Previously on DALLAS:
----------------Ann and her brother Mark reconnected after years of estrangement. But Mark is not all he appears to be.
----------------Angered by his mother's deception concerning his father, Austin moved out of Katherine's house and into the Omni Hotel. He later met a young girl and slept with her.
----------------John Ross asked Bum to investigate Catlin Ewing.
----------------Michael Channing's private detective continued to trail Krystina.
----------------Emma continued to agonize over her pregnancy, and decided not to tell Lucas that he is the father of her baby.
----------------Afton recieved another bizarre gift and note from her stalker, again making her assistant Jan appear to be a suspect.
Lee Park in Dallas......afternoon
"Jeremy."
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me here rather than at the hotel restaurant, as we had originally planned."
"Because my son has checked into the Omni, and I didn't want you and I to be seen together," Jeremy replies.
"Your son? You mean Austin Wentworth?"
"Yes," replies Jeremy.
"And why do I have the feelin' that you had somethin' to do with that?" John Ross asks. "Why else would you be in Dallas?"
"And you've seen him?" John Ross asks.
"Yes. Austin knows the truth about everything. Of how his bitch of a mother lied to him and to me for all these years. John Ross, I want to thank you for telling me about my son. Had it not been for you, I would've gone on believing Austin to be dead."
"I know what it's like, Jeremy. Elena did the same to me."
"Yes, my........nephew's wife," Jeremy says.
"John Ross, I don't give a damn what you do to Michael Channing or his wife. But leave Richard Channing to me. I have waited a long time to bring my half-brother down, and I intend to do just that.......without any help, or interference from anyone."
"Fair enough," says John Ross. "I'll leave Papa Channing to you, unless........"
Jeremy looks at him. "Unless......what, John Ross?"
"Unless Richard Channing comes after my family again, the way he did a few months ago. If that happens, Jeremy, I intend to destroy that son of a bitch myself......and anybody who gets in my way."
Tripp and Pamela's apartment....
"Hey, babe," Tripp says on the other end of the line.
"Are you at Tracey's?" Pamela asks.
"Yeah, I just got here. I was just calling to make sure you're okay. Stomach feeling better?"
Pamela smiles. "I'm fine now. I think it was just something I ate that didn't agree with me."
"Well, I wish you could've come with me," Tripp says.
"So do I. But give Tracey my love, and tell her I'll see her soon."
"I will. Hey, I'll let you go. I'll be home in a couple of hours. You get some rest."
"I'll do that. I love you. See you when you get home." Pamela ends the call and puts her phone back down on the table. As she is about to walk into the kitchen, she is suddenly stricken with an agonizing pain in her stomach. She stumbles, but catches herself before falling by placing her hand on the wall. Another
"Pamela? Oh my God, honey, what's wrong?" Afton asks, grabbing her daughter's arm.
"I don't know. It hurts. Oh God, it hurts so much. My stomach. Something must be wrong."
"Come, sit down. I'm calling 911." Afton helps her daughter to the sofa and as Pamela tries to sit, her pain grows worse.
"Ohhhhh.....Mom, just make the call. HURRY!" Pamela cries.
"Yes, darling!" Afton takes her phone out and dials 911. An operator quickly answers. "Yes, this is Afton Cooper. I need an ambulance sent to 3839 McKinney Avenue, to the Turtle Creek Apartments. Building A, apartment 1219.. My daughter is almost 9 months pregnant and she's having terrible stomach pains. PLEASE HURRY!" Afton puts the phone down and tries to comfort her daughter, who is crying hysterically.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital......later
"Excuse me," Tripp says. "My wife was brought in here about a half hour or so ago. Her name is Pamela McKay."
"Yes, the doctor is examining Mrs. McKay now."
"Can I see her?"
"Tripp, Cliff," comes Afton's voice from behind the men.
They both turn and walk over to her. "Afton how is she?" Tripp asks.
"And what the hell happened?" Cliff asks.
"I don't know," Afton replies. "The doctor has been in with her for a while, and they haven't told me anything. I arrived at the apartment and found her doubled over in terrible pain."
"Tripp, this isn't your fault," says Afton. "If you had been there, there wasn't anything you could've done to prevent her from having these pains."
"I knew she wasn't feeling well, but I still left her."
"Come on, son," Cliff says. "You couldn't have known this was gonna happen.
"If I had just been with her."
"I'm gonna see if I can find out anything," Cliff says. He walks back to the nurse's station. "Excuse me," he says to the nurse on duty.
"Yes?"
"Can you tell me anything about how my daughter, Pamela Barnes McKay, is doing? She was brought in by ambulance a little while ago having stomach pains."
"I'll page Dr. Wilson," the nurse says.
"Thank you."
As Cliff waits impatiently, the nurse picks up the phone and pages Pamela's doctor. "Dr. Wilson will be with you shortly," the nurse tells Cliff afterward.
"Okay," Cliff says, then he walks back over to Afton and Tripp. "The nurse said Pamela's doctor is gonna be with us soon."
"Damn it!" Tripp says.
Afton places a reassuring hand on her son-in-law's shoulder.
Southfork....
"Yeah it is," replies John Ross.
"Alex is gonna be a wonderful big brother to Little John."
"And to our kids," John Ross says, looking at his wife with a smile.
"Which I can't wait to have," says Krystina.
"Neither can I, darlin'."
"You never told me where you hurried off to earlier," Krystina says.
"What?"
"When you went into town earlier," Krystina says. "Where'd you go?"
"Business? On a Sunday afternoon?"
"Sweetheart, sometimes the best and most successful deals are made outside the hustle and bustle of a regular business day."
"John Ross, are you up to something?" Krystina asks.
Heather climbs out of the pool and grabs a towel laying across a chair next to them. She dries her hair a little, and then wraps the towel around her waist. "You guys should get in," Heather says to John Ross and Krystina. "Water feels terrific."
"Maybe later," John Ross says, standing to his feet. "I got a couple calls to make. Excuse me, ladies," he says, walking off toward the house.
Krystina smiles. "Well, thank you, Heather. But in what way do you mean?"
Heather takes a seat on the lounge chair beside Krystina. "Well, he seems to have mellowed a lot since he met you. He doesn't seem like the same John Ross I knew when I worked here at Southfork two years ago. Back then all he thought about was himself. Once, he was gonna go over Bobby's head and drill for oil on Southfork and that would've put most of the hands outta work, includin' myself."
"John Ross has told me about that. And if I have been a good influence on him, then I'm glad about that."
Heather looks at Michael playing with Alex in the pool and smiles happily. "Michael sure has taken a likin' to Alex. Seems like a real good kid."
"He is. So, you and Lucas have been getting really close, haven't you?"
"Yes, we have."
"And when can we expect you to join the family?" Krystina asks.
Heather lets out a laugh. "Lucas and I aren't tryin' to rush things. For right now, we're just enjoyin' bein' together again and bein' with our son."
Krystina smiles.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital.....
"Dr. Wilson, how is my wife?" Tripp asks as the three gather around the doctor.
"Oh my God," Afton gasps.
"And what about the baby?" Tripp asks.
"The baby's vitals are strong. But we're going to have to act fast."
"Yes," Dr. Wilson replies. "We're giving Pamela fluids and blood transfusions to replace the blood she's lost. She has a rare blood type, but we were fortunate to have enough on hand to begin a transfusion."
"This is very serious, isn't it?" Tripp asks, almost as if in a daze.
"Yes. The Placental Abruption is severe enough to necessitate delivery of the baby as soon as possible."
"Please, so whatever you have to do," Tripp says. "But please, don't let my wife or my child die."
"I'm afraid I can't answer that at this point. Pamela is young and strong. And, the fetus was tested a while back for any problems, including Neurofibromatosis, which Pamela specifically asked that we test for, and everything came up negative, so the baby is healthy."
"Then what could've caused this?" Tripp asks.
"Any number of factors," replies Dr. Wilson. "A previous injury to Pamela's abdomen, a problem inside of her uterus, anything. Pamela's blood pressure is also very high, which could also be a cause. However, we can't be sure that this problem was caused by her blood pressure being elevated, or whether her blood pressure is up because of the stress she's under due to the condition. Now, Mr. McKay, I understand that you had planned to be present at the birth?"
"Yes."
"Then come with me. We have to get Pamela into delivery."
"Cliff, Afton, I'll let you guys know something as soon as I can."
"Thank you, Tripp," Afton says as Tripp follows Dr. Wilson from the room. After they are gone, a worried Cliff and Afton embrace.
Southfork....later
"Thank you for goin' with me to take Emma to the airport," Ann says.
"It's no problem, honey. I'm only sorry we couldn't convince Emma to stay on in Dallas instead of goin' back to San Francisco."
"So am I."
"Miss her already, don't you?" Bobby asks.
"Of course," Ann says sadly as he and Bobby start to open the sliding glass doors leading into the house.
Bobby stops and turns to his wife. "Honey, is everything alright with Emma? You and Emma both were awful quiet on the way to the airport, and you barely said three words the whole way back. Is somethin' else goin' on here besides you missin' her?"
Ann sighs. "Yes, Bobby, I'm afraid there is. Emma's pregnant."
"Yes. And Kevin Channing is the father."
Bobby sighs deeply. "Oh, brother," he says.
"I know this complicates things."
"Yeah, to say the least. Has Emma told the Channing boy?"
"No," Ann says. "That's what she was goin' back to California for."
"I knew somethin' was botherin' her yesterday. I could tell. I just thought it was bein' around Lucas and Heather."
"I'm sure that was part of it. But she's also worried about the baby. Her doctor told her that the baby could inherit that disease, Neurofibromatosis, because Emma's a carrier."
"Oh, Lord," Bobby says. "I'm sorry to hear that."
"I'm worried about her, Bobby. And about my grandbaby," Ann says as she begins to cry. Bobby puts his arm around his wife and they go into the house together.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital.....
"No, thank you, Cliff." He nods, then walks out of the room. After Cliff is gone, Afton gets up from her seat and walks to the window and looks out into the darkness. She leans her head against the window and begins to silently pray for her daughter and grandchild.
Meanwhile.....the delivery room
"Come on, Pamela," Dr. Wilson says. "Push....."
"I CAN'T!!!" Pamela screams.
"Yes you can, Pamela, come on, we're almost there."
"Come on, baby, you can do this," Tripp tells his wife.
"Push, Pamela," Dr. Wilson says. "Push!"
"OOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Pamela screams again as she does as the doctor says.
"I can see the head," Dr. Wilson says. "Come on, Pamela, give me another good push!"
Pamela lets out another scream as she pushes.
"There come the shoulders. Now, Pamela, I need you to push one more good time. Give it all you've got."
Again, Pamela lets out an ear splitting scream as she pushes one final time.
"There we go," Dr. Wilson says.
The next sound Pamela and Tripp hear is the sound of their baby crying. Pamela begins crying with joy as she looks up at Tripp.
Dr. Wilson looks at the couple. "Pamela, Tripp," she says, holding the crying infant. "You have a beautiful baby boy."
The Waiting Room.....a few minutes later
Afton and Cliff continue to pace around in the waiting room. Then, Tripp comes to the door.
"Cliff? Afton?" He says.
"Tripp," Cliff says.
Afton turns to face her son-in-law.
Tripp smiles. "Congratulations, Grandma and Grandpa," Tripp says. "You have a grandson."
Both Cliff and Afton gasp in surprised joy. "A boy?" Cliff asks. "I have a grandson?"
"Yes, you do. And I have a son. A beautiful son."
"How is Pamela?" Afton asks.
"She's exhausted, but she's fine. Dr. Wilson let her hold the baby, and then, she gave Pamela something to help her sleep."
"Can we see him?" Cliff asks. "I wanna see my grandson."
"Soon. They're examining him now. Since he was a couple weeks premature, Dr. Wilson wants to make sure he's perfectly healthy and everything."
Cliff and Afton turn to each other, huge smiles on their faces, and then embrace. "I can't believe it," Afton says happily. "We have a grandson."
Southfork......the next morning
"This weekend was beyond awesome," Lucas says. "I loved having you and Michael here."
Heather turns to face him. "It was nice, wasn't it?"
"Yeah. Y'know, Heather, we could have nice days, nice weekends, and nice nights like we had last night all the time."
"We could?"
"Yes, we could," Lucas says. "If you and Michael moved in here."
"Moved into Southfork?" Heather asks in surprise.
"Yeah, why not?"
"Why not? Lucas, I could name a whole list of reasons why NOT."
"Then do it," Lucas says. "Name ONE good reason why you and Michael shouldn't move in here with me."
"Alright. We just shouldn't. Michael's school is in Dallas, and Southfork is in Braddock County."
"Okay, well, we could always drive Michael to school, and it's May, so school is gonna be out real soon. So......can't use that as an excuse."
"What about Christopher?" Lucas asks.
"Well, there's our past."
"I thought you were over him."
"I am. I truly am."
"Then what's the problem? You and I are together now, and Christopher is with Courtney."
"Lucas....."
"Heather, look, I want a life with you and Michael. You told me you wanted the same thing. And if we're gonna have that, then, you and Christopher are always gonna be a part of each others' lives. He is my brother, after all. And......." Lucas pauses a moment before continuing. "Heather, y'know, I didn't get to grow up here at Southfork because I didn't even know that Bobby was my father until a couple of years ago. But since I've been here, I've come to love Southfork, and love this land. I've seen how Michael is when he's here."
Heather smiles. "He does love it here."
"I want my son to grow up here, Heather. This place, this beautiful Southfork, is part of Michael's heritage."
"Lucas, I'll THINK about it," says Heather. "Right now, that's the best I can do."
"Okay, then. I guess that's better than nothing. I love you, Heather."
"Oh, Lucas," Heather says, then kisses him.
The Krebbs Ranch....later
"Mornin'," he says.
"Good morning," Donna says.
"You didn't sleep much last night. I could feel ya tossin' and turnin' all night."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep you awake."
"Ya didn't," Ray says, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "I was havin' a little trouble sleepin' myself. Today's a big day for us."
"Uh, yeah, it is," Donna says.
"Nervous?"
"Aren't you?"
"I'd be lyin' if I said I wasn't. This is a real big step for us, takin' in these two young men. Especially Dylan, with all the problems he has. It's not too late to change our minds, ya know."
Donna looks at him. "No. I don't wanna change my mind. We're doing the right thing, Ray. I had my doubts at first, but, having spent some time with Dylan at the hospital, I think living here with us will be good for him. For all of us."
Smiling, Ray walks over to his wife and puts his arms around her. "I love you, Donna. And I know I did the right thing."
"You mean by asking the boys to come and live with us?" Donna asks.
"Nope. By marryin' you again," Ray replies with a smile.
Donna returns his smile, then kisses him.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....
"I'm always up for seeing my handsome husband."
"Well, how about your handsome husband's favorite aunt?" Tracey McKay asks, walking into the room with Tripp.
Pamela smiles. "Of course, Tracey."
Tracey walks over and gives her a hug. "Congratulations, I just saw my great-nephew, and he is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen."
"And I agree with that," Tripp says with a smile.
"Sure, Aunt Tracey."
"Pamela, we'll be back in a couple minutes," Tracey says as she follows Tripp out of the room, leaving Pamela curious as to why Tracey wanted to see Tripp alone.
"So, what's up, Aunt Tracey?" Tripp asks once he and Tracey are in the hall.
"On my way over here to see Pamela, I received a phone call from your grandfather's attorney," replies Tracey. "Your grandfather's will is going to be read day after tomorrow."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. I'm sure that you'll get a letter in the mail, or a call from Mr. Connors, your grandfather's attorney, but, I thought I'd go ahead and let you know."
"Thanks, Aunt Tracey, but you could've said this in front of Pamela. Why the secrecy?"
"After what she's been through, I didn't wanna bother her with business," Tracey says.
"Pamela's gonna be okay. It was touch and go there for a while, but she and the baby came through it."
Tracey smiles. "Come on, let's get back in there before your wife wonders what we're talking about."
Afton's Lounge.....later
"Afton, congratulations," Jesse says. "We heard the wonderful news about that grandchild of yours being born."
"You must be very proud," Jan says. "And we couldn't be happier for you."
"Wouldn't expect anything else from your grandchild," Jesse says, his words sounding a bit like flirtation, making Afton slightly uncomfortable and arousing a sly smile from Jan.
The smile disappears from Afton's face. "Thank you, Jesse," she says, her tone betraying her feeling of discomfort at Jesse's off- handed comment. "Excuse me. I have some work to do." Afton turns and walks away from the two, heading down the hallway to her dressing room.
Jan turns to Jesse. "Subtle, aren't we?"
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Jesse asks.
"Your flirting with Afton," Jan says. "Didn't you see the look on her face? Better be careful, Jesse, or everyone is gonna find out exactly what you're up to."
"Come on, Jesse. You're in love with Afton, and it won't be long before she and everyone else finds out that YOU are the one who's been sending her all those weird gifts and notes."
Jesse smiles. "You really are a troublesome little girl, you know that, Jan? I already told you to stay OUT of my way. Besides, you were the last one in and out of Afton's dressing room Saturday night when she found that latest gift from her stalker. So, that would make me think that YOU were the one who placed that gift in front of Afton's dressing room door."
"Jesse?" Afton's voice calls from behind him.
A surprised Jesse turns to face her. "Afton," he says nervously. "I didn't hear you."
"No, obviously you didn't," she says, walking over to the pair. "Jesse, how did you know that I found a gift outside of my dressing room door Saturday night? Pamela was the only other person who knew about that. I didn't tell anyone else, not even the police."
Jesse looks at Afton, a look on his face of being cornered, as Jan looks on with a smile. As he is about to say something, Afton's cell phone rings.
She takes the phone from her purse and looks at it. "Just hold on. I've gotta take this." Afton walks several feet away from Jesse and Jan and answers her phone. "Cliff, what do you want? Is anything wrong?"
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....
Afton's Lounge....
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....
Afton's Lounge....
"Afton, what's wrong?" Jan asks.
Afton turns to Jan and Jesse and looks at them. "I......I have to go," she says, then quickly rushes out of the club.
Jan looks at Jesse and smiles. "Well," she says. "Looks like you got lucky, AGAIN. Whatever that phone call was about, it saved your butt from having to answer a very awkward question." Jan laughs, then walks away, leaving Jesse angry.
The Krebbs Ranch.....early afternoon
"Well, Dylan, this is is," Ray says. "Your home for as long as you want it."
"Beautiful place, Mr. Krebbs," Dylan says.
"Now, Dylan, what'd I tell ya? Call me Ray. After all, we are family."
"Dylan, you just make yourself at home," Donna says. "Whatever is ours, is yours."
"Thanks, guys, I really appreciate everything."
"So how's it feel to be out of the hospital?" Conner asks.
"Feels great. But, a little weird. I've been there for so long, it feels weird to be out. To be free."
"You'll adjust," Ray says. "And we're here to help. Any way we can."
"Conner, why don't you show Dylan up to his room?" Donna asks. "Here's the key."
"Sure," Conner says, talking the key from Donna. "Come on, Dylan. I think you're gonna like your room."
Ray and Donna watch as Dylan follows Conner onto the front porch and into the house. Donna puts her arms around her husband. "Well, cowboy," she says. "We may not have been able to live together as a family when Margaret was growing up, but, it looks like we finally have that typical American family you always wanted."
Ray laughs.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....
"Cliff, what happened?" She asks frantically. "The baby? What's wrong?"
"Dear God. Has Pamela been told?"
"No," Tracey replies. "Tripp didn't want her to know until we had some news."
At that moment, Tripp comes down the hall and meets his in-laws.
"Well?" Cliff asks.
"How is the baby?" Asks Afton.
"Will he be alright?" Afton asks.
"They aren't sure. Dr. Wilson said she'd be out to tell us more soon, but they're gonna have to keep the baby in an incubator for a while, until he's stronger. Why? Why is this happening? Pamela and I were so happy. Everything was going so well with her pregnancy. She never had any problems at all until yesterday."
"Tripp, the baby will get stronger, and he'll make it," Tracey says, putting her arms around her nephew. "We have to believe that."
"Tracey's right," says Cliff. "We've gotta have faith."
"Honey, I'm gonna call Mr. Conner and see if we can't postpone the reading of your grandfather's will for now," Tracey says. "Until the baby and Pamela are doing better."
Tripp nods, then walks over to the window and looks out, deeply worried about his newborn son, and about how Pamela will react when she learns that their baby's life could be in danger.
Justin and Amanda's home....
"Thanks," he says.
"You're welcome."
Jimmy takes a sip of the lemonade and smiles. "Amanda, you make the best lemonade I have EVER tasted. And I really wanna thank you for helping me out with this fundraiser. I really had no idea of how to even get started."
"Sounds like you're kinda bored these days."
"Yeah, a little. Ever since Justin has been working for his father's Foundation, I'm home alone all day with not a whole lot to do but my housework and watch soaps. It's getting a little old."
"Like what?"
"Oh, I dunno, like........a job, maybe."
"A job?" Amanda asks.
"Sure, why not? After all, you worked as a secretary when you met John Ross, didn't you?"
Amanda sighs. "Yeah, back when I was working for Cliff Barnes to spy on the Ewings," she says sadly.
"Hey, come on," Jimmy says, reaching over and touching her hand. "That was a long time ago and you were a different person then."
"You're right, I am different now, but part of me will always regret what I did," Amanda says. "Hard to believe everything that's happened in my life since then. In the last year and a half, I married and divorced John Ross, became pregnant with his child, had a miscarriage, met and fell in love with Justin, and married him and settled into a quiet married life. Makes my head spin. But enough of that, we're supposed to be planning this fundraiser for the J.R. Ewing Foundation."
As Jimmy is about to say something, he is interrupted by a knock at the back door.
"Oh, hold on, Jimmy, I'll see who that is." Amanda gets up from her seat and walks to the door, opening it to find her brother Jeremy Shepherd. "Oh, Jeremy, come in," she says.
"Jeremy, you know Jimmy Beaumont, Justin's nephew?"
"Yeah," Jeremy says as he and Jimmy exchange nods.
"So, what can I do for you?" Amanda asks.
"Oh, uh, I have some receipts for Justin and a couple bills for him to look over when he has a chance, and I wanted to let you know that Dad will be out of town for a while."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, he got a call from some dude he use to work with about a job on a rig down in Houston, so he left this morning."
"How long will he be gone?"
"No idea. Couple months at least."
"Well, thanks, I'll make sure Justin gets these. You want some lemonade?"
"Nah, I'm fine. I brought my own water," Jeremy says. "I'd best get back to work. See ya later."
"Bye, Jeremy," Amanda says.
"Later, man," Jimmy says to Jeremy, who simply stops in the doorway, looks at him, and then leaves. "Your brother's not the friendliest guy in the world, is he?"
Amanda smiles. "No, he's not. But, he's cool. He had a difficult life with my father growing up, and, he's had a lot of struggles, so I think it made him this way."
"You've had a lot of struggles, too, Amanda, and you're not like that," Jimmy says. "In fact, you're one of the nicest, most caring people I know."
Amanda looks at Jimmy, flattered by the sweet comment he just gave her, and yet, at the same time, not knowing how to respond. She simply smiles at him, then retakes her seat at the table. "Shall we get to work? We have a lot of planning to do."
"Yeah. Let's get to work," Jimmy says, smiling at her.
Ewing Oil....late afternoon
Meanwhile....
"Hello, John Ross. I've got that information on Catlin Ewing you wanted me to get."
Ewing Oil....
Adair's Saloon....later
"John Ross," Bum says.
"Okay, so let's have what you got on Cousin Catlin."
Bum hands a folder to John Ross, who opens it and takes out some papers. "I did as you asked and did
"And what about Catlin?" John Ross asks.
"That's the interesting thing. Fred and Jeanne Ewing's marriage was a real troubled one. Fred was physically abusive to his wife, and as a result, Jeanne became an alcoholic and eventually had an affair with another man."
"Hmmmmm, sounds kinda familiar, duttin' it?" John Ross asks.
"Jeanne Ewing left her husband before Catlin was born, and it was assumed that this other man was the father. Catlin believed for most of his life that he was the illegitimate product of his mother's affair."
"But he's not?"
"No. About 15 years ago, a DNA test proved conclusively, that Fred Ewing was Catlin's father, so Catlin is
"Bum this is all well and good, and I appreciate you bein' so thorough on Catlin Ewing's paternity, but, what I'm really interested in is whether or not the man has any skeletons in his closet. Any criminal history? Any crazy ex-wives or ex-girlfriends I need to know about?"
"I was just savin' the best for last," Bum says.
John Ross looks at Bum with curiosity, wondering what he meant, and wonder- ing if Bum had found something that he could use to get rid of Catlin Ewing, Sr. and his son.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital.....that night
"Tripp......." Pamela says weakly.
Tripp takes a seat on the side of her bed, still holding her hand. "I'm here, Pamela."
Tripp chokes back tears as he lowers his head.
"It was horrible," Pamela says. "Thank God it was only a dream."
"Pamela," Tripp says, a tone of sadness in his voice.
"I can't wait to see my baby boy. To hold him in my arms. Can I see him now?"
"No, not right now, sweetheart," Tripp says.
Pamela looks up at him. "Why not? Tripp, why do you have that look on your face? Is something wrong? Is it the baby?"
Tripp nods. "He's sick, Pamela. It wasn't a dream that you had."
"The baby had some problems with his lungs. He was struggling to breathe. Dr. Wilson is taking real good care of him."
"I wanna see him," Pamela says. "Where is he?"
"He's in Neonatal Intensive Care," says Tripp.
"In.....Intensive Care?" Pamela cries. "This sounds serious."
"He's in an incubator for a couple days. But he's gonna be fine. We have to believe that, Pamela."
"No," Pamela says, breaking down in tears. "No, dear God, no. This can't be happening. Not again, this can't be happening again. I can't lose this baby the way I lost my twins."
"Pamela, stop," Tripp says. "Listen to me. We are NOT gonna lose our son. We have to hold on to faith and to hope."
"Tripp, I'm so scared," Pamela cries. Tripp leans over and embraces her as the young couple cries together, fearing their son's fate.
Southfork.....the next morning
"Why?" Lucas asks. "I really love havin' you both here. And Michael likes it here, too, dontcha, buddy?"
"I sure do. Can we stay, Mom?" Michael asks.
Heather stops in the foyer and turns to Lucas with a stern look. "No fair, usin' our son as leverage to convince me to move in here."
"Oh, good Lord," John Ross says, coming down the stairs with Krystina. "Can't you two give it a rest, already?"
Heather and Lucas pull out of the kiss. "Oh, come on, John Ross, you know how it is with young love," Heather says with a smile.
"Well, darlin', you and my cousin here aren't exactly teenagers, and there's a time and a place for everything."
"Oh, leave, 'em alone, John Ross," Krystina says, playfully swatting her husband on the shoulder.
"Come on, Heather," Lucas says. "Let's get out to breakfast."
John Ross and Krystina watch as Lucas, Heather, and Michael walk out of the foyer. "John Ross turns to his wife. "Darlin' you go on out to breakfast."
"Aren't you coming?"
"I'll be there in a minute. I got a phone call to make."
"Okay," Krystina says with a smile. John Ross gives her a quick kiss, then she turns and walks out. After Krystina is gone, John Ross takes out his cell phone and dials a number. On the fourth ring, someone
"That was fast," Krystina says as he takes his seat beside her.
"Just had to set up a meetin' for later, darlin'," he replies.
"Business?" Bobby asks.
"A little business, a little personal," John Ross says, eliciting a look of suspicion from Krystina.
"Michael, you'd better hurry up or you'll be late for school," Heather tells her son.
"Krystina, what are your plans for the day?" Ann asks.
"Well, I guess I should go do a little shopping for a new dress to wear to the fundraiser for the J.R. Ewing Foundation."
"Has Justin set a date for the fundraiser yet?" Lucy asks.
"It's gonna be two weeks from this Saturday night," replies John Ross.
"Well, Krystina, if you wouldn't mind some company, maybe Lucy and I could join you," Ann suggests.
"Sure, we'll make a day of it," says Lucy.
Krystina smiles. "I would love that. Heather, would you like to join us?"
"I'd love to, but, I've gotta work."
"Oh, sorry, I forgot."
"Well, if you will all excuse me," Christopher says as he stands from his seat. "But I'm gonna get goin'. Dad, John Ross, I'll see you both at the office later."
"See you later, son," Bobby says as Christopher leaves.
"I better get goin' too," John Ross says.
"Why the rush?" Krystina asks. "You hardly touched your breakfast."
"Not that hungry, darlin'. Besides, I have some work to do at the office and a real busy day ahead."
"Bye," Krystina says. John Ross gives her a quick kiss on the lips, then leaves as Krystina watches, curious as to why John Ross has been acting so secretive lately. A look of worry comes over her face, which does not go unnoticed by Lucy.
The Krebbs Ranch....
"Hey, bro, how's it going?" Conner asks.
"Fine," replies Dylan.
"How'd you sleep last night, first night in your new room?"
"That's great to hear. Well, you ready to go down to breakfast? Just wait til you taste Donna's cooking. Man she's one of the best cooks in the world."
"Conner, could you hold on just a second? I wanna talk to you about something."
"Yeah, sure. What's up?" Conner asks.
"I just wanted to say thanks."
"Thanks? For what?"
"For everything, bro. For bein' there for me all these months while I was in the hospital, and for convincing the Krebbs to let me come and live here. I don't know what I would've done without you, or them. I couldn't go back to Mom's."
"Dylan, you don't need to thank me. You're my brother."
"And that's another thing I wanted to thank you for. All these months, you've been more of a brother to me than Todd has. I can't tell you what that means to me."
Conner smiles. "Dylan, I've told you this before. Growing up as an only child, I was lonely. Real lonely, especially after my Mom left Dad and me. We moved around a lot, so I never had much chance to make many friends. I always use to wish that I had a brother. Now I have one. Hey, look, we'd better stop this before I get all teary-eyed. Come on, let's go down to breakfast."
"You go on," Dylan says. "Just give me a minute, and then I'll be right down."
"Sure, but don't be too long," Conner says, then walks out of the room.
After Conner leaves, Dylan walks over to his bed and sits down. After a brief hesitation, he opens the drawer to the nightstand beside his bed and takes out a framed photo of his family........John and Linda Baxter, Todd, and himself. A look of profound sadness comes over Dylan's face as he looks at the photo, then a tear trickles down his face.
Afton's Lounge......later
"Afton, hi, how are you?" Jan asks. "And how's the baby?"
"He's holding his own, Jan, thank you for asking. Listen, is Jesse here?"
"No, he hasn't shown up today."
Afton sighs. "Thank you."
"Is there anything I can help you with?"
"No, thank you, Jan. If Jesse does come in, tell him I wanna see him in my dressing room."
Jan smiles. "I sure will," she says. "Oh, by the way, some flowers came for you."
"Flowers?" Afton asks nervously.
"Yeah, I had them put in your dressing room."
Afton nods, then turns and heads down the hall to her dressing room. She pauses outside for a moment, then slowly opens the door and walks in. Sitting on her dresser is a large bouquet of beautiful yellow roses.......Afton's favorite. Hesitating at the door, she looks at the flowers for a moment, then walks over to them, laying her cell phone down beside the bouquet. A small envelope is inside. She takes the envelope and opens it to find a note inside. She opens the note and reads it: "Dear Afton, I know these are your favorites. In fact, there isn't much that I don't know about you, your family, or your loved ones. I have been watching and loving you from afar, but soon, that will change. You will be mine always and forever. We are destined for one another and nothing will keep us apart, not even that old man you are shacking up with. Soon, he won't be a problem......" Afton stops reading and gasps, the vague threat against Cliff frightening her. She reaches for her phone on the dresser just as it begins to ring. After a second ring, she picks up the phone and looks at the screen. UNKNOWN NAME, UNKNOWN NUMBER. Against her own better judgement, Afton answers the call. "Hello?" She says nervously.
"Did you get my flowers?" Asks a deep, raspy voice on the other end of the line, a voice that sounds heavily disguised.
"Who is this?" Afton asks, her voice shaky with fear.
"You KNOW who this is, Afton," the voice says. "Your secret admirer. Congratulations on the birth of your grandson. The child is absolutely adorable."
"What? You've seen my grandson?"
"Of course I have. I want to be involved in EVERY part of your life, Afton. And soon......very soon, I WILL be."
"LEAVE ME ALONE, YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!" Afton yells into the phone, then throws it to the floor, her entire body shaking with fear.
Meanwhile....
Stone Oil....
"Yes, sir," the secretary says with a smile.
"Thanks," Brad says. He walks back into his office and as he heads to his desk, his cell phone begins to ring. He takes it out of his pocket and looks at it, then answers. "Hello," he says. "This is Bradley Stone." He
Meanwhile....Cliff and Afton's apartment
"Well, hey, that's great," Cliff says. "Alright, I'll meet you there in a little while." Cliff puts his phone down and smiles, hoping for some good news for a change.
Southern Methodist University......
"Katie, what are you doing?" Jimmy asks.
"Darn, you guessed it was me," Katelyn says as she removes her hands from Jimmy's eyes and walks around the bench to face him. "So, what's up, babe?"
"Just got out of Dr. Davis's Business Administration class."
"Cool. Then I'm just in time. I have an hour break now before my next class, so, how about we go grab some lunch?" Katelyn asks.
"Justin and Amanda's? Why are you going out there in the middle of the day? Isn't Justin at work?"
"Yeah, but, Amanda is helping me put together that fundraiser for the Foundation dedicated to my grandfather's memory. Remember, I told you about it."
"Oh, that's right," Katelyn says, the smile disappearing from her face. "Okay, then, how about dinner tonight?"
"Ummm, I'm having dinner at Justin and Amanda's tonight. But, I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you came, too."
"Uhh, yeah, okay. Fine. Can you pick me up?"
"Yeah, sure, I can," Jimmy says, standing to his feet. "Listen, I've gotta get goin'. I'll see you tonight. I'll text you." Jimmy quickly hurries off. Katelyn sighs with frustration, at a loss for how to get Jimmy more interested in her.
Reunion Tower.....afternoon
"Hello, Catlin," John Ross says as he takes a seat across from the older man.
"That's quite alright, John Ross," says Catlin. I must say I was surprised to get your call asking me to meet for lunch."
"Well, you and my Mama seem to be gettin' pretty close. So, I thought it was time you and me got to know each other a little better."
"Fine with me."
"So, just how serious are you and Mama gettin'?" John Ross asks.
"I find your mother to be a very special lady, John Ross. I've come to care for Sue Ellen very much. And I think she feels the same about me."
"Is that a fact? You're a little younger than Mama. How old are you?"
"I'm 53, John Ross."
"53," John Ross says with a smile. "Say, are you into sports?"
"As a matter of fact, I am."
"Good. Like football?"
"Yes, I do."
"Cowboys fan?" John Ross asks.
"Yes, I do, both the Dallas Cowboys and the Wyoming Cowboys," replies Catlin. "John Ross, what's this all about? I'm sure you didn't ask me to lunch just to talk about football and find out what my favorite teams are."
John Ross smiles. "Well, you're right about that."
"Then what is it you really want?"
"Alright, cousin Catlin," John Ross says. "What I really want.......is to talk about your wife."
A look of anger comes over Catlin's face as John Ross mentions his wife.
Northpoint Medical Arts Building....
"Hello, gentlemen, sorry to have kept you waiting," the man says.
"That's quite alright," says Brad.
"Yeah, yeah, okay we're here, now, do you have the results of our DNA test?" Asks an impatient Cliff.
Cliff's mouth drops open in a pleased state of shock while Brad simply sits stunned. "You're absolutely sure?" Cliff asks. "I mean there couldn't be any mistake?"
"None at all," the doctor replies. "You two are father and son."
Cliff looks at Brad and smiles. "Well I'll be damned. I always
Brad, however, is stunned, upset, and angry that his mother lied to him as his mind is filled with a wide range of emotions...