Previously on DALLAS:
--------------Ray told Donna about his plan to move Conner and Dylan in with them. Later, Donna voiced her concerns to Ann.
--------------Sue Ellen continued to enjoy spending time with Catlin Ewing.
--------------After agreeing to a deal that would let Ewing Oil use his tankers to ship their crude, Ted Griffin was forced by Richard Channing to back out of the deal, arousing the Ewings' anger.
--------------Justin hired Amanda's brother Jeremy as a hand on his ranch.
--------------Brad confronted Katherine about Cliff.
--------------Afton received her strangest,.........and most frightening.........gift yet from her stalker.
Wentworth Industries....
"Go ahead, Junior," Brad says. "Tell Mommy how you came over to my place while she was in California and told me that you overheard her and my mother arguing about Cliff Barnes being my father."
Austin looks at Brad, then at his mother, unsure of what to say.
"Well, Austin," Katherine says to her son. "I'm waiting for an explanation. Is what Brad saying the truth?"
"Go ahead," Brad says. "Tell her."
"Why should I?" Austin asks, looking at his mother. "No matter what I say, you'll believe him anyway."
"I just want the TRUTH, Austin."
"You want the truth? Okay, fine. YES, I told you. And you wanna know why? Because I'm sick of this pompous ass jerk you took up with, so I thought he needed to be taken down a notch and told that he isn't so perfect as he thinks he is. He's nothing but a BASTARD, in the literal sense of the word! I overheard you and his mother arguing about it when she came here to see you that day."
Katherine looks at Brad. "There, you have it. My son has told me the truth. Now, if you have a problem with that truth, then I suggest you go take it up with that old hag you call a mother."
After Brad leaves, Katherine looks at her son. "So, what were you doing? Eavesdropping at my door when Marilee Stone was here? Just couldn't leave well enough alone, could you?"
"Why are you jumping down MY throat?" Austin asks. "Both Marilee Stone and that son of her have treated you and me like crap. Like we were NOTHING. It's time someone burst that little bubble they were living in. So no, Mom, I'm not sorry I told that scumbag that his precious Mommy was screwing around on the man he thought was his father, and that he's nothing but a bastard........just like me." Without another word, Austin walks out of his mother's office.
Near tears over what her son said, Katherine walks behind her desk and takes a seat in her chair. She rubs her temples as Austin's words echo through her mind.
Afton's Lounge......
"No. No more phone calls," replies Afton replies. "Only this......sick thing in this box." She begins to cry.
"I understand how upsetting this must be for you, Ms. Cooper," Miller says. "And I can assure you, we're going to do everything possible to find the guy who's been doing this to you."
Pamela, Tripp, and Cliff walk into the club and make their way over to where Afton and Detective Miller are sitting.
"Afton," Cliff says. "Are you alright?"
"Mom, what happened?" Pamela asks.
"I received another gift from my so-called 'biggest fan'," Afton replies.
"What was it this time?" Cliff asks.
"A........it was a dead mouse in a gift box."
"What?" Pamela asks. "Oh my God, Mom, are you serious?"
"Afton, I can't even imagine how freaked out you must've been by that," Tripp says.
"Excuse me, but, who are you?" Detective Miller asks Tripp.
"He's my son-in-law, Tripp McKay," replies Afton. "And this is my daughter, Pamela."
"Okay, now that we have the introductions out of the way, just what the hell are the police doing to catch the madman who's been terrorizing Afton?" An angry Cliff asks.
"Mr. Barnes, we're doing everything we can."
"Yeah, well that's not enough! Now you said before that until you had some kind of physical evidence, you couldn't do anything. Well there HAS to be some kind of physical evidence on at least one of these crazy gifts this guy's been sending. Now you people do your damned jobs, or I'm gonna take the law into my own hands to protect Afton."
Detective Miller stands to his feet. "What do you mean by that, Mr. Barnes? That you're gonna take the law into your own hands?"
"Exactly what I said. I think it's time we hired our own security to keep this guy from getting near Afton."
"I think Cliff is right," agrees Tripp. "There's only so much the police can do, and Afton may need round the clock protection after this. If this guy is sending her dead animals as gifts........then he sounds like he could be dangerous."
Pamela takes her mother by the hand as a look of fear comes over Afton's face.
Southfork....the next morning
"Good morning," Bobby says.
"Morning," says Lucas.
"Where's John Ross?" Lucy asks.
"Haven't seen him this mornin'," Ann replies.
"He's probably still upset about that deal with Ted Griffin falling through," says Christopher.
"We're ALL upset about that," Bobby says.
"What exactly did Griffin tell you when you called him?" Christopher asks.
Bobby sighs. "Nothing that made any sense. He seemed like he was anxious to get off the phone with me. I just have a feeling that this wasn't Ted's decision to back out of his deal with John Ross."
"I been thinkin' about that myself," John Ross says, standing in the doorway. He walks onto the patio and takes his seat at the breakfast table. "And I think the answer as to why Ted Griffin welched on our deal is Katherine Wentworth."
Bobby looks at John Ross, surprised. "Katherine? What would Katherine have to do with this?"
"I ran into Katherine in San Francisco, at the very hotel where Krystina, Alex, and I were stayin'. And, it happened to be in the hotel's restaurant while I was meetin' with Ted, that I saw Katherine."
"Wait, you think Katherine went to Ted and sabotaged our deal with him?" Christopher asks.
"Yes, I do."
"Wouldn't really be so hard to believe, would it?" Lucas asks.
"No, especially after everything else that witch has done," adds Lucy.
Bobby sighs. "That definitely would make sense. If Katherine saw you in San Francisco with Ted, she could have gone to him and somehow convinced him to back out of that deal. But the big question here is.......what the hell was Katherine doin' in San Francisco in the first place?"
"How?" Christopher asks.
"You just let me worry about that, cousin. I'm gonna skip breakfast this mornin'. I got business to attend to." John Ross gets up from the table and walks away in the direction of his car.
"What do you suppose he has in mind?" Ann asks.
"I dunno," replies Bobby, angrily. "But if Katherine Wentworth is the reason we lost this deal with Griffin, then she's gonna be real sorry."
Cliff's apartment....
"Morning," he says. "How long you been down here?"
Afton sighs. "I don't know. Three, four hours."
"Did you get any sleep at all?"
"No. All I could think about that package I received yesterday."
Cliff walks over to her. "Afton, I know this whole thing has you all upset. But try not to worry. Today, I'm gonna call up a guy I know, an old friend of mine who owns a private detective agency here in Dallas, and I'm gonna get round the clock security for you, since the police don't seem very interested in doing anything about this stalker."
"Thank you, Cliff. My nerves are frayed."
"Thank you, Cliff, but I'm not hungry. I don't think I could sleep, either. Every time I close my eyes, I see that dead mouse in that box."
"Afton, try not to think about that. And ya have to eat to keep up your strength. It's not gonna do any good for you to make yourself sick, because then, that bastard who's doing this wins. Now come on. Go up and get into bed and I'll bring you something to eat."
Afton looks at him and smiles. "Alright. I am pretty exhausted, both physically and emotionally." She stands from her seat and gently touches his face. "Cliff you've been awfully good to me through all this. I don't know what I'd do without you right now."
Cliff smiles back at her. "It's okay. I care a lot about you, Afton, and I'm not gonna let anything bad happen to you. Don't worry. I'll call my private detective friend Ken Logan, and this creep is gonna be caught and in jail in no time."
Afton nods, then walks past Cliff and heads up the stairs.
After she's gone, Cliff takes his cell phone from his pocket and dials a number. On the second ring, someone answers. "Ken Logan, please," Cliff says. After a moment, Logan comes on the line. "Ken, this is Cliff Barnes. Yeah, I know it's been a long time. Listen, I have a job for you. A real important job."
Dallas Police Department....
"Okay, I guess," Miller replies. "Just going over this evidence we've got, and these interviews I conducted in the Afton Cooper case."
"Any leads?" Jones asks, walking over to a counter and pouring himself a cup of coffee.
Miller sighs. "I have a couple suspects in mind."
"Let's see what we've got," Jones says, taking a seat. Scott hands him some of the papers he was looking through, and Jones begins reading. After a moment, he looks up at his partner. "Looks like, so far, we have this guy Jesse Matthews, the pianist at the club Afton Cooper owns, and.......Cliff Barnes?"
"Yeah," Scott says. "The guy Afton Cooper lives with. They have a daughter together."
"So what makes you consider him a suspect?"
"This Barnes guy has a pretty bad rep. And he spent some time in prison."
"That's the guy," Scott replies. "Apparently, Barnes was innocent the whole time and the real killer was caught just a few months ago."
"Okay, then, so, I still don't understand why you think he's a suspect."
"I did a little research," Scott says, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "Barnes and Afton Cooper were involved in a relationship back in the 80s. After their relationship ended, Afton Cooper returned to her hometown of Biloxi, Mississippi, where she gave birth to Barnes's daughter, Pamela Rebecca. According to the information I got, Afton Cooper and Cliff Barnes didn't see each other again for a few years, then after that, they didn't see each other until 1996."
"Hmmm, maybe Barnes never got over her," Jones says.
"Could be," Scott says. "But then there's also this guy Jesse Matthews. He's only been working for Afton Cooper's club for a couple of months, and, get this.......Matthews started working at that club around the SAME time as Miss Cooper received her first gift from this stalker."
"Coincidence?" Jones asks.
"If it is, then it's one hell of a coincidence."
Ewing Oil....
Lord Enterprises, San Francisco, California....
Ewing Oil....
Lord Enterprises....
Ewing Oil....
Lord Enterprises....
Ewing Oil....
"Sure, John Ross," Janice says.
"John Ross, you wanted to see us?" Sue Ellen asks.
"Yes, I did."
"What's goin' on?" Bobby asks. "Is this about Katherine Wentworth being in San Francisco?"
"What kinda trouble?" Asks Christopher.
"I found out why Katherine was in San Francisco recently. She was there to meet someone."
"Who?" Bobby asks.
"Y'all better hold on to your hats for this one."
"John Ross, don't keep us in suspense," Sue Ellen says. "Who was Katherine there to meet?"
"Channing?" Bobby asks.
"Why the hell would Katherine be meeting with Channing?" Christopher asks.
"I should think that'd be obvious even to you, Christopher," John Ross says. "What's the one thing both Katherine Wentworth AND Richard Channing have in common?"
"Exactly," says John Ross. "And nothin' brings people together faster than havin' common enemies."
"So......Katherine and Channing are in some sort of a conspiracy against us?" Asks Sue Ellen. "That doesn't make any sense. Why, of all people, would Katherine team up with Richard Channing?"
"It's not that hard to believe," says Bobby. "Katherine wants revenge against this family and wants to hurt our company, and she needed a partner in crime to help her. Katherine couldn't team up with Cliff because she hates him as much as she hates us Ewings. So who better for her to team up with than Channing, a man who also vowed revenge on us after that custody battles with Elena."
"Okay, so what do we do?" Christopher asks.
John Ross looks at his uncle, his own plan to stop Katherine formulating in his mind......a plan that involves his new secret partner in crime, Jeremy Lord.
Southfork.....that night
"Bobby? Are you comin' to dinner?"
"I'm sorry, honey, I'm just not very hungry," he replies.
Ann walks over to him. "You've been on edge ever since you got home this evenin'. Bobby, what's wrong?"
He turns around to face her. "You remember this morning when John Ross told us that he saw Katherine Wentworth in San Francisco this past weekend?"
"Of course."
"Well, John Ross managed to find out through one of his contacts that Katherine was in San Francisco meeting with none other than Richard Channing."
"Richard Channing?" Asks a stunned Ann. "But, why? How do they even know each other?"
"My guess is, Katherine needed an ally in her quest to come up against the Ewings, so she contacted Channing and asked him to team up with her. That's the only explanation that makes sense."
"What are you gonna do about this?" Ann asks.
"First, we have to find out what Channing and Katherine are planning, and then.......come up with our own plan to defeat them."
"I know. Which is why I think you need to get on the phone with her and try and convince Emma to come back to Dallas. The last thing I want is for Emma to get caught up in the crossfire of all this, but if she won't come home........then that's what might just happen."
Before Ann is able to say another word, the maid, Maria, comes to the door.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Ewing?" Maria says.
"Yes, Maria?"
"Mr. Bum is here."
"Thank you, Maria, send him in," Bobby says.
Maria nods, then walks out. A second later, Bum walks into the den.
"Bobby, Ann, I'm sorry to disturb your dinner," Bum says.
"No, it's fine," Ann says. "I'm assumin' since you're here that you've got some news on my brother?"
"Yeah, I do. Your brother has been in Houston the last couple months lookin' for work down there, but today, he left Houston for parts unknown. I also did some checking on his wife, Sharon Rogers Smith, and, turns out that SHE'S right here in Dallas, with her and Mark's son."
"You're kidding," says a surprised Bobby.
"Nope. She's been in town since the day of Carter McKay's funeral. Apparently Sharon Smith came back to Dallas to try and reconnect with her older son, Tripp McKay."
"Do you know where she's staying?" Ann asks.
Bum reaches into his pocket and pulls out a piece of paper. "Got the address right here," he says. "She and the boy are staying at the Motel 6 in North Dallas."
"Bum, thank you so much for this," says Ann.
"Honey, what are you gonna do?" Bobby asks.
"Tomorrow, I'm goin' to see Sharon. Maybe she can tell me a little somethin' about my brother. She might even know where he is."
"Well, again, I'm sorry for interruptin' your dinner, but I thought you would wanna know this," Bum says.
"Yes. And thank you again," Ann says.
"Anytime. Y'all have a good evening."
"Thanks, and you too, Bum," Bobby says.
Bum nods, then turns and walks out. Seated at the dining room table, John Ross sees his friend walk out of the den. Getting up from the table, John Ross follows Bum out and catches up to him before he exits the house through the rear patio door.
"Bum, hold up," John Ross says to him.
"Evening, John Ross," Bum says, turning to him.
"Okay, let's have it," Bum says,
"I need for you to put a tail on Katherine Wentworth and her son, Austin. I wanna know every place they go, and everyone they talk to. I also want you to do a little diggin' into Katherine's background. Specifically, the years 1993 and 1994. Find out where her son was born, and if possible, I want a copy of the kid's birth certificate."
"I'll do all I can. Anything in particular I'm lookin' for?"
"Yeah. I wanna know who Austin Wentworth's father is. And, I wanna know anything you can find out about Katherine's marriage to a man named Jeremy Lord in London. I wanna know when they were married, and for how long. And since she was a fugitive, Katherine prob'ly married him under an assumed name, so, you're gonna have to dig into Lord's background a little."
"I'll get right on it," Bum says.
"I know you're workin' to find Ann's brother, but, make this a top priority right now, Bum. I need this information YESTERDAY. I have a hunch, and if I'm right, I may just know how to stop Katherine Wentworth from causin' any trouble for my fam'ly."
Cliff's apartment....early the next morning
Suddenly, Afton sits straight up in bed in her darkened bedroom and screams! After a moment, she begins to come to her senses and realizes she is safe in her own bed, and the horror she's just experienced was only a nightmare. Afton lays back in bed and begins crying.
Southfork.....later that morning
"Thank you, Maria," Ann says to the maid.
"You're welcome, Mrs. Ewing," Maria says with a smile.
"Are you still planning to go over and see Mark's wife today?" Bobby asks.
"Yes, I am," Ann replies. "And I have to admit, I'm more than a little nervous. I mean, what do you say to a woman you've never met, who's been married to your brother all these years?"
"I'm sure it'll be fine. And hopefully Sharon can tell you where Mark is."
"I hope so," Ann says.
"Were you able to reach Emma last night?" Bobby asks.
"No. But I'm gonna try again later this mornin'. I just hope I can convince her to come home from San Francisco, especially before you start this little war with Richard Channing."
"Honey, we didn't start this war with Channing. He started it when he came up against our family during John Ross's custody battle with Elena. And Channing has made one big mistake by teaming up with Katherine Wentworth."
John Ross comes out of the house at that moment. "Mornin' y'all, " he says.
"Mornin', John Ross," Ann says.
He walks over to the table and pours himself a glass of orange juice as he remains standing.
"Aren't ya gonna have any breakfast?" Bobby asks.
"Nope. I got some business to take care of before I go into the office this mornin'. By the way, where the hell is everybody?"
"Lucas stayed at Heather's place last night, Christopher stayed in town, and Lucy already left to meet a friend in town for breakfast."
"Well, I would join y'all, but gotta get into town."
"John Ross how's Krystina's nephew doin' after the accident?" Ann asks.
"The doctors seem to think he'll be okay. I just wish Krystina would hurry up and come home. After all these months, I'm not use to sleepin' alone. I'll see you at the office, Uncle Bobby." John Ross finishes off his orange juice, then turns and walks away.
Stone Oil.....later
"Morning, Brenda. Any calls or messages?"
"Your mother called and said she's been trying to reach you on your cell."
Brad sighs. "Yeah, I had my phone off all night."
"And John Ross Ewing called, and said to call him back when you got in."
"Great. I can already tell this is gonna be a bad day," Brad says. He walks into his office, closes the door behind him, then walks over to his desk and takes a seat. After a moment, he turns on his computer. As he waits for the computer to boot up, he thinks about his current situation, and whether or not his mother lied to him about his paternity. Once his computer loads, his goes to his primary search engine and types in the name 'Cliff Barnes.' Once the search results load, he scrolls down and then clicks on a link. Braid waits
Afton's Lounge....later
"Hello, Jesse," she says. "Jan."
"Hey, Afton," replies Jesse.
"Afton, are you alright? You look terrible," says Jan. "Have you been getting any sleep?"
"Not much," Afton says. "And when I do manage to fall asleep, I have these horrible nightmares."
"About this creep who's sending you these weird packages?"
"Yeah."
"Are you sure you feel up to being here?" Jesse asks.
"I have to be here. I own and manage the place, remember?"
"Afton, we could manage," Jesse says. "There are plenty of people here who are capable of managing the place for a few days while you get some rest."
"And we can always find someone to fill in for you as far as performing goes," says Jan.
"Have the police gotten any leads yet?" Jesse asks.
"Not yet. Whoever this guy is, he's really good at covering his tracks."
"Yeah," Jesse says. "Too bad. But I'm sure they'll catch this guy soon. In the meantime, Afton, if there's anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask, and I mean ANYTHING."
Jan gives Jesse a suspicious look as he makes himself so available to Afton. She suspects the club's handsome piano player has something to hide.
"Thank you, Jesse, I really appreciate that," says Afton. "Now, have you learned those new songs yet?"
"Oh, yes, I was just working on them when you came in. Would you like to go over one?"
"Yes, I would. Jan, would you mind getting us some coffee?"
"Sure, Afton, coming right up," Jan says. She walks away from them, then turns back and looks at Jesse as he is looking at Afton. Jan has a strange feeling about Jesse Matthews.
Motel 6 in Dallas....
"Can I help you with somethin'?" Sharon asks.
"Are you Sharon Smith?" Ann asks.
"Who wants to know?"
"Please. Are you Sharon?"
"Yeah, I am. And who are you?"
"I'm Ann Ewing. Ann SMITH Ewing."
"Ann Smith?" Sharon asks. "You mean........Mark's sister?"
"Yes, that's right. I was wonderin' if I could talk to you."
Sharon looks at her for a moment. "Sure, I guess so. Come on in." Sharon takes her key card from her pocket and unlocks her room door. Ann follows Sharon into the room. Sharon puts down the bag of groceries she's carrying and turns to Ann. "So, what can I do for you?"
"Well, I was hopin' to talk to you about Mark. I was wonderin' if you know where he is."
"Because I'd like to see my brother," replies Ann.
"Why, after all these years, this sudden urge to see your brother? You and Mark hadn't laid eyes on each other or communicated in any way in how many years? 20, at least? Did you ever once visit him when he was in jail or prison? Did you ever even write to him?"
"No," Ann replies sadly.
"And now, all of a sudden, you wanna see him?"
Ann looks at the woman for a moment. "Look, I don't expect you to understand. My family was never the most.........typical family. My parents, they........my father......."
"Yes," says Sharon. "Mark told me all about it. And about how you just up and ran off here to Dallas when he needed you most."
"And just how did you know that? As a matter of fact, how did you find me, or even know I was in Dallas? Unless.......wait a minute. You said your last name is........Ewing?"
"That's right."
Sharon smiles. "Now it all makes sense. Ewing, as in Ewing Oil of Dallas?"
"Yes. My husband's family owns the company."
"I see. So, Mark's sister married one of the EWINGS. And all those years Mark was in jail, and strugglin', workin' menial jobs, you've been livin' high on the hog, married to a multi-millionaire."
"I didn't even know where Mark was."
"You could've found out," says Sharon. "Just like you did now."
"I don't owe you any explanations," Ann says angrily. "I see comin' here was a mistake." She turns and starts to leave.
"I don't know where he is," Sharon says.
Ann stops in the doorway and turns back to her.
"All I know is, he was in Houston," Sharon says. "I talked to him a few days ago and he said he was about to hit the road again to try and find a job. He didn't say where he was headed, but said he'd be in touch."
Ann opens her purse and takes out a small card. "If you do happen to hear from Mark, I'd appreciate if you'd give me a call and let me know where he is."
"Sure," Sharon says.
"Thank you," Ann says. As she starts to leave, she notices a framed photo of Sharon and Mark's son on the table. "Is that your son?"
"Yeah. That's Shawn."
Ann picks up the photo and looks at it. "He's a handsome boy. Reminds me of Mark."
"He has a lot of his daddy in him."
Ann puts the photo down, then looks at Sharon. She smiles, then walks out.
After Ann leaves, Sharon walks over to the bed and picks up her cell phone. She takes a seat on the bed and dials a number. On the fourth ring, someone answers. "Hey, it's me," Sharon says to the person on the other end of the line. "You won't believe who just showed up here, out of the blue. Your sister, Ann Ewing."
Afton's Lounge....
Jesse stops playing and looks at her. "What's the matter?"
"I'm sorry," Afton says. "I'm just not myself today. I can't even stay on time."
"Afton, you're doing fine. We still have a couple days to get these songs right. Besides, with a lack of sleep and the stress you've been under, it's not surprising that you're a little off."
"I feel like I'm more than a LITTLE off."
Jesse gets up from his seat at the piano. "What you need is a drink," he says. He walks over to the bar, picks up a glass and a bottle, and pours Afton some scotch, then hands it to her.
"Thank you," she says, taking the drink. She takes a sip, then feels dizzy.
"Hey, hey," Jesse says, grabbing Afton's arm as Jan walks in. "Are you alright?"
"I just felt a little dizzy. I guess it's from exhaustion."
"Yeah, well, here, sit down," Jesse says, pulling a chair up for her.
Afton takes a seat. "Thank you, again, Jesse. You've been really sweet."
Jesse kneels in front of Afton and smiles at her. "Hey, it's my pleasure. Least I can do for my favorite singer."
Afton smiles at the young man's compliment, then takes another sip of her drink. Meanwhile, Jan is watching from nearby, a look of suspicion on her face as she watches Jesse with Afton.
"Afton, why don't you go on home?" Jesse suggests. "We can work on this tomorrow when you're feeling better. Just go home and get some sleep."
"That does sound like what I need. I think I will." Afton stands.
"Look, why don't I drive you?" Jesse asks. "You don't need to be driving in your condition."
"Really, Jesse, I'm fine."
"I know you're the boss, Afton, but I really must insist," says Jesse. "You're exhausted. I just wanna make sure you get home safe."
"Alright. I really would appreciate it. Just let me go grab my purse and a few things from my dressing room I need to look over."
"Take your time," Jesse says.
Afton smiles at him, then walks away to her dressing room down a hall. Once Afton is gone, Jan walks over to Jesse.
"What do you mean by that?" Jesse asks.
"You know damned well what I mean. I've seen the way you are with Afton. The way you act around her. The way you fawn all over her. You're in love with her, aren't you?"
"Why don't you just mind your own business?"
"You ARE in love with her. She's a little old for you, don't you think? Ya know, this makes me wonder."
"Wonder what?" Jesse asks.
"Wonder about all these weird gifts Afton's been getting the last few weeks. Better be careful, Jesse. If you continue being as obvious as you were just now, Afton's bound to figure out it was YOU who sent her all those gifts, including that dead mouse."
"Are you threatening me?" Jan asks.
"Not at all. I'm just suggesting that you stay the hell out of my way, and that you keep these insane accusations to yourself. If you know what's good for you, that is."
At that moment, Afton returns. "Okay, Jesse, I'm ready."
Jesse turns to her and smiles. "Great."
"Jan, would you take care of things around here for me?" Afton asks.
"Yeah, sure," the young woman says nervously, shaken by Jesse's obvious threat.
Jesse looks at Jan and smiles. "I'll be back soon," he says. He and Afton then walk out of the club.
Dallas Police Department....
"Well," Scott says. "I just got the background on Afton Cooper's pianist at that club of her, Jesse Matthews."
"Oh, yeah? Anything interesting?" Steven asks.
"Definitely. Matthews has a rap sheet. He was arrested two years ago in Baltimore for stalking his ex-girlfriend, Morgan Stoddard."
"Really?"
"Yep. The guy apparently developed a real obsession with Stoddard after she ended their relationship, and she ended up having to get a restraining order against Matthews. That's why he left Baltimore."
"Well, that definitely puts Matthews at the top of our suspect list," Steven says.
"Yep, it sure does," agrees Scott.
"So we need to go question the guy again," Steven says.
"Yeah. It's past lunchtime."
"Well, let's grab a quick bite to eat, then go see Matthews."
"Sounds great to me," Scott says.
Steven stands to his feet, grabs his jacket, and the two detectives walk out of their office.
A small restaurant in Dallas....
"Sorry I'm late, Bum," John Ross says. "I had a phone call that took longer'n expected."
"That's alright, John Ross."
"You find out anything on Jeremy Lord and Katherine and Austin Wentworth?"
"Andrea?" John Ross asks.
"My guess is that Andrea was an alias Katherine Wentworth was using in those days. Lord and this Andrea had a son, Jonathon Lord, born in early 1989. The couple were married for six years and split up in 1993, after a second child was stillborn......in August, 1993."
"I see."
"Now, here's where things get interesting," Bum continues. "I was able to get a copy of Austin Wentworth's birth certificate. He was born, according to the birth certificate, in France, in August of......"
"Sure looks that way."
"And Katherine and Lord have TWO sons together.......Austin, and this......what was the other son's name?"
"Jonathon Lord," replies Bum.
"Well, now. Jeremy never mentioned that his son Austin lived here in Dallas and was running Wentworth Industries."
"Prob'ly because he duttin' even know," Bum says. "Remember what I just said a minute ago, John Ross? According to Lord's official biography, his second son with Andrea was supposedly stillborn."
"So what are you gonna do with this?"
John Ross looks at him. "I figure I owe it to Jeremy to tell him the truth. Let him know what that bitch of an ex-wife of his did to him. What better way to get rid of Katherine Wentworth than to let her ex-hubby do it for me?"
Meanwhile, Detective Steven Jones walks into the restaurant and makes his way up to the counter. Bum looks at the young man when he walks by their table. A waitress approaches the young detective at the counter.
"May I help you?" She asks.
"And to drink?"
"A Dr. Pepper, and a Diet Coke, both large."
"Okay, so we have two number ones, one with extra fries, the other with corn on the cob, a Dr. Pepper, and a Diet Coke?"
"That's it."
"Will there be anything else, sir?" The waitress asks.
"Nope, that's all. And that's to go, please."
"Okay, your total is $11.58."
Steven takes out his wallet, gives the waitress a $20 bill, then waits for his change. She gives him his change. Then, after a moment, she gives him two brown paper bags containing the food he has just ordered. "Thanks," he says.
"You're welcome. Have a nice day," the waitress says with a smile.
"You do the same, thanks," Steven says. He then turns and walks away as Bum watches him intensely, a
"Bum?" John Ross calls to his friend. "Hey, Bum."
As Steven is about to leave the restaurant, he notices Bum and John Ross. He and Bum exchange glares for a moment, then as John Ross turns and looks at him, Steven walks out of the restaurant.
"Bum, you okay?" John Ross asks. "You know that guy? You two sure seemed interested in one another."
"Yeah, John Ross, I know him," Bum says.
"Well who is he? Somebody you worked a case for?"
"No, John Ross," Bum says sadly, his voice shaking. "That was my son."
"Your.......your SON?" Asks a stunned John Ross. "Bum, I didn't know you had any kids. I didn't even know you'd ever been married. Or......were you?"
Bum nods. "I was married to his mother, a long time ago. But I hurt her, and the boy. And Steven, Jr. has never forgiven me."
John Ross looks at his friend, for the first time seeing Bum in a new light, now seeing him as a man with an actual life, a past, a family, rather than as just a private detective who always does his bidding.
The home of Marian Smith......Gilmer, Texas
"Oh my Lord," Marian gasps.
"Hello, Mama," the man says.
Marian smiles. "Mark. Oh, Mark," she says, embracing her son. "Oh, honey, how are you?"
"Just fine, Mama."
"Come in," Marian says.
Mark Smith follows his mother into her small home and looks around. "Old place sure never changes, does it?"
"Just fine, Mama. I was in Houston for a while, but I couldn't find work there. Once people find out I've been to prison a couple times, they don't wanna hire me."
"Oh, baby, I'm sorry."
"But I do have somethin' that might be profitable to me."
"Oh? What's that?" Marian asks.
"Sharon called me, Mama. She's in Dallas, and you won't believe who went to see her."
"Who?"
Mark turns to his mother and smiles. "Annie, Mama. Can ya believe that? My little sister went to see my wife and Annie was askin' about me."
Marian sighs. "Yeah. Your sister came to see me a couple months ago."
"Mama, why didn't you tell?"
"Because I sent her away. After what she did to your father, I want nothing more to do with that girl. Ever."
"Mama, come on. Sharon told me that Annie is married to a Ewing. A EWING, Mama. As in Ewing Oil of Dallas. Those people are billionaires."
"So?" Marian asks.
"So? Mama, my sister, YOUR DAUGHTER, is married to a guy who can make all of our troubles just disappear. And not only that, Mama, but Sharon's other kid, my stepson, is also loaded."
"Mark, what are you driving at?"
"Oh, I think it's time I paid a return visit to the Big D. I miss my wife and the boy, and........" he pauses as he looks at his mother and smiles. "Maybe it's high time I paid a visit to my baby sister. Annie and me, we got a lotta years to make up for."
Marian looks at her son with concern, afraid that Mark was hatching another get rich quick scheme, which might again land him in trouble.
Dallas Police Department....late afternoon
"What exactly can I do for you guys?" Jesse asks. "I thought I had answered all of your questions before."
"Well, there've been a couple other things that have come to our attention since the last time we talked to you, Jesse," says Scott. "Things we needed to clear up."
"What things?" Asks a nervous Jesse.
"Is it true that you were arrested in Baltimore two years ago for stalking your ex-girlfriend?" Asks Steven.
Jesse sighs as he lowers his head. Then he looks back up at the two detectives. "You guys obviously already know that I was, so why even ask?"
"We just wanted to see if you'd be honest with us."
"Why don't you tell us about it?" Scott asks.
"She made up a story about you stalking her?" Scott asks.
"Yeah. You know how girls are. Sometimes when they don't get their way, or when you dump them, they do whatever they can to mess up your life."
"So, you broke up with HER?" Steven asks.
"That's right," Jesse answers. "She was always too clingy. Kind of obsessed with me."
"Funny," Scott says. "But this report I have here from the Baltimore PD says the exact opposite. That Morgan Stoddard broke up with YOU, and that you were obsessed with her. You sent her cards, letters, flowers, and gifts, and wouldn't stop calling her."
"I kept calling her to get her to leave me alone," Jesse says. "And the flowers and stuff, I sent that stuff BEFORE I ended our relationship."
"Y'know, Matthews, we could easily call up Miss Stoddard and get her down here to either verify your story, or blow it out of the water."
"What good would that do?" Jesse asks. "We already know how that'd turn out. You cops have already made up your minds to believe Morgan's story, so she would just tell you a bunch of lies and you'd believe it. Besides, those charges were DROPPED. So why am I even here?"
"Mr. Matthews, where you were at around 8 PM last Saturday night?" Scott asks.
"I was at Afton's Lounge, at work."
"Did you use the phone at any time?" Steven asks.
"What is this all about?"
"Well, Mr. Matthews," Scott says. "Given your past history, and the fact that you came to work at Afton Cooper's lounge around the same time she started receiving these gifts from her secret admirer, that would place you at the top of our suspect list right now."
"What?" Jesse asks, upset. "That's nuts. I had NOTHING to do with sending Afton those gifts."
"So you're saying that you're not Miss Cooper's secret admirer?" Steven asks.
"No. I'm NOT. I would never do anything like that to Afton. I care too much for her, and she's been too good to me for me to ever wanna hurt her. You've gotta believe me."
The two young detectives exchange skeptical looks.
Cliff and Afton's apartment.....later
"Afton....." a deep, raspy voice calls to her. "Sweet Afton......"
As terror rushes through her body, Afton stands to her feet and drops the remote to the floor. "Who is it?" She cries out. "Who's there?"
"Hush......Hush, sweet Afton," the creepy voice says again.
"Who's calling me?" She asks, now in tears. "Please, stop it. Why are you doing this? Who are you?"
"Afton.....this is your mother," the voice says.
Now terrified almost to the point of fainting, Afton quickly runs for the door. As she throws the door open to run out, she finds Jan standing at the door.
"Jan," she says in tears.
"Afton? Oh my God," Jan says. "Afton, what's wrong with you?"
"Did....did you hear it?" Afton asks.
"Hear what?"
"That voice."
"Afton, I didn't hear anything," Jan says. She walks into the apartment and closes the door. "Afton, are you alright?"
"Yes, I.....I'm fine. Just my nerves are frazzled."
"Well, here, I brought you over some of my tea you like so much, freshly made," Jan says. "I'll pour you a cup."
"Thank you. The kitchen is right there," Afton says, pointing to the kitchen door.
Jan walks into the kitchen, gets a glass from the cabinet, and pours Afton some tea, then returns to the living room and hands the glass to her. "Here, drink this. It'll make you feel better."
"Thank you," Afton says. She takes a seat on the sofa and then takes a sip of the tea. "This is delicious."
"I really appreciate you bringing this over."
"It's my pleasure, Afton. Would you like for me to stay with you for a while?"
"No. I'm fine. What happened before........I'm sure it was just my nerves. I feel better now. I'm just going to curl up here on the sofa with an old movie until Cliff gets home."
"Okay, if you're sure. I'll head on home then. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yes," Afton says.
"Hope you get some sleep," Jan says. She smiles at Afton again, and then quickly leaves.
After Jan is gone, Afton finishes off the glass of tea. She picks the remote up and turns on the TV, and turns it to the Turner Classic Movies network. She gets up and walks into the kitchen, where she finds the jar of tea sitting on the table. She pours herself another glass, then returns to the living room, where she takes a seat on the sofa and begins watching the evening movie coming on television.
Meanwhile, as Jan walks out of the front entrance of the apartment building and gets into her car parked just down the street, she is unaware that she is being watched.
Jesse Matthews, having been questioned and let go by the police earlier, is sitting in his car watching Jan as she gets into her 2002 Ford Mustang. He continues to watch as Jan drives away, then he turns his attention on the apartment building across the street from him....... Afton's apartment building.