Previously On DALLAS:
--------------Bobby and Ann continued to drift further apart over Emma.
--------------Ann met with Emma in an attempt to make amends with her daughter.
-------------Tripp and Pamela were married in a small ceremony at the home of Tripp's aunt, Tracey McKay.
-------------in Austin, Matt and Margaret were married in a lavish wedding at the home of Matt's mother, Luann Culver.
-------------Jenna overheard Ray and Donna talking about being in love, and Jenna asked Ray for a divorce.
-------------The police finally had a breakthrough in the investigation of Jack Ewing's murder.......a breakthrough that led to a very unexpected suspect!
Dallas Police Department....
"John Baxter.....the lawyer?" Asks Lt. Steve Walden.
"Yes."
"I thought so, but I wanted to be sure. Conner, have you ever heard your father mention John Baxter?"
"No, never," replies Conner.
"Well, I think it's time we ask Mr. Baxter some questions," Steve says.
The Smithfield Home....
"Been hittin' the booze rather hard lately, haven't you, John?" She asks, walking into the room.
"What business is it of yours?" He snaps.
"We are still husband and wife, John. Or have you forgotten that little fact?"
"How could I forget?" John asks as the maid, Nancy, walks into the room.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Baxter, dinner is served," Nancy says.
"Thank you, Nancy," Linda says, and the maid walks out of the room. "Well, we should go in to dinner."
"I'm not hungry," says John.
"Still, I think we should go in. Mama will be expectin' us, and so will Dylan. I don't think that now is the time to present a divided front to the family or to the public, with everything that's happenin' with Todd."
"Fine. Let's go act like a perfectly normal, happy family for your mother's sake.....and your son's."
"John, I am warnin' you. Do NOT take your anger and your hate for me out on our son. That boy loves you John and he worships the ground you walk on. And I know that deep down you love him."
John looks at his wife, takes in a deep breath, and nods. Then he turns and walks out of the room, followed by Linda. A moment later, John and Linda walk into the dining room, where Linda's mother, Agnes Smithfield, and Dylan are seated.
"Dinner certainly smells good this evenin'," Agnes says, seated at the head of the table.
"Certainly does," Linda says as she and John take their seats. "Nancy does have a way with roast beef, doesn't she?"
John sighs. "Your brother is gonna have to spend a few days at a hospital before they let him come home. They wanna make sure he isn't gonna......harm himself again."
"For the life of me, I can't understand what got into that young man," says Agnes. "I mean, Todd has everything that any young man his age would want. He has a good and lovin' fam'ly. He's never wanted for anything. He has a wonderful career at the firm. I just don't understand."
John and Linda look at each other across the table. Dylan looks at both of his parents, a sad look on his face, the young man painfully aware that his parents aren't getting along and his family is nowhere near as perfect as his grandmother seems to insist that it is.
"Harriett, perhaps if you had been firmer with Todd when he was growin' up," the elderly woman continues.
"Mama, how many times must I tell you to call me LINDA, and not Harriett?" Linda snaps. "I hate that name!"
"That was your grandmother Smithfield's name, and it was good enough for her. And it was good enough for you until you got married," Agnes says, a statement which illicits an angry look from John.
Before John is able to say anything, the doorbell rings. The small group of family members gathered at the dinner table grows quiet. A moment later, Nancy walks into the room. "Excuse me, Mr. Baxter?" She says.
"Yes, Nancy, what is it?" John asks.
"There'a a Lt. Walden here from the Dallas Police. He says he needs to speak with you."
"The police?" Agnes asks. "What on earth could the police want?"
"I'm sorry, I hate to interrupt your dinner," Steve asks, walking into the room.
"Questions?" John asks nervously. "About what?"
"Please, sir, you may wanna discuss this in another room. Outside the presence of your family."
"Nonsense," Agnes says. "I'm certain that my son-in-law has nothin' to hide from his family. Now what is this about, Officer?"
"The murder of Jack Ewing," Steve replies.
The Smithfield Home....
"No thank you."
"Mind if I have one?"
"No, of course not, " replies Steve.
"So what's this all about?" John asks, walking to the bar to pour himself a drink.
"Mr. Baxter, did you know, or were you at all acquainted with Jack Ewing?" Steve asks.
"Jack Ewing? Oh, yes, he's the one who was found dead a while back. A cousin or something of Bobby Ewing, wasn't he?"
"Yes, that's right."
"No. I can't say that I ever met the gentleman."
"Not even when your father-in-law's firm was handling Ewing business years ago?" Steve asks.
"Nope. Not even then. I was of course well acquainted with J.R. and Bobby Ewing. But not Jack."
"Mr. Baxter, where were you on the evening of February 17? Around 4:30 PM?"
"I was actually playing golf. At the country club."
"Who with?" Steve asks.
"A friend of mine. Jim Slade."
"And Mr. Slade will confirm this?"
"Of course he will," says John.
"Where did you go afterward?"
"Mr. Baxter, we have a surveillance video from the Fairview hotel," Steve says. "On that video is a man matching your description lurking outside of Jack Ewing's room on the day of his murder."
"Wasn't me," John says. "Look, if you don't believe me then ask Jim Slade."
"I will," says Steve.
"Are we done here, Lt.? If so, I'd like to get back to my dinner before it gets cold."
"Alright. We're done, for now. I'm sure I don't have to tell you not to leave town."
"I have no intention of leaving town," John says.
"Good. I'll be in touch." Steven walks past John and out of the room.
After Steve is gone, John walks to the bar and pours himself a drink. As he takes a sip, Linda walks in. "What was that all about?" She asks.
John ignores his wife's question and finishes off his drink, keeping his back to Linda.
Southfork....the next morning
"Hey, Justin, what's up?" Conner greets, slightly out of breath from his vigorous laps around the pool.
"Not much, man. Just came over to get Uncle Bobby to go over some feed bills. You're up and in the pool mighty early for a Sunday mornin'."
"Anything wrong?" Justin asks.
"The cops may have a break in the investigation into my Dad's murder. I just hope I hear somethin' today."
"Me too, bro," says Justin. "I can't even imagine what you're goin' through with this, not knowin'. I really do admire the way you're handlin' it."
"Thanks," Conner says.
Bobby comes out of the house at that moment. "Well, hello, Justin," he says.
"Sure, let's have a seat at the table," Bobby says, then he looks at Conner, who is coming out of the pool. "Conner, how'd ya sleep?" He asks.
"That's understandable," says Bobby. "I'm sure Steve will let us know somethin' soon."
"Yeah," Conner says, grabbing a towel from a chair by the pool.
As Bobby and Justin take seats at the table to go over the month's feed bills for the ranch, Conner dries himself off. When he's dried his legs and feet enough to go into the house, he steps into his pair of flip flops, then heads into the house as John Ross is coming out. He and Conner exchange looks, and Conner walks past him into the house. John Ross steps onto the patio and walks over to his uncle and brother.
"Justin just came over to go over this month's feed bills, John Ross," says Bobby.
"Did he now? Since I own half this ranch, maybe I should be in on this. Just to make sure little brother itn't tryin' to cheat us on the feed bills and all."
"John Ross, I'm not in the mood for your crap this mornin', so, unless you wanna pay an emergency visit to your dentist, I'd suggest you shut up and move along," Justin says.
"What's the matter? Trouble between you and MY wife?"
Justin stands to his feet to face John Ross. "Everything is JUST fine between Amanda and me. A hell of a lot better than it was between you and her."
"If you think I'm gonna let everything you've taken from me just pass, you're sadly mistaken, little brother," John Ross says.
"Alright, that's enough," Bobby says as he stands and steps between his two nephews. "John Ross, we're busy here,
"Sure thing, Uncle Bobby," John Ross. "The air stinks around here, anyway." John Ross looks at Justin, then turns and walks away. Bobby and Justin watch as he gets into his car and drives away.
"He's a real piece of work, itn't he?" Justin asks.
"Yes, he is," Bobby replies. "Justin, I know that things were already pretty bad between you and John Ross relationship wise, but this whole situation with Amanda doesn't help matters any."
"Maybe not. But I love her, Uncle Bobby, and she loves me. Look, if our livin' here in the bunkhouse is a problem, we'll find someplace else to go."
"No, Justin, it's not a problem. You're part of this family and Southfork is your home, as long as you don't cross the line. Just try to keep your distance from John Ross, if you can. I know livin' here at Southfork, that's impossible to totally stay away from each other, but when you do cross paths, try to ignore his snide remarks. There's been enough drama and bad blood around here to last a while."
Sue Ellen's home....
"Boy that sure was SOME wedding yesterday, wasn't it?" Dusty asks.
"Yes, it was lovely," she replies.
"Ray and Donna's daughter sure made a beautiful bride."
"Uh-huh," Sue Ellen says, seemingly uninterested in what he's saying.
Dusty walks over to her. "Sue Ellen, is everything okay? You've been very quiet ever since the wedding yesterday. Or, more specifically, since your talk with John Ross's wife."
"About Amanda and John Ross?" Dusty asks.
"Yes, partly. And my grandchild she's carrying. What a strange situation this is. Amanda's married to John Ross, but living with his brother. And the sad truth is, I don't blame her one bit for leaving John Ross. What kind of mother does that make me?"
"One who is realistic about what her son is like. Sue Ellen, you lived with J.R. for a lot of years. You know what he was like, and you also know that John Ross is just like his father."
"And what does THAT say about me as a mother?" She asks, walking across the room. She turns back to him. "Dusty, I keep thinking, what if I had done things differently. What if I had stayed in England with John Ross and away from here instead of coming back when he was a teenager. Would he have turned out any differently?"
"I know. I've also been thinking a lot about my grandson, Alex. Dusty, imagine, I have a teenage grandson that I never even knew about."
Dusty walks over to her. "It's hard for me to imagine you as a grandmother. Especially grandmother of a teenage boy."
"Why's that?" Sue Ellen asks.
"Because, to me, I'll always picture you as that lovely young woman I met all those years ago. You're still as beautiful to me as you were that day."
Sue Ellen smiles. "You certainly know how to make a somewhat MATURE woman feel good about herself."
"Great. That's what I'm here for. Well, one of the reasons, anyway." Dusty kisses her.
After a moment Sue Ellen pulls back and looks at him. "I think I'll drive out to Ray and Jenna's this afternoon and see Alex. It's time I got to know my grandson."
"Want me to come with you?"
"No. That's not necessary."
"I do love you," Dusty says.
"And I love you. I'm so happy you came back into my life, and that you don't seem as restless or bored as you did for a while."
"Well, I've been thinking. Maybe it's time I started to do something with the rest of my life. Not sure what kind of job a man my age can get, but there's got to be something around that I can do."
"Dusty, I have a feeling that you can do ANYTHING that you set your mind to."
The Krebbs Ranch....later
"Are we ever gonna talk about this or are you just gonna continue ignoring me?" Ray finally asks.
"Talk about what?" Jenna asks, taking a sip of her drink.
"Talk about what?" Ray repeats. "About that bomb you dropped on me yesterday about wantin' a divorce."
"Nothing to talk about. It's obvious that our marriage doesn't work anymore, so I think we should just end it."
"Jenna...."
She turns to face him. "I overheard you and Donna talking yesterday."
"You.....you overheard us?"
"Yes," Jenna says. "You're still in love with her."
"And you're still in love with Bobby," Ray says.
"There's one big difference there, Ray. Bobby's married to Ann, so I know I can never be with him. The same isn't true for you and Donna. She's a widow. Just like she was when you started seeing her after Sam Culver died."
"Jenna, look....."
"Don't, Ray," she interrupts. "I'm not being noble here. I'm being selfish. I won't stay with a man who doesn't want me. I deserve better than that."
"I never said I didn't want ya."
"You may as well have said it."
"Did you sleep with her?" Jenna asks.
Feeling ashamed of his tryst with Donna for the first time, Ray remains silent and turns away, unable to even look his wife in the eye.
"Well," Jenna continues. "I guess that answers my question."
"Jenna, I'm sorry. I never planned it, I never meant for it to happen. And I sure never meant to hurt you."
"And yet, that's exactly what you've done. I'll survive, though. Just like I did when Bobby left me for the woman he loved. I'll pack my things. So will Charlie and Alex and Lucas."
"No," Ray says.
"Ray, we can't stay here. Not like this."
"Then I'll go. Charlie just got outta the hospital, Alex and Lucas have both been goin' through a lot. I won't have them uprooted. I'll move to a hotel."
"Ray, this is your house."
"Wrong, Jenna," he says. "This is OUR house. And you have as much right to be here as I do. More, even." Without another word, Ray turns and walks out of the living room and up the stairs. After he's gone, Jenna breaks down in tears.
Highland Park Village, Dallas.....afternoon
"What can I get for you ladies?" The waitress asks.
"I'll have a small cappuccino and one of those delicious chocolate chip cookies," replies Jillian.
"I'll have a small vanilla ice cream, and an iced tea," says Amanda.
"Eww, ice cream with tea," Jillian says with a smirk on her face.
"What I say, I'm having a craving."
"Coming right up," The waitress says with a smile, then walks away.
"Boy, I'm exhausted and my feet are killing me," Amanda says.
"We haven't even done that much walking," says Jill.
"Yes, but you're not pregnant."
Jillian laughs at Amanda's comment.
"Jill, I wanna thank you for inviting me out for shopping and lunch today," Amanda says.
Jillian smiles. "No problem. You're my sister-in-law, and I thought it was time we got to know each other better."
"Mind if I ask a question?" Amanda asks.
Before Jillian can answer the waitress returns with their orders. "Here you go," she says, placing the items on the table.
"Thank you," Jillian says.
"Will there be anything else?"
"No, thanks, I think we're fine."
The waitress smiles, then walks away.
Jillian looks at Amanda. "What was the question?"
"Jill, all day I've been wanting to ask this. But, all these months I've been married to John Ross, and you never invited me to lunch and shopping before. And now that I'm with Justin, you suddenly ask me to hang out. Why is that?"
"Well, I think you know my relationship with John Ross hasn't been.....the best, to put it mildly. But Justin and I have become very close since we found out we're siblings. And it's obvious he's very much in love you, so, I think you and I should be friends."
"I'd really like that," Amanda says.
"So would I. And I do have a confession to make."
"Oh, I'm listening."
"Justin asked me to hang out with you and get to know. But now that we've spent a couple hours together, I'm very glad he did. I've had a great time today, Amanda, and I really like you."
Amanda smiles. "Thanks, Jill. I like you, too, and I hope we're gonna be good friends. I don't really have any other girl friends close to my own age. I have Debra Lynn, she's been great, but she's a lot older than me, and she stays pretty busy with her own life. And when she lived at Southfork, Emma and I didn't get along at all."
Jillian laughs. "That's not surprising. I don't think Emma really gets along with anybody. Amanda, do you mind if I ask YOU a question now?"
"Sure."
"What's gonna happen now?" Jillian asks. "I mean with you, John Ross, and Justin. And.....the baby?"
"Amanda, I'm not trying to pry, so please don't think that I am. I'm only concerned. But you and I both know John Ross pretty well, and do you honestly think he's gonna just let this all go?"
"He doesn't have a choice," says Amanda. "It's either comply with what we want, or we use that information to have him sent to prison."
"What about down the road at some point?" Jillian asks. "John Ross is very calculating, Amanda. Who's to say that five, ten years from now he won't change his mind and come after you and Justin, and try to get his child back?"
Amanda sighs. "Jill, I don't know. I can't think that far ahead right now. All I know is......after all these months of being treated horribly, I'm finally free of John Ross and I'm with the man that I love. Whatever happens in the future, we'll face it. Don't underestimate your other brother. Justin can be just as......resourceful......as John Ross when it comes to getting what he wants. Only difference is, Justin doesn't use it simply for the sake of hurting people."
"Okay, fair enough," Jillian says.
At that point, Jillian sees Dylan Baxter walk into the cafe and he walks by their table.
"Dylan," Jillian calls to him as he walks by.
"How's Todd?"
"He's, umm, he's about the same. Really depressed, especially since he's having to spend a few days in a hospital for evaluation. My parents and I went to see him just a little while ago."
"I'm sorry. I hope he's home and doing better soon."
"Thanks. Bye," Dylan says, then walks away and takes a seat at a table on the other side of the cafe.
"Who was that guy?" Amanda asks.
"Jay's cousin, Dylan Baxter," replies Jillian.
"Todd Baxter's little brother?"
"Yeah."
Amanda sighs. "Poor Todd Baxter. Just another innocent person whose life John Ross has ruined," she says sadly.
Southfork......late afternoon
"Hey, Ray," Bobby says.
"Hi, Bob."
"You want some coffee?"
"No, thanks."
"Is somethin' wrong, Ray?" Bobby asks.
"Oh, Ray, I'm so sorry. When did this all happen? Since the wedding yesterday?"
"Yeah. Jenna overheard a conversation between me and Donna yesterday after the weddin' and, she knows I'm in love with Donna. I can't say I'm surprised this happened. Jenna and I haven't really been happy in a long time, and things have just steadily gotten worse."
"What are you gonna do?" Bobby asks.
"Well, since Charlie just got out of the hospital not long ago, and with all Lucas and Alex have been through lately, I didn't wanna uproot them, so I'm movin' to a hotel until we can figure somethin' out about the ranch."
"Nothin' doin', Ray. You're more than welcome to stay here at Southfork."
"Bob, I don't wanna put you folks out like that."
"You wouldn't be. We've got two spare bedrooms now, and besides, you're family. I want ya to stay here, Ray. Be nice to have ya around."
Ray smiles. "Thanks, brother. I think I'll take you up on that offer. I'd kinda like to be close to my ranch."
The Krebbs Ranch....
"Sue Ellen, hi," Charlie says.
"Hello, Charlie. May I come in?"
"Sure."
Sue Ellen walks into the house and Charlie closes the door behind her. "I came over hoping to see Alex. And to see how you're doing."
Charlie sighs. "I've been better. Sue Ellen, it's not a good time. Mom's pretty upset."
"Upset? Why?" Sue Ellen asks.
"It's alright, Charlie," Jenna says from the living room. "She can come in. Please leave us alone."
Charlie looks at a puzzled Sue Ellen, then turns and heads back up the stairs. After a brief pause, Sue Ellen, a curious look on her face, walks into the living room, where she finds Jenna pouring herself a drink.
"Jenna, what's wrong?" Sue Ellen asks, walking over to her.
Jenna turns to her. "Oh, nothing much. Just that my marriage is over. Ray moved out, and I asked him for a divorce."
"A divorce? But Jenna, why? You and Ray have been together for so long."
"Yes, we have. You know, we were married right here in this very room. Oh, I forgot, of course you know. You were there."
"What happened? Donna happened."
"Donna?"
"Yes. Ray's still in love with her. And, he slept with her."
Sue Ellen is stunned by the news. "Oh, Jenna. I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do?"
"I'm fine, Sue Ellen," Jenna says, showing no emotion. "I've been through this all before, with Bobby. I survived then, I'll survive now." She takes a sip of her drink.
"Jenna, take it from someone with experience......that won't help."
"Thank you, Sue Ellen, for your words of wisdom, but your advice isn't needed."
"Jenna....."
"Sue Ellen, I don't mean to be rude," Jenna says. "We've been friends for a very long time and I love you dearly, but right now, I wish you'd leave. I just need to be alone."
Sue Ellen nods. "Alright. I understand. But Jenna, please know that, if you need a friend, or someone to talk to, you can give me a call."
Realizing there was no use trying to talk to Jenna while she was in this state, Sue Ellen turns and leaves without saying another word.
Ewing Global.....the next morning
"Yes, Janice?" Says Bobby.
"Mr. Phillips from the Longhorn Bank is waiting in your office."
Bobby sighs. "Okay, thanks, Janice."
"Lee Phillips? What could he want?" Christopher asks.
"I dunno, son. But it can't be good. Let's go find out." After a brief pause, Bobby braces himself for bad news, then he and Christopher walk into his office, where they find the banker, a man in his early fifties, seated. Phillips stands to greet them. "Morning, Lee," Bobby says.
"Good morning, Bobby. Christopher."
"Mr. Phillips," says Christopher.
"Please, have a seat, Lee. So what can we do for ya so early on a Monday mornin'?" Bobby asks.
"Calling in our loan?" Christopher asks.
"Yes. The board of directors is getting nervous because Ewing Global hasn't been able to drill in any of its fields in several weeks. No drilling means no money coming in for the company."
"Lee, the Ewings have done business with The Longhorn Bank for over twenty years, you know we're good for the money," says Bobby.
"I'm sorry, Bobby," Lee says. "I wish I could help. I tried to convince the board to hold off for a while, but they won't budge. You have one week to repay the loan in full."
"I'm sorry, Bobby. I really am."
"Can't you at least get them to give us another week?" Christopher asks.
"Just one more week, Lee, that's all we ask," Bobby says.
Lee sighs as he stands from his seat. "I'll run it by the board one more time, Bobby, for the sake of our long friendship, but I pretty much know what their answer will be."
"At least try, Lee."
"I will. I'll be in touch, Bobby."
"Lee."
"Christopher," Lee says as he walks out.
"Beats the hell outta me," Bobby replies. He presses the button on his intercom, buzzing his secretary's desk.
"Yes, Mr. Ewing."
"Janice, when Mrs. Ewing comes in, would you please ask her to come straight to my office?"
"Yes, sir."
"Thank you," Bobby says. He looks at Christopher. "When Sue Ellen comes in, the three of us are gonna have to sit down and try to figure out a way to somehow come up with a hundred million dollars by next Monday, or a way to open up those fields for drilling. Both of which are gonna take nothin' short of a miracle."
Southfork....
"Hey, it's me," Cody says when the party on the other end answers. "Just checkin' in. Yeah, everything is goin' real good here. I'm about to set the other part of my John Ross and Lucas plan in motion. The Ewings are gonna be so divided and so distracted that taking over their company will be a piece of cake."
"I'm sure it will," Katherine says on the other end of the line. "I just received news this morning that the Longhorn Bank is calling in its loan from Ewing Global, payable in full one week from today."
Cody smiles. "Now you didn't have somethin' to do with that, did you?"
"The director of the bank just happens to be an old friend of Judith's. And with the Ewings unable to drill or do business, I'm afraid it's over for them. One week from today, when Bobby and Sue Ellen and my nephew Christopher are unable to repay that loan, we'll own that company. The company my father started and Cliff Barnes stole will be BACK in Wentworth hands where it belongs."
"I can't wait," Cody says. "Hey, I have to go, someone's comin'. I'll be in touch. Bye." Cody ends the call and puts his phone into his pocket quickly as Justin walks up to him.
"Cody," Justin says.
"What's up?"
"Nothin'. You musta been talkin' to a secret lady friend or somethin'."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Cody asks.
"Nothin'," Justin replies. "You just stuck that phone back in you pocket real fast when ya saw me comin'."
"Go ahead," says Justin.
"Your uncle and your brother own this ranch, but yet every day you're out here workin' and sweatin' right along side all us lowly ranch hands. How come? I mean, if I had your money I'll be damned if I'd be doin' this backbreakin', ranch work."
"Nah, I got a feelin' it's somethin' else. Maybe you're workin' as a hand to spy on the rest of us."
"Spy on you? Dude, that's just crazy."
"Is it?" Cody asks. "You seemed mighty interested in my phone call."
"Only because you acted so strange, shovin' the phone in your pocket like you didn't want me to know you'd even been talkin' to anybody."
"Well, Justin, who I talk to is MY business. Not yours."
"Cody, I don't know what your problem is with me," Justin says. "When I first came to work here as a hand, we were friends. But ever since you found out I was really a Ewing, you've acted like you been pissed off at me. Is it because I'm a Ewing? Or did I do somethin' to get on your bad side?"
"I got nothin' against the Ewings," Cody says. "Your uncle, he's real nice. And your brother aint bad, either. He's even thrown a little extra work my way. Payin' me real good for it. But I do have a problem with a rich kid who acts like he's one of us when he really belongs up in the big mansion with the rest of the Ewings."
"Cody, believe it or not, I AM one of you. Just a regular guy. I didn't grow up with all this money."
"Yeah. Sure. Whatever, man." Cody turns and starts to walk away.
"Hey, Cody?" Justin calls to him.
Cody stops and turns back to him. "What?"
"What kinda extra work did John Ross throw your way?"
"Why you wanna know?" Cody asks.
"No reason, " Justin replies. "Just curious."
"Well, man, that, like my phone call, is none of your business." Without another word, Cody turns and walks away, leaving Justin curious as to what Cody was up to with John Ross. As Cody walks away, his back to Justin, he smiles with satisfaction, confident that he had planted a seed in Justin's mind about him conspiring with John Ross for some devious reason.
A McDonald's in Dallas.....later
"John Ross?" She says.
"Well, what in the world brings you here?"
"I told you I was flying back to Dallas today. I went by the office, hoping we could have lunch."
"How'd you find me?" John Ross asks.
"Well, Melissa was no help, that's for sure. So, I asked the receptionist." Krystina slides into the seat across the table from him. "So why here? Why this.......McDonald's?"
"Just look at it," John Ross says. "Beautiful, itn't it?"
"Westar standin' tall there," John Ross says. "And Ewing Global just down the street. You know the one thing those two comp'nies have in common?"
"Oil?" Krystina asks.
"Nope. Me. I lost both of 'em in a little less than a year," replies a sad John Ross. "That's gotta be some kinda record, huh? Funny thing is, my Daddy always said ol' Cliff Barnes was the world's biggest loser, but, he hadn't yet seen what I could do. Thank God he itn't here to see his son now. He'd be ashamed."
"John Ross, don't do this to yourself. You haven't lost yet."
"You never know what could happen," Krystina says.
"Nothin' gonna happen, darlin'," John Ross says. "Lately, things just hadn't been goin' my way. Except for you. You're the only good thing that's happened to me lately. Maybe after that board meetin' I should just move to Denver with you."
Krystina laughs. "I sure wouldn't object to that. But, in the meantime, why don't I take you to lunch?"
"Well we are sittin' in the middle of a restaurant."
"I mean a REAL lunch. Not.......McDonald's."
"Alright, let's go to lunch then," says John Ross.
Dallas Police Department....
"Mr. Baxter, thank you for your patience in waiting," Steve says.
"Lt., what is it you wanted? I have appointments this afternoon."
"I just wanted to let you know in person that we spoke to your friend, Jim Slade, and he confirmed your alibi for the afternoon of February 17."
"Of course he did," John says. "I told you I was at the club playing a round of golf with him that afternoon, then we had drinks. So, you called me all the way down here just to tell me that?"
"Like I said, I wanted to tell you in person."
"So are we done here?" John asks.
"Yes, sir, we are."
"Good. Now if you will excuse me." John turns and starts to leave.
"Oh, Mr. Baxter?" Steve says.
"Yes?"
"One more thing......please don't leave town without letting us know."
"My alibi checks out, but I'm still a suspect in the murder of a man I didn't even know? Lt., I hope you know that you're setting yourself and your department up for some serious legal problems."
"I'm only doing my job, Mr. Baxter."
John gives the man an angry look, then walks out of the office. Steve takes a seat at his desk and wonders about John Baxter.
A few moments later, John walks out of the police station and as he walks to his car, he takes his cell phone from his pocket and dials a number. On the second ring, the other party answers. "Hey," he says to the person. "It's John. I need to see you. I don't wanna talk over the phone. Meet me at the club, in the parking lot, in twenty minutes." John ends the call, puts his phone back into his pocket and gets into his back 2015 Nissan Maxima.
Dallas Athletic Club....a short time later
"Thanks for meeting me," John says.
"All that's not important, Jim. All you need to know is that I really appreciate you providing me with an alibi. You're a respected citizen and no one would doubt your word."
"John, I lied to the police. Now I hated doing that, and if they find out....."
"I still don't like this. John, we've been friends for many years, since law school, but I....."
"Do I have to remind you, Jim, that you owe me?" John asks. "You owe me BIG."
"No, you don't have to remind me," Jim says.
"Good. Just keep your mouth shut. Since you already talked to the cops and gave me an alibi, chances are they won't even question you again. Just trust me, Jim."
"John, I'd feel a helluva lot better if I knew what this was even about," Jim says.
"There's no need for you to know that. Just trust me. Have I ever lied to you or steered you wrong in all the years we've known each other?"
"No."
"Then just trust me this time. Now, Jim, you'll have to excuse me. I need to get home."
Jim nods, then gets out of John's car. He watches as John drives away, worried about what his friend has gotten himself into.
Southfork....night
"Is it that bad?" Ann asks.
"Is what that bad?"
"Everything. Whenever you're under a lot of stress, your heartburn kicks in real bad."
Bobby sighs. "It's that bad and worse," he says, walking past his wife and into the bedroom. "Ewing Global is in a lot of trouble."
"I knew you were havin' some problems from not bein' able to drill, but, it's THAT serious?" Ann asks.
"Yeah. We got a visit today from our friendly neighborbood banker, Lee Phillips of the Longhorn Bank. The bank's given us one week to pay back our loan of a hundred million dollars."
"A hundred million?" Ann asks. "Oh, Bobby. Is there any way to raise that kinda cash in a week?"
"Damn that woman!" Says an angry Ann. "Why? Why would she do this now? The Ewings are out of her life, why would she still be tryin' to ruin your company?"
"Spite. Revenge. Who knows? The point is, she's done it."
"Bobby, there has to be somethin' that you can do. Another loan, maybe? What about Carlos Del Sol?"
"Sue Ellen and I haven't completely repaid our last loan from Carlos, I'm sure not gonna ask for another one. But you know what? Ewing Global is only one thing on my mind. The other is you. Us. Things have been so strained between us lately, honey, and I don't like it one bit."
"Neither do I," says Ann.
"Annie, look, I realize that we'll probably never agree on much where Emma's concerned. But I also realize that she's your daughter and you love her. And part of what you've been sayin' is true."
"About what?"
"About Cliff Barnes," Bobby says. He turns and walks across the room, then turns back to his wife. "When I first found out that you had slept with Cliff years ago and that he was Emma's father and not Harris, I was furious. Not only that, I was hurt. Hurt that you didn't have enough faith in me to tell me. I felt like it was another secret between us in a long string of secrets. And as much as I'm ashamed to admit it, it also changed how I felt about Emma and how I looked at her. Cliff Barnes has been my family's mortal enemy for a lot of years. He's tried to destroy the Ewings for as long as I can remember. I'm not sayin' the feud has all been one sided, because it hasn't. J.R. did a lot of damage to Cliff's life over the years, includin' ruining his political career before it ever got started. But the things Cliff has done to us in recent years tops anything that either side in this feud has ever done before. Using his own daughter to try and hurt the family and get his hands on our company. And then......my grandchildren. Annie, THAT is why it was so easy for me to go along with J.R.'s plan to send Cliff to prison and get him out of our hair and end this feud once and for all. And then, when I had to ask Pamela to use that pardon for Cliff that Elena gave to her.......the pardon that freed the man who killed my grandchildren.......that cut me right down to the core of my being."
"And you had to do it to save Emma's life," Ann says in tears. "So you've resented her for that?"
"Yes," Bobby says. "I'm as ashamed of that as I can be, Annie, but yes. I have resented Emma because she's a painful reminder that my wife once went to bed with the man I hate more than anyone else in the world."
"I should have told you," Ann says. "I should've told you years ago. If I had......"
"It would've made things easier, yes," says Bobby. "Both of us have made mistakes and bad choices in our relationship. And for all of mine, I'm sorry."
"Oh, Bobby, I'm sorry, too," Ann says, walking over and putting her arms around him.
Bobby looks at her. "Annie, losing Ewing Global would be hard. Very hard. But I can take that loss. What I can't take......is losing you."
"You're not gonna lose me, Bobby. I love you too much to let that happen."
"Let's go to bed," Bobby says, kissing his wife.
A cruise ship in the Caribbean....the next day
"This has been the absolute best week of my life," Pamela says with a smile.
"Hmmmmm, is it the fresh sea air?" Tripp asks. "Being on this awesome cruise ship for a week? The beautiful blue sea? Or your incredibly gorgeous and sexy new husband?"
"It's going to be so wonderful walking into that board meeting next week and taking that company away from John Ross," Pamela continues. "I can't wait to wipe that smug look off his face when I become Westar's new CEO."
The smile disappears from Tripp's face.
"Tripp, what's wrong?" She asks.
"Nothing," he replies, faking a smile. "Just wondering what it's gonna be like being the husband of the CEO of a big oil company."
"It'll be wonderful. I promise. All our dreams are about to come true, and we are starting our lives off as husband and wife the right way."
As he and Pamela continues walking along the deck of the ship, Tripp thinks about the upcoming board meeting and his deal with Cliff to help him become CEO of Westar.
Southfork.....afternoon
Cody smiles as he walks closer to Justin. "Now what would I be tryin' to hide?"
"You tell me."
"I aint gotta tell you nothin' but this, boy. Stop spyin' on me. Just keep your distance if ya know what's good for you."
"You threatenin' me, Cody?" Justin asks.
"Not threatenin'. Just.....warnin'."
"Yeah? Well, let me give you a little warnin', Cody. I don't know what you're up to, or what you're tryin' to hide. And I don't know what you're up to with my brother, but if I find out it's somethin' that's gonna cause trouble around here or maybe hurt my Uncle Bobby........you WILL have me to answer to.....BOY."
"Really think you're somethin' now, don't you?" Cody asks. "Now that you changed your last name from Harper to Ewin'. Actin' all big and bad like you own this here ranch. But you don't. So you can't threaten me, or scare me, or fire me."
Justin smiles in Cody's face. "I can't, huh? Well, you might wanna ask my brother John Ross just what I can do, if I put my mind to it. John Ross found out the hard way that I can be a real Ewing when it comes to dealin' with folks who get on my bad side."
"Hey!" Calls Lucas as he walks toward the other two young men. "What's goin' on here?"
"Nothin'," Cody replies with a smile as Lucas walks up to them. "I was just gettin' back to work."
Cody and Justin stare angrily at each other for a moment. "Hey, Justin, can I talk to you?" Lucas asks.
"Sure, man."
Meanwhile, out of ear shot of Cody, Lucas and Justin stop walking. "What was that all about?" Lucas asks.
"Ahh, nothin'," replies Justin. "I don't trust that guy. He's up to somethin' and I'm gonna keep my eye on him. What can I do for you, Lucas?"
"Justin, I know you and I haven't exactly been buddies since you've been here, but, I need a favor. A favor from someone I can trust."
"You trust me?"
"For this, yeah."
"What do you nee?" Justin asks.
"Since you work here with the hands every day, I need you to keep an eye on them."
"What for?"
"Anything suspicious," Lucas says. "Look, when I was arrested for having drugs in my car, I was set up. The drugs weren't mine, and they WEREN'T in my car just a couple days before, which means someone planted them in my glove compartment. Maybe even the morning I was arrested, and the stables here was the last place I was that morning. All these ranch hands roaming around here, it could've been any one of them."
"Really, now?" Justin asks, looking toward the direction of where Cody is working. "Lucas, don't worry, bud. If it was any of the hands, I'll find out. In fact, I got my eye on one of 'em already."
Southfork.....that night
"Thanks," Lucas says.
"You're welcome. You were awful quiet durin' dinner. Is it because of Ray?"
"Partly," Lucas replies, taking a sip of his drink.
"You're also worried about your case," says Bobby.
"Yeah, I am. That's one reason I wanted to come over here tonight, so talk to you," Lucas says, lowering his voice.
"What about?"
"Jay and I talked, and he seems to think whoever set me up is someone here at Southfork."
"One of the hands?" Bobby asks.
"Someone else? Who?"
Lucas looks around to make sure no one can hear. "Jay seems to think it may be John Ross," he says, almost in a whisper.
"John Ross?" Bobby asks in shock. "But why....."
"Don't forget, I kept the secret about Alex bein' his son from him, then I beat the hell out of him in front of Emma. This is just the kinda thing John Ross would do to get even with me."
"Get even? By wrecking your whole life," says an angry Bobby. "Just when I think that nephew of mine has sunk as low as he possibly can, he surprises me."
"Look, we don't have any proof, so just keep this between us for now. But, Justin's agreed to help me by keeping an eye on the hands for any suspicious behavior, and in fact he already has somebody in mind who may be involved with John Ross, but I'd rather not say right now until we have more to go on."
"Well, if I find out one of my ranch hands helped John Ross set you, then God help the both of them when I get finished with them."
Ray walks over at that moment. "Hey, you two," he says. "Am I interruptin' somethin'?"
"No, Ray. Lucas and I were just chatting," Bobby says.
"Bob, mind if I have a word with Lucas?" Ray asks.
"Sorry, but I really can't," Lucas says rudely. "I have to go. I'm meeting Justin and Amanda at that new bar over in Braddock."
"Talk about what? How you cheated on my mother with your ex-wife? Far as I'm concerned there's nothin' more to say." Without another word, Lucas walks away from them.
Ray sighs deeply. Bobby puts a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder. "Give him time, Ray. He's hurt right now."
Meanwhile, Lucas walks over to Christopher and Conner. "Hey, guys," he says. "I'm gonna meet Justin and Amanda over at that new bar in Braddock. You guys wanna come?"
"Thanks, but, I have an early start to my day tomorrow," Conner replies.
"Chris?" Lucas asks.
"Umm, no, thanks," he replies.
"Come on, it'll be nice to hang out with my brother for a while, and you don't have THAT early a start to your day."
"No, but I...."
"Look, you're about as tense as I am these days. It'll do ya good to get out. And we won't stay late, I promise. I won't take no for answer."
"Sure, why not?" Christopher says, feeling awkward about hanging out with Amanda. "Conner, sure you don't wanna come?"
"Nah, I'm gonna hit the hay soon. Gotta be up at 6 in the morning to help Ray over at his place."
"See ya," Lucas says as he and Christopher head out. When they start to walk out the door, they are surprised to find Lucy there about to come in.
"Lucy," Christopher says.
"Hey, you two," Lucy says with a smile. "You guys headed out?"
"Yeah, we're goin' to a new bar in Braddock for a while. Wanna come?"
"No, thanks, I'm sure you young bucks don't want your old cousin taggin' along. Have fun."
"We will. Bye," Lucas says as he and Christopher head out.
Lucy walks into the living room. "Lucy," Ann says, greeting her at the door.
"Well, look who's back," says Ray.
"When did you get back to town?" Bobby asks.
"Just a little while ago."
"Did you enjoy visiting your friends in Galveston?" Ann asks.
"I sure did. But I got to missin' Southfork and the family, even with all its constant drama, so, if it's okay, I'd like to stay for a while."
"Of course it's okay," Ann says. "Southfork will always be your home."
Lucy manages a smile, but it's obvious from the look on her face that something is bothering her.
Ram's Head Bar And Grill in Braddock....later
"Yeah, real nice," Lucas says.
"Then how come neither one of you acts like you're havin' a good time? In fact, I'm the only one at this table who DOES seem to be havin' a good time."
"I guess we've all got things on our minds," says Christopher.
"Yeah, well, that's why I asked y'all to come, so you could get all those troubles off your minds for a couple hours and have some fun. Amanda, you're just as quiet as my cousins here. What's wrong with you?"
"It's kinda loud. I'm getting a headache," Amanda replies.
"Well, dancin' is a cure for that. Hey Chris, would ya mind dancin' with my girl? I'd like to have a word with Lucas here."
"Honey, I really don't feel like dancing," says Amanda.
"Come on, it'll do ya good. Okay, Chris?"
Christopher looks across the table at Amanda, both of them feeling awkward and extremely uncomfortable at Justin's insistence that they dance. "Yeah, sure," Christopher finally says. "Amanda?"
She sighs deeply, then stands.
"You be careful with her, now," Justin says as Christopher and Amanda head for the dance floor. After they're on the floor, Justin looks across the table at Lucas. "I can tell you're real worried about this mess you're mess you're in. But if you were set up, the truth will come out."
Lucas sighs. "I hope you're right, man. This whole thing pisses me off. Justin, I swear, if John Ross is behind this, I'm afraid I might just kill him."
"Problem is, how do I prove he's behind setting me up?" Lucas asks.
"By keepin' an eye on Cody. The key is Cody's phone. I know he was talkin' to John Ross today. I didn't hear him mention John Ross by name, but I just know it was him. If I could somehow get my hands on that phone...."
"Justin, I appreciate your help, but just don't do anything reckless or stupid. I mean, how much do we really know about Cody Williams and what he's capable of if he's working for John Ross?"
"Don't worry, cuz. I can handle Cody."
"I know. I'm not uncomfortable at all," says Amanda. "What happened between us is in the past. Besides, it shouldn't matter now anyway, since I'm not with John Ross anymore."
"You seem a lot happier with Justin."
"I am. Unlike John Ross, and you, Justin treats me like a real person. He loves me and I love him, and I've never been as happy as I am with him."
"I'm glad to hear that, Amanda," Christopher says. "I'm really sorry for what happened, and that you think I treated you badly. I never meant to hurt you and never wanted to. I just felt that our sleeping together was a huge mistake because of your marriage to my cousin. But I'm glad you finally found happiness with Justin. You deserve it."
"Thank you for saying that, Christopher."
Westar....the next morning
"Mornin', Melissa," he says. "Any calls?"
"Preston Brooks called, and he asked that you call him back as soon as you come in."
"Thanks. If Miss Carrington, put her right through. Otherwise, hold all my calls."
"Sure," Melissa says. "John Ross, how are things? With Westar, I mean? Is there any chance you might lose the company at the board meeting?"
"No need for you to worry, darlin'. I'll be sure to write you a real good reference," John Ross answers. "Get Mr. Brooks on the phone for me," he says, then turns and walks into his office. He walks to his desk and puts his brief case down, then takes a seat at his desk.
Melissa buzzes his offices. "John Ross, I have Mr. Brooks on line one."
John Ross picks up his phone and presses the '1' button. "Preston, what can I do for you?"
"Know who it is?" John Ross asks.
"No idea."
"How much stock?"
"Enough to soon make them majority shareholder," Preston replies. "And they're going about it in a clandestine manner, just as you did when you orchestrated your takeover of the company."
"Will do, John Ross. I'll be in touch."
John Ross puts his phone down. "Damn. It's gotta be Pamela and McKay," he says to himself. "Who else would be buyin' up that much stock in Westar?"
San Francisco......
"Come in," he says.
His sister, Angie, walks in. "Hey, you busy?"
"No, come in. What's up?"
"I wanna talk to you about Erica."
"Okay, what about Erica?" Michael asks, standing.
"What's the real story with her?"
"Come on, Michael. Yes, you do. I overheard you and Dad talking one night, and then this morning I overheard you and Erica talking about the baby. And the baby's father."
"What are you doing, sis? Eavesdropping on everyone's conversations now?"
Michael sighs. "Angie, just stay out of it and mind your own business," he says, walking to his bar to pour himself a drink.
"Michael this IS my business," Angie says. "Look, if Eric is involved in something or if someone is after her, then that makes it my business if our family is in danger."
"No one is in danger and no one is after her, okay? So just drop it."
"Michael, come on. Don't you trust me enough to tell me?"
"It's not a matter of me trusting you. Sis, there are just things that are private, that I can't talk about. If Erica wants you to know, she'll tell you."
"Well, then. I guess I'll have to accept that and the fact that everyone in the house seems to know what's going on except for me." Angie walks to the door and opens it, then turns back to him. "Thanks a lot for the trust in me, big brother," she says, then turns and leaves.
The Channing Mansion......later
"Ewing," Angie whispers quietly to herself. "John Ross Ewing? Why does that name sound so familiar?" Angie folds the death certificate, then stuffs it into her pocket. She closes the box, then replaces it on the top shelf of the closet.
A few minutes later, in her own bedroom, Angie takes out her tablet and turns it on. When the tablet boots up, she opens up a Google search engine and types in the name John Ross Ewing III in the search bar. After a moment, some results appear on the screen and she clicks on the link to John Ross's Facebook page.
The Smithfield Home in Dallas....
"Todd, dude, welcome home," Dylan says, embracing his older brother.
"Thanks, Dylan," Todd says, his voice sounding extremely sad. He walks past his brother and into the living room. John and Linda exchange looks, and all three follow Todd into the room.
"Would you like to go upstairs and lie down, sweetheart?" Linda asks. "You must be tired."
"How about somethin' to eat? After that hospital food, I'm sure you're ready for some home cookin'."
"No, thank you," Todd replies, his voice seemingly devoid of emotion now.
"Dylan, would you leave us alone for a few minutes, please?" John asks.
"But Dad, Todd just got home, I wanna spend some time with him."
"You'll have plenty of time with your brother. Right now, we need some time alone."
Dylan looks from his parents to his brother. "Sure," he says sadly. Then the boy turns and leaves.
"Close the doors please," John says.
Dylan does as he's told and closes the two sliding doors to the living room as he leaves.
"Look, Dad, I really don't feel like talking right now," says Todd.
"John, please, don't do this?" Linda begs her husband.
"Linda, this has to be aired out. Now son, I want you to tell me the truth."
Todd looks at his father. "Dad, just get off my back. I've been through enough crap lately, I don't need you breathing down my neck on top of everything else."
"Todd, damn it, if Ewing drove you to do what you did, I need to know!"
"Why, Dad?" Todd asks. "So you can go and beat John Ross's ass? What good will that do? Just let it go. I think it's best that I go back to my own apartment."
"Todd, no," Linda says. "We want you here."
"So you can keep an eye on me, Mom? No thanks. I've had enough of you keeping an eye on me my whole life to last me for the next 80 years." Without another word, Todd walks past his parents and out of the room. Dylan watches from the dining room as his brother storms up the stairs.
Back in the living room, Linda turns to her husband. "Did you have to light into him like that? For God's sake, John, he just got home."
"You know, Linda, this sudden burst of motherly concern for your children is very touching. But it comes about thirty years too late for Tod, and almost twenty too late for Dylan."
"How dare you? How DARE you try to place the blame for any of this on ME, when you're the one who's been a cold, distant father to those boys. And an even colder and more distant husband to me."
"I'll have dinner at the club," John says. "I think if I have to eat here, I'll lose my appetite." John turns and walks out of the room without another word to his wife.
Meanwhile....outside
"Thanks, Dolan," Steve Walden says as he sits at his desk at the Dallas Police Department. "Tail him. Don't lose him. I wanna know every place he goes and everyone he sees."
"Yes, sir," says Dallas Detective Dolan. He puts his phone down, starts his car, and drives off, following John's car down the street.
Southfork.....night
"Thank you, Mrs. Ewing," Steve says. "Is Bobby home?"
"Yes, he's in the livin' room. Come on in."
"Thank you." Steve follows Ann into the living room, where Bobby is having a drink with Christopher and Conner.
"Bobby, Lt. Walden is here," Ann says.
"Hi, Steve," says Bobby. "Would you like a drink?"
"No thanks, Bobby, I'm still on duty."
"Steve, you know my wife and Conner, and my son Christopher?"
"Of course. Bobby, could I have a word with you?" Steve asks.
"Is there something new on the investigation of my father's murder?" Conner asks.
"That's what I need to speak to you and Bobby about."
"Come on, Steve," Bobby says. "We can talk in my office." Bobby puts his drink down and Steve and Conner follow him through the foyer and into his office. Bobby closes the doors behind them. "Steve, what's up?"
"Bobby, John Baxter had an alibi for the afternoon Jack Ewing was murdered."
"But how can that be? You and I both saw his face on that video."
"I know," Steve says. "That's why I'm having Baxter tailed, as well as Jim Slade, the attorney who provided Baxter's alibi."
"But what we're lacking is a motive," says Steve. "As far as we've been able to tell, John Baxter and Jack Ewing never even met each other. Baxter adamantly denied knowing Jack."
"What about this alibi, this Slade guy?" Bobby asks. "How does he check out?"
"The guy's clean, Bobby. Has a good reputation as an attorney over in Fort Worth. Went to law school with John Baxter. They were in the same graduating class in 1981."
"Steve, there has to be some connection," says Bobby. "Something that ties Jack in with John Baxter. Otherwise, why would Baxter go to see Jack on the very afternoon Jack was killed."
"That's what we're workin' to find out, Bobby," Steve says.
Bijoux Restaurant in Dallas....
"I don't think so, Lucy," Ray replies. "It's over between me and Jenna, and I've known that for a while now. I just didn't wanna admit it."
"What about Donna? Are you gonna try to re-establish a relationship with her?"
"I don't know. Right now, I can't plan that far ahead. Anyway, enough about me and my problems. You don't seem your usual, jovial self. I thought goin' to visit a few old friends would've cheered you up more'n it has. Did ya get to see Muriel?"
"Yeah, I did," Lucy replies. "We talked a lot about our old school days, about Muriel's ex-husband, her two kids, and it was really just a great time."
"Then why is it you seem more down that you were when you left?" Ray asks.
"A lump? Well, Lucy, ya know, that could be anything. It doesn't mean it's......." Ray pauses.
"Cancer?" Lucy asks. "Go ahead and say it, Ray. I've tried to convince myself that the lump could just be a cyst, or, something else less threatening. But, you know.......well, Grandma had breast cancer. And ever since I felt this lump, that's all I've been able to think about. What if it's happening to me now? That scares the hell out of me."
Ray reaches across the table and takes Lucy's hand as she begins to cry.
Dallas Police Department....the next morning
A detective walks in. "Lt. Walden, I have some information you're gonna wanna take a look at ASAP," the man says.
"Oh? Let's have it."
"It's about the Jack Ewing murder investigation." The detective hands Steve a folder. Steve opens in and begins reading the report inside. Half way down the page, a look of surprise, then satisfaction comes over his face. "Jackson, thank you," Steve says. "This might just be the break we've been looking for in this case." Steve stands and grabs his jacket. He picks up his phone and dials a number. On the second ring, someone answers. "I need to speak to Bobby Ewing, please. Lt. Steve Walden. Yes, I'll hold." After a moment, Bobby comes on the line. "Hey, Bobby, are you free now? I have something on the Jack Ewing case you're gonna wanna see. Yeah, about fifteen minutes. See you then." Steve hangs the phone up and smiles, then he hurries out of his office.
Ewing Global....a short time later
"Thanks Janice, send him in, please," Bobby says. He stands and walks over to the door as Steve comes in.
"Bobby, I appreciate you seeing me," Steve says as he comes in. "It's no problem, Steve, I'm anxious to hear what you have to tell me."
"Bobby, remember when we found out that Jack Ewing was receiving calls from a number that had been registered to a Bradley Corporation, which was a dummy owned by McArthur Inustries out of Houston?"
"Yes. I remember," Bobby replies.
"I had a couple of my detectives do some research on McArthur. The company was owned by the McArthur family until 2002, when it was purchased by a man named Donald Boyd, who still owns the company."
"Have you had this Boyd fella checked out?"
Steve smiles. "Yes, we have, very thoroughly. Here's why I came over. Donald Boyd just happens to be John Baxter's first cousin."
"What?" Bobby asks, surprised by the news.
"That's right. Baxter's mother and Boyd's mother were sisters."
"Then that means........Baxter's cousin owns the comp'ny that Jack had been in touch with all those weeks before he was killed. And, whoever Jack spoke to is probably the person who lured him here to Dallas to kill him."
"That's the way it looks, Bobby. As we speak, I'm having both Baxter and his alibi, Jim Slade picked up and brought in for questioning if you wanna be there."
"Thank you, Steve, I do," Bobby says. "If it's alright, I'd also like to phone Conner and have him meet us at the station."
The Smithfield Mansion....
John's train of thought is interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell. He quickly tries to compose himself so no one sees him in his present state. In the foyer, Linda comes down the stairs as Nancy, the maid, opens the door and finds a man and a woman standing there.
"May I help you?" Linda asks them.
"Is Mr. John Baxter at home?" The man asks.
"I'm Mrs. Baxter. Perhaps I can help you."
"Mrs. Baxter we need to speak to your husband," the female says.
"I'm John Baxter," John says, coming out of the living room and into the foyer. "Who are you?"
"Mr. Baxter, I'm Detective Morrison with the Dallas PD, this is my partner, Detective Robinson. We need you to come with us, sir."
"Where to?" John asks, his heart pounding by now.
"The station. We need to ask you some questions."
Linda looks at John as all the color drains from his face and he feels the walls closing in on him.
Southfork....
"Hey, either of you guys seen Cody this mornin'?" The young man asks.
"No, I aint seen him," replies the other young hand working with Justin on the fence.
"He never showed up this mornin' for work, and he's not in his room at the bunkhouse. Most of his things are still there."
"His things are there, but no sign of Cody?" Justin asks.
"That's right."
Justin sighs, then stands to his feet. "I'll check it out. Eric, keep on workin'. I'll be back."
"Aight, Justin," replies Eric, the young hand working on the fence.
Justin walks over to his horse and climbs on, then rides off toward the bunkhouse.
A few minutes later, Justin walks into Cody's room at the bunkhouse and looks around. No sign of Cody. He walks over to the closet and opens it. Most of Cody's clothes are still there, but the duffle bag Justin remember seeing Cody with is gone, along with a few other things. As Justin is about to leave, he hears a cell phone vibrating somewhere in the room. He looks around, and finally spots the phone on the floor next to Cody's bed. He walks over and picks the phone up. He looks at the caller ID and sees that the call is from John Ross's phone. "I knew it," Justin says to himself. He presses the button on the screen to answer the call. "John Ross, what's up? How are you today?" Justin says. Next, he hears the sound of a click as the line goes dead. Justin takes the phone and leaves the room.
Meanwhile....
"And all hell will break lose in that family," Judith says with a wicked smile. "Brilliant idea, cloning John Ross's phone."
"We can thank my brilliant son for that idea," Katherine says. "And now, I make a phone call, and the final phase of our plan will be complete."
Cody stands and walks over to his mother. "By this time tomorrow, Mom, Ewing Global will be in our hands."
"Yes. We'll have back the company that should've been mine all along. And would've been if I hadn't lost my freedom to live here in Dallas thirty years ago. All because of Jenna Wade, Bobby Ewing, and that bitch of a sister of mine, Pam."
"Jenna Wade?" Judith asks. "Itn't that Bobby's brother Ray Krebbs's wife?"
"Yes. Jenna and Bobby were in love. It was because of her that I couldn't have Bobby. It was because she stole his love from me that I lost everything. She even managed to weasel her way out of a murder charge and prison, thanks to Bobby. But, now all of them will see that I'm not done with them yet. Taking Wentworth Industries back is only the first on a long list of scores I have to settle here in Dallas."
Dallas Police Department....
"So far, Baxter hasn't said anything incriminating," Steve says. "But Slade, I think he's about ready to crack."
"Let's hope so," says Bobby. "I'd still like to know what Baxter's motive was."
"So would I," Conner says. "I never even heard my dad mention John Baxter's name."
At that moment, a detective walks into the room and walks over to Steve. The detective whispers something to Steve.
"Bobby, would you excuse me for a minute?"
"Sure, Steve."
Steve follows the detective into the hall. While they are gone, Conner walks over to the two-way mirror and looks at the man seated in the next room. The man who very well may be his father's killer.
Steve comes back into the room. "Good news," he says. "Slade admitted that Baxter had him lie and provide him an alibi for the afternoon of February 18. Now, hopefully knowing this, Baxter will confess. Listen, Conner, you don't have to be here for this."
"It's okay. I wanna be here. I wanna hear what this guy has to say."
"Steve, would you mind if I join you in there?"
"Bobby, that's highly irregular," Steve says.
"I'd consider it a personal favor."
"Sure. Come on."
As Conner watches through the two-way mirror, Bobby and Steve walk into the interrogation room.
"What the hell is Bobby Ewing doing here?" John angrily asks.
"Mr. Ewing asked to be in on our questioning," Steve replies.
"This isn't legal," Linda protests. "It can't be."
"Technically, Aunt Linda, there's nothing illegal about Bobby being here," says Jay.
"So, he was there?" Jay asks. "That still doesn't prove that my Uncle killed anyone."
"Mr. Baxter, again, I ask you.....where WERE you on the afternoon of February the 18th?" Steve asks.
"Uncle John, you don't have to answer that," says Jay.
"John, just keep quiet," Linda says. "They have no concrete evidence against you and they know it. If you just don't say anything......"
"Oh, Linda, will you just SHUT UP!" John says angrily as he stands. Running his hand through his hair, he walks to one side of the room, then turns back to the others. "Yes, damn it, I was there."
"Uncle John....."
"No, Jay," says John. "It's over. It's over and I know it. Yes. I went to Jack Ewing's room that afternoon. I went there that afternoon with the intention of killing Jack Ewing. And that's just what I did. I killed him."
"JOHN! NO!!!!" Linda cries.
"Why, Baxter?" Bobby asks. "Why did you kill Jack and how did you even know him in the first place?"
"You wanna know why I killed your cousin? Because I hate all of you damned Ewings and I always have."
"What the hell did my family ever do to you, Baxter?"
"It all started right after I married my lovely wife here. Linda, or, Harriett as everyone called her back then. Not long after we were married and Harriett's father, Harv Smithfield, brought me into the firm as a wedding present, he introduced me to J.R. Ewing. Of course having grown up right here in Dallas I had known of and heard of the Ewings and Ewing Oil my whole life. I actually admired J.R. Ewing. Right after that meeting, J.R. asked me to have a drink with him. I agreed. Boy was that a big mistake. When I went to have drinks with him, I met this woman. A tall, gorgeous blonde. The whole thing was a set up. That night I ended up in bed with the woman, who was staying at a condo the Ewings owned. Well guess who showed up that night. None other than J.R. himself. I was caught in the act. And all I had to do to keep J.R. from telling my new wife and my father-in-law about my infidelity was a little favor. J.R. wanted to take a look at his father's will before it was read to the rest of his family. So I did."
"J.R. blackmailed you into letting him have a look at my Daddy's will before it was read publicly?" Bobby asks.
"That's right. And there it began. For years I lived in fear that Ewing was gonna expose that one little indiscretion."
"That explains why you hated J.R. Ewing," Steve says. "But that doesn't tell us anything about Jack Ewing. What was your motive for wanting him dead?"
"Because of my wife," John replies.
"Your wife?" Bobby asks.
"John, don't you say another word," Linda orders.
"Why, my darling? Afraid of the shame I'm gonna bring on you and your fine old name? My wife and Jack Ewing were lovers. Not recently, but years ago. I had heard the name Jack Ewing at Smithfield And Bennett back in the 80s, of course. Hell, the firm handled all of the Ewings' legal business in those days. In 1994, Linda and I were having some problems in our marriage. We hadn't made love in months, until........until one night that fall. Shortly afterward, Linda told me she was pregnant with our second child, Dylan. Dylan was born June 12, 1995......only about seven months after we'd made love for the first time in months. Linda told me the child was premature, and I believed her. Then, about a year ago, I ran into Dr. Jason Franks, an old friend who was Linda's obstetrician when Dylan was born. We talked, and somehow the subject of Dylan came up, and I made an off hand comment about Dylan having been such a big baby to have been two months premature. Then Jason told me something that stunned me. He said that Dylan wasn't premature. He was born right on time. Linda had lied to me for nineteen years, and that meant that I could not possibly be Dylan's father. So I started doing a little investigative work. I found an old letter that was written by my wife. A letter to Jack Ewing that was never sent. The letter was dated September 15, 1994. So, I knew that somehow I had to find out the truth. So, I had a cousin of mine who owns several dummy corporations to allow me to use one of them. So he gave me the company. I managed to find Jack Ewing in Colorado using a private detective agency. I contacted him under the guise of offering him a partnership with Bradley Corporation, the small oil company my cousin gave me. It was an elaborate scheme, and Ewing fell for it. I flew to Colorado to meet with him for lunch one day, and it was then that I managed to lift a coffee cup he had used to steal some of his DNA from. Then I got a sample of Dylan's DNA from his comb. The DNA matched. Jack Ewing was Dylan's father."
"Oh my God," Bobby says.
"I continued my plan, and after several phone conversations, I asked Ewing to come to Dallas so we could meet and set up an interview with Bradley's board of directors. And he arrived in Dallas right on schedule."
"And you went to his hotel room on the afternoon of February the 18th?" Steve asks.
"But as smart a man as you are, Baxter, you made one fatal mistake.....you forgot to take into account the security cameras in the hall outside of Jack's hotel room," Bobby says.
"The damned Ewings took everything away from me," John says in tears. "J.R. stole my dignity and my ethics as a lawyer. Jack bedded my wife and fathered her child. A boy I raised and loved as my own! And J.R.'s son drove my son Todd to attempt to take his own life! It has to end, sometime. It has to END!!"
As Linda cries and Jay sits in shock at the confession they've just heard, Bobby looks at Steve. "I've heard all I need to," he says. "I'd better go see how Conner's doin'." Bobby walks out of the room and back into the room where Conner sits alone, stunned, at the confession he has just witnessed from his father's killer. "Conner, are you alright, son?"
Conner looks at Bobby with tears in his eyes. "He killed my father over something that happened twenty years ago? And.......oh my God. I have a brother?"
Bobby walks over to the young man. "Come on, son. Let's go home."
Westar
"John Ross, there's a young lady waiting over there to see you," Melissa says.
"Oh?" John Ross asks, looking over to the waiting area. "Who is she?"
"Says her name is Angela Channing, and she says it's very important that she see you."
"I don't know any Angela Channing," John Ross says. "Tell her to go away, I don't need whatever she's sellin'."
"Mr. Ewing?" Angie Channing says as she walks over to him. "Please, I really need to see you. I came all the way here from San Francisco."
"So? Have we met before?"
"No, we haven't."
"Then we have no business. Make an appointment with my secretary if it's important." John Ross turns and starts to walk into his office.
"Mr. Ewing, I need to speak to you about......about Elena Ramos."
The mention of Elena's name causes John Ross to stop and turn back to her. "Elena Ramos? You know Elena?"
"Yes. Please, can we talk?"
"Yeah, come on in my office," John Ross says. Angie follows him into the office and John Ross closes the door. "So what's this about Elena?"
"She works for my father's newspaper in San Francisco," Angie replies.
"So? I already been to San Francisco and saw her, a couple months ago."
"My son? Mine and Elena's son?"
"That's right."
"Ms. Channing, my son was stillborn."
"No, Mr. Ewing. He wasn't. Your son is alive and well, and living in California with Elena and my brother, Michael."