EPISODE 246 - Blood Relations

 

"Craig Forrester's real name is Craig EWING?"  A stunned Bobby asks Craig's teenage son, Cameron.  

 

"Yeah.  Look, who are you guys, and what do you want with my father?"

 

"Do you have any idea when your father will return?"  Catlin asks.

"No, like I told you, I just got here," Cameron replies.  "I just arrived from Chicago."

 

Bobby is about to say something when they hear someone at the door.  A second later, Craig walks into the apartment.  He stops abruptly, stunned to see Bobby, Catlin, and especially his son.  "Well, what have we hear?"  Craig asks.

 

"Forrester, I think you have some explaining to do,"  Bobby says.

 

Craig looks at his son.  "Cameron?  What are you doing here?"

 

"I flew in this afternoon.  I wanted to surprise you."

 

"Well, surprise me, you did.  Did your mother know you were coming?"

 

"Yes, she did,"  Cameron says.

 

Craig nods.  "I see.  Cameron, would you give these gentlemen and I a few moments to talk, please?"

 

"Sure,"  the boy says.  He looks at his father, then at the other two men, and leaves the room.  

 

"So, what can I do for you gentlemen?"  Craig asks Bobby and Catlin.

 

"You can start by telling us exactly who you are,"  Catlin replies.  

 

"Your son said your real last name is Ewing.  I saw a photo of Ben Ewing, mine and Catlin's great-uncle."

 

"And you wanna know why I look so much like Ben Ewing, is that it?"  Craig asks.

 

"Yes,"  Catlin says.  "You're obviously a relative, but who are you?"

 

"Yes I am.  Ben Ewing was my grandfather,"  Craig says.  "My grandfather and your grandfathers were all brothers, so that makes us second cousins."

 

"How is that possible?"  Catlin asks.  "As far as I know, Ben Ewing only had two sons, and both of them were killed in the second World War."

 

Craig shakes his head.  "Well, you're wrong about that, Catlin.  My grandfather had another son.......my father, Charles Ewing, after the death of his first wife and his first two sons.  My father was born in 1947, when Ben Ewing was 63-years-old.  My grandmother was only 30.  She was his first wife's nurse."

 

"So why are you in Dallas, and why use a fake name?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I have used the name Craig Forrester in business for many years now.  It was my mother's maiden name.  I thought it best to use that name in Dallas, at least for now."

 

"And why is that?"  Catlin asks.  "If you're a relative of ours, why didn't you just come to us and introduce yourself as a cousin, instead of lurking around using an alias?"

 

Craig smiles.  "Lurking around?  Interesting choice of words."

 

"Just answer the question,"  Bobby says.  

 

"I came to Dallas because the two of you have something that I want.  Something that rightfully belongs to my branch of the Ewing family, and thus.....to me."

 

"And what might that be?"  Bobby asks.

 

"A piece of very oil rich land in Cherokee County.  Land that Ewing Oil and Catlin Oil have been making millions of dollars off of for the past few years.......you've been making money off MY land, and I want it back."

 

Catlin looks at him.  "My brother Larry bought that piece of land in  2014 from a relative of ours, a man named......."

 

"Thomas Griffin, yes, I know,"  Craig says.  "And Thomas inherited it from his grandmother,  our great-aunt Mary, who was the sister of your two grandfathers and mine. But Mary Ewing Griffin had no legal right to that land.  When my grandfather Ben Ewing died in 1957, my father should have inherited that land, since my two uncles had died as young men in World War II."

 

"And why didn't Ben Ewing leave that land to his youngest son, IF your father really was Ben Ewing's son, as you say he was?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I'll happily take a DNA test to prove I am Ben Ewing's grandson, if that's what you want.  The answer to your question is that Grandpa Ben DID leave the property to my father in his will, but, his sister Mary wanted the land because she felt she was entitled to it since it had originally belonged to her father.  From what I've been told by my father, Mary Ewing Griffin was a ruthless bitch who would have cheated her own mother to get what she wanted."

 

"She sounds an awful lot like Ben,"  Catlin says.  

 

"Dear old Auntie Mary switched my grandfather's new will, in which he left my father that piece of land in Cherokee County, with his old will, which was written before my father was born.  Mary paid off the lawyer to do the switching."

 

"And you can prove all this?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Oh, yes.  Y'see, after my grandfather died, my grandmother and my father were left out in the cold.  Grandmother was no match for ruthless old Aunt Mary.  She and my father were sent packing to California with nothing.  But in the end, turns out the joke was on old Mary.  She and her son had no idea that land here in Texas they were holding on too was rich in oil.  It wasn't until you and your brother did that geological test on it after Larry Ewing bought it from Aunt Mary's grandson that oil was discovered."

 

"My brother purchased that land legally,"  Catlin says.

 

"From someone who had no right to it,"  says Craig.  "My father was cheated out of his inheritance by a bitter, frustrated old woman who felt like her father had slighted her by leaving that property to her three brothers, and not to her.  My father and grandmother lived in virtual poverty in California while the rest of you Ewings all got rich, one way or another.  I also, grew up very poor, because my father was never able to amount to much in his life.  He was a good man, but he was a drunk."

 

Bobby sighs,  "Oh, here we go again.  Another sob story about a drunk who was left broken and penniless because of the Ewings.  I've heard it all before."

 

"But my father was no Digger Barnes, Bobby.  He was a EWING.  A Ewing who was cheated out of his birthright, and now the two of you and your companies are making millions off of land that rightfully belongs to my branch of the family.  And I want that land back."

 

"That property was equally divided among Charles Ewing's three sons......Bobby's grandfather Leander, my grandfather Jesse, and Ben Ewing,"  Catlin says.  "Ben cheated my grandfather out of his share of the land, and he also cheated Leander's two sons, Jason and Jock, out of their father's share.  Two young orphaned boys, his own nephews, and Ben Ewing placed them in an orphanage just so he could steal their father's share of that land right out from under them.  That tells you just what kind of person your grandfather was.  My brother Larry purchased that land legally from Mary Ewing Griffin's grandson and sole surviving heir.  You can want until you're blue in the face.  That land belongs to me, and to Bobby, and no one is taking it away from us."

 

"I clawed my way out of the slums, started my own business and built that into a multi-million dollar empire.  I always go after what I want.......and I always get it, one way or another."

 

"That sounds like a threat,"  says Catlin.

 

"Take it any way you want.  I'm gonna fight for what's mine, and I can promise you, I will GET what rightfully belongs to me."

 

"Well, you can try,"  Bobby says.  "But I warn you, if it's a fight you want........we'll give you the fight of your life, one that I can promise YOU........you won't have a chance of winning."

 

Craig smiles.  "We'll just see about that, cousin Bobby.  We'll just see."

 

"Catlin, let's get the hell out of here,"  says an angry Bobby.  "This place has a sickening smell."

 

Catlin nods.  He and Bobby start to leave the apartment.

 

"By the way, Bobby,"  Craig says.

 

Bobby and Catlin stop at the door and look at their newfound cousin.  

 

"You know that private detective you sent to investigate me?"

 

A look of shock comes over Bobby's face, as he is stunned to find out that Craig knew Bum was digging into his life.

 

Craig looks at him and smiles.  "Oh, yes, I knew about that.  I expected nothing less than for you to have me investigated.  A Ewing always has his enemies checked out to see if they can be....... compromised. But let me save you the trouble.  You won't find anything in my background that you can use against me.  But if you insist on continuing your investigation, you'll probably have get another private detective.  I understand your detective met with a very unfortunate accident in Chicago."

 

 

Bobby's mouth falls open in shock and horror upon hearing Craig's ominous words, and he wonders what Craig Ewing has done to Bum.......and he also wonders just how dangerous this new enemy really is.

 Bobby and Catlin come into the den at Southfork.  "I've got another private detective friend of mine looking for Bum in Chicago,"  Bobby says.

 

"You really think Craig Forrester.......Craig EWING......did anything to Bum?"  Catlin asks.

 

"I wouldn't doubt it.  Somehow our newly found cousin knew that Bum was digging into his background in Chicago,  I just hope Bum's okay."

 

"Me, too."

 

John Ross and Christopher come into the room.  "Dad, what's going on?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Your message sounded urgent,"  John Ross says.

 

"It is urgent,"  says Bobby.  "We've got a serious problem.  John Ross, where's Krystina?  I asked her to meet us in here, too."

 

"Here I am,"  Krystina replies, coming into the den with Sue Ellen. 

 

"Catlin, where did you and Bobby disappear to?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"We're about to explain, sweetheart."

 

"What's this all about?"  Krystina asks.

 

"It's about your friend, Craig Forrester,"  replies Catlin.

 

"Craig Forrester?"  John Ross asks.  "Krystina, itn't he the guy you told me about from the Barbecue?"

 

"Yeah.  What about him?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Craig Forrester isn't his real name,"  Bobby says.  "His real name is Craig Ewing."

 

"Ewing?  As in........another long lost relative?"  John Ross asks.

 

"That's what he claims,"  says Catlin.

 

"Well, who is he?"  Christopher asks.

 

"He says he's the grandson of Ben Ewing,"  replies Bobby.

 

"Who the hell is Ben Ewing?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Ben Ewing was Daddy's uncle, my grandfather's brother, and also the brother of Catlin's grandfather."

 

"You all remember the land that we all own down in Cherokee County that Ewing Oil and Catlin Oil have been pumping crude from for the past few years?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Yes,"  says Sue Ellen.  

 

"When mine and Catlin's great-grandfather, Charles Ewing, died, he left that land equally to his three sons,"  Bobby says.  "My grandfather, Thomas James Leander Ewing, was Charles's oldest son.  Ben was the middle son, and Catlin's grandpa Jesse Ewing was Charles's youngest son.  Ben Ewing was a ruthless, conniving scumbag who took in Daddy and Uncle Jason after their parents died.  But Ben's only reason for doing so was because he wanted their share of that land."

 

"Because he knew there was oil on it?"  Christopher asks.

 

"I'm not sure if Ben knew there was oil on that land way back in the 1920s or not,"  replies Catlin.  "He may have wanted it because especially in those days, land was as good as money."

 

"Ben placed Daddy and Uncle Jason in an orphanage, and then stole their father's share of the land right out from under them,"  Bobby says.  

 

"How awful,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

"But ol' Ben wasn't finished there,"  says Catlin.  He wanted ALL of that land, so he cheated my grandpa Jesse out of his share, too."

 

"I guess now we know where J.R. inherited his talent for lying, cheating, and stealing,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

"I'm totally lost here,"  Krystina says.  "What does all this have to do with Craig Forrester......I mean, Craig EWING......and why did he use a fake name?"

 

"We're getting to that,"  replies Catlin.  "Ben Ewing ended up with the entire piece of land.  Both of Ben's sons died in World War II, but after the war he married another woman, his first wife's nurse, who was about 30 years younger than him.  They had a son, who was Craig Ewing's father."

 

"Or so he claims,"  says Bobby.

 

"Ben died when his son was about ten,"  Catlin continues.  "Well, anyway, Ben, Grandpa Jesse, and Leander had a sister, Mary Ewing Griffin, who, much like Ben, was ruthless and capable of doing just about anything to get what she wanted.  Mary felt slighted because her father had left that land to her three brothers, and she didn't get any of it.  Ben Ewing  apparently had made a new will after his youngest son Charles was born, leaving everything, including that Cherokee County land, to him.  But Mary paid off Ben's lawyer to switch the will with that of his original will.  Since both of Ben's older sons were dead, and Mary was his closes living relative, everything he had went to her."

 

"Includin' that Cherokee County land,"  says John Ross.

 

"Yes,"  Catlin replies.  "Mary died in 1974, and the property went to her son.  Since the son lived in California, from what I've learned in my research, he never even set foot on that land he inherited from his mother.  He died in 2006, and the property went to his only son, Thomas Griffin.  My older brother Larry bought that land from Thomas in 2014 and he sold half of it to me.  Larry had a geological survey done and it was then that we discovered that the land was sitting on top of one of the richest pools of oil in the entire state.  That's when C.J. and I started Catlin Oil.  We drilled, and soon hit our first gusher.  Well, after my brother Larry died and I learned the entire story of that land, and Uncle Ben and all that ugly history from my Aunt Corrine, I felt that Bobby deserved to have the portion of the land that should have belonged to his father, and that's when C.J. and I came to Dallas to find our relatives here, and I sold Bobby half of the property."

 

"And I'm certainly glad that you did,"  Sue Ellen says with a smile as she looks at her husband.

 

"Craig Ewing came to Dallas with an agenda,"  says Bobby.  "That's why he called himself Forrester.  When I saw him at the Barbecue, I knew he looked familiar.

 

"And when I saw him at Heather's funeral, I too felt like I had seen him somewhere before,"  Catlin says.  "But I couldn't put my finger on it.  But Craig is a dead ringer for Ben Ewing."

 

"The two could be twins, if they weren't born about ninety years apart,"  Bobby says.

 

"And what does he want?"  Krystina asks.

 

"That land with all that oil?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yes,"  Bobby replies.  "He wants that land that he thinks rightfully should've been passed down to him from his father.  He's also very angry and bitter because, due to Mary Ewing Griffin's stealing his father's birthright, his father grew up in poverty and became a drunk."

 

"Sounds an awful lot like ol' Digger Barnes," John Ross says. 

 

"I thought the same thing," Bobby says.

 

"So this Craig Ewing wants that piece of land that his bastard of a grandfather stole from Grandpa Jock."

 

"I wish it were as simple as that,"  Catlin says.

 

"What do you mean?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"I think we may have a real problem with our cousin Craig Ewing,"  says Bobby.  "I became suspicious of him after seeing at the Barbecue, so I asked Bum to do some checking on him, when I thought his name was Craig Forrester."

 

"So that's why I haven't been able to get in touch with  Bum?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yes.  But somehow, Craig Ewing found out he was being investigated.  He said that Bum met with an 'unfortunate' accident."

 

"What?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "Bum?"

 

"I'm having one of Bum's men look for him.  And checking all the hospitals in the Chicago area."

 

"So you think Craig Ewing did somethin' to Bum?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I hope to God not.  But I think we have a real dangerous enemy on our hands.  Ewing wants that land, and I have a feeling he won't stop at anything to get it."

 

"Which makes me wonder,"  John Ross says.

 

"Wonder what, John Ross?"  Asks Sue Ellen.

 

John Ross looks at his mother, then at Bobby.  "Heather's death.  Craig Ewing met Krystina at the Barbecue, and he seemed to take a likin' to her.  He wants somethin' that this family has, and you just said, Uncle Bobby, that you don't think he'll stop at anything to get that land.  What if he's the one that had that explosive planted underneath Krystina's car?"

 

"If that's the case.........then I'll personally make that son of a bitch wish that he'd never been born,"  Bobby says angrily.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....night....

 Ashley is sitting at Conner's bedside that night holding his hand when he begins to wake up.  He moans out, and slowly opens his eyes.  He looks up and the first thing he sees is Ashley smiling at him.

 

"Hi,"  she says.

 

"Ash,"  Conner says, his voice weak.  

 

"How do you feel?  Any pain?"

 

"Some.  How.....how's Dylan?"

 

"So far, so good.  Dr. Cooper and Dr. Avery both are very optimistic that the transplant will be a success."

 

"Thank God,"  Conner says.  "What time is it?"

 

"About 8:30."

 

"You look really exhausted.  Please don't tell me you've been here all day."

 

"Okay, I won't tell you,"  Ashley says with a smile.  

 

"Why don't you go home and get some sleep?"  Conner asks.

 

"I will.  But I was just waiting until you woke up.  I wanted to make sure that you're alright, and to tell you how much I love you."

 

"I love you, too,"  Conner says, wincing in pain.  

 

"What's wrong?"  Ashley asks.

 

"Pain.  It's getting kinda bad."

 

"I'll call the nurse."  Ashley presses the 'call' button on Conner's bed.  

 

"May I help you?"  Comes the voice of a nurse.

 

"Yes, Mr. Ewing needs something for pain,"  Ashley replies.

 

"I'll be right there."

 

"Thank you."

 

"I guess I'm gonna be really sore for a while,"  Conner says.

 

"Yeah, I guess so.  But you'll be back on your feet before you know it."

 

"Yeah, I will.  I've got a reason to now.  So, how do you think you're gonna like being with a man who only has one kidney."

 

"As long as that man is you, I won't mind at all,"  Ashley says, leaning down to kiss him.  After a second, the kiss is interrupted when Conner's nurse comes into the room.  

 

"Mr. Ewing, I have something here for your pain,"  the nurse says, holding a syringe.  "This is 50 mgs. of Demerol and 25 mg. of Phenergan.  The Phenergan is for nausea.  Sometimes this pain medication will make you a little nauseous so Dr. Cooper ordered it to be given together.  This will also help you sleep."

 

"I'll get going,"  says Ashley.  "I'll be back first thing in the morning."

 

Conner nods and smiles at her.  Ashley flashes a friendly smile at the nurse, and then leaves.  

 

"That's a lovely girlfriend you have,"  the nurse says as she begins injecting the medication into Conner's I.V.  "She's been here ever since I started my shift at 3 this afternoon.  It's obvious she cares a great deal for you.  You're a very lucky young man."

 

Conner smiles.  "Yes, I sure am,"  he says.  

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

 Ann comes out of the house the next morning as Bobby is anxiously pacing around the patio by the pool while talking to someone on the phone.  "Look, I'm trying to find someone who may be in one of your hospitals,"  Bobby says to the person he is talking to.  "His name is Steve Jones.  He goes by the name Bum.  I don't know.  The only information I have is that he may have met with an accident in your city, so I'm checking with all the local hospitals, and the Chicago PD.  Alright, thank you.  Just give me a call if anything turns up.  You have my number.  Thank you."  Bobby ends the call and sighs in frustration.  

 

"Still nothin' on Bum?"  Ann asks.

 

"No, and I have to tell ya, Annie, I'm more than a little worried."

 

"You really think this Craig Ewing did somethin' to Bum?"

 

"He had to,"  Bobby replies.  "I haven't heard from Bum in a couple of days, and I can't reach him on his phone, and neither can John Ross.  And his office nor his son have heard from him.  Steven is comin' out here this morning.  Maybe he can use the authority of the Dallas PD to get somethin' done."

 

John Ross and Krystina come out of the house.  "I still can't get in touch with Bum,"  John Ross says.

 

"I know.  I call the Chicago PD, and I've checked with a couple of the hospitals up there, and so far, nothin',"  Bobby says.  "I also called Bum's son, Detective Steven Jones.  He's comin' out here this morning."

 

Just then, a black Honda Accord pulls into Southfork and comes to a stop behind John Ross's car in the parking area.  Bum's only son, Dallas Police Detective Steven Jones, Jr., gets out of the car and walks over to the patio where Bobby, Ann, John Ross, and Krystina are.  "Morning,"  he says.

 

"Morning, Steven,"  Bobby says.  "Have you heard anything from your father yet?"

 

"No, I was hopin' one of you had?"  Steven says.

 

"Not a word."

 "Mr. Ewing, what was this case you had my father working on?"  Steven asks.

 

"I was having him do a little digging into a guy who called himself Craig Forrester,"  Bobby replies.  "Only Forrester isn't his real name."

 

"Oh?  And what is his real name?"

 

Bobby hesitates a moment before answering.  "It's Ewing."

 

"Ewing?  As in........a relative of yours?"

 

"That's what he says.  He claims to be my second cousin."

 

"And you have reason to doubt that he is?"  Steven asks.

 

"It's a long and complicated story,"  says Bobby.  "Why don't you come on in the house, and I'll explain over some breakfast?"

 

"Alright,"  Steven says.  He follows Bobby and Ann into the  house while John Ross and Krystina remain on the patio.  

 

"You're really worried about Bum, aren't you?"  Krystina asks her husband.

 

"Yes I am.  Bum has worked for me for the past ten years, and he worked for my father a lot longer than that.  I've never known Bum to let anybody get the drop on him.  I think it's time I took matters into my own hands and found out everything I can about this Craig Ewing.  And if he did have anything to do with the attempt on your life......I swear he'll pay for it.  Darlin', I gotta go.  With this contest for control of Ewing Oil about to be up, I got a lot of work to do."

 

Krystina nods.  "I wish you could stay home today."

 

"So do I.  But I can't let Clay have free reign at Ewing Oil.  And I can't let him continue to remain ahead of me.  That contest ends one week from today, and I have to get on the ball if I have any chance of beatin' Clay Beaumont for control of MY company."

 

"Alright,"  says Krystina.  "If you don't have any plans for lunch today, my Mom and I will come into town and......"

 

"No.  Darlin', until whoever is behind plantin' that explosive under your car is caught, I would rather you and Krystle stay close to home.  I'd feel better."

 

Krystina sighs.  "I feel like a prisoner."

 

"I know.  But I'm workin' like hell to find out who was behind it.  We don't know if whoever was responsible was after you, or if they went after you to get to me.  Either way, I'm not takin' any chances.  I love you too much."

 

"I love you, too."

 

"I'll see you this evening,"  John Ross says.  He kisses his wife, then leaves.  

 

Krystina watches John Ross as he gets into his car and drives away.  After he's gone, she stands alone on the patio, and tears begin streaming down her face.  Krystina is not only worried, she's terrified.  Whoever planted that device under her car and killed Heather by mistake instead of her, could very well try again.  

Craig Ewing's apartment....

 That morning, Craig, his wife Alli, and their son Cameron are having breakfast in virtual silence at Craig's plush apartment.  Alli looks at her husband, and Craig briefly returns her gaze then looks down at his plate as he continues eating his eggs.  Cameron looks at both of his parents then sighs deeply. 

"You guys sure are in a talkative mood this morning," the boy says.  

 

"I don't think your father is at all pleased with our little family reunion,"  Alli says.

 

"Cameron, I'm very happy to see you.  And I'm glad you're here,"  Craig says.

 

"Are you happy to see Mom, too?"  Cameron asks.  

 

Craig looks across the table at his wife with contempt, and continues eating without answering his son's question.  

 

"Uh, Dad, who were those men who were here yesterday?"  Cameron asks.

 

"Men?  What men?"  Alli asks.

 

"That's none of YOUR business,"  Craig replies to his wife.  "Son, those men were.......they were actually cousins of ours.  Bobby and Catlin Ewing."

 

"I didn't know we had any family in Dallas.  Is that why you're here?"

 

"It's complicated.  Umm, look, Cameron, I am happy you're here.  I just wish you would have told me you were coming.  I'd have met you at the airport."

 

"Mom wanted it to be a surprise."

 

Craig looks at Alli, surprised that she had known their son was coming to town.  "Did she, now?  Well, look, why don't you go and change, and I'll take you out and show you around town."

 

"Why can't I just wear what I have on?"  Cameron asks.

 

"Son.....please?"

 

Cameron nods.  "I get it.  You want a minute alone with Mom so you guys can fight in private.  Okay.  All ya had to do was say so."  Cameron gets up from the table and leaves the room.  

 

"So you asked him to come here?"  Craig asks his wife.

 

"I just thought you'd wanna see your son.  It's been a few months, after all."

 

"Alli, I don't know what the hell you're up to, but don't even think about using our son as some sort of weapon against me."

 

Alli smiles.  "Now, darling, would I do that?"

 

"Without thinking twice,"  replies Craig.

 

"There's something you should probably know.  Yesterday, I went out to lunch and I ran into just about the last person I ever expected to run into in Dallas, Texas."

 

"And who might that be?"  Craig asks.

 

"Someone from Bay City.  Cass Winthrop.  You remember him, don't you?  He's an old friend of my grandmother's."

 

"Of course, I remember Cass."

 

"He told me that he and Lila were living here now.  Why didn't you tell me that?"

 

"I didn't think it was relevant, because I didn't think you'd be in town long enough to run into him.  But now that you have, there's some very interesting information you should know.  Cass's wife, Lila Winthrop, actually came to Dallas hoping to find her father, and she did.  Only, her father died about nine years ago, but she did find the rest of her family."

 

"Oh?  And why should that interest me?"  Alli asks. 

 

"Because of who her father is, or rather, was,"  Craig says.  "It really is a small world.  Turns out Lila Winthrop's biological father was none other than J.R. Ewing."

 

"J.R. Ewing?"

 

"That's right.  My second cousin."

 

"Well, that IS interesting."

 

Before Craig can say anything else, Cameron comes back into the room.  "Okay, are you guys finished?  Because I'm anxious to see the sights of the Big D."

 

Craig smiles.  "Alright, then, let's go,"  Craig says.  He gets up from his seat at the table.  

 

"Mom, are you coming?"  Cameron asks.

 

"I'm sure your mother has other things to do today,"  says Craig.

 

"Not at all,"  Alli says.  "Of course, I'm coming.  Your father can show us both around Dallas.  Maybe even introduce us to some of his relatives here."

 

"Awesome,"  Cameron says.  "Well, let's go."

 

Craig gives his estranged wife a look of disdain as Alli smiles at him deviously, enjoying the fact that her and their son's presence in Dallas seems to be disrupting whatever plans Craig had for being here.

 

 

 

 

Ewing Oil....

 John Ross is working at his desk when a knock comes at his door.  A second later, Sly walks in.  "John Ross, here are those contracts you wanted me to type up,"  she says, handing him a stack of papers.

 

"Thank ya, Sly."

 

"You're welcome, and if you'll remember, I have an appointment at the dentist at 11, so I'll be leaving now."

 

"Yeah, sure, go ahead,"  John Ross says.

 

"Cole is gonna fill in for me the rest of the day."

 

"Okay.  Good luck at the dentist,"  John Ross says.

 

"Thanks.  I really HATE the dentist.  I'll see you tomorrow."

 

"Oh, Sly?"

 

"Yes?"  

 

"Have Cole step into my office before you leave?"

 

Sly smiles. "I will.  Bye, John Ross,"  she says, and leaves.  

 

John Ross returns to his work.  Almost a full minute later, another knock comes at his office door.  "Come in,"  he says.

 

Cole enters the office.  "You, uh, you wanted to see me, Mr. Ewing?"

 

"Yes, Cole, I did.  Come in."

 

Cole closes the door and walks over to John Ross's desk.

 

"I'm sure you'll remember our conversation we had a while back,"  John Ross says.  

 

"I remember,"  Cole says.

 

"Have you come up with any information I could use to help me get an edge on Clay?  Anything you can tell me about what he's been up to?"

 

"Only thing I can tell you is, Clay is working on some big deal that's worth tens of millions.  I overheard him talking to Sally about it this morning."

 

"You know what kinda deal it is?"  John Ross asks.

 

"No."

 

"Then make it a point of findin' out.  Clay and Sally should both be goin' to lunch soon.  When they do, I want you to get into Clay's office and see what you can find for me."

 

"Look, Mr. Ewing......."

 

"Now Cole, I told you.......call me John Ross."

 

"Okay.......John Ross......I don't know about this.  If I get caught........"

 

"Cole, you won't get caught.  Remember what we talked about that night?"  John Ross asks.  "If Clay wins this contest and becomes president of Ewing Oil, that means the end of your Mama's job here.  Now is that what you want?"

 

"No, of course not,"  Cole replies.  

 

"Then you have to help ME win control of this company.  When that happens, not only will Sly have a job here for as long as she wants it, but I'll find a place for you in the company that's a lot more than an errand boy.  A high up position.  I trust I can count on you?"

 

Cole hesitates for a moment.  

 

"Cole.......can I count on you?"  John Ross asks.

 

Cole looks at him.  "You can count on me,"  he finally replies.

 

John Ross smiles.  "Good.  I always knew you were a smart young man.  Now, just wait until both Clay and Sally are gone to lunch, then get into Clay's office and go on a little fishing expedition."

 

Cole nods.  "Yes, sir."

 

John Ross is about to say something when another knock comes at the door.  "Come in,"  he says.

 

Sue Ellen walks into the office.  "John Ross, I'm sorry to interrupt, but you'd better turn on your TV.  There's something you need to see."

 

Curious, John Ross picks up the remote control and switches on the television set in his office.  

 

"I'd better get back to my Mom's desk,"  Cole says.  "Excuse me, Mrs. Ewing."

 

"Of course,"  Sue Ellen says as the young man  walks out.  "Turn the TV to the news."

 

John Ross flips through a couple of channels until he comes to a channel where a special news report is on.  He takes a seat on the edge of his desk and he and Sue Ellen watch.  John Ross turns up the volume on the TV.....

 "Bradley Barnes, the head of the Texas Oil Regulatory Commission, was chosen from a small pool of prospects to replace the recently deceased State Senator Mark Stoddard as the democratic party's nominee for United States Senator in this fall's important mid-term election.  Barnes was personally chosen by democratic party chair Paul Ramirez.  A press conference is about to get underway in Barnes's office in Dallas, where he is expected to announce his resignation as head of the ORC.  Barnes will go up against Republican incumbent, Senator Matt Culver, in the November mid-term.  Now let's join that press conference, which is about to begin.  

Brad's office in Dallas....

"Thank you, and good afternoon,"  Paul Ramirez says to a group of reporters and cameramen gathered in Brad's office.  "My name is Paul Ramirez, and I am the chairperson of the democratic party for the state of Texas.  As you all know, our party and our state were rocked by the sudden death of State Senator Mark Stoddard, who was running for the United States Senate.  Senator Stoddard's sudden passing has left a void in the hearts and lives of everyone who knew him, and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Senator's family at this difficult time.  Senator Stoddard's passing has also left the party without a candidate for the United States Senate seat.  After much deliberation, the party has made what we feel is the best choice to replace Senator Stoddard as a candidate in this fall's mid-term.  Our choice is a man who is very well known and very well respected in the state.  Several months ago, he was appointed to the position of head of the Texas Oil Regulatory Commission, and he has excelled in that role.  I'm speaking, of course, of Bradley Barnes.  Mr. Barnes will make a brief statement and then take a few questions from the press.  Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the next United States Senator from Texas.......Bradley Barnes."

 

Brad steps to the microphone.  "Thank you, Paul.  And thanks to all of you for being here today.  As you all know, my name is Bradley Barnes, and I am announcing today my candidacy for the United States Senate.  I am also announcing my resignation as head of the Texas Oil Regulatory Commission in order to run as a Senatorial candidate.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the ORC, and I will miss this incredible group of people I have had the pleasure of working with.  I realize that, in entering this race so late in the game, with only two months to go until the mid-term, I am entering as an underdog with a clear disadvantage.  But I intend to hit the ground running, and I intend to campaign like hell for the next two months and earn the trust, respect, and votes of the people of Texas.  Many of you watching this news conference are probably asking, why should I vote for you?  After all, Senator Stoddard was very well known and well loved.  In addition, my opponent in this race, Senator Matt Culver, is also very well known, having come from one of Texas's most famous political dynasties.  And I tell you right here and right now, THAT is exactly why you should vote for me.  I am not a politician.  Aside from my time at the ORC I have never held elective office, and unlike my opponent, Senator Culver, I am not a Washington insider or a member of the Washington establishment, which I believe has failed the state of Texas with its failed policies.  I want all of you to get to know me, and in the coming days, I will be releasing a comprehensive biography, sharing my life story, and sharing with all of you, my position on all the important issues in this race, such as abortion, which has become one of the most hotly contested issues in this election year.  My opponent would wish to outlaw and ban ALL abortion in all circumstances.  I, by contrast, vow if I am elected, to fight to repeal the restrictive abortion law passed last year, and to keep the right to abortion access legal for all women across our great state.  I will also fight to protect the rights and freedoms of all Texans.  Now, I'll take a few questions.  Yes, in the front row."  Brad points to a female reporter in front of him.

 

"Mr. Barnes, coming into the race this late, replacing the late Senator Stoddard, do you believe that you actually have a chance to win against Senator Matt Culver, who is very popular with the voters and who had a 5 point lead in the polls over Mark Stoddard at the time of Senator Stoddard's  death?"

 

"I wouldn't have agreed to get into this race if I didn't think I had a chance of winning,"  Brad replies.  He points to another reporter.  "Yes?"

 

"Mr. Barnes, most of the democrats in this year's mid-term, have supported the Biden Administration's plans to ban fracking and to gradually phase out fossil fuels in favor of a cleaner energy.  Your family has strong ties to the oil industry here in Texas.  Where do you stand on this issue?"

 

"I will make my position known to you and to the voters on ALL the issues at a later time,"  Brad replies, then he points to a reporter near the back.  "Yes, you in the blue shirt."

 

"Mr. Barnes, both of your parents made their fortunes in the oil industry, and your half-sister, Pamela Ewing, is now President and CEO of Westar Oil.  Given the fact that the democratic party is currently at odds with the oil and gas industry, does your family support your decision to run for the Senate as a democrat?"

 

Brad smiles.  "Well, my sister is here, so why don't you ask her?"  Brad says, pointing to Pamela, who is standing on the sidelines.

 

"Mrs. Ewing, do you support your brother's candidacy for the United States Senate?"  The reporter asks Pamela.

 

"Of course, I fully support my brother's campaign,"  Pamela replies.

 

"Even if it means he ends up on the opposite side of the oil industry?"

 

Pamela hesitates before answering, an awkward expression on her face.  "As I said, I fully support my brother.   I believe Brad will make a wonderful Senator, and Washington needs men like him."

 

"Good answer,"  the reporter says.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you,"  Paul Ramirez says.  "That's all the time we have for questions.  Mr. Barnes will hold another press conference later, once he has put together a campaign team.  Thank you."

Ewing Oil....

"Well, I'll be damned,"  John Ross says.  "Who'd have ever thought those idiots would choose Brad Barnes to run for Senate."

 

"You're not upset about this?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "John Ross, if Brad Barnes is elected, do you realize how much power he would have?  How much trouble he could cause us?"

 

John Ross turns to his mother.   "I'm not that worried, Mama.  In fact, this could just be the miracle we been hopin' for."

 

"John Ross, I don't understand you."

 

"Don't you see?  Barnes is gonna have to run against Matt Culver, and I don't see that there's any way he can beat Culver.  The people of this state still revere both Dave and Sam Culver, and Matt has one of the highest popularity ratings of any U.S. Senator.  And not only that, but this could be our chance to get rid of Brad Barnes once and for all."

 

"How so?"

 

"I remember somethin' Daddy told me once.  Do you remember when Cliff Barnes ran for the Senate?  1978, I believe?"

 

"I remember.  So?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"He lost because some information from his past came to light.  You remember that?"

 

"Yes, I remember,"  Sue Ellen replies.  "It had something to do with, umm, an old girlfriend of Cliff's who'd had an abortion years earlier, before abortion became legal."

 

"That's right."

 

"So, you think you can find something from Brad's past that could discredit him?"

 

"Yes.  And like Daddy always said, if we can't find it, we'll put it there.  And not only that.  If we can somehow keep Barnes from gettin' enough funding for his campaign, then he won't stand a chance.  And now that he's resigned from the ORC, Barnes will be a lame duck, without any power whatsoever."

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "I like the sound of that.  But one thing worries me."

 

"What's that?"

 

"Brad Barnes is not a stupid man.  He's a lot smarter than his father was.  He must think that he has a pretty good chance of winning, or he never would have jeopardized his future by resigning from the ORC.  I mean, why throw away a sure thing for something so risky?"

 

"That's a good point.  But nothin's that sure.......nothin' except Brad Barnes losin' that election."

"I hope you're right,"  Sue Ellen says, then leaves her son's office.  

 

John Ross takes his cell phone from his pocket and dials a number.  On the second ring, a man answers.  "Dan, John Ross Ewing here.  I need you to do a job for me.  I need you to find a woman for me.  A woman named Sabrina Carlson.  She went to college with Brad Barnes back in Boston. I want you to find out everything you can about her, in particular her relationship with Barnes when they were in college.  Then I want you to let me know when you've found her.  And Dan, she might be using an assumed name."

Brad's office....

Back  at Brad's office, Brad is chatting with Paul Ramirez and another man when Pamela comes over to them.  "Brad,"  Pamela says.  "I need to get back to Westar, but can I have a word with you before I go?"

 

"Sure.  Paul, Tim, would you guys excuse me?"

 

"Of course, Brad,"  Paul says.  "We need to be going anyway.  I'll be in touch with you later today.  We need to start putting a team together."

 

Brad nods, and the other two men walk away.  Once they are gone, he looks at Pamela and smiles.  "Thanks for your support."

 

"Hey, what are sisters for?  But you know, this does put me in a very difficult position."

 

"I know."

 

"I'm sure you know the Ewings are gonna do everything in their power to stop you from getting elected."

 

"I know that, too,"  Brad says.  "The Ewings have tried to stop me before and have never been able to."

 

"Well, you've never ran for the United States Senate against one of their own before.  Brad, I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but did you know that Daddy once ran for the State Senate."

 

"Yes, I did know that."

 

"And did you also know that the Ewings destroyed his chances to win by bringing out a secret from his past?  Brad, if you're determined to do this, I hope you don't have any serious skeletons in your closet that the Ewings can use against you.  If you do, my advice would be to go ahead and get that out in the open with the press and the public.  Voters are a lot more forgiving when a candidate is honest enough to put all his dirty laundry out in the open from the beginning, than they are if that dirty laundry comes out later and it's not brought out by the candidate himself."

 

Brad nods.  "Thank you for the advice."

 

"I just don't wanna see you get hurt like Daddy did,"  Pamela says.  She kisses her brother on the cheek, and leaves.  

 

A worried look comes over Brad's face.

Ewing Oil....

 Cole is sitting at Sly's desk early in the afternoon, anxiously waiting for both Clay and Sally to leave for lunch.  Clay looks down at his cell phone on the desk in front of her.  12:07.  He looks across the office at Sally, who is sitting at her desk filing some papers.  Several more minutes go by.  Cole again looks at the clock on his phone.  12:15.  He sighs deeply in frustration.  Finally,  Clay comes out of his office and places another stack of papers on Sally's desk.

 

"Sally, I'm about to head out to lunch,"  Clay says.  "Why don't you go on, too?  We can finish this after you get back."

 

"Alright, thanks, Clay,"  Sally says.  Clay goes back into his office, while Sally takes her purse from the bottom drawer of her desk.  She places the papers she is filing into the top drawer of the desk, then

"So Cole had this folder in his hand when you came into my office earlier, huh?"  Clay asks later in the afternoon when Cory tells him about the incident in his office earlier.

 

"Yeah,"  Cory replies.  "I was coming back from the break room when I saw Cole going into your office after you and Sally left for lunch, and I thought that was strange, especially since he looked so suspicious doing it.  I mean, he looked like he was trying to make sure no one was around watching him.  He didn't know I anywhere around.  I walked into your office, and Cole looked like he was going through your files.  He had that blue folder in his hand, so I made up a lie and said that you needed me to make some copies of the file."

 

Clay smiles.  "Well, I'll be damned."

 

"What, you're not mad that Cole was going through your files?"

 

"Normally, I would be, but since you were there and stopped him, no harm done.  I think it's kinda funny.  John Ross is so desperate to find out what I'm up in the last days of this contest, that he's actually got his secretary's son workin' for him to spy on me.  It's typical John Ross.  Cory, thank you for telling me about this."

 

"You're welcome."

 

"Cory, you don't realize it, but you just saved a very important deal.  One that's gonna put me so far ahead of John Ross in this contest, he'll have no way of winning."

 

"And that means you'll become president of Ewing Oil?"

 

"That's right, and when that happens.......Cory you'll definitely have a place in this company."

 

"I didn't come to you with this in hopes of any reward, Clay,"  Cory says.  "You've been really good to me.  Letting me stay with you and all.  Treating me like real family."

 

"Cory, we ARE family," says Clay.  

 

Cory smiles.  "Well, I'd better get back to work."

 

"Okay.  And thanks again."

 

"No problem,"  Cory says, and leaves the office.  

 

After Cory leaves, Clay looks at the papers in the file and smiles again.  "Oh, John Ross.  Nice try."

Meanwhile....John Ross's office....

 

"I'm really sorry, John Ross,"  Cole says.  "I had that file in my hand when Cory came into Clay's office and took it away from me.  He said Clay wanted him to make some copies of it."

 

"And you're sure this is the big deal Clay was workin' on?"

 

"I'm positive."

 "It's not your fault, Cole,"  John Ross says.  "Damn that Cory Winthrop.  I knew when Clay hired that kid, he was gonna be trouble.  And the last thing I need is another offspring of one of my illegitimate siblings in my hair.  Okay, so Cory stopped you from gettin' your hands on that important file.  Then I'm just gonna have to find another way to find out what Clay Beaumont is up to.  And I might could use your help to do that."

 

"John Ross, I don't know.  I think Cory was really suspicious of me being in Clay's office, and I'm sure he's already told Clay by now that he caught me in his office."

 

"Oh, I'm sure of it, too.  That's why I gotta find a way to get rid of Cory Winthrop."

 

"How?"  Cole asks.

 

"Not sure yet, but I'll come up with a plan.  And I've got to find a way to pull ahead of Clay in this contest, which won't be easy since that bastard Brad Barnes denied a couple of my drillin' permits, and shut down one of my biggest wells."

 

"But now that Brad Barnes has resigned as head of the ORC, maybe whoever replaces him will open the wells back up."

 

"Not in time for me to win that contest, which ends in just one week.  But you might be on to somethin'.  If I can find out who's replacin' Barnes, maybe I can persuade him.....or her......to grant my drillin' permits.  One of those wells was already up and ready to be drilled when Barnes denied the permit.  If I can pump enough oil out of one of those wells......and then there's those offshore wells in California......."

 

"Offshore?  I thought Ewing Oil's only offshore wells were in the Gulf."

 

"Huh?  Oh yes, they are.  I was just thinkin' out loud,"  says John Ross.  "Aright, Cole, you better get back to Sly's desk.  I have a couple calls to make."

 

"Yes, sir,"  Cole says.  The young man leaves the office.

 

John Ross takes his cell phone from his pocket and dials a number.  "Jim, John Ross Ewing here.  I 

 need you to do me a favor.  As you've probably heard by now, if you've seen the news, Brad Barnes announced his resignation from the ORC this mornin'.  I need you to find out for me who might be in the runnin' to replace Barnes as head of the ORC.  I need that information immediately.  Jim, I know this is a lot to ask, but this is important to me, and as you know, I always reward my friends. I'll be waitin' for your call."  John Ross ends the call and smiles.  As he is about to take a seat at his desk, his cell phone rings. He takes the phone out again and sees that it's Bobby's number calling, so he quickly

 answers.  "Uncle Bobby?  Any news on Bum?" He asks.  He listens to Bobby on the other end of the line for a few seconds.  "I'll be right there,"  he says.  He puts his phone away and quickly leaves the office.  "Cole,"  he says, approaching Sly's desk.  "Cancel my appointment with Ed Shackelford this afternoon.  See if he can meet sometime tomorrow instead.  I may not be back in the office today."

 

"Sure, John Ross,"  Cole says.

 

John Ross rushes for the elevator as Clay comes out of his office.  Clay watches as John Ross gets on the elevator and the doors close. 

 

Clay looks at Cole and smiles, then walks over to him.  "Where was John Ross going in such a hurry?"

 

"I have no idea, he didn't say."

 

Clay looks down at Cole and smiles.  "I hear you were in my office earlier while I was at lunch."

 

 

John Ross arrives at Southfork a short time later and brings his car to a stop.  He gets out of the car and rushes into the house.  

 

Walking into the living room, John Ross finds Bobby, Christopher, Catlin, Detective Steven Jones, and Bum, back from his fateful trip to Chicago, complete with bruises and cuts on his face, and his left arm in a sling.  

 

"Bum,"  John Ross says.  "My God, someone sure did a number on you."

 

"Yeah, they did,"  Bum says.

 

"Craig Ewing have this done to you?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I have no idea.  Probably.  I was working for Bobby in Chicago, digging into Craig Forrester's background, and these four men jumped me.  They beat me senseless and then dumped me in some alley downtown.  As if that wasn't bad enough, while I was there, some thugs came along and stole my wallet, all my money, credit cards, everything.  If it weren't for the kindness of strangers who let me use their phone to call my office here in Dallas.......I might still be wandering the streets of Chicago in a daze.  One of my men wired me some money for a flight back to Dallas."

 

"Dad, are you sure you're okay?"  Steven asks.

 

"I'm fine."

 

"Bum, maybe you should go to the hospital and let them check you out,"  says Bobby.

 

"Later.  Right now, I need to tell you what I found out about Craig Ewing, aka Craig Forrester.  Bobby, I'm sorry I couldn't get back to you and tell you what I found before."

 

"It's okay, it's not your fault," Bobby says.  

 

"So what did you find out about this guy?"  John Ross asks.  

 

"Is he who he says he is?"  Catlin asks.  "Is Craig Forrester really Craig Ewing, mine and Bobby's second cousin?"

 

"Yeah, he is,"  Bum replies.  He opens a file folder he had been holding.   "Craig Ewing was born in Stockton, California on May 12, 1979, to Charles and Patricia Forrester Ewing.  He grew up in Stockton, and from all accounts it was a pretty miserable childhood.  Not only was the family virtually penniless much of the time, but his father was a drunk who occasionally beat up on the mother and the boy.  His parents divorced when Craig was 15, and he lived with his mother for a time in Stockton, until she died a year later from breast cancer.  He then moved to Los Angeles with his father, who by then has supposedly stopped drinkin', at least for a while.  That was in 1995.  In 1997, the year Craig graduated from high school, his father remarried, this time to a younger woman named Brenda Stephens.  Craig and his new stepmother didn't get along at all, and there was constant fighting in the home.  It only got worse after Brenda gave birth to a son in early 1998."

 

"Craig has a brother?"  Bobby asks.

 

"That's right.  A half-brother, Ryan Ewing, who was born on February 24, 1998, when Craig was almost 19.  After Ryan's birth, Craig had one last, huge fight with his father and stepmother and his father kicked him out.  Now homeless at 19 and with no other family, that's when Craig moved in with a friend of his, a boy he had known in high school.  Both ambitious young men, together they borrowed money from the other boy's father and started their own computer repair business.  A couple years later they'd made enough money to expand, and in 2002, they started a computer software company.  But that partnership ended a few months later when Craig's partner was found dead in their company's office, the victim of an apparent robbery.  Craig inherited his partner's half of the business."

 

"That sounds awfully suspicious,"  John Ross says.  

 

"You think Craig Ewing killed his partner?"  Steven asks.

 

"Maybe, but there was never any proof,"  Bum replies.  "Craig had apparently heard the stories growing up of how his grandfather, Ben Ewing, was cheated out of some property, and I guess he also heard about the other branches of the Ewing family becoming wealthy off oil and other business ventures.  In 2003, he wound up in Bay City, Illinois."

 

"Bay City?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Yes.  You use to live in Bay City, as I recall."

 

"Yes, I did, but I had left Bay City long before 2003."

 

"What was Craig doing in Bay City?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Well, that's still a mystery,"  replies Bum.  "But it turned out to be a good thing for him that he did end up in Bay City.  While he was there, he met a young woman by the name of Alexandra Fowler and married her.  She was the daughter of Sam Fowler and Amanda Cory, whose father was the owner of Cory Publishing in Bay City."

 

"Cory?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Wait a minute,"  Catlin says.  "Craig Ewing's wife is Amanda Cory's daughter?"

 

"Yep."

 

"You know her?"  Christopher asks.

 

"I sure do.  Amanda Cory is the sister of Lila's ex-husband, Matt Cory.  She's Jasmine's aunt."

 

"You gotta be kiddin',"  John Ross says.

 

"No, I'm not kidding.  I knew the Cory family very well when I lived in Bay City back in the 80s."

 

"Talk about a coincidence,"  says Christopher.

 

"Craig didn't seem to go to any great lengths to hide his true identity, did he?"  Bobby asks.  "It's almost like he wanted us to find out all this information."

 

"If that's the case, then why the hell would he send some thugs to try to kill Bum when he found all this out?"  John Ross asks.

 

"It's possible Bum's attack wasn't connected to Craig at all,"  says Christopher.  "The crime rate in Chicago is off the charts right now.  Bum may have just been a random victim in the wrong place at the wrong time."

 

"No, I don't think so,"  Bobby says.  "Because Craig knew about Bum's.......'accident.' "

 

"That's right,"  says Catlin.  "He told us that the P.I. Bobby had looking into his past had met with an accident."

 

"If that's the case, then Steven, can't you pick him up?"  Christopher asks.

 

"I'd have to have proof.  Dad, do you think you could identify the men who attacked you?"  Steven asks his father.

 

"I don't think so.  When they jumped me they threw somethin' over my face, so I never got a look at any of them."

 

"Damn,"  Steven says.  "Then we may never be able to identify your attackers, and we may never be able to link Craig Ewing to the attack."

 

"But what about Craig Ewing knowing about the attack on your father?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Still not proof.  Ewing could claim that he had a tail on my father, and that's how he knew about the attack."

 

"This Craig Ewing sounds pretty dangerous,"  Christopher says.

 

"Bum, what else did you find out?"  Bobby asks.  "How long did Craig live in Bay City?"

 

"He and his wife, Alexandra, who is known as Alli, left Bay City soon after they were married in early 2004.  They moved to Chicago, and Craig moved his business there, which he called Forrester Enterprises.  He built the company into a huge corporation worth several hundred million dollars.  In the meantime, he and his wife had two children, twins, a son, Samuel Cameron Ewing, and a daughter, Rachel Amanda Ewing, born May 10, 2005."

 

"Hmm, Rachel,"  Catlin says.  "Named after Alli's grandmother."

 

"That's pretty much all I was able to find out.  Much of the time he lived in Bay City and Chicago is a mystery."

 

"I wonder if Cass and Lila Winthrop might be able to help us,"  Bobby says.  "Cass and Lila lived in Bay City during that time, and if Alexandra Fowler was the niece of Lila's ex-husband, surely they had to know each other."

 

"I'm gonna give Cass a call right now,"  Catlin says, taking his cell phone from his pocket.  He dials Cass's number and waits for an answer.  On the fourth ring, Cass answers.  "Cass, hi, it's Catlin.  I'm fine, how are you?  Listen, Cass, I have something I need to talk to you and Lila about.  Would it be okay if Bobby and I came over?  In about half an hour?  Okay, fine.  We'll see you soon."  Catlin ends the call and looks at Bobby.

 

"Let's go,"  Bobby says.  "In the meantime, Bum.......thank you.  And I want you to go to the hospital and get checked out."

 

"Bobby, that's not necessary, I'm fine."

 

"I insist."

 

"He's right, Dad,"  Steven says.  "No need to take any chances.  It's obvious you're in some pain."

 

Bum sighs.  "Alright."

 

"I'm comin' with y'all,"  John Ross tells Bobby and Catlin.

 

"Me, too,"  says Christopher.

 

"That's not necessary,"  Bobby says.

 

"Dad, if this Craig Ewing guy is as dangerous as we think he is, and if he's gonna come after this family, then we're all in this together."

 

Bobby looks at his son, then at John Ross.  "Look, you two stay here,"  he says.  "If you wanna help, then get on the internet and see what you can find out about Craig Ewing and his businesses.  We'll go and see Cass, and we'll let you know what we find out, but in the meantime, you might can find something we can use."  Bobby and Catlin leave in a hurry.

 

John Ross and Christopher exchange looks, both of them frustrated that Bobby and Catlin were shutting them out from being able to help.

Southfork....

 Meanwhile, in a secluded area on Southfork, Michael is sitting alone on a log beside a creek running

through one of the ranch's numerous pastures.  Michael is deep in thought, missing his mother and wondering what his future would hold now.  He hears the sound of a four wheeler approaching.  He looks up and sees Miguel Trevino drive one of the ranch's four wheelers to the bank of the creek and come to a stop.  Miguel gets off the vehicle, and seeing Michael, he walks over to him.  

 

"Hey, man,"  Miguel says.  "I thought I would find you out here."

 

"How'd you know where I'd be?"  Michael asks.

"I have seen you down here before, when I was working the cattle up on the hill,"  Miguel replies.  "I know this is one of your favorite places on the entire ranch, and I cannot blame you.  It is very beautiful here.  Very peaceful."

 

"Miguel, please leave me alone."

 

Miguel looks at the boy.  "I do not think you need to be alone right now.  Michael, I understand what you are going through.  The pain you are feeling at the loss of a parent.  When I lost my father, it nearly destroyed me.  I was much younger than you are now, but still I understood that my father was gone and that he was never coming back. The emptiness you feel.  It is indescribable.  I just want you to know that, if you need a friend to talk to, I am here for you, man.  Sometimes, talking to someone who has faced the same thing helps."

 

"Thanks,"  Michael says, lowering his head.  

 

"You're welcome.  Would you like a ride back to the house?"

 

Michael shakes his head.  "No.  I wanna stay out here for a while longer."

 

"Okay.  Well, I have to go and check some of the fencing on section 10.  If you decide you want a ride back, text me and I'll come pick you up."

 

Michael nods.  

 

Miguel looks at Michael for a moment as the boy turns his head and stares at the water in the creek.  Then he walks back over to the four wheeler and gets on.  He looks at Michael again, his heart going out to the grief stricken teenager.  Miguel starts the engine on the four wheeler and rides away.  

Meanwhile....back at the house....

Lucas comes into the den and heads straight for the bar, where he pours himself a glass of bourbon.  He takes a sip, pauses for a second, and finishes the drink off.  He then pours himself another drink as Ann comes into the foyer.  Seeing Lucas in the den, she watches him as he finishes off his second drink, then pours a third.  After a moment, Ann walks into the room.

 

"Lucas,"  she says.

 

He turns around, looks at her, then pours himself another drink.  

 "This itn't the answer,"  Ann says.

 

"Answer?  Answer to what?"  Lucas asks, his speech slightly slurred.

 

"To the pain you're feelin'."

 

"Right now, this is the ONLY answer.  Because when I'm drinking I'm not feeling."

 

"Oh, Lucas, my darlin',"  Ann says.  "When you stop feelin', you stop livin'."

 

"Like that's a bad thing,"  Lucas says, taking a sip of his drink.  

 

"I know you're in a lot of pain right now, Lucas.  But drownin' your sorrow in alcohol is the worst thing you can do.  You have two sons who need their father."

 

Lucas finishes off his drink, then looks at his stepmother.  "Michael is 15.  He's old enough to take care of himself.  And Logan......he has his grandmother.  Right now, all I can think about is how much this hurts, and how much I want whoever is responsible for killing my wife to pay."

 

"I understand."

 

"No, you don't.  My wife was murdered, not because someone wanted to kill HER.  She was murdered because someone was trying to kill Krystina and Heather just happened to be driving Krystina's car.  You couldn't possibly know how I feel."  Lucas picks up a bottle of bourbon from the bar and walks out of the room.  

 

"You're right,"  Ann says. 

 

Lucas pauses in the foyer, his back to his stepmother.  

 

"We all loved Heather,"  Ann continues, walking into the foyer.  "But that's nothin' compared to how much you loved her.  I can't begin to know the kind of pain you're in.  But I do understand you're angry.  I understand you're hurting right now more than you ever thought possible.  You feel like your heart has been ripped out of your chest, and nothin' will ever be right again.  You also probably feel like you're all alone in the world, but Lucas, you're NOT alone.  You have a family that loves you and wants to be here for you, if you'll let us."

 

Lucas turns around and looks at his stepmother, tears streaming down his face.  He nods, then goes up the stairs carrying the almost full bottle of bourbon as Ann watches him go, her heart breaking for her stepson.

Cass Winthrop's apartment....

 "Bobby, Catlin, please, come in,"  Cass says, welcoming the two men into his apartment.  

 

"Cass, we're sorry to bother you with this,"  says Catlin.

 

"No bother at all,"  Cass says as Lila comes into the room.

 

"Well, hello,"  she says.

 

"Hello, Lila, how are you?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I'm fine. What's going on?"

 

"Catlin, on the phone you said you had something important to talk to us about?"  Cass asks.

 

"Yes.  Cass, we need to ask you some questions about Alexandra Fowler."

 

"Alli?  What about her?"

 

"How well did you know her when you lived in Bay City?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Fairly well.  I've known Alli's family for many years.  Why do you ask?"

 

"Did you also know her husband?"  Bobby asks.

 

"No, not really,"  replies Cass.  "I did meet him once, years ago, but he was a somewhat reclusive type.  He and Alli left Bay City and moved to Chicago.  Lila and I only saw Alli a few times after that, when she'd come back to Bay City to visit her grandmother, Rachel, but, I never recall her husband being with her.  Wait a minute.  Alli's husband's last name is Ewing.  Is he......."

 

"He's a cousin of ours,"  Bobby says.

 

"You're kidding,"  says Cass.  

 

"I only wish we were,"  Catlin says.  "Look, I know this all must seem strange and mysterious to you, but Craig Ewing has come to Dallas because he wants something that belongs to Bobby and to I.  A piece of land in Cherokee County that once belonged to our grandfathers."

 

 

"I never made the connection at all,"  Cass says.  "I mean, Ewing isn't all that uncommon a name, and by the time Craig Ewing showed up in Bay City and married Alli, Catlin your family had long since left town, so I never even suspected that he was a relative of yours, until........"

 

"Until what, Cass?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Until I saw Alli here in Dallas a couple days ago.  She said she was here because her husband had business here, and, for some reason, right away I thought of Ewing Oil.  I even asked her if his business was with the company or the Ewings here, and she said she didn't know."

 

"Cass, why didn't you tell you had seen Alli here?"  Lila asks.

 

"Well, I didn't think it was important."

 

"So there's nothing that you can tell us about Craig Ewing?"  Bobby asks.  "About his business, or what he's like personally?"

 

"No, I'm afraid not.  I suppose you wouldn't wanna talk to Alli about her husband?"

 

"No, I don't think that would be a good idea,"  says Catlin.  

 

"Well, I know someone who can help you.  Someone who can give you the answers you're looking for.  Alli's mother, Amanda.  Why don't I give her a call?"

 

"Thank you, Cass,"  says Catlin.

 

"I'll call her right now."  Cass walks over to a table and picks up his cell phone, where it had been plugged into a charger.  He opens his contacts on the phone and scrolls through until he finds the number of Alli's mother, Amanda.  Cass dials the number, and it rings several times.  On the fifth ring, someone answers.  "Amanda,"  Cass says.  "Hi, it's Cass Winthrop.  Yeah, I know, it's been a long time.  Amanda, the reason I'm calling is.......there's something I need to talk to you about.  It's about Alli and her husband."  Cass listens for a moment to Amanda, while Bobby, Cass, and Lila look on with great interest, wondering what Craig Ewing's wife's mother is telling Cass on the phone.  "Yes, I understand.  Amanda, this is very important."  Again, Cass is silent as he listens to the woman on the other end of the line. "Alright.  Thank you, Amanda.  I will.  You take care, too.  Bye."  Cass ends the call and puts his phone down, a sorrowful look on his face.

 

"Well, what'd she say?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Amanda and her daughter aren't on speaking terms,"  Cass replies.  "They haven't been for quite some time, and I got the impression it has something to do with Alli's husband."

 

"Did she tell you anything at all?"  Bobby asks.

 

"No, not really."

 

Bobby sighs.  "Then we're right back where we started.  Damn."

 

"Maybe not,"   says Cass.  "Amanda might not be very cooperative where her daughter and son-in-law are concerned.......but I know someone else who we probably COULD get some answers from."

 

"You're talking about Rachel?"  Lila asks.

 

"Yes."

 

"Rachel?"  Bobby asks.  "That's Amanda's mother?"  

 

"Yes.  Rachel and I have been friends for many years.  I'm sure she would help us, especially if this Craig Ewing has caused trouble between Alli and her mother."

 

"Then we need to take a trip to Bay City and talk to Rachel,"  Cass says.  "It'll be nice to see her again."

 

Bobby takes his cell phone out.  "I'll call the airport and tell our pilot to have the Ewing Oil jet ready in an hour."

 

"You're flying to Bay City NOW?"  Lila asks.

 

"Yes,"  Bobby replies.  "It's only 4:30.  If we leave in an hour we can be in Bay City by 8 tonight.  The sooner we can find out any information about Craig Ewing, the sooner we can neutralize any threat he may pose."

 

"Y'know what,"  Cass says.  "If you don't mind, I think I'd like to go with you.  I'd love to see Rachel again."

 

"Sure,"  Bobby says.  He dials the number of Dallas-Love Field Airport.  

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....evening....

 Donna is sitting at Dylan's bedside at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital that evening when a nurse comes into the room.  The nurse goes to a monitor beside Dylan's bed and checks it.  "His vitals are

 good,"  the nurse says.  "You look tired, Mrs. Krebbs.  You've been here ever since Dylan was admitted.  Why don't you go home and get some rest?"

 

"Thank you, I'm fine,"  Donna says.  

 

"Well, can I get you anything?"

 

Donna shakes her head.  "Not right now, thanks."

 

"Okay.  If you need anything, just call."

 

"I will,"  Donna says.  

 

The nurse starts to leave the room, when Dylan lets out a low moan.  The nurse stops at the door. She and Donna exchange looks, and they hear Dylan moan again.  

 

"Dylan?"  Donna says, rushing to his bedside.  "Dylan, sweetheart, it's me, Donna.  Can you hear me?"

 

The nurse also comes to Dylan's bedside.  Slowly, Dylan opens his eyes.  "I'll page Dr. Cooper,"  the nurse says, quickly leaving the room.  

 

"Dylan?"  Donna says, looking down at him with a smile.  "Thank God.  Thank God."

 

Dylan looks up at her, a confused expression on his face.  "Donna?"  He says, his voice extremely low and weak.

 

"Yes, my darling, I'm here."

 

"Wha.......where am I?"

 

"You're in the hospital,"  Donna replies.

 

"Hos......hospital?  Why?  What happened?"

 

"You don't remember the accident?"

 

"Accident?"  Dylan asks, confused.  "I......I remember.......I was on my way home.....and.......and this car.......I looked up and this car was coming right for me.  I don't remember anything else."

 

"Shhhhh......you just lie back and rest,"  Donna says.  "You've been through a lot."

A short while later....

Ray, Donna, and Todd are waiting in the hallway outside of Dylan's room while Mitch examines him.  After a few minutes, Mitch comes out of the room.  

 

"Mitch, how is he?"  Ray asks.

 

"He's very weak, which is to be expected."

 

"Will he be alright?"  Donna asks.

 

Mitch looks at her and smiles.  "I really think so.  Of course we have to monitor him closely for the next couple of days, but, if there are no complications such as infection, I think I can say that Dylan is out of danger."

 

"Thank God,"  Ray says.

 

"Can I see him?"  Todd asks.

 

"Yes, you can all go in, but, please, keep your visit short for now,"  Mitch says.  "Dylan has been through a great deal, and he's very weak.  He will be for a while.  He needs rest."

 

"We won't stay long,"  Ray says with a smile.  

 

"Mitch, would you mind letting Conner know that Dylan is out of the coma?"  Donna asks.

 

Mitch smiles.  "Sure, I'll be happy to."

 

"Thank you,"  Donna says.  She, Ray, and Todd go into Dylan's room.

Aboard the Ewing Oil jet....

 Christopher comes into the foyer at Southfork and sees Ann sitting alone in the den, seemingly deep in thought about something.  He walks into the room.  "Ann?"

 

"Oh, Christopher.  I didn't hear you come in."

 

"Dad's still not back yet?  I see his car wasn't out back."

 

"No.  Your father, Catlin, Sue Ellen, and Cass Winthrop flew to Bay City, Illinois on the Ewing Oil jet."

 

"They went to Bay City?  Why?"  

 

"They went to talk to this Craig Ewing's wife's family, in hopes they could tell them somethin' that might be of use to them in dealin' with this guy."

 

"John Ross and I searched the internet for anything we could find on Craig Ewing.  This guy has his hand in a lot of business ventures all over the world......in Europe, in Asia, even in Russia.  I hope Dad and the others find what they need."

 

"So do I,"  Ann says.

 

"Ann, are you okay?"  Christopher asks.

Bobby, Catlin, Sue Ellen, and Cass ring the doorbell of the beautiful and stately Cory mansion in Bay City.  A moment later, a maid opens the door.  "May I help you?"  The young woman asks.

 

"We're here to see Mrs. Hutchins,"  Cass replies.  "She's expecting us."

 

"Please, come in."

 

"Thank you,"  Bobby says as the four walk into the home.  

 

"I'll let Mrs. Hutchins know you're here,"  the maid says.

 

"That's alright, Carol.  I heard the doorbell,"  says Rachel Cory Hutchins, standing in the doorway that separates the living room from the foyer.  

 

"Rachel,"  Cass says with a smile as he walks over to his old friend.  

 

"Cass, it's so wonderful to see you,"  Rachel says, the two longtime friends greeting each other with a hug.  

 

"It's good to see you, too, Rachel,"  Cass says.

 

Rachel looks at the others.  "Catlin Ewing,"  she says.  "My, it's been a long time."

 

"Yes it has.  How are you, Rachel?"

 

"I'm fine."

 

"Rachel, this is my wife, Sue Ellen Ewing,"  Catlin says.  "And my cousin, Bobby Ewing."

 

"It's a pleasure to meet you both,"  Rachel says.  

 

"The pleasure is all ours,"  says Bobby.

 

"I've heard a lot about you from Catlin," Sue Ellen says.

 

"Well, can I offer you all a drink, or a bite to eat?"

 

"No, thank you, Rachel, we're fine,"  replies Cass.

 

"Now then, what is it I can do for you all?  On the phone, you said it was urgent, Cass?"

 

"Yes, that's right.  Rachel, what can you tell us about Alli's husband, Craig Ewing?"  Cass asks.

 

"About Craig Ewing?"  Rachel asks.

 

"Yes,"  says Catlin.  "It's very important to us.  Anything you can tell us.  Anything at all."

 

Rachel looks at him.  "Ewing,"  she says.  "Is there some connection between you and my granddaughter's husband, or is it just a coincidence that you share the same last name?"

 

"It's no coincidence,"  replies Catlin.  "Craig Ewing is a cousin of mine and Bobby's.  He just showed up in Dallas a while back, using an assumed name."

 

"And he wants something that belongs to Catlin and myself," Bobby says.

 

"Please, sit down,"  Rachel says, and the four take seats on the sofa.  "What is it he wants?"  Rachel asks.

 

"A piece of property that once belonged to our grandfathers,"  says Catlin.  "The land is in Texas and sits on a very rich pool of oil, and we believe that's why Craig Ewing wants it."

 

"We contacted Amanda first,"  Cass says.  "But she said that she and Alli weren't on speaking terms these days, so she wouldn't help us."

 

A very worried expression comes over Rachel's face.  "I'm not at all surprised."

 

"Rachel, what happened between Amanda and her daughter?"  Cass asks.

 

"What happened?  The man you're here asking me about......Craig Ewing.......he's what happened."

 

"Mrs. Hutchins, what do you mean by that?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

Rachel walks across the room and looks out the window.  She pauses for a moment, then turns back to face the others.  "Craig Ewing destroyed the relationship between my granddaughter and my daughter.  For years, Amanda and her husband, Cameron Sinclair, warned Alli about Craig.  That he was ruthless and vicious not only in business, but also in his personal life, but Alli refused to listen.  She was very much in love with this man, despite the fact that he treated her like garbage.  Because of him, Alli became estranged from the entire family.  I haven't seen my great-grandchildren in three years.  Craig Ewing treated Alli and their children like his personal possessions, and anyone who tried to challenge him, he saw as a threat."  Rachel walks over to the group.  "Catlin.......Bobby.......I'm going to give you a piece of advice.  If you have something that Craig wants, then be careful.  Be VERY careful of that man.  He's dangerous."

"Dangerous in what way, Mrs. Hutchins?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Craig Ewing is one of the most black hearted people I've ever had the misfortune of meeting,"  Rachel replies.  "He's ruthless, devious.  And he'll stop at nothing.......and I do mean NOTHING.....to get what he wants.  In order to protect my granddaughter and my great-grandchildren, I hired a private investigator to dig up dirt on Craig, in hopes I could find something I could use to get rid of him.  A week after I hired him, my private detective was found floating face down in Lake Michigan, a gunshot wound in his back."

 

"Craig Ewing did it?"  Cass asks.

 

"The murder was never solved, but, I'd stake my life on it.  And one more thing you should know.  Craig is involved in business with some very bad people......some very DANGEROUS people.  I can't be sure, but I believe they're involved in some sort of white collar criminal cartel of sorts.  They buy up major corporations and use them to launder money.  They've been trying to take over Cory Publishing for the past two years, but my son, Matthew, has managed to fight off the takeover attempt."

 

"Would you happen to know who these people are that Craig Ewing is involved with?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Only one of them.  He's an oil man out of Denver.  My private investigator managed to find out the connection between the two, and it was right after that......he was murdered."

 

"Who is this oil man?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"His name is Adam Carrington,"  Rachel replies.  "He's the president of ColbyCo Oil.  Perhaps you've heard of it?"

 

"Adam Carrington?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Oh my God,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Krystina's brother."

 

"And you don't know who these other people are he's involved with?"  Catlin asks.

 

"No.  Adam Carrington is the only name my detective was able to come up with before he was killed. But he did tell me that, one of the men Craig has involved himself with is a very rich, very powerful, and very dangerous man.  A very shadowy figure who keeps a low profile."

 

"Then we have to find out who this other man is," Bobby says.  "Because if all this is true, they want that land in Cherokee County for the money that oil would generate, which they could use to buy up more large companies."

 

"I'm honestly surprised they haven't come after Ewing Oil or Catlin Oil,"  Cass says.  

 

"Who's to say they won't?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Sue Ellen's right,"  says Bobby.  "Mrs. Hutchins, from what you've just told us, Craig Ewing could be far more dangerous than any of us even realized, which is why it's of the utmost importance to find out who this other man is he's in business with."

 

"Rachel, Alli is in Dallas with her husband,"  Cass says.  "If you want me to, I'll try and keep an eye on her."

 

"OH, Cass, thank you.  That would definitely make me feel better.  Because I'm afraid that my darling granddaughter has aligned herself with the devil."

Back in Dallas....Jeremy Wendell's penthouse....

Craig Ewing steps off the elevator that opens into Jeremy Wendell's penthouse apartment.  He walks into the apartment where he is greeted by a very sour looking butler, who leads Craig down a hallway to an office.  Craig goes into the office.  Jeremy is standing at the window looking out at the beautiful Dallas skyline.  

 

"You wanted to see me, Jeremy?"  Craig asks.

 

Jeremy turns to face him.  "You've been very sloppy, Craig.  Very sloppy, indeed.  You allowed Bobby Ewing's private detective to find out a lot of information about you.  Information you should've tried harder to hide."

 

"I always wanted my cousins Bobby and Catlin to find out my true identity.  I never made a secret of that."

 

"The amount of information that detective was able to uncover about you was more than we wanted revealed."

 

"Jeremy, don't worry,"  Craig says.  "There's no way anyone can ever find out about our connection."

 

"They'd better not,"  Jeremy says.  "Because that would be very, VERY unfortunate for you.  I should have known better than to trust anyone named Ewing."

 

"I've proven my loyalty to you time and time again, Jeremy.  And now, I have Brad Barnes replacing the late Mark Stoddard as a candidate for the U.S. Senate."

 

"Yes.  And speaking of Barnes.......I want a secret bank account set up under a phony name that can never be traced back to either of us set up.  I want $75 million deposited into that account by the end of business tomorrow.  I intend to pour tens of millions into Barnes's campaign.  Pull out all the stops and do whatever you have to to ensure that Barnes defeats Matt Culver in that Senate race."

 

"Consider it done."

 

"We've made sure that Clay Beaumont is well ahead of John Ross in the fight for control of Ewing Oil, and when Beaumont wins that contest..........we swoop in and take Ewing Oil right out from under him and the rest of the Ewings."

 

"Then we'll get control of that land in Cherokee County.....land that should have been mine all along, and once we start pumping oil out of that land.........we'll have enough money to take over Cunningham Enterprises in Los Angeles, ColbyCo Oil and Denver Carrington in Denver, and Catlin Ewing's company in Dallas.  I'm also still working on getting my hands on Cory Publishing.  But my wife's uncle, Matt Cory, who runs that company, has been a problem.  But don't worry.......one way or another, I WILL get control of Cory Publishing."

 

"And Westar,"  Jeremy says.  "And once we have control of all of those companies, nothing can stop us.  By the end of next year, we will control the oil industry and the economy of the United States.  We'll be untouchable."

 

"Yes........untouchable,"  Craig says with an evil smile!

 

END OF EPISODE 245