann each a cup of coffee. "Thank you, Maria," says Ann.
"You're welcome, Mrs. Ewing," Maria says. "Is there anything else I can get for you?"
"Thank you, Maria, I think we're fine."
Maria smiles, then walks into the kitchen.
"Seems like a lovely young woman," Bobby says.
"She is," Ann agrees. "I'm glad you like her."
"I do. I'm sure she'll be a big help to you around here."
"Yes."
Bobby looks at his wife and sighs. "Annie, I hate the way things have been between us."
"So do I. I'm just not quite sure what to do about it."
"Neither am I. Especially not since we're on opposite sides of this whole Emma situation."
"This is not an EMMA situation, Bobby," Ann says. "This is my daughter we're talkin' about."
"Honey, I know. I just wish you could see Emma in a realistic light instead of always through rose colored glasses."
"Bobby, I know my daughter isn't perfect. But then again, none of the rest of are, either. Excuse, me, I'm not very hungry." Ann quickly gets up from the table and walks into the house, leaving Bobby once again frustrated over the problems he and Ann are having over Emma.
The Omni Hotel....
"You gonna get up, shower, and get ready for work?" Krystina finally asks.
"What for?" John Ross asks. "Soon, I won't have a comp'ny to go to anyway. Not after that damned board meetin'. Especially now that I had to give ten of my shares to that so called brother of mine."
"Don't say that. You're not beaten yet."
"May as well be," John Ross says, getting out of bed. He slips on his boxers and walks to the window. "I may as well face it, Krystina. I've lost. Without a majority of shares, I don't stand a chance of stayin' in power."
Krystina gets out of bed and puts on her bathrobe. "Do you think you could get some of the other shareholders to sell to you? Just enough stock to put you back in a position as majority shareholder."
"Nice idea, darlin', but no. I'm not real popular with the stockholders or the board to begin with. No way they'd sell to me, or side with me over Pamela and that loser Tripp McKay. Especially with McKay's granddaddy behind them."
"Don't give up," Krystina says. "There has to be a way. Now why don't you go take a shower. You're not out of Westar on your butt yet, and until that happens, you still do have a company to run, Mr. Ewing."
"And what's that?"
"Join me in that shower." John Ross grabs her and pulls her close to him.
"I'd love to, but, I'm gonna call home and check in. See how things are going at Denver-Carrington."
"Well, alright. But when I come out....."
"When you come out, you have to be getting dressed and getting to the office," says Krystina. "If you continue neglecting the company the way you've been doing, it's not gonna look good to the board when that meeting comes around."
"You, Miss Carrington, must be an eternal optimist." John Ross kisses her. Then he smiles and walks into the bathroom, leaving the door slightly open.
Krystina listens until she hears the shower water begin running, then she closes the bathroom door and walks over to the bed, where she picks up her cell phone. She speed dials a number and waits for an answer. After several rings, Krystina is about ready to give up when someone answers. "Bruce, hi, it's Krystina Carrington," she says. "I was just about to give up. I hope I didn't interrupt your breakfast. Good. Listen, I have a favor to ask. I need for you to do a little research into the Westar Oil Company in Dallas. I need to know the names of all the company's major shareholders. That's right. Yes, and I need this information as soon as possible. Oh, and also, the names of all the members of the board of directors. Thanks, Bruce. I owe you one. Bye." Krystina puts her phone down and smiles.
The State Capitol in Austin....
"Matt, please, come in," Sam says, ushering the young senator in. "Would you like a drink?"
"No, thanks, Governor. I appreciate you fitting me into your schedule on such short notice."
"Of course. Anything for the young man who will likely become the next United States Senator from Texas. Have a seat."
"Thank you," Matt says, taking a seat across from the Governor's desk.
"And what might that be?" Matt asks.
"I was named for your grandfather."
"Is that so?"
"Yep," replies Sam. "I was born when ol' Sam Culver was governor, and my grandfather was a HUGE admirer of his, so he insisted that my parents name me Sam."
"Well, that IS interesting," Matt says with a laugh.
"Now then, what was it you wanted to see me about?"
"Judith Ryland, the Railroad Commissioner."
"Ah, yes. I've been hearing that you've been keeping close tabs on Commissioner Ryland for quite some time now. Even brought her name up before the Senate Ethics Committee. What seems to be the problem?"
"Judith Ryland is using her office to wage a personal war against Ewing Global. She has either denied or rescinded several drilling variances Ewing Global needs in order to do business."
The Governor smiles. "Matt, I appreciate your concern for the Ewings. It's no secret that you're gonna marry Bobby Ewing's niece in another week or so, so it's understandable that you'd wanna help him."
"Matt, Judith has done an excellent job as Railroad Commissioner," the Governor says as he stands and walks to his bar. "I've reviewed a report by the Ethics Committee on Ms. Ryland, and I found nothing in the report to indicate that Judith is overstepping her bounds of authority, OR using her position for any type of personal gain."
"Then obviously you didn't read the same report that I did," Matt says.
"Matt, what is it you want?"
"Judith Ryland replaced as Railroad Commissioner."
"On what grounds?" The Governor asks.
"On the grounds we just discussed. A violation of ethics. A Railroad Commissioner doesn't just go after one company to stop them from drilling. The lady doesn't even bother to be discreet in her attempts to ruin Ewing Global."
"I'll look into it."
"You'll look into it? What exactly does that mean? You'll forget it just as soon as I walk out of here and do nothing?"
The Governor turns back to the young Senator. "Matt, I said I'll look into it, and I will. That's the best I can offer you for now until I find evidence of an ethics violation. I'll get back to you."
"Governor, please DO look into this," says Matt. "I usually don't like to play hardball, but if I have to, I will."
"Meaning what, Senator?"
"Meaning, Governor, that you haven't exactly had the most ethical administration and I'm sure there's plenty of dirt there, if one digs deep enough. I have a lot of friends here in Texas, AND in Washington. Very powerful friends." Matt turns and walks to the door. "And as you know, the Culver name carries a lot of weight. Think about that when you're looking into Judith Ryland's tenure as Railroad Commissioner." Without another word, Matt walks out of the office.
After Matt leaves, a look of anger comes across the Governor's face as he pours himself a drink. After taking a sip, he walks over to his desk and picks up his phone. He dials a number and waits for an answer. "Hey, it's Sam," he says when the other party answers. "We have a problem. Senator Matt Culver is poking his nose into Judith's handling of Ewing Global. He's been working closely with the ethics committee and he's trying to get her removed from office. I think I can talk to some friends and try to block him here for a while. But if he talks to the right people....."
"Block Senator Culver as best you can for now, Sam," says a woman's voice on the other end of the line. "I'll take care of the rest. All we need is a little more time to keep the pressure on. Ewing Global can't hold out for much longer."
Sam hangs up his phone, picks his drink up and finishes it off.
Meanwhile....
Pamela's apartment....
"Emma, would you mind getting that?" Pamela asks.
Emma sighs in frustration. "Sure, why not, " she says. "May as well make myself useful." She gets up and walks to the door, opening it to find Ann there.
"Hi, Emma," Ann says.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to see you. May I come in?"
"Be my guest," Emma says sarcastically. She steps aside, Ann walks into the apartment, and Emma closes the door.
"Ann, hello," Pamela says, getting up from the table and walking to the living room.
"Hi, Pamela. I....I hope I didn't come at a bad time," Ann says.
Ann smiles. "Oh, well, that's wonderful. So I guess you've been doin' well."
"I've been doing great."
"Good. Well, I won't keep you from what you were doin'," Ann says. She turns to her daughter. "Emma, can we talk? Maybe go for a walk?"
Emma hesitates a moment, then looks at Pamela, Afton, and Tracey. "Fine," she says. "I could use some fresh air."
Ann smiles at Pamela, then she and Emma leave.
Southfork....afternoon
"Hey," she says.
"Hey, yourself."
"So, on the phone you said you had something you wanted to talk to me about?"
"I know. But, it sounded important. Besides, Jay is in court this afternoon and I had some free time, so I thought I might go riding."
"You and that Jay Smithfield been seein' a lot of each other lately, huh?" Justin asks.
"Yes, we have. Jay is really the first good thing to happen in my life in a very long time."
"Gee, I thought findin' out I was your kid brother was the best thing."
Jillian laughs at the comment. "Okay, Jay is the SECOND best thing to happen in my life in a long time. Better?"
"Much."
"So don't keep me in suspense. What's so important?"
"I finally did it," replies Justin. "I finally confronted John Ross with what we have on him. And, rather than risk goin' to prison, he signed back over those ten shares of Westar to me. And those five shares I promised you before he stole 'em.....they're yours again if you want 'em."
"Well, thank you. But, I thought you planned on waiting until the board meeting."
"I was goin' to. But somethin' came up that made it necessary for me to drop the bomb on John Ross a little sooner."
"And is that 'something' John Ross's wife?" Jillian asks.
"Wow," Jillian says. "I didn't think it was that serious between you. That night I saw her in your room, I thought....."
"You thought it was just sex. Well, I admit it did start out that way. But then we fell in love. I aint never felt about anyone the way I feel about Amanda, and I wanna build a life with her."
"You know, little brother.....big brother John Ross isn't gonna make that easy."
"He itn't gonna have a choice," says Justin. "He'll leave Amanda alone, and the baby. If he wants to stay out of prison. He treated her like straight crap, Jill. She couldn't take it anymore. Now, I'm gonna make her happy."
"Justin, there's something I probably should tell you."
"And what's that?"
"I told Jay about the file Harris Ryland gave you on John Ross."
"You did WHAT?" Justin asks in surprise. "Jill, I asked you not to say anything to anybody about that."
"I know, but, after Jay's cousin Todd tried to kill himself because John Ross blackmailed him, Jay was out to make John Ross pay. But, I retained him as my attorney before I told him, so anything I said to him after that falls under attorney-client confidentiality."
"Well, I hope he's not gonna say anything. But the guy's a lawyer, Jill. And a pretty damned honest one, at that. If he decides to tell anybody, then it could ruin everything."
A Park in Dallas....
"Well, I didn't have anywhere else to go, except to a hotel, and I didn't wanna be alone."
"I'm sorry things turned out the way they did at Southfork, but Emma, you did bring this on yourself by gettin' involved with John Ross again."
Emma stops walking, turns to her mother and sighs deeply. "Well that wouldn't have happened if Lucas had given me one ounce of caring, or love."
"Emma, I can understand you bein' angry, and hurt by Lucas keepin' the truth from you about Alex."
"I take it the two of you haven't talked since you both moved out of Southfork?"
"No. Not at all."
"Then you don't know about what happened?" Ann asks.
"What do you mean? What happened?"
Ann sighs. "Lucas was arrested. He was pulled over for a tail light bein' out on his car, and the police found drugs."
"Drugs?" Emma asks. "Lucas? No, that's impossible. Lucas has never done any drugs, in fact, he's the most anti-drug person I know."
"Sounds like you still care about him."
"Of course, I care," Emma says, near tears. "You can't live with a person for all those months and go through what we've been through and not still care about them."
"I'm really glad to hear that. And what about me and you?"
"What about us?"
"Emma, the way things happened, and the way you left Southfork, I was afraid that it had put our relationship in danger. But I feel a little better about that now that we've talked."
"Look, I don't know which way things are gonna go. I'm still very angry with you. I know I can never go back to Southfork after what happened. Especially knowing the Ewings set Cliff up for J.R.'s murder when they knew he was innocent."
"Well, obviously you haven't said anything to Cliff about that, or else he would've been all over the Ewings by now."
"No, I haven't told him," Emma says.
"Are you goin' to?"
"I don't know. Right now, I don't even know whether I'm coming or going and I can't even look past this afternoon, much less tomorrow or the next day."
Emma reaches out and gently touches her daughter's shoulder.
Southfork.....night
"Evening, son," Bobby says.
"Dad."
"How was your night out?"
"It was great. I had drinks with a couple friends I haven't seen in a long while. You're up late."
Bobby smiles. "I couldn't sleep, and I didn't wanna wake Ann up tossin' and turnin'."
"Are you okay?" Christopher asks.
"I was just thinkin'."
"About the trouble at Ewing Global?"
"Among other things. But mostly, I was thinkin' about the family, and about all the people who've lived here at Southfork, and who've come and gone over the years. Mama, Daddy, J.R., Clayton. Your mother. I was thinkin' about the night after Lucas was born. And about how sad everything is now. John Ross has totally estranged himself from the whole family. Lucas has moved out, thanks to John Ross and Emma. My marriage to Ann is in trouble again. Just feels like the whole family is falling apart."
"The Ewings have had tough times before, Dad," Christopher says. "We've always come through."
"Yeah, but in the past we've always come together as a family. This time, the Ewings are divided into different armed camps. I'm afraid the days of us united to fight outside forces may just be over."
Christopher puts a reassuring hand on his father's shoulder. "Dad, don't say that. No matter what happens, we're still a family."
"A family with no direction, I'm afraid," Bobby says sadly. "And that's not all we have to worry about right now. Not only is the family in trouble, but Ewing Global keeps gettin' in deeper."
"What do you mean by that?" Asks Christopher.
"I got a call earlier this evening from Mike Thornton. You know, the owner of that property down in Harris County that Ewing Global needs?"
"Yeah, what about it?"
"Thornton got a better offer, so he took it."
"What? Damn it, we needed that oil reserve," says an angry Christopher.
"I know."
"Well who bought it?"
"Some comp'ny called Garrett Enterprises, out of Houston."
"I've never heard of them."
"Neither have I," Bobby says. "But, it duttin' matter now. With our drilling permits either rescinded or denied in ten other fields across the state, we really needed that piece of Harris County land for its reserve. Now, I'm afraid this puts us even deeper in the hole. We've borrowed up to our eyeballs, and if Matt Culver itn't able to come through for us and get Judith Ryland replaced with a Commissioner who'll grant us those permits we need to open up all those fields, we're sunk."
"If Matt were able to get Judith out by next week, would we even have time to drill enough oil to pay back our debts and get out of this hole?" Christopher asks.
"I really don't know, son. We could if the bank and our other creditors would grant us an extension. But that's a BIG if."
A sad and concerned look crosses Christopher's face as he joins his father in worrying about the fate of Ewing Global and the Ewing family.
The Culver home in Austin....the next day
"What was that for?" Margaret asks.
"Because I love you so much. And because exactly one week from today, you become my wife."
Margaret smiles. "Mrs. Matthew Culver. Margaret Krebbs Culver. I like the sound of that."
Matt laughs.
"What's so funny?" Margaret asks him.
"I was just thinking how funny it is. When your mother was married to your father, she was Donna Culver Krebbs. And now you're gonna be Margaret Krebba Culver."
"Ironic, isn't it?"
"Yeah, it is," Matt says. "I like the sound of Krebbs Culver much better." He kisses her again, then after a moment, the two walk into the house, where they find Matt's mother, Luann Culver, and Margaret's mother Donna Dowling sitting in the living room discussing final arrangements for the wedding.
"We were just about to give up on you," says Donna.
"Matt!" Margaret says, delivering a playful slap to her fiance's arm.
"Margaret, THAT'S what you're gonna have to put up with from now on," says Luann. "Matt's just like his father."
"Hmmm, thanks, Mom," Matt says. "I couldn't think of a better compliment. Donna, could I have a word?"
"Sure," replies Donna. She stands from her seat on the sofa and walks over to Matt. As Margaret takes a seat in the living room with Luann, Donna follows Matt into the foyer. "What's up?"
"I met with the Governor yesterday on that issue concerning Judith Ryland and her using her office to wage a personal vendetta against Ewing Global."
"And?" Donna asks. "What did he say?"
Matt sighs. "He's not gonna be any help at all. He said he'd look into it, which, we both know what that means."
"Yeah. It means he isn't gonna do a damned thing."
"Which also means it's gonna be up to US to put pressure on that committee to bring Ms. Ryland up on ethics charges."
"But Matt, that's gonna be awfully hard to prove," says Donna.
"How hard can it be?" Matt asks. "The woman has denied or rescinded numerous drilling permits, but only for Ewing Global and for no other oil company in the state. Anyone can clearly see she has a personal hate on for the Ewings. And I'm afraid if we don't move fast, Ewing Global won't stand a chance of surviving if they can't drill or do business."
"Alright," Donna says. "I'll make a few phone calls. See what I can do. I still have a lot of influence in Washington, and if the Governor won't do anything, then maybe it's time to go over his head."
The Krebbs Ranch....
"Alex," John Ross calls to him.
The boy stops on the front steps and turns to him. "What do you want here?"
"To see you. My son."
"I told you before, DON'T call me that. I am NOT your son."
"Why are you here?"
"Wanted to see you. To talk to you."
"Why?" The boy asks.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Lucas asks, walking out of the house before John Ross can answer Alex's question.
"I came here to see my son."
"Get out of here, John Ross. You're NOT welcome here."
"Last time I checked, this here place belonged to our Uncle Ray, not to you. So you don't have any say at all about who comes and who goes."
"You wanna bet?" Lucas asks, walking into the yard to face John Ross. "I beat the hell out of you before. You want a replay?"
"Lucas!" Charlie calls as she walks onto the porch. "Lucas, stop it."
"I don't want him here, Charlie."
"It's not up to you. Please, just go in the house," Charlie says.
"Yes, I'm sure. Please leave us alone."
Lucas sighs. "I have to get ready to meet Jay anyway." Lucas turns and looks at John Ross, then without another word, walks in the house.
After Lucas is gone, Charlie turns to her son. "Alex, would you go in the house, please?"
"Alex, please," Charlie says adamantly.
The boy looks at his mother, then at John Ross. After a pause, he turns and walks into the house. Charlie walks into the front yard to face John Ross.
"You're lookin' well," John Ross says. "Glad you're out of that hospital."
"Thank you. What are you doing here, John Ross?"
"I couldn't, John Ross. I never wanted you to find out, and I never wanted Alex to find out."
"Why?"
"Phillip was a wonderful man, and a wonderful father," says Charlie. "He adored Alex and Alex adored him. John Ross, after that night......the night we made love sixteen years ago, we agreed never to talk about it again. It was a mistake we made when we'd had too much to drink. Then after I went back to New York, Phillip and I patched things up and he asked me to marry him. It wasn't long after that.....I found out I was pregnant."
"And he knew that I was the father?"
"I'm not gonna hurt him, Charlie," John Ross says, a tear streaming down his face. "Charlie, I've made a lot of mistakes in my life. In business. With my fam'ly. Hell, with almost everyone I love. I hadn't done a whole lot right. But when I found out that I have a son, I realized, I did do somethin' right. I have a son that I never knew existed until just a little while ago. And if the boy'll give me the chance, I'd like to get to know him."
Smithfield And Bennett....later
"Thanks, Jay."
"Would you like a drink?"
"No, thank you."
"Have a seat, Lucas," Jay says. He returns to his seat behind his desk and Lucas takes a seat in a chair in front of the desk. "Did you make that list for me of every place you went in the week prior to your arrest?" Jay asks.
"Yeah, I did," Lucas replies, taking a piece of paper from his pocket and handing it across the desk to Jay.
Jay looks at the list. "Southfork, your mother and stepfather's ranch, the Athletic Club, and a couple stores and restaurants in town. And you locked your car at every one of these places except for Southfork and the Krebbs Ranch?"
"That's right."
"Could there have been any time when you left the car unlocked?" Jay asks. "Maybe you just stepped in some place for a minute and didn't think to lock it?"
"No," Lucas says, shaking his head. "I ALWAYS lock my car whenever I'm in town. Always. No one could've had access to it, Jay."
"Okay, well, what about ranch hands?" Jay asks. "Both at Southfork and the Krebbs Ranch?"
"The only hand working at Ray's ranch is my cousin, Conner Ewing. And Conner wouldn't have done it."
"What about him?"
"What kinda kid is he? Is he a good, solid kid? Is he a trouble maker? Use drugs?"
Lucas looks at the lawyer and hesitates for a moment, then he stands to his feet and walks across the room.
"Lucas?"
"Alex is......well, he's had some problems," Lucas replies, turning back to Jay.
"What sort of problems?"
"Alex lost his father last year, and then, early this year he found out his mom had cancer. He went through a bad time because of it."
"What kind of relationship do you have with him?" Jay asks.
"What sort of problems?"
"Just.....problems."
"You and the boy don't get along?" Jay asks.
"No, not really."
"Why?"
Lucas lets out a deep breath and remains silent.
"Look, Lucas, I wanna help you here," says Jay.
"But in order for me to do that, you've gotta help too, by telling me everything."
"I kept a secret from everyone, including Alex. A secret about him."
"Which was?"
"A few months ago, not long after my sister told me she had cancer, she confided a secret to me. A secret about who Alex's real father is. The secret came out recently, and Alex was pretty pissed at me for keeping it from him."
"I see. And what about Alex's biological father?" Jay asks.
"Does he know?"
"Oh, yeah. He knows, alright," replies Lucas. "Jay, I might as well tell you. John Ross is Alex's father."
A look of total surprise comes over Jay's face. "John Ross Ewing?"
"Yeah. Unfortunately."
"And how did John Ross react when he found out?"
"He was angry. Very angry. So angry, in fact, that he took my girlfriend Emma to bed and arranged for me to find them together. John Ross and I got into a real big fight. I beat the hell out of him. I was so hurt and so angry that I could've killed him."
Jay stands and walks over to his client. "That's interesting."
"Interesting......how?"
"It just makes me wonder," Jay says. "If you and your cousin John Ross have this kind of bad blood between you, I can't help but wonder if maybe he's the reason those drugs were found in your car."
"You.....you think John Ross set me up?" Lucas asks.
"Would you really put it past him? Look at what he did to my cousin Todd? Look what he did to Jill, his own half-sister."Lucas grows angry upon realizing that what Jay is saying is true.
"Damn," he says.
"Lucas, now listen to me. Let's keep this between us for now, okay?"
"But if that son of a bitch set me up......"
"We can't prove that," says Jay. "At least not yet."
"Then how do we?""I'm not sure. Lucas, just let me handle this. You keep your cool and just stay away from your cousin."
"I will. For now," says Lucas. "But we find proof that John Ross set me up......the beating I gave him when I found him with Emma will be NOTHING compared to what I do to him now."
Southfork....the bunkhouse.....night
"How long are you gonna stare at that paper?" She asks.
"I just can't help it, darlin'. Just look at it. Ten shares of Westar. The ten that John Ross stole from me."
"Are you still gonna give half to your sister?"
"Oh yeah. I promised them to her before, and she deserves that much. God, life has sure gotten good for me lately. Changed my last name officially to Ewing. I have the woman I love with all my heart livin' with me. And I got back what my brother took from me. Not bad for a skinny country boy who came here without two nickels to rub together a few months ago, huh?"
Justin reaches across the table and takes her hand. "Ya know, I can't wait for your divorce from John Ross, and til he loses his seat at Westar. Hell, who knows, I might even be made an executive in the comp'ny."
"With only ten shares? Oh, excuse me.....FIVE shares after you give half to Jill?"
"I can dream, can't I? Besides, I am a Ewing. I got oil in my blood."
Amanda smiles. "Well, Mr. Future Oil Executive, right now we'd better eat this dinner I cooked before it gets cold."
The Krebbs Ranch....
"You know," she says. "I'm really worried about Alex. He's been so quiet lately, have you noticed?"
"Uh-huh," Ray mutters, not really listening to his wife. He puts the photo of himself and Donna back into his wallet and replaces it on the nightstand as Jenna turns down the covers on her side of the bed and crawls in.
"This whole situation is so hard," Jenna continues. "And John Ross showing up here this afternoon didn't help matters any. Poor Alex has been through so much this last year. He certainly doesn't need John Ross in his life complicating things."
"Uh-huh," Ray again mutters, not showing any interest in what his wife is saying.
"I'm sorry, Jenna, what'd you say?"
"You didn't hear a word I just said."
"I'm sorry, Jenna. I wasn't listenin'. What was it?"
"Nothing," replies an exasperated Jenna, getting out of bed. "This is happening with more and more frequency. It's starting to get ridiculous."
"Jenna, I said I was sorry."
"Ray, what is it? What has been going on with you lately?"
"Nothin'," Ray replies. "Just got a lot on my mind, that's all. Like my daughter's weddin' comin' up in a week."
"It's more than that. The two of us have been drifting apart for months, and I think it's time we faced this problem. When I came into the room, you were looking at a picture. It was of you and Donna, wasn't it?"
Ray remains silent and looks away.
"Ray? Wasn't it?" Jenna demands.
"Yes, it was. It was a picture of me and Donna that I've had for years," Ray says, getting out of bed.
"Ever since Donna was in town a couple weeks ago, you've been acting very differently."
"Different how?"
"Quiet. Distant. Uninterested."
"Jenna that's just not true," Ray insists.
"Yes it is true. We have a serious problem, Ray, and I think it's time we faced it."
"Yeah, I'd say we have a serious problem, alright," Ray says angrily. "Like the fact that you're still in love with Bobby, even after all these years."
Jenna's mouth drops open in shock.
"Yes, Jenna, I know," Ray continues. "It's been obvious ever since we moved back here. Especially after Lucas's accident last year and when he was in the hospital."
"Well, you're the one who wanted to move back here, Ray," Jenna says.
"Because I thought it would help things. I thought it would help YOU if you were near Lucas. But instead it's just made things worse."
"And you're constantly taking a trip down memory lane with your ex-wife doesn't help," says Jenna.
"Donna and I have talked a lot the last few months and seen each other a few times because of Margaret's wedding. Donna IS the mother of my child, you know."
"And Bobby is the father of MY child!" Jenna yells.
"Yeah," Ray says. "I've been reminded of that fact every day for the last several months as I've watched the son that I raised grow apart from me and closer to Bobby." Ray looks at her and pauses a moment. "Maybe you should've married Bobby after Pam walked out of his life instead of me. Then the two of you coulda raised Lucas together and we wouldn't be havin' these issues right now." Ray grabs his bathrobe and a pillow and walks to the door.
"Where are you going?" Jenna asks.
"Not that it matters, but I'm gonna go sleep on the sofa in the den." Without another word, Ray storms out of the room, leaving Jenna fuming.
The Culver home in Austin....one week later
"Hi, Donna," Ray says, walking up to them. "Luann."
"Hello, Ray," Luann Culver says. "How are you?"
"Just fine," Ray replies, kissing Luann on the cheek as Jenna walks over. "I don't believe you've ever met my wife, Jenna. Jenna, this is Matt's mother, Luann Culver."
"Hello," Jenna says.
"Hello, Jenna, it's very nice to meet you," Luann greets, shaking Jenna's hand.
"Donna, how are you?" Jenna asks.
"I'm fine, Jenna. And you?"
"Good," says Donna, the tension between the two women who were once close friends evident and not going unnoticed by Luann.
"Where's my daughter?" Ray asks.
"Oh, uh, Margaret is upstairs getting dressed, and in fact, I suppose I should go up and see if I can lend a hand."
Ray smiles. "Think I'll walk with ya. If she's decent, I'd like to see my little girl before I walk her down that isle. Excuse us."
"Of course," Luann says as Ray and Donna walk away and head toward the house. After they are gone, she turns to Jenna. "So, I imagine you must be very proud today, just as I am. Margaret is a very lovely young woman."
"Yes, she is," Jenna says.
Meanwhile, Bobby, Ann, Christopher, and Conner arrive for the wedding. Spotting Luann, they walk over.
"Well, well, Bobby Ewing," Luann says with a smile.
"Hello, Luann, how are you? It's been a long time," Bobby says, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek.
"I'm fine, Bobby, and yes it's been too long."
"Luann, I'd like for you to meet my wife, Ann, my son, Christopher, and my cousin, Conner Ewing."
"Hello, I'm so glad you could all come," Luann says.
"Thank you for having us," says Ann.
"Would you excuse me?" Jenna says, walking away from the group. Luann notices the harsh look Ann gives Jenna.
Meanwhile, in an upstairs bedroom, Margaret is about to get dressed into her beautiful wedding gown when a knock comes at the door. "Come in," she says.
Ray and Donna walk into the room. "Hi, sweetheart," Ray says.
"Daddy," Margaret says, happily greeting her father with a hug and kiss.
"Hope we didn't interrupt," Donna says.
"No, I was just about to get dressed, but I still have a little while."
"I just wanted to see my little girl one last time before I have to walk ya down that isle," says Ray. "You are so beautiful. Donna, if we didn't do anything else right during our marriage, we sure did make a beautiful daughter, didn't we?"
"Yes. Beautiful, AND perfect," Donna says.
"Me, too, sweetheart," Ray says. "And I think you couldn't have found a better man than Matt."
"Your father's right," says Donna. "You couldn't have found a better man. Other than your father."
Ray looks at Donna and the exchange smiles, which Margaret takes note of the recent closeness between her parents.
"Mom, I'm gonna need some help with my hair," says Margaret.
"Of course," Donna says.
"Well, I'll leave you ladies for now. Margaret, I'll be back soon."
"Margaret, I'll be back in a minute," says Donna. "I just wanna have a quick word with your father."
"Sure, Mom." Margaret watches as her parents walk out of the room together.
In the hallway, Ray and Donna walk toward the stairs. "You look really wonderful, Donna," Ray says.
"Thank you. Ray, I have to ask........how are things between you and Jenna? The tension was pretty thick when you two arrived."
Ray sighs. "Well, things could be better. It's been kind of a rough week."
"I'm sorry. Do you think she suspects anything? I mean, about what happened between us?"
"No. I don't think so. But to be honest, Donna, I have thought about tellin' Jenna."
"Ray, you can't," Donna says.
"Donna, I'm not ashamed of what happened between us," Ray says, taking her by the hand. "I'm in love with you, and I know you're in love with me."
"But Jenna is your WIFE, Ray. Look, let's just try to get through this day, and then.......and then I don't think we need to see each other. Not unless it's absolutely necessary."
"No way," Ray says.
"I told you once before. I won't be the reason for the breakup of your marriage to Jenna, and I WON'T be the other woman in your life. It's time we forget what happened that day in my hotel room in Dallas, and get on with our lives."
"Is that what you really want? To just forget that we love each other? I'm supposed to just go on bein' married to Jenna when it's you that I love?"
"Yes," says Donna. "Because that's the right thing to do, Ray. Don't you realize that if we went with our feelings, it could rip this whole family apart? Jenna would be devastated. You remember how it was for her when Bobby left her to marry Pam again. I won't put Jenna through that a second time. And what about our children? Margaret. And Lucas. And even Charlie, they would ALL be affected. Our lives have all worked pretty well up until now. And I am NOT willing to destroy that." Donna turns and walks back down the hall, leaving Ray heartbroken.
Ray is unaware that Jenna is standing on the stairway in tears, having overheard the entire conversation between her husband and his ex-wife. After a brief pause, Jenna turns and heads back down the stairs.
Meanwhile.....Tracey McKay's home....
"Well, Cliff," Carter says. "In a little more than a week, John Ross Ewing will be booted from his office at Westar.
Cliff laughs. "Oh, yes, and I cannot wait for that to happen. So I trust I can count on your support for my plan."
"You can. Westar needs a man in the CEO's office who has experience, and has the company's best interest at heart. But, how do you think Pamela will take the news when she finds out you're campaigning to become the next CEO?"
"I'm sure she'll be upset," Cliff says. "But, I fully intend to give both Pamela and Tripp top positions at Westar, and I'm going to make her my hand picked successor when the time comes that I decide to retire from the oil business.
"You're probably right. I'll probably die in the oil business. But right now, our main objective is getting John Ross OUT of Westar, and then......" Cliff pauses for a moment.
"And then what, Cliff?" Carter asks.
"And then......I set about finding proof that the Ewings framed me for J.R.'s murder."
"How do you figure to do that?"
"I don't know. Maybe by finding Elena Ramos. I know she's the key. Elena knew the Ewings framed me, and she had the proof in a letter that J.R. wrote before he was killed. If I can find her and if she still has a copy of that letter.....I'll have my proof and then I can REALLY make the Ewings pay for what they did to me."
As Cliff speaks, Emma stands nearby listening. She sighs deeply as a worried look comes over her face. Emma knows the Ewings framed Cliff, her biological father, for a crime he didn't commit. But she feels torn about whether to tell him because of Ann.
Meanwhile, upstairs, Afton and Tracey are helping Pamela finish getting dressed for the wedding. After she is in her wedding dress, she looks at herself in a full length mirror.
"Oh, sweetheart," Afton says. "You are absolutely gorgeous."
"I agree with that statement," Tracey says. "Pamela, you truly are a beautiful bride."
"Thank you both," says Pamela. "And Tracey, I can't thank you enough for letting us have the wedding right here at your home."
Pamela laughs. "Well, I don't know about a dozen, but rest assured, Tripp and I do want kids. Only, not anytime soon."
"Don't worry, Mom. Only a few years. You'll have PLENTY of time to spoil your grandchildren." The smile suddenly disappears from Pamela's face.
"Are you alright, sweetheart?" Afton asks.
"I'm fine. I was just....."
"Thinking about the twins?"
"I know, darling," Afton says, gently stroking her daughter's hair.
"Well, I guess it's almost time, huh?" Pamela asks.
"Almost," replies Tracey.
Back in Austin....
"Wow, when did that happen?" Lucas asks.
"After you moved out of Southfork," Christopher replies. "Amanda left John Ross and moved into the bunkhouse with Justin."
"Lucas, come on, you don't mean that. I know John Ross is a lot of things, but do you really think he deserves to never see his kid?"
"Yes, Christopher, I do. Any child would be better off if John Ross is NOT a part of his or her life."
"Well, enough about John Ross," says Christopher. "There's something I wanted to talk to you about. A few weeks ago when I was in California at Uncle Gary's, our cousin Bobby made me a proposition. He asked me to go into business with him and start a record label."
"Oh, really? Are you considering it?"
"I've thought about it, but, I really don't think I'm interested. Ewing Global is going through a bad time right now, and Dad and Sue Ellen need me at the office. Plus I'd like to work at the ranch more, too, so I wouldn't have the time. But I thought about you."
"Me?" Lucas asks.
"Yeah, you're not doing much else these days. So, I thought maybe you'd be interested in teaming up with Bobby. Our plan was to open two branches, one in L.A. with him running it and another here in Dallas. We could use one of the offices at Ewing Global to work from."
"Sounds like a great idea."
"Awesome, then, why don't we give Bobby a call when we get back to Dallas and set up a meeting for you guys to talk about it?"
"Christopher, yes, I'm interested. But, right now, I'm just not sure. Until these drug charges are cleared up and Jay can prove I was set up, I can't really make any major plans."
"I don't think he was invited," Amanda says with a smile.
"Well, that's not surprisin'. He's turned just about everybody in the fam'ly against him. Hell, everybody in the whole world, really. I almost feel sorry for my brother when he goes into that board meetin' at Westar. Must be an awful lonely place, when ya have no friends left in the world and even your fam'ly can't stand you, even your own mama."
"Speaking of which, I suppose I should go over and say hi to Sue Ellen. After all, she is my baby's grandmother."
"Come on, then," Justin says.
Meanwhile, Jenna stands at the bar taking a sip of her drink as Sue Ellen and Dusty approach her.
"Oh, hello Sue Ellen. Dusty."
"Hi, Jenna," Dusty greets.
"How are you?" Asks Sue Ellen.
"Oh, never better," Jenna replies sarcastically as she takes a sip of her drink.
"Jenna, how is Alex? I've been wanting to come by and see him, but I wasn't sure if I should,"
"Alex is just fine, Sue Ellen."
"It's pretty strange isn't it? Who would've ever guessed that you and I would have a grandson in common?"
Jenna turns to Sue Ellen and smiles somewhat of a fake smile. "Certainly not me. But then again, in this screwed up family, anything is possible, isn't it?" Without another word, Jenna turns and walks away from them.
"I really have no idea," Sue Ellen says as Justin and Amanda walk over.
"Hi, Sue Ellen," Amanda says.
Sue Ellen smiles. "Amanda, hello. Justin."
"Hey, Sue Ellen."
"Umm, you both remember Dusty Farlow?"
"Sure, hi, Dusty," says Amanda.
"Hello."
"Amanda, you're looking very well," says Sue Ellen.
"Thank you."
"I understand that you and John Ross have separated."
"Yes. And before you start judging me for leaving your son, Sue Ellen, I just couldn't live with him any longer."
"Amanda, you don't have to justify your decision to me. I was married to John Ross's father for many years. I understand. John Ross is my son and I love him, but, I have to say that, despite the way you tricked my son into marrying you, I do admire you for having the strength to leave John Ross much sooner than I left J.R."
Meanwhile, As Bobby and Ann chat with Christopher and Lucas, Matt walks over. "Bobby," Matt says.
"Well, there's the lucky groom," Bobby says, shaking Matt's hand.
"Are ya nervous?" Ann asks.
The others laugh at the comment.
"Bobby, I wanted to talk to you today," Matt says. "I heard from Senator Shackelford, the chairman of the ethics committee. The Governor is putting pressure on them to stop the investigation into Judith Ryland."
"He's what?" Bobby asks.
"Well they're not gonna do it, are they?" Christopher asks.
"I'm gonna do my best to see that they don't," Matt replies. "I also spoke to Donna about this, and she's gonna see what she can do."
"Thank you, Matt," Bobby says sadly. "But hey, today is your wedding day, and let's not talk business today, huh?"
Matt smiles. "Okay. Whatever you say, Bobby. But try not to worry. We're gonna do our best to get that lady out of office."
"I know, Matt."
"Excuse me." Matt turns and walks away.
Bobby sighs deeply. "I just hope Ewing Global can survive for that long."
Back in Dallas.....the police station
Another officer walks in. "Lt., there's a Mr. Mitchell Newman here to see you."
"Mitchell New.....oh, yes, please, send him in."
"Yes sir." The officer walks out, and a moment later, another man of about thirty walks in.
Steve stands from his seat at his desk. "Mr. Newman," he says, walking over to shake hands.
"Lt. Walden, you asked me to see if I could find the security footage from the hotel for the week of February 18."
"Yes. Any luck?"
"As a matter of fact, yes," Newman replies. "It's taken a while, and I was beginning to think this disc was either erased or lost or thrown away. But I finally managed to find it after hours of watching through this stuff." Newman hands Steve a dvd "We edited this down to just include the most relevant footage."
Steve walks over to his TV and dvd player. He pops the disc in and hits the 'play button.' He fast forwards until a man is seen getting off the elevator and walking down the hall toward the room Jack had occupied when he was killed. "That's Jack Ewing," Steve says. "Yeah, and he goes into his room."
"Now, fast forward again about fifteen minutes."
Steve again fast forwards the footage, then hits 'play' when another man is seen getting off the elevator dressed in a long trench coat and a hat. They watch as the man suspiciously looks around to make sure no one is coming, then makes his way down the hall to Jack's room.
"Hold it....pause right there," Newman says.
Steve hits the pause button when the man turns his face toward the camera.
"Will this help your investigation any?" Newman asks.
"Mr. Newman," Steve says. "We may just be looking at the man who killed Jack Ewing."
Tracey McKay's home....
A smiling Afton watches as her daughter slowly comes down the isle to marry the man she loves. Finally, Pamela reaches her groom at the altar and Cliff hands her over to Tripp, then takes his seat on the front row.
The minister steps forward and begins: "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of God and this company, for the joining together in Holy Matrimony of Thomas McKay, Jr. and Pamela Rebecca Barnes....."
Meanwhile....the Culver home....
"Do you, Matthew Samuel Culver, take this woman, Margaret Krebbs, to be your beloved wife?" The minister asks. Knowing in your heart that you will be a faithful friend, and a loving companion? On this special day, in the presence of God, family and friends as witnesses, do you give your sacred vow that you will always be with Margaret and support her in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow? Do you promise to love her completely, to console and comfort her during difficult times, to laugh with her and to grieve with her, to share with her all of life’s simplest but most enduring pleasures, to be a truthful, honest, and faithful companion, and to cherish her, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Matt replies, looking at his bride with a smile.
"Do you, Margaret Ann Krebbs, take this man, Matthew Samuel Culver, to be your beloved husband?" The minister asks the bride. "Knowing in your heart that you will be a faithful friend, and a loving companion? On this special day, in the presence of God, family and friends as witnesses, do you give your sacred vow that you will always be with Matthew and support him, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow? Do you promise to love him completely, to console and comfort him during difficult times, to laugh with him and to grieve with him, to share with him all of life’s simplest but most enduring pleasures, to be a truthful, honest, and faithful companion, and to cherish him, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Margaret says softly.
Sitting in the front row watching the ceremony, Ray looks over at Donna and smiles, a gesture which is noticed by an angry Jenna.
The Carrington Mansion in Denver....
The Culver Home....Austin
"Yes, I thought so, too. And wasn't my daughter a beautiful bride?"
"She sure was. Margaret reminded me a little of you on your wedding day to Ray."
The smile disappears from Donna's face at the mention of that day so long ago.
"I say somethin' wrong?" Bobby asks.
"No. No, you didn't."
Before Bobby can say anymore, his cell phone rings. "Hold that thought," he says, reaching into his pocket for the phone. He looks at the caller ID. "Donna would you excuse me? I have to take this."
"Sure, Bobby."
He walks away from her and answers his phone. "Hello, Steve?"
"Bobby," says Lt. Steve Walden on the other end of the line. "I'm sorry to interrupt your Saturday. Hope you weren't in the middle of anything important."
"Actually, I'm in Austin at the wedding of my niece. What's up, Steve?"
"Bobby, I'm sorry. But we finally have a break in Jack Ewing's murder. A surveillance video from the hotel on the day of Jack's murder, and I thought you'd wanna see it."
"You're right, I do. Thanks, Steve, I'll fly back to Dallas as soon as I can. Bye." Bobby puts his phone away and sighs. He looks around the crowd and sees Conner dancing with a young lady. He walks over. "Conner," he says.
"Yeah, Bobby, what's up?" Conner asks as he stops dancing.
"I just got a call from Lt. Walden. They have a break in your father's case. He has a surveillance video from the hotel he wants us to see. We need to fly back to Dallas."
"I dunno. Could be. But the sooner we get back to Dallas, the sooner we'l find out. I'll tell Ann and Christopher, and tell them they can fly back to Dallas later if they want."
"Sure," Conner says as Bobby walks away. Conner turns to the girl he was dancing with. "Sara, it was nice meeting you. I'm sorry, but I have to go."
The girl nods, then walks away.
Meanwhile, Jenna is once again standing at the bar drinking when Ray walks over to her.
"You're hittin' the liquor kinda hard, aren't you?" Ray asks.
"What difference does it make?" Jenna asks.
"Makes a lot of difference if you're gonna embarrass us both at my daughter's weddin'."
"Is that what most concerns you right now, Ray? Appearances? Whether or not I'm going to embarrass you at your precious Margaret's wedding? Well don't worry, my dear husband. I plan to never embarrass you again." Jenna puts her drink down and starts to walk away.
"Now what do you mean by that?" Ray asks, grabbing her by the arm.
Jenna pulls out of his grip. "It means, Ray, that it's over."
"What's over?"
"Our marriage. I can't go on like this any longer, Ray, and I won't. I want a divorce." Jenna turns and walks away from him without another word, leaving Ray stunned speechless.
Southfork.....
"Hi," he says.
"Hi, Alex. What are you doing here? I thought you'd be at Margaret's wedding in Austin."
"Nah. My Mom wasn't feeling up to going and I didn't care about going either."
"I'm surprised to see you here," Ashley says.
"I wanted to see you. To talk to you. You've been avoiding me in school like I have the plague or something."
"People are starting to talk. I guess word's gotten around that we're cousins. And everyone knows we were dating, so......."
"Ashley......"
"Doesn't it bother you at all? The things that we did? Doesn't it make you feel weird, and dirty? Alex, our fathers are brothers. That makes us first cousins, and we......" Ashley stops talking and fights back tears.
"But we didn't know," Alex says. "Ashley I don't feel guilty about anything except the fact that you got hurt. But none of this was our fault. It was Lucas and John Ross, and even my Mom. They all kept the truth from us. And Ashley I'm so sorry you got hurt."
"I'm the one who's sorry. I hurt you by telling you that John Ross is your father."
"So what do we do now?" Alex asks. "I'm still in love with you but I can't date you. So what do we do?"
"Alex, I don't know," Ashley says, breaking down in tears. "I don't know."
Alex puts his arms around her and they embrace.
Dallas Police Department....later
"Thanks, Steve," Bobby says. He and Conner take seats.
"Now this is a surveillance video that the hotel manager brought over to me this afternoon. It's a video of the hallway in front of Jack Ewing's room the afternoon he was killed." Steve switches on his television, then presses the 'play' button on the dvd player and the video starts. "Now, I'll fast forward to the important parts." Steve stops the video and begins playing at the point where the mystery man in the trench coat getting off the elevator.
"Is that him?" Conner asks. "Is that the man you think killed my father?"
"We're not sure, Conner," Steve replies. "Watch right here. He stops outside Jack's room, looks around."
"Steve, wait," Bobby says. "Pause it."
Steve presses the 'pause' button on the remote control. "There," he says. "That's what I wanted you to see. This man looks familiar, and he's knocking on Jack's door."
"Yes, he does," Bobby says, looking closely at the TV screen. "Steve, can you zoom in a little."
Steve presses another button on the remote and zooms in on the man's face.
A look of shock comes across Bobby's face. "Oh my God," he says, looking at the man on the video.
"Bobby, what's wrong?" Conner asks. "Do you know him?"
"Yes, I do. Steve.....that's.......how can it be?"
"What is it, Bobby?" Steve asks.