EPISODE 254 - Blizzard! Part 2

While the worst snowstorm to hit the area in years is going on outside, Bobby, Lucas, and Christopher come into the living room at Southfork, followed by Ann.  "Still no answer on Michael's phone, and I don't know Casey's or Devon's numbers."

 

"They may be in an area of the ranch where there's no signal,"  Christopher says.

 

"We'd better take some extra warm clothing or some blankets,"  Bobby says.  "Those boys are gonna be half frozen when we find 'em."

 

"I wish we could take the chopper up," Lucas says.  

 

"So do I, son, but it's too dangerous in this blizzard."

 

"Okay, I think we're all set,"  says Christopher.

 

"I already called the bunkhouse and alerted the hands to what's goin' on, and they're all gonna join in the search,"  Bobby says.  "We're gonna need every available man."

 

"And woman," Ann says.  "I'm comin' with you."

 

"No, honey.  Look, it could be dangerous out there in this weather.  I'm already worried about the boys, I don't wanna have to worry about you out there, too."

 

"Bobby,"  Ann sternly says.  "Even after 18 years of marriage, you still don't realize that I am not some helpless female who doesn't know my way around a ranch."

 

"Honey, please, just stay here and let us look for the boys."

 

John Ross, Krystina, and Krystle come in at that moment.  "Snow is so pretty,"  Krystle says.  "Reminds me of being back home in Denver."

 

"It's too bad Little John is in California visiting his mother," Krystina says.  "He'd really love this."

 

"Yeah, he would,"  John Ross agrees.  "Hey, y'all, what's goin' on?  Y'all look worried about somethin'."

 

"Michael, Casey, and Devon Lewis went out riding a while ago and they haven't come back yet," replies Christopher.  

 

"We're goin' out lookin' for the boys now," says Bobby.

 

"Y'all hang on while I get my coat and I'll come help," John Ross says.

 

"Bobby, do you think we should call Jill?"  Ann asks.

 

"No, I don't think we should worry her just now.  The boys may be on their way back as we speak."

 

"Michael knows his way around this ranch pretty well," Lucas says.  "But he's never been out on the ranch too far in this kind of weather.

 

"Bobby, is there anything we can do?"  Krystina asks.

 

"No, thank you, Krystina.  Just say a little prayer."

 

John Ross returns with his coat.  "Okay, let's go," he says, and he, Bobby, Lucas, and Christopher head out into the heavy snow.

Meanwhile....

 

Out on the ranch, Casey and Devon continue trying to find a way to get a still unconscious Michael up the hill to possible safety.  

 

"I don't see how we're gonna do this,"  Devon says.  

 

"We have to."

 

"We can't get up that hill with him."

 

"Dude, listen to me,"  Casey says.  "We gotta keep trying.  "Now come on."

 

As Casey grabs one of Michael's arms, he hears Michael moan, as if he is starting to regain consciousness.  

 

"Michael?"  Casey says.  "Hey, Michael?  Come on, wake up."

 

Slowly, Michael opens his eyes and looks up at his cousin.  

 

"Thank God,"  Casey says.  "Michael, are you okay?"

 

"Wha......what happened?"  Michael asks.  

 

"The horse bucked and threw you,"  Devon replies.  "We all fell down this hill."

 

"Michael, can you get on your feet?"  Casey asks.

 

Michael nods, but as he tries to get up, a terrible pain strikes him in his ankle.  "Oh, GOD!!!"  He yells out.

 

"What is it?"  Casey asks.

 

"My ankle.  Feels like it's broken,"  Michael replies in tears.

 

"Can you stand on it at all?"

 

Michael tries to get on his feet, but the pain is too severe, and he falls down onto the snow.  "I can't"

 

"We can help you,"  says Casey.  "Now that you're awake, you can put your arms around our necks and gold on.  You won't be like dead weight for us to carry."

 

"Can you put your arms around our necks?"  Devon asks.

 

Michael again nods.  He puts his right arm around Casey's neck and his left around Devon's.  The other two boys put their arms around Michael's neck and help him to his feet.  

 

"Okay,"  Casey says.  "Somehow, we gotta climb this hill and get back up to the pasture above us.  You guys ready?"

 

"Yeah,"  replies Devon.

 

"Ready,"  Michael says in a weak voice.  Then the boys begin the difficult effort of trying to make their way up the steep, snow covered hill with an injured Michael.

 

Back at the house, Ann, Krystina, and Krystle are watching the weather report on TV.  "As of this morning, more than 90% of the state of Texas is covered in snow.  Right now the Dallas-Fort Worth area has 3 to 4 inches on the ground already, and the snow is still comin' down out there.  And, in addition to the snow, almost the entire state is experiencing record cold temperatures.  Here in the   

Dallas area, the actual temperature right now is 18 degrees, but with the wind chill it feels like a frigid 6 degrees above 0.  And 18 is going to be the high today.  The normal high is 61, but at least we made it into the high teens.  The low this morning, and I've mentioned this multiple times, was the second coldest temperature ever recorded in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  The coldest on record was 8 below, and that happened in February of 1899.  We were expecting a possibility of a wintry mix during the course of today, but this blizzard that's happening right now caught everyone a little off guard, as well as these near record cold temperatures.  But, we do have some  

good news.  Warmer weather is on the way, as over the next several days the temperatures will gradually warm back up to average for this time of year.

Ann picks up the remote and turns the sound on the TV down.  "God, I'm so worried about the boys out there in this weather," she says.  "I'm worried about Bobby and the others out lookin' for them, too.  I should've gone with them."

 

"Ann, we're all feeling helpless right now,"  says Krystina.  "But the best thing we can do is to stay here and wait, as helpless as that makes us feel."

 

"Krystina's right, Ann."  Krystle says.  "The last thing the men need is to worry about you out there getting lost, too."

 

"I do know my way around this ranch, and I've faced snowstorms before."

 

"One like this?"  Krystle asks.  "The weather a little while ago said this was a snowstorm like this area hasn't seen in almost a century.  Ann, take it from someone who's lived in Colorado for many years.  You could get lost out in a storm like this no matter how well you know your way around.  I'm not saying this to further frighten you, but to help you understand why Bobby didn't want you going with them."

 

Ann gets up from her seat on the sofa and goes to the window and looks out.  "I wish they would hurry up and get back with the boys."

 

Krystina walks over to her.  "Ann, I really think we should call Jill and Craig, and Justin, too,"  she says.  

 

"I think you're right.  Why don't you call Justin, and I'll call Jill?"  Ann suggests.

 

"Alright."

Dallas Police Department....

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Ashley is taken into custody after being arrested for assaulting Jasmine at the Oil Baron's Ball.  She is booked and fingerprinted at the Dallas Police Department, a blank and dazed look on her face as she struggles to believe what is happening to her. 

After being booked, Ashley is placed in a holding cell.  

 

A short time later, Conner and Clay rush into the Dallas Police Department and approach the front desk.  "Excuse me,"  Clay says.  "My sister, Ashley Beaumont, was brought in earlier."

 

"Beaumont?"  Asks the officer on duty.  "Know what the charge is?"

 

"When she called me, she told me she'd been arrested for assault,"  Conner says.

 

The officer looks at a file on his desk in front of him.  "Oh, yes.  Ashley Lynn Beaumont?"

 

"Yes, that's her,"  replies Clay.

 

"Can we see her?"  Conner asks.

 

Just then, Jay Smithfield comes into the station.  "Clay, Conner,"  Jay says.

 

"Jay, thank God you're here,"  Conner says.

 

"Yeah we just got here ourselves,"  Clay says.  "We just asked if we could see Ashley."

 

"Officer,"  Jay says.  "My name is Jay Smithfield, and I'll be acting as legal counsel for Ashley Beaumont.  We'd like to see Miss Beaumont, please."

 

"Sure thing," the officer says.  He picks up his phone and presses a button.  "Yeah," he says.  "Ashley Beaumont's attorney and brother are here to see her."  After a few seconds, the officer hangs up the phone.  "You can see your client in the visitation room.  Down the hall, third door on the left."

 

"Thanks, I know where it is,"  Jay says.  He, Conner, and Clay head down the hall to the visitation room and go in.  

 

"Conner, did Ashley tell you anything on the phone when she called, other than that she had been arrested for assault?"  Jay asks.

 

"No, not really.  She only said she'd been arrested for assaulting Jasmine the other night."

 

Jay is about to say something else, when an officer brings Ashley into the room.  Ashley immediately rushes into Conner's arms and the two embrace.

 

"Are you okay?"  Conner asks.

 

"I'm fine.  Just scared to death."

 

"Ashley, I called Jay to represent you,"  says Clay.

 

"Thank you.  Hello, Jay."

 

"Ashley, hello,"  Jay says.  "Can you tell me exactly what happened between you and Jasmine Cory?"

 

"You mean Jasmine Ewing,"  says Ashley.  "It's Ewing now that she and Dylan are married."

 

"Yes, I'm sorry,  I should've remembered Jasmine and my cousin Dylan were married now.  So what happened?"  Jay says, all four taking seats at the table in the visitation room.

 

"That night, the night of the Oil Baron's Ball, I went to the ladies' room.  No sooner had I gone in than Jasmine came in behind me."

 

"Jasmine came in right behind you?"  Jay asks.

 

"Yes."

 

"Do you think she followed you to the ladies' room?"

 

"I'm sure of it,"  Conner says.  "I saw Jasmine get up and follow Ashley out of the ballroom."

 

"Ashley, do YOU believe she followed you to the ladies' room?"

 

"Yes, I do.  I don't believe she just HAPPENED to come in there as soon as I did."

 

"Okay, so what happened after Jasmine arrived in the ladies' room.  Did you argue?"  Jay asks.

 

Ashley nods.  "Yes, we did."

 

"What'd you argue about?"

 

"She was just being her usual self, trying to egg me on,"  Ashley replies.  "Trying to bait me into an argument.  She made comments about her and Dylan, and the fact that they're married now and expecting a baby.  She also made comments about Conner."

 

"You mean because Ashley and I..........."

 

"You and Ashley slept together while you were in a relationship with Jasmine, and Ashley was in a relationship with your brother,"  Jay says.

 

"What about what Jasmine did?"  Ashley asks.

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"She set it up so that Dylan would find Ashley and I together.......making love.  Dylan attacked me and nearly beat me half to death, and our relationship has never recovered from that,"  says Conner.

 

"Jasmine destroyed Conner and Dylan's relationship as brother, and she almost ruined Dylan's life,"  Ashley says.  

 

"Well perhaps we could use that to our advantage,"  says Jay.  "The simple truth is, none of you are gonna out of this looking very good."

 

"Jay, can we get Ashley out of here?"  Clay asks.

 

"Well, this unexpected snowstorm has pretty much brought everything to a standstill in the city today, but I'll speak to the assistant D.A. and to a friend of mine who's a judge and see if we can't get Ashley arraigned this afternoon so she can be bailed out."

 

"Thank you, Jay,"  Ashley says.  "I don't think I could stand to spend a night in this place."

 

"Jay, is this gonna be a problem for you?"  Conner asks.  "I mean, you being Dylan's cousin's and Jasmine being Dylan's wife?  It's not a conflict of interest if you represent Ashley, is it?"

 

Jay looks at him and smiles reassuringly.  "No, not at all.  Especially since Dylan and I don't really have any kind of a close relationship or anything, despite being cousins."

 

"Good,"  Conner says.

 

"Ashley, you sit tight,"  Jay says.  "I'm gonna go make a couple phone calls and see if I can't get a an arraignment for you today."

 

Ashley nods.  Jay smiles at her, then leaves the room.  

 

Conner takes her by the hand.  "Everything's gonna be okay.  I promise."

 

"I'm scared,"  says Ashley.  "Really scared."

 

"Jasmine's not gonna get away with this,"  Conner says.  "I swear, she isn't."

Southfork....

 Meanwhile, Bobby and Lucas are searching frantically for the boys, riding across a pasture at the ranch while the snow continues to fall, the bone chilling wind so cold that it caused their lungs to hurt with each breath.  "MICHAEL!!!"  Lucas and Bobby both call out as loud as they could.  

 

"This is all my fault!"  Lucas says.  

 

"Son, you can't blame yourself!"  Bobby says.

 

"If I hadn't let the boys go out riding in this weather, they wouldn't be out here lost somewhere!"

 

"You couldn't have known the weather was gonna get this bad!  Right now let's focus on finding the boys."

 

Meanwhile, John Ross and Christopher are searching another area of the ranch.  "This is impossible,"  John Ross says.  "We're never gonna find those kids out here in this snowstorm.  We don't even know where they went.  They could be anywhere on this huge ranch."

 

"We have to keep looking!"  Christopher says.  Between us, Dad, Lucas, and all the hands, we're bound to find them!"

 

"If we don't all freeze to death first, or get lost out here ourselves!  You and me both know Southfork like the back of our hand, but in this snow and wind it's hard to even tell where we are."

 

"Don't worry, we're not gonna get lost.  But those three kids are, and if we don't find them, I hate to think what might happen to them out here in this."

 

"All, right, well let's keep goin',"  John Ross says.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

 An angry Conner steps off the elevator on the fifth floor at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital that afternoon and makes his way quickly down the hall to Jasmine's room.  He pauses outside the door and then knocks.  "Come in,"  he hears Jasmine say from inside.

 

Conner walks into the room.  Jasmine looks surprised to see him.

 

"Well, Conner,"  she says.  "What are you doing here?"

 

"You know damned well what I'm doing here.  What the hell is wrong with you?  Having Ashley arrested and charged with assaulting you?"

 

"She did.  She pushed me."

 

"It was an accident,"  Conner says.  "One that never would've happened if you hadn't followed Ashley into the bathroom at the Oil Baron's Ball."

 

"I didn't follow her in there."

 

"Yes you did.  I saw you get up and leave the ballroom right after Ashley did.  You were looking right at her."

 

"And what were you doing at the time, Conner?"  Jasmine asks.  "Watching me?"

 

"Drop the charges against Ashley,"  Conner says.

 

"Why should I do that?  She assaulted me, and could've cost me the life of my baby.  Speaking of which, have you seen your new nephew?"

 

"Yes, I have, and he's a beautiful baby, but I didn't come here to talk about the baby.  I came here to try and make you see reason and drop the charges against Ashley."

 

Jasmine looks at him and smiles.  "You never answered my question.  Were you watching me that night, Conner?"

 

"Somebody needs to, you've caused so much trouble for everyone."

 

"I'VE caused trouble?  Your girlfriend is the real troublemaker here, darling.  She wasn't happy with Dylan, so she had to seduce you, knowing you were with me at the time."

 

"Oh, get off it, Jasmine,"  Conner angrily says.  "How many times are you gonna beat that dead horse?"

 

"It's true!"

 

Conner walks over to her bed.  "True?  You want the REAL truth?  Well, I'll give it to you.  The truth is, that so called relationship we had was one sided.  Why do you think I couldn't perform with you?  Why do you think I never wanted to make love with you?  It's because you didn't turn me on at all."

 

"I sure never had any problem turning your brother on,"  Jasmine says.  "Because Dylan's a REAL man.  He's absolutely terrific in bed.  Never had any performance issues the way you did.  Tell me, Conner.  Is that why you and Ashley still haven't gotten married or moved in together after all this time?"

 

"For your information, Ashley HAS moved in with me."

 

"Oh, really?  I sure feel sorry for her.  She's probably in for some very long, lonely nights of no sex."

 

"If you were a man and not in that hospital bed I'd knock your teeth out for that,"  Conner says.

 

"Go ahead.  Who's stopping you?  But the minute you lay a hand on me........I'll have you arrested and charged with assault, too.  And you'll probably get a much longer sentence than sweet Ashley.  Maybe I should have you charged with threatening me just now."

 

Conner is about to say something, but he is interrupted when Dylan walks in.  "Conner, what are you doing here?"  He asks.

 

"He was just leaving,"  Jasmine says.

 

Conner gives Jasmine and angry look, then he looks at his brother, and, using all his will power to control his temper, he leaves without saying a word to Dylan.  

 

"Sweetheart, I'll be right back,"  Dylan says, and he follows Conner out of the room as Jasmine smiles deviously at the new rift between her husband and his brother.  Dylan follows Conner down the hall to the elevator.  "Conner,"  he calls to him.

 

Conner turns around to face his brother.  

 

Dylan walks up to him.  "What were you doing in there with Jasmine?"

 

"I came to try and convince her to drop these ridiculous assault charges against Ashley."

 

"Ashley pushed her.  Jasmine could've lost the baby,"  Dylan angrily says.

 

"She only gave her a slight push because Jasmine grabbed her arm."

 

"That's not what Jasmine says."

 

"I don't give a damn what your lying troublemaker of a wife says."

 

Dylan quickly grabs Conner by the jacket collar and shoves him violently against a wall, his arm across Conner's chest.  "Don't you EVER talk about my wife that way again.  And you stay the hell away from her."

 

Unable to control his anger, Conner breaks free of his brother's grasp and violently punches Dylan in the 

 stomach, sending Dylan falling into the wall and falling to the floor.  Conner stands over his brother and looks down at him.  "I let you beat the crap out of me once before, little brother, but that was the first and last time that's ever gonna happen.  So don't you EVER try to put your hands on me again.  Or I promise you, I WILL forget that we're brothers."  Conner looks angrily at Dylan for a couple of seconds, then walks away, 

leaving Dylan on the floor in pain from the punch he had received.  

Southfork....

 Michael, Casey, and Devon have managed to make their way to the top of the hill and back into the pasture, with great difficulty.  The boys look around.  "Which way, Michael?"  Casey asks.  "Which way back to the stables?"

 

"I.........that way, I think,"  Michael replies, pointing to their left.  "I'm not sure which way we came."

 

"They must be out looking for us by now,"  says Devon.  

 

"They don't even know where to look for us,"  Casey says.  "On this big ranch, they may not find us for days."

 

"I'm freezing,"  Devon says.

 

"We all are,"  says Casey.  "Michael, how are you feeling?"

 

"Besides freezing, I feel kinda dizzy."

 

"Yeah you took a pretty good blow to the head when you fell down that hill."

 

"My.......my horse,"  Michael says.  "What happened to the horses?"

 

Casey and Devon exchange looks.  "Two of the horses ran off,"  Casey replies.  "The ones Devon and I were riding."

 

"And what about my horse?  What about Buddy?"  Michael asks.

 

"Sorry, man,"  Casey says.  "He was hurt pretty bad in the fall.  His leg was broken."

 

"No,"  Michael cries.  

 

"Come on, we better keep moving,"  says Casey.  He and Devon grab Michael on each side and the three continue on their journey to find their way back to the stables.  

Elsewhere on the ranch....

 Bobby, and Lucas are continuing on across one of Southfork's numerous pastures searching for the boys.  "We should've spotted them by now,"  Lucas says.

 

"There's a lot of ground to cover out here,"  Bobby says.  

 

"That's what worries me,  The boys could be anywhere, and Southfork is HUGE."

 

"We have to think positive, son, as hard as that is.  Michael knows this ranch like the back of his hand, and he knows how to survive in a pinch."

 

"I know, but this freezing weather is what worries me,"  says Lucas.  

 

"I just hope they were close enough to the old cabin to take shelter."

 

"Wasn't Miguel and some of the other hands supposed to check the cabin?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Yeah.  We should've heard somethin' by now."

 

"Dad, look!"  Lucas says, pointing straight ahead across the pasture.

 

Bobby looks in the direction Lucas is pointing and sees one of the horses the missing boys had been riding.  "Come on,  let's check it out,"  Bobby says.  He and Lucas ride the short distance across the snow covered prairie to where the horse is standing.  

 

"This has to be one of the horses the boys took out,"  Lucas says.  "So they've gotta be close by."

 

"Not necessarily,"  replies Bobby.  "Who knows how far that horse may have come."

 

"Now I'm really worried.  Somethin' must have happened for this horse to have gotten away from them."

 

Bobby looks around the pasture, but the wind and falling snow make it hard to see far.  "MICHAEL!!!"  He calls out.  "CASEY!!!  DEVON!!!"

 

"MICHAEL!!!"  Lucas yells out.  

Braddock Road....

 Meanwhile, Justin's pickup truck is heading slowly down Braddock Road headed toward Southfork with Justin, Pamela, Jill, and Craig.  

 

"Justin, can't you go any faster?"  Jill impatiently asks.

 

"Not with the roads this slick, Jill."

 

"I'm sorry,"  Jill says.  "I'm just anxious to get to Southfork and find out if there's any news on the boys."

 

"Ann said she'd call if there was any news,"  says Pamela.

 

"I can't believe this is happening,"  Craig says.  "I just buried my grandmother, and now my son is lost in this blizzard."

 

"Uncle Bobby and the others will find them, and as soon as we get to the ranch, I'm goin' out and join in the search,"  Justin says.  

 

"So am I,"  says Craig.  

 

"Craig, I don't think that's a good idea,"  Justin says.  

 

"And why the hell not?"

 

"Because you're a city boy.  You wouldn't last five minutes out there on a ranch in this snowstorm."

 

"Justin, you forget, I'm a cop.  I know how to handle myself in all kinds of situations."

 

"God I pray Devon and the others are okay,"  Pamela says.  

 

Justin sighs.  "So do I."

 

"What I'd like to know is who had the bright idea to let the boys go out riding in this weather,"  Craig says.

 

Jill and Pamela look at him, both of them wondering the same thing.

Southfork....

Back at the ranch, Michael, Casey, and Devon come upon the little cabin that sits in the middle of one of the ranch's numerous pastures next to a pond.  "Hey, look......the cabin,"  Michael says, pointing out the structure to the other two boys as they come out of the woods into the pasture.  "We can take shelter there."

 

"Oh, thank God,"  says Casey.  "At least we'll be out of this storm."

 

"Come on, guys,"  Michael says.  "I feel sick."

 

"Let's hurry up and get inside,"  Casey says.

 

"What if it's locked?"  Devon asks.

 

"I know how we can get in,"  says Michael.  "Let's just get there."

 

Casey and Devon help Michael the distance to the cabin.

Back at the mansion....

Ann, Krystina, Justin, Pamela, Jill, and Craig are in the living room at Southfork, Jill anxiously pacing the room.  "How long have the boys been gone?"  Jill asks.

 

"A little more than three hours,"  Ann replies.

 

"Three hours?"  Craig asks.  "Those boys have been out in this blizzard for THREE hours?"

 

"Oh my God,"  says Pamela.  "It only takes a little while for frost bite to set in in this kind of weather."

 

"Look, we're not accomplishin' anything by standin' around,"  Justin says.  "I'm goin' down to the stables and saddle up and go out lookn'."

 

"I'm coming with you,"  Craig says.

 

"Craig, like I told you in the truck on the way out here, you're a city boy and you wouldn't last long out there."

 

"And like I told you, Justin......I'm a cop and I'm trained for all kinds of situations."

 

"Okay, let's go then."

 

"I'm coming, too,"  says Jill.

 

"Oh, no, you're not,"  Craig tells his wife.  "I don't want both you AND Casey out there."

 

"I think you ALL should stay here and wait for word from the others," Ann says.  "If you get lost out there, then we'll have even more trouble to deal with."

 

"Ann's right,"  Krystina agrees.  

 

"I'm not just gonna sit here while my son is lost somewhere out there in this blizzard," Craig says.  

 

"And don't forget, I was a ranch hand when I first came to Southfork," says Justin.  "And I've spent a lot of time here over the years.  I know this ranch as well as anybody.  Craig, let's go."

 

"Please, be careful,"  Pamela says, kissing her husband.

 

"I will."

 

"And you be careful, too,"  Jill says, putting her arms around Craig.

 

"You bet,"  Craig says, and he and Justin quickly leave as expressions of worry come over the womens' faces.

Southfork....the cabin....

Justin and Craig are searching for the boys on the ranch, their path made difficult by the freezing temperatures and snowfall, which hasn't let up at all.  Justin is attempting to call Bobby on his cell phone to find out where he and the other members of the search parties are on the ranch.  Unable to reach Bobby, Justin ends the call.  "Damn," he says.

 

"Still no luck reaching your Uncle Bobby?"  Craig asks.

 

"No.  I don't have much of a signal out here."

 

Craig takes his phone out and looks at it.  "I don't have any signal at all."

 

"Craig, I didn't wanna say this in front of Jill and Pamela.  But I'm scared to death that.......that when we find the boys......"

 

 Casey walks over to the small bed Michael is laying on and kneels beside him.  Michael is shivering.  Casey touches his cousin's forehead.  "He's burning up,"  Casey says.

 

"What are we gonna do?"  Devon asks.

 

 

John Ross and Christopher continue searching for the boys.  "I wonder if Uncle Bobby or the others have had any luck," John Ross says.

 

"Nah, we'd have heard somethin' if they had," replies Christopher.  

 

"Look.  Somebody's comin'," John Ross says, pointing eastward.  

 

Christopher looks up and sees someone riding toward them horseback.  "It's Miguel," says Christopher.  

 

 

"John Ross, Christopher, thank God,"  Miguel says, riding up to them.  "I was with one of the other hands, but we got separated."

 

"Any luck, Miguel?"  Christopher asks.

 

"No, none.  Worse thing is, we can't even follow any tracks the boys may have made because the snow is covering them almost as fast as they're made."

 

 

"I think I'm gonna try to reach my father or Lucas on the radio," Christopher says.

 

"Hey, wait a minute,"  says John Ross.  "Somebody else is comin'.  It's Justin and Craig Anderson."

 

"John Ross, Christopher,"  says Justin as he and Craig reach the others.  

 

"Any sign of the boys?"  Craig asks.

 

"No,"  replies Christopher.  

 

"What the hell are you two doin' out here?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Ann called us and told us about the boys," replies Justin.  "We couldn't just sit at the house and do nothin'.  Has anybody checked the old cabin over on Section 20?"

 

"We haven't," says Christopher.  "I don't know any of the others have or not, but if they'd found the boys, they'd have radioed us."

 

"Maybe we should check the cabin," Justin suggests.

 

"Alright, you two and Miguel do that," John Ross says.  "Christopher and I will go check out Two Stick Pasture.  Justin, Miguel, you two remember how to get to the cabin?"

 

"Yeah, I remember,"  Justin replies.  "It's not far from here."

 

"Okay, let's get goin'," Christopher says.  

 

The five searchers split up, with John Ross and Christopher heading in one direction, and Justin, Miguel and Craig heading in another, but no sooner had they started off than Craig's horse steps into a hole covered by snow.  The horse stumbles, and Craig, not a very experienced rider, yells out and is thrown from the horse, landing on his left shoulder.  

 

"CRAIG!!!"  Justin yells, alerting John Ross and Christopher, who had not gotten far, and the two turn and make their way back to them.  Justin quickly gets off his horse and rushes to his brother-in-law.  "Craig, you okay?"

 

"My shoulder, I hurt my shoulder," Craig says.  

 

"What happened?"  Christopher asks.

 

"My horse stepped in a hole or something," Craig says.  

 

"Can you get up?"  Justin asks.

 

"I think so."  As Craig tries to get up, he yells out in pain.  "Damn.  My ankle, too."

 

"It's obvious he can't go any further," John Ross says.

 

"The hell I can't," says Craig.  "Just help me get back on my horse, Justin."  Craig moans out in pain.

 

"Craig, it's no use," Justin says.  "You may have dislocated or broken your shoulder.

 

 

 

"Craig, he's right," Christopher says.  "We need to get you back to the house.  You'll just slow us down searching."

"Alright, Christopher and I'll take him back," John Ross says.  "Justin, you and Miguel go on and check out the old cabin.  If nobody's found any trace of 'em by the time we get Craig to the house, we'll come back out and keep lookin'."

 

"Okay," Justin says.  "Miguel, let's go."

 

"Justin?"  Craig says.

 

"Yeah?"

 

Craig looks at him for a second.  "Please.....find my son."

 

"We will, Craig.  You can count on that,"  Justin says, then he and Miguel head off in the direction of the cabin while John Ross and Christopher try to help Craig onto his horse.

Back at the cabin....

Devon is standing at the window watching the snow continue to fall outside.  The cabin is getting warmer thanks to the fire, so Devon takes off his top coat and his hoodie.  He looks around out the window as far as he can see, and he is beginning to worry about Casey.  He hears Michael moan.  Devon rushes over to Michael's bedside just as Michael starts to wake up.  Opening his eyes, Michael looks up at him.  

 

"Hey, wait a minute," says Justin.  "Where's Casey?"

 

"He........he went out to try and find some help," replies Devon.

 

"Oh my God.  Do you know which direction he went?"

 

"Umm, yeah, he went that,"  Devon says, pointing.

 

"Miguel, use your walkie talkie to call the others and tell them Devon and Michael are at the old cabin, and Michael needs help,"  Justin says.  "I'm goin' out to look for Casey."

 

Miguel nods.  

 

"Justin,"  says Devon.  "I'm scared."

 

Justin places his hand on the boy's shoulder.  "It's okay, buddy.  You're gonna be fine.  Michael's gonna be fine.  And I'm gonna find Casey.  If I don't find him before help arrives, Miguel, then tell them where I went, and which direction, and I'll see you guys back at the house when I find Casey."  Justin quickly rushes out of the cabin.  

Meanwhile....

 Casey is in a pasture not far from the cabin, but the bitter cold is making it hard for him to continue on.  He stops and looks around, but nothing is familiar to him.  Disoriented due to the cold and beginning stages of hypothermia, Casey is unable to remember which direction he had just come from, or how to get back to the cabin.  He attempts to walk another few steps, but he cannot.  He stumbles and falls near a creek that normally flows freely through the pasture, but today the water is frozen.  Feeling extremely weak, Casey is unable to get up.  Looking around, he is unsure of where he is, how to get back to the cabin, or if anyone will find him before it's too late.  The boy begins to cry, as he is both frightened and extremely cold.  Unable to continue on, and feeling very tired, Casey lays down and curls up into a fetal position in a futile attempt to stay warmer.  Terrified that he is going to die here, Casey cries.

 

A short distance away, Justin is frantically searching for his nephew.  "CASEY!!!"  He calls out.  "CASEY!!!"

 

Back at the creek, Casey believes he hears his name being called in the distance.  But when he opens his eyes and listens, there is only silence.  He begins to cry again, but then, he hears his name once more......"Casey!!"  Mustering all his strength, Casey sits up.  "HERE!!!"  he yells as loudly as he can.  "I'M HERE!!!  PLEASE, HELP ME!!!"

 

Hearing Casey's pleas for help in the distance, Justin immediately follows the sounds of Casey's voice, then he sees Casey's footprints in the snow, "CASEY!!"  Justin calls out again.

 

"HERE!!"  Casey yells.  

 

"Come on, boy!"  Justin tells his horse, and he rides the short distance across the pasture to the creek, where he sees Casey lying in the snow.  Justin quickly leaps down from his horse and rushes to him.  "Casey!"

 

"Justin,"  Casey says in tears.  "You found me."

 

"Yeah, I'm here, buddy.  You're gonna be okay.  Come on, let's get you to safety."

 

"Wait........Michael and Devon,"  Casey says.  "They're at the cabin."

 

"I know, we already found them.  One of the ranch hands, Miguel is with them.  Come on.  Can you stand up?"

 

"I.......my hands and feet are numb."

 

"Okay.  I'll help you,"  Justin says.  He grabs Casey around the waist and helps him up, then over to his horse.  Casey is too weak to pull himself onto the horse, so Justin lifts the boy up and helps him onto the animal.  Then he climbs on himself.  "Hold on, Casey.  I'm gonna get you back to the house,"  Justin says.  He slowly backs the horse up several steps, then they head off across the pasture as fast as the animal can travel in the snow.

Southfork....half an hour later....

"Casey, thank God!"  Jill happily says as Justin brings Casey into the house, practically having to carry the boy.  "We were so worried."

 

Craig hops over to his son with Justin's help.  "Casey, are you alright, son?"

 

"I think hypothermia has set,"  Justin says.  

 

"Oh my God," Jill says.

 

"We have to get him to the hospital," says Craig.

 

"Have you heard anything from the others?"  Justin asks.  "We found Devon and Michael in the old cabin out on Section 20."

 

"Yeah, Bobby called and they're on their way back with the boys now," Ann replies.

 

"Good."

 

"Casey, we have to get him warm by the fire,"  Jill says, helping her son to the fireplace.

 

"Jill, we have to get him to the hospital," Craig says.  

 

"Yeah, we can take my truck,"  says Justin.  "It can make it through just about anything."

 

"Come on, let's go,"  says Craig.

 

Just then, Bobby, Lucas, Miguel, and another ranch hand come into the house with Devon and Michael, who is being carried by Lucas and Miguel.  

 

"Bobby!"  Ann says, rushing over to her husband.  

 

"Devon, are you okay?"  Pamela asks, embracing the boy.

 

"I'm fine.  But Michael's real sick."

 

"What's wrong?"  Ann asks.

 

"Probably exposure to the elements,"  replies Bobby.

 

"We were just about to get Casey to the hospital in my truck,"  Justin says.  "Come on, let's get Michael in the truck.  Devon, you come, too."

 

"No, I'm fine,"  Devon says.

 

"You were out there exposed to freezing weather for a long time,"  says Pamela.  "You need to be checked out."

 

"Come on, let's go,"  Lucas says.  He hurries out carrying Michael, with Justin carrying Casey, followed by Devon, Bobby, Craig and Jill.  

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

Bobby is standing at the window in the waiting room down the hall from the emergency department at Braddock Medical Center looking out, while Lucas paces the room.  "The snow has almost stopped,"  he says.  

 

"Figures it would stop now," says Lucas.  "How long have they been in there?"

 

"Be patient, son,"  Bobby says.  "I'm sure we'll hear somethin' soon."

 

"I hope so.  Damn it, Dad, this is all my fault.  If I hadn't let the boys go out......"

 

"Lucas, this isn't your fault,"  Bobby says.

 

"I have to disagree with you there, Bobby,"  Craig says, he and Jill entering the waiting room.  "This WAS Lucas's fault."

 

"Craig, don't,"  Jill says.  

 

"Craig, Jill, how is Casey?"  Lucas asks.

 

"The doctor wants to keep him here over night,"  Jill replies.  "He's suffering from hypothermia and mild frostbite on his hands and feet."

 

"Is he gonna be okay?"  Lucas asks.

 

"No thanks to you,"  says Craig.  "Lucas, why the hell did you let them go out in this weather?"

 

"Craig, when I gave the boys permission to go out riding, it was  barely snowing at all.  I had no idea we'd be hit with a blizzard."

 

"There was no way anyone could have known this morning,"  Bobby says.  "We didn't hear it on the weather until after the boys left, so you can't blame Lucas."

 

"The hell I can't,"  Craig says.  "He shouldn't have let them go out at all, even if there were only flurries."

 

As Bobby is about to say something, Justin, Pamela, and Devon walk into the room.  "Hey, what's goin' on?"  Justin asks.  "We could hear y'all arguin' all the way down the hall."

 

"Devon, are you okay?"  Lucas asks.

 

"I'm fine, Mr. Ewing,"  the boy replies with a nod.

 

"He has some mild frostbite, but the doctor said he'll be fine," Pamela says.

 

"Thank God,"  Lucas says.  "Devon, I'm so sorry this happened.  Justin, Pamela, please believe me.  If I had known the weather was gonna get that bad, I never would've let the boys go out."

 

"We know that, Lucas,"  Justin says.

 

"It wasn't your fault, Mr. Ewing,"  says Devon.  "We shouldn't gone out as far as we did, and we should've headed back as soon as it started snowing harder.  How are Michael and Casey?"

 

"Casey's gonna be fine,"  Jill says.  "He's gonna have to stay overnight for observation, but the doctor said we can take him home tomorrow."

 

"We haven't heard anything about Michael's condition yet,"  Bobby says.

 

"Jill, Craig, we're gonna get Devon home and into bed,"  Justin says.  "Since Casey's gonna be here over night, are you guys gonna stay here, or ride back into town with us?"

 

"I'm staying here,"  Jill says.  "I don't wanna be that far from Casey.  But Craig, you go with them."

 

"No, I'm not leaving either."

 

"Look, I have an idea,"  says Bobby.  "Why don't the two of you spend the night at Southfork?  That way you can be near Casey, and still be where you'll be comfortable and get a good night's sleep."

 

"I still wanna stay with Casey,"  Jill says.  

 

"Honey, there's no point,"  Craig says.  "They gave him some pain medicine, and the doctor said he'll probably sleep through the night.  Besides, we're both exhausted after the couple days we've had.  So let's spend the night at Southfork.  It's not that far, and the hospital can contact us there if they need us."

 

"Jill, I think he's right,"  Justin says.  "All you can do here is sit and watch Casey sleep."

 

Jill nods.  "Alright.  Fine."

 

"We'll drop you guys off at Southfork,"  Justin says.  

 

"Could you wait just a few minutes?"  Jill asks.  "Since we're leaving, I'd like to check on Casey one more time."

 

"Okay, we'll wait."

 

"We'll be back in a couple minutes,"  Craig says.  He and Jill leave.  

 

Lucas runs his hand through his hair and walks to the window, looking out at the darkness that has fallen over Braddock.  A moment later, a doctor comes into the room.  

 

"Excuse me, Mr. Ewing?"  The doctor says.  

 

"Yes, I'm Lucas Ewing, Michael's father,"  Lucas says.  "How is my son?"

 

"Okay, here's the good news,"  the doctor says.  "Michael has a sprained ankle.  Thankfully, it's not broken, but he will have to be on crutches for a while.  Now, the bad news.  Michael has pneumonia."

 

"Pneumonia?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Yes."

 

"But, he was fine this morning.  I thought pneumonia developed gradually over days."

 

"Viral pneumonia, yes,"  the doctor says.  "But Michael has bacterial pneumonia.  He's probably had the bacteria that caused the pneumonia in his lungs for at least a couple of days, but prolonged exposure to the cold, coupled with a broken rib, caused rapid onset pneumonia, the symptoms of which can develop over just a few hours."

 

"Is my grandson gonna be okay?"  Asks a worried Bobby.  

 

"Michael has a lot going in his favor.  He's young, he's strong, and he's an otherwise healthy, normal teenager.  We're keeping him in the hospital for a few days, and treating him with antibiotics, and giving him fluids because he was dehydrated.  If there are no complications, I expect Michael to make a full recovery, although he will have to take it easy for a while."

 

"Can I see him?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Yes, but just for a couple of minutes,"  the doctor replies.  "The best thing for Michael right now is rest.  And after you see him, I suggest you all go home."

 

"No, I'm staying with my son."

 

"Mr. Ewing, there's nothing you can do for Michael.  He's going to be very well taken care of.  I'm sure that you've had a long and difficult day, so go home and get some rest.  Now, we're getting Michael settled into a room upstairs, and I'll let you know when you can see him.  Excuse me."

 

"Thank you,"  Lucas says as the doctor walks away.  

 

"Pneumonia,"  Lucas says, his voice shaky.

 

"Lucas, you heard the doctor,"  Bobby says.  "Michael's gonna be okay."

 

Jill and Craig return to the waiting room.  "We saw a doctor coming out of here,"  says Jill.  "Did he have news about Michael?"

 

"Yes,"  Bobby replies.  "Michael has pneumonia, and a broken rib."

 

"Pneumonia?  My God."

 

"But the doctor said he thinks Michael will be fine in a few days."

 

"Guys, we'd better get goin',"  Justin says to Jill and Craig.

 

Jill walks over to Lucas and hugs him.  "Lucas, it's going to be okay."

 

"Jill, I'm so sorry."

 

"It's okay.  No one blames you."

 

"Lucas, look,"  Craig says. "I'm sorry for what I said."

 

"No, Craig.  You were right.  This WAS my fault.  I should've had better sense than to let the boys go out riding when it was snowing,"  Lucas says.  He walks past the others and out of the waiting room.  

 

"Son, where are you going?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I'm just gonna take a walk.  I need some time to myself,"  Lucas replies, and continues down the hall.  

 

"Uncle Bobby, if there's anything we can do,"  Justin says.

 

"Thank you, Justin."

 

"Bobby,"  Pamela says, hugging him.  "We'll come by tomorrow and see how Michael's doing."

 

Bobby nods.  "Alright."

 

"Uncle Bobby, do you need me to come back and pick you up after I drop them off?"  Justin asks.

 

"No, Justin, thank you.  But I'll get Christopher or one of the hands to come pick us up in one of the Southfork trucks.  No need for you to drive all the way back from Dallas."

 

"Uncle Bobby, we'll see you at the house later,"  Jill says.

 

"Mr. Ewing, tell Michael I hope he feels better and gets home soon,"  Devon says.

 

"I will, son,"  Bobby replies and Devon leaves with Justin, Pamela, Craig, and Jill.  A sad expression comes over Bobby's face as he worries about both Lucas and Michael.  

 

Meanwhile, after learning what room Michael is in, Lucas goes in to see his son.  He pauses at the door for a few seconds looking at his son in a hospital bed, Lucas walks over to Michael's bedside.  Lucas struggles to