EPISODE 252 - When Push Comes To Shove

 

"Daddy?"  Jasmine asks, surprised to see her father, Matthew Cory, in her and Dylan's apartment.  

 

"Hello, Princess.  I had to come all the way here to Dallas to find out that my little girl was married and pregnant."

 

"So I guess you've seen Mom?"

 

"Oh, yes.  I stopped by your Mom's and Cass's apartment when I first arrived in town this afternoon."

 

"Daddy, how did you get in here?"  Jasmine asks.

 

"I'd like to know the answer to that myself,"  Dylan says.  

 

"I asked the landlord to let me in,"  Matthew replies.  "I told him I was your father, and of course, a hundred dollar bill did help, as well."  Matthew looks at Dylan.  "Well, sweetheart, aren't you going to inroduce me?"

 

"I'm sorry.  Daddy, this is Dylan, my husband.  Dylan, my father."

 

"Matthew Cory,"  Matthew says, holding out his hand to his new son-in-law.

 

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir,"  Dylan says, shaking the man's hand.  "I've heard a lot about you from Jasmine."

 

"I wish I could say the same.  Jasmine, why didn't you tell me about all this the other day when you called me?"

 

"I was gonna tell you, Daddy, but, I.........it just never came up."

 

"What were you gonna do?"  Matthew asks.  "Wait and let my grandchild tell me himself?"

 

"Jasmine, I think I'm gonna go and take a shower, and let you have some time with your father,"  Dylan says.  "You probably have a lot to talk about."

 

"Thank you, Dylan,"  Matthew says as Dylan leaves the room.  Matthew pauses for a moment, then looks at his daughter.  "Well, he seems like a nice young man."

 

"He is."

 

"Then why is it your mother doesn't like him and was so dead set against this marriage?"

 

"You've known Mom for more than 25 years and you have to ask that?  She doesn't like anyone unless they're super rich, successful, and perfect according to her interpretation of the word."

 

Matthew smiles.  "Well, you're right about that.  Lila can be hard to please.  Your husband's last name is Ewing, huh?  Sweetheart, if I remember right, your mother's biological father was a........"

 

"A Ewing, yes,"  Jasmine says.  "J.R. Ewing."

 

"Any connection to your husband?"

 

Jasmine sighs.  "Daddy, if you MUST know, Dylan and I are distantly related.  But it doesn't matter.  I love him."

 

"Distantly related?  How.......distantly?"

 

"I dunno......second or third cousins, or something like that."

 

"Well, I guess as long as you're not FIRST cousins, it's fine,"  Matthew says.  

 

"Daddy, I want you to be happy for me,"  Jasmine says.  

 

Matthew walks over to his daughter and takes her by the hand.  "Y'know, sweetheart, I haven't been much of a father to you these last few years.  I've been so busy working and so caught up in my own life.  And, I thought that, since you were an adult, you didn't need me as much anymore.  I can't believe that I didn't even know my own baby girl was married and about to have a baby."

 

"Well,  we haven't exactly kept in touch.  But I am glad to see you."

 

"When you called me the other day asking me for money, I felt something was......off.......so I had to come see for myself that you were okay."

 

"I'm fine.  And it turns out I probably won't be needing that loan after all.  Dylan got a really good job.  He and Cory are gonna be partners in a record company."

 

"Really?  Well, that's great, sweetheart.  I'm happy for both of you."

 

"How long are you planning on staying?"  Jasmine asks.

 

"Well, I can stay for a week or so.  And during that time I'd like very much to spend some time with my little girl and get to know her again."

 

Jasmine looks at her father and smiles.  "I'd like that, Daddy.  I'd like that very much."

 

"So would I.  I'd also like to get to know your husband."

 

"I know you're gonna like Dylan very much,"  Jasmine says, hugging her father.

Southfork....

Krystina is sitting up in bed that night reading the classic novel To Kill A Mockingbird, wondering why John Ross still hasn't come to bed.  After a while of reading, Krystina puts down her book and looks at the clock beside the bed.  Almost 11:30.  She sighs, then returns to her reading.  A moment later, John Ross comes into the bedroom.  "Well,"  Krystina says.  "I was wondering if you were gonna come to bed."

 

"Yeah.  I'm sorry, darlin',"  John Ross says, taking a seat on the bed beside her.  "I just been out walkin'.  Thinkin'."

 

"John Ross, what's wrong?  Ever since Bum came by this evening during dinner, you've been acting strangely.  Does your mood have anything to do with Bum's visit?"

 

John Ross looks at her.  "It has everything to do with Bum's visit."

 

"How so?  John Ross, what did Bum want?  Did he bring you bad news?"

 

"That depends on how you look at it."

 

"John Ross, what is it?"  Krystina asks.

 

John Ross stands, walks across the room, then turns back to face his wife.  "Krystina, I've got somethin' to tell you that, I honestly don't know how to tell you."

 

"John Ross, please.  Whatever it is, just come right out and say it."

 

"You know that a while back, I asked Bum to dig deep into Jeremy Wendell's background to try to find somethin' we could use against him."

 

"Yes.  Did he find something?"

 

"Oh, yeah.  He found somethin', all right,"  John Ross replies.  "He found out the name of Jeremy Wendell's birth mother."

 

"And why does that have you so upset?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Because of who Wendell's mother is, or was."

 

"Well, who was she?"

 

"Krystina, what do you know about your Grandmother Carrington?"  John Ross asks.

 

"My Grandmother Carrington?  Not much.  She died about 30 years before I was born.  John Ross, why are you asking about my Grandmother Carrington?"

 

"Darlin', I'm not quite sure how to tell you this, or how you're gonna take it.  But Bum found somethin' out when he was in Pennsylvania.  You know your grandmother, Ellen Carrington, had two sons, your father Blake and your Uncle Ben.  Well, it turns out that Ellen Carrington had a third son, born about two years after your father was born."

 

"What?"  A stunned Krystina asks.  "John Ross, that's not possible.  My father never said a word about having another brother besides Ben."

 

"Could be he didn't know,"  says John Ross.  "This other son was the product of an affair your grandmother had with another man.  A married man.  Darlin', your grandfather, Tom Carrington, was busy wildcattin' in the oil fields and your grandmother found herself alone a lot.  So she turned to this other man out of loneliness.  Your grandfather knew the kid wasn't his, and he refused to raise it, but he didn't wanna break up his family and cause a scandal because of his son, your daddy.  Ellen gave the baby away, to his father and his wife, and they raised him."

 

"John Ross, none of this makes any sense,"  Krystina says.  "My father couldn't have known about this, or he would have said something.  So what happened to this other son my grandmother gave birth to?  You said he was raised by his father?"

 

"That's right."

 

"So, do you know what happened to him?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Yes, I know."  John Ross walks over and takes her by the hand.  "Krystina, the other son your grandmother gave birth to was.........Jeremy Wendell.  He's your daddy's half-brother."

 

Krystina looks at him in total shock.  "What?  No.  There is NO way in hell Jeremy Wendell is my father's half-brother."

 

"It's true, darlin'.  Bum found Wendell's birth certificate with Ellen Carrington's name on it, and he found this old woman in Bradford, Pennsylvania who knew the Wendell family and she told him everything.  Jeremy Wendell is your uncle, Krystina."

 

"I.....I can't believe this,"  Krystina says.  John Ross puts his arms  around her as she begins to cry.

 Bobby and Ann are seated at the dining room table the next morning having breakfast when John Ross comes down the stairs and enters the dining room.  "Mornin',"  he says.

 

"Mornin',"  Ann replies as Alex follows John Ross into the dining room.  He and John Ross both take their seats at the table. 

 

"John Ross, where's Krystina this mornin'?"  Bobby asks.

 

"She's upstairs with her Mama.  She thought it best if she told Krystle what we found out as soon as possible, before she found out some other way."

 

"What's this all about?"  Alex asks.  "Is something else wrong with Krystina's Mom?"

 

"No, nothin' like that,"  John Ross replies.  "We just found out last night that Krystina's father had another brother no one knew about."

 

"Oh, wow, that's gotta be pretty weird,"  says Alex.

 

"I just wonder how Krystle is gonna take the news,"  Ann says.

Meanwhile....upstairs....

"Krystina, I....I can't believe what you're telling me,"  Krystle says after Krystina has told her the news.  "John Ross's enemy, Jeremy Wendell........Blake's half- brother?"

 

"I know, it's hard to believe."

 

"Is John Ross sure?  Is he absolutely sure this information is correct?"

 

Krystina nods.  "Yes.  Bum gave John Ross a copy of Wendell's birth certificate, and my grandmother, Ellen Lucy Carrington, is listed as his mother, and Frank Wendell as his father."

 

"Blake, he never mentioned any of this to me.  Of course, he didn't talk much about his mother.  Her death in that fire had been so painful for him."

 

"I know,"  says Krystina.  "Mom, it's very likely that Daddy never even knew he had a half-brother.  According to John Ross, the Wendells, and my grandfather, Tom Carrington, wanted desperately to keep Grandmother's affair with Frank Wendell a secret.  That's why Frank Wendell and his wife went through the process of adopting Jeremy, so the secret wouldn't come out.  And why Tom Carrington paid off the probate judge in Bradford to keep the secret for 50 years, until the man's death in 1981."

 

Krystle stands and walks across the room.  She hesitated for a moment, then turns back to her daughter.  "What does John Ross plan to do with this information?"

 

"He and Bobby were hoping to find something they could use to stop Wendell, or at least hurt him.  But this would do little to accomplish either.  But it could cause some embarrassment to our family."

 

"I honestly don't see how,"  Krystle says.  Your grandparents have been dead for many years, and your father has been gone for almost ten years.  I don't see how this information could hurt the family at all."

 

Krystina stands and walks over to her mother.  "Then, you don't mind if this secret gets out?"

 

"I don't mind.  But what about you, Krystina?  How would YOU feel, knowing you were related to a horrible man like Jeremy Wendell?"

 

"Couldn't be any worse than Uncle Ben, could he?  Or Alexis, for that matter."

 

Krystle looks at her daughter and smiles.  

Westar Oil....later....

A worried Pamela is at her desk at Westar later that morning, looking at her computer screen.  A knock sounds at her door.  "Come in,"  she says.

 

Justin walks into the office.  "Hey, you wanted to see me?"

 

"Yes.  We have a problem."

 

"Why, what's goin' on?"  Justin asks, walking over to her desk.

 

"Once again, someone is buying up huge chunks of Westar stock on the open market.  Take a look."

 

Justin moves closer and looks at Pamela's computer screen.  "How are they doin' this?"

 

"Very craftily,"  Pamela says.  

 

"How much stock have we lost already?"

 

"Enough that we should be worried.  This has to be Jeremy Wendell.  There's no one else who would or could orchestrate this kind of secret buying up of stock like this.  Justin, I'm worried.  Wendell, or whoever is doing this is trying to orchestrate a hostile takeover of Westar."

 

"So what do we do to stop it?"  Justin asks.

 

"We have to call an emergency board meeting, for today.  Immediately after lunch.  The problem is, although the two of us still own 51% of the company's stock, and our other board members collectively hold 9%.  But the other 40% of stock is out there, owned by literally dozens of people.  Maybe if we all put our heads together, we can come up with a plan to stop this takeover."

 

"Alright, you call that board meetin',"  Justin says.  "I'm gonna go and pull up a list of everyone who holds stock in Westar.  Maybe what we really need is an emergency stockholder's meetin'.  I'll talk to you soon."  Justin gives her a quick kiss, then promptly leaves the office.  Pamela returns to looking worriedly at her computer.

Ewing Records....

At Ewing Records, Cory is showing Dylan around the office and introducing him to various employees. 

 

"So, now that you've seen almost our whole operation, what do you think?"  Cory asks as he and Dylan return to the reception area.

 

"I'm impressed.  But there's so much to learn."

 

Cory smiles.  "Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it, and I'll be here to help you every step of the way.  And if you have any questions and I'm not available, you can always ask one of the staff."

 

"Right,"  Dylan says.  A young woman approaches.  

 

"Excuse me, Cory,"  she says.  "I need your signature on these."  She hands Cory some papers.

 

Cory takes the papers and a pen from the girl, and signs them.  "Here you go.  Oh, yeah, Amber Stephens, this is my new partner, Dylan Ewing.  Dylan, this is Amber, my assistant."

 

"Amber, it's a pleasure,"  Dylan says.

That afternoon, Westar's board of directors is meeting in the company's boardroom.  "I'm sure most of you are wondering why we called this emergency board meeting,"  Pamela begins.  

 

"Yes, we are,"  one male  board member says.

 

"Your message sounded urgent,"  a woman says.

 

"It is,"  says Justin.

 

"A sizable chunk of Westar stock has been purchased on the open market,"  Pamela says.  

 

"How sizable a chunk?"  Another man asks.   

 

"Sizable enough for us to be worried about," Justin replies.  

 

"If this keeps up, whoever is buying up all this stock could come dangerously close to owning a majority share, unless we put a stop to it,"  Pamela says.

 

"And how do you propose we do that?"  One board member asks.  "Do we even know who's buying up all this stock?"

 

 

 

"Not yet,"  Pamela replies.  "But we're going to call an emergency stockholders meeting, ASAP.  We have to find out who's buying the stock.......and which of our stockholders are so eager to sell, and why."

 

 

 

 

Southfork....

Krystina is sitting on the sofa in the den that afternoon reading a book when Michael comes in the front door, returning home from school.  He looks in the den, sees Krystina, then starts to go upstairs.

 

"Michael?"  Krystina calls to him.

 

The boy pauses, then walks to the living room doorway.  "What?"

 

"How was your day at school?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Sucked.  Same as always."

 

"I thought you use to like school."

 

"Not anymore.  I gotta go."  He turns and starts to walk away.

 

"Michael, wait,"  Krystina says.

 

He stops and again turns back to face her.  

 

Krystina walks into the foyer to him.  "I was gonna take Little John and Ellie and into Braddock in a little while for some ice cream.  I thought maybe you'd like to come with us?"

 

"No, I don't."

 

"Come on, it'll be fun."

 

"Look, I don't wanna go into stupid Braddock for some stupid ice cream with you, okay?  I can eat ice cream here."

 

"Michael....."

 

"Just leave me alone!"  The boy snaps, then he runs up the stairs, almost bumping into Ann on her way down the stairs.  

 

"What was that all about?"  Ann asks.

 

"I just asked him to go into Braddock for some ice cream with me and the kids,"  Krystina replies, near tears.  "He still hates me, Ann.  He still blames me for Heather's death."

 

"It's not just you,"  Ann says.  "Michael's been pretty hostile toward everyone lately, and I think it's high time his behavior is dealt with.  Excuse me."  Ann walks away from Krystina and goes back up the stairs.  A moment later, Ann makes her way up the stairs to the third floor and down the narrow hallway to Michael's bedroom.  She knocks on the door.

 

Meanwhile, in his room, Michael is looking at a bag full of marijuana laying on his bed when he is startled by Ann's knock.  "Who is it?"

 

"Ann,"

 

"Umm, just a minute,"  Michael nervously says.  He quickly grabs the bag and shoves it into his bottom dresser drawer.  Then he goes to the door and opens it.  "What do you want?"  He asks.

 

"I wanna talk to you.  Can I come in?"

 

"I'm kinda busy right now."

 

"Whatever you're doin' will keep,"  Ann says, coming into the room.  "Michael, why were you so rude to Krystina downstairs just now?"

 

"I wasn't bein' rude,"  Michael says.

 

"Yes, you were.  Michael, this attitude of yours is really gettin' old.  Look, I know you've had a really tough year.  The kinda year that no one your age should ever have to deal with.  But that's no excuse for walkin' around here with a chip on your shoulder, bein' hateful to everyone who cares about you."

 

"Just leave me alone."

 

"No, I will not leave you alone.  Michael, I want you to go downstairs right now and apologize to Krystina."

 

"I'm not gonna apologize to her.  And I don't have to listen to you.  Your not my grandmother."

 

Ann feels her anger rising inside of her at the boy's attitude.  "I may not be your grandmother, young man, but I AM your elder, and I will not tolerate you speakin' to me in that tone.  And I will not tolerate you bein' rude to any other adult as long as you live in this house, do I make myself clear?"

 

Michael remains silent and lowers his head.

 

"Do I make myself clear?"  Ann repeats in a harsh tone.  

 

"Yeah,"  Michael says.

 

"Excuse me?"

 

"Yes, ma'am,"  Michael reluctantly says. 

 

"Alright.  Now you can just sit up here and think about what I said.  And when you're ready to apologize to Krystina, then you can come downstairs."  Ann gives the boy a stern look, then leaves the room.  

 

Michael goes over to his dresser, opens the bottom drawer and takes out the bag of marijuana.  He walks over to his bed and takes a seat, a look of anger on his face.

Southfork....later....

 Ann is in her and Bobby's bedroom late that afternoon getting dressed for dinner when Bobby comes in.  "Boy am I tired,"  he says.  He takes off his coat and places it on a chair.  "Christopher, Lucas, and I still have around fifty head of cattle to move tomorrow."

 

"I hope you're not overdoin' it out there,"  Ann says.  

 

"Of course not.  I'm fine.  And I purely LOVE workin' the ranch again, especially with Lucas and Christopher.  So how was your day?"

 

"It was alright,"  Ann replies.

 

Bobby looks at her with concern.  "Honey, is everything okay?  The way you said that didn't sound like you had a very good day."

 

"No, it's not that.  Bobby, it's Michael."

 

"What about Michael?"

 

"I'm afraid his attitude is gettin' worse,"  Ann says.  "I had to scold him this afternoon for bein' rude to Krystina, and then he was rude to me,"

 

"Well, honey, you have to realize that Michael has been through a really horrible last few months,"  Bobby says.  "Losing his mother like that, and then everything he went through with Lucas when he was drinkin'.  That kind of a year would be hard on anybody, much less a 16-year-old boy.  With everything that kid has been through, it's no wonder he's actin' out a little."

 

"I'm just worried about him, Bobby,"  says Ann.

 

"I know.  I'll talk to him.  I won't mention this to Lucas right now.  No sense worryin' him yet.  Maybe if I talk to Michael I can get him to open up about everything."

 

"I hope so, Bobby.  This attitude I see in Michael is the same kind of attitude I saw in Emma.  I'd just hate to see Michael go down the same road Emma did."

 

"We won't let that happen,"  Bobby says.  He walks over to Ann and puts his arms around her.

The Tower Club....

 Dylan and Jasmine are having dinner that night at Dallas's exclusive Tower Club.  "So Dylan,"  Matthew Cory says.  "How was your first day as a record company executive?"  

 

Dylan smiles.  "It was fine.  There's a lot to learn, but I think I'm really gonna like being a part of Ewing Records."

 

"I'm happy to hear that,"  says Jasmine.  "It really makes me feel great that my husband and my brother are gonna be working together."

 

"Speaking of family, Jasmine, that reminds me,"  Matthew says.  "Your Grandma Rachel tells me that she hasn't heard from you in quite some time."

 

"I know, Daddy, and I'm sorry about that.  Next time you talk to Grandma, tell her I'll call her soon."

 

"I will, and you really should give your grandmother a call as soon as possible."

 

"I will, Daddy."

 

"Sweetheart, I've been meaning to ask you, do you see much of Donna Love since you moved to Dallas?"  

 

"No, not really.  Every once in a while."

 

"Donna Love?"  Dylan asks.  "Isn't that Bridget McKinnon's grandmother?"

 

"Yes, she is,"  Matthew replies.  "I think I'll make a point of dropping by and seeing Donna while I'm in town.  I haven't seen her in a long time."

 

"Daddy and Bridget's grandmother use to be involved."

 

"Really?"  Dylan asks, surprised by the news.

 

"I know what you're thinking, Dylan,"  Matthew says.  "And yes, Donna was quite a bit older than me, but, I was young, and back in those days, Donna was a very attractive middle age woman.  I fell in love."

 

"So what happened?"  

 

"Well, things just didn't work out,"  Matthew says.

 

Dylan is about to say something when Alex, Bridget, and Charlie walk up to their table.  "Well, hello,"  Alex says.

 

"Alex, hi,"  says Dylan.  

 

"Bridget, speak of the devil,"  Jasmine says.  "We were just talking about you."

 

"Really?"  Bridget asks.

 

"Yes.  You remember my father, of course."

 

"Of course, I do,"  Bridget says.  "Mr. Cory, it's nice to see you again."

 

"It's nice to see you, too, Bridget.

 

"Oh, Matthew Cory, this is Alex Ewing, my cousin,"  Dylan says.  "And his mother......."

 

"Charlie,"  Matthew says, standing from his seat.  "I don't believe it.  Charlie Walton."

 

"Matthew Cory,"  Charlie says.  "It's been a long time."

 

"Yes.  Too long."

 

"Wait a second,"  Alex says.  "You two know each other?"

 

"Yes we do,"  Charlie replies.  "Matthew and I knew each other in New York."

 

"Yes, we featured some of Charlie's designs in my magazine,"  says Matthew.  "Charlie, I didn't know you were in Dallas."

 

"Well, I came to visit my family.  In addition to my son, my mother and my brother also live here.  But, I had no idea that you were Jasmine's father."

 

"Yes, Jasmine is my little girl,"  Matthew says with a smile of pride.  

 

"Well, Daddy, I guess that makes you and Alex's Mom sort of related, since Alex and I are first cousins,"  says Jasmine.

 

"Really?  First cousins?"

 

"Alex's father is Mom's half-brother,"  Jasmine says.

 

"Well, what do you know about that,"  Matthew says.  "Small world."

 

"Yes, it certainly is,"  Charlie says with a smile.  

 

"I hate to cut this short, but, we really should be going,"  Alex says.  "I have to be up early tomorrow."

 

"Yes, of course,"  Charlie says.  "Matthew, it's really great to see you again."

 

"Same here.  Charlie, I'm gonna be in Dallas for another week or so, and I'd very much like to see you again while I'm here.  Maybe we could have dinner one night."

 

Charlie smiles.  "I'd like that."  Charlie reaches into her purse and pulls out a small card.  "Here's my business card with my number.  Just give me a call."

 

"Count on it,"  Matthew says.

 

"Well, it was good seeing you all,"  Alex says.  

 

"Mr. Cory, great seeing you again,"  Bridget says.

 

"Likewise, Bridget, and please tell your grandmother I said hello, and I'd like to drop by and see her while I'm in town."

 

"I will.  I'm sure she'd like that.  Good night."

 

"Night,"  Dylan says as Alex, Bridget and Charlie leave.  

 

"So, you knew Alex's Mom in New York?"  Jasmine asks her father.

 

"Yes,"  Matthew replies.  "Yes, we did."

 

"Judging from the way you looked at her, can I guess that your association was a little more than just business?"

 

"No, you may not.  Because that's ALL it was, business.  But it sure wasn't for lack of me trying,"  Matthew says, watching Charlie from across the room as she, Alex, and Bridget get onto the elevator to leave the restaurant.

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

Justin is out for a run early the next morning.  Justin always cherished his morning runs, which allows him to clear his head or do some heavy thinking on whatever is on his mind.  He especially enjoyed a run on a morning like this.  Even though it was winter, it was an unseasonably warm and humid morning, and Justin was able to work up a good sweat.  As Justin jogs his way back to the house, he opens the gate separating the front yard from the backyard.  Going through the small gate and closing it behind him, Justin jogs across the backyard, when he sees Devon shooting basketball by himself on the small court just beyond the pool.  Justin stops and watches the boy for a couple of minutes as Devon dribbles the ball like a pro and makes every 

A minute later, Justin and Devon come into the house through the kitchen, where Pamela is fixing breakfast.  Justin walks up to her and kisses her.  

 

"Hey, you're all sweaty, and I already had my shower," Pamela complains.  

 

"Sorry.  Guess I'd better go get one myself."  

 

"Breakfast will be ready by the time you're done,"  Pamela says, and Justin leaves the room.  

 

Devon starts to follow, but he pauses in the doorway and watches Justin until he turns the corner down the hall.  Then Devon walks over to Pamela.  "Can I talk to you for a second?"  He asks.

 

"Sure,"  Pamela replies.  "Anything wrong?"

 

"No, not at all.  Justin's birthday is comin' up soon, right?"

 

"Yeah, in a few weeks,"  Pamela replies.  

 

"I was just wondering, what do you think I should get him?"  Devon asks.  "I wanna get him somethin' really nice, and that he'll like."

 

"Devon, that's really sweet, but you don't have to get Justin a gift.  I'm getting him something that's going to be from all three of you boys."

 

"Yeah, but that'll be from your kids.  It's not the same."

 

"Devon, you know that Justin and I have come to think of you as one of our own."

 

"I know,"  Devon says.  "But it's still not the same.  I wanna get Justin something that's just from me.  After all you guys have done for me, the least I can do is get Justin somethin' really awesome for his birthday.  Only I don't know what.  I mean, what can you get a guy who has pretty much everything?"

 

Pamela smiles.  "Well, you know he really loves fishing.  So, maybe something fishing related."

 

"Fishing related,"  Devon says.  A big smile comes over the boy's face.  "Yeah, that's a great idea, and I know just what do get him.  Thanks, Pamela."

 

"Well, aren't you gonna tell me what it is?"

 

"If you don't mind, I'd kinda like to surprise both of you."

 

"Okay,"  Pamela says with a nod.  "You'd better hurry up and get a shower.  I'll have breakfast ready soon."

 

Devon gives her a slight nod, then leaves the room.  After he's gone, Pamela smiles with pride.  In the time that Devon has been with them, she and Justin have come to love him as a son.  But the smile fades from her face as she also realizes that Devon, nor anyone else can never know the truth that he is Tripp McKay's son, and Jeremy Wendell's great-grandson.  If Wendell knew the truth, Pamela fears he would stop at nothing to get Devon away from her and Justin.  

Westar....later....

 Pamela is standing at the window in her office later that morning looking out over the expansive skyline of the city of Dallas, deep in thought.  Her train of thought is interrupted by a knock at her door.  Then Justin walks into the office.  

 

"Hey," he says.  "I just got off the phone with Bill Keaton.  He's gonna ask around with some of the other board members and see if he can't find out who's buyin' up all that Westar stock."

 

"Good,"  Pamela says, seeming uninterested.

 

"Pamela, are you alright?"  Justin asks.  

 

"What?  I'm fine.  I was just thinking."

 

"Yeah, obviously.  So what's got you so deep in thought?"

 

"I was thinking about Devon.  What a wonderful kid he is."

 

Justin smiles.  "I couldn't agree more.  I been thinkin' about him a lot, too.  It's amazin', itn't it?  This kid, this total stranger came into our lives last year and found his way into our hearts.  Y'know, Pamela, I sure wish we could legally adopt him."

 

Pamela looks at him.  "I know.  So do I.  But Justin, you know we can't."

 

"I know.  If we start adoption proceedings, the truth could come out about Devon bein' Tripp McKay's son."

 

"And we can never let that happen,"  Pamela says.  "As long as Jeremy Wendell is alive, no one can ever find out that Devon is his great-grandson.  Since Wendell knows we would never let him near Hunter, he would stop at NOTHING to get his hooks into Devon."

 

"I know."

 

"Wendell is an old man.  He can't live forever.  As much as I hate to say this, and I'm not wishing death on anyone, but, if something were to happen to Wendell, then maybe we could adopt Devon."

 

Justin walks over to his wife.  "It's not that simple, Pamela.  Unfortunately, Jeremy Wendell is not the only one we have to worry about as far as Devon is concerned.  Sharon is his grandmother.  And if he ever found out that he's Tripp's son, she'd probably feel like she has a claim on him.  And it's not entirely inconceivable that she could take him away from us."

 

"We'd fight her."

 

"But the courts could side with her, since she IS his biological grandmother, and you and I aren't even related to him."

 

"So we have this wonderful kid living in our home, that we're raising, and who we both adore, and we'll never be able to legally adopt him,"  Pamela says.

 

"It'd be too risky.  And would open up a whole Pandora's Box."

 

Pamela sighs.  "That's just great,"  she says sadly.  "So what are we supposed to do?"

 

"Just keep things the way they are.  Devon is a part of our family as far we're concerned."

 

Pamela nods.  "You're right.  He is,"  she says.

 

Justin walks over and puts his arms around her.

Meanwhile....

In an office down the hall, Keith, one of Justin and Pamela's most trusted employees, is in his office listening to their conversation via a listening device he had placed in Pamela's office months earlier.  "So what are we supposed to do?"  Keith hears Pamela ask.

 

"Just keep things the way they are.  Devon is a part of our family as far we're concerned," Justin replies. 

 

"You're right.  He is,"  Pamela says.

 

Keith smiles.  "I wonder what Old Man Wendell would give for information on where he can find his great-grandson,"  he wonders aloud to himself.  "And now that Craig Ewing is in jail and out of the picture, there's no one to stop me from telling him.  Yes, sir.  I'll bet Ol' Jeremy Wendell will be mighty grateful to find out he has another heir."

Southfork....early afternoon....

 Bobby and Braddock Sheriff Lou Chambers come out of the door leading from the kitchen onto the patio.  "I'll keep you posted if I hear anything else, Mr. Ewing,"  Sheriff Chambers says.  "In the meantime, I think you can prob'ly relax some of your security around here."

 

"I appreciate that, Lou, but, until I know for sure that Katherine Wentworth is either far away from here, or back in custody, I won't feel comfortable lettin' any of my extra security go,"  says Bobby.

 

"I understand.  But I'm tellin', Mr. Ewing, the Dallas PD feels certain Katherine Wentworth is nowhere near here.  If she was, she'd have been spotted by now."

 

"Not necessarily.  I'm sure that whoever helped Katherine escape from prison is hidin' her somewhere."

 

"You still believe that Ms. Wentworth's escape was a well coordinated plan, maybe even an inside job?"  Sheriff Chambers asks.

 

"There's no other explanation for how it happened.  And with all the manpower the local and state police have put onto tryin' to find Katherine, how come no one has even spotted her in the months since she escaped?"

 

"You have a point.  Okay, Mr. Ewing, you keep your extra security on, and I'll have my men continue to patrol by Southfork as often as possible until you tell me otherwise."

 

"Thanks, Lou, I appreciate that,"  Bobby says as Ann comes onto the patio.  

 

"Sheriff Chambers,"  Ann says.

 

"Afternoon, Miz Ewing,"  Chambers says, touching his hat.  "I'll see you both later.  Have a good afternoon."

 

"You too, Lou, and thanks again,"   Bobby says as Chambers heads to his truck.  He and Ann watch as the Sheriff gets into his truck and drives away.

 

"Bobby, what was Sheriff Chambers doin' here?"  Ann asks.

 

"He just came by to give me an update on Katherine, which was no real update at all."

 

"Still no trace of her, huh?"  Ann asks.

 

"No, none,"   Bobby replies, shaking his head.  

 

"Are you gonna continue to keep all the extra security here at the ranch?"

 

"You bet, I am.  Katherine's out there somewhere, and knowing her as well as I do, she's not gonna rest until she settles all her scores with me and with this family.  And until I know she's either back in custody.........or dead........I'm not gonna let my guard down."

 

"God, Bobby, I hate livin' like this,"  Ann says.

 

"So do I, honey, but as long as Katherine remains at large, we have no choice,"  Bobby says.  "We HAVE to be extra careful and keep our guard up at all times."

 

"Damn that woman for everything she's put this family through."

 

 

 

 

 

Christopher's car pulls up to Southfork and comes to a stop.  Christopher and little K.C. get out of the car and walk over to Bobby and Ann on the patio.  

"Hey, what's goin' on?"  Christopher asks.  "I saw the sheriff pullin' out of here."

 

"He was just here to give an update, or rather a NON-update on the search for Katherine,"  Bobby replies.

 

"They still have no clue where she is?"

 

"No clue,"  replies Ann.  She looks down at K.C.  "Well, how was your mornin'?"  She asks.

"It was fun,"  the little boy says.  "After we dropped my Mom off, we went to the park, and then Christopher took me for ice cream."

 

"Well, sounds like you've had a good day," says Bobby.  

 

"Christopher, can we go riding now?"  K.C. asks.

 

"I'm sorry, buddy, it's gonna have to be a little later.  I have to go back into town and pick your Mom up at the hospital.  She should be done with her treatment by now."

 

Ann smiles.  "Christopher, I tell you what.  Why don't you let me go pick Erin up, and you go on ahead and take K.C, ridin'?"

 

"I'd hate to ask you to do that,"  Christopher says.  "Sometimes, she's a little sick after chemo."

 

"It's fine."

 

"Well, okay, then,"  says Christopher.  "K.C., you go on to your room and change your clothes, and I'll meet you back out here in ten minutes."

 

"Okay!"  The little boy says with excitement, and runs into the house.  

 

Bobby watches his grandson with a smile as K.C, goes into the house.  "Boy, he's quite a kid."

 

"He sure is,"  Christopher.  "Sometimes I have a hard time actually believin' he's my son.  Seems too good to be true."

 

"Well, I guess I'd better get my keys and head on into town to pick up Erin,"  Ann says.  "I don't want her to have to wait long after a chemo treatment." 

 

"Thanks, Ann, I really appreciate this,"  Christopher says.

 

Ann smiles at the two men, then she goes into the house.  

 

Bobby looks at his son, and sees an expression of sadness on Christopher's face.  "You okay?"  Bobby asks.  

 

Christopher sighs.  "Yeah.  I just really hate days when Erin has her chemo.  Sometimes it makes her so sick that evening and night."

 

"How's K.C. really taking all this? His Mama bein' sick so much?"

 

"He's still pretty young.  Erin and I tried to explain to him about the cancer in a way he would understand, but I still don't think he really does understand.  But Erin knew she had to tell him something, and she didn't wanna keep this from him."

 

"If you don't mind me asking, what's the status on her health?"  

 

"She has some tests next week,"  Christopher says.  "They should be able to tell us if the chemo is helping or not.  And I'm not looking forward to that.  I'm scared, Dad.  I'm really, REALLY scared.  I love her, and I don't think I could bear to lose her."

 

Bobby reaches out and places his hand on Christopher's shoulder.  "I understand.  But at least with this treatment, even if it doesn't get rid of the cancer, it is giving you and Erin more time."

 

"I know, and I AM grateful for that.   Thanks, Dad."

 

"Thanks for what?"

 

"For listening." 

 

Bobby smiles.  "That's what fathers are for.  Now why don't you get on in there and get changed so you can take my grandson out ridin'?"

 

Christopher nods.  "Yeah.  And while I do that, I have to get control of myself.  Last thing I want is for that little boy to ever see how scared I am.  He knows his mother is sick, but he doesn't know we could lose her.  And I don't want him to know."  Christopher touches his father's shoulder, then heads into the house.  

 

Bobby watches Christopher with sadness as he goes into the house.  For all his power and wealth, Bobby feels helpless watching both of his sons go through a painful time in their lives........Lucas losing Heather, and now Christopher being faced with possibly losing Erin.  

Somewhere in Dallas....

 In a lavish apartment in Dallas, Katherine is pacing around the living room, feeling as if she is going out of her mind sitting around doing nothing.  She picks up the remote and turns on the TV.  She begins flipping through the channels.......TV Land, where Gunsmoke is playing; Turner Classic Movies, which is running an old Bette Davis film; FOX News; CNN; and a western channel.  Not wanting to watch any of it, a frustrated Katherine switches off the TV just as the apartment door opens, and Jeremy comes in.  

 

"Hello, Katherine,"  he says.

 

"How much longer are you gonna keep me here?"  Katherine asks.

 

"What's the matter?  Not finding the accommodations suitable to your liking?"

 

"I have been stuck here in this box for WEEKS.  This place doesn't even have any windows.  I haven't seen the outside since I've been here."

 

"Katherine, you seem to forget that you're an escaped fugitive.  No one knows you're here except for me, and my driver.  If someone should see you......well, I'm quite certain you don't want to return to that prison."

 

"I'm in prison here,"  Katherine angrily says.

 

Jeremy looks at her and smiles.  "But this is a much nicer prison than the one you left.  Here you're afforded all the comforts you could want."

 

"I'm bored to tears in this place.  How much longer?"

 

"Soon, Katherine.  Soon.  Just be patient a little longer, and then, when the time is right, we'll set a trap for the Ewings, and spring it.  And then we'll both have our revenge."

 

"The Ewings are responsible for everything bad that's ever happened to me,"  Katherine says.  "My mother's death.  Losing everything because I loved Bobby so much, but all he wanted was my perfect sister Pam and that damned Jenna Wade.  The Ewings are even responsible for my son's death, and for my daughter being in a mental hospital."

 

"Exactly,"  Jeremy says.  "The Ewings took everything from both of us.  And very soon, we  WILL have our revenge, not just on Bobby, but on the whole family.  J.R.'s heirs, Bobby's sons.......all of them.  Whenever you get to feeling bored or stir crazy, just think about how sweet that revenge will be.  Well, I just dropped by to check on you.  I have to be going."

 

"Couldn't you stay and keep me company for a while?"  Katherine asks.  "It gets so lonely here, with no one to talk to."

 

Jeremy looks at her.  "Katherine, let's understand one another.  Ours is purely a business arrangement.  That doesn't establish any bond of friendship between us.  You just sit tight right here until I tell you it's time to go after the Ewings."   Jeremy flashes his evil smile at Katherine, and then leaves.  

 

"You old bastard,"  Katherine says after he leaves.  "The Ewings are not the only ones I intend to have revenge on.  I promise I'll make you pay for everything, right along with them."

Jeremy's apartment....later....

 Jeremy returns to his apartment after his visit to Katherine.  His butler greets him as he comes into the apartment.  "Mr. Wendell,"  the butler says.

 

"Fix me a drink, would you?"  Jeremy asks.  "And I think tonight, I'll go out for dinner.  I'll dine at the Tower Club.  What's the use of owning a restaurant if I never eat there."

 

"Yes, sir.  Mr. Wendell, you have a visitor."

 

"A visitor?"

 

"Yes.  He's waiting for you in your office.  I told the gentleman you were out, but he insisted on waiting."

 

"Thank you,"  Jeremy says, curious as to who his late afternoon visitor is.  A moment later, Jeremy walks into his office and finds Keith, the Westar employee who had earlier been listening to Justin and Pamela's private office conversation.  

 

"Afternoon, Mr. Wendell,"  Keith says.  "I'm not sure you remember me.  I'm........"

 

"Keith Powers.  Yes, I know exactly who you are.  You work at Westar, and Craig Ewing hired you to be our inside man there."

 

Keith smiles.  "Yes, sir.  I'm flattered you remember."

 

"I try and make it a point to remember all of my employees.  Now what do you want here,  Powers?"

 

"I have some information for sale.  Information I think you'll find very valuable."

 

"Alright,"  Jeremy says.  "What sort of information?"

 

"Information about your great-grandson,"  Keith says.  

 

Jeremy looks at him.  "My great-grandson?  Hunter?"

 

Keith shakes his head.  "No, sir.  Your OTHER great-grandson."

 

"I have no other great-grandson.  Get the hell out of here.   Now."

 

"Mr. Wendell, you DO have another great-grandson,"  Keith says.  He reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a small tape.  "And the proof is right here," he says, holding the tape up.  "Y'see, Mr. Wendell, your grandson, Tripp McKay, had another son besides the one he had with Pamela Ewing.  Not only is the proof on this tape, but also the identity of the child."

 

"And just how much is this information going to cost me?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"One million dollars."

 

Jeremy laughs.  "One million dollars for information I have no idea is real."

 

"Oh, it's real, Mr. Wendell.  And I know just how much you want another heir.  Someone to leave your empire to and carry on your legacy.  I know that your daughter wants nothing to do with you.  Your three grandsons, Hunter, Tripp, and Shawn, are all dead.  And Pamela Ewing will NEVER let you anywhere her son, Hunter II.  So that leaves Tripp's other kid.  The one person in this world who actually carries your blood, and who can also carry on your legacy.  You'll never miss a million bucks, Mr. Wendell.  Not with all your hundreds of millions.  But in exchange, you get an heir.  Someone you can mold into your own image."

 

"Give me the tape."

 

"I will.  But first, do we have a deal?  A million bucks in exchange for this tape, and the name of your great- grandson?"

 

"You'll get your money, Powers, if the information on that tape turns out to be real.  Now hand it over."

 

"Alright,"  Keith says, reaching into his jacket pocket again.  He pulls out a folded piece of paper.  He unfolds the paper and holds it out to Jeremy.  "After you sign this."

 

Jeremy takes the paper.  He walks over and picks up his reading glasses from the desk and looks over the paper. He smiles.  "You've thought of everything."

 

"A man in my position can't be too careful, Mr. Wendell.  That document merely says that you agree to pay me one million dollars in cash after I provide you with the identity of your great-grandson."

 

"Alright, I'll sign,"  Jeremy says.  "But if this information proves false and if you're trying to put one over on me, not only will you never see a million dollars, but I'll arrange it so that you never again see the light of day.  Do we understand each other, Powers?"

 

"Yes, sir.  Loud and clear."

 

Jeremy picks up a pen from his desk and signs Keith's paper.  "Now, the tape."

 

"Okay, but first, why don't I just tell you who your great-grandson is.  The kid is actually closer than you realize.  Tripp McKay's other son is none other than Devon Lewis, the kid who is now living with Justin and Pamela Ewing."

 

"The boy who lives with Justin and Pamela Ewing is Tripp's son?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"That's right."

 

"Are Pamela and Justin Ewing aware of this?"

 

"Of course they are,"  Keith replies.  "That's them on the tape, discussing the kid, and how they'll do anything in their power to keep you from finding out the truth."

 

Jeremy walks to the window and looks out for a few seconds in silence.  "They knew this boy is my great-grandson, and they schemed to keep this from me?"

 

"Yes.  It's all right there on the tape.  Now, about my money......."

 

Jeremy turns and looks at Keith.  "First, I have to listen to this tape and make certain the voices on it really are Pamela and Justin Ewing.  And if it turns out to be legitimate, Mr. Powers, you'll get your million dollars.  And another million for services rendered."

 

The smile disappears from Keith's face.  "Ser.....services rendered?"

 

"Yes."

 

"And exactly what will I have to do to earn this second million?"  

 

"Help me take Westar away from Pamela and Justin..........and then, help me destroy them,"  Jeremy says, angry over the fact that Pamela and Justin had kept the existence of his other great-grandson from him all this time.  

The Tower Club....that evening....

 Charlie is having dinner with Jasmine's father, Matthew Cory, at The Tower Club in downtown Dallas that evening.  "Any idea when you're gonna be coming back to New York?"  Matthew asks.

 

"Not really,"  Charlie replies.  "But soon.  As much as I love Dallas and love being with my family here, New York is my home, and I have to get back while I still have a company left."

 

"Good.  I'm glad to hear that."

 

"I only wish that I could convince Alex to come back with me, but, he's an adult now,"  Charlie says.

 

"And from what I've seen, he has a very good reason for staying in Dallas,"  says Matthew.

 

"You mean Bridget McKinnon?"

 

"Yes.  I never would've imagined......YOUR son dating Donna Love's granddaughter.  Small world."

 

"It certainly is.  And who would've ever imagined that my son and your daughter would turn out to be first cousins?"

 

"Not me, that's for sure,"  Matthew says.  "But, I guess it must mean something."

 

"Such as?"  Charlie asks.

 

Matthew looks at her for a moment.  "I've missed you, Charlie.  I've thought of you often since......."  Matthew pauses for a second and smiles.  "We had some good times, didn't we?"

 

"Yes, we did."

 

"Maybe we  can again, after you come back to New York."

 

"Maybe,"  Charlie says.  

 

Matthew looks at her seriously.  "Charlie, what happened?  I thought we had the beginning of something special, and next thing I knew, you were backing away."

 

Charlie lowers her eyes for a few seconds, then she looks at Matthew again.  "Since Phillip died, I've only had one serious relationship."

 

"With Christopher Ewing?"  Matthew asks.

 

"Yes.  And things didn't work out.  I guess when you and I started getting close, I........I got a little scared."

 

"Scared?  Of what?"

 

"Of falling in love again.  Matthew, I'm not sure you can understand this.  Phillip Walton was the love of my life.  And we had a good life together.  I never imagined losing him as early as I did.  And so suddenly.  When he died, it nearly destroyed me, and Alex.  I think after that, I was afraid.  Afraid to allow myself to truly fall in love again.  Oh, when Christopher and I were together, I did care for him.  But again, I didn't allow myself to really fall.  Christopher and I had a lot of problems.  He was ten years younger than me, and he wanted children.  And that was something I couldn't give him.  I think that, and our age difference, and the fact that we had known each other for so long.  It just didn't work out, and when it ended, to be honest, I was relieved.  All the while I was with Christopher, I felt like I was cheating on Phillip.........again."

 

"Again?"  Matthew asks.

 

Charlie nods.  "Yes.  Before Phillip and I were married, when we were dating, I had a one night stand with someone.  Phillip and I had a huge fight and we broke up.  I needed to get away.  Away from Phillip, and away from New York, so I came back to Dallas with my mother and my stepfather at the time, Ray Krebbs.  That was when I saw Christopher and his cousin, John Ross, again for the first time in years.  I still pictured them as these two little boys I had known when I was a kid.  But they were far from that.  They had grown into handsome young men.  At that time, John Ross and Christopher's grandmother's husband, Clayton Farlow, had just passed away, so we were all at Southfork for his wake.  Clayton's funeral was the next day, and the night of the wake, John Ross, Christopher, and I hung out.  We got some liquor, and we drank and we just reminisced over old times when we were children.  It got late, and Christopher, who was the youngest and only 18, was not use to drinking so much, so he passed out in the barn.  John Ross and I just left him and we took a walk on the ranch.  It was a beautiful night with a full moon.  We were both pretty drunk, but not too drunk we couldn't walk or function.  I told John Ross about Phillip and our breakup, and, he tried to comfort me.  Well, one thing led to another, and before we knew it we were making love.  We conceived Alex that night.  John Ross and I both felt very awkward by what had happened between us because we had known each other since we were kids and we were like family.  We never mentioned that night again until years later, when Alex found out that John Ross was his father.  We went through Clayton's funeral, and my Mom and Ray and my little brother Lucas and I visited with the family at Southfork for a few days, and then I returned to New York.  A few weeks later Phillip and I started seeing each other again, and we became engaged.  Right after that, I found out I was pregnant.  I knew the baby was John Ross's from the beginning because Phillip and I had not been together for quite some time."

 

"Did you tell Phillip?"  

 

"Yes,"  Charlie replies, tears streaming down her face.  "I knew I couldn't marry him with this secret hanging over our heads.  Oh, he was angry and upset at first, but after he calmed down, he said that he still wanted to marry me.  And so we got married.  Phillip raised Alex as his own child and never loved him any less.  That's the kind of man he was."

 

"It sounds to me like you never really got over losing him."

 

"Of course I never got over it.  How can I?"

 

Matthew reaches across the table and takes Charlie's hand.  "By letting go.  Charlie, I'm not saying you should ever forget Phillip and the life you had with him.  But you can't live in the past forever.  If you continue to hold on to the memory of your dead husband, then you'll be alone for the rest of your life, and you deserve so much better than that.  Charlie, you are such a special woman.  You're beautiful, talented, and the kind of woman any man would be lucky to have in his life.  From the way you described him, Phillip Walton sounds like a really great guy."

 

"He was,"  Charlie says in tears.

 

"Then do you really think he would want you to grieve for him the rest of your life?  Or do you think that he would want you to move on and give someone else a chance?  Give YOURSELF  a chance at happiness again."

 

"I know that he would want me to move on,"  says Charlie.  "I just......."

 

"You were just holding yourself back.  Charlie, I really feel like we had the start of something special in New York.  And there has to be a reason we met again here in Dallas.  I would like very much for the two of us to start seeing each other again."

 

Charlie looks at him and smiles through her tears.  "I think I'd like that, too.  You're right, Matthew.  Phillip has been gone for ten years.  It's time I moved and allowed myself to be loved again.  And to love again."

 

Matthew smiles at her as he gently squeezes her hand.

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

 Krystina rides her horse back up to the stables early the next morning.  Reaching the stables, she climbs down from the animal as Miguel comes over to her.  "Morning, Mrs. Ewing,"  Miguel says.

 

"Good morning, Miguel,"  Krystina says with a smile.  

 

"You were out early this morning."

 

"Oh, yes, I love riding early.  Everything on the ranch smells so fresh and clean first thing in the morning.  Would you take care of my horse for me, Miguel?"

 

"Yes, ma'am."

 

"Thank you,"  Krystina says.  She starts walking back toward the house from the stables when she sees John Ross coming toward her.  Krystina continues toward him and the two meet.  

 

 

"I figured you'd be down here when I woke up and you were gone and I couldn't find you anywhere else," John Ross says.

 

"I couldn't sleep.  I was restless and I didn't wanna wake you, so I got up early and went for a ride."

 

"Got a lot on your mind, don't you?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I can't stop thinking about Jeremy Wendell being my father's half-brother and my.........my uncle."

 

"Have you told your brothers and sisters about this?"

 

"No."

 

"I wonder how Adam is gonna react when he finds out the man he's been workin' for and conspirin' with all this time is his uncle.  You think he knows anything about this?"  John Ross asks.

 

"No, I'm sure he doesn't."

 

"Are you gonna tell them?"

 

"John Ross, to tell you the truth, I would just like to forget this whole thing.  I just wanna forget what Bum found out in Pennsylvania."

 

"Would you be able to do that, darlin'?"  John Ross asks.  

 

"Jeremy Wendell is a horrible man,"  Krystina says.  "The last thing I want is to be related to him in any way."

 

John Ross puts his arm around his wife and they head on toward the house.

Ewing Records....later....

 Dylan is working at his desk later that morning, reading through some papers when he is interrupted by a knock at his door.  "Come in," he says.

 

Cory comes into the office.  "Hey, how's it going?"

 

"Good,"  Dylan says with a sigh.  "But I had no idea there'd be so much to learn and so much to read through."

 

"Yeah, I know all that stuff can be pretty boring, but if you're gonna be a record company executive, you've gotta learn all about the company and the record business in general.  Don't worry, you'll get through it.  I had to read all that same stuff  when Clay put me in charge of Ewing Records."

 

"It's not that bad.  Just a lot to learn and remember,"  Dylan says.

 

 

 

 

 

"Trust me, bro, it does get easier,"  Cory says.  "Listen, the reason I dropped in is because I wanted to find out if you've given any thought to you and my sister attending the Oil Baron's Ball.  It's next week, you know.  And if you have decided to go, then we can all go together."

"The Oil Baron's Ball?" Dylan asks.  "Why would Jasmine and I be going to the Oil Baron's Ball?  And for that matter, why would you?  We're not in the oil business."

 

"Oh, man, I'm sorry,"  says Cory.  "I guess we got so busy yesterday I forgot to mention it to you.  But Ewing Records is a subsidiary of Ewing Oil, and as such, we're expected to be there to represent the company."

 

"Oh, boy, Cory, I'm not sure.  With Jasmine due to give birth so soon, I don't know if she'd be up to a big night out like the Oil Baron's Ball."

 

"She's not due for a couple weeks yet.  The Ball is next Friday night."

 

"Yeah, but you know how she is,"  Dylan says.  "She might not wanna go out to a big event like that being as pregnant as she is."

 

Cory smiles.  "Yeah, my sister is kinda vain."

 

"Hey, now.  That's my wife you're talking about."

 

"Yeah, well, she was MY sister long before she was your wife, and I think I know her a little better than you.  But, it would mean a lot if you could convince her to go."

 

"I'll try,"  Dylan says.  

 

"Thanks, dude.  Well, I'll let you get back to your boring reading."

 

"Gee, thanks."

 

Cory laughs.  "I'll see you later, bro."

 

"Later,"  Dylan says.

 

Cory leaves the office and almost bumps into Amber Stephens on his way out.  "Oh, sorry, Amber,"  he says.

 

"That's okay,"  Amber says as Cory passes by her.  Amber walks into Dylan's office and closes the door.  "Here are those accounting figures you asked for,"  she says, placing a stack of papers on Dylan's desk.

 

Dylan sighs deeply.  "Thanks.  More boring stuff for me to read."

 

"Is there anything else I can get for your, Mr. Ewing?"  Amber asks with a flirtatious smile.

 

"No, thank you, Amber, this is more than enough for now, and it's  gonna take me the next two or three days to get through this."

 

"Well, any questions you have, just ask."

 

Dylan looks at the girl and smiles.  "Thank you, I will."

 

"If you need anything else, Mr. Ewing, all you have to do is call."

 

"Amber, I told you yesterday........stop with the Mr. Ewing stuff.  Call me Dylan."

 

"Alright........Dylan, it is,"  says Amber.  "Well, I'll just get out of your way now and let you get back to your work."

 

"Thanks again, Amber."

 

"You're welcome, Mr..........Dylan,"  Amber says with a smile, and leaves the office.  Once outside Dylan's office, her smile grows larger as her mind is filled with images of her handsome new boss.

Southfork....afternoon....

 That afternoon, Lucas is working on part of the fence at Southfork when Bobby and Christopher ride out to him on their horses.  

 

"Hey, how's it goin'?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Fine,"  Lucas replies.  "I should be done here soon.  There was more damage to this section of fence than we thought."

 

"Tell you what,"  says Christopher.  "Why don't I give you a hand?"

 

"Okay."

 

As Christopher climbs down from his horse, Bobby receives a call on his walkie talkie from one of the ranch hands.  "Mr. Ewing?"  Comes the man's voice over the walkie talkie.

 

Bobby takes the radio from his belt.  "Yeah, Sam?"

 

"Are you and Christopher anywhere near the north pasture?"  

 

"Yeah, we're up here with Lucas by the north fence.  Why?"

 

"Got a couple stray calves loose over in the north pasture."

 

"Alright, Hank, I'll take care of it," Bobby says.

 

"You want some help?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Nah, I can handle it.  You stay and help your brother.  I'll see you both back at the house later,"  Bobby says, then he rides off on his horse to round up the strays in the pasture nearby.  

 

Christopher walks over, picks up a hammer, and begins working on a section of the same fence Lucas is working on.  "I'm actually glad we got a little time together,"  Christopher.  "You and I haven't had much of a chance to talk for quite some time."

 

"It's okay, I understand,"  says Lucas.  "You've been real busy taking Erin back and forth to her treatments, and getting to know your son.  How is my new little nephew?"

 

Christopher smiles.  "He's, uh.......he's great.  He's an amazing kid."

 

"You really love bein' a dad, don't you?"   Lucas asks.

 

"I sure do.  Best thing that's ever happened to me."

 

"I'm really happy for you, Christopher,"  Lucas says.  "I know how much you've always wanted to be a father, and I'm glad you finally get to be one."

 

Christopher looks at his brother and smiles.  "Thanks.  I appreciate that.  Now let's talk about you."

 

"Me?"

 

"Yeah.  How are you doing, Lucas?  I mean, REALLY doing?"

 

Lucas sighs deeply.  "I'm not gonna lie to you.  It's hard.  Real hard.  Some days I  want a drink so bad I can't stand it.  But I know I can never take another drink of alcohol.  I also know I have to stay sober for Michael's sake.  Heather's death was so hard on him, and I wasn't there for him when he needed me because of my drinking.  And now he resents me for it."

 

"Time will take care of that, little brother.  Michael loves you.  Just let him know that you're here for him now.  And from what I've seen, you've really been trying to be."

 

"I have, but it's so damned hard with him these days,"  Lucas says.  "He's so.......moody, even angry.......all the time.  It's like he's built a wall between him and the outside world, and I just don't know how to break through it."

 

"Michael's almost 16.  He's at that awkward and moody age all teenage boys go through when they're mad at the whole world.  And Michael has had one hell of a tough last year.  But he's a good kid.  He'll come around in time.  I really believe that."

 

"I hope you're right, man."

 

"I am,"  Christopher says.  "Come on, we'd better finish this fence.  Faster we get to work the faster we can finish."

 

"Yeah.  Michael will be home from school soon.  I wanna spend some time with him."

Bryan Adams High School, Dallas....afternoon....

 As school lets out at Bryan Adams High School in Dallas, dozens of teenagers come out of the building and descend the steps in front of the school.  Devon Lewis comes out of the school with another boy of about the same age, the two boys engaged in a conversation as they leave the building.  Meanwhile, a long, white 

limousine is parked across the street from the school. The rear left window on the limo comes down, revealing the man in back of the limo is Jeremy Wendell, who is watching Devon with great interest.

 

"That's him, Mr. Wendell," Jeremy's driver says.  "The brown haired kid on the steps.  That's Devon Lewis, the kid who's living in the home of Justin and Pamela Ewing."

 

"And my great-grandson,"  Jeremy says, continuing to watch Devon.

 

"What do you want to do, Mr. Wendell?"  The driver asks.

 

"Nothing.  For now, anyway."

 

"You mean you don't want me to grab the kid?"

 

"No.  I plan to go about this another way.  A way that will destroy Justin and Pamela Ewing.  No one keeps from me what is mine and gets away with it.  Alright, Sam.  Let's go."

 

"Whatever you say, Mr. Wendell." 

 

Jeremy lets up the window of the limo, and he and Sam drive away.                                                         

Southfork....

A Braddock school bus pulls up in front of Southfork and comes to a stop that afternoon.  Michael gets off the bus and walks up to the gate.  He opens it, then walks through the gate and begins the walk down the long

his bedroom and takes a seat on his bed.  After a brief hesitation, he opens his book bag and takes out a small plastic bag and opens it.  He takes two small pills out of the bag, then he spots an open can of coke on the table beside the bed.  Reaching over, he picks up the can and feels that it is still half full from the night before.  Michael pops the two pills into his mouth and quickly washes them down with the coke, the taste of which almost makes him gag because, having sat on the table all night and all day, the soda was hot and had gone stale.  Michael lays back on the bed and closes his eyes, hopeful the effects of the pills will kick in soon.

Southfork....later....

That night, Bobby, Ann, Lucas, John Ross, Krystina, and Alex come into the dining room for dinner and take their usual seats at the table.  

 

"Well, where is everyone tonight?" John Ross asks.

 

"Beats me," Bobby replies.  "Seems like these days everyone just goes their own way.  Hardly any of the family sits down to dinner together anymore the way we use to."

 

"Well, I do know that Christopher took Erin and K.C. out to a movie and dinner,"  Ann says.  "Krystina, isn't Krystle comin' down for dinner?"

 

"No, my mother wasn't feeling well, so I asked Maria to take a tray up to her room."

 

"Nothing serious, I hope,"  says Bobby.

 

"No, just a headache."

 

"Lucas, where's Michael?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I don't know.  He must still be doing his homework."

 

"I'll go get him,"  Alex says, getting up from the table.

 

"Thanks, Alex,"  Lucas says as Alex leaves the room.

 

"Krystina, how about tomorrow, you and I go into Dallas and shop for our gowns for the Oil Baron's Ball?" Ann asks.

 

"I'd love to, Ann, but, to be honest, I'm sure that John Ross and I are even going to the Oil Baron's Ball this year,"  Krystina says with a sad look on her face.

 

"What?  Why not?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Why should we?"  John Ross asks.  "I'm not part of Ewing Oil, anymore, so there's no reason for us to go to the Ball."

 

"John Ross, just because you're not part of Ewing Oil anymore is no reason to not go to the Oil Baron's Ball with the rest of the family.  That Ball is a long held tradition with this family."

 

"I just don't wanna go, okay?"

 

"Well, I'm sorry you feel that way, and I hope you'll change your mind between now and next week."

 

"So do I,"  says Krystina.  "And if that invitation is still open, Ann, I think I WILL go with you into Dallas tomorrow and shop for a gown.  Even if John Ross doesn't change his mind about going, there's no reason I shouldn't go."

 

John Ross looks at his wife.  "You'd really go to that Ball without me?"

 

"John Ross, I haven't missed an Oil Baron's Ball since I married into this family, and I see no reason why I should start now."

 

Ann smiles.  "And who knows.  She might even find some handsome young man to dance with."

 

"Well, John Ross, if that itn't reason enough to change your mind and go to the Ball with us, then I don't know what is,"  Bobby jokes.  

 

Meanwhile, upstairs, Alex knocks on Michael's bedroom door.  When he receives no answer, he knocks again.  "Hey, Michael.  Dinner's ready,"  Alex yells through the door.  When Michael again doesn't answer, Alex opens the door and walks into the bedroom, where he finds Michael asleep on the bed.  Alex goes over to him.  "Michael?"  He says, shaking his cousin awake.

 

Meanwhile, Afton is finishing singing a beautiful, tender love song at Afton's Lounge that evening.  As she finishes, the audience gives her a hearty round of applause.  "Thank you,"  she says.  "I hope everyone enjoys the rest of your evening, and I'll be back in a little while with another song."  The audience applauds again as Afton exits the stage.  Afton is surprised when she sees Jeremy Wendell sitting at a booth across the crowded restaurant.  Jeremy is looking at Afton and smiling, which makes her feel uncomfortable.  Afton tries to ignore him and she goes over to the bar.  Jeremy gets up from his seat and walks over to her.  

 

"Hello, Afton,"  Jeremy says.

 

"Jeremy Wendell.  You're about the last person I expected to see here."

 

"Even an ogre like me has to eat dinner."

 

"I heard that you bought the Tower Club,"  Afton.  "I would think you'd take most of your meals there."

 

"I was just in the mood for something a little different tonight."

 

"Well, then, enjoy the rest of your evening.  Excuse me."

 

"Afton, how are Justin and Pamela doing?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"Why do you ask?"

 

"Well, your daughter and her husband are running Westar at the moment, and even though I'm no longer involved in the company, I am still interested in what's going on there, and with the people who are running it.  And, Pamela IS the mother of my great-grandson, after all."

 

"Justin and Pamela are just fine."

 

"And how is my great-grandson?"  Jeremy asks.

 

Afton is quickly becoming annoyed by Jeremy's intrusive questions.  "Hunter is fine," she replies in a somewhat harsh tone.  "Now, if you will excuse me, I really don't think I should be discussing my daughter and her family with you."

 

"Hunter IS my great-grandson, Afton.  I don't want to cause Justin and Pamela any problems, I simply would like to know how the boy is doing.  I understand that Justin and Pamela have taken in a foster child.  A teenage boy.  Let's see now, what is his name?  Devon, something or other?"

 

"That's NONE of your business.  Now I really am very busy.  I suggest you return to your table and finish your dinner."

 

Jeremy smiles deviously, confident that he has struck a nerve with Afton.  "I'll be seeing you, Afton," he says, then he walks away from her.

 

Afton breathes a sigh of relief after Jeremy leaves her.  She quickly makes her way from the restaurant down a short hallway to her office.  She goes into the office and picks up her cell phone from her desk.  She immediately dials Pamela's number and then anxiously waits for an answer.  After the second ring, Pamela answers.  "Pamela, it's me,"  Afton says.  "Maybe this is nothing, but, Jeremy Wendell is here at the restaurant.  He claimed he's just here having dinner, but I got the distinct impression it was much more than that.  He was asking me questions."

Justin and Pamela's home....

"What kind of questions?"  Pamela asks her mother.  She listens as Afton tells her about Jeremy's sudden, strange interest in her, Justin, Hunter, and especially Devon.  A worried look comes over Pamela's face as she listens to her mother.  "What did you tell him?"  Pamela asks, and again waits as Afton replies to her question.  "You're right, it's probably nothing.  But with Jeremy Wendell, you can never be too careful.  Mom, thanks for calling.  Yes, I'll talk to you tomorrow.  I love you, too.  Bye."  Pamela ends the call and puts down her phone just as Justin comes into the bedroom from the couple's adjoining bathroom after taking a shower.  

 

"Boy, that shower felt good,"  Justin says.  "I know it's still early on a Friday night, but it's been a long and 

tiresome week, so, I'm just ready to crawl into bed and get a good night's sleep.  How about you?"  When Pamela doesn't reply, Justin looks at her.  He sees she has a worried expression on her face.  "Pamela?  Darlin', what's wrong?"

 

"My mother just called."

 

"Is somethin' wrong with Afton?"  Justin asks.

 

"No, she's fine."

 

"Well, obviously somethin's got you upset."

 

"Mom told me that Jeremy Wendell came into Afton's Lounge tonight for dinner."

 

"Wendell?  Really?  Your mother's restaurant is nice, but not exactly the kinda place an old guy like Wendell would normally be hangin' out."

 

"No, it's not.  She said that he was asking a lot of questions."

 

"What sort of questions?"

 

"About us.  About Hunter, and.........and about Devon."

 

"Devon?"  Justin asks.  "What was he askin' about Devon?"

 

"Just, general questions, but Mom said it gave her this really eerie feeling, and she thought we should know.  Dear God, Justin, what if Wendell somehow knows about Devon?"

 

Justin walks over to the bed and takes a seat beside his wife.  "Honey, how could he?  The only people who know are you, me, and Afton."

 

"I don't know,"  Pamela says.  "But why else would Wendell be asking questions about Devon?"

 

"I don't know, but Pamela, I promise you......if Wendell is up to somethin', we're gonna be ready for him."

 

"Justin, I'm scared.  I've got this really bad feeling that........"

 

"Pamela, like I said........we're gonna be ready for him.  I will NOT let Wendell get his hands on Devon, or disrupt our lives.  If he tries, then I'll stop him.........any way I have to.  I swear to you, I will."

 

Pamela puts her arms around Justin and the two embrace, each worried that Wendell may have somehow learned the truth about Devon being Tripp's son, or at least that he may suspect something.

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

Miguel Trevino is working at the stables at Southfork early the next morning when Alex walks up to him. "Morning, Miguel,"  Alex says.

 

"Morning, Alex.  You're up early for a Saturday morning?"

 

"Yeah.  Miguel, have you seen my cousin Michael this morning?"

 

 

 

Alex rides his horse out to the old treehouse on the edge of one of the ranch's pastures.  He sees Michael's horse tied to a tree nearby.  Alex climbs down from his horse and ties the animal to a small tree, then he walks over to the treehouse.  "Michael?"  He calls.  

 

Meanwhile, in the treehouse, Michael is smoking a marijuana blunt, which he quickly puts out and stashes under a book when he hears Alex's voice.  

 

"Michael, I know you're up there.  Come on down,"  Alex says.  "I need to talk to you."

 

Michael pokes his head out the door of the treehouse.  "What do you want, Alex?"

 

"Come down here, I wanna talk to you."

 

"Not in the mood to talk.  Just leave me alone."

 

"Now either you come down here, or I'll come up there,"  Alex says sternly.  

 

Reluctantly, Michael climbs down from the treehouse to face his cousin.  "Okay, what do you want?"

 

 As the temperature continues to drop on this crisp, cold winter day, Bobby and Lucas walk up to the house 

and enter the living room through one of the double French doors.  "Feels about 10 to 15 degrees colder than it did early this morning," Lucas says.

 

"Well, the weather man said the temperature was supposed to drop throughout the day.  Boy that fire sure feels good,"   Bobby says.  

 

"I'll go up and change, and then we can go,"  Lucas says.

 

"Alright, I'll see if Ann wants to ride into town with us."

 

As Lucas leaves the living room, Christopher comes down the hallway from his bedroom and walks into the living room.  "Dad,"  he says.

 

"Son, Lucas and I are gonna go into Braddock and order some more material for those fences and have lunch at Sam's Diner.  You wanna go with us?"

 

Christopher smiles.  "Sam's Diner.  I haven't eaten there in years."

 

"Neither have I, so come on and go with us."

 

"I guess I might as well.  Erin took a pain pill for a headache and she went out like a light, and K.C. is upstairs playing with Ellie and Little John, so I need something to do with my afternoon."

 

"Good, cause I wanna talk to you about somethin'.  You and your brother,"  Bobby says with a smile.

 

"Anything serious?"

 

"In a way.  I don't know if you remember, but the 165th anniversary of Southfork is coming up in just a couple months."

 

"165 years,"  Christopher says.  "Wow.  Hard to believe Southfork was here even before the Civil War."

 

"Sure is,"  Bobby says.  "165 years ago this spring, my great-grandpa, Enoch Southworth settled here and started this ranch that became Southfork.  And since it IS such a milestone, I think we should celebrate."

 

"I agree.  What'd you have in mind?"

 

"Well, we could have the anniversary celebration along with the Ewing Barbecue.  And I was thinkin' we could also do another rodeo."

 

"I like that idea,"  Christopher says.  

 

"I think it'll be good too, to have a celebration like that, especially after everything this family's been through this past year."

Meanwhile....upstairs....

Alex and Michael have finished going through all of Michael's things, and Michael has given Alex all the drugs he had in his possession, which included a full bag of marijuana, and a bag with some pills.  

 

"You sure this is everything?"  Alex asks.

 

"I told you, that's everything I have,"  replies Michael.  "You've already searched my whole room."

 John Ross, Krystina, Sue Ellen, and Krystle are having lunch that afternoon at the Tower Club in downtown Dallas.  Sue Ellen checks her watch.  "I can't imagine what's keeping Catlin,"  she says.

 

"Well, Sue Ellen, you know how it is when business duties call,"  Krystle says.

 

"Yes, I certainly do, but he said he would be finished with his business meeting by 1."

 

"A business meeting on a Saturday?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Yes, some business associates of Catlin Oil who are only in town for the weekend, so the meeting had to be today, or not at all."

 

"I sure wish he'd hurry up and get here,"  John Ross says, looking at his own watch.  "I'm starvin',"

 

"I think you'll survive,"  Krystina says with a smile.  

 

"Well, hello, Sue Ellen,"  Peter Richards says, walking over to their table with his daughter, Megan.  

 

"Peter, hello,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

"How are you?"  

 

"Just fine.  And you?"

 

"Never better.  Oh, uh, you remember my daughter, Megan?"

 

"Yes, of course,"  Sue Ellen says.  "How are you, Megan?"

 

"I'm wonderful, Mrs. Ewing, thank you."

 

 

"John Ross,"  Peter says.  

 

"Peter,"  John Ross replies. 

 

"Peter, you remember John Ross's wife, Krystina, don't you?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Yes, I do, hello."

 

"Dr. Richards,"  says Krystina.

 

"And this is Krystle Carrington, Krystina's mother,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

"Hello."

 

"So, you're the famous Dr. Peter Richards I've heard so much about,"  says Krystle.

 

"I hope it's good things you've been hearing."

 

"Oh, nothing but."

 

"Megan are you still working here at The Tower Club?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Yes, ma'am, but I had today off,"  Megan replies.

 

"Yep, and I thought I'd treat my daughter to lunch,"  says Peter.

 

"Oh, here comes Catlin,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

"Hey, sorry I'm late,"  Catlin says, taking his seat at the table beside Sue Ellen.  "Well, hello, Dr. Richards."

 

"Mr. Ewing," Peter says.  "We should be going.  Enjoy your lunch."

 

"Thank you, Peter, it's nice seeing you,"  Sue Ellen says as Peter and Megan leave.  

 

"Catlin, do you realize you kept us waitin' almost half an hour?"  John Ross asks.

 

"John Ross, I said I was sorry.  My meeting ran a little longer than expected."

 

"That's fine, Catlin,"  Krystle says.

 

"Was your meeting successful?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Yes, as a matter of fact, it was very successful.  McLeish and I struck a deal on those Canadian wells."

 

"That's wonderful."

 

"McLeish?"  John Ross asks.  "Now why does that name sound so familiar?"

 

"Thornton McLeish is an old associate of Bobby's, John Ross,"  Sue Ellen replies.  "Bobby partnered with him and his brother on some Canadian wells years ago, and they did a few other deals after that."

 

"Bobby connected me with McLeish, who was looking for an American company interested in going in with him on some wells,"  Catlin says.

 

"You goin' this alone or does this deal involve the Cartel and Ewing Oil?"  

 

"No, this is a deal C.J. and I are going in alone."

 

"John  Ross, you must miss the oil business very much,"  Krystle says.

 

John Ross looks across the table at Sue Ellen.  "You're right, I do.  If my family hadn't cut me out, I'd still be involved in Ewing.  I'd still be president of the company."

 

Sue Ellen gives her son an uncomfortable look.

 

"John Ross, let's not start that again," Krystina says.  

 

"No one cut you out, John Ross,"  Catlin says.  "You're the one who went behind your mother's and Bobby's backs and got into that disastrous deal with Adam Carrington."

 

"Catlin this is none of your damned business, so stay out of it."

 

"Like hell, I will."

 

"Alright, just stop it!"  An angry Sue Ellen finally says.  "I thought we came here to have a nice, peaceful family lunch."

 

"Well, well,"  comes the unwelcome voice of Jeremy Wendell as he walks up to their table.  "From the looks of that conversation, the Ewing family is just as dysfunctional as ever."

 

"Wendell, what the hell are you doin' here?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I happen to own this establishment.  Hello, Sue Ellen.  It's been quite some time."

 

"Not nearly long enough,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

Jeremy slightly laughs at her comment.  "Charming as ever."

 

"Was there something you wanted?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Merely to say hello, and I also came over because.......John Ross, this must be your lovely mother-in-law, Krystle Carrington, that I've heard so much about."

"I've heard a lot about you, as well, and none of it flattering,"  Krystle says.

 

Jeremy smiles.  "I suppose not, from the Ewings."

 

"If you're done with the chit chat, Wendell, we'd really like to enjoy our lunch in peace,"  John Ross says.

 

"I suppose I'll see you all at the Oil Baron's Ball next week.  Have a good lunch, and enjoy the rest of your day......while you can.  "  Jeremy says, and walks away.

 

"He seems every bit as horrible as everyone says,"  Krystle remarks.

 

"He is.  Jeremy Wendell is the worst of the worst,"  says Sue Ellen.

 

"I can't stand the thought of being related to that man,"  Krystina says.  "Makes me sick just thinking about him being 'UNCLE' Jeremy."

 

"Do you think he knows that your father was his half-brother?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Oh, I'm sure of it."

 

"So am I,"  John Ross says.  "How could a man like Wendell NOT know all about who his birth mother was, and about any family he had?"

 

"But he doesn't know that WE know,"  says Krystina.  "And I wanna keep it that way.  The last thing I want is Jeremy Wendell for an uncle.  I don't want Adam to know, either.  If he has any idea that we're related to Jeremy Wendell, I'm sure he'll try to use that to his advantage.  And as usual, that would probably blow up in ALL of our faces."

One week later....

 Rows of limousines line the front of the Omni Hotel in Dallas one week later, as the annual Oil Baron's Ball is about to get started.  Dozens of Dallas's most elite emerge from the limos and walk the red carpet into the hotel and down the hallway to the elegant ballroom.  The Ewing family, represented at this year's ball by Bobby, Ann, John Ross, Krystina, Justin, Pamela, Alex, Clay, and their girlfriends Bridget and Michelle 

 Meanwhile, back at Southfork, Michael is in his bedroom, where he opens his dresser drawer.  Reaching into the bottom of the drawer, he takes out a small bag of marijuana and stuffs it into the pocket of his hoodie.  He closes the drawer and quickly exits the bedroom.  A couple of minutes later, Michael comes out of one of the double French doors from the living room onto the back porch.

 

"Michael?"  Lucas's voice from his left startles the boy.  He looks over and sees his father sitting at the table on the other side of the porch.

 

"I didn't know anyone else was home except Maria and the kids,"  Michael says. "I thought everyone was gone to the Oil Baron's Ball."

"I don't wanna talk about it now,"  Michael says.  

 

"Michael, I think we have to talk about it.  We NEED to talk about it because I need to explain to you where I was after your Mom died.  Where I was mentally.  Heather and I met when we were just kids.  We were both 19 when we met.  I'd had some problems at home, and I left.  I got a job on this little ranch in East Texas, and Heather worked there.  For me, it was love at first sight.  She was the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen.  Only problem was, Heather was involved with Bo McCabe, her high school sweetheart. 

 

"Look, I've heard all this before,"  Michael says.  

 

"Son, I know you have but, just hear me out.  When things between her and Bo got a little rough, Heather and I, we started to get close.  And we fell in love.  It really broke my heart when Heather decided to go back to Bo.  The day she came to tell me..........I was crushed.  I couldn't believe it.  I thought that Heather and I had somethin' special, but, Bo was her first love.  I was so hurt and angry that I pulled up and left the next day.  Before your Mama found out she was pregnant with you.  So, she never had a chance to tell me.  I didn't see Heather again until the Oil Baron's Ball in Dallas years later.  And after we reconnected she told me about you.  The day Heather told me that I was your father was the happiest day of my life.  I still loved her, just as much as I had when I was 19.  Marrying Heather, and building a family with her and you was a dream come true for me.  And every year that we had together, I fell more and more in love with your Mama."

 

As he listens to his father speak, tears begin running down Michael's cheek.  

 

"When your Mama died,"  Lucas continues, his voice shaky, "It felt like someone had ripped my heart right out of my chest.  I was angry.  I didn't wanna accept it.  So I started drinking because that was the only way I could deal with the pain and the anger.  I just wanted to be numb and not feel anything."

 

Michael stops walking and turns to his father, his eyes filled with tears.  "And how do you think I felt?"  He angrily asks.  "I was hurting, too.  I felt like it was the end of the world when Mom died.  And I needed you.  I needed you, but every time I tried to talk to you or to get some kind of comfort from you, you were always too drunk.  Do you know how many times I came up to your room hoping to talk to you because I was hurting and missing Mom?  And every time I came to your room, you were either passed out drunk or you just didn't wanna be bothered with me."

 

"Son, I am SO sorry that I put you through that,"  Lucas says, tears running down his own face now.  

 

"I HATED you!"  Michael yells in tears.  "I hated you so much, and I kept wondering why.  Why did Mom have to die?  There were times I even wished it had been you instead."

 

"Michael,"  Lucas says, reaching out to his son.

 

"NO!"  Michael yells, pushing Lucas away.  "Leave me alone!  Just leave me alone!  I hate you!  Why couldn't it have been you instead of Mom?  WHY???"

 

His son's words cut through Lucas's heart like a knife.  He watches, frozen as Michael turns his back to him and walks over to the fence.  Michael places his hands on the fence, lowers his head, and cries uncontrollably.  Lucas remains frozen for a moment, then he walks over to his son and gently places his hands on Michael's shoulders.  "Michael,"  he says.

 

"Go away.  Go away and leave me alone.  I hate you, just go away,"  Michael cries.  

 

Lucas slowly backs away.  His heart shattered his eyes filled with tears, and unsure how to help his son now, other than just giving the boy the space he needs.  Lucas turns and begins walking back toward the house.

 

For a few seconds, Michael continues to cry uncontrollably.  "DAD!!!"  He yells loudly.

 

Lucas stops and turns back to face him.  "Michael?"  

 

The boy turns around and looks at his father.  After a short pause, Michael runs to Lucas and embraces him.  Lucas throws his arms around his son and hugs him tightly as the two stand in the middle of the long, tree lined driveway at Southfork and cry together.   "I didn't mean it,"  Michael says.  "I don't hate you.  Dad, I love you!"

 

"I love you, too, son,"  Lucas says, hugging his son tightly.  "God, I love you more than you could ever know. And I'm gonna be here for you from now on.  I promise.  I promise."

 

Lucas continues to embrace his son as Michael cries, letting out months of pent up emotions and anger that had been bottled up inside of him.  

The Omni Hotel....

Back at the Oil Baron's Ball, Ray and Donna are dancing along with several other couples on the dance floor.  "I don't know why I let you talk me into comin' to this thing,"  Ray says as they dance.  "You know I hate these kind of black tie affairs."

 

"You mean you're not use to these events yet after all these years?"  Donna asks.

 

"I'll never get use to havin' to put on one of these monkey suits."

 

Bobby and Ann walk up to them.  "Ray, would you mind if I had a dance with my lovely sister-in-law?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Not at all."

 

"Ray, may I have the honor of this dance?"  Ann asks.

 

Ray smiles.  "The honor is all mine," he says, and he and Bobby switch dancing partners.  

 

"I'm glad you and Ray came tonight,"  Bobby says, he and Donna beginning their dance.  "We don't see near enough of you two these days.  Where've you been keepin' yourselves?"

 

"We've been busy,"  Donna says.  "I've been promoting my book as often as I can, and Ray's been busy helping Conner at the ranch.  They're a little short handed."

 

"Well, if Ray ever needs any help, I'd be happy to send over some hands from Southfork to help out."

 

"I wish you'd tell HIM that,"  says Donna.  "I'm really worried about how hard he's been working.  He comes home every night dead tired."

 

"Ray knows his limits.  I'm sure he'll be fine."

 

"I can't help but worry.  Your brother's not a young man, you know.  And he did have that health scare a few years ago."

 

"I know.  Well, if you're concerned, have you talked to him about cuttin' back?"

 

"Of course I have,"  Donna says.  "But you know Ray.  He just says he's fine and that he can't just sit in a rocker and watch the world go by."

 

Bobby smiles.  "He's right, y'know.  I could never see Ray doin' that.  But I also don't think he'll push himself harder than he knows he should.  So I think you're worried for nothin'.  By the way, I read your book, the whole thing in one weekend."

 

"And you're actually still talking to me?"  

 

"Hey, you just told an honest account of J.R.'s life.  I'm proud of you for that.  And I learned a few things in your book about my oldest brother that I didn't even know before.  J.R. was somethin' else."

 

Donna laughs.  "THAT, he was," she says.

 

Meanwhile, Marilee and Brad walk into the ballroom.  Brad looks around the room and lets out a deep sigh.  "I never should've come here,"  Brad says.

 

"Why not?  We have as much right as anyone else to be here who got an invitation,"  says Marilee.  

 

"You, maybe.  But I made quite a few enemies in the oil industry with my recent run for the Senate as an anti-fossil fuel democrat."

 

"Well, tonight is a perfect opportunity to begin your journey on the road to redemption.  Come on.  Let's mingle with some old friends."

 

As Brad and his mother walk onto the ballroom dance floor, Brad looks over and spots Pamela.  The two make eye contact, and Pamela quickly looks away from him.  Brad shakes his head, and he and Marilee shake hands with a man who walks up to them.  Moving through the crowded ballroom, Brad notices that a lot of people are staring at him, some even giving him less than friendly looks.  

 

"Well, look who it is,"  Marilee says as she and Brad run into Jordan Lee III.  

 

"Mrs. Stone, hello,"  Jordan says.  "You're looking lovely tonight."

 

 

Meanwhile, Conner and Ashley are chatting when they see Dylan and a very pregnant Jasmine walk into the ballroom.  "I don't believe it,"  Conner says.  "I can't believe Jasmine actually came to this ball when she's so close to having her baby."

 

"Jasmine would never let an opportunity go to waste to showing off that new maternity ball gown.  She's the type that likes being seen, no matter what."

 

Conner and Ashley watch as Jasmine kisses Dylan, then walks away from him.  Spotting his brother and Ashley, Dylan comes over to them.  

 

"Conner, Ashley,"  Dylan says.  

 

"Dylan.  We're surprised to see you and Jasmine here,"  says Conner.

 

 

"Yeah, Cory wanted me to come,"  Dylan says.  "Since I now work for Ewing Records and it's a subsidiary of Ewing Oil, he thought we should both be here to represent the company."

 

"I'm surprised Jasmine came out tonight,"  Ashley says.  "She's almost ready to give birth, isn't she?"

 

"Baby's due in a little over a week.  But she checked with her doctor before she came tonight, and she said it was perfectly fine, as long as we made it an early night, and Jasmine took it easy,"  Dylan says.

 

"Dylan, you seem to really be doing well,"  Conner says.  "I couldn't be happier for you.  At first, I thought you getting involved with Jasmine was the worst thing in the world for you, but, you seem happier and more at peace now than I think I've ever seen you."

 

Dylan smiles.  "Thank you, Conner.  I really am happy.  And I have Jasmine to thank for that.  Her, and the baby she's carrying."

 

"I'm happy for you two, Dylan,"  Ashley says.

 

"I appreciate that, Ashley.  Excuse me, guys, I'm gonna go talk to Ray and Donna."

 

"Sure,"  Conner says as his brother walks away.

 

"Well,"  says Ashley.  "Could it be that may have misjudged my cousin Jasmine?"

 

"Could be.  He really does seem happier and more content than I've ever seen my brother before.  And if Jasmine is responsible for that, then I'm grateful to her.  Maybe now we can all be a real family and put the past behind us."

 

 

Meanwhile, in another part of the room, Jasmine greets her brother Cory with a kiss.  "Sis, you look great," Cory says.

 

"Thanks, I feel like a beached whale."

 

"Don't worry.  Only a few more days."

 

"And I can't wait,"  Jasmine says as Dylan joins them, walking up beside Cory.

 

"Can't wait for what?"  Dylan asks.  

 

"For this baby to be born so I can feel normal again."

 

Meanwhile, John Ross and Krystina have just finished chatting with a couple who are old friends of the Ewing family.  After the couple walks away from them, John Ross and Krystina begin to make their way toward the Ewing table when John Ross spots Brad and Marilee across the room.  "I cannot believe Brad Barnes had the nerve to show his face here tonight,"  John Ross says.

 

"Brad use to be involved in the oil business, John Ross,"  Krystina says.  "And so was his mother."

 

"That was before he turned traitor."

 

"Just ignore him.  Let's try and have a pleasant evening without any of the usual drama,"  Krystina says as they run into Clay and Michelle.  

 

"John Ross, Krystina,"  Clay says.

 

"Good evening, Clay,"  says Krystina.  "Michelle, you look beautiful."

 

Michelle smiles.  "Thank you, Mrs. Ewing, so do you."

 

"Michelle, when are you going to stop calling me Mrs. Ewing?  It's Krystina."

 

The young woman nods.  "Okay......Krystina."

 

"John Ross, I'm kind of surprised to see you here,"  says Clay.

 

"And just why is that?"

 

"Well, I mean, given the fact that you're no longer involved in the oil business."

"Thank you,"  Scott Anderson says once everyone has taken their seats and the room has quieted down.  "Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Scott Anderson.  As all of you know, from looking at your program for tonight, my father, Tim Anderson, was supposed to serve as your Master Of Ceremonies at this year's ball, a job my late grandfather held for quite a few years.  But, my father called me a little while ago and asked that I step in for him.  Earlier tonight, as he and my mother were getting ready to come to the ball, my grandmother, Mavis, suddenly became gravely ill and had to be rushed by ambulance to the hospital.  I spoke to my father just a few minutes ago, and she's in ICU at Texas Health Presbyterian."  Scott pauses for a moment as he fights back tears.  "I'd like to ask that anyone who believes in the power of prayer, please be in prayer for my family as we prepare for the inevitable with my grandmother, who has bravely battled and lived with the ravaging effects of Alzheimer's Disease now for the past decade.  The doctors have already told my parents that, they aren't expecting her to make it.  I know that she would want me to express to all of you her love and gratitude for all the many years of friendship she was blessed to receive from almost everyone in this room.  I know that she would also want me to let all of her friends know that she's going to be okay.  These last ten years have been very difficult, and she's ready to go and be with my grandfather, Punk.  And now, umm, let's get on with tonight's ceremonies.  I want to thank all of your for attending this year's Oil Baron's Ball, and I'd like to welcome each and every one of you.  You have an order of events listed on tonight's program, so I won't bore you by going into details with that.  I also want to thank you in advance for bearing with me, as I have never done this before, and, having stepped in for my father at the last minute, please forgive me if I sometimes look as if I don't know what the hell I'm doing."

 

Scott's comment gets a slight laugh from the audience.

 

He continues:  "First on the agenda tonight is the presenting of the Jock Ewing Memorial Scholarship, which is given each year to a group of five worthy students to attend Southern Methodist University.  The Ewing family first established this scholarship back in 1982.......many years before I was even born........and in the years since, hundreds of students have benefited from this scholarship.  Here to present this year's Jock Ewing Memorial Scholarship is Jock Ewing's great-grandson, and the current president of Ewing Oil, Clay Beaumont."

 

The entire room erupts into thunderous applause as Clay rises from his seat at the Ewing Oil table and makes his way to the stage and up to the podium.  He shakes Scott's hand, then Scott steps aside.  Clay smiles as he looks out at the large crowd in the room, everyone applauding, with the exception of John Ross.  Clay waves to the crowd and waits for the applause to subside before beginning his speech.  "Thank you.  Thank you all 

very much, and thank you, Scott.  I know that all of you in this room will join me in saying a special prayer tonight for the Anderson family and for Mrs. Anderson.  I never knew my great-grandfather, Jock Ewing, but I have heard, and read about all the stories.  The stories of how we was a wildcatter in East Texas back in the late 1920s and early 30s, and how he struck oil and that was the beginning of Ewing Oil, the company I am now very proud to serve as president of.  I wish that I had known both of my great-grandparents, and even my grandfather, J.R. Ewing.  But I know that, in carrying on the legacy of Ewing Oil, I'm carrying on THEIR legacy.  And now that I've run my mouth enough to bore you, let's get on with announcing the names of this year's recipients of the Jock Ewing Memorial Scholarship."  Clay reaches into his pocket and pulls out an envelope, which he begins to open.

 

Back at the Ewing Oil table, John Ross lets out a deep sigh.  "Who's bright idea was it to get him to announce the winners of this year's scholarship?"  John Ross asks.  "Nobody in the family even knew he existed until five years ago."

 

Bobby turns in his seat and looks at his nephew.  "John Ross, if you must know, it was MY idea.  I asked the committee who chooses the scholarship recipients to ask Clay to present the scholarships.  I think it's only fitting.  Clay is Daddy's great-grandson, and he's president of Ewing Oil now."

 

John Ross rolls his eyes.

 

Back on stage, Clay opens the envelope and looks at it.  "The five recipients of this year's Jock Ewing Memorial Scholarship are.........Jonathan Cohen of Dallas; Meredith Jackson of Austin, Texas; Christina Goldsmith of Houston; Eric Bender of Dallas; and Brandy Williford of Waco, Texas.  Congratulations to all five."  Clay smiles and steps back from the podium as the audience applauds.  Clay nods, then leaves the stage.  

 

Scott Anderson returns to the podium.  "And now, we move on to the presenting of the Willard "Digger" Barnes Memorial Scholarship.  And to present this scholarship to five MORE worthy students, please welcome to the stage Mrs. Pamela Barnes Ewing, whose father, the late Cliff Barnes, started this scholarship."

 

Once again, the room erupts into thunderous applause as Pamela gets up from her seat and makes her way onto the stage.  Scott shakes her hand, then steps away as Pamela takes the podium.  She smiles as she looks out at the crowd, and waits for the applause to stop. 

  

"Thank you,"  Pamela begins.  "Thank you for that warm welcome.  Exactly 40 years ago, before I was even born, my father, Cliff Barnes, started the Willard "Digger" Barnes Memorial Scholarship at SMU in memory of my grandfather.  And every year since, five high school students whose academic achievements have shone brightly and earned them consistent placement on the honor rolls at their respective schools, have received this scholarship to attend 4 full years of classes at Southern Methodist University here in Dallas.  The scholarship has provided educations to young people who have gone on to achieve great things.  One of these former students includes a justice on the Texas Supreme Court, who was one of the first recipients, a physicist, and one of the state's top neurosurgeons.  And we are very proud of each one of them."  The audience applauds for several seconds, after which Pamela continues.  "And now, without any further ado, let us find out who this year's five lucky recipients are."  Scott hands Pamela an envelope and she opens it, taking out a piece of paper with the five names.  "This year's recipients of the Willard "Digger" Barnes Memorial Scholarship are........Johnetta Williams of Abilene, Texas; Jeremy Austen of Plano, Texas; Carly DeSilva of Dallas; Dylan Purvis of Abilene, Texas; and Rebecca Rossi of Lubbock, Texas.  Congratulations to each of you."  Pamela smiles at the crowd, which again applauds and gives her a standing ovation as she exits the stage.  Pamela returns to the Westar table, where Justin greets her with a kiss, and the two retake their seats.  From a table nearby, Jeremy watches with a smile.  

 

Back at the Catlin Oil table, Ashley starts to get up from her seat.  "Excuse me, I'm going to the powder room,"  she says.  "I'll be back in a few minutes."

 

Conner stands for her out of respect, and Ashley leaves, making her way toward the ladies' room while Scott Anderson takes the stage again and continues with the ceremonies.

 

Meanwhile, at the Ewing Oil table, Jasmine watches Ashley as she gets up and heads toward the ladies' room.  Jasmine smiles slightly.  "I'll be right back,"  she says.

 

"Everything okay?"  Dylan asks.

 

"Oh, yes.  You know how it is with pregnancy.  You have to go to the bathroom every fifteen minutes.  I'll be back soon."  Jasmine gets up and makes her way across the room, following Ashley out of the ballroom and down a short hallway.  When Jasmine walks into the elegant ladies' room, she finds Ashley at the sink powdering her face.  "This is quite the event,"  she says.

 

"Yes.  It is,"  Ashley replies, continuing to powder her nose.

 

"You're looking a bit tired tonight, Ashley,"  Jasmine says in a snarky tone as she begins to reapply her eye shadow.

 

"So are you.  I'm sure being as pregnant as you are you must tire easily.  In fact, I'm very surprised to see you tonight.  I didn't think you'd show up."

 

Jasmine turns and looks at her.  "I'm here to support my husband, and my brother.  Besides, Dylan says that I'm glowing because of my pregnancy."

 

"I think that's just too much rouge,"  Ashley says.