EPISODE 245 - Farewell, My Love

Bobby is sitting at the breakfast table on the patio the next morning when Maria, the Ewing maid, comes out of the house carrying a coffee pot.  "More coffee, Mr. Ewing?"

"Yes, thank you, Maria."

The maid pours Bobby's coffee and goes back into the house, passing Ann on her way out.  "Would you like some coffee, Mrs. Ewing?"  Maria asks.

"Yes I would, thank you,"  Ann replies.  

"I will be right back.  And breakfast will be ready soon."

Ann smiles.  "Alright, thank you, Maria."  Ann takes a seat beside her husband at the table as Bobby is looking over some papers.  "Another sleepless night last night, huh?"  Ann asks.

"Yeah.  I'm gonna be helping Lucas make Heather's funeral arrangements today, and I'm not lookin' forward to that.  And I can't get what the sheriff said off my mind."

Ann sighs.  "I know.  I thought about that all night, myself.  Bobby, I just can't believe it.  Someone planted that explosive device underneath Krystina's car, tryin' to kill her.  Who would do such a thing?  As far as I know, Krystina doesn't have an enemy in the world.  Who'd wanna hurt her?"

"I wish I knew,"  Bobby replies.  

"And poor Heather.  She was just an innocent victim."

"Honey, there are lots of innocent victims in this tragedy.  Heather.  Lucas.  Michael.  And Dylan.  If he dies, then the person who was behind this will be responsible for TWO murders."

Ann reaches over and takes her husband's hand.

Clay's apartment....

 Clay and Ashley are having breakfast in the kitchen of their apartment that morning when Cory comes in.  "Morning,"  he says.

"Good morning,"  says Clay.  "How'd you sleep?"

"Like a baby.  That bed in your guest room is like super comfortable."

"Breakfast is on the stove,"  Ashley says.  "I made some bacon, eggs, and waffles."

"Thanks,"  Cory says.  He goes to the stove, picks up an empty plate and gets him some food.  "Hey, I really wanna thank you guys for letting me stay here for a while,"  Cory says, taking a seat at the table.

"Cory, it's no problem at all,"  says Clay.  "You're welcome to stay as long as you need to."

"Thanks."

"Well, I guess I'd better be going,"  Ashley says.  "I have a test later in Biology and I'm meeting my lab partner at the library to study."

"Have a good day,"  Clay says.

"Thanks, I'll try.  I think I'll go by the hospital today and see how Dylan is doing.  I spoke to Conner last night and they transferred him to Texas Health here in Dallas."

"Transferred him?"  Cory asks.  "Why?"

"I guess they didn't have the facilities to treat him at such a small hospital in Braddock.  Conner said he's not doing well."

"I'm sorry to hear that,"  says Cory.  "This has to be really hard on my sister."

"Oh, please!"  Ashley says.  

"Ashley, I know you don't like my sister, but, you just don't know her the way I do,"  Cory says.  "She really does care about Dylan, and she's worried sick about him."

"Cory, no offense, and I mean nothing personal against you, but I don't believe your sister ever cared about anyone but herself."

"That's not true,"  Cory says.

Ashley looks at him, then looks at Clay.  "I'll see you tonight."

"Okay, have a good day,"  Clay says as his sister leaves.  

Cory lets out a deep sigh.  "Y'know, maybe it's not such a good idea for me to stay here."

"What?  Why not?  Because of Ashley?"

"Yeah, look, I don't wanna make things uncomfortable for anyone, and if having me around here is gonna make your sister uncomfortable, then....."

"Hey, that feud is between our sisters,"  Clay says.  "It has nothing to do with either of us.  Ashley and Jasmine will probably never be friends after what happened, but trust me, Ashley doesn't blame you for what Jasmine did, and having you here isn't gonna make her uncomfortable.  Okay?"

Cory lowers his head and nods.  

"Well, I have to get to work.  You got any plans for today?"

"Unfortunately, no.  I guess I should go out and start looking for a job."

"Well, if it's a job you want, how about one at Ewing Oil?"  Clay asks.

"What?  Are you kidding?"

"No, I'm not kidding.  We could use another office boy at Ewing Oil, and I could use an assistant."

"I dunno, Clay.  I'm not exactly John Ross's favorite person, and having me around the office.....well, I don't think he'd like that too much."

Clay smiles.  "All the more reason to do it, then.  Come on.  What do you say?  You can come to work with me today.  I have a lot of work I need to get done, and some research I need help with."

"Okay, sure.  Why not?  Might be interesting."

"Great.  Let's finish breakfast and go to work,"  says Clay.

Southfork....

 Back at Southfork that morning, John Ross is in the den meeting with three other men, members of a private security team John Ross had hired due to learning that Krystina's car had been tampered with.  "Now I want my wife watched constantly,"  John Ross tells the men.  "I want security here at the ranch beefed up, and I don't want my wife goin' anywhere alone, is that understood?"

"Yes, sir, Mr. Ewing,"  one of the men says.  "And don't worry.  I'll have men posted at every entrance to Southfork."

"Good.  I'll also have the hands patrol the grounds as often as they can,"  John Ross says as Krystina comes down the stairs and walks into the den.  

"What's going on?"  Krystina asks.

"Krystina, this is Shane Dixon," John Ross replies. "I've hired him and his men to keep an eye on you for a while."

"Keep an eye on me?"

"Yes, until we find out who planted that explosive device underneath your car."

"John Ross, I don't want body guards."

"Mrs. Ewing, your husband is doing this for your own good,"  Shane Dixon says.  "He's explained the situation to us, and under the circumstances, if someone was after you, then you do need protection."

John Ross gives the man an annoyed look.  "John Ross, can I talk to you?  Alone?"

"Sure.  Guys?"

"Come on, men,"  Shane says to the others.  "We'll look over the layout of the place."

"John Ross, I don't like this," Krystina says.  "I don't wanna feel like a prisoner in my own home."

"I know.  I don't like it, either, but Krystina, you heard what the sheriff said last night.  Someone planted an explosive device underneath your car, and that's what caused that accident.  Darlin', somebody was tryin' to hurt you, and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let that happen again."

"I've been wracking my brain ever since last night trying to figure out who would do something like this,"  says Krystina.  "And I can't come up with a single person who would wanna hurt me.......or kill me."

"I been thinkin' a lot about that, too,"  says John Ross.  "And I got to thinkin' about that crazy cousin of yours, Trevor Carrington, your Uncle Ben's son.  And I can't help but wonder if it could be him."

"I seriously don't think so.  You told Trevor that if he ever set foot in this country again what would happen to him."

"Yeah but that doesn't mean it's not him.  I've been keepin' tabs on him periodically ever since I ran him out of Dallas for blackmailin' you a few years ago.  And he's the ONLY person I can think of with any kind of a grudge against you.  I think I'm gonna have one of my contacts check and make sure Trevor Carrington is still in Australia."  John Ross takes his cell phone from his pocket and dials a number.  He patiently waits for an answer.  "Hello, Mike?  John Ross Ewing here.  Listen, I want you to do me a favor.  I want you to check and make sure my wife's cousin, Trevor Carrington, is still livin' it up in Melbourne, Australia, and get back to me as fast as you can."  John Ross listens to the man on the other end of the line for a moment, a stunned look on his face.  "What?  When did that happen?  Mike, are you absolutely sure about that?  Why the hell wasn't I notified?"  Again, John Ross listens for a moment, then he nods.  "Alright, Mike.  I appreciate the information.  Yeah.  Bye."  John Ross ends the call and puts his phone away.

"Well?  Is Trevor still in Australia?"  Krystina asks.

"Darlin', uh........there's no way it was him.  Trevor Carrington was killed a month ago.  He was workin' on an oil rig in the Australian outback, and there was an explosion.  Four men were killed, and Trevor was one of 'em."

"Is your man sure?"  

"Absolutely sure,"  John Ross replies.   "He said he saw Trevor's body himself.  He was badly burned but still recognizable.  So we know it wasn't him."

"So now we're right back to where we were, and to our original question........who planted that device under my car, and who hates me enough to want to see me dead?"

John Ross walks over to his wife, puts his arms around her, and embraces her as Krystina trembles with fear.

 Clay looks at him and smiles.  "Yep, I sure did.  And let me guess......you have a problem with that."

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I DO have a problem with that."

"I don't see why.  Ewing Oil is, after all, a family business, and Cory's family.  He's your nephew, same as I am.  Besides, I have a right to hire anyone I choose."

"For now, anyway,"  John Ross says.  "But don't get too comfortable, Clay.  This contest ends in two weeks, and by my calculations, I'm ahead of you.  And I'm gonna win and be the sole head of Ewing Oil, and when that happens, you and Cory Winthrop are gonna be out of here and out of my hair for good."

Clay smiles.  "Don't count your chickens before they hatch, John Ross.  Anything can happen in two weeks.  Now if there's nothing else, I'm real busy."

"I might can't do anything about you hirin' that kid, but just make sure you keep him out of my way,"  John Ross says, then he walks out of the office.  

Clay smiles again, enjoying the fact that by hiring Cory, he's gotten under John Ross's skin.

Braddock Medical Center....later....

 Lucas and Michael are sitting in silence in Michael's hospital room at Braddock Medical Center, Michael sitting in a chair staring out the window, both of them deep in grief over Heather, and neither knowing quite what to say to the other.  A nurse comes into the room to collect Michael's lunch tray.  

"You didn't eat any of your lunch,"  the nurse says.

"Wasn't hungry,"  Michael says.

Lucas and the nurse exchange looks.  Lucas nods to her.  The nurse picks up the tray and leaves.  "Michael, you haven't eaten anything since yesterday,"  Lucas says to his son.  

"How can you expect me to eat anything?"  Michael asks in tears.  "Mom's gone."

"I know, son.  I know how you feel."

"No you DON'T.  Why did this have to happen?  WHY?  And how did I get thrown out of that car?"

"The police said that they didn't think you were wearing your seatbelt."

"Oh, yeah.  Now I remember,"  Michael says.  "I dropped my phone on the floor and I took off my seat belt to reach down and pick it up.  I remember Mom telling me to put my seat belt back on.  That's the last thing I remember her saying to me."

"Well, thank God you didn't put it back on,"  says Lucas.  

"I didn't have time.  I started to, and.......and then something happened."

"Something happened?  What happened?"

"We heard something.  Like......like a blow out, and then........the car went out of control.  Next thing I knew I saw another car right in front of us.  Then we went off the road.  I don't remember anything else."

"It's okay.  You don't have to,"  Lucas says as a knock sounds at the door.  "Come in,"  he says.  

Courtney and Jacob walk into the room.  "Lucas,"  Courtney says.

"Oh, Courtney,"  Lucas says, greeting his former sister-in-law with a hug.  

"Lucas, I'm so sorry about Heather,"  Courtney says.  "Christopher called me.  I just had to come."

"I'm glad you did,"  Lucas says.  "Hey, Jacob."

"Hey, Lucas,"  Jacob says, the two hugging each other.  

"Man, you've gotten taller in the short time you and your Mom have been in California."

"Yeah, I guess," Jacob says.  He walks over to Michael.  "Man, I'm so sorry about your Mom."

Michael nods.  "Thanks.  I'm glad you're here."

"Lucas, can I talk to you in the hall?"  Courtney asks.  "Let the boys have some time alone."

"Yeah, okay."  Lucas and Heather walk into the hall and close the door to Michael's room behind them.  "I'm really glad you and Jacob came.  I think having Jacob here will be good for Michael."

"I hope so,"  Courtney says.  "And what about you?  How are you holding up?"

Lucas sighs.  "I really don't know.  This doesn't seem real yet.  I've been so worried about Michael, I don't think I've had time to process the fact that my wife is gone."

"If there's anything I can do, just let me know."

"Thanks, I will.  I just feel so angry.  So damned angry, and when I find out who's responsible for this, I swear, I'll make them pay, even if it's the last thing I do."

"Find out who's responsible?"  Courtney asks.  "Lucas, Heather's death was an accident.  A horrible accident."

"No, it wasn't.  Did Christopher tell you that Heather was driving Krystina's car?"

"Yes, he did.  But what does that have to do with anything?"

"This wasn't an accident, Courtney.  The sheriff came to Southfork the night after the crash, and I heard him tell John Ross and Krystina that there was some kind of explosive thing planted underneath Krystina's car.  That's what caused the wreck."

"Oh my God.  Then that means that......"

Lucas nods.  "Yeah.  Someone was trying to kill Krystina, and Heather was the innocent victim."

"That doesn't make any sense,"  says Courtney.  "Who'd wanna hurt Krystina?  As far as I know, she doesn't have an enemy in the world."

"No, but John Ross does.  He has a lot of enemies.  Maybe one of them was trying to hurt him by hurting Krystina."

"Lucas, I'm so sorry.  Have you made the arrangements?"

"Yeah.  Funeral is gonna be day after tomorrow, at 2 o'clock.  And I don't know how I'm gonna get through that."

Courtney places her hand on his shoulder.  "With a lot of love and support from your family,"  she says, and then she embraces him.

Brad Stone's office....

 Brad's secretary buzzes his desk.  "Mr. Barnes, there's a Mr. Paul Ramirez and Mr. Jack Carter here to see you."

"Paul Ramirez and Jack Carter?"  Brad asks, the names unfamiliar to him.  "Do they have an appointment?"

"No, sir, but they said it's very important that they speak with you."

"Alright, send them in."  Brad stands from his seat at the desk, buttons his jacket, and walks over to greet the two men as they walk into the office.

"Mr. Barnes," one of the men says.  "Thank you for agreeing to see us, and we apologize for the short notice."

"Of course, umm, what can I do for you gentlemen?"

"Mr. Barnes, my name is Paul Ramirez, and I'm the democratic party chair for the state of Texas.  This is our vice-chair, Jack Carter."

"Gentlemen, can I offer you a drink?"  Brad asks.

"No, thank you,"  Ramirez replies.  

"So, what can I do for you?"

"I'm sure you're aware of the sudden tragic death of State Senator Mark Stoddard a couple of days ago."

"Yes, I am,"  Brad says.  "Very sad.  Stoddard was a good man."

"Yes, he certainly was,"  says Ramirez.  "That's why we're here.  The Governor has appointed State Representative Stacy Collins to replace Stoddard in the Senate until the next election in 2024.  But unfortunately, she has made it clear that she doesn't want to replace Stoddard as a candidate for the United States Senate in this year's mid-term.  Which is why we're here.  We've been watching your career very closely, Mr. Barnes, and your name has been floating around as a viable candidate to replace Stoddard."

"Wait, you're asking ME to run for the United States Senate?"  Brad asks.

"Yes, we are.  We feel that you are the best man to beat Republican Matt Culver."

"Well, thank you, I'm flattered.  But, running for the Senate would mean giving up my position here as head of the ORC, a position I haven't held for that long. I'm not sure I wanna risk giving up everything for something that's not a sure thing."

"We understand your reluctance, Mr. Barnes,"  Jack Carter says.  "But you have a very good chance of beating Culver."

"Culver is seen as far right, somewhat extreme on certain issues voters care about,"  Ramirez says.  "And just think of the power you could wield as a United States Senator.  It could be a stepping stone to......bigger things."

"You mean the presidency?"  Brad asks.

"If you play your cards right, and you do well in the Senate, who knows?  Maybe in 2028 you could be the democratic nominee for president.  Barack Obama had only served in the Senate for two years when he announced his run for President in 2007."

"Senator Barnes,"  Brad says.  "I do like the sound of that."

"And what about President Barnes?"  Ramirez asks.

"Even better."

"So can we count on you, Mr. Barnes?"

"And who would I be beholden to if I say yes?"  Brad asks.  "Craig Forrester?  Jeremy Wendell?"

"I'm afraid we don't know what you're talking about,"  Ramirez says.

"Come on, guys.  I know what's going on here.  I spoke to Forrester right after Stoddard's death, and he basically told me I would be offered this chance to replace Stoddard as the democratic nominee for Senate against Culver.  So, if I accept, then what happens?  I'm in Forrester's pocket for the rest of my life, even if I do win the democratic nomination for President a few years down the road?"

"Mr. Barnes, I can assure you.......you will not be, as you put it, in anyone's pocket.  You may be asked to do a favor every now and then, but....."

"Ah, a favor.  Isn't that the same thing as being in someone's pocket?"  Brad asks.

"Mr. Barnes  we could have chosen any number of up and coming young stars in the political arena," Ramirez says.  "But we chose YOU.  We will use every means at our disposal to help you get elected, and to help your career along.  You will have a lot of power as a United States Senator from Texas, especially if you defeat Matt Culver, whose family is political royalty in this state. With our help, and with the full backing of the democratic party behind you, you can go very far in a political career."

"I'll need some time to think about this.  It's all very sudden."

"Fine.  You can have two days, but we MUST have your answer by day after tomorrow.  The election is only months away, and if we are to get you elected, we'll have to build a campaign.  Get your story out to the voters, and get them to know you."

"You'll have my answer by the end of business tomorrow,"  Brad says.  

"Fine,"  Carter says.  

"We'll look forward to hearing from you,"  says Ramirez.  

"Barnes,"  Carter says.

"Good day, gentlemen,"  Brad says as the two men leave.  After they are gone, Brad goes to his bar and pours himself a drink.  He smiles.  "Senator Barnes," he says to himself, then takes a sip of his drink.

Southfork....that evening....

John Ross, Krystina, and Bobby are talking to Sheriff Chambers in the living room at Southfork that evening.  "I can't believe you haven't come up with anything yet,"  John Ross rants.  "Sheriff, somebody out there tried to kill my wife.  They DID kill my cousin Lucas's wife, and I want that son of a bitch found."

"Mr. Ewing, we're doing all we can, but it's only been a couple of days,"  Sheriff Chambers says.  "And I don't want you to get your hopes up that the person who planted that explosive device on your wife's car will be found."

"You're saying it's likely they WON'T be found?"  Bobby asks.

"The car was in such bad shape..........the fire destroyed almost everything.  We were lucky we were even able to tell there was an explosive planted under the axle.  Thankfully we have a very good forensics team."

"Then they should be able to come up with somethin',"  John Ross says.  

"We're doing our best.  All I'm saying is..........if we find any evidence, it may take a while.  We've had the explosive device, and pieces of Mrs. Ewing's car sent to our largest state crime lab in Austin.  Hopefully, they'll be able to tell us where that device was manufactured and exactly what it is."

Sue Ellen and Catlin come into the living room at that moment.  "What's going on?"  Sue Ellen.  "Has something happened?  Why is the Sheriff here?"

"It's alright, Sue Ellen,"  Bobby says.

"Bobby, what's going on?"  Catlin asks.

"Mr. Ewing, I'll be in touch,"  Sheriff Chambers says.

"Thanks Lou,"  Bobby says.

"Mrs. Ewing,"  Chambers says to Sue Ellen as he leaves.

"Alright, so what's going on?  And why was the Sheriff here?"  Sue Ellen asks.

"John Ross, you might as well tell them,"  says Bobby.

"Turns out the accident that killed Heather was no accident at all,"  says John Ross.  

"What do you mean?"  Sue Ellen asks.

"The police found some kind of explosive device planted underneath the front axle in Krystina's car."

"And they're certain that's what caused the wreck,"  says Bobby.

"Oh my God,"  Sue Ellen says.  

"And that means that someone was tryin' to kill Krystina,"  John Ross continues.

"Good Lord,"  says Catlin.

Sue Ellen walks over to her daughter-in-law and puts her arm around her.  "Krystina, how awful.  You must be terrified."

"I am."

"And I'm terrified for her."

"Sue Ellen, Catlin, I really don't want my mother to know anything about this,"  Krystina says.  "When John Ross called the Sheriff and asked him to stop by and update us on the investigation, I had Ann get my Mom and the kids out of the house for a while."

"That was a good idea,"  Catlin says.  "I'm sure this would worry your mother sick if she knew."

"What's being done to keep Krystina safe?"  Sue Ellen asks.

"I've beefed up security around the ranch, as you could probably tell when you came in,"  John Ross replies.  "And I've hired a personal body guard to be with Krystina whenever she leaves the house."

"Well, I think I may have a better idea,"  Sue Ellen says.  "I think it might be smart if Krystina were to go away for a while, until whoever did this is caught."

"Go away?  Where?"  John Ross asks.

"How about the Southern Cross?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "It's a long way from Dallas, and we could have all the security needed there to keep Krystina safe."

"Darlin', I think that might be a good idea,"  John Ross says.  "Maybe you and your Mama could go down to the Southern Cross and stay for a few days."

"NO, John Ross,"  Krystina adamantly says.  "I'm not gonna be driven away from my own home by this.......this person.  Besides, Heather's funeral is day after tomorrow, and I'm not missing it."

"Well, the offer is open if you change your mind after the funeral,"  Sue Ellen says.

"Thank you, Sue Ellen."

"One other thing,"  Bobby says.  "I don't want Lucas to know anything about this, either.  Heather's death has hit him really hard, and if he knew that wreck wasn't an accident........I just don't know what it might do to him."

"You're a little late, Dad,"   comes Lucas's voice from the doorway, startling the group.  "I already know."

"Lucas, you overheard what we were saying?"  Bobby asks.

"Some of it.  But I heard the Sheriff the other night when he came to see John Ross and Krystina.  I heard him tell you that Krystina's car had been tampered with.  Does the Sheriff have any idea who did this?"

"No, he doesn't,"  Bobby replies.

"Lucas, I'm so sorry,"  Krystina says in tears.

"I don't blame you, Krystina,"  Lucas says.  "I seriously doubt you have any enemies who hate you enough to wanna kill you.  But John Ross on the other hand....."

"Now hold on just a minute, here,"  John Ross says.

"You've made a lot of enemies, John Ross.  Maybe one of them was out to hurt you by killing Krystina."

"Lucas, I know you're hurtin' right now, and I'm as sorry as I can be that your wife got hurt, but you can't go blamin' me for this."

"My wife didn't get hurt, John Ross,"  Lucas angrily says.  "She was KILLED.  Blown up in YOUR wife's car."

"Lucas......don't,"  Bobby says, putting his hand on his son's shoulder.  

"Whoever is responsible for Heather's death is gonna pay,"  Lucas says.

"And they WILL pay,"  says John Ross.  "I promise you that."

Lucas looks at John Ross, and at Bobby, then, feeling that he is about to break down and not wanting the family to witness it, he quickly leaves the room.  

"I'm worried about him, Bobby,"  Sue Ellen says.  

"So am I."

"Where the hell is Bum?"  John Ross asks.  "I've been tryin' to reach for two days.  If anybody can find out who tried to kill Krystina, he can."

"Bum has been working on a case for me, John Ross,"  Bobby says.

"For you, Uncle Bobby?  What case?"

"That's not something I'm ready to talk about just yet.  But as soon as Bum returns, hopefully with some information, I'll be able to share it.  Now excuse me, I'm gonna go and check on Lucas."

"Of course, Bobby,"  Sue Ellen says as Bobby leaves the room.

"I wonder what the hell that was all about,"  John Ross says.  "What could Uncle Bobby be havin' Bum work on?"

Craig Forrester's apartment....

 Craig Forrester is finishing getting dressed after taking a shower in his plush new penthouse apartment that evening when his doorbell rings.  Seemingly annoyed at the interruption, Craig walks out of his bedroom, makes his way through his spacious living room and opens the door to find Brad.  

"We need to talk,"  Brad says, walking into the apartment.  

"Are you NUTS?  How dare you come here?  What if someone saw you?"  Craig angrily asks.

"No one saw me.  I took every precaution.  I had a couple visitors today.  One was the chairman of the Texas democratic party.  But I assume you already knew that."

"Very little happens that I don't know about."

"Then you also know that they asked me to take Stoddard's place as candidate for the Senate against Matt Culver in November's election."

"Why are you acting so surprised?"  Craig asks.  "I told you it would happen."

"I'm going to do this, because a political career is something I've dreamed about for years.  But I wanna make one thing perfectly clear before I accept their offer........I will NOT be your political pawn.  When and if I get to the Senate, I will be my own boss.  I won't be taking orders from you. Do we understand each other?"

"Yes, we do,"  Craig replies.  "And I hope you know that I can have this offer rescinded just as easily as I had it extended to you.  And if you do get to Washington........I can give you power, Brad, and lots of it.  I can also yank it away any time I please."

"You mean Jeremy Wendell can give me power or take it away,"  Brad says.  "Because I know you're nothing more than a henchman for Wendell.  And when you talk to him, you can relay this same message to your boss I just gave you.  I WON'T be Wendell's pawn, either."  Brad looks at him for a second, then turns and quickly leaves the apartment.

"We'll just see about that, Barnes,"  Craig says.

Meanwhile, Brad makes his way down the hall after leaving Craig's apartment.  At the end of the hall, he presses the button for the elevator.  A moment later, the elevator opens, and a beautiful blonde woman of about forty steps off the elevator, coming face to face with Brad.

"Excuse me,"  the woman says.

"No, excuse ME,"  Brad says, stepping aside to let the woman pass.  He steps onto the elevator and watches the woman as she walks down the hall away from him.  The woman turns back and gives Brad a look and a smile, then continues walking as the elevator doors close.  Inside the elevator, Brad wonders who the mysterious woman is.

Back in his apartment, Craig picks up his cell phone and is about to make a call when his doorbell rings.  He sighs deeply in frustration.  "This place is like Grand Central Station tonight," he says to himself.  He goes to the door and opens it, surprised to see the blonde woman who had just gotten off the elevator.  

"Hello, Craig,"  the woman says, walking into the apartment.  "It's been quite some time."

"Alexandra,"  Craig says.  "What in God's name are you doing here?  And how did you find me?"

"Darling, you know me well enough to know that, when I want to find someone........I usually do,"  the woman says.  

"That doesn't answer my question.  WHY are you here?"

"It wasn't that hard to find you.  You don't cover your tracks very well, sweetheart.  As for why I'm here.......let's just say I missed you.  Besides, do I really need a reason to want to come see my husband of nearly twenty years?"

Craig looks at his estranged wife with anger, fearing that Alexandra's sudden appearance in Dallas could jeopardize his entire plan!

Southfork....the next morning....

 Bobby and Christopher come out of the house and onto the patio at Southfork the next morning, The two are engaged in a conversation about moving a herd of cattle to another section of the ranch.  "We need to get them moved today, if possible,"  Bobby tells his son.  

"I'll get on it this morning,"  Christopher says.  "I'll get Miguel and some of the other hands."

"I have  some things to take care of, and then I'll come out and help, too."

"Dad, I can handle it.  Why don't you go to the hospital and check on Michael and Lucas."

"Alright, I will,"  Bobby says.  "I don't know how long it'll be before your brother is up to going back to work."

"Don't worry,"  says Christopher.  I'll take care Southfork for as long Lucas needs."

Bobby smiles.  "Good.  I knew I could count on you."

A car pulls up to the house and comes to a stop in the parking area.  

"I wonder who that is,"  Bobby says.  

Courtney gets out of the car and walks over to them.  "Hello, Bobby.  Christopher,"  she says.

"Hello, Courtney,"  Bobby says.  "I didn't know you were back in Dallas."

"Well, I'm sure you two wanna talk, so if you'll excuse me, I have some things I need to take care of,"  Bobby says.

"Alright,"  says Courtney.  "It's really good to see you, Bobby."

Bobby nods, and walks away in the direction of the stables.  

"Lucas told you and Jacob came by the hospital,"  Christopher says.  "He said seeing Jacob really seemed to help Michael."

"I'm glad,"  says Courtney.  "And how are YOU doing?  I know Heather meant a lot to you, because of your past relationship."

"Yes, she did.  I'm fine.  It's Lucas and Michael I'm worried about.  And what about you?  I guess California must be agreeing with you?"

"So far.  Would you listen to us?  We were married for a long time, and now, it's like we're struggling to even find something to talk about."

"Well, things didn't exactly end on a good note between us.  And I suppose that's my fault."

"It's not entirely your fault,"  Courtney says.  "I didn't help matters any.  So, Lucas told me that Lucia had gone back to Mexico."

"Yes.  And did he tell you why she went back?"  Christopher asks.

"No.  I just assumed that things didn't work out between you."

"No, they didn't.  The reason is......someone came back into my life.  Someone from the past."

"Someone?"  Courtney asks.  "A woman?"

"Yes."

"Elena?"

"No, not Elena.  Erin Ward."

"Erin.......the woman you met in California when you visited your Uncle Gary and Aunt Val there?"

"That's right,"  Christopher says.  

"So you and Erin are.......together?"

Christopher nods.  "Yes, we are.  But that's not all.  Courtney, Erin has a little boy.  He's 6-years-old.  He's my son."

Courtney's expression shows her surprise at hearing this news. "Your son?"

"Yes.  He's an adorable little guy. I hope you can meet him sometime."

Courtney manages a weak smile.  "Well, talk about ironies.  We wanted to have a child do badly when we were married, but it just wasn't meant to be.  But I am glad that you finally got a child of your own, even if it wasn't with me."

"Thank you."

"Be happy, Christopher.  You deserve it."

"So do you,"  Christopher says.  "Are you happy with Joseph?"

Courtney nods. "Very happy."

"Good.  That's all that matters.  Courtney, I would like to see Jacob.  Do you think that he would wanna see me?"

"He's still pretty angry about our breakup, but he's adjusting well to life in California.  I think it would do him good to see you.  Why don't you come by the hotel, maybe this evening, around 6?  I'll talk to him before hand."

"Okay."

"I'll see you then,"  Courtney says.  She walks back to her car.  She starts to get into the car, but she pauses and looks back over at him.  "Christopher?"

"Yes?"

"I really hope things work out between you and Erin,"  Courtney says.  "And I hope you can have that family you've always wanted......and deserved."

Christopher chokes back tears as Courtney gets into her car and he watches her walk away, a sad look on his face as he is lamenting the fact that, even though a part of him will always love Courtney, they just couldn't make their marriage work.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

Donna is sitting by Dylan's hospital bedside, her head bowed as she silently prays for his recovery.  Ray comes to the door.  "Donna," he says.  

She looks up at him.  

"Mitch wants to see us."

Donna's heart sinks as she fears Mitch has yet more bad news concerning Dylan's condition.  

Five minutes later, Ray, Donna, Conner, C.J., and Todd all file into Mitch's office.  "Please, sit down,"  Mitch tells the group.  Each of them take seats in chairs lined in front of Mitch's desk.  

"Well, Mitch?"  Ray asks.  "What's the verdict?"

"I'm afraid Dylan's condition isn't improving.  If anything, it's worsening."

"Well, what can you do about that?"  Conner asks.

"At this point, our only option is a kidney transplant,"  Mitch replies.  "Dylan's right kidney has completely failed.  His left one is only functioning at 15%."

"Dear God,"  Donna cries.

"So you have a match?"  Todd asks.  

"Yes."

"And?"  Todd asks.  "Which one of us is a match?  Me? Or Conner?"

"Conner is a perfect match.  He and Dylan have the same blood type.  Todd, your blood type is different from Dylan's.  Now my question is........Conner, are you willing to go through with this?  Are you willing to donate one of your kidneys to your brother?"

"Yes.  Let's do it.  Right now."

"First, I need to explain the risks to you,"  Mitch says.  "As I told you earlier, you and Dylan can both live perfectly normal, healthy lives with only one functioning kidney.  However, if something were to happen to that kidney........it could be fatal."

"If something happened, like what?"  Conner asks.

"An accident.  Kidney infection.  Anything that could cause damage to the remaining kidney.  But that's a very small chance.  Our main concern is infection or blood clot immediately following the surgery.  You'd be at greater risk for pneumonia or infection.  You'd also have to take it easy for a while.  In general, once fully recovered, people with a single functioning kidney have few or no problems, and it doesn't change life expectancy.  However, you should keep the risks I mentioned in mind.  Why don't you take some time to think about it, and....."

"There's nothing to think about,"  Conner says, quickly standing to his feet.  He walks over to a window, and then turns back to the others. "I've already made my decision, so let's do this."

"Conner, are you sure about this?"  Ray asks.

"Yes.  My brother needs a kidney, and I'm a perfect match.  So there's nothing to think about, and nothing to talk about."

"Alright then,"  says Mitch.  "I'll make the arrangements."

"What about the surgery?"  Donna asks.  "We want the very best surgeon available."

"We have some very good surgeons on staff here",  Mitch says.  "But, if you want my honest opinion, the very best surgeon I know of is Dr. Daniel Avery."

"Betsy's husband,"  Ray says.

"Yes.  He's the best surgeon on the West Coast, and he's head of surgery at one of L.A.'s largest hospitals."

"You think he's available?"  Conner asks.

"I'll give him a call right now.  Since this is family, I'm sure I can persuade him to make the trip to Dallas and do the surgery."

Ray reaches over and takes Donna by the hand.  

The Tower Club....early afternoon....

Pamela steps off the elevator at Dallas's posh Tower Club at lunchtime.  She is greeted by a female hostess, who leads her across the restaurant to a table where Brad is seated waiting for her.  Brad stands to his feet when his sister arrives.  "Hey, thanks for coming," he says, greeting Pamela with a kiss.  

"Of course,"  Pamela says, she and Brad both taking their seats.  

"Your server will be with you shortly,"  the hostess says.  "What can I get you to drink, Mrs. Ewing?"

"I'll have a glass of white wine."

"Yes, ma'am.  Be right back."

"Well, you must be in a great mood today,"  Pamela says.  "Treating me to lunch here at Dallas's most expensive restaurant."

"Oh, I am.  I have some news that I wanted to share with you before anyone else, and before I make an official announcement."

"An official announcement?"  Pamela asks.  "Well, now you've got me VERY curious."  Before she can say anything else, the server returns with Pamela's glass of wine.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Mrs. Ewing.  Can I get you anything else?"

"Not right now, thanks."

"Your server will be with you in a few minutes."

"Fine,"  Brad says as the woman walks away.  

"Brad, what's this about?"  Pamela asks.

"Something I hope you're gonna be happy about,"  Brad says.

"Well, why don't you tell me and let me decide."

"Okay.  You, my darling sister, might just be looking at the next United States Senator from Texas."

"What are you talking about?"  Pamela asks.

"I assume you heard about the death of state Senator Mark Stoddard,"  Brad says.

"Yes, I did.  I've never met him, but I was sorry to hear of his passing."

"Well, you probably also know that Stoddard was running against Matt Culver for the United States Senate.  But since his death, the democratic party needs a viable candidate to replace him in the general election."

"And......they chose YOU?"  Pamela asks.

"Yes they did.  The chairman of the state democratic party came to me yesterday with the offer.  I told them I would give them my answer by tomorrow."

Pamela smiles.  "Brad, that's wonderful.  Congratulations."

"Thank you."

The smile suddenly fades from Pamela's face.  "Uh-oh,"  she says.

"What?"  Brad asks.

"You're gonna be running against Matt Culver, which means the Ewings, Justin included, will be supporting him."

"Well, you know the Ewings would be supporting whoever the Republican nominee is."

"Yes, but Matt Culver is family, so their support for him is going to be extra strong."

"Well, I hope I can at least count on support from my sister,"  Brad says.

Pamela lowers her eyes and looks down at her glass of wine while remaining silent.

"Pammy?  I can count on your support in this  race, can't I?"

"Brad, I........you know, I'm not very happy right now with the democratic party.  The things they're doing to hurt the oil industry, of which I am a part, and of which you use to be a part."

"Look, I didn't say I agree with everything the democrats in Washington are doing, but, I really feel like I can make a difference in peoples' lives if I win this thing.  I certainly think I can do a better job than Matt Culver has done in representing and serving the people of Texas.  So how about it, sis?  Can I count on your support?"

Pamela lets out a sigh.  "I know this is going to cause some problems, but, you ARE my brother, so yes.  Yes, Brad, you can count on my support."

Brad looks at her and smiles.  "I knew I could,"  he says.  "How about a toast?"

"Yes, a toast,"  Pamela says, raising her glass.  "To Senator Bradley Barnes."

Brad's smile grows wider as he and Pamela toast to his upcoming Senate campaign.

Southern Methodist University....afternoon....

Daniel Cooper is coming down the steps of Dallas Hall at Southern Methodist University that afternoon with one of his friends and classmates, the two engaged in conversation as they walk.  Reaching the bottom of the steps, Daniel sees Cory standing in front of the large fountain facing the building.  Daniel pauses when he sees Cory, who is obviously waiting for him.  

"Hey, I'll see you tomorrow, Daniel,"  his friend says to him.

"Yeah, see you tomorrow, man,"  Daniel says, the other boy walking away.  Cory begins walking toward Daniel.  After a few seconds, Daniel turns and starts to walk away from Cory.

"Daniel?  Wait!"  Cory calls to him.  

Reluctantly, Daniel stops and turns around to face Cory as he approaches.  "What do you want, Cory?"  Daniel asks.

"I wanna talk to you.  I waited until you got out of class."

Christopher knocks on Courtney's door at the Omni Hotel that evening.  After a moment, Courtney answers the door.  "Hi,"  she says.  "Come in."

"Thanks,"  Christopher says, walking into the suite.  

"I'm glad you came."

"Well, I wanted to see Jacob.  Where's Joseph?"

"He's downstairs at the coffee shop waiting for me.  I figured we'd give you and Jacob some time alone to talk."

"Thank you, I appreciate that."

Courtney smiles and nods.  "Jacob!"  She calls.  

A few seconds later, Jacob comes into the room.  He looks at Christopher in silence.  

"Hi, Jacob,"  Christopher says.

"Hi."

"Well, I'll leave you two alone,"  Courtney says.  "I'll be at the coffee shop downstairs.  Just text me when you leave.  Take all the time you want."

"Thanks,"  Christopher says as Courtney leaves.  A few seconds of uncomfortable silence follows.  "So, Jacob, how've you been?"  Christopher finally asks.

"I've been good."

"I can't believe how tall you're getting.  You'll be a grown man soon.  So, you like California?"

"Yeah, it's okay."

Christopher sighs.  "Y'know, you and I have never had a problem talking or finding things to say to one another.  Look, I think we should just get everything out in the open.  Jacob, I know you're probably still angry with me.  You might even hate me.  So now's your chance.  Say whatever it is you wanna say to me.  Just let it all out.  Tell me how you feel."

 "I don't hate you,"  Jacob says.  "I hate what you did.  I hate what you did to my Mom and I hate what you did to our family.  We were a family, and you messed that up.  You know the real reason I'm so angry?"

"No.  Tell me."

"Because I looked up to you.  My Mom use to tell about how, when you found out she had a kid, you did everything in your power to find me for her.  And when you did find me, you rescued me from that abusive home I was stuck living in.  You brought me back to Southfork, and gave me a home and a family.  Even though I wasn't your kid, you treated me just like a real dad would.  To me, you were perfect.  I was proud to call you Dad.  Proud that you wanted ME for a son. I thought you couldn't do anything wrong.  But then Mrs. Trevino came along, and it's like you forgot all about me and my Mom.  All you cared about was HER and her sons."

"Jacob, that's not true,"  Christopher says.  "I never stopped loving you and your mother."

"It sure seemed like it."

"I know.  But Jacob, your mother and I already had problems before Lucia Trevino came to Southfork.  It may not have seemed like it, but we did.  I don't expect you to understand this, but, our problems started when we lost the baby.  Things were never really the same between us after that.  I blamed myself for your Mom's miscarriage, and for a long time, I thought she blamed me, too.  And, I think it's time you knew the reason why I felt the need to help Mrs. Trevino and her sons.  I'm gonna tell you something that.......something I think you're old enough to hear.  You know that I knew Mrs. Trevino years ago, right?"

"Yeah, I knew that.  She was married to that guy you killed, right?"  Jacob asks.

"Yes, Nicolas Trevino."

"He tried to kill you, didn't he?"  Jacob asks.

"Yes.  I shot and killed him.  The memory of what I had done haunted me for a long time."

"But......it was self defense.  He tried to kill you."

"That doesn't make it any easier to live with the fact that I took a human life.  It was the hardest thing  I've ever had to live with, and the fact that Nicolas had a wife and two young sons made it even harder.  That's why I felt this need to help Mrs. Trevino and her sons, because I felt a responsibility to them after I took their husband and father away.  Because of me, Miguel and his brother Antonio had to grow up all these years without a father.  I felt that, if I did what I could to help them, somehow, I could make up for what I took from them, and maybe even make myself feel better.  Maybe make some of the guilt go away.  But in the process, I let my own family fall by the wayside, and for that, I'm sorry.  Jacob, I don't expect you to understand this, or to forgive me.  But I just wanted you to know things happened the way they did."

"I do understand,"  Jacob says.  "I know what it feels like......the guilt over taking someone's life.  I felt that after........"

"After Brian Manning, I know,"  Christopher says.  

"Sometimes, even now, I have nightmares about shooting him.  I can still see the blood.  I can see his face when he died.  And that's what you were feeling?"

Christopher nods.  "Yeah, it was.  When I found out that Miguel was Nicolas's son, all I could see was Nicolas when I looked at him.  Anyway, that's all I wanted to say.  Thank you for listening."

"Christopher?"  Jacob says.

"Yes?"

"I know that Joseph is my real Dad, and it's great getting to know him and all.  But, you're always gonna be my Dad, too."

Christopher looks at the boy, his heart filling with pride.  "You have no idea how ,much that means to me to hear you say that.  In my heart, you will always be my son, and whenever you need to get away.......Southfork will always be a home you can come to."

As Jacob begins to cry, Christopher embraces the boy.  

"Hey," Christopher says, looking at Jacob.  "It's not even 6:30 yet.  How about the two of us take in a movie?"

"Yeah, I'd like that."

"Great.  Why don't you call your Mom and ask her if it's okay?"

Jacob smiles.  "I will."

Christopher looks at the boy and smiles, proud of the young man Jacob is becoming, and feeling a huge sense of relief that he has now made peace with both Courtney and especially Jacob.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....the next morning....

 Ray, Donna, Todd, Lucy, C.J., and Sue Ellen are all sitting in a waiting room at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital early the next morning as they await Mitch and Dr. Daniel Avery, who are getting Conner and Dylan prepped for surgery.  While the group waits, Ashley steps off an elevator down the hall.  Slowly, she makes her way down the hall until she comes to the waiting room where the others are.  

"Ashley,"  Donna says.  

"I hope it's okay that I came,"  Ashley says.  "I just needed to be here."

"Come in,"  Ray says.  

"Thank you.  Have Conner and Dylan been taken down to surgery yet?"

"No, not yet,"  Donna replies.  

"Would anyone like some coffee or anything?"  Sue Ellen asks.  

"No thank you, Sue Ellen.  Not right now,"  Ray replies.  

Mitch and Dr. Daniel Avery come into the room.  "We'll be taking Conner and Dylan down for surgery shortly,"  Mitch says.

"Conner is being prepped for surgery,"  Daniel Avery says.  "If you're all planning to stay, I suggest you make yourselves as comfortable as possible.  This is going to be a long surgery, possibly anywhere from 4 to 5 hours."

"We understand,"  Ray says.  

"Can we see them before they're taken down?"  Donna asks.

"Sure,"  Daniel replies.  "Conner might be a little groggy, since we've given him a shot to relax him."

Donna looks at Todd Baxter for a moment.  "Todd, why don't you go in and see Dylan first?"

"Thank you, I will,"  Todd says, leaving the room.  

"Uncle Ray, would you and Aunt Donna mind if I went and saw Conner?  I'll only be a minute.  I just need to tell him something."

Ray looks at the girl and nods. "Sure Ashley, you go ahead."

"Thank you."  

"Ashley, Conner is in room 416,"  Mitch says.

"Thanks,"  Ashley replies.  A couple of minutes later, Ashley knocks on the door to room 416.

"Come in,"  she hears Conner say.  

Ashley walks into the room.  "Conner,"  she says.

"Ashley.  Come in."

Ashley walks over to his bedside.  "I wasn't sure I should come.  Especially the way things have been between us, but, I just had to come and see you.  Talk to you.  I wanna tell you that......I think what you're doing is very brave.  Brave and selfless."

"I'm not being brave at all,"  Conner says.  "If you want the truth, I'm scared to death.  As for me being selfless, I'm not sure how true that is.  Maybe I'm doing this out of guilt."

"I don't believe that for a minute.  While it's true you may feel guilty about.........about what happened between us, but, that's not why you're donating your kidney to Dylan."

Conner looks at her.  "Okay, then why don't you tell me.  Why am I donating a kidney."

"Because that's the kind of person you are, Conner James Ewing.  Kind, generous, and selfless."

"I wasn't very selfless toward my brother, was I?  If I had been, I never would've allowed my feelings for you to go as far as they did."

"Conner, we were both to blame for that,"  Ashley says.  "I felt SO guilty and so horrible that I was the cause of this rift between you and Dylan."

"You didn't cause that.  If anyone is to blame, it's Jasmine."

"Conner, what Jasmine did......luring Dylan to the house that night so he could find us together, was wrong, yes, and I hate her for that.  But if we were to be honest with ourselves, she wouldn't have been able to cause that trouble if we had controlled ourselves."

"I fell in love with you, and for that, I'm not sorry,"  Conner says.  "I only wish that we would've been honest with Dylan from the start, before things went so far."

"So do I."

"Ash, I don't know what's gonna happen with this surgery, but, I have to say something to you before I go down.  If something happens to me....."

"Conner, don't.  Don't say that.  Nothing is gonna happen.  You and Dylan are both gonna be fine."

"I hope so, but, please, just hear me out,"  Conner says.  He reaches over and takes Ashley by the hand.  "I want you to know something.  When I fell in love with you, I've never felt that way before. And even though our feelings for each other caused a lot of pain and a lot of destruction, for all of us, I don't regret one minute.....not even one second......of it.  I still love you."

"Oh, Conner,"  Ashley says.   "I love you, too.  When I pushed you away, I only did it because I couldn't stand the guilt I was feeling over the way we hurt Dylan.  But every night I ached for you.  I ached for your touch, for your kiss.  Just to be near you."

Conner begins to cry.  "Well, if that's not a reason to live, then I don't know what is,"  he says.  

Ashley leans down and kisses him again. 

Just then, a knock comes at the door.  Mitch walks in.  "Conner, we're ready to take you down,"  he says.  "Ray and Donna want a moment with you first."

Ashley gets up from her seat on the bed and steps aside as Ray and Donna come into the room.  "Hey, pal,"  Ray says.

"Ray."

Donna goes over to Conner, leans down and hugs him.  "I love you,"  she says.  "I love you so very much, in case I haven't told you before."

"I love you, too."

"You're gonna be okay,"  Ray says.  "You and Dylan both."

Conner nods.  "I know."

Two hospital orderlies enter the room and begin unlocking the wheels on Conner's bed to prepare to take him down to surgery.  

"We'll be here when ya wake up,"  Ray says.  

Conner again nods.  The two orderlies wheel Conner's bed out of the room.  After they've gone, Ashley begins to cry.  Donna puts her arm around the girl and embraces her.  

Craig Forrester's apartment....

 Craig comes into the kitchen area of his luxury apartment that morning and finds his estranged wife already at the table having breakfast.  He looks at her, then takes a seat at the table, where he pours himself a cup of coffee.  

"Good morning to you, too, my darling,"  Craig's wife says to him sarcastically.  

"Whether it's a good morning is a matter of opinion."

"Y'know, I've been here for a couple of days now, and you've barely said ten words to me,"  Alexandra says.  

"What is it you want me to say?"  Craig asks.

"You could at least pretend to be a little happier to see me."

Craig looks at his wife.  "I'm not that good of an actor.  Alli,  why are you here?"

"A woman has a right to be with her husband."

"You and I haven't lived as husband and wife for more than a year now."

"That doesn't matter.  I'm still your wife.  And by the way, since I've been here, you haven't even asked about the children."

"I don't have to,"  Craig says.  "Cameron and I text almost every day, and he keeps me up to date on what's going on in his life, and Rachel's."

Alli smiles.  "I figured as much.  You and Cameron always were very close."

"As fathers and sons should be.  Yes, my son and I are very close, despite your best efforts to turn him against me."

Alli smiles.  "I'm really very tired of this constant bickering and bitterness between us, Craig.  That's why I'm here.  I want us to try and fix what's wrong with our relationship."

"Are you kidding?"  Craig asks.  "That would take more time than either of us probably has to live.  Why don't you tell me why you're REALLY in Dallas?"

"First, tell me why YOU'RE here,"  Alli says.  

"Business,"  Craig says, taking a sip of his coffee.  

"The kind of business that involves the Ewings?"  

Craig suddenly gives his wife a look of pure anger.  He reaches across the table and grabs her by the wrist.  

"Ouch, you're hurting me,"  Alli says.

"My reason for being in Dallas is NONE of your business, do you understand me?"

"Let go of me."

"As soon as we get one thing straight,"  Craig says.  "Don't you ever mention the Ewings to me again, do you understand me?  Don't even let that name come out of your mouth."

"That's gonna be a little hard, don't you think, considering......"

"The best thing you can do.....for your own sake......is to pack up and go back to Chicago."

Using her free hand, Alli scratches her husband's hand that he is using to hold her other wrist, drawing blood with her fingernails.  

"Ow, damn you!"  Craig says, releasing his wife from his grip after she scratches him.  

Alli gets up from the table.  "Don't you EVER grab me like that again, DARLING.  Don't forget, I can expose you for who you really are.  Wouldn't the Ewings love to hear all about you and what you're up to?  I know all about your collusion with Jeremy Wendell and about your revenge scheme against the Ewings.  I could blow you and your whole plan out of the water."

Craig stands and walks over to his wife, his face just inches from hers.  "You go anywhere near the Ewings, and I'll make you regret the day you ever met me."

"I already do regret that day,"  Alli says, glaring at him angrily.  After a second, she walks past Craig and leaves the room.  

"Damn it!"  Craig angrily says to himself after his wife is gone.  "I won't let you blow this for me, Alli.  No way in hell am I gonna let you blow this."

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....later....

 Ray, Donna, Ashley, Todd, C.J., and Sue Ellen continue to sit in the waiting room at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital while Conner and Dylan are in surgery.  After sitting impatiently for almost two hours, Donna finally gets up from her seat and begins pacing.  Worried about his wife, Ray gets up and walks over to her.  "How long have they been in there?"  Donna asks.

"Only a couple hours,"  Ray replies.  

"Ray, would you or Donna like some coffee, or a sandwich, maybe?"  Sue Ellen asks.

"No, thank you, Sue Ellen, I'm fine,"  Ray says.  

"Donna?"  Sue Ellen asks.

"No, thank you.  All I want is to know bow things are going in there."

"Mitch said he'd let us know as soon as he could,"  Ray says.  

"Would anyone else like something from the cafeteria?"  Sue Ellen asks.

"Thank you, Sue Ellen, but I'm not hungry,"  replies Ashley.

Todd stands to his feet.  "I think I'd like some coffee, but I'll   go down and get it myself.  I can't sit around here any longer like this.  Someone call me if you hear anything?"

"We'll call you,"  Ray says, and Todd leaves the room.  "Sue Ellen, there's really no need in you sittin' around here, either.  Why don't you go on home, or to the office?  We'll let you know as soon as the boys are out of surgery."

"Thank you, Ray.  I would like to attend Heather's funeral.  It's starting soon."

Ray sighs.  "Heather's funeral.  With everything goin' on with Conner and Dylan and this surgery, I forgot her funeral was today.  Give Lucas and the rest of the family our love, will you?  And tell them we're sorry we couldn't be there."

"I will, Ray.  I know everyone will understand,"  Sue Ellen says.  She walks over and gently touches Donna's hand and the two women exchange reassuring smiles.  "Please call me as soon as the surgery is over."

"We sure will,"  says Donna.  "Thank you for being here."

Sue Ellen smiles.  "Dylan means a lot to me.  I'll see you both later."  She leaves the room, passing Lucy on her way out.  

"Hi,"  Lucy says, walking into the waiting room.  "Has there been any news or updates yet?"

"Not yet,"  replies Ray.  "Mitch said he'd update us as soon as he can."

"I was about to head over for Heather's funeral, but I wanted to come by here first.  Ray, Donna?  Are you guys over?"

Ray nods.  "We're fine."

"We'll be a lot better as soon as we hear some news,"  says Donna.  

Meanwhile....

Dr. Daniel Avery and a team of assistants are in the process of removing Conner's right kidney.  As Daniel and the others work in silence, a clock on the wall reads 11:05.  

Later....

More than another hour passes by, and the wall clock now reads 12:09.  Daniel and his team have completed their delicate task of removing the kidney.  "Okay, let's get this organ on ice,"  Daniel says.  

"Nice, clean incision, Doctor,"  one of the surgeons assisting says.

"Thanks,"  Daniel replies.  

"Blood pressure is 95 over 70, Doctor,"  a nurse says.  

"Good.  Dr. Peterson, can you close for me?"  Daniel asks.

"Of course, Dr. Avery."

Meanwhile....the waiting room....

Ray, Donna, Ashley, and Todd continue to anxiously await news.  Donna looks at her watch, then gets up from her seat and walks across the room to the window and looks out over the view of the hospital's front parking lot.  Matt and Margaret enter the waiting room, much to Ray and Donna's surprise.  "Margaret?"  Ray asks, seeing his daughter and son-in-law come in.  

"Hi, Daddy,"  Margaret says, greeting her father with a hug.  

"Margaret, sweetheart, what are you two doing here?"  Donna asks, walking over to them.  

"I was doing some campaigning in Fort Worth and Margaret insisted on coming with me so we could come by the hospital and see how the boys are doing,"  Matt replies.  

"Are they still in surgery?"  Margaret asks.

"Yeah, they are,"  Ray  replies. 

"I thought we would've heard something by now,"  Donna says.

"Matt, Margaret, you remember Ashley Beaumont?"  Ray asks.

"Of course,"  Margaret says.  "Hello, Ashley."

"Hi."

"And this is Todd Baxter, Dylan's half-brother."

"Todd Baxter, you're an assistant D.A, here in Dallas, aren't you?"  Matt asks, shaking Todd's hand.

"Yes, I am, Senator Culver."

"Harv Smithfield was your grandfather, wasn't he?"

"That's right."

"Harv was a good man,"  says Matt.  "He and my grandfather were very good friends, and Harv was something of a mentor to my father when he was a young lawyer just starting out."

"I've heard a lot about both Sam and Dave Culver,"  Todd says.  

"Matt, how's the campaign going?"  Ray asks.

"Going very well,"  Matt replies.  "But it could be about to get a lot more interesting."

"What do you mean?"  Donna asks.

"Rumor has it I'm about to get a new opponent in the race now that Mark Stoddard has passed away."

"Really?  Who?"  Donna asks.

"Brad Barnes."

"Brad Barnes?"  Donna asks.

"Cliff Barnes's son?"  Ray asks.

"One and the same.  Word has it in Austin that the democratic party chair himself approached Barnes and asked him to replace Stoddard in the race."

"Well,"  Donna says.  "Imagine that.  I'm sure Cliff Barnes would be doing a happy dance right about now if he were alive and knew that his son was about to become a candidate for the U.S. Senate."

Matt is about to say something when Mitch comes to the door.  "Ray, Donna,"  he says.

"Mitch, you have some news for us?"  Donna asks, she, Ray and the others approaching him.

"They successfully removed Conner's kidney.  They're closing him up now.  They're about to begin the procedure of transplanting the kidney into Dylan."

"Is Conner alright?"  Ray asks.

"Yes, he's fine.  His vitals are good, and they'll be moving him to recovery soon."

"How long do you think this is gonna take?"  Todd asks.  "I mean, until Dylan is out of surgery?"

"At least two to three hours,"  Mitch replies.  "I'll come back and update you all when I can, or if anything changes."

"Thanks, Mitch,"  Ray says.

"You're welcome.  I'll see you all soon,"  Mitch says, then leaves the room.  

Ray puts his arm around Donna.  "We're halfway there," he says.  

A cemetery in Dallas....

 A large crowd is gathered early in the afternoon at a cemetery in Dallas, where Heather's graveside service is being held.  As the minister steps forward to begin speaking, Bobby, Jenna, and Charlie stand alongside Lucas and Michael, who had just been released from the hospital that morning, to 

support them, while Heather's mother Connie Richardson, her younger brother Bryce, and the rest of the Ewing family look on sadly, including Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Jacob, Catlin, Sue Ellen, John Ross, Krystina, Alex, Bridget, Justin, Pamela, and Lucy.  The minister begins:  "On behalf of the Ewing and Richardson families I want to thank all of you for coming today to say our final earthly farewell to Heather Reyes McCabe Ewing. a young woman who was taken from us far too soon.  I have known 

Meanwhile, watching the service from behind a tree a long distance away, is none other than Heather's ex-husband, Bo McCabe, who is still a fugitive.  Bo watches the service, his eyes filling with tears, wishing he could be down there and properly pay his last respects to the woman he once loved.

Back at Heather's graveside, the service is coming to an end.  As the minister is shaking hands with and offering his condolences to Heather's family, Christopher happens to look around and spots Bo McCabe watching from a distance.  Christopher slips away from the crowd and quietly makes his way up the hill to where Bo is watching. 

When Bo sees Christopher walking toward him, he turns and starts to leave.  

"Bo!"  Christopher calls to him.  "Bo McCabe?"

Bo stops, and turns back to face his former rival for Heather's affections.  

"Bo, what the hell are you doing here?"  Christopher asks.

"I didn't come here to cause any trouble, Christopher,"  Bo says.  "And I don't want any."

 Mitch and Dr. Daniel Avery come into the waiting room at the hospital, where Ray, Donna, Ashley, and Todd are still waiting.  The three stand and walk over to the two doctors.  

"Dylan is out of surgery,"  Daniel says.  

"How is he?"  Donna asks.

"From all indications, the surgery went very well.  It took a little longer than we expected, but there were no major problems,"  Daniel replies.  

"Can we see him?"  Todd asks.

"Dylan is in recovery right now,"  Mitch says.  "But as soon as we've moved him back to ICU, you can all see him."

"Will Dylan be alright?"  Ashley asks.

"All we can do right now is wait,"  says Daniel.  "We have to wait to see if Dylan's body rejects the new kidney."

"I thought you said Conner was a perfect match,"  Todd says.

"He is.  But sometimes, even with a perfect match, the organ recipient's body will reject the organ.  I don't anticipate that happening, but it's always a possibility in cases of organ transplant."

"You think that Dylan will recover?"  Ray asks.

"Dylan's condition is still very serious,"  replies Mitch.  "But with the new kidney, he has a much better chance of survival, and recovery, than he did before.  If Dylan pulls through this, it'll be thanks to Conner's very selfless sacrifice."

"I'm gonna go and check on Dylan again, and then look in on Conner,"  Daniel says.  "I'll let you all know as soon as Dylan is out of recovery and back in ICU."

"Thanks, Daniel,"  Ray says.

"You're welcome.  Talk to you all soon."  Daniel starts to leave the room.

"Daniel, wait,"  says Donna.  He stops in the door way and she walks over to him.  Donna gently touches his face, then leans up and kisses Daniel on the cheek.  "Thank you,"  she says.  "Thank you for making this trip here on such short notice......and for saving Dylan's life."

Daniel smiles and nods.  "Least I could do for family," he says.  Daniel leaves.  

"Well, I have some rounds to make,"  Mitch says.  "I'll check on Conner and Dylan after I'm done."

"And thank you, too, Mitch,"  Donna says.  "For getting Daniel to come here and perform this surgery."

"You're welcome, Donna.  Talk to you all later,"  Mitch says and leaves.  

A few minutes later, Todd is walking down the hallway in the hospital until he comes to a room.  He pauses outside the  door of that room for a few seconds, then he opens the door and slowly goes into Conner's room.  Walking over to Conner's bedside, he looks down at the young man for a few moments, as Conner is still asleep, heavily sedated on pain and nausea medication.  Todd touches Conner's head.  "Conner," he quietly says.  "I don't know if you can hear me or not.  But I need to say  

 Cory is sitting alone at a table at Perry's that afternoon sipping on a glass of lemonade.  He looks at his cell phone laying on the table before him, as he waits impatiently for his father.  Finally, Cass walks into the restaurant, where he is greeted by a hostess, who leads him across the room to Cory's table.  

"Here you are, Mr. Winthrop,"   she says.

"Thank you, Kelsey,"  Cass says.  

"You're welcome.  Can I get you something to drink?"

"Yes, I'll have a glass of white wine."

"Can I have another glass of lemonade, please?"  Cory asks.

"Sure, coming right up,"  the young woman says.  She walks away.

Cass looks at his son.  "I'm sorry I'm a few minutes late,"  he says.  "Court ran a little late and traffic was horrible on the Central Expressway.  They're doing some road work and had two lanes closed."

"That's fine, Dad."

"So you're staying at Clay's?"

"Yeah,"  Cory replies.  "He said I can stay as long as I want or need to."

"That's good,"  Cass says as the hostess returns with their drinks.

"Okay,"  she says.  "White wine for you, Mr. Winthrop, and lemonade for young Mr. Winthrop."  She places their drinks on the table before them.

"Thank you, Kelsey,"  Cass says.

"You're welcome.  Your server will be with you shortly."

"Fine,"  Cass says as she walks away.

Cory takes a sip of his lemonade.

Cass looks at his son and smiles.  "Y'know, you didn't have to order lemonade on my account," he says.  "You could have ordered a glass of wine.  You ARE twenty-one now, after all."

"I have to go back to work after lunch, so, I needed to be in full command of all my faculties,"  says Cory.  

"Work?"  Cass asks, surprised.  "You have a job?"  

"Yeah,"  Cory replies.  "Umm, Clay gave me a job at Ewing Oil, so I've been working there."

"Well, that's great.  How do you like it?"

"I love it.  Clay's great to work for.  He's been really good to me."

"I'll have to thank him for everything he's done for you,"  Cass says.  "I'm very glad that you're getting to know the Ewing side of your family.  How's John Ross treating you?"

"I've only seen him once since I started working at Ewing Oil.  He's been out the last day or so because of Lucas's wife's funeral and all."

"Oh yes, I had forgotten about that.  A real tragedy..  Cory, I'm really glad that you agreed to have lunch with me.  We haven't had a chance to talk since you moved out."

"To be honest with you, Dad, I started not to come.  I kinda figured Mom would be with you.  Thought maybe you'd be trying to bring us back together or something."

"I wanted to talk to you first.  Cory, you know that your mother loves you very much.  I know she's made some mistakes and she can be......overbearing sometimes."

"SOMETIMES?"  Cory asks.

"Most of the time.  But anything she does, she does out of love."

"Love?  Dad, she took from me one of the most important people in my life......Daniel."

"How do you even know your mother was behind that?"

"I talked to Daniel."

"And he told you Lila was behind the breakup?"  Cass asks.

"He didn't exactly come  right out and say it, but he hinted that she had gotten to him."

"Cory, try and understand.  When you dropped this bombshell on us that you're gay and that you and Daniel were......involved.......it came as more than a little bit of a shock to both of us.  Especially finding out you'd been lying to us for the past two years not only about you and Daniel, but also about being in school."

"I know, and I'm sorry about that.  Dad, when I lost my scholarship, I wanted......I TRIED.....so many times to tell you, but, every time I started to, you'd start bragging about how proud you were of me.  And then you moved here to Dallas just so you could be near me when you thought I started school in Austin.  After that I couldn't tell you.  Especially not after Mom and Jasmine moved here, too."

"Well, our moving here turned out to be a blessing all around,"  says Cass.  "Your mother found her family, and after all these years she learned who her father was.  And you and your sister now have all these cousins, aunts, and uncles you never knew you had before.  And I'm happier as a partner at Smithfield, Bennett and Winthrop than I've ever been in my entire law career, so, everything worked out for the best for the whole family."

"I suppose,"  Cory says.

Cass is about to say something when he looks across the room and sees someone he knows walk into the restaurant.  "I don't believe it?  What on Earth could she be doing in Dallas?"  Cass asks, watching Craig Forrester's wife Alexandra as she is led across the crowded restaurant to a table near the window.  

"Who, Dad?"  Cory asks.

"Son, excuse me for a moment, would you?"

"Yeah, sure,"  Cory says.  

Cass gets up from his seat and makes his way over to Alexandra's table.  "Well, well, it really IS  a small world, isn't it?"  Cass asks when he reaches her table.  

Alexandra looks up at him and smiles.  "Oh my Lord.  Cass?  Cass Winthrop?  I heard you'd left Bay City, but I had no idea you were in Dallas."

"Yes, we moved here a couple of years ago.  But what are YOU doing here?"

"And how is Lila?"  Alexandra asks, as if to purposely avoid Cass's question.

"Lila is fine, but you didn't answer my question. Alli.  What are you doing in Dallas?"

"My husband has business here."

"Oh?"  Cass asks.  "That business wouldn't have anything to do with the Ewings, would it?"

Alexandra looks at Cass, unsure of how, or whether she should answer his question.

Southfork....afternoon....

 A large crowd is gathered at Southfork, many friends and relatives having gone there after Heather's funeral.  Bobby is standing in the living room watching Lucas as he pours himself his third drink in a row.  Jenna walks over to him.

"Bobby,"  she says.  

"Jenna."

"It was really a lovely service, wasn't it?"

"Yes, it was,"  Bobby says.  

"I'm really worried about Lucas,"  Jenna says, looking over at their son.

"So am I.  I've watched him knock back three glass of bourbon in a row."

"I should stop him."

"Jenna, I wouldn't advise that."

"Why not?"  Jenna asks.

"Because Lucas is a grown man, and besides, he's hurting right now.  Hurting more than he's ever hurt before in his life, and if the alcohol will help him get through this terrible day, then, so be it."

Catlin comes over to them.  "Excuse me,"  he says.  "Hello, Jenna."

"Hello, Catlin."

"Jenna, would you mind if I spoke to my cousin alone for a moment?"

"No, of course not,"  Jenna replies, and walks away.

"Bobby, ever since the cemetery, I've been thinking about what you said about that Craig Forrester guy.  That there was something about him."

"Yeah.  I can't put my finger on it,"  Bobby says.  "Catlin, 

"Neither can I, but I have the strangest feeling I've seen him somewhere before."

"It's strange we'd both have that feeling.  Catlin, I'm gonna tell you something, but I'd appreciate it if you'd keep it between us for now."

"Of course."

"I had Bum do some checking into Mr. Craig Forrester.  After Forrester showed up at the Barbecue and no one seemed to know him or anything about him, I got curious.  Especially when he seemed so familiar to me."

"Has Bum come up with anything yet?"  Catlin asks.

"Not yet.  He's still working on it, but so far, he can't find one piece of information on Craig Forrester anywhere in the business world."

A strange look comes over Catlin's face.  "Oh my God,"  he says.  

"Catlin, what is it?"

"It just came to me where I've seen this Forrester guy before."

"Where?"  Bobby asks.

"Bobby, do you still have that family Bible I gave you?"

"Yes, it's upstairs in my bedroom.  Why?"

"There were some photographs in the Bible, weren't there?"

"Yes."

"Bobby, I need to see that Bible."

"Alright, then.  Let's go get it,"  Bobby says.

 A couple of minutes later, Bobby and Catlin walk into Bobby and Ann's bedroom.  Bobby goes to his closet, opens it, and reaches onto the top shelf, where he pulls out a large box.  He opens the box and takes out the old worn Ewing family Bible.  He opens the Bible to a page where several loose photos are.  Catlin picks up the photos and looks through them.  "Now  I know why Craig Forrester looks so familiar,"  Catlin says.  "Bobby, take a look at this photo."

Bobby and Catlin step off the elevator down the hall from Craig Forrester's apartment in Dallas an hour later.  They immediately head down the hall to the apartment address Bobby's friend at the hall of records gave him.  "This is it,"  Bobby says.  "Apartment 1404."

"Now let's find out who Mr. Craig Forrester really is,"  says Catlin.  

Bobby knocks on the door.  They wait a few seconds, and no answer.  Bobby knocks a second time, then rings the doorbell.  He and Catlin again wait for Forrester to answer the door.  

"I guess he's not home,"  Catlin says.  

"We'll come back later,"  Bobby says.  The two cousins start to walk away, when they hear the doorknob of Forrester's apartment turning.  Bobby and Catlin pause and wait, and a young man in

his late teens opens the door.  

"Can I help you?"  The boy asks.

"Who are you?"  Bobby asks.

"I should be asking you that."

"We're looking for Craig Forrester,"  says Catlin.  "Is he here?"

"No, he's not,"  the young man replies.  

"Do you have any idea when he'll be back?"  Bobby asks.

"No idea at all.  I just arrived here myself, about ten minutes ago.  My father wasn't here when I arrived."

"So Craig is your father?"  Bobby asks.

"Yes, he is."

"What's your name, son?"  Catlin asks.

"My name's Cameron.  Cameron Ewing."

Bobby and Catlin exchange stunned looks.  "Ewing?"  Bobby asks.  "Your last name is Ewing?"

"That's right.  Who are you?"

"If your last name is Ewing, then, how is Craig Forrester your father?  Unless he's your stepfather?"

"Craig Forrester?  Mister, my father's name is Ewing, same as mine.  Craig Ewing."

Bobby's and Catlin's mouths both fall open in shock upon hearing that this new mystery man in town is a Ewing.......and obviously a relative of theirs!

END OF EPISODE 245....