EPISODE 248 - TROJAN HORSE

Bobby, Ann, Alex, and Michael are having breakfast in the dining room at Southfork early in the morning when John Ross and Krystina come in.  "Morning, everyone,"  Krystina says, she and John Ross taking their usual seats at the table.  

 

"Mornin',"  Ann says.  

 

"I'm done,"  says Michael, giving John Ross and Krystina an angry look across the table.

 

"You hardly ate anything,"  Bobby says to his grandson.  

 

"I'm not hungry.  I'm gonna go wait outside for Josh's Mom to pick me up."  Michael gets up from the table and makes a hasty retreat from the room.  

 

"Have a good day,"  Ann says as the boy goes.  

 

"What the hell was that all about?"  John Ross asks.  

 

"Michael is still having a hard time dealing with Heather's death,"  Bobby replies.

 

"I'm sure Uncle Lucas stayin' drunk all the time isn't helping either,"  says Alex.  

 

"Krystina, itn't your mother comin' down to breakfast?"  Ann asks.

 

"I'm sure she'll be down soon.  I knocked on her door and she said she was getting dressed."

 

"Your Mama sure has been actin' strange lately,"  John Ross says.

 

"Strange?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Yeah.  The other night I couldn't sleep and I went down to the kitchen for a snack.  Krystle was standin' in the livin' room in the dark, starin' at my Grandpa Jock's portrait hangin' over the fireplace.  Just standin' there.  I asked her if she was alright, and she didn't say anything.  I asked her again, and she said she was fine, and then she just walked out of the room."

 

"You didn't tell me that,"  Krystina says.

 

"I had a strange encounter with your Mom a couple days ago, too,"  says Alex.  

 

"What do you mean?"  Krystina asks.  

"I was leaving and she was out by the pool.  I spoke to her, and I could have sworn she had no idea who I was."

 

Krystina sighs.  "I've noticed she's been acting........different, too, and it really has me worried."

 

"Maybe you should talk to her about it,"  Bobby says.

 

"I will.  What really scares me is, that my Mom is about to turn 80, and.......the way she's been acting, I'm worried sick that something might be wrong with her,"  Krystina says.  "And another thing....... don't get me wrong, I love having my Mom here, and, you've all made her feel so welcome and everything, but, she's been here for months now, and she never even mentions going home to Denver anymore."

 

"Krystina, of course your mother is welcome here,"  Bobby says.  "She's welcome for as long as she wants to stay."

 

Krystina looks at him and smiles.  "Thank you, Bobby, that means a lot.  I'm just so worried about my Mom, and I think it's time I had a talk with her and found out what's really going on."

 

Standing just outside the dining room, near the bottom of the stairs, is Krystle, a look of sadness on her face as she has overheard the conversation about her taking place.  Krystle realizes that, as her condition worsens, it will be impossible to keep it a secret from Krystina and the rest of the family for much longer.

 

 

 

 

The Omni Hotel....

 Christopher wakes up in Erin's bed that morning in her suite at the Omni Hotel.  He looks around, but Erin is gone.  He sits up in bed and looks around the bedroom.  "Erin?"  He calls to her.  "Erin?"

 

"Uh, yeah, Christopher.....in here,"  Erin replies from the bathroom, where she is leaning over the sink. obviously in a great deal of pain.  

 

Christopher gets out of bed and goes over and knocks on the bathroom door.  "Erin, are you okay?"

 

"I'm fine,"  Erin replies, her voice shaky.

 

Christopher tries to go into the bathroom, but finds the door locked.  "Erin, are you sure you're okay?  Let me in."

 

In the bathroom, Erin struggles to walk to the door.  She unlocks the door and opens in.  

 

"Hey,"  Christopher says.  He grabs Erin by the arms as she looks like she is about to fall.  "You're in a lot of pain, aren't you?"

 

Erin nods.  

 

"I'll get you a dose of your medicine."

 

"I already took it,"  Erin says.  "It doesn't seem to help as much as it use to."

 

"I'm getting you to a doctor."

 

"Christopher, no.  There's no point.  We already know what's wrong with me.  I have cancer, and there's nothing a doctor can do."

 

"Erin, I still want you to see a specialist.  Let me talk to my cousin Lucy's husband.  He knows some of the best doctors in the country."

 

"Christopher, I've seen specialists.  I don't think I can take getting my hopes up and then being disappointed."

 

"If you won't do it for yourself........then do it for me.  Or better yet, do it for K.C.  If there's nothing that can be done for you, then.........then we'll deal with it.  But Erin, I am NOT willing to let you go without putting up one hell of a fight."

 

Erin looks at him and sighs.  "Alright.  I'll see another specialist."

 

"Good.  I'll call Mitch today, or better yet, we'll go and see him together and explain your situation.  Erin, you're doin' the right thing."

 

"I hope so."

 

"Have you told your parents yet?"  Christopher asks.

 

"No.  I've tried several times, but, I could never bring myself to.  It's not easy to find the right time to tell your parents that you have cancer and may have less than a year to live."

 

Christopher puts his arms around Erin and embraces her.  

 

"Christopher, there's something else we need to talk about."

 

"And what's that?"  Christopher asks.

 

Erin looks at him.  "The DNA test.  The DNA test to prove that K.C. is your son."

 

"Erin, I've already told you, I don't need a DNA test.  I know in my heart that little boy is mine."

 

"Of course he's yours.  But Christopher, we have to think about the legal issues.  If or when something happens to me, I want YOU to raise our son.  And without proof that you're K.C.'s father, you wouldn't have a legal claim to him after I'm..........after I'm gone.  You said a while back that you would take a DNA test."

 

Christopher nods. "I know.  And then Heather was killed and everything got sidetracked.  Okay, I'll do it.  When we go and see Mitch about finding you a good specialist, we'll bring this up, too.  I know most hospitals don't do DNA tests to determine paternity, but maybe Mitch can point us in the right direction."

 

Erin embraces Christopher again.  He holds her in his arms, the mother of the child he knows in his heart is his son. He closes his eyes and fights back his tears, his heart torn apart at the thought of losing Erin.

Sue Ellen and Catlin's home....

 Sue Ellen is standing in the living room in the morning, looking at a framed photo of John Ross she

Sue Ellen steps off the elevator at Ewing Oil later that morning.  She makes her way toward her office.  

 

"Morning, Mrs. Ewing," a young woman greets her.

 

"Morning, Kim," Sue Ellen replies.  Sue Ellen walks by John Ross's now empty office and looks at the door.  As she pauses for a moment, Clay comes out of his office.

 

"Good morning, Sue Ellen,"  he says.  

 

"Clay."

 

"Would you mind coming into the conference room?  I'm having a meeting of all Ewing Oil staff and senior executives."

 

"Of course,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

Clay smiles.  "Thanks.  I'll see you there in a couple of minutes,"  he says, and returns to his office.  

 A moment later, Sue Ellen enters the conference room, where Sly, Sally, Cole, Cory, and 10 other employees are seated around the table.  "Morning, everyone,"  Sue Ellen says with a smile.  The others in the room all return her greeting.  Sue Ellen takes a seat at the table in her usual chair, and for almost a full minute everyone sits in total silence as they wait for Clay to come in.  Finally, Clay walks into the room.  

 

"Good morning, everyone,"  he says.  "I wanna thank you all for being here.  I suppose you're all wondering why I called this meeting first thing this morning."

 

"Because you're gonna fire at least half of us?"  Cole asks.  Sly gives her son a disapproving look.

 

"Of course not," Clay replies.  "No one is getting fired.  However, I do intend to make a few changes here at the company."

 

"What sort of changes?"  Sue Ellen asks.  

 

"I was getting to that.  I'm not gonna be making very many personnel changes right off the bat, and any changes that I do make, will be with Sue Ellen's approval, since she is Ewing Oil's vice president.  Sly, I realize that you've been with Ewing Oil, off and on, for many years.  And I'm sure that Sue Ellen will want you to stay on as her secretary."

 

"I wouldn't have it any other way,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Sly, I hope that you will want to remain on as my secretary."

 

"Yes, of course,"  Sly says.  "I'd be honored."

 

Clay smiles.  "Great.  A couple other changes I wanna make, umm, Charlie."

 

"Yes, Mr. Beaumont?"  A man of about 35 answers.

 

"Charlie, you've done an excellent job in our engineering department.  How long have you worked there?"  

 

"Seven years,"  Charlie replies.  "Ever since Mrs. Ewing and Mr. Ewing bought the company back."

 

"Charlie, I think you're due for a promotion.  I'm making you head of that department, effective immediately."

 

"You're........you're promoting me to head?"  Charlie asks, pleasantly surprised.

 

"Clay, Hal Bennett is head of our engineering department,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"He......WAS,"  Clay says.  "Apparently, Charlie was very loyal to John Ross, and he didn't wanna work for me, so he submitted his resignation late on Friday."

 

"Charlie, congratulations,"  Sly says to the man.

 

"Thank you."

 

"Frank,"  Clay says to a man of about 50 sitting next to Charlie.  "With Charlie promoted to head of engineering, I'm moving you into his former job."

 

Frank smiles.  "Thank you, Mr. Beaumont."

 

"You're welcome.  I only have two other major changes to announce to you today.  Cory, I'm putting you in charge of one of our most important divisions.......Ewing Records.  For a while now Ewing Records has kind fallen by the wayside as John Ross and I have been focused on this contest for control of the company.  I do know that John Ross had planned to hire someone from outside the company to run it temporarily, and he had planned to sell the division if he won the contest and became the company's president.  But I think Ewing Records can be big, with the proper management and care.  After all, Uncle Gary's son Bobby has made a huge success out of the West Coat division, and I think the same can be done for the Dallas division."

 

"Wait, you want ME to be in charge of Ewing Records?"  Asks a surprised Cory.

"Clay, don't you think that Cory is a little young and inexperienced for such an important task?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Sue Ellen, Cory doesn't need to have a masters degree to run Ewing Record.  He only needs vision and creativity, and an ability to work with people, which he already has, so no, I don't."

 

"As you said, Ewing Records had fallen by the wayside.  If you really want to make that division of Ewing Oil a success, I would think someone older and with more experience would.......be a better fit."

 

"Well, I'm sorry, but I disagree,"  Clay says.  "I think Cory is just what we need to take charge of the records division.  Besides, he's 21.  Just how old do you have to be?"

 

"Clay, I.....I don't know what to say.  Are you sure about this?"  Cory asks.

 

"Very sure.  I have every confidence that you'll turn Ewing Records around and make it as big a success as cousin Bobby has done with the L.A. branch."

 

"I promise, I'll do my best not to let you down,"  Cory says.  

 

Clay smiles.  "As head of Ewing Records, your responsibilities will be finding and recruiting new talent, scheduling recording sessions, and you'll be in charge of the division's budget to produce albums, singles, and music videos.  You can handle that, right?"

 

Cory looks at him and nods.  "Yes.  I'll give it everything I have."

 

"I know you will.  Cole, you're gonna be Cory's assistant."

 

"What?  You want ME to work for HIM?"  Cole asks.

 

"That's right,"  replies Clay.  "Look, I know there's been a lot of tension between the two of you, and you both know that I know why.  I want that stopped.  Ewing Oil is a family business, and I want this office and everyone who works here to be like a family.  So I want you two  resolve the issues you have between you, and I think working together is a good way to do just that.  I realize that some of you here were loyal to John Ross.  You worked for him for a long time, or you like him personally, or whatever.  I also realize that some of you were hoping John Ross would win this contest and become permanent president of Ewing Oil.  But I hope that I can win your trust, your support, and your loyalty.  I wanna make Ewing Oil the biggest oil company in Dallas.  I wanna take this company back to its glory days, and I'm gonna need your help to do it.  Especially yours, Sue Ellen.  If any of you have any problems or concerns, please don't hesitate to let me know.  I'd also love to hear any suggestions any of you have about how we can make the company better.  Thank you all for being here.  I'll meet with the heads of some of the other departments later today.  In the meantime, the meeting is over.  Everyone, let's get busy making Ewing Oil number one.  Cory, I'd like to see you in my office."

 

"Sure,"  Cory says as the meeting breaks up and everyone gets up from the table.  

 

A couple of minutes later, Clay walks into his office, followed by Cory, who closes the door behind him.  Clay walks to his bar and pours himself a drink.  "Want one?"  He asks.

 

"Sure,"  Cory replies.  "Clay, I really don't know what to say.  Thank you for giving me this opportunity, but, I really don't understand."

 

"Understand what?"  Clay asks, handing Cory his drink.

 

"There are a lot more qualified people who work here.  People who have worked here a lot longer than I have.  So why did you turn control of Ewing Records over to ME, of all people?"

 

"Simple,"  Clay says.  "The answer is family."

 

"Family?"  Asks a confused Cory.

 

"Yes.  Cory, J.R. Ewing was your grandfather, same as he was mine.  And, like me, you come from a ..........well, from an illegitimate branch of the family.  Our great-grandfather started this company more than 90 years ago, and our grandfather made it a huge power player in Dallas.  The other Ewings have had their shot at running the company.  John Ross, Uncle Bobby, Christopher.  Now, it's our turn.  I really think you can make Ewing Records big."

 

"Clay, I........thank you.  This means so much to me.  And like I said in the meeting, I promise, I'll do my very best not to let you down."

 

"If you have any problems, I'll be here to help,"  Clay says.  

 

Cory smiles.  "Wow, I can't believe this.  Me........head of a record label.  And Ewing Records, to boot.  Won't John Ross just love that you gave that division to me.  Heck, it might even give him a heart attack."

 

Clay laughs.  "Yeah, it just might at that."

 "There is a lot at stake in this November's election.  Senator Matt Culver is a member of the Washington establishment, the son and grandson of powerful Texas politicians.  His democratic opponent, Brad Barnes, on the other hand, is a Washington outsider who has never held political office in Washington.  Barnes has a proven record of leadership as head of the Oil Regulatory Commission, where he cracked down on abuses of power by the oil industry and its lobbyists.  As Senator, Barnes will fight for the environment, for strict regulations on oil companies. He'll fight for the people of Texas.  Unlike Matt Culver, who has spent nearly his entire life in Washington, Brad Barnes is beholden to no one.  On November 8, vote for Brad Barnes for U.S. Senate.  A man of strength, character, and integrity, he'll get the job done for the people of Texas."

 "I'm Brad Barnes, and I approve this message,"  Brad comes onscreen and says at the end of the ad.

 

Craig switches off the television with the remote he holds in his hand.  "Well, what do you think?"  He asks, turning to Jeremy.

 

"It's very nice,"  replies Jeremy.  "It's simple, straight forward, and to the point.  However, it's a bit dry."

 

"Dry?"

 

"Yes.  It lacks excitement.  I want the next ad for Barnes to be a bit more........interesting.  I also want some ads attacking Culver.  Barnes isn't going to win  this election with a series of warm and fuzzie ads that make him look like Mr. Rogers.  What we need is to make Culver look as bad as possible.  I want Culver destroyed.  By the time we get to election day, I don't want Culver to have any support left."

 

"Well, there might be a problem with that,"  says Craig.

 

"Problem?  What......PROBLEM?"  Jeremy asks, annoyed.

 

"You forget who we're talking about.  Senator Matt Culver is about as pure as the day is long.  He has no trace of scandal.  He's a happily married family man, he goes to church regularly, he's never cheated on his wife.  The guy doesn't even have any traffic tickets or any youthful transgressions we can bring up.  It's like he's a saint.  How he ever got elected to the United States Senate with such a clean  reputation is a mystery to me."

 

"He was elected because he's Dave Culver's son and Sam Culver's grandson," Jeremy says.  "The Culver name still carries a lot of weight in Texas, and in Washington.  So you couldn't find anything on young Senator Culver?  Perhaps you didn't look hard enough or dig deep enough."

 

"Jeremy, I'm telling you........there's NOTHING in Matt Culver's life or his past that can be used to hurt him."

 

Jeremy walks to his window and looks out over the skyline of the city of Dallas for a few seconds, then he turns back and looks at Craig.  "If there's nothing in Culver's background that can be used against him.........then we can always put something there."

 

Craig smiles.  "A set up?"

 

"I want Matt Culver ruined,"  Jeremy says.  "I'm paying a hell of a lot of money for Barnes's campaign, and he'd damned well better win.  We need Barnes in the Senate, and I'm counting on you to make sure he gets there, by any means necessary."

 

"Consider it a done deal, Jeremy.  By the time I get done with Matt Culver........even his staunchest supporters will wanna run him out of the state,"  Craig says.  

The Krebbs Ranch....

Meanwhile, Dylan is having some eggs and sausage for breakfast that morning when the doorbell rings at the Krebbs home.  At first, Dylan ignores the doorbell, hoping that either Ray or Donna would answer it.  The doorbell rings a second time.  Finally, Dylan gets up from the table, makes his way into the foyer and opens the door to find Matt and Margaret.

 

"Dylan, hi,"  Margaret says, greeting him with a hug.

 

"Hey, guys,"  Dylan says.

 

"Mom told me you were out of the hospital,"  Margaret says.  

 

"Yeah, I came home a few days ago."

 

"So how do you feel?"  Matt asks.

 

"Still pretty sore, but other than that, I feel fine."

 

Donna and Ray come down the stairs.  "I thought I heard your voices down here,"  Donna says, greeting her daughter and son-in-law with a hug and a kiss.  

 

"Hi, Mom."

 

"Matt, how are ya?"  Ray asks, shaking Matt's hand.

 

"I'm doin' great, Ray."

 

"Well, if you guys will excuse me, I'm gonna go finish my breakfast,"  Dylan says.

 

"Great to see you, Dylan,"  says Matt.

 

"Great to see you, too,"  Dylan says, leaving the room.

 

"So how are things with the campaign?"  Donna asks, she, Ray, Matt and Margaret going into the living room.

 

"Our poll numbers are great,"  Matt replies. 

 

"The latest polls all have Matt leading Brad Barnes by at least ten points,"  says Margaret.

 

"Hey, that's great,"  Ray says.

 

Donna smiles.  "You're a shoe in.  I have every confidence that you're gonna win re-election by a landslide, but, remember what your father always said when he was campaigning for re- election?"

 

"Dad always said never get too complacent and confident,"  Matt says.  "Things can change and voters are fickle.  Always treat every campaign like you're ten points behind, even if you're ten points ahead."

 

"That's right.  And Dave was the master at campaigning."

 

"He had every reason to be.  He learned everything he knew from you and from my grandfather."

 

"Where are my adorable grandchildren?"  Ray asks.

 

"Their in Austin with Luanne,"  replies Margaret.  "Since Matt is here on the campaign trail, we knew we'd be too busy to spend any time with Ethan and Madison, so we thought it best if we left them with their Grandma."

 

"Well, since I'm gonna be busy campaigning with Matt the next couple of days, I'll forgive you this time for not bringing them,"  says Donna. "And speaking of the campaign, I have something for you."  Donna walks into the next room and opens a closet.  Taking a large poster from the closet, she returns to the living room.  "This campaign poster I had made arrived yesterday.  I couldn't wait to show it to you."  Donna turns the poster around and shows it to Matt, Margaret, and Ray.  "Well, what do you think?  Like it?"

 "Like it?  Donna, I love it,"  Matt says with excitement.  

 

"So do I,"  says Margaret.  "Mom, that's great."

 

"I would have liked to have used a photo that included my new granddaughter, but I didn't have one of all four of you, so I had to make do with this one of the two of you and Ethan."

 

"Wow, you're right, y'know, Matt, we haven't even had time to get any new family photos that include Madison,"  Margaret says.

 

"We'll have some taken soon,"  says Matt. "We've been so busy with this campaign, I haven't even had time to think about it."

 

"I really wish that I had time to devote to helping you with the campaign more,"  says Donna.  "But writing this book is taking up almost all of my time."

 

"Oh, don't worry, Donna, I understand,"  Matt says. "I just appreciate you finding the time to campaign with me in Dallas in the next couple of days."

 

"Mom, how's the book on J.R. coming?"  Margaret asks.

 

Donna sighs.  "Well, all I can say is, just as J.R. Ewing himself was one of the most complicated men who ever lived, this book is honestly the most complicated and difficult  book that I have ever written."

 

"Oh?  Why is that?"  Matt asks.

 

"Well, as I said, J.R. was a very complex man, with many secrets."

 

"He sure was that,"  says Ray.

 

"I have to tell you, I'm actually very surprised that the family has been so accepting of you writing a tell-all book about J.R.,"  says Margaret.  "Especially John Ross."

 

"Needless to say, John Ross is the only member of the family who has been adamantly opposed to me writing this book.  Everyone else, including Sue Ellen and Bobby, have been very supportive and even helpful."

 

"Well, that's good to hear,"  Margaret says.

 

"Y'know, I'm kinda surprised John Ross hadn't tried to buy the publishing company just to keep that book from ever seein' the light of day."

 

Donna looks at him and smiles.  "Well, it's not too late yet,"  she says.

 

 

 

 

 

Southfork....

 

Bobby comes up the stairs and enters the third floor hallway where Alex's and Michael's bedrooms are located later that morning.  He starts to knock on Michael's door when he hears the sound of his grandson crying inside his bedroom.  Bobby pauses before knocking on Michael's door, his heart breaking for the pain his son and grandson are in.  After a few seconds, Bobby knocks on the door.  

 

"Come in,"  he hears Michael say.  

 

Bobby walks into his grandson's room and finds Michael sitting on his bed looking at some photos.  "Michael, what have you got there?"  

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Just some pictures,"  Michael replies.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bobby walks over to the bed and takes a seat beside his grandson. He looks at the photos on the bed, then picks a couple of them up. He looks down at the 

 Brad is standing backstage on the set of a popular talk show that night, Dallas Talk, where he is about to appear as a guest to discuss his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.  Brad watches nervously as the live broadcast resumes after a commercial break, and the show's host, Jack Lieberman, retakes the stage after the break to huge applause from the studio audience.  

 

"Thanks, everyone, and welcome back to Dallas Talk, I'm Jack Lieberman.  Our next guest is someone who is quickly becoming a rising star in the state of Texas.  He is the former head of the powerful Oil Regulatory Commission, and is now the democratic candidate for the United States Senate, having replaced the recently deceased Mark Stoddard as the democrats' candidate to run against incumbent Republican Senator Matt Culver.  Please welcome, democratic senate candidate, Brad Barnes!"

 

Brad walks onto the stage to a round of thunderous applause from the studio audience.  He smiles and happily waves to the audience as he makes onto the stage.  He is greeted by Jack Lieberman with a handshake.  Lieberman motions for Brad to take a seat on the stage while the crowd continues to applaud.  Brad takes his seat, and Lieberman retakes his seat beside him.  After a few moments, the applause dies down.  

 

"Mr. Barnes, welcome,"  Lieberman says.

 

"Thank you, Jack, it's great to be here,"  Brad says.

 

"So, how do you feel?"  Lieberman asks.

 

"I'm feeling great.  A little tired, but great.  We've been out campaigning today in Fort Worth, Garland, all around Dallas, and in some other areas, and tomorrow we hit the campaign trail and head down to South Texas."

 

"Sounds like you are one busy man.  So tell me, what made you decide to get into this race for the Senate.  Now, as I understand it, the party heads contacted you after the death of Mark Stoddard and asked you to come into the race as a replacement for Stoddard, am I right in saying that?"

 

"Yes.  Uh, the chairperson of the democratic party, Paul Ramirez, contacted me right after the tragic death of Mark Stoddard, and by the way, our prayers continue to go out to Mr. Stoddard's wife and children.  Anyway, Paul contacted me and asked me if I would consider joining the race."

 

"But why you?"  Lieberman asks.  "I mean, you have never sought political office on a national scale, correct?"  

 

"Well, no, I've never run for office before," Brad replies.  "And to answer your other question, why me, I think that Paul and the democratic party realize that I am one of the very few individuals who have a chance of defeating Matt Culver in the general election."

 

"Speaking of your opponent, I wanna touch on some of the issues.  On your position on the issues versus Senator Culver's position on the same issue.  Umm, you've recently gone on record as saying that you are opposed to fracking.  Now, given your family's history with the oil industry here in Texas.......your grandfather, I believe it was, started his own oil company back in the 1940s which your mother later inherited and ran, and your father was also heavily involved in the oil industry, and your sister, Pamela Ewing, is currently the CEO of Westar, one of the largest and most powerful oil companies in the entire southwestern United States.  Doesn't your position on fracking clash with your family's involvement in the industry?"

 

"I didn't exactly say that I was opposed to fracking,"  Brad replies.  "I do, however, believe that we have to cut back on how much fracking is done.  We have to take into account the impact the practice of fracking has on the environment."

Southfork....

Meanwhile, at Southfork, John Ross switches off the television in his and Krystina's bedroom after having watched enough of Brad's interview.  "Every time I see that jackass it makes me wanna puke,"  John Ross says.  

 

"Do you think he has a chance of winning?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Not if I can help it,"  John Ross replies.  

 

"A couple of years ago, I wouldn't think Brad would have any chance of beating Matt Culver, but these days.........I'm not so sure."

 

"Darlin', trust me.........Brad Barnes is never goin' to the United States Senate."

 

Krystina looks at him.  "How can you be so  certain?  John Ross, you're not planning on doing anything, are you?"

 

"Doin' anything?"  John Ross asks.

 

"You know what I mean.  Anything like........oh, maybe sabotaging Brad's campaign?"

 

"And would it be a bad thing if somethin' kept Barnes from winnin'?"

 

"John Ross, you can't meddle in an election.  It would be wrong."

 

"What would be wrong is if Cliff Barnes's son somehow ends up winnin' this election and goin' to Washington to represent Texas in the Senate.  Do you realize what a disaster that'd be?  And like you said, a couple years ago I would've felt sure a respected, popular guy from a well loved political dynasty like Matt Culver could never lose this election to someone like Brad Barnes, but the way politics and everything else in the world has been turned upside down, we sure as hell can't rely on the voters to make the right choice."

 

"So you're just gonna make it for them?"  Krystina asks.

 

"For their own good.  For ALL our own good.  Especially the oil industry.  Uncle Bobby may have effectively booted me out of Ewing Oil  but that doesn't mean I wanna see the company or the industry suffer, and since that guy in the White House has declared war on the industry, we need somebody in the Senate who's on OUR side.  Me and Matt Culver may not see eye to eye all the time, but at least he's a fervent supporter of the oil industry."

 

"How can you stop him from winning the election........WITHOUT doing something illegal or unethical?"

 

"Barnes has gotta have somethin' in his past that can be used.  If I can find it......"

 

"John Ross, I don't like this,"  Krystina says.  "I know you hate Brad, and I know you'd rather Bugs Bunny in the Senate than him, but I'm afraid this could backfire."

 

"It won't backfire,"  John Ross says, standing to his feet and walking over to her.  

 

Krystina sighs.  "I think I'm gonna go down and get a snack, and check on my Mom.  Do you want anything?"

 

"Yeah, you can bring me a pack of those cookies you bought today.  The chocolate chip ones."

 

"Alright.  I'll be back in a few minutes,"  Krystina says.  She kisses John Ross, then leaves the room.  

 

After she's gone, John Ross pulls out his cell phone and takes a seat.  He dials a number and waits for  

an answer.  After the third ring, a man answers.  "Dan, John Ross here.  You found out anything yet that I can use to keep Brad Barnes from somehow winnin' that election and goin' to the Senate?  Well, I need somethin', and I need it fast.  That damned election is comin' up soon.  Well, if you can't find anything soon, like, in the next week or so..........then you may as well start lookin' for a new line of work, because I'll make sure you never work again as a private investigator in this state or any other.  Dan, don't ask dumb questions.  If you can't find anything in his past or present life to bring Barnes down.........then put somethin' there.  You heard me, Dan.  Barnes cannot win this election, and I'm willin' to do anything I have to do to make sure he DOESN'T win.  So you just make damn sure there's somethin' in Barnes's life that can be found.......somethin' real unsavory.  The more unsavory, the better."

Justin and Pamela's home....the next morning....

 

Justin, Pamela, Hunter, Randall, and Devon are having breakfast in their kitchen.  Justin and Pamela

"Just stopped by to see my sister," Brad replies.  "So, Pamela, did you happen to catch my interview last night on Dallas Talk?"

 

"I sure did, and I was quite impressed.  And very proud."

 

"Thank you.  I really feel like I have a chance of winning this election."

 

Justin rolls his eyes.  "Well, I have some work I need to get done,"  he says.  "Boys, are you finished?"

 

"I am,"  Hunter says.

 

"Me, too,"  says Devon.  

 

"Good, then you can help me fix that door on the closet up in our bedroom," says Justin, getting up from the table.

 

"Justin, you don't have to leave on my account,"  Brad says.

 

"Trust me, Brad.  I don't do ANYTHING on your account."

 

Brad smiles at the comment.  "Well, I hope I can at least count on your vote."

 

"Sorry, but no.  My vote is going to my cousin's husband, Matt Culver.  Matt's a good man."

 

"He may be a good man, but whether or not he's a good or effective senator is debatable.   This must be kinda difficult........Pamela supporting me in this election, and you supporing Culver.  I hope it's not causing problems around here."

 

"Yeah, I'll bet,"  Justin says.  "Come on, boys."  He, Devon, Hunter, and Randall leave the room.

 

Pamela looks at her brother as Brad smiles, happy to have gotten under Justin's skin.  "Why do you have to antagonize my husband like that every time you come over here?"

 

"I wasn't antagonizing anyone.  The guy just hates my guts, that's all."

 

"And the feeling isn't mutual?"  Pamela asks.

 

"Your husband's a Ewing.  Enough said."

 

"You keep this up, and you're gonna come up short one vote."

 

Brad smiles.  "Okay, okay, sorry.  So, are you and Afton gonna be able to come to my fundraiser day after tomorrow?"

 

"I can't answer for my Mom, but I'll be there.  Speaking of mothers, have you been able to reach your mother yet?"

 

"No.  She's traveling somewhere in Europe and won't be back until sometime around Thanksgiving.  By then the election will be over, and she'll come home to the surprise of having a United States Senator for a son."  Brad smiles again as he takes a bite of his waffle.

Matt Culver's Campaign headquarters in Dallas....

 Senator Matt Culver's campaign headquarters in downtown Dallas is a den of activity later that morning, as some campaign workers are answering phones, others are making calls to registered voters hoping to secure votes for Matt, while others are making campaign fliers.  Meanwhile, Matt is meeting with his campaign manager, Peter Stanton.  

 

"The polls are looking great, Matt," Peter says.  "The latest from this morning show you're leading Brad Barnes by 4 solid points."

 

"Only 4 points?"  Matt asks.  "I was sure our lead would be stronger than that."

 

"Come on.  4 points is nothing to sneeze at."

 

"I know, but in the 2016 election I stayed ahead of my opponent by at least 7, 8, 9 points during the whole campaign."

 

"Well, it's a fairly different political climate than 2016 was,"  Peter says.  "Back then, Trump helped a lot of Republicans win.  This year, the democrats are pouring a hell of a lot more money into their candidates than the Republicans are, and that includes Barnes.  He's racked up millions in donations just over the last few weeks since he entered the race."

 

"I'd like to know who some of these donors are,"  Matt says.

 

"Who knows? Could be the DNC, or could be private donors who wanna see a democrat win.  But don't worry.  We're GOING to maintain our lead, and we're gonna win."

 

"I wish I was as confident as you,"  Matt says as Donna and Margaret walk into the building.  Spotting Matt and Peter, the two women approach them.  

 

"Hi,"  Margaret says.

 

"Well, hey there,"  Matt says, greeting his wife with a kiss.  "What brings you two down here?"

 

"We came to see if you were free for lunch,"  Margaret replies.  "Hi, Peter."

 

 

"Margaret, hi.  Great to see you,"  Peter says, kissing Margaret on the cheek.

 

"Great to see you too."

 

"Peter,"  Matt says.  "This is my mother-in-law......."

 

 

"Donna Krebbs,"  Peter says, finishing Matt's sentence.  "This is one lady who needs no introduction."

 

Donna smiles.  "Well, thank you."

"Donna, this is Peter Stanton, my campaign manager,"  Matt says.

 

"Peter, I'm very pleased to meet you," Donna says, shaking Peter's hand.

 

"And I am truly honored to meet the widow of the great Sam Culver.  He was my hero growing up when Matt and I were in school together."

 

"School?  Oh, so YOU'RE the Peter that Matt has spoken so highly of all these years.  I'm very happy to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you that I feel I know you already."

 

"The feeling is mutual," says Peter.  "I read both of your books about Matt's grandfather, Sam Culver: The Early Years and Sam Culver:  The Political Years.."

 

"Well, thank you."

 

"So, the reason we're here,"  Margaret says.  "Are you free for lunch?"

 

Matt looks at his watch.  "Yeah.  If we leave now and only make it about a half hour lunch."

 

"This guy has a speaking engagement at 2 o'clock,"  Peter says.

 

"Don't worry," says Donna. "We'll have him back in plenty of time."

 

"Peter, would you like to join us?"  Margaret asks.

 

"Thanks, Margaret, but I have a meeting."

 

"Meeting?  What meeting?"  Matt asks.

 

"With the fundraising committee.  Last minute details to iron out.  Now, you go on and enjoy your lunch."

 

"Okay,"  says Matt.  "See you in a little while."

 

"Peter, again, it was a pleasure meeting you, and I hope to see you again soon,"  Donna says.

 

"Thank you, Mrs. Krebbs."

 

"Call me Donna."

 

Peter smiles.  "Okay......Donna."

 

"Bye,"  Donna says as she, Matt, and Margaret leave.  Peter watches the three as they leave the building, then the smile slowly fades from his face.

Later....a secluded bridge on the outskirts of Dallas

Twenty minutes later, a vehicle pulls up and comes to a stop under a bridge in a secluded area just outside of Dallas.  Matt's campaign manager, Peter Stanton, gets out of the vehicle and looks around.  Slowly he walks under the bridge.  "Hello?"  He calls out.  

 

Suddenly, a man steps out from behind one of the concrete support structures holding up the bridge.  "You're three minutes late," says the man, who is none other than Craig Ewing.

 

"Had to wait til Matt went to lunch," Peter says.  "Plus, it's a good little drive out here.  Why on Earth would you wanna meet in this place?"

 

"Because it wouldn't do for the two of us to be seen together, now would it?"  Craig asks.  "I figured this is the last place anyone would see us.  I've had this place staked out for days and not a soul has come near it.  So, how are things in the campaign of the good Senator?"

 

"Good.  For now, at least."

 

"I think it's time,"  says Craig.  "Election's coming up soon, and the debate between Barnes and Culver is in a few days."

 

"I really don't like doing this,"  Peter says.  "Matt Culver and I have been friends since we were 13-years-old"

 

"Then he'd never suspect you of anything," Craig says.  

 

"Look, Ewing, I don't wanna......"

 

"Um, stop right there, Stanton.  You'd better not be about to say you don't wanna do this.  Because whether you want to or not is irrelevant.  You're GOING to do it.  Unless you want your life completely demolished.  We've already shown you what we can do.  Your life wouldn't be worth living when we got finished with you.  Not to mention what would happen to that handsome son of yours, Caleb.  How old is he now?  15?"

 

"You touch one hair on my son's head, I'll......"

 

"You'll WHAT, Stanton?"  Craig asks. The only thing you're gonna do is the job we gave you to do, which is sabotage Culver's campaign and make sure he loses that election to Brad Barnes. Do I make myself clear?"

 

Peter remains silent, and angrily looks at Craig.  

 

Annoyed by Peter's silence, Craig moves closer to him.  "I said, do I make myself clear, Stanton?" 

 

"Crystal clear,"  Peter replies, his anger evident in his voice and in the expression on his face.  

 

"Good.  Now, just so we understand each other,"  Craig says.  "If anything goes wrong.  If Matt Culver doesn't lose this election........your family will be the ones to pay the price.  And in case you need a reminder......."  Craig pauses and reaches into his pocket, pulling out two photos, which he hands to 

As Craig makes his way back to his car a short distance from the bridge, he is unaware that he is being watched.  Sitting in his car in a wooded area quite a distance away is Bum, using a high powered zoom lens to take photos of Craig and the man he had been meeting with.  After taking several photos, Bum watches as Craig gets into his car and drives away.  Bum then picks up his phone and dials a number.  "Hey," he says after the person he called answers.  "Craig Ewing is headed back down Salem Street toward Dallas. Tail him, and let me know where he goes."  Bum puts his phone down, again looks through the lens of his camera and watches as Peter Stanton returns to his own vehicle and gets in.  As Peter drives away, Bum uses the long range lens on his camera to zoom in on Craig's license plate and takes a photo of it.  

Downtown Dallas....a short time later....

John Ross is driving down Elm Street in Dallas when his cell phone rings.  Picking the phone up from 

the cupholder beside him, he looks at it, then answers.  "Hey, Bum, what's up?"

The outskirts of Dallas....

"John Ross, there's somethin' you need to know,"  Bum says.  "Can you meet me in one hour?"

 

"Sounds important," says John Ross.

 

"It is.  It involves our 'friend', Craig Ewing," Bum replies.

One hour later....

 

John Ross walks into an office where he finds Bum and Cass Winthrop, as well as a blonde woman he doesn't recognize.  

 

"Glad you could come," says Bum.

 

"Hello, John Ross,"  Cass says.

 

"Winthrop.  Okay, Bum, I'm here.  Now would you mind explainin' to me WHY I'm here, in Cass Winthrop's office?  You said you had some information on Craig Ewing?"

 

Bum looks at Cass.

 

"John Ross, let me introduce you to Amanda Cory Sinclair," Cass says.  "She's a very old friend of mine from Bay City, and she's Craig Ewing's mother-in-law."

 

John Ross looks at Amanda.  "Is that a fact?"

 

 

"John Ross, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," Amanda says.  "I've heard a lot about you.  Your reputation truly proceeds you."

 

"Pleasure's all mine.  Now would someone please tell me what the hell we're all doin'?"

 

"John Ross, you already know pretty much everything that Amanda's mother, Rachel, told your mother and Bobby I when we all went to Bay City to see her several weeks ago,"  Cass says.  "Amanda came to Dallas and shared some further information on your cousin, Craig Ewing.  On Amanda's behalf, I hired Bum to tail Ewing."

 

"I wanted to know everything my son-in-law is up to these days," says Amanda.  "In hopes of protecting my daughter."

 

"So.......Craig Ewing is married to your daughter.  So why exactly should we be trustin' you?"  John Ross asks.  "How do I know you're not secretly workin' with him against my family?"

 

"John Ross, you can trust Amanda," Cass says.

 

"Believe me, John Ross," says Amanda.  "No one hates Craig Ewing any more than I do.  That man has taken away much that I hold dear, but nothing more dear to me than my daughter and my grandchildren. I haven't even seen my daughter since I've been in town."

 

"Okay, Bum, so what'd you find?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Ewing had a meeting today that he held in a very remote area outside of town.  Way out off Old Salem Road."

 

"Old Salem Road?  Damn. Can't get much more remote than that."

 

"Ewing met with a man.  They talked for a minute, and then Ewing left, but the meeting appeared to leave the other man upset. After a minute, he got in his car and drove off, too.  As he was driving away, I snapped a couple photos of his license plate, and then I called a friend of mine at the DMV and had him run a check on who the car was registered to."

 

"And?  Who was it registered to?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Peter Stanton," Bum replies.

 

"Peter Stanton?  Is that name supposed to ring a bell?"

 

"It didn't with me either," says Bum.  "At least not until I did an internet search on Stanton.  Turns out he's an old friend of Senator Matt Culver.  The two went to school together, and college.  But that's not the most interesting thing.  These days, Peter Stanton is working as Matt Culver's campaign manager."

 

"Well, well," John Ross says.  "How about that.  Why in Heaven's name would Matt Culver's campaign manager be meetin' with Craig Ewing?"

 

"I think we'd all like to know the answer to that," Cass says. "If Stanton is somehow involved with a sleaze like Craig Ewing, my guess is it's without the knowledge of his friend, Senator Culver.  From everything I know about him, Culver's as clean as they come."

 

"You're damn sure right about that," says John Ross.  "Culver's such a boy scout it's a mystery to me how he ever got elected to a full term in the Senate six years ago."

 

"I seriously doubt Senator Culver has anything to do with Craig Ewing or with his campaign manager having a clandestine meeting with Ewing," Bum says.

 

"Yeah, but then again, these days, you never know,"  says John Ross.

 

"If Culver is aware of the connection between Ewing and his campaign manager, then why would they meet in such an out of the way place?"  Cass asks.  

 

"Bum, you said Stanton looked upset after he met with Ewing?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yeah, he did.  Stanton gave him a couple of photos, and that seemed to upset him."

 

"Photos, huh?  Well, that might explain a lot."

 

"John Ross, what are you thinking?"  Cass asks.

 

"I think I know where you're goin' with this," says Bum. 

 

"My guess is Peter Stanton is workin' for Craig Ewing AGAINST Matt Culver,"  John Ross says.

 

"But why?"  Amanda asks.

 

"Maybe Ewing wants to see Matt Culver lose that election and Barnes win it.  According to Ms. Sinclair's mother, Craig Ewing is a business partner of my wife's brother, Adam  Carrington. And Krystina did say that the way Adam and Brad Barnes were actin' at the Ewing Barbecue a few months back, made her think that the two of them knew each other prior to meetin' at the Barbecue.  She even confronted both Adam and Barnes about it, and naturally they both denied knowin' each other.  So I think what's goin' on here is pretty damn obvious.  Craig Ewing and Brad Barnes are gonna use Stanton to hurt Matt Culver and help Barnes win that election."

 

"And since Stanton looked so upset after his meeting with Craig Ewing.......my guess he itn't doin' this willingly," Bum says.

 

"Blackmail?"  Amanda asks.

 

"No doubt," replies John Ross.  

 

"Well, if that's the case, Matt Culver needs to be warned," says Cass.  "Before Stanton is able to do anything that might cause Matt to lose that election."

 

John Ross smiles.  "Don't y'all worry.  You let ME take care of this.  Matt Culver may not be one of my favorite people personally, but it'll be a cold day in Texas in July before I let Barnes win that election, especially by underhanded means.  And I think I know a way to make this backfire and bite both Craig Ewing and Brad Barnes in the ass."

Southfork....

 Jenna comes into the foyer at Southfork and starts to go into the den, but she stops in the doorway when she sees Lucas in the den, pouring himself a glass of bourbon, his back to her.  Jenna watches her son quickly down the glass of bourbon, then pour himself another.  As Lucas is about to take a sip of his second drink, Jenna comes into the room and approaches him.  "You know that's not the answer, Lucas,"  Jenna says.

 

Lucas turns around to face his mother.  "Mom,"  he says.  "I didn't hear you come in."

 

"I know,"  says Jenna.  "You were otherwise occupied."

 

"Mom, I don't want a lecture."

"I'm not here to give you a lecture, sweetheart.  Only my love and support.  But I am worried about you."

 

"No need to worry.  I'm fine."

 

"Darling, you're not fine,"  says Jenna.  "You're in a lot of pain right now.  Pain that only time will heal."

 

"Time?"  Lucas asks.  "You think time is gonna make this better?"

 

"Time has a way of healing all wounds."

 

"The only thing that is gonna heal my wounds is to have my wife back," Lucas says.  "No amount of time is gonna make me forget Heather, or stop missing her."  Lucas picks up a bottle of bourbon from the bar, walks past his mother and leaves the room. 

 

Jenna turns and watches her son as he goes up the stairs, tears falling down her face.

The Krebbs Ranch....late afternoon....

 At the stables at the Krebbs Ranch late that afternoon, a young ranch hand is grooming one of the horses.  "That's it, boy,"  the young man says to the beautiful animal.  "That's a good boy."

 

Dylan walks into the stables.  "Hi,  Tommy,"  he says.

 

"Dylan, hey, man.  How're you feeling?"

 

"Still pretty sore, but I'm okay."

 

"We were all pretty worried about you."

 

"Thanks, I appreciate that,"  Dylan says.  "How's Orion doin'?"

 

Tommy smiles.  "He's great.  My Dad's been having me brush and groom him every day."

 

"Looks like you've been doing a good job.  How about lettin' me take over for you?"

 

"You sure you're feelin' up to it?"  Tommy asks.

 

"Oh, yeah."

 

"Okay then,"  Tommy says, handing Dylan the brush he'd been using on the horse.

 

"Thanks."  Dylan walks up to the horse and gently touches the animal's face.  "Hey, boy, you miss me?"  He asks, then begins brushing his horse.  

 

Tommy smiles.  "I think he did miss you."

 

"Well, I sure missed him, that's for sure."

 

"How long before you're gonna be able to come back to work?"  Tommy asks.

 

"Oh, it's probably gonna be a while before I can do much ranch work, but I'll be able to do some light stuff soon.  Kinda work my way back toward the harder stuff."

 

Tommy is about to say something when he looks past Dylan and sees Jasmine standing in the doorwat of the stables.  Dylan turns around and sees her.  

 

"Hi,"  Jasmine says, walking over to Dylan and Tommy.

 

"Hey,"  Dylan says.  

 

"One of the hands told me you were out here.  Can we talk?"  Jasmine asks.

 

"Sure.  Tommy would you mind?"

 

"No.  I'll go see if my Dad needs some help,"  the boy says, and he leaves the stables.  

 

"Little young to be a ranch hand, isn't he?"  Jasmine asks after Tommy is gone.

 

"He's 13.  His father's a ranch hand.  Tommy just lends a hand around here sometimes.  Kinda gives him somethin' to do.  I think his Dad likes to give him stuff to do on the ranch to keep him out of trouble.  So what's up?"

 

"Dylan, we really need to talk."

 

"Yeah, so you said.  What about?"

 

"I......."  Jasmine stops and begins to cry.

 

"Hey,"  Dylan says, walking the few steps over to her.  "Jasmine, what's wrong?"  He asks.

 

"I have something to tell you."

 

"Must be serious.  What is it?"

 

"I don't know how to tell you this.  Just know that.......I'm sorry."

 

"Sorry?  Sorry for what?  Jasmine, what's going on?"  Dylan asks.

 

Jasmine looks at him, tears filling her eyes.  "Dylan.......a while back, I.........I took a pregnancy test."

 

"A pregnancy test?"  Dylan asks, a worried look on his face.  

 

"Yes.  And.......it was positive."

 

"Positive?  But, those things can be wrong."

 

"I know.  So I took another one, and, it was positive, too.  And just to be sure, I took a third test."

 

"Don't tell me.......positive, too?"

 

Jasmine nods.  

 

Dylan lets out a deep sigh.  "You're.......pregnant?  Pregnant?"

 

"I wasn't sure whether or not I was even gonna tell you."

 

"Oh, wow,"  Dylan says, taking a seat on a barrel sitting in the stable.  He lowers his head and looks at the ground.

 

"Dylan, aren't you gonna say anything?"  Jasmine asks.

 

"I don't know what to say.  I sure never expected this."

 

"Well, neither did I.  I was on birth control pills.  I guess we should've taken other......precautions."

 

"I guess so,"  Dylan says, a sad tone in his voice.

 

Several seconds of awkward silence follows as Jasmine looks at Dylan, who continues to stare at the ground.  "Well, I just wanted to let you know,"  she finally says.  "And to tell you that, you don't have to worry.  I'm gonna take care of it."

 

Dylan looks at her.  "Jasmine, you can't take care of a baby by yourself.  Nor should you have to."

 

"That's not what I meant,"  Jasmine says as she begins to cry.

 

Dylan gets up and walks over to her.  "What do you mean?"  He asks.  

 

Jasmine remains silent, continuing to cry.

 

Dylan places his hands on her shoulders.  "Jasmine, what do you mean?"

 

"I said I'll take care of everything, and I will.  You won't have to worry about anything."

 

"Jasmine, if you're talking about abortion, then, no way."

 

"It's for the best."

 

"For the best?  Jasmine, abortion is never for the best.  No, you can't do it."

 

Jasmine looks at him.  "You don't want me to have an abortion, so what now?"

 

 Ray comes down the stairs at the Krebbs home that afternoon and as he reaches the bottom of the stairs, he looks into the dining room, where Donna and Margaret are seated at the table, Margaret proof reading some excerpts from Donna's biography on J.R. Ewing.  Ray stands in the foyer and watches his wife and daughter with a smile.  

 

"Mom, this is great,"  Margaret says.  "I think you're definitely going to have another best seller on your hands."

 

"You really think so?"  Donna asks.

 

"I sure do."

 

"Thank you.  It's nice to have an OBJECTIVE opinion,"  Donna says.  She looks up and sees Ray.  "Well, hello,"  she says to him.  "What are you standing there smiling at?"

 

"The two most beautiful women I know, workin' together,"  Ray replies.  

 

"I just asked Margaret to read over some excerpts from my book."

 

"So what do ya think, Margaret?"  Ray asks.  "Your Mama still the best writer in Texas?"

 

"Absolutely."

 

Ray smiles.  He is about to say something when he is interrupted  by the ringing of the doorbell.  "Now who can that be?"

 

"Well, why don't you open the door and find out?"  Donna playfully asks.

 

Ray walks to the front door and opens it.  He is surprised to find John Ross at the door.  "John Ross,"  Ray says.  "What in the world brings you over?"

 

"Hello, Uncle Ray.  Margaret here?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yes she is."

 

"I need to talk to her."

 

"About what?"

 

"Well, why don't you let me in and find out?"

 

Ray stands aside and motions John Ross into the house.  Ray closes the door, then follows John Ross into the dining room where Donna and Margaret are seated.  

 

"John Ross,"  Donna says.  "What are you doing here?"

 

"I came to see Margaret,"  John Ross replies.  "I need to talk to you in private."

 

"Sure,"  says Margaret, looking at her mother, she and Donna both curious as to why John Ross needed to see her.  Margaret gets up from her seat at the table.  As Ray goes into the dining room to join Donna, Margaret leads John Ross across the foyer and into the living room.  "Alright, John Ross,"  she says, once in the living room.  "What's this all about?"

 

"It's about your husband and his campaign."

 

"John Ross, look, I don't know what you're up to, but if you're here to try some blackmail scheme, then forget it."

 

"Would you just calm down, darlin' and listen to me?  How much do you know about your husband's campaign manager, Peter Stanton?"

 

"Why?"  Margaret asks.

 

"Just humor me.  You know him well?"

 

"Umm, sort of.  He went to military school with Matt when they were kids.  They grew up together and they were best friends through high school and college.  John Ross, why are you so interested in Peter?"

"Is there any chance he could be compromised or bought off?" John Ross asks.

 

"You really expect me to answer that question?  Especially coming from YOU?"

 

"Damn it, I am tryin' to help you and your husband."

 

"Help us?"  Margaret asks.  "And why would you wanna help us?"

 

"Well, I could lie to you and say it's because we're fam'ly, but I have a feelin' you'd see through that, so I'll tell you the truth.  Your husband may not be one of my personal favorite people, but I'd sure as hell rather have Matt Culver, a friend of the oil industry, in the United States Senate than Brad Barnes, who'll do everything in his power to hurt the industry and in particular Ewing Oil, if he's elected."

 

"John Ross, I still don't understand,"  Margaret says as the doorbell rings.  

 

"Then I'll explain it.  I have every reason to believe that Matt's campaign manager, Peter Stanton, is workin' for Brad Barnes, or more specifically, for the man who I'm 100% sure is partly bankrollin' Barnes's campaign, Craig Ewing."

 

"WHO is Craig Ewing?"

 

"A distant cousin of ours," replies John Ross.  "One who wants to hurt Ewing Oil and our family for a piece of land Ewing Oil owns that Craig Ewing believes rightfully belongs to HIS branch of the family."

 

"And what makes you think Peter is working for a man like that?"

 

"Because he was seen meetin' with Craig Ewing secretly."

 

"I don't believe that,"  Margaret says.

 

"I'm afraid it's true, Margaret,"  Bum says, walking into the room, followed by Ray and Donna.  Bum reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a medium sized envelope.  "I have proof that your husband's campaign manager is workin' for the Craig Ewing and likely for the Barnes campaign."

 

Margaret looks at Bum, then at John Ross, unsure of what to believe.

Southfork....evening....

 Krystina comes into the foyer at Southfork late that afternoon just as Little John is coming down the stairs.  "Little John, have you seen Grandma Krystle?"  Krystina asks the child.  

 Matt and Margaret arrive at a condo apartment where John Ross, Bum, Donna, Cass Winthrop and Amanda Cory are waiting.  

 

"Matt, Margaret, thank you for coming,"  Cass says, welcoming the Culvers into the apartment.

 

"Well, Margaret told me that you wanted to see me, Cass,"  says Matt.  "Donna, John Ross, I never expected you two to be here."

 

"I asked my Mom to be here,"  says Margaret.  

 

"Okay, umm, what's going on here?"  Matt asks.

 

"Matt, this won't take long,"  Donna says.  "We all realize you have that fundraiser to attend tonight."

 

"Matt, I don't believe you've met a friend of mine, Amanda Cory Sinclair,"  says Cass.

 

"Mrs. Sinclair."

 

"Senator Culver, it's a pleasure,"  Amanda says.  "I've heard a lot about you."

 

"Thank you.  So what's this all about?"

 

"What it's about.....is your campaign manager, Peter Stanton,"  John Ross replies, walking over to Matt.

 

"Peter?  What about Peter?"

 

"We have reason to believe that Peter Stanton is workin' for the enemy," replies John Ross.  "And by enemy, I mean possibly the Barnes campaign."

 

"What the hell are you talking about?  That's ridiculous.  There's no way."

 

"Bum, would you show the good Senator the photos you took?"  John Ross asks.

 

Bum picks up a large envelope, opens it, and pulls out several 8x10 photos, which he hands to Matt. 

 

Matt takes the photos and looks at them.  "I don't understand.  That's Peter, but who's this man with him?"

 

"His name is Craig Ewing,"  John Ross replies.  "He's a distant relative from another branch of the family, and he's out to take somethin' that belongs to us, and hurt Ewing Oil."

 

"I still don't understand.  What does this......Craig Ewing have to do with Brad Barnes and his campaign?"

 

"I think Amanda can explain that," says Cass.  "Craig Ewing is married to her daughter."

 

"Senator, my daughter's husband is a very ruthless man," Amanda says.  "He's involved with a very shady group of business partners whose goal it is to take over most of the major corporations in the United States, mostly through hostile takeovers.  These include companies from just about every sector of the business world, from tech companies......to oil companies.  I believe that Ewing Oil is one of their targets.  And after hearing from what I've heard from John Ross, and from Mr. Jones here, and from Cass, I believe that part of their plan is to install one of their own in the United States Senate."

 

"Brad Barnes?"  Matt asks.

 

"That's right,"  says John Ross.  "They already started to go after Ewing Oil.  It's because of them that I am no longer president of the company.  Remember when Uncle Bobby set up that competition between me and Clay Beaumont to see which one of us was right for the job?"

 

"Yes, I do remember."

 

"I'm ashamed to say that my wife's brother, Adam Carrington, is a part of this group Craig Ewing and Brad Barnes are involved with.  A couple years ago, I made a real bad decision business wise.  Carrington set me up with a bogus deal.  He dangled a lot of money in my face and like a damned fool I took the bait.  Uncle Bobby had warned me not to do any business with Adam or his Mama's company, Colbyco, but I was so determined to take Ewing Oil to the next level that I went behind his back and got in business with ColbyCo anyway.  Hell, I thought once I made Ewing Oil hundreds of millions of dollars richer, Uncle Bobby would over look the fact that I went behind his back.  But Adam betrayed me, which, I'm sure was all part of the plan.  See, he knew Uncle Bobby had warned me against doin' business with him.  So Carrington told Uncle Bobby and my mother about the deal and Uncle Bobby was so mad with me that he made Clay the president of Ewing Oil."

 

"They had to know that with Clay running the company, it would be easier for them to take it over than with John Ross at the helm,"  Bum says.  "As for your campaign manager, Stanton, they most likely got to him, and they're countin' on him to somehow sabotage your campaign to make sure that you lose that election, and Barnes wins."

 

"And if that happens, with Barnes in the Senate, that'll tip the Senate to the democrats, and we all know that right now they're wagin' a war on the oil industry," John Ross says.  "If Barnes gets that Senate seat, and he's able to push through legislation that stops us from bein' able to drill or frack, then that's it not only for Ewing Oil, but the whole damned industry."

 

"Look, I'm sorry, but I just can't believe that Peter is involved in anything like this," says Matt.  "I've known Peter Stanton since I was 13-years-old.  I spent a lot of time at his house when he and I were growing up.  He was my BEST friend all through school and he still is even now.  There's no way he would betray me like that."

 

"Matt, people do change," Margaret says.  

 

"NOT Peter.  He's one of the most scrupulous men I've ever known in my life.  He'd never compromise his principles for money."

 

"You're so sure of that?"  Cass asks.

 

"Absolutely."

 

"Then maybe he's not doing it by choice,"  says Donna.

 

"What do you mean, Mom?"  Margaret asks.

 

Donna looks at her daughter and son-in-law.  "Is IS possible Peter is not working against Matt of his own free will.  Maybe they have something on him."

 

"Blackmail?"  Margaret asks.

 

"Yes."

 

"That's entirely possible,"  says Bum.  "At their meeting, Craig Ewing gave Stanton some photos.  Stanton looked at them and was visibly upset."

 

"I have to talk to Peter,"  Matt says.  "Find out what's really going on."

 

"No way,"  John Ross says.  "If you tip him off then he could skip town and we could lose any chance of provin' Craig Ewing and Barnes are workin' together."

 

"Peter is my friend, I have to talk to him."

 

"No," says John Ross.  "I got a better idea."

 

Everyone looks curiously at John Ross, wondering what he's up to.

Southfork....

 As darkness descends on Southfork, Krystina, Ann, Bobby, and several ranch hands are searching the grounds near the house and stables for the missing Krystle Carrington.  After having searched for more than an hour, Krystina is becoming frantic.  

 

"MOM!!!"  Krystina calls out into the night as she and Ann search by the stables.  "MOM, WHERE ARE YOU?"  Krystina begins to cry.

 

Ann puts her arm around her.  "Sweety, we're gonna find her."

 

"Ann, she's been for for more than two hours.  What is she's somewhere out there on the ranch wandering around lost?  These memory lapses she's been having, I......."

 

"Maybe we should call the police?"  Ann wonders.

 

"Any luck?"  Bobby asks, he and a ranch hand approaching the women.

 

"None," Ann replies.  "You, either?"

 

"No."

 

"Ann suggested that we call the police,"  says Krystina.

 

"I think that's a good idea,"  Bobby agrees.

Meanwhile, Braddock Road near Southfork....

 Meanwhile, Krystle is walking alone in the darkness down the sidewalk along Braddock Road, not far from Southfork.  She appears to be in a daze as she continues walking.   Several cars pass by without notice.  After a while, Krystle finally seems to come out of her daze.  She stops walking and looks around, but none of her surroundings look familiar.  A confused look on her face, Krystle steps off the sidewalk and into the road.  As she begins to walk across Braddock Road, she steps into the path of an oncoming car.  Krystle is startled by the car's headlights.  The driver of the car sees the figure of a woman in front of him, and he quickly swerves to avoid hitting her.  The driver slams on his brakes and the car comes to a screeching stop just ahead of where Krystle stands.  A man gets out of the car and cautiously approaches Krystle. 

 

"Ma'am,"  he says.  "Are you okay?"

 

Krystle makes no response, but again just looks as if she is trying to figure out where she is. 

 

The man moves closer to her.  "Hello?  Lady?  Lady, are you okay?  What on Earth are you doing out here?"

 

Again, no response from Krystle.  The man comes up to her and gently touches her on the shoulder.  Krystle looks at him and appears to come out of her daze. 

 

"Miss, are you okay?"  The man asks again. 

 

"What?"  Krystle asks. 

 

"I almost hit you.  Are you okay?"

 

"Where am I?"

 

"You don't know where you are?  You're on Braddock Road, just outside of Braddock, Texas.  Ma'am, do you live around here?"

 

"What?"  Krystle asks.

 

"I said, do you live around here?"  The man asks.

 

"No, I........I don't know,"  Krystle replies.  "I don't know,"   she repeats as she begins to cry.

 

"Okay, look, it's gonna be alright,"  the man says in an attempt to comfort her.  "I'm gonna get you some help.  Come on.  I'll take you somewhere that you can talk to someone, okay?"

 

Krystle looks at the man and nods.  The man gently takes her by the hand and leads her to his car.  He helps her into the passenger seat of the car, then gets into the car himself and drives away.

The Omni Hotel Ballroom....later....

In the elegant ballroom at the Omni Hotel, a political fundraiser is underway for Matt's campaign.  Despite still being upset and angry over what John Ross and the others had told him earlier about Peter Stanton, Matt is putting on his best smile as he stands with Margaret, greeting people arriving at the fundraiser.  Margaret looks around the crowded ballroom.  "I wonder where Peter is," she says.

 

"He'll be here,"  Matt replies.  

 

"Unless he's caught on."

 

"How could he?"  Matt asks.  "I'm still having trouble believing Peter has betrayed me.  I mean, all the years I've known him....."

 

"People will do anything when they're desperate, Matt."  

 

"Hello, you, two,"  Donna says, she and Ray walking over to them.

 

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

 

"Matt, I hope you don't mind, but I filled Ray in on the situation with Peter Stanton," says Donna.

 

"No, I don't mind."

 

"So what are you gonna do?"  Ray asks.

 

"Confront him, privately, if he ever gets here."

 

"He's not here yet?"  Donna asks.

 

"No, and that has me more than a little concerned."

 

Meanwhile, leaning on a banister overlooking the ballroom, John Ross is looking at his watch, wondering why Krystina and the rest of the family hasn't arrived yet.  John Ross sighs deeply.  "Damn it, Krystina, where the hell are you?"  He asks.  He takes his cell phone out of his pocket and dials Krystina's number.  After several rings, there is no answer.  Rather than leave a voicemail, he ends the call and puts his phone back into his pocket as Alex and Bridget approach hjm.

 

"Dad,"  Alex says.

 

"Well, hey, you, two.  I didn't know you were gonna be here,"  says John Ross.

 

"Alex didn't wanna come, but I kinda forced him,"  Bridget says.  

 

"You know how I hate wearin' these monkey suits,"  Alex says.  "But, Bridget convinced me it was for a good cause, supporting Senator Culver's campaign.  And she loves these events.  By the way, where are Krystina and the rest of the family?"

"Oh, of course, I fully support Senator Culver's re-election campaign, and I might add, I just contributed a very hefty amount to his campaign," Donna Love replies.

 

"Grandmother's sounding like a true Texan now, isn't she?"  Michelle jokingly asks.

 

"Well, darling, after all we DO live in Texas now, and I'll be casting my first vote as a resident of this great state in this election, so, naturally I'm very proud to support the candidate whose values more closely align with my own.  And it doesn't hurt that Senator Culver is a relative by marriage of the two young men who could very well one day become my grandsons-in-law."

 

Alex and Bridget exchange smiles.  "Would you all excuse me?"  Alex asks.  "I need to make a phone call real fast."

 

"Of course,"  Donna Love says.

 

Alex walks away from the group, and Clay follows him.

 

"Alex, wait up,"  Clay says.  

 

Alex stops and turns back to him.  "What do you want, Clay?"

 

"I just wanted to say I hope there's no hard feelings between us because of Ewing Oil."

 

Alex sighs.  "Clay, I don't wanna talk about this now."

 

"Alex, look.  You and I are friends.  We've become pretty close, and not only that, we're family.  I'd hate to see the fact that Uncle Bobby made me president of Ewing Oil come between us.  I didn't have anything to do with that.  John Ross screwed up when he went behind Uncle Bobby's back and went into that deal with ColbyCo."

 

"Clay, I'm  not gonna lie.  I was angry when my father was booted out of the company that was meant to be his birthright from the time he was a little kid.  But I know you had nothing to do with what happened.  I can't pretend I'm happy about it."

 

"I'm not asking you to,"  says Clay.  "Only that we not let it ruin our friendship.  I also want you to know that, there's always a place for you at Ewing Oil.  It's a family company, after all."  Clay extends his hand to his cousin.

 

Alex looks at Clay's hand for a few seconds, then the two shake hands.  "I appreciate that,"  Alex says.

 

Clay smiles.  

 

"Well, excuse me for a minute, I was about to make a phone call."

 

"Oh, yeah, of course,"  Clay says, and walks away.  

 

Alex takes his phone from his pocket and dials Krystina's number.  

 

Meanwhile, back downstairs at the fundraiser, Matt and Margaret are talking to Ray and Donna when Matt sees his campaign manager, Peter Stanton, walk in.  "Well, there's Peter now."

 

Margaret looks in the direction Matt indicated and also sees Peter.  

 

"Time to put John Ross's plan in motion,"  Matt says.  "I wish that I could talk to Peter first.  I know I could get some answers from him."

 

"Matt, you have to let John Ross do this,"  Margaret says.  

 

"Margaret's right,"  says Donna.  "Not that I trust John Ross very much, but, at least we do know he wants you to win re-election because he knows the oil industry will have an ally in the Senate."

 

"I know,"  Matt says with a sigh.

 

"Matt, Margaret,"  Peter says, walking over to the group.

 

"Peter, where've you been?"  Matt asks.

 

"Sorry I'm late.  Uh, something came up at home I had to take care of."

 

"No worries,"  Matt says, managing to fake a smile.  "Family should always come first.  At least you made it.  Peter, you met my mother-in-law, Donna Krebbs.  This is my father-in-law, Ray Krebbs."

 

"Mr. Krebbs, it's a pleasure,"  Peter says.

 

"Stanton,"  Ray says, shaking Peter's hand.  

 

"Well, how's everything going so far?"  Peter asks.

 

"Just fine."  Matt looks at his watch.  "Peter, you made it just in time for my speech."

 

"Good, I was worried I'd miss it."

 

"If you will all excuse me,"  Matt says.  He walks away from the group and makes his way through the crowd, occasionally shaking hands, until he reaches the stage.  Going onto the stage, Matt shakes hands with another man, who then takes the podium.

 

"Everyone,"  the other man says into a microphone.  "Everyone, please, can I have your attention.  EVERYONE, YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE."

 

The noise from the crowd begins to die down and then is followed by silence as all eyes are on the podium.

 

"Thank you,"  the man says.  "Ladies and gentlemen, fellow Republicans.  Allow me to introcuce you to our current, and FUTURE United States Senator from Texas, Senator Matthew Culver."

 

The man's introduction is followed by a thunderous round of applause as Matt takes the podium.  The applause goes on for what seems like several minutes, and finally fades.  "Thank you.  Thank you all. 

 I'd like to thank all of your for coming out tonight to support my re-election campaign.  Fundraisers such as this are extremely important, perhaps even more important than ever because the democrats are pouring an enormous amount of money into my opponent's campaign, so if we are to win this all important election, it's going to be up to YOU.  Not only to support Republican candidates with your generous donations, but also, get out there and VOTE.  Exercise your sacred right as an American citizen.  As we all know, this mid-term election is one of the most important in our lifetimes, if not THE most important.  We have seen in the last two years how the other party has attacked and declared war on the oil and gas industry, which is a lifeline of Texas's economy.  We've seen their disastrous policies not make life better for Americans, but worse.  We NEED to retain control of this Senate seat, and if you help send me back to the Senate, I make this solemn vow, that I will fight like hell for you, the people of the great state of Texas, and I will reach across the isle and across party lines to work to pass legislation to make the lives of the people of Texas better, and not worse."

 

Another round of applause follows Matt's remarks.  Meanwhile, standing in the crowd watching the speech with Ray and Donna, Margaret looks over at Peter Stanton, who is standing nearby, and she wonders to herself how, if everything John Ross and Bum said was true, Peter could have betrayed his best friend in such a way, then come to this fundraiser and applaud Matt's speech as if nothing were wrong.  

 

Meanwhile, near the door to the entrance of the ballroom, John Ross approaches a waiter.  John Ross quietly hands the young waiter two one hundred dollar bills and whispers something to him.  The waiter nods in agreement, and walks away from him.  John Ross watches from the doorway as the young waiter approaches Peter Stanton in the crowd.  

 

"Excuse me, sir,"  the young waiter says  "Are you Peter Stanton?"

 

"Yes, I am.  What can I do for you?"

 

"Mr. Stanton, you have a phone call in the office."

 

"A phone call?"  Peter asks, surprised.  "Who is it?"

 

"I don't know, sir."

 

"I wonder why they didn't call me on my cell phone."

 

"I don't know, Mr. Stanton, but the gentleman said it was important."

 

"Okay, thank you,"  Peter says, and the waiter walks away.  A curious look on his face, Peter makes his way through the crowd and toward the ballroom exit.  Meanwhile, John Ross quietly slips out of the room.  A couple of minutes later, Peter walks into a small office on the floor above the ballroom.  He walks over to the desk and picks up the phone.  As he does, he is unaware that John Ross emerges from behind the door.  Peter doesn't see him, since his back is to the door.  But when John Ross closes the door, Peter hears and turns around, stunned to see John Ross.  

 

"Stanton,"  John Ross says.

 

"Who the hell are you?"

 

"I'm John Ross Ewing III."

 

"John Ross Ewing?  Look, if you'll excuse me, I have a phone call."

 

"There's no phone call, Stanton,"  John Ross says.  

 

"What the hell is this all about?"

 

"I'm glad you asked that,"  replies John Ross.  He opens the door, and Bum walks into the room carrying a large manila envelope.  "Bum, would you please show Mr. Stanton here what's in that envelope?"

 

Bum opens the envelope and takes out a set of photographs, which he hands to Peter.  Peter takes the photos and he is shocked to see they are photos of his meeting with Craig Ewing.  

 

"I trust you recognize the other man in those photos,"  John Ross says.  "If not, his name is Craig Ewing."

 

"What do you want?"  Peter asks.

 

"We want the truth, Stanton.  What were you doin' meeting with Craig Ewing?"

 

"That's none of your business."

 

"It's very much my business, since Craig Ewing is involved with some very shady people who want to do everything in their power to get Brad Barnes elected to the United States Senate.  So what's Barnes's opponent Matt Culver's campaign manager doin' meeting with a man workin' to beat Culver in that election."

 

"I'd like to know the answer to that myself,"  Matt says, he, Margaret, Ray, and Donna appearing in the door.  Matt enters the office and approaches his friend.  "So what IS the answer, Peter?"

 

"You had me followed?"  Peter asks.  

 

"Senator Culver had nothing to do with this,"  Bum says.  "And, actually, it wasn't YOU I was following.  I was hired to tail Craig Ewing.  When I saw him meeting with you under that bridge, I immediately recognized you from pictures I've seen in the paper with you and Senator Culver."

 

"Just tell me why, Peter,"  Matt says.

 

"Craig Ewing......he........he offered to make a very generous donation to your campaign."

 

"Cut the lies, Stanton,"  John Ross says.

 

"Come on, you can do better than that,"  says Donna.  

 

"Peter, I want the truth,"  Matt angrily says.  "You and I have been friends since we were kids.  I trusted you.  That's why I made you my campaign manager, because of all the people in my life, you were one of the ones I trusted the most.  Why?  How much did Ewing pay you to sabotage my campaign and help Barnes win this Senate race?"

 

"He didn't pay me anything."

 

"Damn it, Peter, stop lying!"  Matt says, grabbing Stanton by the collar.  

 

"Matt, I'm not lying.  I swear,"  Peter says, his voice trembling as his face begins to sweat with fear.  "He threatened my family.  Matt, Ewing threatened Karen and the kids.  He had some thug follow Karen and Katie home one evening.  And he threatened Caleb.  Threatened to hurt my son badly if I didn't help him."

 

"Are you telling me the truth?"

 

"Matt, I swear on my kids' lives.  I never would've betrayed you for money or for any other reason but to protect my family.  Craig Ewing is working for some very powerful, and very dangerous people."

 

"Where are your wife and kids now?"  Donna asks.

 

"At the house.  I hired a private security guard to watch the house.  Karen doesn't know."

 

"Matt, I believe Peter is telling the truth,"  Margaret says.  

 

"I swear, I am!  Matt, if a bunch of thugs threatened Margaret and your kids, what would you have done?"

 

"Matt, is there something you can do to protect Peter's family?"  Donna asks.

 

"There's somethin' I can do,"  John Ross says.  "Bum, send some of your men to Stanton's house and pick up his family.  You know where to have them taken."

 

"Right,"  Bum says, and leaves the room quickly.

 

"Wait a minute,"  Peter says.  "Where is he gonna take my family?"

 

"Somewhere they'll be safe,"  John Ross replies.  

 

"What about Stanton?"  Ray asks.  "Once Craig Ewing and these thugs he's involved with find out you're all on to him, wouldn't that put his life in danger?"

 

"Peter will be kept safe,"  Matt says.  

 

"If anything happens to Karen or my kids, I......."

 

"Peter, nothing will happen to them,"  Matt says.  "I promise.  

 

"I'll have Bum put round the clock guards on your wife and kids until Craig Ewing and his buddies are taken down,"  says John Ross.  

 

"And how do you take down people like that?"  Margaret asks.  "We don't even know who Craig Ewing is working for, or with."

 

"There might be someone who knows,"  John Ross says.

 

"Who?"  Donna asks.

 

"Adam Carrington, Krystina's brother.  He's one of Ewing's partners.  I'll make Adam tell me who the others are."

 

"And just how are you gonna do that, John Ross?"  Ray asks.

 

"I have my ways, Uncle Ray.  Remember, I learned everything from my Daddy, and he could always make someone talk."

 

Ray and Donna exchange looks, each of them realizing just how much like J.R. his son is, and also realizing that, in this case, John Ross's resemblance to his father might just be a good thing if they want to get the information they need and take down their cousin Craig Ewing.  

 

"Stanton, we have a job for you,"  John Ross says.  Before he can continue, his cell phone rings.  He takes the phone from his pocket and looks at it.  "Excuse me for a second, I gotta take this,"  he says, and steps into the hallway outside the office to answer the call.  "Uncle Bobby, where the hell are y'all?  Is Krystina alright?  What?  Krystina, why are you callin' me from Uncle Bobby's phone?"  John Ross is silent for a few moments as he listens to his wife on the other end of the line.  "I'm on my way.  Darlin', don't worry.  I'll be there as fast as I can."  John Ross ends the call and then steps back into the office.  "I'm sorry, but I gotta go."

 

"You've got to go?"  Donna asks.  

 

"Somethin' wrong, John Ross?"  Ray asks.

 

"That was Krystina callin' me on Uncle Bobby's phone.  She left hers at the ranch.  Krystina's mother has been taken to Braddock Medical Center.  Krystina is there with her."

 

"John Ross, it's okay,"  Matt says.  "You go on.  We can handle things from here."

 

"I'll call Bum and give him instructions.  Meanwhile, Matt, you fill Stanton in on what we want him to do."

 

"I will."

 

"Good,"  John Ross says.  he quickly rushes out.

 

Matt turns back to his friend.  "Peter, here's what we want you to do.  You're gonna contact Craig Ewing and ask for a meeting."

 

Meanwhile, as John Ross leaves the office and heads down the nearby staircase leading back to the ballroom downstairs, a young man is standing around the corner near the office watching John Ross leave.  Once John Ross has descended the staircase, the young man takes his cell phone from his pocket and quickly types a text message.  After sending the message, the young man puts his phone back into his pocket and walks away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 John Ross rushes into the emergency department at Braddock Medical Center 40 minutes later.  He approaches the nurse's desk.  Standing down the hall outside of the waiting room, Bobby sees John Ross and rushes down the hall to meet him.  

 

"John Ross."

 

"Uncle Bobby, where's Krystina?"  

 

"In the waiting room.  Come on,"  Bobby says.  He and John Ross go down the hall and into the waiting room where Krystina and Ann are sitting.  

 

"John Ross,"  Krystina says, getting up to meet him.  

 

"Darlin', I got here as fast as I could.  What the hell happened?"

 

"My Mom disappeared this evening,"  Krystina replies.  "She wandered off, and we were all out looking for her.  Finally, someone picked her up walking down Braddock Road not far from the ranch and brought her here to the hospital."

 

"Is she alright?"

 

"We don't know,"  Bobby replies.  "The doctor is examing her now."

 

"Physically she seems fine,"  says Krystina.  "But John Ross, her mind.  She doesn't even remember wandering off."  Krystina begins to cry.  "I'm so frightened that my mother has Alzheimer's or something like it."

 

"Shhhhh, it's okay,"  John Ross says, embracing her.

 

"I lost my phone somewhere at the ranch when we were looking for her,"  Krystina says.  

 

"It's alright, don't worry about that,"  John Ross reassures her.  

 

Ann gets up from her seat and goes to the window and looks out.  Bobby walks over to her.  "You alright, honey?"

 

"Just thinkin' about Krystle,"  Ann replies.  "We really never know what's gonna happen next in life, do we?"

 

"No, we don't, but that's probably a good thing,"  says Bobby.  "If we knew some of the stuff that was gonna happen, we'd probably go crazy worryin' about it."

 

"You're right about that.  Poor Krystle."

 

A doctor walks into the room.  "Excuse me, I'm looking for the family of Krystle Carrington?"

 

"Yes, I'm her daughter, Krystina Ewing.  How is she?"

 

"She's resting comfortably."

 

"Can you tell us what's wrong with her?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Not yet,"  the doctor says.  "I'd like to keep Mrs. Carrington here for a couple of days to run some tests."

 

"Doctor, can't you give us some idea of what you think could be wrong with my mother?"  Krystina asks.  "The forgetfulness and changes in her personality.  She didn't even remember wandering off tonight by herself.  Please, be honest with me.  Do you think that my mother could be suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer's?"

 

"Ms. Ewing, I don't want to say until I run some tests."

 

"But........the symptoms do indicate something like that, don't they?"

 

The doctor hesitates for a few seconds.  "Mrs. Carrington's symptoms do point toward some form of Dementia, yes."

 

"Oh God,"  Krystina says in tears.  John Ross puts his arms around her.

 

"As I said, I won't, and I can't make a diagnosis until I run some tests.  I've scheduled an MRI of Mrs. Carrington's brain for first thing tomorrow morning, as well as a cognitive test."

 

"How long til you know?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Hopefully, we'll know something tomorrow.  And we can go from there."

 

"Can I see my mother?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Yes.  We're getting her moved to a room upstairs.  I'll let you know when you can see her."

 

"Thank you,"  Krystina says.  The doctor nods, and walks out.  "This is what I was afraid of,"  Krystina says.  

 

"Krystina, the doctor even said he isn't sure,"  Ann says.  

 

"Ann's right,"  says Bobby.  "Let's wait and see what the tests show."

 

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.  My Mom is almost 80.  It's just that, it's hard for me to see her as being that old.  It's funny.  My Mom was 41 when I was born.  So she was already.......not young anymore.......by the time I was growing up.  But I never saw her as old as she really was.  To me, she was always so youthful and so beautiful.  How do I cope with losing her?  I mean, physically, she could live for years, but, we all know that Alzheimer's is a death sentence.  The person is still there physically, but they're only a shell."  John Ross embraces Krystina as she cries.

The Omni Hotel....

Peter Stanton is standing in the doorway of the ballroom at the Omni Hotel watching as the fundraiser for Matt's campaign begins to wind down.  Matt and Margaret are greeting guests at the event with handshakes.  Peter looks at his watch, then quietly slips out of the ballroom, unaware that the young man who had watched John Ross leave the hotel earlier was also watching him.  The young man follows Peter out of the ballroom.  As Peter is heading down the hallway toward the hotel's exit, the young man catches up to him and grabs him by the arm, startling Peter.  "Hey, what the......."

A black sedan is parked in a wooded area outside of Dallas.  Another car pulls up behind the sedan and comes to a stop.  The young man from Matt's fundraiser gets out of the driver's side of the car, and orders Peter Stanton to get out of the passenger's side. 

 

"Come on,"  the young man says, pointing the gun at Peter.  "Get in the backseat of that car."

 

Peter looks at the young man, his heart pounding in terror, and obediently does as he is told.  He walks to the black sedan, opens the left rear door and gets in.  Seated on the other side of the backseat is none other than Jeremy Wendell.  

 

"Mr. Stanton,"  Jeremy says.  "How nice of you to accept my invitation to meet."

 

"Did I have a choice?"  Peter asks.

 

"No, not at all."

 

"Who are you and what do you want?"

 

Jeremy smiles.  "I suppose there's no harm in telling you.  My name is Jeremy Wendell.  Craig Ewing works for me.  And you were given a job to do."

 

"I........I'm working on it,"  Peter replies, terrified for his life.

 

"Working on it?  Is that why you met with Senator Culver and John  Ross Ewing during the Senator's fundraiser tonight?"

 

"Look, I swear, I didn't tell them anything.  They already knew.  They had some private investigator follow Craig Ewing, so if you want someone to blame for Matt and John Ross Ewing finding out I'm working for Craig, then blame Craig."

 

"Oh, no need to worry.  Craig Ewing will be dealt with.  Right now, my main concern is you.  You were cornered and you spilled your guts.  That makes you a dangerous liability, and liabilities have to be eliminated."

 

"Look, Wendell, please, I........"

 

Jeremy reaches over and taps on his car window.  The young man who had brought Peter to this spot opens the door.  

 

"Yes, sir?"  The young man says.

 

"Take care of Mr. Stanton,"  Jeremy says.  

 

"What?"  Peter asks.

 

"Kill him and dump his body in the river,"  Jeremy says.

 

"Yes, Mr. Wendell,"  says the young man.  He points the gun at Peter.  "Okay, let's go."

 

Reluctantly, Peter gets out of the car, the gun on him.  But as he does, Peter manages to shove the young man against the car and he quickly takes off running toward the woods, to safety he hopes.  The young man recovers his footing, points the gun at Peter's back, aims, and fires a single shot which strikes Peter dead center in the back.  Peter falls to the ground in agonizing pain.  The young man walks over to Peter.  With  no remorse, the young man points the gun at the helpless man on the ground, and fires three more shots into Peter's body.  

Southfork....

 John Ross and Krystina enter their bedroom that night after returning from the hospital.  "Sure wish I could've stayed at the hospital with my mother,"  Krystina says.

 

"Darlin', there was nothin' you could do there.  Krystle's in good hands   We'll go back to the hospital first thing in the mornin'."

 

"I know.  I was so afraid when she was missing.  I shouldn't have put off having that talk with her about her memory lapses."

 

"You couldn't have known somethin' like this was gonna happen.  I'm just worry I wasn't here for you."

 

A worried look comes over Krystina's face.  "John Ross, where were you tonight?"

 

"What?"

 

"Where were you?  You told me this afternoon when you called that you had something important you had to take care of.  Did you take care of it?"

 

"Mostly,"  John Ross replies.

 

"What was it?"  Krystina asks, curious.

 

John Ross looks at her.  "You, uh, you sound as if you don't trust me."

 

"No, it's not that, I.........I was just curious, is all."

 

"It's alright.   Krystina, I got some information today.  Some real unexpected information, and it just might involve your brother, so, right now I think it's best you don't know what's goin' on."

 

"John Ross, considering everything I already know about Adam, how much worse can it get?  Don't you trust me?"

 

"I trust you with my life."

 

"Then tell me.  Please, whatever it is, I can take it."

 

"Bum was hired by Cass Winthrop on behalf of his friend, Amanda Sinclair, to tail Craig Ewing, and in so doing, he witnessed Craig Ewing meeting with Matt Culver's campaign manager, Peter Stanton."

 

"And what does that mean?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Darlin', it means that Stanton was workin' for Craig Ewing and whoever the hell he's workin' for to sabotage Culver's re-election campaign and make sure Barnes wins that election.  That's where I was this afternoon.  I was meetin' with Culver, and with Margaret, Uncle Ray, Donna, and Bum.  We had to inform Matt that his campaign manager and friend was dirty and is workin' against him."

 

"Oh wow.  How did Matt take it?"

 

"Not too well.  But we later confronted Stanton and he swore up and down that he didn't betray Matt Culver for money.  Craig Ewing and the thugs he works with threatened to hurt Stanton's family, his wife and kids, if he didn't make sure Culver loses that election to Barnes."

 

"And since Adam is in cahoots with your shady cousin Craig........then Adam is involved in the whole thing,"  Krystina says sadly."

 

"I'm afraid so.  Bum got Stanton's wife and kids to a safe place, and Stanton is supposed to meet with Ewing tonight and reassure him that their plan is still on schedule."

 

Krystina lets out a deep sigh as she takes a seat on the bed.  "Dear God, John Ross, this whole thing is.........I just have no words.  How did Adam manage to get himself involved with people like Craig Ewing?"

 

"As much as I wanna see your brother pay for everything he's done, I mean, after all, he did cost me Ewing Oil with that phony offshore deal he sucked me into.......Adam and Ewing are small potatoes.  My main concern is the head of this group they belong to.  We don't even know who this man is.  But I'd be willin' to bet the farm that Adam does.  How the hell can he  not know who the head guy is in this unholy little partnership he got himself into?"

 

"So what are you gonna do?  Go to Denver and see Adam?"

 

"Yes.  I need to go as soon as possible."

 

Krystina gets up from her seat on the bed and walks over to him.  "I understand.  You fly to Denver and see my brother first thing in the morning.  Get the answers you need, any way you have to."

 

"I wanna be there for you and your Mama."

 

"It's okay.  I'll call Fallon right now.  It's only 9:30 in Denver.  I'll let her know what's going on with Mom, and I'm sure she'll wanna be here."

 

John Ross puts his arms around her.  "We just have to believe that your Mama's gonna be okay, Darlin'.  Hopefully it's somethin' the doctors can fix."

 

"I pray to God you're right,"  Krystina says.  

The Krebbs Ranch....

Matt sits up in bed in the guest bedroom at the Krebbs home that night, staring aimlessly into space, deep in thought.  Margaret comes into the bedroom.  She takes off her bathrobe and gets into bed next to her husband.  

 

"Sweetheart, are you okay?"  She asks.

 

"I just can't stop thinking about Peter, and how he stabbed me in the back.  After all the years we've known each other and been friends, since we were 11-years-old that first day of middle school."

 

"Matt, I'm not saying what Peter did was right.  It wasn't,"  says Margaret.  "But I think you've got to look at the reason why he did it.  If Craig Ewing really threatened Karen and the kids.......then Peter had to have been desperate."

 

Matt sighs as he runs his hand through his dark brown hair.  "I know.  I've been thinking about that, too.  I don't know what I would do if anyone ever threatened you and our kids like that."

 

"Knowing the kind of man you are, you would do anything you had to do to protect us.  Matt, we don't know the whole story here.  All we know is what little John Ross told us about this Craig Ewing guy and Adam Carrington, and this whole weird plot to make you lose the election and install Brad Barnes in the Senate.  And this whole thing about taking over Ewing Oil and other companies....... it just......."

 

"Sounds like something out of a bad movie or TV show,"  Matt says.  

 

"Obviously, the people who threatened Peter's family are very powerful, and very evil people."

 

"Thank God John Ross's private detective got to Karen and the kids and moved them from their home to a safe place,"  Matt says.  "And speaking of Peter, I thought I would've heard from him by now about his meeting with Craig Ewing.  I'm gonna try and call him."  Matt reaches over and picks up his phone.  He dials Peter's number, and waits for an answer, but Peter's voice mail answers instead.  "Peter, this is Matt.  Give me a call.  Just let me know you're okay.  Bye."  Matt ends the call and puts his phone down.  "It went straight to voice mail."

 

Margaret puts her arm around Matt and lays her head on his bare chest.  "It's getting late.  We should get some sleep.  It's been a long and.......interesting day."

 

"That, it has,"  Matt says.  He reaches over and turns off the light next to the bed.  

Meanwhile....

 

In Dallas, the body of a man is floating face down in the Trinity River.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Braddock Medical Center....the next morning....

 Krystina knocks on her mother's hospital room door the next morning at Braddock Medical Center.  "Come in,"  she hears Krystle say.

 

Krystina walks into the room and finds her mother sitting up in bed finishing her breakfast.  "Mom, how do you feel this morning?"

 

"Much better than I did last night.  I'm sorry that I worried you, darling."

 

"It's alright."  Krystina walks over and takes a seat beside her mother's bed.  "Mom, why didn't you tell me about these lapses in memory you've been having?"

 

"Because I didn't wanna worry you."

 

"How long has this been going on?  Was it before you came to Southfork?"

 

Krystle lowers her head and is silent for a moment, then she looks at her daughter.  "Yes.  It started about eight months ago."

 

"Eight months?  Mom, why?  Why didn't you tell me?"

 

"I didn't want to worry you.  Krystina, I'm so afraid.   I'm afraid that this is Alzheimer's.  And if that's the case....."

 

"Mom,"  Krystina says, taking her mother's hand.  "I pray to God that it's not Alzheimer's or Dementia.  But if it is, we will face it.  Together, we'll face whatever comes."

 

Krystle looks at her daughter and nods.  "Together.  I'm sorry, darling, I never should've kept this from you."

 

"I forgive you,"  Krystina says as a nurse comes into the room.

 

"Mrs. Carrington?"  The nurse asks.

 

"Yes?"

 

"I'm here to take you down for some tests."

 

"Alright,"  Krystle says.  Krystina and the nurse help Krystle out of bed and into a wheelchair the nurse had brought with her.

 

"This should only take a half hour or so,"  the nurse tells Krystina.  "If you'd like to wait here."

 

"Yes, thank you,"  Krystina says.  The nurse smiles, then wheels Krystle out of the room.  After they are gone, Krystina takes a seat on the bed, a worried look on her face as she fears what the tests will reveal about her mother's health.

Ewing Oil....

 Sly is putting a file away into the filing cabinet at Ewing Oil that morning when Cole steps off the elevator.  He hesitates a moment, then walks over to his mother.  Sly turns around and sees her son approaching.  

 

"Mom,"  he says.

 

"Hi, sweetheart.  How are things going in your new job at Ewing Records?"

 

"I hate it.  I can't believe Clay Beaumont stuck me in that job being that little fairy boy's assistant."

 

"If I were you, I'd watch my mouth," Clay says.  "Corey's your boss, whether you like it or not, and I expect you to treat him with respect."

 

"Enjoy this while you can. I believe it's only gonna be a matter of time before John Ross is back in his old office and you're out of here on your......you know what."

 

"You really got a smart mouth,"  Clay says.  "Hard to believe you're related to Sly.  Let me give you a warning, Cole.  I kept you on here at Ewing out of my respect for your mother.  But if you keep pushing me, not only will I fire your little punk ass, but I'll also tell Sly all about how you were spying for John Ross.  Might be kinda hard for you to find another job in Dallas if word got out that you can't be trusted.  Now why don't you get back to work at Ewing Records.  That's two floors above us."

 

Cole looks at him, fighting his urge to punch Clay.  After a few seconds, he walks away.  Cole waits for the elevator to open, then gets on it.  Meanwhile, Sly is standing in the doorway of the office where she had taken the file Clay had given her.  She watches as the elevator doors close behind Cole, and as Clay goes back into his office.  Sly wonders what is going on between her son and Clay, and why there is so much tension between them.  

ColbyCo Oil, Denver, Colorado....

 Adam Carrington's secretary buzzes his office.  "Mr. Carrington, John Ross Ewing is here to see you."

 

Adam's heart drops upon hearing that John Ross is paying him a visit.  He hesitates before answering.

 

"Mr.  Carrington?"  The secretary calls again.  

 

"Yes, Elizabeth, umm, tell Mr. Ewing that I'm very busy and won't be able to see him today."

 

"Yes, sir."

 

A few seconds later, Adam hears a commotion in the outer office, and loud voices.  

 

"No, I've already told you, Mr. Carrington is very busy and you can't go in there!"  Adam hears his secretary say, just outside of his door.  

 

"Yeah, well, darlin', you just watch me,"  John Ross says as he barges into the office, Adam's secretary right behind him.  

 

"Mr. Carrington, I'm sorry," the secretary says.  "I couldn't stop him."

 

"It's quite alright, Elizabeth," Adam says.

 

"Do you want me to call security, Mr. Carrington?"  Elizabeth asks.

 

"Why don't you just do that, sweetheart?"  John Ross asks.  "I can guarantee you that before they can remove me from this office, your boss will take a flyin' leap right out that window."

 

"That will be all, Elizabeth,"  says Adam.  "But......stand by, just in case Mr. Ewing gets out of line."

 

Elizabeth nods.  She looks from Adam to John Ross, then she turns and leaves the office, closing the door behind her.  

 

"You really think you can avoid me?"  John Ross asks, looking at Adam.  

 

"John Ross, I'm really very busy.  What do you want?"

 

"I want answers, Carrington.  And I'm not leavin' here without 'em."

 

"Answers?  What was the question, again?"

 

"I already know Craig Ewing and Brad Barnes are two of your partners in this organization that wants to take control of Ewing Oil and various other companies across the United States.  But I wanna who the  head of that organization is.  And I'm not leavin' this office until you tell me."

 

"John Ross, all I have to do is have my secretary call security."

 

John Ross walks over to the door and locks it, the gesture causing Adam to begin sweating with fear.  "You just do that, Carrington.  Go ahead.  Have whatshername......Elizabeth?........call security.  But I can promise you that by the time they manage to get through that door, there won't be enough of you left to save, so you'd best get to talkin'."

 

His heart pounding with fear, Adam lunges for his desk, where he has a gun in the drawer, but John Ross rushes him, grabs Adam, and shoves him to the floor.  

 

"Now what could you have been goin' after in your desk drawer?"  John Ross asks.  He opens the drawer and takes out Adam's hand gun.  "Hmmm.......you must have been expectin' trouble.  Now you start talkin'.....NOW!!!!"

 

"John Ross, I swear to you, I.....I don't know who the head of the organization is,"  Adam says as he struggles to get up off the floor.  

 

"You're lyin'."

 

"No, I'm NOT!"

 

"Does it even matter to you what almost happened to Krystina?  To your own sister?"  John Ross asks.

 

"What?  What are you talking about?"

 

"That car crash that killed my cousin Lucas's wife.  Heather was drivin' Krystina's car, which means that crash was meant to kill her and not Heather.  Adam, these people tried to kill my wife, your SISTER!  If you've got a shred of decency left in you, or if you care anything at all about Krystina, then you'll tell me who the head of this organization is.  If you don't, I'll eventually find out anyway, and when I do, I'll make damn sure you go down just as hard for Heather's murder as the bastard who planted that bomb in Krystina's car."

 

"I had nothing to do with that!"  Adam says.  

 

"You were a part of it,"  John Ross angrily says.  "And that makes you just as damned guilty as the man who planted that bomb.  Now, you're gonna tell me who tried to kill my wife."  John Ross grabs Adam by the collar and looks directly into his eyes.  "Start talkin'."

 

"John Ross, I.......I can't.  I can't tell you what you wanna know,"  Adam says, his voice trembling.

 

"You can, and you will."

 

"John Ross, you don't understand,"  Adam says.  "These are very dangerous people.  Very ruthless people.  You can't win in this.  They have more power than you can possibly imagine."

 

"And that's why we have to stop them,"  John Ross says, forcing Adam against the wall.  "Y'know, I've heard a lot of stories about you since I married your sister,  But I always thought you cared at least a little about Krystina and the rest of your family, but I guess I was wrong."

 

"I love my sister."

 

"Then PROVE it.  Give me the name of the man who ordered her death.  Do the right thing for once and make your miserable life count for somethin'."

 

Adam begins to cry.  "John Ross, I can't tell you.  If I do, they'll kill me, and possibly my family.  My children."

 

John Ross looks at him for a moment.  "Your fam'ly?  I'm actually glad you brought up the subject of your fam'ly."  John Ross forces Adam into his chair, then reaches into his pocket and takes out his cell phone.  He pulls up a  video on the phone, then shows it to Adam.  "You recognize anyone in this video?"

 

Adam looks at John Ross's phone, horrified at what he sees.......his own son, A.J., in a semi-dark room, sitting in a chair, blindfolded and his hands tied behind his back.  "Oh my God,"  Adam says.  "A.J."

 

"That's right.  Your son,"  John Ross says.  

 

"John Ross, what the hell?  Where is he?  Where is my son?"

 

"You'll have your son returned to you safely.....as soon as you tell me what I wanna know."

 

"You......you're never going to get away with this.  This is kidnapping.  You'll go to jail."

 

John Ross looks down at Adam.  "That's a chance I'm willin' to take. Tell me who the head of your organization is........if you ever wanna your son again."

 

 "You would never hurt A.J.,"  Adam says.  "He's Krystina's nephew, for God's sake!"

 

"I will do anything I have to do to protect my family, and find the man who tried to kill my wife," John Ross says.  "And I do mean ANYTHING.  You ever hear that old sayin' that the sins of the fathers are visited upon their sons?  Carrington, you'd better start talkin', or your son is about to pay for your sins.  All I have to do is give the word and he dies.....while you watch.  Now what's it gonna be?"

 

Adam looks at the video on the phone of his son, tied to a chair and seemingly terrified for his life while a man wearing a hood stands nearby holding a gun.  "Alright,"  Adam says in tears.  "I'll tell you what you want to know.  Just please......don't hurt my son."

 

John Ross looks at him and nods.  "I knew you'd see reason."

Later....

John Ross gets off the elevator in the lobby of the ColbyCo building.  He takes out his cell phone and speed dials Bum's number.  The private detective answers after the first ring.  "Bum, it's me,"  John Ross says.  "I gotta get back to Dallas, so you can let Carrington's boy go.  Yeah, I got the answers I needed, and this whole thing is even worse than I feared.  Listen, let the kid go, then high tail it back to Dallas.  Soon as you get there, come on out to Southfork.  We've got some serious talkin', and some major plannin' to do."  John Ross ends the call, puts his phone into his pocket, then rushes out of the building.

Dallas....Matt Culver's campaign headquarters....

 Back in Dallas, Matt is meeting in his office with Margaret and Donna as they are looking at the latest poll numbers.  Matt sighs.  "This shows that Barnes is gaining on me in the polls after that interview he did the other night.  And now that I'm without a campaign manager, it's gonna be even harder to keep my lead."

 

"Well, you're just gonna have to hire another campaign manger,"  says Margaret.  

 

"It's a little late.  The election is right around the corner.  I suppose I could hire someone from my staff, but none of them have the experience Peter does."

 

"Well, you certainly can't keep Peter on.  Not after what he did."

 

"No, of course not,"  Matt says.  "Donna, look, I......"

 

"Stop right there,"  Donna says, raising her hand.  "I already know what you're gonna ask me.  And the answer is yes."

 

"Yes?"  Matt asks.

 

"Yes.  I will step in and be your campaign manager for the rest of this campaign."

 

Margaret looks at her mother and smiles.  "Really, Mom?  But, I thought you were too busy with your book."

 

"The book can wait until after the election..  This is more important."

 

"Donna, THANK you,"  Matt says.  "You are a lifesaver."

 

Donna is about to say something when a young female staff member knocks on Matt's door, then walks in.  "Excuse me, Senator, I don't mean to interrupt, but, you really need to turn on the TV."

 

"The TV?"   Matt asks.  "Don't tell me that Barnes has passed me in the polls."

 

Margaret picks up the remote from Matt's desk and switches on the TV in the office.  A special news report is on which immediately catches the attention of Matt, Margaret, and Donna.....

 

"To recap,"  says the newscaster.  "Police in Dallas are still on the scene where a body was discovered floating face down in the Trinity River earlier this morning.  And we have just learned from one of our reporters on the scene that the body has been positively identified as being that of 41-year-old Peter Stanton, who police have learned, was the campaign manager of Senator Matt Culver.  Although there has been no official statement from Dallas police or the Dallas County Sheriff's office, a source close to the police has said the cause of death is believed to be multiple gunshot wounds.  The police did confirm, however, than Peter Stanton's family has been notified......"

 

"Oh my God,"  Matt says.  "Peter."

 

Stunned by the news, Margaret embraces Matt as Donna looks on, both shocked and concerned now for the safety of her daughter and son-in-law.

 

 

 

 

 

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....early afternoon

 Christopher and Erin are waiting in Mitch's office at the hospital right after lunch.  The two are anxiously waiting in silence for Mitch, hoping he will have some good news about Erin's prospects for a treatment for her cancer.  As they wait, sitting side by side in two chairs facing Mitch's desk, the two look at each other.  Christopher reaches out and takes Erin's hand. 

 

A second later, Mitch comes into the office carrying a file folder.  "Christopher, Erin,"  he says.  

 

"Mitch,"  says Christopher.

 

Mitch takes a seat at his desk and opens the folder.  He picks up a piece of paper and looks at it, the expression on his face and his quietness arousing Christopher and Erin's curiosity.

 

"Well, Mitch?"  Christopher asks.

 

"What do you think, Dr. Cooper?"  Erin asks.  "Is there a chance?"

 

Mitch looks at the two.  "Erin, I've gone over all of your lab work and your other tests we ran here, and compared them to the tests you had done in Nashville.  And yes, I do believe there is a chance we can treat this cancer."

 

Christopher and Erin both breath a sigh of relief.  Christopher smiles.  

 

"There's an experimental new chemotherapy drug that's just been approved, and it's proven successful in clinical trials in treating just this type of cancer.  Erin, I'd like for you to see Dr. Charles West.  He's one of the top oncologists in the entire country, and he's a friend and colleague of mine.  He does some consultation here at the hospital, and as luck would have it, he's in Houston right now speaking at a medical convention.  I'd like to have him come here and consult on your case, and if he agrees with me, then we can start your treatments as soon as possible."

 

"Dr. Cooper, I.....I don't know what to say.  I had given up hope that anything could be done."

 

"Erin, I won't lie to you,"  Mitch says.  "You will have an uphill fight.  The treatments will probably make you sick, and you'll probably lose your hair.  And then there's a chance the treatments won't work."

 

"I........I don't know,"  says Erin.  "This is some choice, huh?  I can spend the next few months, possibly in some pain, but, still enjoying what time I have left with Christopher and our son.  Or I can take an experimental treatment that may or may not work, and spend that time sick in bed, throwing up, unable to eat or enjoy anything."

 

"Erin, any chance, even a small one, is better than no chance at all,"  Christopher says.  "Wouldn't it be better to take these treatments and take a chance on having another 40 or 50 years to spend with your son, and with me, than to only have a few months?"

 

Erin begins to cry.  "Christopher, I'm scared.  I'm so scared."

 

"I know,"  Christopher says, getting up from his seat and kneeling beside her.  "Sweetheart, I know you're scared.  But I will be here right by your side every step of the way.  I promise."

 

Erin looks at him and nods.  Then she looks at Mitch.  "Alright.  Dr. Cooper, call your friend.  And if he agrees with you that these treatments will give me a chance......then, I'm ready to start any time."

 

Mitch slightly smiles.  "Alright, fine.  I'll call Dr. West right now, and ask if he can fly to Dallas as soon as he's finished at the convention in Houston."

 

Christopher smiles at Erin and kisses her hand.  

 

"Before I start any treatments,"  Erin says to him.  "I need to tell my parents that I'm sick, and what's going on."

 

Christopher nods and the two embrace.

Cass Winthrop's apartment....

Jasmine is sitting alone on the sofa in the living room of the Winthrop apartment flipping channels on the TV.  Restless and unable to find anything on TV she wants to watch, Jasmine switches off the set and tosses the remote onto the sofa beside her.  She gets up from her seat and starts toward the kitchen when the doorbell rings.  She sighs, in no mood for company right now.  Jasmine decides to ignore the doorbell, hoping the person will go away.  The bell rings a second, then a third time.  Annoyed, Jasmine finally goes to the door and opens it.  She is surprised to find Dylan at the door.  "Dylan,"  she says.  

 

"Hi.  Can I come in."

 

"Sure,"  Jasmine says.

 

Dylan walks into the apartment.  Jasmine closes the door behind him.  

 

"I'm surprised to see you.  I suppose you've thought about what we discussed the other day?"

 

"That's all I've been able to think about,"  says Dylan.  "Jasmine, when you told me that you're pregnant, it caught me off guard.  I didn't know how to react, or what to think."

 

"And what about now, after you've had some time to think about it?"

 

"That's why I'm here.  Jasmine, I.........."  Dylan pauses and lets out a sigh.  "I rehearsed this over and over in my mind on my way over here, and now........Jasmine, I  came here to ask you.... ......to marry me."

 

Dylan's words catch Jasmine completely by surprise.  "You're asking me to marry you?"

 

"Yes.  Jasmine, I care for you.  I care for you a lot."

 

"But you're  not in love with me."

 

"Maybe in time, we could grow to love each other,"  Dylan says.  He moves closer to Jasmine and takes her by the hand.  "Jasmine, we're gonna have a baby.  And I want us to raise our child, together."

 

"So do I, Dylan.  I want better for my baby than what I had.  My parents split up when I was only a baby, and, even though Cass was a wonderful stepfather, it wasn't the same."

 

"So, how about it?"  Dylan asks.  "Jasmine Cory, will you marry me?"

 

Jasmine looks at Dylan and smiles.  "Dylan Ewing..........yes, I'll marry you."

 

Dylan smiles back at Jasmine, then embraces her.  "

 

"We're probably gonna be in for some backlash, you know,"  Jasmine says.  "Especially Ray and Donna.  Donna, especially, doesn't like me very much."

 

"Well, they're just gonna have to learn to like you,"  says Dylan.  "What about your folks?  Have you told them you're pregnant yet?"

 

"No."

 

"How do you think they'll react?"  Dylan asks.

 

"My Mom........she'll probably have a fit.  But, she'll just have to get over it."

 

Dylan looks at Jasmine and slightly smiles, wondering if he's doing the right thing, and wondering about his future.  

Southfork....that evening....

 A car drives up to Southfork that evening and comes to a stop in the parking area in the rear of the 

house.  Meanwhile, in the den, Bobby, Christopher, Catlin, Sue Ellen, and Ann are having drinks as they await the arrival of John Ross.  Bobby pours Sue Ellen a club soda and hands it to her.  

 

"Thank you,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"You're welcome."

 

"Bobby, when John Ross phoned and asked you to have us all meet him here, didn't he give you any indication what it was all about?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"No, none.  He just said it was very important, and somethin' that concerns all of us."

 

"I wonder if it has anything to do with Craig Ewing," says Catlin.

 

"My guess is, it does," Bobby says.

 

"Christopher, you're awfully quiet this evenin',"  Ann says.

 

"Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind."

 

"Anything you wanna talk about, son?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Actually, yeah, Dad, but, not right now.  Maybe after we find out what's so important John Ross has to say."

 

Clay walks into the room.  "Evening,"  he says.

 

"Clay, glad you could make it,"  says Bobby.

 

"Your message sounded urgent, Uncle Bobby.  Has something happened?"

 

"We don't know.  John Ross phoned me earlier and wanted me to get all of you here.  Said he had somethin' of the utmost importance he has to tell us."

 

Clay is about to say something when John Ross and Krystina walk in.

 

"John Ross,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Krystina, how is your mother?"

 

"She's resting.  Still waiting on all of her tests."

 

"John Ross, what's this all about?"  Christopher asks.

 

"This have anything to do with Craig Ewing and everything that's been going on?"  Catlin asks.

 

"You better believe it does,"  John Ross replies.

 

"So tell us," says Bobby.

 

"Not just yet.  I asked Bum to join us, as well as Matt and Margaret, and I'll tell everybody as soon as they all get here."

 

"Krystina, do you have any idea what this is about?" Sue Ellen asks.

 

"No,  not really.  John Ross picked me up at the hospital, and all the way home I've been trying to get him to tell me, but he said he wanted to tell everyone at the same time."

 

At that moment, Matt, Margaret, Ray, and Donna enter the room.  "Well, looks like we got a full house,"  Ray says.

 

"I asked my parents to come along,"  Margaret says.  "They pretty much know everything that the rest of us know about Craig Ewing."

 

"That's fine,"  says John Ross.

 

"Matt, we heard on the news about your campaign manager, Peter Stanton,"  Ann says.  "How awful."

 

"Thank you, Ann,"  Matt says.

 

"Hold on, what about Stanton?"  John Ross asks.

 

Matt looks at him.  "Peter's body was this morning in the river.  He'd been murdered.  Someone shot him and dumped his body in the river."

 

"Oh my God, Matt, I'm sorry,"  Christopher says.

 

"John Ross, what's going on?"  Matt asks.  "Why did you want us all to come here tonight?"

 

"And I'm confused as hell about what's going on here,"  says Clay.  "What are you all talking about?"

 

"Clay, we found out a while back that a distant cousin of ours named Craig Ewing is in Dallas, and he's involved, along with Krystina's brother Adam Carrington, and Brad Barnes, with a very dangerous and shadowy organization that wants to take over a number of companies across the country in an effort to control the economy of the United States,"  Bobby says.

 

"What?  Are you serious?"  Clay asks.

 

"Dead serious.  And Ewing Oil is one of the companies this group wants to take over."

 

"And all of you knew about this?"  Clay asks.  "Why didn't anyone tell me about this?  I'm President of Ewing Oil.  If something was going on involving the company, I should've been informed about it."

 

Clay, we thought it best to keep you out of the loop for as long as we could,"  Bobby says.  "After all, you had enough on your plate settling into being president of the company without having to worry about this."

 

"Alright, so what's going on?"  Clay asks.  

 

"As soon as Bum gets here, I'll tell you all what I know."

 

"Well, you can go ahead and start,"  Bum says as he arrives.  "Sorry I'm late, but traffic coming from the airport was horrible."

 

"Okay, John Ross, now that we're all here, tell us what you found out in Denver," Krystina says.

 

"In Denver?"  Sue Ellen asks.  

 

"Yes," John  Ross replies.  "Bum and I took a little trip to Denver today.  I went to see Krystina's brother, Adam Carrington to try and get him to tell me who the head of this mysterious organization he's workin' for is.  And I had Bum go with me so he could get some leverage to use in case Adam refused to cooperate."

 

"And?"  Krystina asks.  "Did Adam tell you anything?"

 

"Oh, yes, he told me plenty."

 

"What did he tell you?"  Catlin asks.

 

"This whole thing is even worse than we imagined,"  replies John Ross.  "This group is not only out to take over some of this country's major corporations from various sectors, including energy, entertainment, manufacturing, and the service sector, but they intend to use these corporations to control.......and then crash the U.S. economy.  Their goal is to transform the United States into what would amount to a third world country.  They also intend to plant members of their organization in government to do their bidding.......and they intend to do this by stealin' elections.  That's why Brad Barnes is a candidate for the United States Senate.  They were gonna use him as one of their pawns in Washington and Matt........their plan is to make sure Barnes wins that election at all costs.  That's why they strong armed your buddy Stanton into workin' for them.  They were gonna force him to sabotage your campaign or set you up to make you look bad so that you lost that election."

 

"And they must have found out that you all were on to Peter, and that's why they killed him," Donna says.

 

"Probably so,"  John Ross says. 

 

"John Ross, how did you get Adam to tell you all of this?"  Krystina asks.

 

"I didn't give him a choice, darlin'.  I had to do somethin' that I'm not real proud of, but it worked.  I also found out somethin' else.  I found out why Heather was killed."

 

As John Ross is explaining to the others what he learned from Adam, Lucas is coming down the stairs.  Hearing John Ross mention Heather's name in the den, Lucas stops on the stairs and listens. 

 

"Krystina was the real target,"  John Ross continues.  "That bomb planted under her car was all part of this sick group's plan to take over Ewing Oil.  And it all started way back when Adam Carrington came to me and tricked me into goin' in with him on that phony offshore deal in California.......the deal that cost me the presidency of Ewing Oil.  Adam set me up on orders from this group.  They strung me along, and then they were gonna pull the rug out from under me.  Uncle Bobby settin' up this contest between me and Clay was just the opening they needed.  Their plan was to cause me to lose the contest to Clay, and once Clay was installed as president they figured the company was be easy to take over, given Clay's inexperience.

 

"So they were planning to set me up, too?"  Clay asks.

 

"Yeah, they were."

 

Krystina begins to cry.  "So, Heather died because of these peoples' sick desire to take over Ewing Oil?"

 

"Yes,"  replies John Ross.  

 

"And my brother was a part of that."

 

"Darlin', for what it's worth, Adam had no part in Heather's murder.  I think one of the reasons he told me all this was because these partners of his tried to kill you."

 

"John Ross, you  said that Adam told you who the head of this group is,"  says Bobby.  

 

"Yeah, Uncle Bobby, he told me."

 

"And who is this person, John Ross?"  Bobby asks.  "Who is responsible for Heather's death?"

 

"Y'all better hold on to your boot straps.  The head of this criminal organization is someone we all know, and hate.  It's Jeremy Wendell."

 

Audible gasps of shock can be heard through the room after hearing John Ross's revelation.  Bobby's mouth falls open in shock.  "Wendell?"  

 

"That's right, Uncle Bobby,"  says John Ross.  "Jeremy Wendell has been out for revenge against this family ever since you and my father sent him to prison all those years ago."

 

Bobby struggles to contain his anger.  "Wendell, that son of a bitch.  Well, he's not gonna get away with this."

 

"How are we gonna stop him?"  Christopher asks.  "From what John Ross is telling us, if Wendell is the head of an organization like that, then  he's got to have amassed an incredible amount of power and money."

 

"J.R. and I brought Wendell down once before,"  Bobby says.  "And I swear on everything I hold sacred that somehow..........I'll stop him again, before he's able to hurt anyone else I love."

 

Unknown to Bobby and the others, Lucas is standing on the staircase in the foyer, listening to the conversation going on in the den. A look of anger and hate comes over Lucas's face upon hearing that Jeremy Wendell, his family's mortal enemy for decades, was the man responsible for the death of his wife.  Silently, Lucas vows to himself that he will personally make Wendell pay for Heather's murder!

 

 

END OF EPISODE 248....