EPISODE 247 - GAME ON!

Bobby's car drives up to Southfork and comes to a stop in the parking area in back of the mansion.  Bobby, Catlin, and Sue Ellen get out of the car and head toward the house.  A moment later they 

come into the den, where John Ross, Krystina,  Christopher, and Ann are waiting for them.

 

"Bobby, thank goodness you're back,"  Ann says.

 

"Well?  Did you find anything in Bay City?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Yes, we did,"  replies Bobby.  

 

"We could be in for an even bigger problem than we imagined,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

"What do you mean?"  John Ross asks.  

 

"We went to Bay City and spoke to an old friend of Catlin's and Cass Winthrop's, a woman named Rachel Hutchins, and she told us some things about Craig Ewing."

 

"What kind of things?"  Christopher asks.

 

"For one, that he's a very dangerous man.  Ruthless, cunning, devious.  And she also said that he would stop at nothing to get what he wants, and that we should be very careful of him."

 

"Did she tell you anything that might help us fight him if it comes to that?"  Christopher asks.

 

"As a matter of fact......she just may have,"  Catlin replies.  

 

"Would y'all stop beatin' around the bush and just tell us what this woman said?"  John Ross asks.

 

"She told us that Craig is part of a very powerful and very dangerous group of businessmen who had formed some sort of shadowy cartel out to gain control of a number of large corporations in this country.  They buy up or take over these businesses by any means necessary."

 

"Rachel also gave us the name of one of Craig's partners,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

"Well, who is this partner?"  John Ross asks.

 

Sue Ellen looks at Krystina and hesitates a few seconds before answering.  "Krystina, one of Craig Ewing's business partners.........is your brother, Adam Carrington."

 

"What?"  Krystina asks, stunned at the revelation.  "My brother?"

 

"What the hell would Adam Carrington be doin' in business with a man like this Craig Ewing?"  John Ross asks.

 

"We don't know,"  Bobby replies.  "I think the only way to find out Adam's connection to this man is to talk to Adam himself.  So I'm flying to Denver today to see him."

 

"I'm coming with you,"  says Krystina.  "If my brother is involved with this man and if he's as dangerous as you all seem to think he is........then Adam needs to know."

 

"You think he doesn't know that the man he's in business with is dangerous?"  John Ross asks.

 

"No.......I don't know.  But Adam is MY brother, and I'm the one who should talk to him."

 

"Alright,"  says Bobby.  "We'll be leaving for Denver in one hour."

 

A worried expression comes over Krystina's face as she wonders if her brother really was involved with a dangerous man like Craig Ewing.......and if Adam was really part of this shadowy group Rachel had told Bobby, Sue Ellen, and Catlin about.

A few minutes later....

John Ross comes onto the patio a few minutes later and takes his cell phone from his pocket.  He dials a number and impatiently waits for an answer.  "Adam, John Ross here.  Listen, we may have a problem.  Krystina is comin' to Denver to see you today with my Uncle Bobby and my mother.  They're comin' to ask you about your connection to a man named Craig Ewing......a man who may be out to get my family.  Now whatever the hell your connection is to this man,  it damned well better not involve that offshore deal of ours.  And if you know what's good for you, you won't say a word about that deal to Krystina, my uncle, or my mother."

 Alex is sitting alone at a table at The Tower Club at lunchtime when Megan Richards comes over to his table.  "Well, hello,"  she says.

 

Alex looks up at her.  "Hi."

 

"I'm really glad you came in.  It's been a while."

 

"Yeah, it has, and I'm sorry about that,"  Alex says.  "My family has been going through a lot recently, and that's why I haven't been here to eat or been in touch."

 

"I know.  I heard about your aunt, and I'm really sorry.  I wanted to contact you, but I wasn't sure if I should.  Kinda thought you would want your space."

 

"Thank you, Megan.  It's been a rough time, especially for my Uncle Lucas and my cousin Michael."

 

"How are they doing?"  

 

"Taking it one day at a time,"  Alex replies.

 

"Well, are you ready to order?"  Megan asks.

 

"Yeah.  I'll have the chicken  club sandwich, with the rice."

 

"What would you like to drink?"  Megan asks.

 

"Ice tea."

 

"I'll bring your tea right over,"  Megan says, taking Alex's menu.  "Y'know, umm, if you ever need a friend to talk to, you can always hit me up."

 

"Thanks, I really appreciate that.  I may just take you up on that sometime."

 

Megan smiles.  "You're welcome.  Anytime at all.  I'll be right back with your tea."  Megan turns and walks away, a huge smile on her face.

ColbyCo Oil, Denver, Colorado....

 Adam Carrington is working at his desk that afternoon when his secretary buzzes his intercom.  "Yes, Kathy?"  He says.

 

"Mr. Carrington, your sister, Krystina Ewing, is here to see you with Bobby, Catlin, and Sue Ellen Ewing,"  the secretary says.

 

Adam hesitates for a moment to brace himself for this visit, which he knows will not be good.

 

"Mr. Carrington?"  The secretary says.

 

"Yes, Kathy.  Send them in." Adam gets up from his chair and walks over to greet his sister as Krystina walks in with Bobby, Catlin, and Sue Ellen.   

 

"Hello, Adam,"  Krystina says.

 

"Well, hello, Krystina,"  Adam says.  "And to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?  And with your in-laws."

 

"Adam, we need to talk to you."

 

"So I gathered."

 

"Adam, what is your relationship with a man named Craig Ewing?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Craig Ewing?  I don't believe I know anyone by that name,"  Adam replies nervously.  "Is this Craig Ewing a relative of yours?"

 

 

 

Bobby moves closer to Adam.  "We know that you're involved in some kind of business with him, Carrington.  We wanna know exactly what KIND of business."

 

"Bobby, again, I have no idea who you're talking about,"  Adam says.  "What makes you think that I'm involved with this.......Craig Ewing, is it?"

 

"Adam, if you're lying to us, that's a BIG mistake,"  Krystina says.  "Because we'll find out the truth."

 

"And if Craig Ewing causes any trouble for our family at all,"  says Catlin.  "We're gonna take him down, and if you're involved with him..........we'll take you down, too."

 

Adam nervously stares at the group for a few seconds.  "I think this meeting is over,"  he says.  "I would appreciate it if you would all kindly leave my office."

 

"I'm giving you one final warning, Carrington,"  Bobby angrily says.  "You tell us everything you know about Craig Ewing and what kind of business you're involved in with him..........or I'll personally make sure that you go down with him, and that is a promise."

 

"I'll say this one last time.......I have no idea who or what you're talking about.  And if you don't leave this office at once, I'll be forced to call security and have you all thrown out.

 

"Come on, Bobby,"  says Catlin.  "I don't think we're going to get anything out of him."

 

Bobby angrily looks at Adam for a few seconds, then he and the others start to leave.  

 

"I understand the contest for control of Ewing Oil is drawing to an end soon,"  Adam says.  

 

Bobby, Sue Ellen, Catlin, and Krystina stop at the door and look at Adam.  "What's that to you?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Oh, it means a great deal to me,"  Adam replies.  "I'm concerned about the deal I have with John Ross, and what it would mean for that deal if he were to lose this contest."

 

"Deal?"  Bobby asks.  "What deal?"

 

"What are you talking about?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"You mean John Ross still hasn't filled you in, even after all this time?  He and I went into a drilling venture together.  Ewing Oil and ColbyCo purchased an offshore tract in California quite some time ago.  Both of our companies have made tens of millions of dollars from the deal."

 

"You're saying that you and John Ross have been in business together?"  Krystina asks.  

 

"That's right."

 

"You're lying,"  says Sue Ellen.  "John Ross would have told us.  He would have told ME."

 

Adam laughs.  "But he didn't tell you.  Because he knew you and Bobby wouldn't approve."

 

Bobby is fuming with anger upon hearing about John Ross's secret deal with Adam.  "I specifically told John Ross I did NOT want Ewing Oil involved in any business with ColbyCo."

 

"And that's exactly why he didn't tell you about it,"  says Adam.  "This deal was much too good for John Ross to pass up, and it's helped him keep his head above water in this contest for control of Ewing Oil."

 

"Let's go, everyone,"  an angry Bobby says.  

 

"Bobby, what are you going to do about this?"  Krystina asks.

 

"As soon as I get back to Southfork, I'm gonna have it out with my lying, scheming nephew!"  Bobby replies, and storms out of the office.  Sue Ellen and Catlin follow.  

 

 

Dylan is being examined by a nurse who is taking his vitals that afternoon when Ray and Donna knock on his open door.  "Hey,"  Ray says.   "Can we come in?"

 

"Sure,"  Dylan replies.  

 

Ray and Donna enter his room as the nurse finishes up.  She smiles at the couple on her way out of the room.  Donna looks at Dylan and smiles.  "How do you feel?"

 

"Pretty terrible.  I hurt."

 

"You need somethin' for pain?"  Ray asks.

 

"The nurse just gave me something.  So I guess my car is.......totaled?"

 

Ray nods.  "Yeah.  It was pretty messed up in the accident."

 

Dylan sighs.  "I can't believe this happened.  You said that I had to have a kidney transplant?"

 

"Uh-huh,"  Donna replies.  

 

"The donor.......who.........who's kidney do I have in me?  Do you guys know?"  Dylan asks, his voice sounding weak and sleepy.

 

Ray and Donna exchange looks, and Donna nods her head.  "Yeah, we know."

 

"Who?"

 

"It was Conner,"  Ray says.  "Conner was your donor."

 

Dylan looks at him, confused.  "Conner?  Conner........gave me a kidney?"

 

"He sure did,"  replies Donna.  "And if he hadn't, you could've died."

 

"Is.......is he okay?"  Dylan asks.

 

"He's fine,"  says Ray.  "He's real sore from the surgery, but he's just fine.  He's in a room a few doors down the hall."

 

Dylan sighs.  "I can't believe......Conner.........gave me one of his kidneys.  Why?"

 

"Conner is your brother, Dylan,"  Donna says.  "He loves you."

 

Dylan is about to say something when he is interrupted by a knock at the door.  Dylan, Ray, and Donna look over and see Jasmine standing in the doorway.  

 

"Can I come in?"  Jasmine asks.

 

"I really don't think that's a very good idea,"  Donna says.  "Dylan needs his rest."

 

"No,"  Dylan says.  "Come in, Jasmine."

 

The girl smiles, and walks over to his bedside, carrying a gift wrapped box with her.  "When I heard you were awake, I had to come.  I brought you a gift."

 

"Thank you."

 

"Donna, why don't we get out of here?"  Ray asks.  "Let these two talk."

 

"Ray, I......"

 

"Please, Donna?"  Says Dylan.  "I wanna talk to Jasmine."

 

Donna looks at him, then looks at Jasmine, a disapproving expression on her face.  Jasmine flashes a smug smile at Donna.  "Alright,"  Donna says.  "But I trust you won't stay too long and tire him out."

 

"Don't worry.  I won't."

 

"Come on,"  Ray says, taking his wife's hand.  "Dylan, we'll come back later this evening.  You get some rest."

 

"I will,"  Dylan says as Ray and Donna leave.  

 

Jasmine walks over and closes the door behind the couple after they leave.  Then she returns to Dylan's bedside.  "You have no idea how wonderful it is to see you awake.  To see those beautiful brown eyes of yours.  God, Dylan, I was so worried."

 

"I'm glad that you came."

 

"I wanted to come earlier, but, while you were in the coma, Donna wouldn't let me in to see you."

 

"I'm sorry,"  Dylan says.  

 

"It's okay, it's not your fault.  But don't you ever scare me like this again, Dylan Ewing.  I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you."

 

Dylan looks up at her and smiles weakly, but the pain medication the nurse had given him a few minutes earlier was taking affect, and his eyes begin to close, despite his best efforts to keep them open.

 

"Hey, are you gonna fall asleep on me after I haven't seen you for days?"  Jasmine asks.

 

"I'm sorry.  The nurse......gave me some.......pain medication, and it's making me so sleepy."

 

"I understand.  Well, you get some sleep.  I'll go and let you rest.  But I'll be back tomorrow."

 

"Promise?"  Dylan asks in a low, weak voice.

 

"I promise."  Jasmine leans down and kisses him, but Dylan has fallen sound asleep under the influence of the pain medication.  Jasmine kisses him again.  She places the gift she had brought him on the table beside the bed.  She looks down at Dylan for a moment, tears streaming down her face. 

Brad is having a meeting with his new campaign staff at his headquarters that afternoon when Pamela 

and Afton come in.  She watches and listens as Brad addresses his new staff.  "I wanna thank you all for coming out and volunteering for our campaign.  I'm not gonna lie to you.  We have a tough fight ahead of us.  Matt Culver has tenure in the Senate.  He has a long family history in politics in this state, and I'm sure that his supporters are gonna pull out all the stops to get him re-elected.  We also entered this race very late, which gives us very little time to really campaign and get our message out there to the voters, but with your help, the help of some very generous donors, we are gonna mount a grass roots movement to get our message out, and by God, we're gonna blow Culver out of the water!"

 

Brad's remarks draw a round of enthusiastic applause from his staff of volunteers, who are mainly young, in their late teens to mid-20s.  

 

"So, with that being said,"  Brad continues.  "I want you guys to get out there and get people to vote.  Let them know that change is needed.  Let them know that we need new blood, new ideas, and a new vision in the United States Senate next year.  We can do it.  Now let's all get to work!"

 

 

Another round of applause follows, as Brad smiles and shakes hands with several of his staff.  He spots Pamela and Afton and walks over to them.  

 

 

"Hello, ladies,"  he says.  "Well, what do you think?"

 

"I'm very impressed,"  Pamela replies.  

 

"So am I,"  says Afton.  "When Pamela told me you were running for the United States Senate, I wasn't sure what to think, but after seeing your campaign headquarters and the staff you've assembled, I have to say well done.  Your father would be very proud."

 

Brad smiles.  "Thanks, Afton.  I can't tell you how much that means to me."

 

"Well, is there anything we can do to help?"  Pamela asks.

 

"You sure you can spare the time?"  Brad asks.  "I know how busy Westar must keep you."

 

"I think I can spare a little.  I'm very proud of you, Brad, and like Mom said, I know Daddy would be, too."

 

"Thank you,"  Brad says, kissing his sister on the cheek.  

 

"What about your mother?"  Afton asks.  "How is Marilee reacting to all this?"

 

"I haven't talked to her in person, but I called and left a voicemail for her.  She's in the south of France right now, enjoying the summer."

 

"I'm sure she'll be as proud of you as I am,"  says Pamela.  "Well, listen, I hate to run, but I do have to get back to the office.  I have a meeting right after lunch.  Mom, I'll drop you back by the club."

 

"Alright, darling."

 

"Brad.......whatever you need me to do, just let me know,"  Pamela says.

 

"Oh, I will.  Thank you both for stopping by."

 

Pamela smiles at him, then she and Afton leave.  After the women have gone, Brad looks around the room at all his young volunteers, and at the large campaign poster with his photo hanging on the far wall.  He smiles, proud of himself, and hopeful that with the help of some very powerful friends, he can unseat Matt Culver and make it to the U.S. Senate.

Ewing Oil....

Bobby and Sue Ellen step off the elevator at Ewing Oil and angrily make their way to John Ross's office.  Sly smiles when the two approach her desk.  

 

"Bobby, hello,"  Sly says.  "How are you?"

 

"I'm fine, Sly.  Is John Ross in his office?"

 

"Yes, he is, but I believe he's on the phone.  I'll let him know you're here."

 

"Don't bother,"  Bobby says.  He walks over to John Ross's office and, without even knocking, he and Sue Ellen walk in.  Sly and Sally exchange looks, and Sally shrugs her shoulders.

 

John Ross is talking to someone on the phone when his mother and uncle barge into his office.

 

"John Ross, hang up, we need to talk,"  Bobby orders.

 

"Phil, I'm gonna have to call you back,"  John Ross says to the person he is on the phone with.  He hangs up his phone.  "Uncle Bobby, Mama, now I know you two know how to knock."

 

"Never mind the smart ass comments,"  Bobby says.  "You've got some serious explaining to do."

 

"Explainin' about what?"  John Ross asks.

 

"We just flew back from Denver after seeing Adam Carrington,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"So?"

 

"So, he told us all about that secret deal you have going with him,"  Bobby replies.  "That offshore deal in California?"

 

"Just when were you planning to tell US about it?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

John Ross sighs as he stands to his feet.  "I didn't tell y'all because I knew neither of you would approve,"  he says, walking to his bar.

 

"John Ross, I explicitly told you to steer clear of ColbyCo Oil,"  Bobby says.  "That Ewing Oil would NOT be doing business with Alexis Colby's company, and yet you went behind mine and your mother's backs and went into that deal with them anyway."

"That deal wasn't with Alexis Colby, it was with her son, Adam,"  John Ross says.

 

"It's the same thing," says an angry Bobby.  "Adam Carrington works for his mother, so when you do business with him you're doing business with Alexis."

"And after everything that woman has done,"  Sue Ellen says.  "The horrible things she wrote about your father in that awful book of hers which was, thank God, pulled from bookstores after James filed that lawsuit against her."

 

"And not only that, John Ross," Bobby says.  "Adam Carrington is involved up to his eyeballs with this Craig Ewing guy who's trying to take that Cherokee County land away from us."

 

"And what did Adam say about that when you went to see him?  Did he admit his involvement with Craig Ewing?"

 

"No, he denied it,"  Sue Ellen replies.

 

"Then maybe he's not involved with Ewing, after all.  The only evidence you have of that is the word of some woman in Bay City, Illinois that you don't know from a hole in the wall!"

 

"And why would Rachel Hutchins lie to us?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Who the hell knows?"

 

"I don't believe she IS lying,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Cass Winthrop has known this woman for decades, and Catlin knew her well when he lived in Bay City.  Both of them swear we can trust her."

 

"And maybe they're wrong."

 

"And maybe your.....PARTNER.......is involved with a man who wants to hurt this family and this company!"  Bobby says.  "Damn it, John Ross!  I honestly thought that you had changed.  That all those years of lying and scheming and dealing secretly behind the family's backs were over.  But you haven't changed at all.  You're still lying and dealing in secret with people who could bring us nothing but trouble.  Well, that deal with ColbyCo comes to an end.....NOW."

 

"What?  Are you kiddin' me?  That deal with ColbyCo has brought hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue into this company, Uncle Bobby."

 

"So that's how you managed to get ahead of Clay in this contest a while back, is that it?  That secret deal?  John Ross........by getting involved with ColbyCo and doing it secretly, you've violated the terms of the contest I set up between you and Clay."

 

"I went into that deal with Adam Carrington before you ever set up that contest!"

 

"Then you should have told us about it when the contest was set up and you agreed to do everything above board!"  Bobby says.  

 

"What are you gonna do?"  John Ross asks.

 

"You've left me no choice, John Ross.  By deceiving everyone, you've violated the terms of the contest, and therefore, I'm calling an end to the contest..........and naming Clay president of Ewing Oil."

 

"YOU CAN'T DO THAT!!!!"  John Ross angrily yells.

 

"John Ross, you leave me no choice.  I made the terms very clear, and by violating them, you've forfeited the contest."

 

John Ross looks at his mother.  "Are you just gonna let him do this?"

 

"John Ross, I'm sorry,"  Sue Ellen says.  "But you should've been up front from the beginning about dealing with ColbyCo."

 

"I made this company a hell of a lot richer by goin' into that deal."

 

"What you did was make a deal with the devil, and you destroyed the trust we all had in you by going against my express wishes when I told you no deals with ColbyCo."

 

"Trust?"  John Ross asks.  "That's mighty funny comin' from you, Uncle Bobby.  When the hell have you EVER trusted me?  If you trusted me to run Ewing Oil you never would've set up that stupid contest between me and Clay Beaumont, an outsider."

 

"An outsider?  Clay is James's son.  He's just a part of this family as any one of us."

 

"Like hell he is!"  John Ross says.  "He's the bastard son of my bastard half-brother, and his last name itn't even Ewing.  I was raised to one day run Ewing Oil.  My father groomed me for this, and now you're gonna turn around and hand this company over to someone named Beaumont?"

 

"I'm sorry, John Ross.  But you wanna talk about me not trusting you?  When have you ever given me a reason to trust you?  And just when I thought that I MIGHT be able to trust you with the reigns of Ewing Oil, you go and pull a stunt like this secret deal with Adam Carrington.  Are there any more secret deals you've gotten this company involved in that we should know about?  I'm gonna take a look at the books.  And I mean EVERYTHING.  And I'm calling a meeting for tomorrow morning to end this contest and name Clay as president of Ewing Oil."  Bobby looks at his nephew for a second, and at Sue Ellen, then he turns and walks out of the office.

 

Sue Ellen looks at her son.  "John Ross, I'm sorry......."

 

"You stood there and just let him talk to me like that?  And then you let him take away from me the one thing I love besides my wife and my kids?"

 

"John Ross, I....."

 

"Get out,"  John Ross angrily says.  "Just get the hell out of my office."

 

John Ross's words break Sue Ellen's heart.  Fighting back tears, she leaves the office.  

 

After his mother is gone, John Ross pours himself a glass of bourbon.  He takes a sip, then finishes the drink off in one gulp.  He pours another glass, and as he starts to take a sip, he looks down at the glass in his hand.  The anger and rage begins to build up inside of him until it becomes uncontrollable.  John Ross angrily hurls the glass of bourbon at a painting on the wall, shattering both the glass and the frame on the painting.  He then looks down at the bottle of bourbon, with J.R.'s name on the side of the bottle.  Still full of anger, John Ross picks up the bottle and throws it at his desk.  The bottle hits John Ross's computer dead center, completely destroying the machine.  

 

Sly, Alex, Sally, and Cole, having heard the commotion from the outer office, rush into John Ross's office to see what the crash was.  "John Ross, what happened?"  Sly asks.

 

"Dad, are you okay?"  Alex asks.  

 

"Just fine,"  John Ross replies.  

 

"I'll have someone come and clean up this mess,"  Sly says.

 

"Don't bother,"  says John Ross.  "Let Clay clean it up."  Without saying another word to the others, John Ross walks past Alex, Sly, Cole, and Sally, and leaves the office as the four exchange puzzled looks, each of them wondering what had happened between John Ross, Bobby, and Sue Ellen to cause John Ross to go on this mini-rampage.

Southfork....later....

Lucas is laying in bed that evening as dusk begins to fall over Southfork.  He holds a folded newspaper in his hand........the newspaper which features Heather's obituary.  Lucas is reading the obituary over and over, tears falling down his face as he reads the obit and looks at her photo above the article:

out of Lucas's room.  Michael pauses in the hallway outside his father's room and looks out the window at the ranch, his mind beginning to flood with memories of his mother.  Michael's eyes fill with tears as he thinks about how his life has been shattered in only a short time.  

 

Alex comes up the stairs.  He stops at the top of the stairs when he sees Michael looking out the window of the double French doors leading onto the upstairs front balcony.  Alex watches his cousin for a few seconds, then approaches him.  "Michael?"  He says.  "You okay, man?"

 

Michael shakes his head, his back still to Alex.

 

"Listen, Michael, I'm sorry I haven't been here for you I should've been the last couple weeks.  I want you to know that, I'm here now, if you need me for anything. Even if it's just to talk."

 

"Thanks,"  Michael says.

 

"Is there anything you need?"  Alex asks.

 

Michael turns to face his cousin.  "Yeah, there is.  I need my Mom back.  I need my Dad to stop drinking.  I need my life back the way it was.  Everything was going so good.  We were a happy family.  Why'd everything have to fall apart, Alex?"

Downstairs, John Ross arrives home and walks into the living room.  He pauses in the doorway and looks around the empty room.  After a moment, he walks over to the bar and pours himself a glass of bourbon.  He finishes the drink off in two sips, then pours another.  Taking the glass with him, he walks out of the living room, into the foyer, and looks around again. For a second, he wonders where everyone is, as the house is unusually quiet.  John Ross hesitates a few seconds, then heads upstairs. 

A moment later, John Ross walks into his and Krystina's bedroom.  He finishes off the glass of bourbon in his hand, then places the glass on the table next to the bed.  Krystina comes into the bedroom from the adjoining bathroom.  

 

"You're home,"  she says.

 

"Yeah.  I'm home,"  John Ross says, an angry tone in his voice.  

 

"Well, I don't have to ask how your day was."

 

"I don't guess you do,"  John Ross says.  "I'm sure you already know everything that happened today since you went with my Mama and Uncle Bobby to see your brother."

 

 

"Oh, yes, I know,"  says Krystina.  "John Ross, how could you?  How could you POSSIBLY get involved in any business deal with Adam?"

 

"I was tryin' to put Ewing Oil back on top,"  John Ross angrily replies.  "That was a damn good deal, and it's brought in tens of millions of dollars to the company."

 

"But with ADAM?  John Ross, I warned you about Adam.  I warned you that my brother could not be 

trusted.  Adam is so much like Alexis it's not even funny.  He proved to my father over and over that he couldn't trust him."

 

"I went into this deal with my eyes open, Krystina," John Ross says.  "And everything was goin' just fine until Uncle Bobby, my mother, and Catlin went to see that woman in Bay City who told them that Adam was involved with Craig Ewing.  If you had just gone to see your brother by yourself, then Adam never would've told them about that deal."

 

"How the HELL was I supposed to know that Adam was gonna blow your secret deal out of the water, especially since I didn't even know about the damned deal myself?  You and I swore.....no more secrets.  And you betrayed that by going into this deal with my brother without telling me."

 

"I didn't tell you because I knew you'd try to talk me out of it."

 

"You're damned right, I would,"  Krystina says.  "Just look what it's cost you.  John Ross, you would do anything to beat Clay in that contest......"

 

"This deal with your brother had nothin' to do with that damned contest.  I went into the deal with Adam before Uncle Bobby set up the contest.  But it has helped me get ahead of Clay.  Or at least it had until that son of a bitch of a brother of yours told Uncle Bobby about it.  And now Uncle Bobby is gonna call off the contest, and declare Clay the winner!  Clay Beaumont, Krystina!  Clay Beaumont is gonna be the president of the company that should be MINE!"

 

"I'm sorry, John Ross, but you should've told Bobby about the deal from the beginning."

 

"Y'know, I thought I could at least count on support from my own wife, but I guess that's just too damned much to ask, itn't it?"

 

"John Ross, I have supported you, right from the start.  But you lied to me."

 

"I did not lie to you, Krystina."

 

"By not telling me about this secret deal with Adam, you were lying by omission."

 

"This deal was business,"  says John Ross.  "It had nothin' to do with you."

 

"We're supposed to be equal partners, John Ross."

 

"And if I HAD told you?  What would you have done?"

 

"I would've tried to talk some sense into you and told you that Adam is the last person in the world you should do business with."

 

"And that's exactly why I didn't tell you.  Damn it, Krystina, I wish that somebody in this family would trust me to know what I'm doin'.  I know I can never expect Uncle Bobby or my Mama or anyone else to trust me.........but I thought you of all people would."  John Ross goes to the door and starts to leave.

 

"John Ross, where are you going?"  Krystina asks.

 

He pauses and looks at her.  "What difference does it make?"  He asks, then walks out of the room.  

 

After John Ross leaves, Krystina breaks down in tears.  "Damn you, Adam,"  she says.  "You'll pay for this.  I promise."  Krystina goes to the bedroom window and looks out.  She sees John Ross get into his car and drive away.  She hesitates for a few seconds, then she wipes her tears.  Composing herself, Krystina grabs her purse and her car keys and rushes out.

Craig Ewing's apartment....later....

Craig Ewing is standing on the balcony of his apartment in Dallas that evening looking out over the beautiful city that he plans to make his home.  He smiles as he thinks of the big plans he has for the future, but he realizes that first, he has to deal with getting Jeremy Wendell out of the way, because Craig knows that as long as Jeremy holds all the power in their little partnership, he will be a threat to Craig and his family.  

 

Craig's 17-year-old son, Cameron comes into the living room and looks around.  Seeing his father, Cameron walks out onto the balcony.  "Dad,"  he says.

 

"Well, all settled into your room?"  Craig asks.

 

"Sure am."

 

Craig smiles at the boy.  "Good.  How you like it?"

 

"I love it,"  Cameron replies.  "So, I guess since you got this apartment, you're planning on staying here in Dallas for a while?"

 

"I sure am.  I plan to make Dallas my permanent home.  And I hope you'll consider staying here with me.  I'd love nothing better than to have my son here with me at my side as I take on this city.  And in time, I hope your sister will come here, too"

 

"And what about Mom?"  

 

"What about her?"  Craig asks.

 

"Do you want her to stay in Dallas, too?"  

 

"That's your mother's decision."

 

"Dad, why are you really here?"  Cameron asks.

 

Craig looks at his son curiously.  "What do you mean?"

 

"Of all the cities in the United States, why Dallas?  Does it have anything to do with those men who came here to see you the other day?"

 

Craig is about to reply to his son's question when the doorbell rings.  "Now who can that be?  We'll finish this conversation later."  Craig goes back into the living room from the balcony and makes his way to the door.  He opens it, and is surprised to find Krystina standing in the hallway.  He smiles.  "Well, well,"  he says.  "Krystina."

 

"I need to talk to you.  Can I come in?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Of course.  Come in."

 

Krystina walks into the apartment and Craig closes the door behind her just as Cameron comes in from the balcony  Krystina looks at the boy.

 

"Krystina, this is my son, Cameron Ewing,"  Craig says.  

 

"Hello,"  Cameron says.

 

Krystina nods at the boy.  

 

"Cameron, why don't you go and watch some TV in your room?"  Craig asks.  

 

Cameron looks at his father, then at the very attractive woman standing before him.  "Sure,"  the boy says, and leaves the room.  

 

"Handsome boy,"  Krystina says.

 

"Thank you.  He's the spitting image of me at that age.  Now, then, what can I do for you?  Would you like a drink?"

 

"No,"  Krystina replies.  "I came here to ask you something."

 

"Ask away."

 

"What exactly is your relationship with my brother?"

 

"Your brother?  And who is your brother?"

 

"You know damned well who my brother is......Adam Carrington,"  Krystina says.  

 

"What makes you think I have a relationship with your brother?"

 

"My mother-in-law, and her husband, and Bobby Ewing went to see Rachel Cory Hutchins in Bay City. You DO know her, don't you?  I believe she's your wife's grandmother."

 

"So?"  Craig asks, unaware that his son Cameron is standing in the hallway off the living room listening.  

 

"Rachel Hutchins told them that you are involved in some sort of shady business with my brother, and I have a bad feeling that your relationship with Adam is going to cause nothing but trouble for my husband and his family."

 

Craig smiles.  "Krystina, the Ewings are my family.  Why would I wanna cause them any trouble?"

 

"Family?  If you thought of them as family, then why did you use a fake name when you came to Dallas?  Stop lying to me.  I know that you and my brother are involved with each other up to your eyeballs, and I'm warning you.........if whatever business you and Adam are involved with hurts John Ross or any of the Ewings..........you're gonna have ME to deal with,"

 

"A strong and powerful woman,"  Craig says.  "I like that.  I find it very sexy.  My cousin John Ross is a lucky man."

 

"Consider that your one and only warning,"  Krystina says.  She starts to leave.

 

"You must have an awfully low opinion of your brother, to accuse him of all sorts of shady business dealings with me."

 

"My brother is a liar, a cheater, he's ruthless, backstabbing, and has absolutely no morals or scruples.  It's really no wonder the two of you are in business together.  Birds of a feather, as they say.  Just think about what I said.  If you harm any member of my family........I promise you'll regret ever setting foot in Dallas.  I learned a few dirty tricks and a thing or two about revenge from my father."

 

"Ah, yes, the late, great Blake Carrington.  I've heard a lot about him.  The man was a legend in the business world.  The Donald Trump of his day."

 

"Well, if you've heard things about my father, then you've probably heard that he showed little to no mercy to his enemies.  And neither do I,"  Krystina says, and then she leaves the apartment.

 

Standing in the darkened hallway, having overheard the entire conversation between his father and Krystina, Cameron looks confused.  Just what kind of dirty business could his father be involved in here in Dallas?  He wonders to himself.  

Twisted Root Burger, Dallas....

 John Ross is sitting at one of his favorite bar and grills, Twisted Root Burger Co. in Dallas that night, sipping on a beer, thinking about the horrible day he'd had, and what he now stands to lose thanks to 

Adam Carrington telling Bobby about their secret offshore deal.  

 

While John Ross is drinking at the bar, Samantha Chambers is sitting in a booth nearby.  Spotting John Ross, she gets up and walks over to him.  "Well, well, well, as I live and breathe.......John Ross Ewing,"  she says.  

 

John Ross puts down his beer and turns to look at her.  He sighs.  "Samantha Chambers.  Just what I needed tonight," he says, a tone of annoyance in his voice.  

 

"Oh my,"  Samantha says.  "Aren't WE in a bad mood?  And drinking alone in a bar at 9:30 at night.  Trouble in paradise with your little wife?  What happened, John Ross?  She finally catch you cheating?"

 "Samantha, desperation........is not a good look on you,"  John Ross says.  He turns and walks away from her and leaves the bar.  

Ewing Oil....the next morning....

 Bobby, Sue Ellen, Alex, and Clay enter the boardroom at Ewing Oil the next morning.  Each of them takes their seats at the large table.  Bobby looks at his watch.  "Hopefully, John Ross will be here shortly."

 

"Uncle Bobby, what's this emergency board meeting all about?"  Clay asks.

 

"Yeah, I'd like to know, too,"  says Alex.

 

"You'll both find out as soon as John Ross gets here," Bobby says.

 

Almost as if on cue, John Ross walks into the boardroom.  "Well,"  he says.  "You all look as if you're attendin' a funeral."

 

"John Ross, have a seat,"  Bobby says.

 

John Ross looks at his uncle, then at Clay, and reluctantly takes his seat at the table.  

 

"I wanna thank you all for coming,"  Bobby begins.  "John Ross and Sue Ellen already know why I called this emergency meeting. I'm calling an end to the contest I set up between Clay and John Ross to determine which one should become the permanent president of Ewing Oil."

 

"Calling the contest off?"  Clay asks.  "Why?"

 

"Because we have a winner."

 

"Uncle Bobby, I don't understand.  The contest still has a couple more weeks to go."

 

"I know, but, recent events have made it necessary for me to call off the rest of the contest and declare 

 

 

a winner,"  Bobby says.  

 

Clay looks at John Ross. "What circumstances are those?"  Clay asks.  

 

"Yeah, I'm curious, too,"  says Alex.

 

"When I set up this contest between the two of you, one of the provisions was that everything.......ALL business was to be done out in the open and above board.  No secret dealings and no underhanded tricks by either of you to try and get ahead of the other.  Just as my Daddy's will had divided the old Ewing Oil equally between J.R. and me when the will set up THAT contest to determine which of Daddy's sons would head the company, I had our lawyers do the same.  The total assets, including all cash reserves and all of Ewing Oil's active wells were divided equally between you, John Ross, and you Clay.  But not all of the company's assets appeared on the books.  There was one large well......an offshore well.. .....that wasn't listed."

 

"Offshore?  You mean one of the wells in the Gulf?"  Clay asks.

 

"No,"  Bobby replies.  "This was a well off the coast of California that was part of a secret deal John Ross had gotten involved in before I set up the contest."

 

"So that's it,"  Clay says, looking across the table at John Ross.  

 

"That's what?"  Bobby asks.

 

"A while back, when John Ross was able to pull so far ahead of me in the contest, I wondered where he was generating all that revenue.  I guess now we know.  It was coming from this secret deal of his."

 

"Why didn't you include this offshore tract when the company's assets were being divided at the start of the contest?"  Alex asks his father.  

 

 

"Of course.  I wouldn't have it any other way."

 

"And what about me and my father?"  Alex asks.

 

"Alex, you have nothing to worry about,"  Clay says.  "As far as I'm concerned, you'll always have a place here.  This is a family company, after all.  And John Ross.......I'm sure we can find a place for you, as well."

 

 

 

"You gotta be kiddin' me,"  John Ross angrily says.  "You think I would stay here and work for the likes of you?"

 

"John Ross, please calm down,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"No, I will NOT calm down, Mama.  I'm bein' kicked out of a company that should be MINE.  This is EWING Oil, not Beaumont Oil."

 

"John Ross, that's enough,"  Bobby says.

 

 

"This itn't over,"  John Ross says, getting up from his seat.  "Not by a long shot."  John Ross looks angrily at Clay, then at Bobby and Sue Ellen before he turns and walks out of the boardroom.  

 

Bobby sighs. 

 

"John Ross was so hurt,"  Sue Ellen says, struggling to hold back her tears.  

 

"He'll calm down and eventually he'll get over this."

 

"I'm not so sure."

 

"Neither am I,"  says Clay.  "You took away the one thing my father loves more than anything other than his family.  Uncle Bobby, how could you do that?"

 

"Alex, I had no choice.  John Ross went into this contest with an unfair advantage.  He cheated.  And not only that he went behind my back and did business with people I wouldn't trust to walk my pet skunk, much less with a business deal worth more than a hundred million dollars.  Adam Carrington is in business with this Craig Ewing character, the man who wants to take that Cherokee County land from us.  This isn't the first time John Ross has gotten us into business with people who could do not only this company, but also our family a great deal of harm."

 

Meanwhile, as John Ross storms out of the boardroom and heads back to his office, he walks past Sly's desk, an angry look on hjs face.  "John Ross, what's wrong?"  Sly asks.

 

John Ross ignores Sly's question, goes into his office and slams the door.  Sly and Sally exchange looks between them.  In his office, John Ross goes straight to his bar and pours himself a drink.  A moment later there is a knock at his door, and Sly walks in.

 

"John Ross, what's going on?"  She asks.  "Are you alright?"

 

"No, Sly, I'm not.  Looks like you and I are gonna have to start lookin' for other jobs."

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"Uncle Bobby called an end to the contest.  Ewing Oil now has a new president, and it aint me."

 

"You mean........Clay?"

 

"That's right."

 

"But John Ross......how?  I thought you were slightly ahead of Clay in the contest."

 

"Uncle Bobby found out about our deal with Adam Carrington."

 

"How?"  Sly asks.  "John Ross, you and I were the only ones here at Ewing Oil who knew about that, and I kept all the records of that deal well hidden.  How could Bobby have found out?"

 

"Adam Carrington,"  John Ross replies.  "That son of a bitch told Uncle Bobby and Mama and Krystina when they went to see him yesterday.  Carrington cost me control of Ewing Oil, which makes me wonder if that wasn't his plan all along.......to pull the rug out from under me, especially if he's involved with this Craig Ewing guy."

 

"Craig Ewing?  John Ross, who's Craig Ewing?"  Sly asks.

 

"It's a long story, and I don't have time to explain right now,"  John Ross says as someone else knocks on his door.  

 

Alex walks into the office.  "Hey, sorry if I interrupted anything."

 

"No, you didn't,"  Sly says.  "Your father was just telling me what happened."

 

"Yeah.  Dad, I'm sorry."

 

"It's not your fault,"  John Ross says.  "Adam Carrington did this to me.  He betrayed me, and that is NOT somethin' I'm gonna forget.  And if Carrington is in cahoots with Craig Ewing........then I'm gonna take 'em both down.  First, I'm gonna find out who this other mysterious person is Ewing and Carrington are involved with, and take all three down if it's the last thing I do."

 

Sly and Alex exchange looks, both of them worried about John Ross and what he might do now that he's been stripped of his position at Ewing Oil.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

 A heavy rain is falling outside Texas Health Presbyterian later that morning and the sound of thunder is heard in the distance as Ashley is visiting Conner in his room.  She is sitting on his bed and the two are kissing.  After a moment, the two end the kiss and look at each other.  Conner smiles.  "Damn, how'd I get so lucky?"

 

"I'm the lucky one,"  Ashley says.  "I'm lucky enough to be the girlfriend of a real hero."

 

"I'm hardly a hero."

 

"Are you kidding?  You donated a kidney to Dylan and saved his life.  If that's not heroic, I don't know what is."

 

"I just hope this nightmare is almost over,"  Conner says.  "Dr. Cooper says that I should be able to leave the hospital in a day or so, and Dylan is improving every day from what I hear."

 

"I hope Dylan realizes just how much he owes you."

 

"Well, the main thing is, he's alive and won't have to be hooked up to a dialysis machine every day for the rest of his life.  I just feel so bad for Lucas, and poor Michael."

 

"Yeah, so do I.  Heather was so nice.  It's so unfair."

 

"Have you seen them at all since her funeral?"  Conner asks.

 

"No.  I think I'm gonna go out to Southfork in the next couple days and see how everybody's doing.  I just wanted to give them some time."  Ashley's cell phone vibrates in her pocket.  She takes it out and looks at it,  She smiles.

 

 

"Good news?"  Conner asks.

 

"Yeah, the best.  Clay has just been named permanent president of Ewing Oil,"  Ashley says happily.  

 

"Well, that's great.  I know that must make him real happy."

"Yeah, he's wanted this SO badly.  And the best thing about it is, he beat out John Ross for the job."

 

Just then, a nurse comes into Conner's room.  "Are you finished with your breakfast tray?"  She asks.

 

"Breakfast?  You call that broth stuff BREAKFAST?" Conner asks.

 

The nurse smiles.  "Well, don't worry.  Dr. Cooper says that we can try you on a soft diet at lunch."

 

"Oh, great.  Real food for a change."

 

"I'll get this tray out of your way,"  the nurse says.  "And I have a message for you."

 

"A message?   For me?"  Conner asks.

 

"Yes.  Your brother Dylan wants to see you."

 

A look of curiosity comes over Conner's face.  "Thank you," he says.

 

"You're welcome.  I'll see you in a little while."  The nurse picks up Conner's breakfast tray and leaves the room with it.  

 

Conner sighs deeply.  "So, Dylan wants to see me."

 

"I think that's a good sign,"  says Ashley.  "Maybe he wants to make up.  Repair your relationship and put everything behind you.  After all you did save his life."

 

"Maybe,"  Conner says, lowering his head.

 

"Well, I need to get going.  I have a class in a little while, and I wanna grab a bite to eat first."

 

Conner nods.  "I love you,"  he says.

 

Ashley walks over and kisses him.  "I love you, too.  Let me know how it goes with Dylan."

 

"I will,"  Conner says.  Ashley smiles at him and then leaves.  A look of sadness comes over Conner's face as he contemplates going down the hall to visit Dylan and find out why his brother wanted to see him.

A few minutes later....

 

Dylan is asleep when a knock comes at his hospital door.  Conner opens the door and peaks into the room.  Seeing that his brother is asleep, Conner starts to leave, but Dylan opens his eyes and sees him.  "Conner?"  He says.  

 

Conner turns back to him.  "I thought you were asleep, so I wasn't gonna bother you."

 

"The nurse gave you my message?"  

 

"Yeah, she said you wanted to see me."

 "I don't hate you,"  Dylan says.  "I did at first, but not anymore.  You saved my life, and for that I'll always be grateful."  Dylan pauses as a tear falls from his eye.  "And I miss you.  I miss what we had.  I miss having a brother."

 

"I miss you too, Dylan.  God, I have missed you so much,"  Conner says, walking over to his brother's bedside.

 

"I'm just not sure if I'm ever gonna be able to get past this."

 

Conner nods.  "I understand.  Well, I won't tire you out, so I'm gonna go back to my room.  Dylan, I want you to know one thing.  I love you, and, if I could change what happened.......I would.  And I hope that one day you will be able to somehow forgive me, and forgive Ashley."  Conner looks at his brother for a second, then he quietly leaves the room.  

After Conner leaves, Dylan turns his head and looks at rain falling outside against the window.  A tear falls from Dylan's eye and onto his pillow as he watches the rain on the window.  

 

 

 

 

Southfork....afternoon....

The heavy rain that had been falling earlier had slowed to a barely noticeable drizzle by mid-afternoon.  Rumbles of thunder can still be heard in the distance as a red 2021 Toyota Camry pulls into the front gate and heads up the long tree-lined driveway toward the house.  The car comes to 

 a stop in front of the house.  In the car are Michael, another teenage boy, and a blonde woman in her late 30s.  Michael gets out of the back of the car.  "Thanks Mrs. Feldman,"  Michael says.  

 

"You're welcome, Michael, anytime,"  the woman says.  

 

"See you tomorrow, Michael,"  the other boy says.

 

"See ya, Josh,"  Michael says, grabbing his book bag from the backseat.  Michael closes the door and walks up to the house as his friend's mother drives away.  

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Ann is sitting in the den knitting when Michael walks in the front door and into the foyer.  "Michael,"  Ann says.

 

The boy stops in the foyer.  "Hi."

 

"You're home from school early."

 

 

"Yeah, we had a half day today,"  Michael says.  "I thought my Dad was gonna pick me up, but I guess he forgot.  My friend Josh Feldman's mom gave me a ride."

 

"Oh, sweety, I'm sorry.  You should have called.  I'd have come and picked you up."

 

"It's cool." 

 

"Is it still raining outside?"  Ann asks.

 

"Nah, just kinda drizzling now.  Hey, what are you doing?"

 

Ann smiles.  "Knitting."

 

"Why?"

 

"It's a hobby.  Helps take my mind off things."

 

"Oh," Michael says.  "Well, I'm gonna go on up to my room."

 

"Alright.  Oh, hey, I made some chocolate chip cookies.  They're in the kitchen cooling.  Have some when you get the chance."

 

"Thanks, I will."  Michael  starts to go up the stairs when he meets Krystina coming down.  

 

"Michael, hi,"  she says.

 

"Hi,"  Michael says, a short and rude tone in his voice.  He walks past Krystina and heads up the stairs.

 

"What are you doing home from school so early?"  Krystina asks, but the teenager ignores her and continues on up the stairs.  A look of sadness falls over Krystina's face.  After a brief pause, she goes into the den where Ann is sitting. 

 

"How's your mother feeling?"  Ann asks.

 

"She's lying down for a while."

 

Ann looks at Krystina and notices that she seems bothered by something.  "Krystina, are you alright?"

 

 

"Michael, he, uh...........I think he blames me for Heather's death,"  Krystina replies.  

 

"Oh, no, honey, why would he?"  Ann asks.

 

"Because Heather was in MY car when she was killed.  And I can't help but feel that, maybe he's right.  Maybe I am somehow to blame."

 

"Now, Krystina, that's ridiculous."

 

"Ann, whoever planted that explosive device under my car was out to get ME, not Heather.  If I hadn't offered to let her borrow my car that day, maybe she'd still be alive."

Meanwhile....

 

 

 

Michael comes up the stairs, and instead of going up to his bedroom on the third floor, he goes down the hall to Lucas's bedroom door. 

Michael pauses outside of Lucas's bedroom door, wondering if he should go in or not.  He knows that if Lucas has been drinking and if he's in the kind of mood he's been in lately, he would be angry at Michael's intrusion.  But right now, Michael doesn't care.  His father had failed to pick him up at school when he knew he was supposed to, and for that, Michael is angry with his father.  Michael braces himself to deal with whatever unpleasant scene would play out between he and his father, then he reaches his hand out and places it on the doorknob.  He hesitates for a few seconds, then slowly turns the doorknob and opens the door.  He walks into the bedroom, and is immediately greeted by the sight of Lucas sound 

asleep on the sofa in the bedroom.  Looking down, Michael sees an empty vodka bottle on the floor beside the sofa, directly under Lucas's outstretched hand.  Michael then realizes his father isn't merely asleep.......he's passed out drunk!  The disheartened 15-year-old stands there looking at his father, an expression of sadness on his face.

 

 

 

 

 

Downstairs....

Ann and Krystina are in the den, Ann continuing with her knitting while Krystina is watching television when Alex walks in.  "Hi,"  he says.

 

"Alex,"  Krystina says.  "Is something wrong?"

 

"I was hoping my Dad would be home."

 

"No, why would he be?"

 

Alex sighs.  "Some things went down at Ewing Oil today.  And Dad left the office pretty angry."

 

"Bobby removed him as president of Ewing Oil, didn't he?"

 

"Yeah, he did.  And it was like salt in the wound when he made Clay Ewing Oil's permanent president."

 

"I'm real sorry to hear that,"  Ann says.  

 

"So am I, but I'm not surprised,"  says Krystina.

 

"You knew this was gonna happen?"  Alex asks.

 

"Bobby was really angry when he found out that John Ross had gone behind his back and gotten Ewing Oil into a deal with my brother, Adam.  Bobby said he was gonna call off the contest and declare Clay the winner.  But I'd hoped he'd had a chance to cool down and maybe change his mind,or at least give John Ross a little more time."

 

"What Uncle Bobby did was totally wrong and unfair,"  Alex says.

 

"Alex, Bobby only did was he thought was right for the company,"  Ann says.  

 

"It's so unfair.  My Dad's right.  No one in this family ever gives him a chance.  Uncle Bobby, you, even my grandmother.....you guys are always comin' down on him for somethin'."

 

"Alex, everyone in this family has given John Ross chance after chance, and he always finds a way to mess it up.  You never knew your grandfather.  But the kind of things that John Ross does, like goin' behind Bobby's and Sue Ellen's backs to get involved in this deal is exactly the kind of crap J.R. use to pull all the time, and it usually came back to bite Bobby and the whole family."

 

"Alex what time did John Ross leave the office?"  Krystina asks.

 

"I think it was around 10:30, maybe."

 

"I'm gonna try and call him."

 

"I tried his cell phone several times, and he's not answering,"  Alex says.  

 

"Maybe he'll answer if he sees it's me,"  Krystina says.  She takes out her cell phone and dials John Ross's number.  The phone rings several times, but John Ross doesn't answer.  His voicemail finally picks up.  Krystina ends the call and dials his number again.  

Meanwhile.....

John Ross is sitting in a restaurant in downtown Dallas sipping on a drink when Bum walks in.  Spotting John Ross, Bum walks over and takes a seat across from him.  "John Ross,"  he says.

 

"Good to see you're recoverin' nicely from that beating you took in Chicago."

 

"Still a little sore, but other than that, I'm no worse for the wear."

 

"You find any information I can use?"  John Ross asks.  

 

"Well, you sure didn't give me a whole lotta time,"  Bum says.

 

"I know and I'm sorry, but I need somethin' I can use on Adam Carrington ASAP."

 

"Alright, well, much of the info on him was easy to find.  A lot of it's a matter of public record, since the Carringtons are such a public family.  Anyway, here's what I found." Bum opens the file folder he had brought with him.  "Adam Alexander Carrington was born in Denver, Colorado, in 1956 to Blake Carrington and Alexis Morrell Carrington.  Adam was their firstborn child.  On September 29, 1957, when he was just a year old, Adam was kidnapped by a middle aged woman named Kate Torrance.  Apparently, this woman's son and his family were killed in a car crash shortly before, and poor Kate snapped and she took Adam as a replacement for her infant grandson who'd died in the accident.  She took the child back to Billings, Montana, and raised him there."

 

"Wait a minute,"  John Ross says.  "Are you tellin' me that Adam was raised by this Kate Torrance in Billings, Montana, and not in Denver by his parents?"

 

"That's right."

 

"Damn.  Krystina never told me that."

 

"It's possible she doesn't even know,"  Bum says.  "Adam grew up in Billings under the name Michael Torrance, and from all accounts he had a difficult childhood.  Didn't have many friends, and this woman pretending to be his grandmother kept him kinda sheltered, probably because she feared the truth of his real identity would come out."

 

"Well when did Adam reunite with the Carringtons?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I'm gettin' to that.  Years went by.  Adam, or Michael, as he was then known, developed a problem with alcohol and drug abuse by the time he was in high school."

 

"Well, now, itn't THAT interesting?"  John Ross asks.

 

"His drug problem became so severe that he ended up having a nervous breakdown when he was still in his teens.  Despite this, he still managed to graduate from high school in Billings in 1974.  He kicked his addiction and entered college.  He worked hard, and then went on to Yale Law School.  After a couple of attempts he passed the bar exam in 1981.  And now we get to the point where Adam was reunited with his real family.  In 1982, a year after he passed the bar, Kate Torrance died, and on her deathbed, she confessed everything about the kidnapping and her grandson Michael's true identity.  After finding out who he really was, Adam went to Denver and attempted to connect with his parents, Blake and Alexis.  At first, it didn't go very well, because Blake refused to accept Adam as his son, but Alexis did.  You said Krystina never told you about any of this.  Adam returned to the family in 1982, and Kystina wasn't born until when......1984?  So it's quite possible her parents never told her anything about Adam's kidnapping or his years missing from the family."

 

"Yeah, I guess that's possible,"  says John Ross.  "1982?  So Adam was, what?  25, 26 when he found out he was a Carrington?"

 

"Yep."

 

"Anything else?"

 

"Unfortunately that's all I was able to find out in just the three hours you gave me.   Want me to keep looking?"

 

"Damn right, I do,"  replies John Ross.  "In the meantime, maybe I can use this information you gave me so far."

 

"John Ross, mind if I ask why you wanted all this information on your wife's brother?"  Bum asks.

 

"You're gonna find out soon enough.  Uncle Bobby, my Mama, and Catlin went to Bay City to see Rachel Cory Hutchins about Craig Ewing.  Rachel told them that Craig Ewing and Adam Carrington are partners in some shady business."

 

"Seriously?"

 

"Yeah, seriously.  When they found that out, they flew to Denver to confront Adam about it.  Krystina went with 'em.  That low down skunk told Uncle Bobby and Mama about that offshore deal in California."

 

"He did WHAT?  But why would Adam tell Bobby about that, knowing the survival of that deal depended on it being kept a secret from Bobby and Sue Ellen?"

 

"I dunno.  Maybe he did it to deflect away from his partnership with our new found cousin Craig.  Or it could be that Carrington and Ewing have been workin' together this whole time to set me up somehow."

 

"You mean by using that offshore deal?"  Bum asks.

 

"Yeah.  And if that's the case, I'll make both of them regret the day they were born.  Bum, I really wanna thank you for this.  I know you're still recovering from what happened in Chicago, and I promise you, I'm gonna make Ewing pay for trying to have you killed."

 

"I don't think he wanted me killed, John Ross.  If he'd wanted me dead, those three men who jumped me could've easily killed me.  I think my attack was meant to send a message."

 

John Ross nods.  "Well, I got a message of my own for Mr. Craig Ewing.  Bum, I'll be seein' ya.  Order whatever you want and charge it to me."

 

"Where are you goin'?"

 

"I got business to attend to and people to see,"  John Ross replies.  He gets up and leaves.  A moment later, John Ross walks out of the diner and into the light drizzle that continues to fall outside. He takes his cell phone from his pocket and sees that he has several missed calls from Alex and Krystina.  He dials Adam Carrington's number.  

ColbyCo Oil, Denver....

 

Adam Carrington is sitting at his desk at ColbyCo Oil reading something on his computer screen when his cell phone begins to vibrate on the desk in front of him.  He looks at it and sees it's John Ross calling.  A sly smile comes over Adam's face, as he knows John Ross is calling about him telling Bobby of their offshore deal.  At first, Adam ignores the call.  A moment later, the phone begins vibrating again as John Ross is calling a second time.  Finally, Adam picks the phone up.  "John Ross, what can I do for you?"  He asks.

Dallas....

"You know damn well why I'm callin', Adam," says an angry John Ross.  "I wanna know right now why you told my Uncle and my mother about our offshore deal.  I told you Uncle Bobby didn't want me doin' any business with your or that mother of yours, and if he ever found out about it, the deal was dead."

Denver....

"John Ross, I'm so sorry, but I had no choice,"  Adam says.  "Bobby forced me to tell him."

Dallas....

"Forced you?  That's bull and you know it!  Unless of course you were scared to death he was gonna find out how you're connected to Craig Ewing."

 

"John Ross, just as I told Bobby, Krystina, and the others, I have no idea who this Craig Ewing person is,"  Adam says.  "I had never heard the name before that uncle of yours accused me of colluding with him."

 

"You're a damned liar, MICHAEL."

Denver....

A look of shock comes over Adam's face.  "What did you just call me?"

Dallas....

"I know all about your past in Billings as Michael Torrance. I also believe Rachel Hutchins when she claimed that you're in partnership with the man who's tryin' to take a very oil rich piece of land away from may family.  Well, let me tell you a little somethin' about the man you're doin' business with.  My cousin Lucas's wife Heather was killed in a car crash recently.  A car crash that was NOT an accident.  Heather was killed while she was drivin' Krystina's car, Adam.  The car had an explosive device planted underneath the front axle, and that's what caused my cousin's wife's death.  But that damned accident was meant for my wife."

 

"Oh my God, John Ross, I'm so sorry,"  Adam nervously says.  

 

"Not as sorry as you're gonna be,"  John Ross says.  "I have reason to believe Craig Ewing may have been responsible for the crash that killed my cousin's wife, and if that's the case, then your damned business partner was tryin' to kill MY wife!  Consider this a fair warnin', Carrington.  You messed up.  You messed up BIG TIME when you decided to cross me.  Because of you, I lost Ewing Oil, and there's no way in hell I'm gonna let that ride.  Brother-in-law or no brother-in-law, I'm gonna take your life apart, bit by by.  Whatever dirt you've got hidden in your past or present, I'm gonna find it and expose it to the whole damned world.  And if I find out that you and Craig Ewing set me up in any way..........you may as well just go ahead start lookin' for some real estate to buy in the deserts of Afghanistan, because you'll have a better chance of survivin' the Taliban than you'll have with me.  And that's a promise."  John Ross ends the call.  "Game on,"  he says to himself. He walks to his car parked on the street in front of the restaurant, gets in, and drives away.

Denver....

Adam puts down his phone after John Ross hangs up on him, all the color draining from his face as John Ross's threat echoes in his head.  "Damn it,"  he says to himself.  "Damn you, Craig, and damn you, Jeremy Wendell, for getting me into this mess.  Not only do I have those two lunatics threatening to expose that secret arms deal to Iran unless I do everything they say, but now I have John Ross Ewing threatening to destroy me.  If John Ross is anything like his father, and if he finds out that I set him up for Wendell, not to mention if he finds out about my arms deal with Iran ..........I'm finished.  How the hell am I going to get out of this?  Dear God, what am I going to do?"  Adam runs his hand through his hair, terrified that, no matter what he does, he's a ruined man caught between a rock and a hard place.  

Westar Oil....

Pamela is reading over some reports in her office when someone knocks on her door.  "Come in,"  she says.  

 

Justin walks into the office carrying some papers, and a plain white bag.  "Here are those contracts for the Scott deal that need your signature, darlin',"  he says.

 

"Oh, thanks. I've been waiting for them to send these over from Scott Refining,"  Pamela says as Justin hands her the papers.  "And what's in the bag?"

 

Justin smiles.  He reaches into the bag and pulls out a sandwich wrapped in foil.

 

"Is that what I think it is?"  Pamela asks.

 

"A chicken sandwich from the food truck down the street.  I knew you didn't have time to go to lunch today, so I picked one up for you when I went out."

 

"And this is one of the many reasons I love you.  These are the best chicken sandwiches I've ever eaten, aside from Chick-Fil-A, of course."

 

"I agree, they ARE good,"  Justin says.  "Darlin', you really have been workin' way too hard."

 

Pamela sighs.  "I know.  But hopefully things will ease up soon after we finish this Scott deal.  This is a big one."

 

"Well, at least take a break, eat your chicken sandwich, and have a chat with your handsome hubby,"  Justin says, teasingly.  

 

"Okay, you talked me into it."  Pamela unwraps her sandwich and takes a bite.  "Oh my God, this is DELICIOUS,"  she says, her mouth full.

 

"You're welcome,"  Justin says.  "Honey, we need to talk."

 

"Business or personal?"

 

"All personal."

 

Pamela looks at her husband.  "Uh-oh.  Something's wrong, isn't it?  I can tell."

 

"Maybe, maybe not."

 

"Justin, what does that mean?"

 

"I spoke to Devon's brother Cameron's attorney, and, umm......the news itn't very good.  Even with us pullin' strings and tryin' to get him a lighter sentence for kidnappin' Michael and Jacob, it looks like Cameron's gonna be sentenced to two years in prison."

 

"Two years?"  Pamela asks.

 

"Yep.  Which brings us to the question of what we're gonna do about Devon.  Pamela, you know how I feel.  I'd like nothin' better than to make Devon a permanent member of our family."

 

"I feel like he already is."

 

"So do I.  But we have to think about the legal issues here.  With both his mother and brother in prison, Devon has no one.  No one except.........his biological grandmother, Sharon."

 

 

 

"Justin, you know Sharon can never find out that Devon is Tripp's son,"  Pamela says.  "If she ever did find out, then Jeremy Wendell would also find out, and he'd come after Devon just so he would have an heir, especially since he knows we would never let him near Hunter."

 

 

"You're right, and I'm not about to let that happen,"  says Justin.  "There's no way in hell I'm gonna let that psychotic old bastard get his hands on that kid."

 

"Then what are we gonna do?"  Pamela asks.

 

"Our best bet is to petition the court to become Devon's legal guardians.  With both his mother and his brother in prison, and with no other KNOWN relatives, I don't see a problem."

 

"It would mean lying to the court.  Committing perjury if we say that there are no other known or living relatives."

 

"I know,"  says Justin.  "But we have no choice.  Not unless we want Sharon and Wendell to know that Devon is Tripp McKay's son."

 

While Justin and Pamela are talking, they are unaware of the tiny, barely noticeable listening device placed carefully inside the pot containing a large plant in Pamela's office.......a device that is picking up every word that's being said.  

Meanwhile....another office somewhere....

 

A man is sitting by a window in a high rise office, a pair of headphones on, listening to every word Justin and Pamela are saying via the bug planted in her office.  Upon hearing the conversation about Devon being Tripp McKay's son, the man listens even more intently.  The man smiles slightly.  "Well, well," he says to himself.  "Looks like I've hit pay dirt."

Craig Ewing's apartment....later....

 An hour later, the man who had earlier been listening to and recording Justin and Pamela's conversation, is at Craig's apartment, playing the recording for him.  Craig listens very carefully to the recording:  

 

JUSTIN:  Our best bet is to petition the court to become Devon's legal guardians.  With both his mother and his brother in prison, and with no other KNOWN relatives, I don't see a problem.

 

PAMELA:  It would mean lying to the court.  Committing perjury if we say that there are no other known or living relatives.

 

JUSTIN:  I know.  But we have no choice.  Not unless we want Sharon and Wendell to know that Devon is Tripp McKay's son.

 

Craig smiles as the other man switches off the recording.  "My, my,"  Craig says.  "So, Justin and Pamela Ewing are keeping one hell of a secret.......Tripp McKay had another son, who is Jeremy Wendell's great-grandson.  Wouldn't the old man just love that?  An heir to his empire.  But, unfortunately for him, Jeremy Wendell will never find out this little bit of information."

 

"You don't want Mr. Wendell to know he has another great-grandson who's living with Justin and Pamela Ewing?"  Keith asks.

 

"No, I don't.  Keith, you're going to destroy that tape and forget what you heard.  And for that, you'll be very well rewarded."

 

"Exactly how well will I be rewarded?"

 

"Keith, don't worry,"  Craig says.  "Soon.  VERY soon, you will be rich beyond your wildest imagination.  Once Jeremy Wendell finally dies, I'll inherit his entire fortune."

 

"But, what about Wendell's daughter?  And even though he doesn't know about the kid they were talking about on that tape, Hunter McKay is his great-grandson, and I'm sure the old man will leave a large portion of his fortune to him, if not most of it."

 

"Oh, that's where you're wrong, my friend,"  says Craig.  "You see, Jeremy Wendell recently changed his will, and you are looking at his new heir apparent."

 

"I'm impressed.  I truly am.  I also trust that when you inherit the old man's fortune, you won't forget those of us who've been loyal to you."

 

"Keith, I would never forget my most loyal friends like you.  And it would be good for you to remember something as well."

 

"Which is?"  Keith asks.

 

Craig looks at him for a few seconds.  "I don't take kindly to being double crossed.  And anyone who's ever double crossed me............has lived to regret very, VERY much."

 

"Point taken,"  Keith says.  

 

"Good.  Tell you what,"  says Craig.  "I think I'll just hang on to this tape and destroy it myself.  Not that I don't trust you, but.........well, yeah......I don't trust you to do it."

 

Keith nods.  "Fine.  Be my guest,"  he says.  

 

Craig takes the tape out of the tape player, walks over to his fireplace, and tosses the tape in.  Craig smiles as he watches the tape burn.

Later....an office in Dallas....

Craig's friend Keith is back in his office a short time later.  As Keith is shutting down the computer at his desk and preparing to leave his office for the day, he picks up a tape.  Keith looks at the tape in his hand and smiles.  "Always best to have a little insurance just in case,"  he says to himself, looking at the tape.  Keith puts the tape into his brief case, and then leaves his office.  As he comes out of his office, he comes face to face with Justin.

 

"Hey, what's up, Keith?"  Justin asks.

 

"Mr. Ewing."

 

"Headin' home?"

 

"Uh, yeah.  I finished those layouts you and Mrs. Ewing wanted me to do.  I had them sent to your office."

 

Justin smiles.  "Thanks, man.  Y'know, Keith, when Pamela hired you to do our public relations, I knew you were gonna do a great job, given your reputation in the field.  But since you've been here, you've exceeded my expectations.  I'm glad you're a part of the Westar team."  Justin extends his hand.

 

Keith hesitates a moment, then nervously shakes Justin's hand.  "Thanks, Mr. Ewing."

 

"Hey, why don't you call me Justin?  Have a good weekend, man."

 

"Yeah, you, too,"  Keith says as Justin walks away.  The elevator opens and Keith gets on.  He breathes a sigh of relief.  So, the man who bugged Pamela's office for Craig is a trusted Westar employee!

A Starbucks in Dallas....

 

 Sue Ellen walks into a Starbucks in Dallas late that afternoon and approaches the counter.  "May I help you?"  The young man behind the counter asks.

 

"Yes, I'd like a Caramel Frappuccino to go, please."

 

"Yes, ma'am.  Will that be all for you?" 

 

"Yes, thank you."

 

"That will be $4.97, Mrs. Ewing,"  the young man says.

 

"You know who I am?"  Sue Ellen asks.  

 

"Yes, ma'am.  I use to be your paper boy."

 

Sue Ellen looks at the young man.  "Really?   Oh my goodness.  Tanner?  Tanner Gibson?"

 

"Yes, ma'am."

 

"Well, I don't believe it.  Look at you, all grown up.  I haven't seen you since you were, what?  About 14?"

 

"15, actually,"  Tanner says.  

 

"How long have you worked here?"  Sue Ellen asks.  

 

"About two weeks.  I started school at SMU this fall semester, and I'm trying to earn some extra money."

 

"Well, good luck, Tanner,"  Sue Ellen says as the young man hands her the Cappuccino.  

 

"Thank you.  It was nice seeing you again."

 

"Nice seeing you, too.  And if you ever need anything, feel free to contact me."

 

Tanner smiles.  "Thank you, Mrs. Ewing, I appreciate that."

 

"Bye, now,"  Sue Ellen says.  She takes her Cappuccino and starts to leave.  

 

"Sue Ellen?"  Comes a male voice behind her as she is about to walk out of the Starbucks.  Sue Ellen turns around and finds Peter Richards standing before her.  "Peter, hello."

 

 

Krystina comes down the stairs that evening as John Ross arrives home and walks into the foyer.  John Ross pauses in the foyer, and Krystina at the bottom of the stairs, the two looking at each other for a few seconds.  "John Ross, thank God,"  Krystina finally says, rushing to greet her husband with a hug.  "We were all so worried."

 

"Sorry I worried you.  But I'm fine."

 

"I've called your phone I don't know how many times, and I left you countless messages."

 

John Ross sighs.  "I know.  I'm sorry, darlin', I just didn't feel like talkin' to anybody."

 

"Not even your wife?  Where were you all day?"  Krystina asks.

 

"I went to a bar.  And I was takin' care of some business."

 

"Business?"

 

"Uh-huh.  I had Bum do some checkin' on your brother."

 

"On Adam?"  Krystina asks.

 

"That's right."

 

"Why?"

 

"Because the son of a bitch stabbed me in the back.  I wanted to find somethin' I could use against him."

 

"And did you find anything?"  

 

"Maybe,"  John Ross replies.  "Krystina, why didn't you ever tell me that Adam had been kidnapped when he was a year old, and that he spent the first 25 years of his life away from your family?"

 

"I didn't think it was important.  Adam had become a part of the family before I was ever born, so I never really thought about him NOT being there.  John Ross.......did you find something from Adam's past?"

 

"Your brother has a lot of skeletons, Krystina."

 

"I know that.  John Ross.......I don't like where this is going.  Look, Adam is not one of my favorite people.  He's done some pretty low and despicable things.  But IS still my brother.  And I hope you aren't planning to use anything you found about him to destroy him."

 

John Ross looks at his wife.  "Adam cost me, Krystina.  When he told Uncle Bobby about that offshore deal with ColbyCo, it cost me Ewing Oil.  I am NOT gonna forget that.  And I also have to wonder, if he's workin' with Craig Ewing.........if that whole deal wasn't settin' me up for somethin'."

 

"I would hate to think that Adam would do something like that.  And why would he?"  Krystina asks.

 

"For Craig Ewing, maybe."

 

Krystina sighs and looks away from him.

 

"What's the matter?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I keep thinking about something Rachel Cory Hutchins said when we went to see her."

 

"What's that?"

 

"Rachel said that Craig was involved with this shadowy group of businessmen.  They had formed some sort of cartel.  Adam was one of those men.  But she said there was at least one more.  A very powerful figure, and this cartel buys up large corporations and then uses them to launder money."

 

"And she didn't know who this other figure was?"

 

"No."

 

"Then I'm gonna find out,"  John Ross says.

 

"But how?  Apparently, this mysterious person keeps a very low profile."

 

"Anyone can be found, Krystina.  And your brother just may be the key.  If Adam is as deeply involved in this as this Hutchins woman says, then he's gotta know who this mysterious person is.  If I can find somethin' in Adam's past.......somethin' he'd do anything to keep it from gettin' out.......then I might be able to get him to tell me who his other partner is."

 

Just then, Ann comes down the stairs.  "John Ross,"  she says.  "You had us all worried."

 

"Ann, where's Uncle Bobby? I need to talk to him,"  John Ross says.

 "Bobby, Catlin, Sue Ellen, please come in,"  Cass says, welcoming the three into his apartment.  

 

"Cass your call sounded urgent,"  Catlin says.  

 

"Yes, it is.  I thought you three would want to know as soon as possible."

 

"Know what, Cass?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I have someone I would like for you to meet.  Catlin, you already know this lady."  Cass walks over to the door leading from his living room to the kitchen.  "You can come in now,"  he says.  

 

A beautiful middle aged blonde woman comes into the living room from the kitchen.  

 

"Bobby, Sue Ellen,"  Cass says.  "I'd like for you to meet an old friend of mine........Amanda Cory Sinclair, Alli Ewing's mother."

 

"Amanda,"  Catlin says.  

 

"Catlin.  It's been a very long time."

 

"Yes, it has."

 

"Mrs. Sinclair,"  Bobby says.  

 

"Amanda has come to town because she had a change of heart after I called and asked her to come to Dallas and she refused."

 

"Amanda, can you help us?"  Catlin asks.

 

 

"I assume Cass has told you that Craig Ewing is after a piece of property that Catlin and I own jointly,"  says Bobby.

 

 

"Yes, Cass filled me in,"  Amanda Sinclair says. 

 

 

 

"We were hoping maybe you could tell us something about Craig Ewing that could help us stop him,"  says Bobby.

 

"I might be able to help.  But I'm afraid that a piece of land that my son-in-law wants to get his hands on may be the least of your worries, Mr. Ewing."

 

"What do you mean?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"My daughter's husband is a very dangerous man.  As I'm sure you're all aware, my daughter Alexandra and I have had a very........difficult.......relationship, and most of that difficulty is because of the man she married.  The reason I decided to come to Dallas is for my daughter and my grandson.  Thankfully, Craig and Alli's daughter is still away at school, so she's out of his reach for now.  But as long as Alli and my grandson Cameron are anywhere near Craig Ewing, they're both in danger."

 

"Amanda, are you saying that you think Craig Ewing is capable of harming Alli and her son?"  Cass asks.

 

"Oh, yes, Cass.  I know he is.  He's capable of anything if he's crossed."

 

"You sound like you know him very well,"  Bobby says.

 

"A lot better than I would like to,"  says Amanda.  "I have never met anyone as cold, as unfeeling, and completely devoid of conscience as Craig Ewing.  When Craig wants something......he goes after it, and he usually gets it, by any means necessary.  And anyone who stands in his way becomes collateral damage, and it doesn't matter to Craig who it is.  His first partner in business........ended up dead.  He destroyed my relationship with my daughter, and destroyed my marriage, and now I want to save my daughter and my grandchildren from this monster, and destroy HIM."

 

Bobby, Sue Ellen, Catlin, and Cass all exchange looks, wondering just what kind of man they are up against.  

 

END OF EPISODE 247....