Previously on Dallas....
-------------Lucas and Justin picked up a drunken Jimmy from a bar and took him home.
-------------Jimmy confessed to Justin that he was in trouble with loan shark Nick Franco because of gambling debts.
-------------Ann convinced Conner that he should talk to his mother. Later, Conner and Diane met in Braddock, and said an emotional farewell.
------------Michael Channing returned to Dallas and met with John Ross about allowing Elena to see baby John. John Ross refused.
------------Nick's henchman kidnapped Jimmy and he was taken to an abandoned warehouse in Dallas, where he was held hostage and beaten up. Nick phoned Justin and demanded the money Jimmy owes him in exchange for Jimmy's safe return. Later, John Ross got the money, which Justin delivered. What Nick didn't know was that John Ross and Bum had set a trap for him! In the end, Nick and his goons were arrested and Jimmy was rescued.
-------------Jimmy confessed to Justin that he was in trouble with loan shark Nick Franco because of gambling debts.
-------------Ann convinced Conner that he should talk to his mother. Later, Conner and Diane met in Braddock, and said an emotional farewell.
------------Michael Channing returned to Dallas and met with John Ross about allowing Elena to see baby John. John Ross refused.
------------Nick's henchman kidnapped Jimmy and he was taken to an abandoned warehouse in Dallas, where he was held hostage and beaten up. Nick phoned Justin and demanded the money Jimmy owes him in exchange for Jimmy's safe return. Later, John Ross got the money, which Justin delivered. What Nick didn't know was that John Ross and Bum had set a trap for him! In the end, Nick and his goons were arrested and Jimmy was rescued.
Southfork......morning
Bobby, Ann, and Lucy are seated at the breakfast table by the pool on a Monday morning, two days after Jimmy was rescued from the clutches of loan shark Nick Franco.
John Ross and Christopher come out of the house chatting and take seats at the table.
"Morning," Bobby says to his son and nephew as Maria pours them each a cup of coffee.
"Morning," says Christopher.
Lucy looks across the table at her cousins and smiles. "Sure is nice to see the two of you gettin' along so good for a change."
"Well, I got to see a whole different side of our cousin on Saturday, Lucy," Christopher says.
"Yes, John Ross, I'm very proud of what you did for Jimmy," Bobby says.
"Come on, now, enough of this mushy stuff."
"How's Jimmy doing?" Lucy asks.
"He's supposed to get out of the hospital sometime today," Christopher replies. "He's really lucky."
"Thanks to Justin and John Ross," Ann says.
John Ross sighs. "Well, now that that's over, on to my next order of business."
"Which is?" Bobby asks.
John Ross looks at his uncle with a smile. "Gettin' Cliff Barnes outta my chair at Westar, and gettin' Pamela and Tripp McKay outta the comp'ny."
"Dad, when are Lucas and Conner coming home?" Christopher asks.
"Late this afternoon or tomorrow morning. I'm glad those two went off on a fishin' trip together. They both needed the time away, especially Conner after he said goodbye to his mother again last week. I know he was angry with Diane, but I could tell, her leavin' him again was hard on him."
"I know how he feels," Lucy says with sadness, thinking about her own parents and her estrangement with them for so many years.
A rumble of thunder is heard in the distance. Bobby looks up at the overcast sky. "Looks like we might finally get some rain today. Sure hope so."
John Ross and Christopher come out of the house chatting and take seats at the table.
"Morning," Bobby says to his son and nephew as Maria pours them each a cup of coffee.
"Morning," says Christopher.
Lucy looks across the table at her cousins and smiles. "Sure is nice to see the two of you gettin' along so good for a change."
"Well, I got to see a whole different side of our cousin on Saturday, Lucy," Christopher says.
"Yes, John Ross, I'm very proud of what you did for Jimmy," Bobby says.
"Come on, now, enough of this mushy stuff."
"How's Jimmy doing?" Lucy asks.
"He's supposed to get out of the hospital sometime today," Christopher replies. "He's really lucky."
"Thanks to Justin and John Ross," Ann says.
John Ross sighs. "Well, now that that's over, on to my next order of business."
"Which is?" Bobby asks.
John Ross looks at his uncle with a smile. "Gettin' Cliff Barnes outta my chair at Westar, and gettin' Pamela and Tripp McKay outta the comp'ny."
"Dad, when are Lucas and Conner coming home?" Christopher asks.
"Late this afternoon or tomorrow morning. I'm glad those two went off on a fishin' trip together. They both needed the time away, especially Conner after he said goodbye to his mother again last week. I know he was angry with Diane, but I could tell, her leavin' him again was hard on him."
"I know how he feels," Lucy says with sadness, thinking about her own parents and her estrangement with them for so many years.
A rumble of thunder is heard in the distance. Bobby looks up at the overcast sky. "Looks like we might finally get some rain today. Sure hope so."
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....
Jimmy is sitting up in his hospital bed that morning after finishing breakfast when a knock comes at his door.
"Come in," he says.
Jimmy is surprised when his sister Ashley walks in, followed by James.
"Dad, Ashley, what are you doing here?" Jimmy asks.
"We heard about what happened," Ashley says.
"But, how?"
"I'd been calling your cell phone since Friday night, and when I couldn't reach you, I called Justin," James says. "I dragged some of the truth out of him. He said I'd have to get the rest from you."
Jimmy sighs. "How much did he tell you?"
"That some gangster had kidnapped you and beaten you up and that you were here in the hospital. Ashley and I took the earliest flight out we could get from Boston. I didn't tell your mother anything about this, only that Ashley and I were coming for a quick visit."
"Good. It's best that Mom doesn't know about any of this, especially with her pregnant."
"Jimmy, what happened?" Ashley asks.
Jimmy looks at his sister, then at his father. "I'm sorry, Dad. Ash. I let you down. I got in way over my head. I borrowed some money, and when I couldn't pay it back, things got way outta hand."
James looks at his son, puzzled.
"Come in," he says.
Jimmy is surprised when his sister Ashley walks in, followed by James.
"Dad, Ashley, what are you doing here?" Jimmy asks.
"We heard about what happened," Ashley says.
"But, how?"
"I'd been calling your cell phone since Friday night, and when I couldn't reach you, I called Justin," James says. "I dragged some of the truth out of him. He said I'd have to get the rest from you."
Jimmy sighs. "How much did he tell you?"
"That some gangster had kidnapped you and beaten you up and that you were here in the hospital. Ashley and I took the earliest flight out we could get from Boston. I didn't tell your mother anything about this, only that Ashley and I were coming for a quick visit."
"Good. It's best that Mom doesn't know about any of this, especially with her pregnant."
"Jimmy, what happened?" Ashley asks.
Jimmy looks at his sister, then at his father. "I'm sorry, Dad. Ash. I let you down. I got in way over my head. I borrowed some money, and when I couldn't pay it back, things got way outta hand."
James looks at his son, puzzled.
Ewing Oil....
Bobby and Christopher walk into the offices of Ewing Oil that morning and they are met by Bobby's secretary, Janice.
"Mr. Ewing, Mrs. Ewing wanted to see both of you as soon as you came in," Janice says.
"She say what it's about?" Bobby asks.
"I think she'd better tell you herself."
Bobby and Christopher exchange puzzled looks. Then they proceed into Sue Ellen's office, where they find her seated at her desk watching a news report on television.
"Sue Ellen, what's goin' on?" Bobby asks.
"Mr. Ewing, Mrs. Ewing wanted to see both of you as soon as you came in," Janice says.
"She say what it's about?" Bobby asks.
"I think she'd better tell you herself."
Bobby and Christopher exchange puzzled looks. Then they proceed into Sue Ellen's office, where they find her seated at her desk watching a news report on television.
"Sue Ellen, what's goin' on?" Bobby asks.
"Bobby, Christopher, take a look at this," Sue Ellen says, pointing to the television.
The two men look at Sue Ellen's television set, as it appears the Governor is about to make a speech.
The two men look at Sue Ellen's television set, as it appears the Governor is about to make a speech.
"And now we go live to the state capitol in Austin, and Governor Sam McConaughey," says the news announcer.....
The Governor steps to the podium and begins addressing the crowd: "Thank you, and good morning," he begins. "Ladies and gentlemen, this has not been an easy weekend for me, as I have spent the last three days doing quite a bit of soul searching. And this morning, I stand before you a humble man, humbled by having had the great honor of serving as your Governor these last two and a half years. After having discussed the matter in depth with my advisers, with the Lt. Governor, and with my wife Joan, I have come to what I feel is a decision that will be best not only for myself, but for the state of Texas as well. It is with deep regret, that I resign the office of Governor of the great state of Texas due to personal issues that I need to devote my time to. My resignation will become effective at noon today, at which time, Lt. Governor Steven Moore will become your Governor. It has been my great privilege to serve you, the people of Texas, for two years and six months. As I tenure my resignation, let me say that this is not the end of my political career. I fully intend to be back in some capacity in state government. As a final act as your governor, it is my duty to announce that Texas Railroad Commissioner Judith Brown Ryland, will also be stepping down from her office, also effective at noon today. Lt. Governor Moore, once he takes office, will appoint an interim Commissioner until a suitable candidate is found to fill that office on a more permanent basis. Thank you." As the gathered reporters seek to ask the Governor numerous questions, Sam steps off the podium and walks away with three other men.
Watching in Sue Ellen's office, Bobby, Christopher, and Sue Ellen all rejoice at the news. "I don't believe it," says a happy Bobby. "I guess Matt must have pulled this one off for us."
"I can't tell you how happy it makes me to know that viper McConaughey is stepping down," says Sue Ellen. "The devil finally got his due."
"Well, that office should've been yours in the first place," Bobby says, hugging her.
The Governor steps to the podium and begins addressing the crowd: "Thank you, and good morning," he begins. "Ladies and gentlemen, this has not been an easy weekend for me, as I have spent the last three days doing quite a bit of soul searching. And this morning, I stand before you a humble man, humbled by having had the great honor of serving as your Governor these last two and a half years. After having discussed the matter in depth with my advisers, with the Lt. Governor, and with my wife Joan, I have come to what I feel is a decision that will be best not only for myself, but for the state of Texas as well. It is with deep regret, that I resign the office of Governor of the great state of Texas due to personal issues that I need to devote my time to. My resignation will become effective at noon today, at which time, Lt. Governor Steven Moore will become your Governor. It has been my great privilege to serve you, the people of Texas, for two years and six months. As I tenure my resignation, let me say that this is not the end of my political career. I fully intend to be back in some capacity in state government. As a final act as your governor, it is my duty to announce that Texas Railroad Commissioner Judith Brown Ryland, will also be stepping down from her office, also effective at noon today. Lt. Governor Moore, once he takes office, will appoint an interim Commissioner until a suitable candidate is found to fill that office on a more permanent basis. Thank you." As the gathered reporters seek to ask the Governor numerous questions, Sam steps off the podium and walks away with three other men.
Watching in Sue Ellen's office, Bobby, Christopher, and Sue Ellen all rejoice at the news. "I don't believe it," says a happy Bobby. "I guess Matt must have pulled this one off for us."
"I can't tell you how happy it makes me to know that viper McConaughey is stepping down," says Sue Ellen. "The devil finally got his due."
"Well, that office should've been yours in the first place," Bobby says, hugging her.
Meanwhile.....the Ryland mansion
Watching the Governor's speech from her bedroom, Judith is at first shocked and then enraged upon hearing of Sam's resignation and the revelation of her removal from office. Judith stares angrily at the television set for a moment. "Damn," she says.
Meanwhile, downstairs, Harris and Jenna are having breakfast when they hear the news report and the Governor's resignation speech.
"Well, what's that going to mean for your mother?" Jenna asks.
Meanwhile, downstairs, Harris and Jenna are having breakfast when they hear the news report and the Governor's resignation speech.
"Well, what's that going to mean for your mother?" Jenna asks.
"Who cares?" Harris asks with a smile.
Jenna laughs as Harris grabs her, pulls her to him, and begins kissing her.
Jenna laughs as Harris grabs her, pulls her to him, and begins kissing her.
Southfork......later
By early afternoon, rain is pouring down on Southfork and occasional rumbles of thunder could be heard in the distant sky as Lucas and Conner return from their weekend fishing trip. A moment later, the two young men walk into the living room, where Ann is doing some dusting.
"Hey, we're back," Lucas says.
"I thought you two weren't gonna be back until at least later this afternoon," Ann says.
"Well, it started pouring at Big Springs this morning, and the weather forecast said it'd rain all day today and tonight, so we decided to cut the trip a few hours short," Conner says.
"Well, welcome back. Did y'all have fun and catch a lot?"
"We had a great time," Lucas replies. "And we caught quite a few, so we're gonna have to have a fish fry real soon. Excuse me, I'm gonna go change and get outta these wet clothes." He smiles, then leaves the room.
Ann walks over to Conner. "You look like you're feelin' a lot better than when you left here on Friday."
"Hey, we're back," Lucas says.
"I thought you two weren't gonna be back until at least later this afternoon," Ann says.
"Well, it started pouring at Big Springs this morning, and the weather forecast said it'd rain all day today and tonight, so we decided to cut the trip a few hours short," Conner says.
"Well, welcome back. Did y'all have fun and catch a lot?"
"We had a great time," Lucas replies. "And we caught quite a few, so we're gonna have to have a fish fry real soon. Excuse me, I'm gonna go change and get outta these wet clothes." He smiles, then leaves the room.
Ann walks over to Conner. "You look like you're feelin' a lot better than when you left here on Friday."
"I sure am," Conner says. "And part of the reason why I'm feeling better, is you."
"Me?"
"Yeah. If it hadn't been for that talk you gave me, I probably never would've seen my mother before she left Dallas. I think that she and I at least came to some sort of........oh, I dunno.......agreement. She admitted that she was probably never cut out to be a mother. And that maybe one day, things can be different. I realized it was time for me to grow up and stop longing for that mother who was never much a part of my life to begin with."
Ann smiles. "I'm glad. Conner, you know you have a family here for as long as you want it. The Ewings ARE your family, and this is your home. I know that I'm not your mother, but, if you ever need any motherly advice, I'd be proud to stand in for her."
"Thank you," Conner says. "That means a lot. Everything you and Bobby and everyone else has done to make me feel like a real part of this family, I can't tell you how much that means to me. Well, I'm gonna go wash up."
"I'll have Maria fix you and Lucas some lunch."
"Okay," Conner says. He starts to the hall to head to his bedroom. He turns back to Ann. "You know, I do love my Mom. Despite everything. But, sometimes, I can't help but wish that you'd been my mother instead."
Ann smiles happily upon hearing the compliment.
"Me?"
"Yeah. If it hadn't been for that talk you gave me, I probably never would've seen my mother before she left Dallas. I think that she and I at least came to some sort of........oh, I dunno.......agreement. She admitted that she was probably never cut out to be a mother. And that maybe one day, things can be different. I realized it was time for me to grow up and stop longing for that mother who was never much a part of my life to begin with."
Ann smiles. "I'm glad. Conner, you know you have a family here for as long as you want it. The Ewings ARE your family, and this is your home. I know that I'm not your mother, but, if you ever need any motherly advice, I'd be proud to stand in for her."
"Thank you," Conner says. "That means a lot. Everything you and Bobby and everyone else has done to make me feel like a real part of this family, I can't tell you how much that means to me. Well, I'm gonna go wash up."
"I'll have Maria fix you and Lucas some lunch."
"Okay," Conner says. He starts to the hall to head to his bedroom. He turns back to Ann. "You know, I do love my Mom. Despite everything. But, sometimes, I can't help but wish that you'd been my mother instead."
Ann smiles happily upon hearing the compliment.
Jimmy's apartment....
James, Jimmy, and Ashley walk into Jimmy's apartment later that afternoon. Jimmy pauses in the doorway and looks around, then walks to the sofa and takes a seat.
"Feel good to be home?" Ashley asks.
"Feel good to be home?" Ashley asks.
"Yeah, considering that a couple days ago, I didn't think I'd ever see this place again," Jimmy says.
"Ash, why don't you put your bag in the guest room. I'll sleep on the couch," James says.
"Dad, you don't have to do that, I'll sleep on the couch," says Jimmy.
"No, you just got out of the hospital."
Jimmy sighs as he looks at his father and sister. "I know I let you down, Dad. And I'm sorry."
"Ash, why don't you put your bag in the guest room. I'll sleep on the couch," James says.
"Dad, you don't have to do that, I'll sleep on the couch," says Jimmy.
"No, you just got out of the hospital."
Jimmy sighs as he looks at his father and sister. "I know I let you down, Dad. And I'm sorry."
"Jimmy, while it's true I am disappointed about the gambling, I'm even more disappointed by the fact that you didn't come to me about this. That you didn't come to me for help."
"I couldn't. Because I knew how disappointed you'd be in me. Besides, I did try. The day I called and left a message for you. When you called me back I wanted to tell you. But before I could you told me about Grandmother's stroke, and I didn't wanna burden you with anymore."
"Son, you can always come to me with any problem. No matter what it is," James says. "The same goes for you too, Ashley. I don't want either of you to be afraid to come to me or your mother about anything, especially something as serious as the trouble you were in. Jimmy, you almost got yourself killed."
"Yeah, I know, Dad," Jimmy says. "And if it hadn't been for Justin and especially John Ross, I wouldn't be here right now. I just never thought that I would owe my life to John Ross."
"I couldn't. Because I knew how disappointed you'd be in me. Besides, I did try. The day I called and left a message for you. When you called me back I wanted to tell you. But before I could you told me about Grandmother's stroke, and I didn't wanna burden you with anymore."
"Son, you can always come to me with any problem. No matter what it is," James says. "The same goes for you too, Ashley. I don't want either of you to be afraid to come to me or your mother about anything, especially something as serious as the trouble you were in. Jimmy, you almost got yourself killed."
"Yeah, I know, Dad," Jimmy says. "And if it hadn't been for Justin and especially John Ross, I wouldn't be here right now. I just never thought that I would owe my life to John Ross."
Afton is practicing a song for one of her performances at her new bar and lounge that afternoon when Cliff walks into the place. He stops and smiles as he watches the lovely Afton finish the last chorus of Dolly Parton's classic "Heartbreaker." When she finishes, the young piano player applauds, as does Cliff.
"Afton that was just great," the young man says. "Probably your best performance yet."
"Thank you, Adam. Now let's just hope I do that well Friday night when there's a crowd here."
"I'm sure you will."
"I second that," Cliff says, walking over.
"Hello, Cliff. What are you doing here?"
"I was hoping to take you to lunch."
"I can't, Cliff, I have a lot of work to do today."
"Come on, ya have to eat," Cliff says.
"I'm just gonna grab a sandwich out of the kitchen here," Afton says.
"Well, how about I join you?"
"Cliff, what are you doing?"
"I dunno what you mean," says Cliff.
"Yes, you do know what I mean. For weeks now you've been being extra nice to me. Sent me flowers, asking me out to dinner, asking me to lunch. Begging me not to move out of the apartment after Pamela and Tripp were married. What the devil are you up to?"
"Thank you, Adam. Now let's just hope I do that well Friday night when there's a crowd here."
"I'm sure you will."
"I second that," Cliff says, walking over.
"Hello, Cliff. What are you doing here?"
"I was hoping to take you to lunch."
"I can't, Cliff, I have a lot of work to do today."
"Come on, ya have to eat," Cliff says.
"I'm just gonna grab a sandwich out of the kitchen here," Afton says.
"Well, how about I join you?"
"Cliff, what are you doing?"
"I dunno what you mean," says Cliff.
"Yes, you do know what I mean. For weeks now you've been being extra nice to me. Sent me flowers, asking me out to dinner, asking me to lunch. Begging me not to move out of the apartment after Pamela and Tripp were married. What the devil are you up to?"
"Well, I think that should be obvious, Afton," Cliff says. "I've always cared for you, but, since you've been back in Dallas and we've spent so much time together, I've come to care for you all over again."
"Cliff......"
"Look, no pressure, I promise. Just have lunch with me?"
Afton looks at him for a moment and smiles. "Alright. Lunch."
"Wonderful. And dinner tonight?"
"Cliff!"
"Okay, sorry," Cliff says with a slight laugh. "Lunch is a nice start."
Afton looks at him and smiles.
"Cliff......"
"Look, no pressure, I promise. Just have lunch with me?"
Afton looks at him for a moment and smiles. "Alright. Lunch."
"Wonderful. And dinner tonight?"
"Cliff!"
"Okay, sorry," Cliff says with a slight laugh. "Lunch is a nice start."
Afton looks at him and smiles.
Sue Ellen's home......late afternoon
Sue Ellen arrives home from the office late that evening. "Dusty?" She calls as she walks into the house. "Dusty, are you here?"
Sue Ellen's maid walks into the foyer. "Good evening, Mrs. Ewing," the maid says.
"Good evening, Sarah, is Mr. Farlow at home?"
"Yes, ma'am. He's out back, exercising."
"Exercising?" Sue Ellen asks.
"Yes, and I think you'd better check on him. He's been going at it hard for about an hour now."
"In this heat?" A worried Sue Ellen makes her way through the house and onto her back porch, where she finds Dusty lifting weights. "Dusty? What on earth are you doing?"
Sue Ellen's maid walks into the foyer. "Good evening, Mrs. Ewing," the maid says.
"Good evening, Sarah, is Mr. Farlow at home?"
"Yes, ma'am. He's out back, exercising."
"Exercising?" Sue Ellen asks.
"Yes, and I think you'd better check on him. He's been going at it hard for about an hour now."
"In this heat?" A worried Sue Ellen makes her way through the house and onto her back porch, where she finds Dusty lifting weights. "Dusty? What on earth are you doing?"
"Well, good evening," Dusty says, slightly out of breath. "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm getting in shape."
"In shape for what? The olympics?"
"Maybe. I might go out for the senior decathlon or something," Dusty jokes.
Sue Ellen laughs at his amusing comment. "Seriously, though, you've been pushing yourself way too hard lately. It must be 95 degrees out here."
"The summer heat never bothered me before."
"Maybe it didn't use to, but......"
"You mean when I was younger?" Dusty asks. "Sue Ellen, I'm very well aware that I'm not a young man any longer. I don't need you reminding me of it constantly and trying to get me to retire from life."
"Dusty, that's not what I've been doing," Sue Ellen says. "I'm just concerned about you. The way you're pushing yourself to prove to me that you can still do the things you could do twenty or thirty years ago."
"I haven't been trying to prove anything to you," Dusty says angrily. "Maybe I'm trying to prove it to myself." He puts down the small weights he was using and steps off the porch.
"In shape for what? The olympics?"
"Maybe. I might go out for the senior decathlon or something," Dusty jokes.
Sue Ellen laughs at his amusing comment. "Seriously, though, you've been pushing yourself way too hard lately. It must be 95 degrees out here."
"The summer heat never bothered me before."
"Maybe it didn't use to, but......"
"You mean when I was younger?" Dusty asks. "Sue Ellen, I'm very well aware that I'm not a young man any longer. I don't need you reminding me of it constantly and trying to get me to retire from life."
"Dusty, that's not what I've been doing," Sue Ellen says. "I'm just concerned about you. The way you're pushing yourself to prove to me that you can still do the things you could do twenty or thirty years ago."
"I haven't been trying to prove anything to you," Dusty says angrily. "Maybe I'm trying to prove it to myself." He puts down the small weights he was using and steps off the porch.
"Dusty, where are you going?" Sue Ellen asks.
He stops, turns, and looks at her. "I'm going for my daily walk, if that's alright with you," he says in an angry tone, then continues to walk.
Sue Ellen shakes her head in frustration, worried that Dusty is driving himself to a health crisis, or worse, an early grave.
He stops, turns, and looks at her. "I'm going for my daily walk, if that's alright with you," he says in an angry tone, then continues to walk.
Sue Ellen shakes her head in frustration, worried that Dusty is driving himself to a health crisis, or worse, an early grave.
Southfork.....night
Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Lucy, Ray, and Donna are gathered in the living room at Southfork for drinks before dinner that night. Bobby pours Ray a drink and hands it to him.
"I sure am glad you and Donna came to dinner tonight, Ray," Bobby says.
"Thanks, Bob, I appreciate that. Umm, I been meanin' to ask ya, where's Lucas?"
Bobby looks at his brother for a moment before answering. "Lucas and Conner went into town. I think they were gonna go see a movie and maybe hit a bar."
"I got a feelin' the real reason Lucas itn't here is because of me and Donna," Ray says.
"Ray, yours and Jenna's separation has been hard on him. And it's still fresh for Lucas. Just give him time. He'll come around."
Meanwhile, across the room, Donna stands holding a drink and staring at Ray and Bobby as they talk. Lucy walks up to her. "Penny for ya thought," Lucy says.
"Oh, hi," Donna says with a smile.
"Donna, in case I haven't told you, it's really nice having you back at Southfork, and back in Ray's life. And hopefully soon, back in the family. It's almost like old times."
"Thank you, Lucy, and ya have told me, about a half dozen times," Donna says. "It is great to be back. I only wish that......" Donna pauses.
"Wish that what?" Lucy asks.
"I only wish that there wasn't this estrangement between Ray and Lucas. I know it's really hurting Ray. He was hoping that Lucas would be here for dinner tonight."
At that moment, John Ross walks into the room. "Well, good even'nin, fam'ly," he greets.
"Good evening, John Ross," Lucy says.
"I sure am glad you and Donna came to dinner tonight, Ray," Bobby says.
"Thanks, Bob, I appreciate that. Umm, I been meanin' to ask ya, where's Lucas?"
Bobby looks at his brother for a moment before answering. "Lucas and Conner went into town. I think they were gonna go see a movie and maybe hit a bar."
"I got a feelin' the real reason Lucas itn't here is because of me and Donna," Ray says.
"Ray, yours and Jenna's separation has been hard on him. And it's still fresh for Lucas. Just give him time. He'll come around."
Meanwhile, across the room, Donna stands holding a drink and staring at Ray and Bobby as they talk. Lucy walks up to her. "Penny for ya thought," Lucy says.
"Oh, hi," Donna says with a smile.
"Donna, in case I haven't told you, it's really nice having you back at Southfork, and back in Ray's life. And hopefully soon, back in the family. It's almost like old times."
"Thank you, Lucy, and ya have told me, about a half dozen times," Donna says. "It is great to be back. I only wish that......" Donna pauses.
"Wish that what?" Lucy asks.
"I only wish that there wasn't this estrangement between Ray and Lucas. I know it's really hurting Ray. He was hoping that Lucas would be here for dinner tonight."
At that moment, John Ross walks into the room. "Well, good even'nin, fam'ly," he greets.
"Good evening, John Ross," Lucy says.
"Lucy. Donna," John Ross says. "Well, nice seein' you here with Uncle Ray. I don't see Lucas, though. I guess he's still slightly pissed that you broke up his mama's marriage, huh?"
Donna looks at him and smiles. "John Ross, so nice to see you. And it's even nicer to see that you're carrying on J.R.'s tradition of insulting everyone before dinner. Lucy, you were right. It's just like old times. Excuse me." Donna gives John Ross an angry look and walks away.
"I say somethin' wrong?" John Ross asks with a smirk.
"Ya know, John Ross" Lucy says. "After your little heroic rescue of Jimmy Beaumont I was kinda starting to like the 'new' John Ross, and then here comes the old one back again." Lucy gives her cousin an angry look, then walks away as John Ross smiles mischievously.
Donna looks at him and smiles. "John Ross, so nice to see you. And it's even nicer to see that you're carrying on J.R.'s tradition of insulting everyone before dinner. Lucy, you were right. It's just like old times. Excuse me." Donna gives John Ross an angry look and walks away.
"I say somethin' wrong?" John Ross asks with a smirk.
"Ya know, John Ross" Lucy says. "After your little heroic rescue of Jimmy Beaumont I was kinda starting to like the 'new' John Ross, and then here comes the old one back again." Lucy gives her cousin an angry look, then walks away as John Ross smiles mischievously.
Justin and Amanda's home....the next morning
James's car pulls into Justin and Amanda's driveway the next morning and comes to a stop.
Meanwhile, Justin and Amanda are having breakfast in the kitchen.
"More coffee?" Amanda asks Justin.
"Sure, thanks, darlin'," he replies.
Amanda pours him another cup of coffee as James and Ashley knock on the sliding glass patio door. Justin motions for them to come in.
"Morning," James says as he and Ashley walk into the house.
"Hey, y'all," Justin says.
"You guys want some breakfast?" Amanda asks.
"Just some coffee," replies James. "Ashley?"
"Sure. Those waffles smell so good."
Amanda smiles, "Have a seat. I'll get you a plate."
"Ash and I are on our way to the airport," says James. "And I just wanted to stop by and see my baby brother before we go. And we heard Alex has been workin' for ya this summer, and Ashley was hopin' to see him."
"Charlie's bringin' him over. Should be here any minute," Justin says. "I know he's been wantin' to see you, too."
Ashley smiles.
"Justin, I just wanna thank you again for what you did for Jimmy," James says.
Meanwhile, Justin and Amanda are having breakfast in the kitchen.
"More coffee?" Amanda asks Justin.
"Sure, thanks, darlin'," he replies.
Amanda pours him another cup of coffee as James and Ashley knock on the sliding glass patio door. Justin motions for them to come in.
"Morning," James says as he and Ashley walk into the house.
"Hey, y'all," Justin says.
"You guys want some breakfast?" Amanda asks.
"Just some coffee," replies James. "Ashley?"
"Sure. Those waffles smell so good."
Amanda smiles, "Have a seat. I'll get you a plate."
"Ash and I are on our way to the airport," says James. "And I just wanted to stop by and see my baby brother before we go. And we heard Alex has been workin' for ya this summer, and Ashley was hopin' to see him."
"Charlie's bringin' him over. Should be here any minute," Justin says. "I know he's been wantin' to see you, too."
Ashley smiles.
"Justin, I just wanna thank you again for what you did for Jimmy," James says.
"James, you aint gotta thank me," Justin says. "I'm just glad everything worked out. Besides, John Ross is the one who really came through."
"Yeah. What a surprise, huh? I never thought I'd be thanking John Ross for anything, much less my son's life."
At that moment, the sliding glass door opens and Alex walks in. He stops short, surprised to see Ashley and her father.
"Hello, Alex," James says.
"Hi," the boy says.
"How are you, Alex?" Ashley asks.
"I'm okay. I didn't know you were in town."
"Yeah, Dad and I came to see Jimmy. Can we talk outside?"
"Sure," replies Alex.
"Honey, don't be long," James says. "We still need to stop by Southfork, then we have to get to the airport."
"We won't be long, Dad," says Ashley, following Alex out of the house.
"Yeah. What a surprise, huh? I never thought I'd be thanking John Ross for anything, much less my son's life."
At that moment, the sliding glass door opens and Alex walks in. He stops short, surprised to see Ashley and her father.
"Hello, Alex," James says.
"Hi," the boy says.
"How are you, Alex?" Ashley asks.
"I'm okay. I didn't know you were in town."
"Yeah, Dad and I came to see Jimmy. Can we talk outside?"
"Sure," replies Alex.
"Honey, don't be long," James says. "We still need to stop by Southfork, then we have to get to the airport."
"We won't be long, Dad," says Ashley, following Alex out of the house.
"I heard about what happened to Jimmy," Alex says once the teens are outside. "How's he doing?"
"He's still really sore. Those thugs beat him up pretty bad, but thankfully, no broken bones."
"That's good. How've you been?" Alex asks.
"It's been a pretty stressful summer," replies Ashley. "My mom trying to help her aunt, and then my Grandma Vanessa's stroke, and now this with Jimmy it's just been one thing after another."
"I'm sorry. It's been a pretty lousy summer for me, too. Ash, I miss you so much. When are you coming back?"
"He's still really sore. Those thugs beat him up pretty bad, but thankfully, no broken bones."
"That's good. How've you been?" Alex asks.
"It's been a pretty stressful summer," replies Ashley. "My mom trying to help her aunt, and then my Grandma Vanessa's stroke, and now this with Jimmy it's just been one thing after another."
"I'm sorry. It's been a pretty lousy summer for me, too. Ash, I miss you so much. When are you coming back?"
"Well, summer vacation will be over soon," says Ashley. "But, I guess it'll depend on how my grandmother's recovery goes. I know my Dad doesn't wanna leave her until she's at least partially recovered from the stroke. I miss you, too. I think about you every day."
"I think about you every minute," Alex says. "Ashley, if your parents decide to stay back east after school starts back, couldn't you come back here, and maybe live with your brother?"
"Alex, I dunno......."
"I don't think I could stand it if we had to stay so far apart from now on."
"I don't want that, either. But, Alex, you know......"
"Ash, PLEASE don't give me that whole speech about us being cousins again," Alex says. "I don't care. I fell in love with you and you fell in love with me before either of us had any idea that John Ross is my real father. We can't just turn off our feelings like a light switch."
"I know," Ashley says as she starts to cry. Alex puts his arms around her and embraces her.
"Ashley?" James calls from behind. He walks over to the two teens as they pull out of their embrace. "Sweetheart, we should go if we're gonna stop by Southfork on our way to the airport."
"Sure, Daddy. Alex. Bye."
"Keep in touch with me? Please?" Alex asks, tears streaming down his face.
"I promise."
"Come on, honey," James says.
Justin and Amanda come out of the house and walk over. "James, take care," Justin says.
"You too, little brother," James says, hugging his brother. "Hopefully, if my mother continues to improve, we'll be back soon."
"You guys have a safe flight," Amanda says.
"We will. Bye."
James and Ashley start toward James's car. Ashley looks back at Alex. After a brief pause, she runs over and hugs him one more time. Then she runs back to the car. A teary-eyes Alex watches as Ashley gets into the car and drives off with her father. Justin walks over and puts his arm around the boy in an attempt to comfort him.
"I think about you every minute," Alex says. "Ashley, if your parents decide to stay back east after school starts back, couldn't you come back here, and maybe live with your brother?"
"Alex, I dunno......."
"I don't think I could stand it if we had to stay so far apart from now on."
"I don't want that, either. But, Alex, you know......"
"Ash, PLEASE don't give me that whole speech about us being cousins again," Alex says. "I don't care. I fell in love with you and you fell in love with me before either of us had any idea that John Ross is my real father. We can't just turn off our feelings like a light switch."
"I know," Ashley says as she starts to cry. Alex puts his arms around her and embraces her.
"Ashley?" James calls from behind. He walks over to the two teens as they pull out of their embrace. "Sweetheart, we should go if we're gonna stop by Southfork on our way to the airport."
"Sure, Daddy. Alex. Bye."
"Keep in touch with me? Please?" Alex asks, tears streaming down his face.
"I promise."
"Come on, honey," James says.
Justin and Amanda come out of the house and walk over. "James, take care," Justin says.
"You too, little brother," James says, hugging his brother. "Hopefully, if my mother continues to improve, we'll be back soon."
"You guys have a safe flight," Amanda says.
"We will. Bye."
James and Ashley start toward James's car. Ashley looks back at Alex. After a brief pause, she runs over and hugs him one more time. Then she runs back to the car. A teary-eyes Alex watches as Ashley gets into the car and drives off with her father. Justin walks over and puts his arm around the boy in an attempt to comfort him.
A mansion in Dallas....
Austin Wentworth drive his sports car up in front of a beautiful mansion on posh Swiss Avenue in Dallas that morning. Getting out of the sports car, Austin walks up the steps to the front of the mansion just as Katherine is coming out of the house with another woman of about fifty.
"Mrs. Ferguson, I absolutely love it," Katherine says to the other woman. "It's perfect."
"I'm glad, Ms. Wentworth."
"Mom," Austin says, walking up to the two women.
"Hello, sweetheart," says Katherine. "I'm glad you could drop by."
"Fine, but why did you want me to come here on my way to the office?"
"Oh, Mrs. Ferguson, this is my son, Austin Wentworth."
"Hello, Austin. Your mother has just been singing your praises."
"Mrs. Ferguson, I absolutely love it," Katherine says to the other woman. "It's perfect."
"I'm glad, Ms. Wentworth."
"Mom," Austin says, walking up to the two women.
"Hello, sweetheart," says Katherine. "I'm glad you could drop by."
"Fine, but why did you want me to come here on my way to the office?"
"Oh, Mrs. Ferguson, this is my son, Austin Wentworth."
"Hello, Austin. Your mother has just been singing your praises."
Austin smiles. "Well, thank you. Mother, what's going on?"
Katherine turns to the other woman. "Mrs. Ferguson, thank you so much for showing me the house on such short notice, and I'd like to get moving on this as soon as possible."
"Of course, Ms. Wentworth, it will be my pleasure."
"And I'll be in touch, probably this afternoon."
"That will be fine. Have a good day," Mrs. Ferguson says. She smiles, then turns and walks away.
"Well, are you gonna tell me?" Austin asks.
"How do you like it?" Katherine asks.
Austin looks at the big house in front of him and nods his head. "It's beautiful."
Katherine turns to the other woman. "Mrs. Ferguson, thank you so much for showing me the house on such short notice, and I'd like to get moving on this as soon as possible."
"Of course, Ms. Wentworth, it will be my pleasure."
"And I'll be in touch, probably this afternoon."
"That will be fine. Have a good day," Mrs. Ferguson says. She smiles, then turns and walks away.
"Well, are you gonna tell me?" Austin asks.
"How do you like it?" Katherine asks.
Austin looks at the big house in front of him and nods his head. "It's beautiful."
"I was hoping you'd like the place, because I just bought it," Katherine says.
"You.......you just bought this house?"
"That's right. After all, if we're gonna be staying in Dallas and you're gonna be running Wentworth Industries, we need a permanent home. One befitting our position in society."
Austin looks at the lovely mansion again and smiles. "I love it. We'll call it......Wentworth Manor. Everything is falling into place. Wentworth Industries is thriving again, we have a beautiful new home, and our Judith Ryland problem is about to be taken care of."
Katherine smiles.
"You.......you just bought this house?"
"That's right. After all, if we're gonna be staying in Dallas and you're gonna be running Wentworth Industries, we need a permanent home. One befitting our position in society."
Austin looks at the lovely mansion again and smiles. "I love it. We'll call it......Wentworth Manor. Everything is falling into place. Wentworth Industries is thriving again, we have a beautiful new home, and our Judith Ryland problem is about to be taken care of."
Katherine smiles.
Brookriver Center, Dallas....
That afternoon, Lucas's therapy session with psychologist Dr. Ryan Benson is drawing to a close. "Lucas, I'm sorry, but our time is just about up," Ryan says, looking at his watch. "I think in our next session, Lucas, we really need to explore your feelings about the breakup of your mother's marriage to the man you always believed to be your father."
"What's there to talk about?" Lucas asks. "Ray betrayed my mother when he took up with his ex-wife again."
"And we need to discuss how you feel about that, and about Ray. I wish we had more time today, but I have another appointment in just a few minutes."
"Oh, sure," Lucas says, standing. "Thanks, Ryan."
"I'll see you next week, same time," Ryan says.
"Yeah, next week. Have a good one," Lucas says, then walks out of the office.
Meanwhile, Emma is sitting in the waiting room thumbing through a magazine. Lucas comes out of Ryan's office and immediately sees Emma sitting across the room. He pauses a moment and looks at her, then walks over.
"What's there to talk about?" Lucas asks. "Ray betrayed my mother when he took up with his ex-wife again."
"And we need to discuss how you feel about that, and about Ray. I wish we had more time today, but I have another appointment in just a few minutes."
"Oh, sure," Lucas says, standing. "Thanks, Ryan."
"I'll see you next week, same time," Ryan says.
"Yeah, next week. Have a good one," Lucas says, then walks out of the office.
Meanwhile, Emma is sitting in the waiting room thumbing through a magazine. Lucas comes out of Ryan's office and immediately sees Emma sitting across the room. He pauses a moment and looks at her, then walks over.
"Hello, Emma," Lucas says.
Emma looks up at him. "Lucas, hi. I'm surprised to see you here."
"Yeah, I've been coming to Ryan for a few weeks now. Christopher suggested him to me. I'm trying to work on getting my anger under control, and some other areas of my life. I had no idea you were seeing a therapist."
Emma looks up at him. "Lucas, hi. I'm surprised to see you here."
"Yeah, I've been coming to Ryan for a few weeks now. Christopher suggested him to me. I'm trying to work on getting my anger under control, and some other areas of my life. I had no idea you were seeing a therapist."
"I've been coming here for a few months," Emma says. "Ann suggested it to me after I told her about,.......about the rape."
"So, you were coming to see Dr. Benson while we were together?"
"Yes, i was."
"I'm not surprised you didn't tell me. There were quite a few things you kept from me while we were living together."
"Keeping things from the other person worked both ways, didn't it?" Emma asks.
Lucas looks at her for a second. "Yeah," he says sadly. "I guess it did. Well, I'll see you around." Lucas starts to walk away.
"Lucas, wait," Emma says, standing from her seat.
He stops and turns to her. "Yes?"
"Do you think we could get together sometime, and talk?" Emma asks. "I'd really like to know how you're doing."
"Okay, sure," replies Lucas.
At that moment, Ryan opens the waiting room door. "Emma," he says. "You can come on back."
Emma looks at Lucas. "Call or text me and let me know when we can get together for coffee or something."
Lucas nods. "Tell you what," he says. "I'm free for the rest of the day, so, why don't I wait for you here, and we can talk?" Emma gives him a quick nod and smile, then turns and follows Ryan through the door from the waiting room and to his office down the hall. Lucas sighs as he thinks about Emma's request to get together to talk.
"So, you were coming to see Dr. Benson while we were together?"
"Yes, i was."
"I'm not surprised you didn't tell me. There were quite a few things you kept from me while we were living together."
"Keeping things from the other person worked both ways, didn't it?" Emma asks.
Lucas looks at her for a second. "Yeah," he says sadly. "I guess it did. Well, I'll see you around." Lucas starts to walk away.
"Lucas, wait," Emma says, standing from her seat.
He stops and turns to her. "Yes?"
"Do you think we could get together sometime, and talk?" Emma asks. "I'd really like to know how you're doing."
"Okay, sure," replies Lucas.
At that moment, Ryan opens the waiting room door. "Emma," he says. "You can come on back."
Emma looks at Lucas. "Call or text me and let me know when we can get together for coffee or something."
Lucas nods. "Tell you what," he says. "I'm free for the rest of the day, so, why don't I wait for you here, and we can talk?" Emma gives him a quick nod and smile, then turns and follows Ryan through the door from the waiting room and to his office down the hall. Lucas sighs as he thinks about Emma's request to get together to talk.
Austin walks into the Wentworth offices that afternoon and finds Judith Ryland sitting in the receptionist area.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Wentworth," says Austin's secretary.
"Hi, Stephanie."
Judith stands and walks over to him. "Yes, GOOD afternoon, Mista WENTworth," Judith says in her characteristic drawl.
"Ms. Ryland has been here for almost an hour waiting for you, sir," Stephanie says.
"Judith, what are you doing here?"
"You know DAMNED well what I am doing here. I need to have a little word with you."
"We have nothing left to say to one another."
"Oh, I think we do," says Judith. "Now are we gonna talk in your office, or out here in front of your looovely secretary?"
"Good afternoon, Mr. Wentworth," says Austin's secretary.
"Hi, Stephanie."
Judith stands and walks over to him. "Yes, GOOD afternoon, Mista WENTworth," Judith says in her characteristic drawl.
"Ms. Ryland has been here for almost an hour waiting for you, sir," Stephanie says.
"Judith, what are you doing here?"
"You know DAMNED well what I am doing here. I need to have a little word with you."
"We have nothing left to say to one another."
"Oh, I think we do," says Judith. "Now are we gonna talk in your office, or out here in front of your looovely secretary?"
Austin looks at Judith for a moment, the anger and contempt for this woman rising inside of him. "Come into my office," he says.
"Stephanie, hold Mista Wentworth's calls," Judith says.
A nervous Stephanie looks at her young boss.
"It's fine, Stephanie," Austin says. "Hold my calls. For ten minutes."
"Yes, sir."
Austin walks into his office and Judith follows, closing the door behind her. "What the hell are you doing here? And who do you think you are, ordering my secretary to do anything?"
"I am one pissed off enemy, young man. And you know EXACTLY why I am here."
"I have no idea," Austin says, taking a seat at his desk. "Oh, did anything happen that I should know about."
"You know DAMNED WELL what happened," says an angry Judith, leaning over Austin's desk. "The governor removin' me from my office just as he himself resigns."
"Sam's resignation was........unexpected, and unfortunate," Austin says.
"Stephanie, hold Mista Wentworth's calls," Judith says.
A nervous Stephanie looks at her young boss.
"It's fine, Stephanie," Austin says. "Hold my calls. For ten minutes."
"Yes, sir."
Austin walks into his office and Judith follows, closing the door behind her. "What the hell are you doing here? And who do you think you are, ordering my secretary to do anything?"
"I am one pissed off enemy, young man. And you know EXACTLY why I am here."
"I have no idea," Austin says, taking a seat at his desk. "Oh, did anything happen that I should know about."
"You know DAMNED WELL what happened," says an angry Judith, leaning over Austin's desk. "The governor removin' me from my office just as he himself resigns."
"Sam's resignation was........unexpected, and unfortunate," Austin says.
"Then you admit you were behind my removal from office?" Judith asks.
"Of course I was behind it," Austin says.
"You have made a very serious mistake, young man, if you think for one minute I am going to just lie back and take this."
Austin stands to face her. "You have no choice, Judith. Your position as Railroad Commissioner is only the first thing you're gonna lose. Because as we speak, a group of law enforcement officers from the state attorney general's office is about to launch a raid on your little brothel. So if you have any REALLY damaging records or anything, ya might wanna high tail it back there and shred them."
"You have forgotten that I can send your ass to prison, as well as your mama."
Austin smiles. "Judith......you poor, delusional old broad. There is absolutely NO evidence whatsoever linking either me or my mother to any crime. You, however.......well, let's just say the authorities have enough on you to make sure that you never see the light of day again. Including your little business dealings with that Mexican drug cartel last year."
"You son of a bitch," Judith says with gritted teeth. "You're a fool if you think this is over!"
"It's only over for you, Judith. Now get the hell outta here and don't ever let me see your face again."
"I'll get even with you, Austin, if it's the last thing I ever do. I'll kill you."
Austin buzzes his secretary. "Stephanie, would you call security, and have Ms. Ryland escorted from the building, please?"
"I'm goin'," Judith says. "But this itn't over. I'll get you." As Austin smiles, Judith turns and storms out of the office. Once in the elevator, Judith receives a phone call. "Yes?" She says, answering the phone.
"Ms. Ryland, I think you'd better get over here to the house," says a man's voice on the other end of the line. "There are some men here who claim to be from the Attorney General's office. They're demanding access to your personal files and records."
An angry and terrified Judith lowers the phone, her mouth hanging open in shock as she wonders what to do next.
"Of course I was behind it," Austin says.
"You have made a very serious mistake, young man, if you think for one minute I am going to just lie back and take this."
Austin stands to face her. "You have no choice, Judith. Your position as Railroad Commissioner is only the first thing you're gonna lose. Because as we speak, a group of law enforcement officers from the state attorney general's office is about to launch a raid on your little brothel. So if you have any REALLY damaging records or anything, ya might wanna high tail it back there and shred them."
"You have forgotten that I can send your ass to prison, as well as your mama."
Austin smiles. "Judith......you poor, delusional old broad. There is absolutely NO evidence whatsoever linking either me or my mother to any crime. You, however.......well, let's just say the authorities have enough on you to make sure that you never see the light of day again. Including your little business dealings with that Mexican drug cartel last year."
"You son of a bitch," Judith says with gritted teeth. "You're a fool if you think this is over!"
"It's only over for you, Judith. Now get the hell outta here and don't ever let me see your face again."
"I'll get even with you, Austin, if it's the last thing I ever do. I'll kill you."
Austin buzzes his secretary. "Stephanie, would you call security, and have Ms. Ryland escorted from the building, please?"
"I'm goin'," Judith says. "But this itn't over. I'll get you." As Austin smiles, Judith turns and storms out of the office. Once in the elevator, Judith receives a phone call. "Yes?" She says, answering the phone.
"Ms. Ryland, I think you'd better get over here to the house," says a man's voice on the other end of the line. "There are some men here who claim to be from the Attorney General's office. They're demanding access to your personal files and records."
An angry and terrified Judith lowers the phone, her mouth hanging open in shock as she wonders what to do next.
Robert E. Lee Park in Dallas....
Meanwhile, Lucas and Emma are walking along in Dallas's beautiful Robert E. Lee Park and talking.
"So, after everything that happened with John Ross, I finally realized, with Christopher's help, that I had to do something about my anger, or let it destroy me," Lucas tells her.
"Well, I'm glad you're finally dealing with all that anger you had pinned up inside."
"What about you, Emma?" Lucas asks. "How are things with you?"
Emma sighs. "Pretty quiet right now. In fact, I'm actually pretty bored these days."
"Not a lot goin' on, huh?"
"That's an understatement. All I do is go see Dr. Benson, go home, watch TV, shop. I'm at the apartment alone most of the time. Cliff is at work at Westar and Afton spends most of her time at that nightclub of hers. That's my life every day. I feel like life is passing me by. Like I have no real purpose."
"Maybe you need to find something to get involved in," says Lucas.
"Like what?" Emma asks.
"I dunno. You love horses. Maybe you should get back into riding."
"I have thought about it."
"Then why not do it?" Lucas asks.
Emma stops walking and turns to him with a smile. "You know this is nice. You and I haven't talked to each other with such civility in a long time. I guess Dr. Benson is doing wonders for us both."
"Yeah, I guess he is. Real miracle worker. Heck, he'd have to be a miracle worker to clean up two messes like us."
Emma laughs at Lucas's comment. "It's nice to be able to laugh together again. I'm really glad you waited for me while I was in my session with Dr. Benson."
"Well, you said you wanted to talk."
Yes," Emma says. "Lucas, I've missed you, and I am so sorry for the way I hurt you."
"We hurt each other, Emma. Look, I have to get goin'. It's been real nice talking, and catchin' up."
"Yeah, it has," says Emma. "Lucas, do you think that maybe we could.......maybe we could at least be friends? I'd really like that."
Lucas looks at her for a moment. "Maybe, who knows? I'll, uh......I'll see you later, Emma."
"Bye, Lucas," Emma says. She turns and walks away. Lucas watches her for a moment as she walks away from him.
"So, after everything that happened with John Ross, I finally realized, with Christopher's help, that I had to do something about my anger, or let it destroy me," Lucas tells her.
"Well, I'm glad you're finally dealing with all that anger you had pinned up inside."
"What about you, Emma?" Lucas asks. "How are things with you?"
Emma sighs. "Pretty quiet right now. In fact, I'm actually pretty bored these days."
"Not a lot goin' on, huh?"
"That's an understatement. All I do is go see Dr. Benson, go home, watch TV, shop. I'm at the apartment alone most of the time. Cliff is at work at Westar and Afton spends most of her time at that nightclub of hers. That's my life every day. I feel like life is passing me by. Like I have no real purpose."
"Maybe you need to find something to get involved in," says Lucas.
"Like what?" Emma asks.
"I dunno. You love horses. Maybe you should get back into riding."
"I have thought about it."
"Then why not do it?" Lucas asks.
Emma stops walking and turns to him with a smile. "You know this is nice. You and I haven't talked to each other with such civility in a long time. I guess Dr. Benson is doing wonders for us both."
"Yeah, I guess he is. Real miracle worker. Heck, he'd have to be a miracle worker to clean up two messes like us."
Emma laughs at Lucas's comment. "It's nice to be able to laugh together again. I'm really glad you waited for me while I was in my session with Dr. Benson."
"Well, you said you wanted to talk."
Yes," Emma says. "Lucas, I've missed you, and I am so sorry for the way I hurt you."
"We hurt each other, Emma. Look, I have to get goin'. It's been real nice talking, and catchin' up."
"Yeah, it has," says Emma. "Lucas, do you think that maybe we could.......maybe we could at least be friends? I'd really like that."
Lucas looks at her for a moment. "Maybe, who knows? I'll, uh......I'll see you later, Emma."
"Bye, Lucas," Emma says. She turns and walks away. Lucas watches her for a moment as she walks away from him.
Southfork.....that night
John Ross gets out of his shower that night and is drying himself off when he hears his cell phone ring. He quickly dries his hands and face, then wraps the towel around his waist and walks into the bedroom.
He picks the phone up from his bed and looks at the caller I.D. He smiles, then answers the phone. "Well, good evening, Miss Carrington," he says.
"Hi, John Ross," Krystina Carrington says. "Sounds like you were expecting me to call."
"Well, I was. Or at least I was hopin'."
"So what's going on back in Dallas?"
"Well, darlin', before long I plan to be back at my desk in my office at Westar."
"Really? I must say I'm relieved to hear that. Not only because I know how much the company means to you, but also because of my own investment in those offshore wells. I trust you a whole lot more than I do Cliff Barnes."
John Ross smiles. "Thank ya, sweetheart. And don't you worry none. I'll be back in charge at Westar real soon."
"I miss you, John Ross. While you have all that time on your hands, you should consider paying me a visit here in Denver."
"Just as soon as I can, I will. I miss you too, Krystina. Miss havin' you by my side. Miss wakin' up next to you."
"Well, I know it's late, so, I'll let you get some sleep. John Ross......I love you."
"I love you too, Krystina," John Ross says. "I wanna see you, real soon. Night, darlin'." John Ross ends the call and puts his phone down.
"Hi, John Ross," Krystina Carrington says. "Sounds like you were expecting me to call."
"Well, I was. Or at least I was hopin'."
"So what's going on back in Dallas?"
"Well, darlin', before long I plan to be back at my desk in my office at Westar."
"Really? I must say I'm relieved to hear that. Not only because I know how much the company means to you, but also because of my own investment in those offshore wells. I trust you a whole lot more than I do Cliff Barnes."
John Ross smiles. "Thank ya, sweetheart. And don't you worry none. I'll be back in charge at Westar real soon."
"I miss you, John Ross. While you have all that time on your hands, you should consider paying me a visit here in Denver."
"Just as soon as I can, I will. I miss you too, Krystina. Miss havin' you by my side. Miss wakin' up next to you."
"Well, I know it's late, so, I'll let you get some sleep. John Ross......I love you."
"I love you too, Krystina," John Ross says. "I wanna see you, real soon. Night, darlin'." John Ross ends the call and puts his phone down.
The Carrington mansion, Denver, Colorado....
Krystina puts her phone down on the bed, a sad look on her face. After a moment, she picks the phone up again and opens her picture gallery. She scrolls to a picture of her and John Ross and looks at it. She smiles slightly, then tears begin to fall from her eyes.
Kystina lays down on her bed as she starts to cry, missing John Ross and torn between wanting to be with him, and her obligations to her family and the company her father left to her.
The Krebbs Ranch.....the next morning
John Ross drives his car up to the Krebbs Ranch the next morning and comes to a stop in front of the house. He gets out of his car and looks around, then walks onto the front porch and rings the doorbell. A moment later, Jenna comes to the door.
"John Ross," she says, surprised to see him.
"Good mornin', Jenna."
"What are you doing here?" Jenna asks, rudely.
John Ross smiles. "It's lovely to see you, too. I came over to see Alex."
"Why?"
"With all due respect, Aunt Jenna, I think that's my business, don't you? After all, Alex is my son."
"Only through an accident of birth, thanks to a stupid mistake my daughter made sixteen years ago."
"I must say I'm surprised to see you here this mornin'," John Ross says. "I had heard that you were shacked up with Harris Ryland these days."
"Every bit as crude as your father ever was, aren't you?" Jenna asks.
"Is the boy home or not?" John Ross asks, losing patience with his soon to be former aunt.
"Mom?" Charlie asks, coming down the stairs. "What's going on? John Ross, hello."
"Hello, Charlie."
"John Ross," she says, surprised to see him.
"Good mornin', Jenna."
"What are you doing here?" Jenna asks, rudely.
John Ross smiles. "It's lovely to see you, too. I came over to see Alex."
"Why?"
"With all due respect, Aunt Jenna, I think that's my business, don't you? After all, Alex is my son."
"Only through an accident of birth, thanks to a stupid mistake my daughter made sixteen years ago."
"I must say I'm surprised to see you here this mornin'," John Ross says. "I had heard that you were shacked up with Harris Ryland these days."
"Every bit as crude as your father ever was, aren't you?" Jenna asks.
"Is the boy home or not?" John Ross asks, losing patience with his soon to be former aunt.
"Mom?" Charlie asks, coming down the stairs. "What's going on? John Ross, hello."
"Hello, Charlie."
"What brings you over this early?" Charlie asks.
"I came over to see Alex. But your mother here is not bein' too........friendly."
"Mom, please. It's okay," says Charlie.
Jenna looks at her daughter and at John Ross. She sighs deeply, then turns and walks into the living room.
"Your mother has become so charming in her golden years," John Ross says sarcastically. "So, is Alex home? I'd like to see him."
"Yes, he is," Charlie says. "Alex! Could you come down here, please?"
"Be right there!" The boy yells back from upstairs.
Charlie turns back to John Ross. "He's been working for Justin this summer, helping him paint and repair fences over at his ranch. Alex has really enjoyed it."
"Good," John Ross says as Alex comes down the stairs.
"I came over to see Alex. But your mother here is not bein' too........friendly."
"Mom, please. It's okay," says Charlie.
Jenna looks at her daughter and at John Ross. She sighs deeply, then turns and walks into the living room.
"Your mother has become so charming in her golden years," John Ross says sarcastically. "So, is Alex home? I'd like to see him."
"Yes, he is," Charlie says. "Alex! Could you come down here, please?"
"Be right there!" The boy yells back from upstairs.
Charlie turns back to John Ross. "He's been working for Justin this summer, helping him paint and repair fences over at his ranch. Alex has really enjoyed it."
"Good," John Ross says as Alex comes down the stairs.
"John Ross," the boy says.
"Hey, champ. You wanna hang out with me for a little while this mornin'? Thought maybe we could go for a swim at Southfork."
"John Ross, Alex is supposed to be over at Justin's house in half an hour," Charlie says.
"Hey, champ. You wanna hang out with me for a little while this mornin'? Thought maybe we could go for a swim at Southfork."
"John Ross, Alex is supposed to be over at Justin's house in half an hour," Charlie says.
"Well, now I'm sure that my little brother can spare the boy for a couple hours. How 'bout it, Alex?"
"Yeah, okay, I guess. I do need to call Justin, though."
"We'll call him in the car," John Ross says. "Why don't you go on out?"
"See you in little while, Mom," Alex says as he walks out of the house.
John Ross smiles as he watches the boy walk out to John Ross's car. "He's a fine boy, Charlie."
"Thank you."
"Ya know, I even think he looks a little like me. Say, I wanna thank you for lettin' Alex spend some time with me today."
"John Ross, I'm still not so sure this is such a good idea," Charlie says. "Alex has been through pure hell the last year and a half. I don't want him hurt anymore."
"Charlie, that boy out there is my son. My own flesh and blood. I have no intention of hurtin' him. I wanna get to know him."
"John Ross, let's get something straight. Yes, you are Alex's father biologically. But Phillip Walton was his father in every other sense of the word, and Alex worshiped him."
"Charlie, I know that. I don't wanna replace your late husband in that boy's life. But I would like a place of my own in his life. If you want, I'll drop him over at Justin's in a couple hours."
"That'll be fine," Charlie says.
John Ross smiles, then walks out of the house to his car. Charlie walks onto the porch and watches as John Ross drives off with Alex.
Jenna walks onto the front porch. "You're making a huge mistake, letting Alex spend time with John Ross."
"John Ross is his father. They have a right to get to know each other. I deprived them both of that right for fifteen years."
"And with good reason," Jenna says. "The Ewings poison everyone and everything they touch."
Charlie turns to her mother. "Are you saying that because you honestly believe it's true? Or out of bitterness because of your own bad experiences with the Ewings, first with Bobby and then with Ray?" Charlie walks past her mother and back into the house, leaving Jenna on the porch to think about what her daughter said.
"Yeah, okay, I guess. I do need to call Justin, though."
"We'll call him in the car," John Ross says. "Why don't you go on out?"
"See you in little while, Mom," Alex says as he walks out of the house.
John Ross smiles as he watches the boy walk out to John Ross's car. "He's a fine boy, Charlie."
"Thank you."
"Ya know, I even think he looks a little like me. Say, I wanna thank you for lettin' Alex spend some time with me today."
"John Ross, I'm still not so sure this is such a good idea," Charlie says. "Alex has been through pure hell the last year and a half. I don't want him hurt anymore."
"Charlie, that boy out there is my son. My own flesh and blood. I have no intention of hurtin' him. I wanna get to know him."
"John Ross, let's get something straight. Yes, you are Alex's father biologically. But Phillip Walton was his father in every other sense of the word, and Alex worshiped him."
"Charlie, I know that. I don't wanna replace your late husband in that boy's life. But I would like a place of my own in his life. If you want, I'll drop him over at Justin's in a couple hours."
"That'll be fine," Charlie says.
John Ross smiles, then walks out of the house to his car. Charlie walks onto the porch and watches as John Ross drives off with Alex.
Jenna walks onto the front porch. "You're making a huge mistake, letting Alex spend time with John Ross."
"John Ross is his father. They have a right to get to know each other. I deprived them both of that right for fifteen years."
"And with good reason," Jenna says. "The Ewings poison everyone and everything they touch."
Charlie turns to her mother. "Are you saying that because you honestly believe it's true? Or out of bitterness because of your own bad experiences with the Ewings, first with Bobby and then with Ray?" Charlie walks past her mother and back into the house, leaving Jenna on the porch to think about what her daughter said.
Southfork.....later
John Ross and Alex are in the pool at Southfork a short time later playing with the baby. John Ross sits back in the pool and smiles as he watches Alex playing with Little John........his two sons. As the thought of that sinks into his head........HIS two sons......the smile on John Ross's face grows even broader. It is clear to him from watching Alex with Little John that Alex was already starting to love that little guy.
Lucy comes out of the house, followed by the baby's nurse, Miss Peterson, a woman of about forty-five. "Well, looks like you three are havin' fun," Lucy says. "Mind if I join?"
"Come on in," John Ross says. "Water feels great."
"Mr. Ewing, it's time for Little John's mid-morning nap," Miss Peterson says.
"Oh, alright."
Alex walks over to the side of the pool with the baby and hands him out of the water to the nurse. She takes the baby, wraps him in a clean towel, and takes him inside as Alex, Lucy, and John Ross watch with smiles.
"So, Alex, how does it feel being a big brother?" Lucy asks.
Lucy comes out of the house, followed by the baby's nurse, Miss Peterson, a woman of about forty-five. "Well, looks like you three are havin' fun," Lucy says. "Mind if I join?"
"Come on in," John Ross says. "Water feels great."
"Mr. Ewing, it's time for Little John's mid-morning nap," Miss Peterson says.
"Oh, alright."
Alex walks over to the side of the pool with the baby and hands him out of the water to the nurse. She takes the baby, wraps him in a clean towel, and takes him inside as Alex, Lucy, and John Ross watch with smiles.
"So, Alex, how does it feel being a big brother?" Lucy asks.
"Dunno, I've never been one before," Alex replies. "But I like playing with that little guy."
John Ross laughs. "He took to you right off, too."
Lucy gets into the pool with John Ross and Alex.
"Hey, what time is it?" Alex asks.
"Almost ten-thirty when I came out here," says Lucy.
"John Ross, I should be getting over to Justin's soon."
"Alright. Fifteen minutes we'll get out and I'll drive you over."
Alex smiles. He climbs out of the pool, then dives back in, making a huge splash in the middle of the pool, and swims the length of the pool.
"John Ross, it's really nice seeing this side of you for a change," Lucy says
"And what's side is that, Lucy?"
"The NICE side that fatherhood seems to bring out in you."
John Ross looks at her and smiles.
John Ross laughs. "He took to you right off, too."
Lucy gets into the pool with John Ross and Alex.
"Hey, what time is it?" Alex asks.
"Almost ten-thirty when I came out here," says Lucy.
"John Ross, I should be getting over to Justin's soon."
"Alright. Fifteen minutes we'll get out and I'll drive you over."
Alex smiles. He climbs out of the pool, then dives back in, making a huge splash in the middle of the pool, and swims the length of the pool.
"John Ross, it's really nice seeing this side of you for a change," Lucy says
"And what's side is that, Lucy?"
"The NICE side that fatherhood seems to bring out in you."
John Ross looks at her and smiles.
Denver-Carrington Oil, Denver....
Krystina walks into her office at Denver-Carrington that morning and finds her nephew, L.B. Colby, waiting for her.
"L.B.," she says. "What's up?"
"I was hoping we could talk," he says.
"L.B.," she says. "What's up?"
"I was hoping we could talk," he says.
"Okay," Krystina says. "What's on your mind?"
"Denver-Carrington."
"What about Denver-Carrington?"
"Krystina, look, I don't want this to come out the wrong way," L.B. says. "But I think this company needs a CEO who can and will devote all their time and energy to its success and growth."
"I agree. So what are you saying? I'm not that person?"
"Ever since you've been back, you've been distracted. I think your heart and your mind are both back in Dallas with John Ross Ewing."
Krystina lowers her head and walks over to her desk. After a pause, she turns back to L.B. "Well, you're right about that. My heart is with John Ross."
"You're very much in love with him, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am. And honestly, I wanted to stay in Dallas with him."
"Do you think he loves you?" L.B. asks.
"Oh yes."
"Then why not go be with him?"
"And what about Denver-Carrington?" Krystina asks.
"Denver-Carrington will be fine," says L.B. "I ran this company while you were in Dallas, and I can do it again. I know the business inside out just as well as you do."
"You're offering to take over as President and CEO for me?"
"For as long as you want or need me to."
Krystina sighs as she turns and looks out the window. "To be perfectly honest, L.B., I have been thinking about that. And you're right, I have been distracted since I've been back home. Distracted and.......... miserable without John Ross."
"Then this is the perfect solution," L.B. says.
"Just give me a few days to think about it," says Krystina, turning back to face him. "And to talk it over with the rest of the family."
L.B. smiles. "Fine. Take all the time you need. But I can tell that you won't be happy as long as you and John Ross Ewing are so far apart." L.B. looks at her for a second, then turns and walks out of the office.
After he's gone, Krystina returns her gaze out the window at the Denver skyline.
"I agree. So what are you saying? I'm not that person?"
"Ever since you've been back, you've been distracted. I think your heart and your mind are both back in Dallas with John Ross Ewing."
Krystina lowers her head and walks over to her desk. After a pause, she turns back to L.B. "Well, you're right about that. My heart is with John Ross."
"You're very much in love with him, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am. And honestly, I wanted to stay in Dallas with him."
"Do you think he loves you?" L.B. asks.
"Oh yes."
"Then why not go be with him?"
"And what about Denver-Carrington?" Krystina asks.
"Denver-Carrington will be fine," says L.B. "I ran this company while you were in Dallas, and I can do it again. I know the business inside out just as well as you do."
"You're offering to take over as President and CEO for me?"
"For as long as you want or need me to."
Krystina sighs as she turns and looks out the window. "To be perfectly honest, L.B., I have been thinking about that. And you're right, I have been distracted since I've been back home. Distracted and.......... miserable without John Ross."
"Then this is the perfect solution," L.B. says.
"Just give me a few days to think about it," says Krystina, turning back to face him. "And to talk it over with the rest of the family."
L.B. smiles. "Fine. Take all the time you need. But I can tell that you won't be happy as long as you and John Ross Ewing are so far apart." L.B. looks at her for a second, then turns and walks out of the office.
After he's gone, Krystina returns her gaze out the window at the Denver skyline.
Braddock County Courthouse....
Back in Braddock, Ray and his attorney, Jay Smithfield, are sitting in the courtroom, with Jenna, her attorney, Lucas, and Charlie sitting on the opposite side of the courtroom, as they all wait the arrival of the judge to begin Ray and Jenna's divorce hearing. Lucy and Ann sit behind Ray. Harris Ryland walks into the courtroom. Jenna turns and flashes him a smile. Harris smiles back at her, then takes a seat in the back of the courtroom.
The judge walks into the courtroom. "All rise," the bailiff says. The small group in the courtroom stands to their feet as the middle aged female judge takes her seat on the bench. "Family Court of Braddock County, Texas is now in session, the Honorable Judge Mary Carpenter presiding."
"Be seated," she says, and the group does as they are told. She picks up a folder in front of her and opens it. "This is the case of Krebbs Vs. Krebbs. Are all parties present and accounted for?"
"Yes, your Honor," Jay says, standing. "The Respondent, Mr. Raymond Krebbs, is here. I'm Jay Smithfield, counsel for Mr. Krebbs.
"And the petitioner, Mrs. Jenna Wade Krebbs, is also present, Your Honor," jenna's female attorney says. "I'm Tina Baret, serving as counsel for Mrs. Krebbs."
"Thank you. Ms. Baret?"
Jenna's attorney, Tina Baret, rises from her seat. "Your Honor, Mrs. Krebbs is seeking a dissolution of her marriage to Mr. Krebbs on grounds of irreconcilable differences. No minor children are involved, and Mrs. Krebbs is only seeking a small allowance on a monthly basis. You have the figures in front of you, and a copy has been given to Mr. Krebbs and his attorney."
Judge Carpenter looks at Jay and Ray. "Mr. Smithfield, are these terms agreeable to your client?"
"Yes, Your Honor, the terms are agreeable."
"And what about property?"
"The Krebbs family owns a ten thousand acre ranch in Braddock County," Tina Baret says. "My client is requesting an equal division of all liquid assets, including any stocks, bonds, and cash assets. Mrs. Krebbs is agreeable to allowing her husband to retain the ranch and the family home, since he originally owned this property many years ago, before he and my client were married. And he recently purchased the property back from its previous owner."
"Mrs. Krebbs, are you absolutely certain you wish to relinquish all rights to the home you and your husband shared?" Judge Carpenter asks.
The judge walks into the courtroom. "All rise," the bailiff says. The small group in the courtroom stands to their feet as the middle aged female judge takes her seat on the bench. "Family Court of Braddock County, Texas is now in session, the Honorable Judge Mary Carpenter presiding."
"Be seated," she says, and the group does as they are told. She picks up a folder in front of her and opens it. "This is the case of Krebbs Vs. Krebbs. Are all parties present and accounted for?"
"Yes, your Honor," Jay says, standing. "The Respondent, Mr. Raymond Krebbs, is here. I'm Jay Smithfield, counsel for Mr. Krebbs.
"And the petitioner, Mrs. Jenna Wade Krebbs, is also present, Your Honor," jenna's female attorney says. "I'm Tina Baret, serving as counsel for Mrs. Krebbs."
"Thank you. Ms. Baret?"
Jenna's attorney, Tina Baret, rises from her seat. "Your Honor, Mrs. Krebbs is seeking a dissolution of her marriage to Mr. Krebbs on grounds of irreconcilable differences. No minor children are involved, and Mrs. Krebbs is only seeking a small allowance on a monthly basis. You have the figures in front of you, and a copy has been given to Mr. Krebbs and his attorney."
Judge Carpenter looks at Jay and Ray. "Mr. Smithfield, are these terms agreeable to your client?"
"Yes, Your Honor, the terms are agreeable."
"And what about property?"
"The Krebbs family owns a ten thousand acre ranch in Braddock County," Tina Baret says. "My client is requesting an equal division of all liquid assets, including any stocks, bonds, and cash assets. Mrs. Krebbs is agreeable to allowing her husband to retain the ranch and the family home, since he originally owned this property many years ago, before he and my client were married. And he recently purchased the property back from its previous owner."
"Mrs. Krebbs, are you absolutely certain you wish to relinquish all rights to the home you and your husband shared?" Judge Carpenter asks.
"Yes, Your Honor," Jenna replies. "My husband was given that property by his father, and he built the house before we were married. When we moved back here last year after many years away, my husband purchased the property back from the family who owned it. I want no part of it."
"I understand. I see from this petition that Mr. and Mrs. Krebbs have been married since December 4, 1987. That's a very long time. Mr. and Mrs. Krebbs, after having spent twenty-eight years of your lives together, are you absolutely certain that this divorce is something you both want?"
"Yes, Your Honor," Jenna replies.
"Yes, ma'am, it is," Ray says.
"And there's no chance of a reconciliation?"
Ray and Jenna exchange glances, then Jenna looks at the judge. "No, Judge Carpenter, there isn't," she says.
"Very well, then. This divorce is granted, and Mr. Krebbs you are instructed to pay Mrs. Krebbs the monthly allowance listed in the petition. All financial assets are to be equally divided between Mr. and Mrs. Krebbs."
Ray breathes a sigh of relief as he hears the judge's words.......words which free him to now be with the woman he truly loves.
"I understand. I see from this petition that Mr. and Mrs. Krebbs have been married since December 4, 1987. That's a very long time. Mr. and Mrs. Krebbs, after having spent twenty-eight years of your lives together, are you absolutely certain that this divorce is something you both want?"
"Yes, Your Honor," Jenna replies.
"Yes, ma'am, it is," Ray says.
"And there's no chance of a reconciliation?"
Ray and Jenna exchange glances, then Jenna looks at the judge. "No, Judge Carpenter, there isn't," she says.
"Very well, then. This divorce is granted, and Mr. Krebbs you are instructed to pay Mrs. Krebbs the monthly allowance listed in the petition. All financial assets are to be equally divided between Mr. and Mrs. Krebbs."
Ray breathes a sigh of relief as he hears the judge's words.......words which free him to now be with the woman he truly loves.
Pierre's Steakhouse And Grille....later
Sue Ellen and Ann are having lunch at Perry's Steakhouse And Grille that afternoon, and Ann notices that Sue Ellen is unusually quiet.
"Thank you for havin' lunch with me today," Ann says. "It's been a while since we had a chance to talk and catch up."
"Umhmm," Sue Ellen says as she continues to play with her food with her fork.
"It's been nice, catchin' up. Even though I've been doin' most of the talking."
"I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"Sue Ellen, what's wrong? Since we've been here you've hardly said ten words. You seem awfully distracted."
Sue Ellen sighs. "I am."
"Wanna tell me what's goin' on?" Ann asks.
"Thank you for havin' lunch with me today," Ann says. "It's been a while since we had a chance to talk and catch up."
"Umhmm," Sue Ellen says as she continues to play with her food with her fork.
"It's been nice, catchin' up. Even though I've been doin' most of the talking."
"I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"Sue Ellen, what's wrong? Since we've been here you've hardly said ten words. You seem awfully distracted."
Sue Ellen sighs. "I am."
"Wanna tell me what's goin' on?" Ann asks.
"I'm sorry for being such terrible company this afternoon. I'm just very worried about Dusty."
"Dusty? Why, what happened?" Ann asks.
"I'm not really sure," Sue Ellen replies. "But lately, Dusty's been pushing himself hard. TOO hard for a man his age. Almost every day when I come home from the office find him exercising or hitting a punching bag, or jogging. It's a hundred degrees outside and this man, this 70-year-old man, is working out like he's 35 again. I'm afraid he's going to drive himself to his grave, or at the very least, a serious health crisis."
"And you've talked to him about it?" Ann asks.
"Oh yes. More than once. But when I bring it up, he just gets angry and defensive. He accuses me of trying to turn him into an invalid."
"Are you sure you aren't just overreacting? I mean, I know it's not healthy for anyone to exhaust themselves in this heat, but, Dusty's in great shape, isn't he?"
"As far as I know."
"What do you mean.......as far as you know?"
Sue Ellen looks at her friend across the table for a moment. "Well, as far as he told me, at his last checkup the doctor gave him a clean bill of health. Even said his cholestorol was good. But Ann, I just have this nagging feeling that he's keeping something from me. And I have a feeling it's about his health, and that's why he's pushing himself so hard, to prove to himself and maybe even to me, that he can still do the things he could do when he was younger. But it scares me to death. Dusty and I took so many years to find each other again, I don't think I could bare to lose him."
Ann reaches across the table and takes Sue Ellen by the hand.
"Dusty? Why, what happened?" Ann asks.
"I'm not really sure," Sue Ellen replies. "But lately, Dusty's been pushing himself hard. TOO hard for a man his age. Almost every day when I come home from the office find him exercising or hitting a punching bag, or jogging. It's a hundred degrees outside and this man, this 70-year-old man, is working out like he's 35 again. I'm afraid he's going to drive himself to his grave, or at the very least, a serious health crisis."
"And you've talked to him about it?" Ann asks.
"Oh yes. More than once. But when I bring it up, he just gets angry and defensive. He accuses me of trying to turn him into an invalid."
"Are you sure you aren't just overreacting? I mean, I know it's not healthy for anyone to exhaust themselves in this heat, but, Dusty's in great shape, isn't he?"
"As far as I know."
"What do you mean.......as far as you know?"
Sue Ellen looks at her friend across the table for a moment. "Well, as far as he told me, at his last checkup the doctor gave him a clean bill of health. Even said his cholestorol was good. But Ann, I just have this nagging feeling that he's keeping something from me. And I have a feeling it's about his health, and that's why he's pushing himself so hard, to prove to himself and maybe even to me, that he can still do the things he could do when he was younger. But it scares me to death. Dusty and I took so many years to find each other again, I don't think I could bare to lose him."
Ann reaches across the table and takes Sue Ellen by the hand.
Westar......late afternoon
Cliff is in his office at Westar dictating a letter to his secretary, Gail. "And I truly hope that Westar and your company, Anderson Petrol, can do business together in the very near future. And sign it Clifford Barnes, President and CEO, Westar Oil Company."
"I'll get this typed up and sent out right away, Mr. Barnes," Gail says, standing from her seat.
"Thank you, Gail. Oh, and if my daughter Pamela calls, put the call right through. But if anyone else calls, take a message because I'm gonna be busy for the rest of the afternoon looking over these contracts."
"Yes, sir. By the way, when are Mr. and Mrs. McKay returning from their trip to the Bahamas?"
"Pamela and Tripp will be coming home from their little vacation day after tomorrow. They both needed these last two weeks away from Dallas and all the stress of every day life here so they could celebrate the news of her pregnancy."
Gail smiles. "I'm sure they're having fun. I don't think I've ever seen a man as happy about the prospect of becoming a father as Mr. McKay was before they left." As Gail starts to leave the office, she finds John Ross standing in the door. "Mr. Ewing," she says, surprised to see him.
"Afternoon, sweetheart," says John Ross. "I need to have a word with our ACTING CEO."
"Mr. Barnes?"
Cliff looks up from his desk. "John Ross, what the hell are you doing here?" He asks, standing from his seat.
"You can go now, sweetheart," John Ross tells Cliff's secretary.
"Mr. Barnes?"
"It's alright, Gail."
The secretary walks past John Ross and out of the office. John Ross closes the door behind her. "She's okay for an older woman, but that secretary I had, Melissa, now that's the kinda secretary you need."
"What are you doing here?" Cliff asks again.
"I'll get this typed up and sent out right away, Mr. Barnes," Gail says, standing from her seat.
"Thank you, Gail. Oh, and if my daughter Pamela calls, put the call right through. But if anyone else calls, take a message because I'm gonna be busy for the rest of the afternoon looking over these contracts."
"Yes, sir. By the way, when are Mr. and Mrs. McKay returning from their trip to the Bahamas?"
"Pamela and Tripp will be coming home from their little vacation day after tomorrow. They both needed these last two weeks away from Dallas and all the stress of every day life here so they could celebrate the news of her pregnancy."
Gail smiles. "I'm sure they're having fun. I don't think I've ever seen a man as happy about the prospect of becoming a father as Mr. McKay was before they left." As Gail starts to leave the office, she finds John Ross standing in the door. "Mr. Ewing," she says, surprised to see him.
"Afternoon, sweetheart," says John Ross. "I need to have a word with our ACTING CEO."
"Mr. Barnes?"
Cliff looks up from his desk. "John Ross, what the hell are you doing here?" He asks, standing from his seat.
"You can go now, sweetheart," John Ross tells Cliff's secretary.
"Mr. Barnes?"
"It's alright, Gail."
The secretary walks past John Ross and out of the office. John Ross closes the door behind her. "She's okay for an older woman, but that secretary I had, Melissa, now that's the kinda secretary you need."
"What are you doing here?" Cliff asks again.
"Well now, Cliff, is that any way to talk to the man who has come here to help you out of your little problem?" John Ross asks.
"I don't have a problem, and even if I did, a Ewing would be the last person in the world I would ever go to for help," Cliff says.
"Oh, I think ya do have a problem, Cliff. See, I know how stressful runnin' a big comp'ny like Westar can be. Especially for a man of your age. Since takin' this job, you already look worse than ya did before, if that's even possible. That's why I'm here. To offer to step back into that chair as this comp'ny's CEO so you can go home and rest and take care of that tired old body of yours."
Cliff laughs at John Ross's arrogance. "Oh, that's funny, John Ross. That's REAL funny. But if you think I'm gonna give up this position, you've got another thing coming. Because I'm not. I trust you've taken a look at Westar's bylaws Jeremy Wendell drew up back in the 60s? Those bylaws gives ME squatters rights as sitting CEO. It would take a majority vote from the board members to unseat me."
"I am STILL majority shareholder in Westar, Cliff," John Ross says.
"Maybe so, but without enough votes from the board, you wouldn't have enough shares to vote me out and yourself back in. And in your absence I have gained not only the confidence but also the support of several of the board members and top share holders, including your half-sister's mother, Kimberly Cryder. So, without the support of the board, John Ross, you don't have a prayer of getting back into this office."
"I wouldn't be too sure of that, Barnes. You should know by now that, just like my daddy, I always get what I want."
"Save it for someone who cares," Cliff says. "I have set Westar on the right path with some long range goals in mind, the board loves my ideas, and it looks like you may have to go crawling back to Bobby and Sue Ellen and beg them for a job over at Ewing Oil."
John Ross smiles. "Okay, Barnes," he says. "I gave you a fair chance. But if you wanna play hard ball, then so be it. Just don't get too comfortable in my chair. You won't be there much longer."
"Oh, this isn't your chair," Cliff says. "I threw the one you had in here out, after I had the whole office fumigated."
John Ross laughs. "You really are just as dumb as my Daddy always said. Your arrogance was always your downfall with J.R., and it will be again. Enjoy this office while ya can, old man." John Ross walks to the door and starts to leave.
"Hey, John Ross," Cliff says. John Ross turns back to him. "Give my love to Amanda," Cliff continues. "Oh, that's right, I forgot. She left you and took up with your brother, didn't she?"
John Ross says nothing, but just looks at Cliff and continues to smile. Then he leaves. Once outside Cliff's office, John Ross laughs again. "Barnes, you are in for one hell of a hard fall from the top of that ego of yours," John Ross says quietly. "So is your daughter and that loser you call a son-in-law these days." Still smiling, John Ross walks away.
"Oh, I think ya do have a problem, Cliff. See, I know how stressful runnin' a big comp'ny like Westar can be. Especially for a man of your age. Since takin' this job, you already look worse than ya did before, if that's even possible. That's why I'm here. To offer to step back into that chair as this comp'ny's CEO so you can go home and rest and take care of that tired old body of yours."
Cliff laughs at John Ross's arrogance. "Oh, that's funny, John Ross. That's REAL funny. But if you think I'm gonna give up this position, you've got another thing coming. Because I'm not. I trust you've taken a look at Westar's bylaws Jeremy Wendell drew up back in the 60s? Those bylaws gives ME squatters rights as sitting CEO. It would take a majority vote from the board members to unseat me."
"I am STILL majority shareholder in Westar, Cliff," John Ross says.
"Maybe so, but without enough votes from the board, you wouldn't have enough shares to vote me out and yourself back in. And in your absence I have gained not only the confidence but also the support of several of the board members and top share holders, including your half-sister's mother, Kimberly Cryder. So, without the support of the board, John Ross, you don't have a prayer of getting back into this office."
"I wouldn't be too sure of that, Barnes. You should know by now that, just like my daddy, I always get what I want."
"Save it for someone who cares," Cliff says. "I have set Westar on the right path with some long range goals in mind, the board loves my ideas, and it looks like you may have to go crawling back to Bobby and Sue Ellen and beg them for a job over at Ewing Oil."
John Ross smiles. "Okay, Barnes," he says. "I gave you a fair chance. But if you wanna play hard ball, then so be it. Just don't get too comfortable in my chair. You won't be there much longer."
"Oh, this isn't your chair," Cliff says. "I threw the one you had in here out, after I had the whole office fumigated."
John Ross laughs. "You really are just as dumb as my Daddy always said. Your arrogance was always your downfall with J.R., and it will be again. Enjoy this office while ya can, old man." John Ross walks to the door and starts to leave.
"Hey, John Ross," Cliff says. John Ross turns back to him. "Give my love to Amanda," Cliff continues. "Oh, that's right, I forgot. She left you and took up with your brother, didn't she?"
John Ross says nothing, but just looks at Cliff and continues to smile. Then he leaves. Once outside Cliff's office, John Ross laughs again. "Barnes, you are in for one hell of a hard fall from the top of that ego of yours," John Ross says quietly. "So is your daughter and that loser you call a son-in-law these days." Still smiling, John Ross walks away.
Ryland Transport....
Harris is coming out of his office at Ryland Transport late that afternoon when he is approached by two men in suits in the hallways.
"Mr. Harris Ryland?" One of the men asks.
"Yes. And who are you?" Harris asks.
"I'm Special Agent Cardosa, and this is my partner, Special Agent Whitley," one of them replies as the two men take out their wallets and show Harris their badges. "We're with the Texas State Attorney General's office. Mr. Ryland, do you know where your mother is?"
"Mr. Harris Ryland?" One of the men asks.
"Yes. And who are you?" Harris asks.
"I'm Special Agent Cardosa, and this is my partner, Special Agent Whitley," one of them replies as the two men take out their wallets and show Harris their badges. "We're with the Texas State Attorney General's office. Mr. Ryland, do you know where your mother is?"
"Look, I've already had two other fellas from the Attorney General's office question me as well as from the D.A.'s office, and I'm gonna tell you the same thing I told them," Harris says. "I have not seen or heard from mother in a couple days. She has not been home, nor has she been in touch with me."
"You sure about that, sir?" Agent Whitley asks.
"What the hell's that supposed to mean?" Asks an irritated Harris.
"It means, Mr. Ryland, that we are aware of your past connections with the CIA. Is it possible that one of your friends with the agency has helped your mother go into hiding to avoid prosecution for not only running a house of prostitution here in Dallas, but also extortion, running a drug ring, and a host of other crimes."
"Look, I don't have any friends in the agency anymore," Harris says. "So you're barkin' up the wrong tree."
"Okay," says Agent Cardosa. "Thank you for your time." He takes a business card from his pocket and hands it to Harris. "If you do hear from your mother, please give us a call. The longer she eludes us, the deeper in trouble she's getting herself."
The two men nod to Harris, then turn and walk away. Harris sighs deeply, then takes his cell phone from his inside jacket pocket. He dials Judith's number. The phone rings several times, but her voice mail picks up.
"You sure about that, sir?" Agent Whitley asks.
"What the hell's that supposed to mean?" Asks an irritated Harris.
"It means, Mr. Ryland, that we are aware of your past connections with the CIA. Is it possible that one of your friends with the agency has helped your mother go into hiding to avoid prosecution for not only running a house of prostitution here in Dallas, but also extortion, running a drug ring, and a host of other crimes."
"Look, I don't have any friends in the agency anymore," Harris says. "So you're barkin' up the wrong tree."
"Okay," says Agent Cardosa. "Thank you for your time." He takes a business card from his pocket and hands it to Harris. "If you do hear from your mother, please give us a call. The longer she eludes us, the deeper in trouble she's getting herself."
The two men nod to Harris, then turn and walk away. Harris sighs deeply, then takes his cell phone from his inside jacket pocket. He dials Judith's number. The phone rings several times, but her voice mail picks up.
"Mother," he says after the sound of the beep. "Listen, I don't know where you are, but I've already left several messages. Now as soon as you get this message you need to get in touch with me. I can't put off these guys from the Attorney General's office much longer. Now call me and let me know where the hell you are and how you want me to deal with this mess you created."
Meanwhile....
At a tropical island resort, a shirtless young waiter who appears to be around nineteen or twenty brings a drink to a woman relaxing beside the pool. He hands her the drink from a tray.
"Thank you, Eduardo," Judith Ryland says with a smile. "You make the absolute best margaritas anywhere in the western hemisphere."
"Thank you, Eduardo," Judith Ryland says with a smile. "You make the absolute best margaritas anywhere in the western hemisphere."
"Will there be anything else, Mrs. Ryland?" Eduardo asks.
Judith looks up at the young man and smiles. "No, thank you, Eduardo, I'm just fine. For now. If there is anything that I might need later on......I'll be sure an letcha know."
Eduardo smiles. "Yes, ma'am," he says, then turns and walks away.
Judith watches the young man with interest. "I think this might just be the peerrfect place for me to spend my retirement years in the lap of luxury," she says to herself.
Judith looks up at the young man and smiles. "No, thank you, Eduardo, I'm just fine. For now. If there is anything that I might need later on......I'll be sure an letcha know."
Eduardo smiles. "Yes, ma'am," he says, then turns and walks away.
Judith watches the young man with interest. "I think this might just be the peerrfect place for me to spend my retirement years in the lap of luxury," she says to herself.
Justin and Amanda's house......early evening
Back in Dallas, as dusk settles over and another hot summer night begins, Justin and Jimmy are sitting on Justin's front porch drinking a beer and talking.
"You want another beer?" Justin asks.
"Yeah, sure, I'll take one."
"You want another beer?" Justin asks.
"Yeah, sure, I'll take one."
Justin opens the cooler that sits between he and Jimmy, reaches in, grabs a beer, and tosses it to Jimmy.
"Thanks," Jimmy says.
"I'm glad you came out tonight," says Justin.
"I'm glad you asked me."
"After Jill invited Amanda out for a girl's night out, I figured we'd have us a boy's night in. Sit on the porch, drink a few cold ones. Just talk."
"Thanks," Jimmy says.
"I'm glad you came out tonight," says Justin.
"I'm glad you asked me."
"After Jill invited Amanda out for a girl's night out, I figured we'd have us a boy's night in. Sit on the porch, drink a few cold ones. Just talk."
"It's so peaceful out here," Jimmy says. "It's easy to see why you love it here and why you moved out here."
"Yeah," agrees Justin. "Just listen at those crickets. Ya know, a couple nights, when Amanda and me couldn't sleep, we'd come out here at 1 in the mornin' and just sit and listen to the night. Nothin' like a summer night in the country. Amanda's still a little scared here at night, but, I installed a new security system, so that sorta put her mind at ease."
"I love it out here," Jimmy says.
"Well, ya know, we got a spare bedroom. You're more'n welcome any time you wanna move in," Justin says.
"Yeah," agrees Justin. "Just listen at those crickets. Ya know, a couple nights, when Amanda and me couldn't sleep, we'd come out here at 1 in the mornin' and just sit and listen to the night. Nothin' like a summer night in the country. Amanda's still a little scared here at night, but, I installed a new security system, so that sorta put her mind at ease."
"I love it out here," Jimmy says.
"Well, ya know, we got a spare bedroom. You're more'n welcome any time you wanna move in," Justin says.
Jimmy laughs. "Better not ask again, or I might take you up on it," Jimmy says as his cell phone rings. He takes the phone from his pocket and looks at the caller I.D. "Hold on, dude, it's my Dad."
Jimmy quickly answers. "Hey, Dad, what's up? Nah, not at all. I'm just sitting out here with Justin on his front porch drinkin' a few beers. Is something wrong, Dad? You sound kinda strange."
Jimmy quickly answers. "Hey, Dad, what's up? Nah, not at all. I'm just sitting out here with Justin on his front porch drinkin' a few beers. Is something wrong, Dad? You sound kinda strange."
Justin looks on as Jimmy listens to his father on the other end of the line. Justin sees an expression of shock come over Jimmy's face.
"Oh my God," Jimmy says. "Oh, Dad, I'm so sorry. Yeah. Yeah, I will. I'll catch the first flight out tomorrow. Dad, thanks for calling. I love you. Bye." Jimmy ends the call and puts the phone down.
"Jimmy what is it?" Justin asks. "Is it your mama? The baby?"
"No," Jimmy replies, his voice shaky. "My Grandma Vanessa........she died a little while ago. She had another stroke."
"Oh, Jimmy. Oh God, dude, I'm so sorry."
Jimmy wipes a tear from his eye.
"Oh my God," Jimmy says. "Oh, Dad, I'm so sorry. Yeah. Yeah, I will. I'll catch the first flight out tomorrow. Dad, thanks for calling. I love you. Bye." Jimmy ends the call and puts the phone down.
"Jimmy what is it?" Justin asks. "Is it your mama? The baby?"
"No," Jimmy replies, his voice shaky. "My Grandma Vanessa........she died a little while ago. She had another stroke."
"Oh, Jimmy. Oh God, dude, I'm so sorry."
Jimmy wipes a tear from his eye.
Sue Ellen's home....
Carrying two fairly large plastic bags, Sue Ellen walks into her house that evening to find the place dark. "Dusty?" She calls out as she walks in. She switches on the light in the foyer. "Dusty, are you home? I'm sorry I'm late, but I had a meeting at the office that ran late, and then I stopped off and picked up dinner for us." She walks into the kitchen and puts the two bags on the counter. "Dusty? Are you here?" She walks back into the foyer, then into the living room. She stops short when she sees Dusty lying on his side on the floor in one corner of the room. "Dusty? Dusty? Oh my God," she cries, rushing to him. "Dusty?" Sue Ellen kneels beside Dusty and rolls him over onto his back. "Dusty?" She gently pats his face. "Dusty, please. Wake up. What's wrong with you?"
Sue Ellen quickly picks up the phone on the table beside the sofa and dials 911. "Yes," she says. "I need an ambulance to 829 Crestview Drive. I don't know, it's my partner, he's collapsed and I can't wake him. He's seventy-one. Yes, please hurry." Sue Ellen puts the phone down and begins to cry. "Dusty, please," she says.
Sue Ellen quickly picks up the phone on the table beside the sofa and dials 911. "Yes," she says. "I need an ambulance to 829 Crestview Drive. I don't know, it's my partner, he's collapsed and I can't wake him. He's seventy-one. Yes, please hurry." Sue Ellen puts the phone down and begins to cry. "Dusty, please," she says.
"Please wake up. Dusty, don't you die on me, do you hear me? DON'T YOU DIE ON ME!"