Previously On DALLAS:
--------------Krystina began to become suspicious of John Ross's secretive, mysterious behavior.
--------------Lucas asked Heather to move into Southfork with him.
--------------Bum gave John Ross some information on Catlin Ewing.
--------------Tripp and Pamela's baby boy was born, but soon suffered a respiratory emergency.
--------------Dylan and Conner moved in with Ray and Donna.
--------------Afton received an ominous note and phone call from her stalker.
--------------The DNA results proved that Brad Stone is Cliff's son!
Brad Stone's apartment....
Dallas Police Department....
"I'm fine, Cliff, just very shaken," Afton replies.
"What the hell happened? You were so upset on the phone I couldn't understand what you were trying to tell me."
"Miss Cooper received a bouquet of flowers, a note, and a phone call from this guy who calls himself her 'secret admirer,'" replies Detective Scott Miller.
"A phone call?" Cliff asks. "What'd the creep say?"
"A threat? The guy actually THREATENED you?" Cliff asks.
Afton looks at him. "No. His threat was against you, Cliff," she says. "And in his phone call, he mentioned our grandson."
Cliff's mouth falls open and his eyes grow wide with shock as he hears that he himself has been threatened by Afton's so called secret admirer.
The Krebbs Ranch....
"Come on, Mom," Todd says to her. The two walk onto the front porch of the house and Todd rings the doorbell. After a moment, Donna opens the door.
"Yes, may I help you?" Donna asks.
"Mrs. Krebbs?" Todd asks.
"Yes?"
"I'm Todd Baxter, Dylan's brother. This is my mother, Linda."
"Well, hello," Donna says.
"Is my son here, Mrs. Krebbs?" Linda asks.
"He is. Please, come in." Donna steps aside as Todd and Linda walk into the house.
Linda pauses in the foyer and looks around the home. "I must say, I was very surprised to learn that my son had moved in here upon his release from the hospital," Linda says in her thick southern accent.
Before Donna is able to say anymore, Dylan comes down the stairs with Conner. Dylan stops before reaching the bottom of the stairs, as he is surprised to see his mother and older brother there. "Mom? Todd? What are you guys doing here?"
"We, uh, we came to see you, darling," Linda says. "As I was telling Mrs. Krebbs, I was astonished to learn that you had left the hospital and moved in here with these........lovely folks."
"Dylan, why didn't you come home?" Todd asks.
"Home?" Dylan asks. "Exactly what and exactly WHERE is that, Todd? Back to Mom's house?"
"Of course," Todd replies. "Dylan, that's your home, and we're your family. Instead of coming home to your family, you move in here with strangers?"
"That's hardly fair, sweetheart," Linda says. "Your brother would have visited more often, but, he was quite preoccupied with trying to find employment, and with helpin' me."
"And what about you, Mom?" Dylan asks. "Were you so busy all those months that you couldn't even come see me, even at Thanksgiving or Christmas?"
"Dylan, I just couldn't bear to see you in that horrid place," Linda says. "It would have been too much to bear."
"You mean it would've been too embarrassing," says Dylan.
Linda looks at Conner and then at Donna. "Would it be too much to ask, Mrs. Krebbs, that Todd and I might speak to my son alone for a while?"
"Well, I think that's really up to Dylan, whether or not he wants to speak to you alone," Donna says.
"And I think it's pretty obvious he doesn't wanna talk to you alone," Conner says.
"Look, kid, why don't you just stay the hell out of this and mind your own business, huh?" Todd asks.
"Whatever concerns Dylan IS my business."
"This is between me, my mother, and MY brother, and this is none of your damned business, so stay out of it," Todd says.
"What the hell do you mean by that, you little punk?" Todd asks, moving closer to Conner.
"Guys, just stop it!" Dylan says, losing patience with his two brothers.
"My sentiments, exactly," Donna says. "Dylan?"
"It's okay, Donna. I'll talk to them."
"Okay. Conner, let's go into the kitchen and give them some time," Donna says.
Conner and Todd glare angrily at each other for a moment, as if sizing each other up for some future battle, then Conner follows Donna through the dining room and into the kitchen. After they're gone, Dylan walks
"Well, this is certainly a quaint little home," she said. "I find it hard to believe you are happy livin' here, Dylan."
"Why, Mom?" Dylan asks.
"Well, I'm quite sure that the Krebbs are lovely people, but, Dylan, come on....."
"Mom, just stop right there. You're right. Ray and Donna are wonderful people. Since I've been here, we sit down to dinner together, as a family. How often did WE do that? If I need someone to talk to, Conner's always there for me. Can you say the same, big brother?"
"Dylan, I'm sorry," Todd says. "I know that I haven't been a very good brother to you, especially this last year. I've been so caught up in my own problems, my own life, that, I pushed you to the side, and for that I AM sorry."
"Look, I love you both. I do," Dylan says. "But I'm not coming home. This is my home now. Believe it or not, Mom, I AM happy here. And I can't go back to the way it was before. The dysfunction, the sweeping everything under the rug that made us uncomfortable or embarrassed us? I can't live like that anymore. Look at what the secrets did to our family. Mom, you had an affair with Jack Ewing and I'm the living, breathing proof of that. And that lie drove John Baxter to murder my biological father. And what about you, Todd? You spent your whole life trying to be someone you're not because you were too afraid to come out to your own family as gay. Instead, you let some jerk like John Ross Ewing blackmail you and ruin your life. Todd, you tried to kill yourself rather than have your family find out you were gay. What kind of family is that? It's not one that I wanna be a part of. Not anymore, because being a member of the Baxter family nearly destroyed me."
"Dylan......" Linda says.
"Mom, don't," Todd says. "Come on. Let's go."
"Todd, I am not finished."
"Yes, we are, Mom," Todd says.
Linda looks at her younger son for a moment and remains silent. Then, she turns and walks out of the house.
Todd looks at his brother. "Dylan, I'm sorry. Sorry that I wasn't a better brother. And I'm sorry that things turned out this way. For you, for all of us. I just want you to know that, even though I may not have acted like it.......I love you, little brother. I always will. Just be happy." He turns and starts to leave.
"Todd," Dylan calls to him.
Todd stops in the doorway and looks back at him.
Dylan walks over to Todd. "I love you, too."
Todd smiles at Dylan, then nods, and walks out of the house. After his brother is gone, tears begin falling down Dylan's cheek. Outside, Todd gets into his mother's car, where Linda is already waiting for him in the passenger seat.
"Why did you tell me to let's go?" Linda asks. "I came here to bring your brother home with us."
"No, Mom," Todd says. "Dylan's right. Everything he said is absolutely right. This family.........it's finished. And Dylan is much better off here. Maybe the poor kid can finally be happy with a functioning family." Todd starts the car, and then drives away from the Krebbs home.
Meanwhile, Dylan is looking through the window on the front door, watching as his mother and brother drive off. Conner walks into the foyer and approaches him. "You okay, Dylan?" Conner asks.
Without turning around to face Conner, Dylan nods. "I.......I'm gonna go for a walk," he says, opening the front door.
"No," replies Dylan. "I just wanna be alone for a while." Dylan walks out of the house as Donna comes into the foyer.
"I should go with him," Conner says.
"No," says Donna. "He needs time to himself."
"But he's upset after seeing his Mom and Todd."
"Yes, he is. But Conner, Dylan needs time to adjust. This is all a real big adjustment for him. I know you're worried about him, but you can't smother him with concern, wanting to be with him 24 hours a day and hold his hand every time somethin' upsets him. In order for Dylan to get better, he has to learn to stand on his own two feet. Now that doesn't mean that you can't be there for him when he needs you. Ray and I will, too. You've made it clear to Dylan that you're here for him whenever he needs you, right?"
"Well, sure I have," replies Conner.
Donna puts her hand on the young man's shoulder. "Then trust him to reach out when he needs somethin'. But, at the same time, watch him, and be there to help him up when he stumbles. NOT pick him up, but HELP him up." Conner nods and smiles slightly, realizing that Donna is right. She gives Conner's face a motherly touch as she smiles. "Hey," she says. "Why don't you and I go into the kitchen and start dinner? Ray is gonna be real hungry when he comes home from Fort Worth, and Dylan'll prob'ly work up an appetite on his walk, too."
"Sure," Conner says with a smile, then he follows Donna back into the kitchen.
The Omni Hotel.....evening
"Good evening," she says, walking into the suite.
"Hello, Sue Ellen," Catlin says.
"Catlin, is something wrong?"
"No, why do you ask?"
"Oh, Sue Ellen, I'm sorry. I did forget. I just walked in the door not two minutes before you arrived. Look, it'll only take me a few minutes to go take a quick shower and change clothes."
"Catlin, never mind dinner. It's YOU I'm concerned about. You seem very distracted. What is it?"
Catlin sighs and then pauses a moment before answering her question. "Sue Ellen, we do need to talk."
"This, umm, sounds serious," Sue Ellen says. "Usually whenever someone says we need to talk, it's bad news."
"No, not exactly," Catlin says. "There's something I haven't been completely honest with you about."
She walks over and takes a seat on the sofa. "Alright. I'm listening."
Catlin walks over to her and takes a seat beside her. "It's about my wife, Brittany."
"You mean your EX-wife?" Sue Ellen asks.
"That's the problem, Sue Ellen. My divorce from Brittany was never finalized."
"What? Never finalized?"
"That's right."
"But, you told me that you and Brittany were divorced six years ago."
"We separated six years ago. A year later, I filed for divorce. But, Brittany wouldn't sign the divorce papers, and then, she disappeared, so I had no idea where she even was. Our son, Catlin, Jr., didn't even have any idea where his mother was."
"But you know where is now?" Sue Ellen asks.
"Yes. Thanks to John Ross."
"John Ross?" Asks a surprised Sue Ellen. "I don't understand."
"Your son felt the need to dig into my past. And, somehow, he was able to do something I had not been able to do, and that's find out where Brittany is."
Sue Ellen nods. "Bum," she says, an angry look on her face.
"Excuse me?" Catlin says.
"Bum. That's the private detective the Ewings always use whenever they need some investigative work done. He was a close friend of J.R.'s, and Bum has a knack for finding information.......and people.......that no one else is able to find."
"You don't seem too surprised that John Ross had me investigated," Catlin says.
Sue Ellen looks at him. "Knowing how much like his father John Ross is........I'm not at all surprised. I'm just angry as hell at my son for meddling into something that's none of his affair."
The Krebbs home....later that night
"Well, after meeting that woman, I can understand why," Donna says as she and Ray climb into bed. "If Linda Baxter had been my mother, I might've ended up with a few emotional problems myself. How a man as sweet, and nice as Harv Smithfield ever had a daughter like her, is beyond me."
Ray laughs. "Come on, now, honey, don't you think you're bein' a little harsh?"
"You weren't here, Ray. You didn't see how she came in, her nose so high in the air that if it had been raining, the woman would've drowned for sure. She looked over the place like she was the Queen of England visiting a peasant's shack in the country."
Ray looks at his wife and smiles. "Ya know, I kinda like seein' you all fired up like this. I also love how motherly you are with Conner and Dylan."
"I know that Conner and Dylan are technically adults, but, I have to admit it, it feels kinda nice stepping into the role of mother again."
"You're a wonderful mother to Margaret, and those two young men are real lucky to have somebody like you lookin' out for 'em."
"Well they're lucky to have you, too, Mr. Krebbs."
"Y'know, it was just about a year ago, at Margaret's weddin' that Jenna overheard the two of us talkin' about still bein' in love, and she asked me for a divorce."
Donna sighs. "Wow. One year. An awful lot has happened since then."
"Sure has. And almost all of it good."
Donna looks at him and smiles. "Let's get some sleep. I love you."
"I love you too, Donna. And thank you."
"What are you thanking me for?"
"For comin' back into my life. For marryin' me again after all these years. For agreein' to take in Conner and Dylan. For everything. For bein' the love of my life."
Donna smiles again, kisses Ray, then turns off the light beside her bed.
Southfork....the next morning
"Heather, what's wrong?" Lucas asks.
"That was Mr. Crothers, the manager of my apartment building. The damage from the water was worse than they originally thought, and, it looks like it's gonna be a long time before my apartment is repaired and I can move back in."
"Oh? Well, isn't that a shame," Lucas says, trying to conceal his elation over the news.
"Well you sure don't sound too broken up about it," says Heather.
"Because I'm not. Honey, come on. We have the perfect solution here."
"Which is for me and Michael to move in here?"
"Exactly," Lucas says. "Heather, it's perfect. I love havin' you and Michael around. And Bobby loves havin' his grandson here. Besides, what else are you gonna do now that your apartment is uninhabitable?"
"I could always look for another place."
"And what would be the point of that when you have a home right here?"
Heather smiles as she kisses him. "Come on. Let's get down to breakfast. Then I have to get Michael to school and myself to work."
"Alright, I'll think about it," Heather says. "But that's ALL I can promise."
"Hey, what are you two bickerin' about?" Bobby asks as they take their seats at the table.
"I've been trying to convince Heather to move in here with Michael, and now that her apartment is uninhabitable, she has no excuse, or anywhere else to go," replies Lucas.
"Uninhabitable?" Ann asks.
"I thought your landlord was supposed to have your apartment fixed soon," Christopher says.
"He was supposed to," says Heather. "But the water damage is much worse than he originally thought. He called me just now and said it's gonna take a long time for the repairs, and several apartments on that side of the building are unfit to live in right now."
"Oh, that's a shame," Ann says.
"What's a shame?" John Ross asks, walking onto the patio with Krystina.
"About Heather's apartment," Bobby replies. "Looks like she's not gonna be able to move back in for quite a while."
"Well, Heather, why don't you and Michael just stay here?" Krystina asks.
"You know we would love to have to," Bobby says. "And I'm sure Michael would love it, wouldn't ya, bud?"
"I sure would," the little boy says. "I really like it here. Can we, Mom? Can we stay?"
Lucas looks at her and smiles. "Well? Looks like it's pretty unanimous. So you can't possibly say no."
"You guys, you're ganging up on me," Heather says.
"Well, if I were you, I'd just go ahead and say yes," says Ann. "Lucy, Krystina, and I would be glad to go into town and pack up some of your things while you're at work today."
"Well, now, itn't this nice?" John Ross asks sarcastically. "Looks like we're all gonna be just one BIG, happy fam'ly," he continues, looking across the table at Christopher, who looks less than pleased at the thought of having his ex-girlfriend move into Southfork with his brother.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital......later
"Morning, Cliff," Tripp replies.
"How's my little grandson?"
"Well, that's good news," Cliff says. "How's Pamela?"
"She's fine. She's sleeping. Neither of us got much sleep at all last night, and the nurse gave her something to help her sleep, so she dropped right off after breakfast."
"Good, good. Sleep is the best thing for her right now. At least when she's sleeping, she's resting and not worrying about the baby."
"Where's Afton?" Tripp asks. "I thought she was coming by this morning."
Cliff sighs. "She's asleep, too. We had kind of a rough afternoon yesterday. Afton received another gift from that creep who's been stalking her. Or, rather, a bouquet of flowers with a creepy note, and then a phone call."
"Oh my God. She must be going crazy wondering who this nutcase is."
"Yeah, we both are. I hired a private security guard for her. He's stationed outside the apartment, and she's gonna have a body guard with her wherever she goes until this jerk is caught."
"I'm sorry she's going through all that," Tripp says. "Especially with you and she worrying about Pamela and the baby."
"Yeah. Oh, speaking of which, have you and Pamela decided on a name for my grandson yet?" Cliff asks with a smile.
"Yes, we have. And we're gonna name him Hunter Thomas Carter McKay."
Meanwhile, down the hall, the elevator doors open and Tripp's mother, Sharon Smith, and her husband Mark step off. Sharon looks around and then spots Tripp down the hall. She and Mark walk over.
"Tripp," Sharon says.
Hearing his mother's voice from behind him, Tripp turns to face her. "What are you doing here? I thought you had left town by now."
"Of course not," Sharon says. "And I came to see my grandson."
"Umm, excuse me," Cliff says. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting. I'm Cliff Barnes, Pamela's father. And you are?"
"I'm Sharon Smith. Tripp's mother. And this is my husband, Mark Smith."
"Mark," Cliff says, extending his hand.
"Barnes," Mark says, shaking hands with Cliff. "You are Emma Ryland's father?"
"Yes, I am. How do you know Emma?"
Cliff's mouth falls open in shock. "What did you just say?"
"What?" Asks a stunned Tripp. "You're married to Bobby Ewing's wife's brother?" He asks Sharon.
"You mean you didn't know?" Cliff asks his son-in-law.
"No, I had no idea. Until the night of my grandfather's funeral, I hadn't even seen my mother since I was 7-years-old."
"Tripp, I'm very pleased to meet you," Mark says. "I've looked forward to meeting you for a long time now."
"Yeah, sure," Tripp says.
"So, how is the baby?" Sharon asks.
"Not so good," Tripp replies. "He's had some problems, but, hopefully, he's gonna be okay."
"And Pamela?"
"She's fine."
"I'd love to say hello to her. She's such a lovely girl, and so sweet."
Cliff smiles. "Thank you. Her mother and I are very proud of her."
"Pamela's asleep now, so it's not a good time," Tripp says.
"That one right up front," Cliff replies, pointing the infant out.
Sharon steps closer to the window and looks at him. "Oh, Tripp, he is so precious. He reminds me of you and Hunter when you were born."
Tripp looks angrily at his mother. "Cliff, would you excuse me?" He asks. "I'm gonna go and check on Pamela." Without another word, Tripp walks away from the three.
Sharon watches her son sadly as he walks away.
Ewing Oil....
He turns around to see his mother standing there, an angry look on her face.
"Well, when I was a kid, I use to call it DAYDREAMIN'," John Ross says sarcastically. "What's got you so pissed off this mornin'?"
"No, I'm not surprised at all, I'm just irritated that you went behind my back and had him investigated."
"Well it's a good thing I did, otherwise we never woulda known that Catlin Ewing is a married man."
"Catlin and his wife have been separated since 2010," Sue Ellen says.
"But they're STILL legally married."
"Well now that you and Bum have located Catlin's wife, it's only a matter of time before he rectifies that and obtains his divorce."
"And then what?" John Ross asks. "Then what happens between you and Catlin Ewing?"
"And then........that is NONE of your business, John Ross," Sue Ellen says, then starts to leave the office.
"Y'know, Mama," says John Ross, causing Sue Ellen to stop and turn back to him. "Not too long ago, you gave me a little speech about how you had to look out for me and protect me from my own bad decisions and poor judgement. That's all I'm tryin' to do for you."
"And I do appreciate it, John Ross. Don't think for one minute that I don't. But I am a grown woman, capable of running my own life, and, occasionally, of making my own mistakes. Catlin Ewing is a good man. He reminds me quite a bit of Bobby."
"You've known Catlin Ewing for just a few months, and already you know enough about the man to compare him to Uncle Bobby?"
"John Ross, I love you. But stay OUT of my love life." Sue Ellen walks out of her son's office, closing the door behind her.
"Sorry, Mama, but I'm afraid I can't do that," John Ross says after Sue Ellen is gone. He takes his cell phone from his pocket and dials a number. He waits impatiently for an answer. Finally, on the fourth ring, Bum
Stone Oil....later
"Thank you, Brenda," Brad says. "Show him in."
A moment later, Brenda walks into the office, followed by Cliff. "Can I get you anything, Mr. Barnes?" She asks.
"No, thank you, I'm fine," says a smiling Cliff.
"Mr. Stone, would you mind if I took an early lunch?" Brenda asks. "I have some errands to run."
"Yeah, you go right on ahead, sweetheart," Cliff tells her. "Because I'm gonna take your boss out to lunch."
Brenda looks at Brad.
"Go ahead, Brenda," Brad says. "Take all the time you need."
Brenda smiles. "Thank you," she says, then walks out, closing the door behind her.
Brad stands to his feet and walks to his bar. "Drink?"
"Don't mind if I do. But only one, because, like I told your secretary, I'm taking you out to lunch."
"I appreciate it, but that's really not necessary," Brad says.
Brad sighs. "That's sure gonna take some getting use to," he says, handing Cliff his drink. Brad then walks back to his desk.
"Yes, it will. Brad, look, I know this is gonna be a really big adjustment for you. But I've gotta tell ya, this makes me really happy. I always wanted a son. By the way, have you told your mother about the DNA test yet?"
"No, I haven't. My mother has been in Europe for the last couple of weeks. She's supposed to be back in a couple of days, and when she does get back.........I have no idea what the hell I'm gonna say to her. The woman lied to me my entire life."
"I know," Cliff says. "I can't believe Marilee kept this from both of us all these years. I had a right to know that I had a son. And as for you.........I truly hope that you will let me be a father to you. If I had known you were my son, you would've been a part of my life all along. I also want you to meet and get to know your two sisters, Pamela and Emma."
"Look, can we just slow down a little here?" Brad asks. "We JUST got these DNA results a couple days ago that prove you're my father."
Cliff smiles. "Okay, I'm sorry. I know that I'm moving too fast here. I have a tendency to get a little over eager sometimes. It's just that I'm excited about this. And I have 38 years to make up for."
"If anyone has any making up to do, it's my mother. I don't think I'll ever forgive her for lying to me."
"I understand how you feel," Cliff says.
"How could you possibly understand?"
"How so?" Brad asks.
"When I was 5-years-old, not long after Pam was born, our mother left us. Our daddy, Digger, told us she had died, so Pam and I grew up believing that our mother was dead. It wasn't until 30 years later, when Digger was on his death bed, that he confessed the terrible truth to us.......our mother'd had an affair with a ranch hand named Hutch McKinney, who worked out at Southfork Ranch. Mama became pregnant by McKinney. Pregnant with Pam. When Digger found out, he shot and killed McKinney, and then buried the body on Southfork, where it remained undiscovered until 1980. When he was dying, Digger confessed everything. Pam was devastated. But, at least we now knew that our mother was alive. Pam hired a private detective and found her. She was remarried and living in Houston with her second husband, Herbert Wentworth."
"Katherine's father," says Brad.
"Yeah. Katherine's father," Cliff continues. "After old man Wentworth died, our Mama came back into our lives. See, she had never told him that she had been married to Digger, or that she had two other kids. It took a while, but eventually, both Pam and I established a relationship with our mother. So, you see? I know exactly how you feel right now, son."
"Wow. That's quite a story. Quite a family history."
"Hey, how about that lunch?" Cliff asks. "We can sit down and talk some more."
Brad looks at him for a moment. "Sure, why not?" He says, standing from his seat.
"I have an awful lot to tell you," Cliff says as the two men leave the office.
Afton's Lounge....
"Afton," Jan says. "I didn't expect you to come in today."
"I couldn't stand sitting at home," Afton says. "I went by the hospital to see Pamela and the baby, and then decided I'd come here for a while and get some work done."
"How are Pamela and the baby?" Jan asks.
"Pamela's doing fine. The baby is making progress and hopefully they can take him off oxygen tomorrow."
Jan smiles. "That's good news. Do the police have any leads on your stalker?"
"No, not yet," Afton replies with a sigh.
"I can't even imagine how unnerved you must be."
"Yes, it's definitely been hard," Afton says as Jesse Matthews walks in. Afton looks at Jesse for a moment, and then walks over to him. "I'm not in the mood right now," she says. "But you and I are going to have to have a little talk later."
"Sure," replies a nervous Jesse. "Anytime."
Afton gives him another displeased look, then walks past Jesse and toward her dressing room as he watches.
"You may as well go and pack your little things and get outta here," Jan says.
"What the hell are you talking about now, Jan?"
"It's pretty obvious that Afton is on to you, Jesse. You've been acting really suspicious around here, and somehow, you knew about the gift that was left outside of Afton's dressing room last Saturday, when she said she hadn't told anyone else. So, unless you're Afton's stalker, how could you have known about that?"
"Jan, you really better be careful about making these kind of accusations," Jesse says.
"Threatening me, Jesse?" Jan asks.
"No. Not at all. It's just that I don't like being threatened. Besides, you're the one who stands the most to gain by tormenting Afton."
The smiles disappears from Jan's face. "Me? You've gotta be kidding. What possible motive would I have for being Afton's stalker?"
"Oh, I dunno, maybe........a chance at the spotlight? After all, you ARE Afton's stand in here at the club. Whenever she's incapacitated, or unable to perform, you go on stage in her place. Sure would be a big break for you if some talent agent happened to be here one night when you had to perform in Afton's place, wouldn't it?"
"You're an idiot, Jesse, and you trying to throw suspicion off yourself isn't gonna work," Jan says. She moves closer to Jesse. "You see, I know what you're all about, Jesse Matthews. And about your prior arrest for stalking."
"You listen to me, you little bitch," Jesse says, gabbing Jan by the arm. "You spread any of this crap about me, and I promise, you WILL be sorry."
"Let go of my arm before I scream bloody murder," Jan says. "Then your ass really WILL look guilty." She pulls out of Jesse's grip, then walks away from him.
Jesse watches Jan as she walks away, a look of anger combined with fear on his face.
Perry's Steakhouse And Grille.....
"Excuse me, you two go on ahead," Krystina tells Ann and Lucy. "I'm gonna go powder my nose."
"We'll be in the car," Ann says.
Krystina smiles, then goes into the ladies' room while Ann and Lucy walk out. As they exit the front of the restaurant, they run into Cliff and Brad.
"Well, well," Cliff says. "The Ewing women are out and about today, I see."
"Cliff," Ann says coldly.
"Hello, Ann. Lucy, how are you?"
"I'm fine, Cliff, how about yourself?"
Cliff smiles. "I'm doing just fine."
"Cliff, I heard about Pamela's baby," Ann says. "How is he?"
"Making progress. I'll tell Pamela you asked about her. And, speaking of daughters, how's Emma?"
"Emma's doin' okay," Ann says.
"Good. I take it she's still in California with Kevin Channing?"
"Yes, she is."
"Well, I must say I like the thought of my daughter with the Channing boy a whole lot better than the thought of her with Bobby's son."
Ann gives him a look of disgust. "Goodbye, Cliff," she says, then walks away with Lucy.
Cliff smiles with satisfaction at having gotten under Ann's skin, then he and Brad walk into the restaurant. As they enter, Krystina is coming out of the ladies' room and almost runs into Brad.
"Well, Krystina, hello," Brad says, smiling.
"Oh, hi, Brad. How are you?"
"I'm doing good, how about you?"
"Couldn't be better."
"You're John Ross's wife, aren't you?" Cliff asks.
"Yes, I am," Krystina replies.
"Well, one thing the Ewings always had good taste in, is beautiful women."
"Thank you, Mr. Barnes," Krystina says.
"Krystina, it's always good to see you," Brad says. "And I agree with Cliff. John Ross has excellent taste, and he's a very lucky man."
"It was very nice running into you, as always," says Brad.
"And it was great seeing you, too. Bye."
"Bye," Brad says.
"Mrs. Ewing," Cliff says as Krystina leaves the restaurant. After she's gone, he turns to Brad. "You like her, don't you?"
"I think she's a very attractive and desirable woman."
"Look, take my advice.......that attractive woman is the wife of John Ross Ewing, and for the love of God, DON'T get involved with her. The Ewings do NOT play fair when it comes to their women, or anything else for that matter. I know from very painful experience."
"Sue Ellen?" Brad asks.
"You know about that, do ya?"
Brad looks at him and smiles. "Yes, I do. I appreciate your concern, Cliff, but, I have one thing going for me that you didn't have when you were chasing after John Ross's mother..........I have money, and I have power of my own, same as John Ross. The playing field would be much more even than it was between you and ol' J.R. Ewing."
"Look, son, just DON'T," Cliff says. "If you wanna go up against the Ewings, then do it in business, but leave John Ross's wife alone."
"For now," Brad says. "But I can promise you one thing, Cliff. If John Ross EVER gives that lady a reason to seek comfort elsewhere.......you can believe I'll be there waiting."
Cliff looks at Brad with concern as Brad speaks these words, Cliff worried that history would once again repeat itself in a love triangle between a Barnes, a Ewing, and a Ewing wife!
Justin and Amanda's home.....later
"Okay, now, the invitations have all been sent out," Amanda says. "And, we've lined up the caterer, and the menu for that night."
"Amanda, I can't thank you enough for helping me with this," says Jimmy. "I wouldn't even have known where to start, and I know I could never have gotten all this done without your help."
Amanda smiles. "I was happy to do it," she says. "Next time, you'll be able to do this all on your own."
"What, without my beautiful party planner at my side? No way."
"Now, are we forgetting anything?"
"Nothing I can think of."
"Oh my God, yes we are," says Amanda. "Entertainment. We're gonna need live music, as well as a DJ."
"Well the DJ is already lined up for that," Jimmy says.
"Now we need to think of someone to get for live entertainment. It should be someone local, considering our time limit."
"Afton Cooper? Jimmy, I don't know about that."
"Why not? I've been to her club a few times and heard her sing. She's great."
"Yeah, she is, but, considering the bad blood between the Ewings and the Barnes family, I'm not sure having her sing at the opening fundraiser for the J.R. Ewing Foundation would be a good idea," Amanda says. "We should ask Justin and see what he says."
"See what I say about what?" Justin asks, walking into the house through the sliding glass doors from the back porch, followed by Amanda's brother, Jeremy Shepherd.
"Oh, Justin, you're home early," Amanda says, standing to greet her husband with a kiss.
"Yeah, I figured what work I had I'd rather do at home, and hang out with you two for a while. By the way, Jeremy was outside, and I asked him to stay for supper. That okay, darlin'?"
"Sure, that's fine."
"Well, Jimmy thinks we should get Afton Cooper to perform at the fundraiser, but, I'm not sure that's a good idea because of all the bad blood between Afton, the Ewings, and the Barnes."
"Yeah, but she's a great singer," Jimmy says, standing to his feet. "And on such short notice, I doubt we could book anyone else."
"Ya got a point there, Jimmy, but, I think we need to run this by John Ross. He did put me in charge of the Foundation, and Afton Cooper is his ex-mother-in-law, and Christopher's ex-mother-in-law, too. It could be kinda awkward."
"Okay, well, let's ask John Ross then," says Jimmy.
Justin smiles. "Now, if you guys will excuse us for a minute, I hadn't seen my gorgeous wife since early this mornin', and I'd like a minute with her alone." Justin grabs Amanda by the hand and the two go upstairs together as Jimmy watches, a sad look on his face.
Jeremy takes a seat and looks at Jimmy. "You sure have been spendin' an awful lot of time with my sister lately," he says. "You been out here every day this week."
"Amanda is helping me put together this fundraiser for the Foundation named in my grandfather's memory."
"You sure that's ALL she's helpin' you with?" Jeremy asks, smugly. "Or, I should say, are you sure that's all you WANT my sister to help you with."
Afton's Lounge......late afternoon
"Paul, have you seen Jesse?" She asks him.
"Yeah, just a few minutes ago," the bartender replies. "Said he had a couple errands to run and he'd be back later."
Afton sighs. "Damn. Well, I don't have time to wait for him to come back. But when he does, tell him to wait here. I need to talk to him. I'm going to the hospital to see my daughter and my grandson, and I'll be back in a little while."
"Will do, Afton," Paul says.
Lurking nearby listening, is Jan, seated at a table looking over some papers. She smiles as she watches Afton leave the club. She gets up from her seat and heads through a door that leads down the hall to the dressing room, and the employees' locker room. A moment later, Jan reaches the locker room and closes the door. She walks over to the lockers and locates Jesse's. Taking a bobby pin from her purse, she begins working to pick the lock on the door of Jesse's locker. It takes her several moments of working the lock to finally get it to open. Once her task is completed, Jan smiles with satisfaction. She takes the lock off, then opens the door and begins sifting through Jesse's personal belongings, which include an 8x10 glossy photo of Afton. Jan's smile grows even larger. "Oh, Jesse," she says quietly. "Not even discreet about your obsession for Afton, are you?" Jan finds a small black book that appears as if it's hidden under some other things. She takes the book out and opens it. Flipping through the pages, Jan's eyes grow wide with amazement. "Oh, wow," she says. "Jesse, Jesse. You do have more than a few secrets, don't you?" Before Jan is able to read any further, she hears voices in the hallway outside. She quickly shoves all of Jesse's things back into his locker, attempting to place them back in the same way they had been arranged before........everything, that is, except the black book, which she shoves into her purse. She closes Jesse's locker door, and no sooner has she replaced the lock, than Jesse himself walks in. Jan quickly turns around to face him.
"What are you doing?" Asks a suspicious Jesse, standing in the doorway.
"Nothing," replies Jan, smiling. "Just leaving for the day, and came to get a couple things from my locker." She walks over to the door, which Jesse is blocking. "Excuse me," she says. "But, you're in my way."
"Am I?" Jesse asks menacingly while continuing to block the door.
"You know, Jesse, this really isn't very smart," Jan says. "Both Joe and Paul are here, and if I scream, they'll come running."
"What are you suggesting, Jan? That I would ever hurt you?"
"Get out of my way Jesse."
"My pleasure," Jesse says, stepping aside.
Jan walks past him and out of the dressing room, then she turns back to him. "Why do you feel so threatened by me, Jesse?"
"And why are you always up in my face every time I turn around? Making your snide little remarks and ridiculous accusations."
"Ridiculous? I don't think my accusations are ridiculous at all," Jan says. "I think that you are scared of me because you have so much to hide. And we both know what that is, don't we, Jesse?" Still smiling, Jan turns and walks away, leaving Jesse fuming with anger toward her.
The Doubletree Hotel.....
"Michael," Josh says as Michael walks into the suite. "I wasn't expecting you."
"Yeah, I know," Michael says. "I just decided on the spur of the moment to fly here to Dallas and see how things are going."
"Things are actually going very well," Josh says. "In fact, I was just about to send you some pics, so you're arrival was perfect timing."
"Pics? Let me see."
Josh walks over to his computer and shows Michael the photos he took earlier of Krystina chatting with Brad Stone at Perry's. "I shot these just a little while ago."
"Yes they do."
"Wait a minute," Michael says, looking at one of the photos again. "Isn't that Cliff Barnes with them?"
"I have no idea, but I can find out," says Josh.
"No, no, that won't be necessary. That is definitely ol' Cliff Barnes. Question is, what was he doing with Stone and Krystina Ewing?"
"Well, after Mrs. Ewing left the restaurant, Stone had lunch had the old man, this guy in the photo."
"Really?" Michael asks curiously. "Hmmm, I wonder what that was all about."
"You want me to do some checking?"
"No. Just find out where I can contact Bradley Stone. His office, his home address, whichever. I think I'll pay Mr. Stone a little visit myself."
A convenience store in Dallas.....late afternoon
A moment later, Austin walks out of the store and back to his car, where he begins pumping his gas. A light drizzle continues to fall. As he fills his car up, he happens to look over in the direction of the store and sees Jan get out of her car, parked in front of the store, and open the hood. The girl appears to be having problems. Austin continues to watch as she struggles in frustration with trying to determine why her car won't start. As soon as he finished filling his Mercedes, he runs across to Jan.
"Hey, having trouble?" He asks.
"No, I just thought I'd open my hood and look under it," Jan snaps back with sarcasm.
"Umm, okay, then, excuse me for thinking you might need help," Austin says as he starts to walk away.
"Hey, wait a minute," Jan says.
Austin stops and turns back to her.
"I'm sorry, okay? I actually do need help."
Austin walks over. "What seems to be wrong?"
"Car won't start," replies Jan.
"Well, let me take a look," Austin says, looking under the hood.
"My hero," says a smiling Jan.
After a moment, Austin looks up at her. "Okay, get in and try to start it."
Jan does as she is told. After several turns of the ignition, the car still won't start.
Austin walks over to the driver door and looks inside the car. "Turn it over," he says. Jan turns the ignition as Austin looks at the gas gauge, the and the RPM. He tries the lights, but nothing happens. "How long have
you had this battery?"
"Only about eight months."
"Damn," says an irritated Jan. "Now what am I gonna do?"
"Look, why don't you let me give you lift home?" Austin asks.
Jan looks at him. "Thanks, but, I really don't think so. I don't accept rides from total strangers."
"Well, actually, you kinda look familiar," says Austin. "Don't you work at Afton's Lounge?"
"Yeah, I do. You've been there?"
"Sure, a few times. As a matter of fact, Cliff Barnes happens to be my uncle."
"Pamela's father? Are you serious?" Jan asks with a smile.
"Yes I am. By the way, my name is Austin Wentworth. And yours?"
"Jan Pierce. Wentworth? As in........Wentworth Industries?"
"That's me. My grandfather started the company. So, now that we've been introduced, how about that ride home?"
Jan looks at the handsome, rich young man, and smiles. "Well, how can I turn down an offer from such a charming guy? Especially the cousin of my boss's daughter," she says, attracted more by Austin's last name and his family fortune than anything else.
Brad Stone's apartment.....evening
"Hello," Brad says. "Can I help you?"
"Bradley Stone?" Michael asks.
"My name's Michael Channing. And I think you and I could talk a little business."
"Look, if this is about business, then call my office and have my secretary make you an appointment."
"This isn't BUSINESS business," Michael says. "More like personal business."
"What kind of personal business could we possibly have, Mr. Channing? I don't know you."
"Such as?" Brad asks.
"A common enemy. John Ross Ewing, and a common desire to see John Ross and his wife.........apart."
Brad looks at Michael curiously.
Jesse Matthews's apartment....
Meanwhile.....
At Jan's apartment, as the sounds of thunder can be heard outside, Austin and Jan are in bed making passionate love, completely oblivious to the storm raging outside.....
Afton's Lounge.....
"No, and I'm beyond angry with him," replies Afton. "I hate to do this, but the way Jesse's been acting lately, and with his constantly not showing up for work or leaving early, I think it's time I start looking for a new piano player."
"Sorry, Afton. Should I call Jan in?"
"No. I tried calling her and she's not answering her phone, either. But, tonight's her night off, so let her enjoy it."
"It's kinda dead in here tonight, Afton, and the weather's terrible," Paul says. "Why don't you go on home and get some sleep?"
"I think I will. Will you close up for me?"
"I sure will," Paul says.
"Thanks. Night, Paul," Afton.
"Goodnight, Afton. See you tomorrow."
Afton walks over to the table where a tall young man is seated. "Ready to leave, Miss Cooper?" Afton's bodyguard asks.
"Yes, I am. It's been a long day, so let's get out of here."
The young man stands to his feet. "Yes, ma'am."
"I'd like to stop by the hospital on the way home to see my daughter and my grandson," Afton says.
"Of course, Miss Cooper," the young man says as he and Afton walk out of the club.
Jan's apartment.....later
Austin smiles at her. "Definitely."
"Do you have to go? Or can you spend the night?" Jan asks.
"Don't you have to be at work in the morning?"
"Not until tomorrow afternoon."
"Excellent."
"And how about you, Austin Wentworth?" Jan asks. "Do you have anywhere important you have to be first thing in the morning?"
The smile disappears from Austin's face and is replaced by a look of sadness. "No," he says. "I have no place to be tomorrow.........and maybe not any other day."
"Hey, I'm young and healthy," Austin says, almost in a whisper. "I have plenty of strength."
"You already proved that. What kind of sandwich do you want? I have ham, turkey, and chicken."
"Chicken."
"Be back in a few," Jan says, getting out of bed. She grabs her robe from the foot of the bed and slips it on as Austin watches with a smile.
"Jan, I have a question," he says.
"Fire away."
"You weren't about to let me drive you home from that gas station until you found out who I am. Then we came back here and, well, you know. If I worked at Walmart changing oil for a living and my name was Austin Johnson instead of Wentworth........would we have had sex tonight?"
"Maybe. I mean, as one of my favorite movie characters, Scarlet O'Hara, said in Gone With the Wind, money DOES help. But, you really ARE awfully cute, and the best lover I've ever had. So, even without that rich name, you still have a few things going for you. Be right back. With sandwiches........and wine."
As Jan leaves the bedroom, Austin lays back and closes his eyes, the rumble of thunder still sounding very loud outside Jan's bedroom window.
Meanwhile, as Jan walks down the hall of her darkened apartment from her bedroom and into the living room, lightening flashes through the window, illuminating the room. As she is about to go into her kitchen, someone steps out of the shadows and startles Jan. "What? What the hell are you doing here?" She asks the person, who appears to be a tall man. As the man slowly walks toward Jan, a look fear crosses her face. "You'd better get the HELL out of here. Once the cops find out you're Afton's stalker, you're gonna be in enough trouble." The mysterious intruder stops just in front of her. "I have someone here. AUSTIN!" She calls out, her words drowned by another loud crash of thunder.
In the bedroom, Austin opens his eyes and sits up in bed, thinking he heard something down the hall.
Getting out of bed, he picks up his boxers and slips them on, then walks to the door. Thunder again crashes outside and lightening flashes through the window as Austin walks to the door of Jan's bedroom. "Jan? Are you okay?" He calls out to her. He listens for a second, but hears nothing.
Then the young man leaves the bedroom and makes his way down the darkened hallway toward the living room. As he enters the living, Austin is struck from behind by a blunt object to the back of the head, knocking him to the floor and unconscious! After knocking Austin out cold, his assailant quickly flees the apartment, closing the door on the way out. As the attacker flees into the night, Austin lays unconscious on the floor of Jan's living room, and, approximately 15 feet from him, lays Jan, bleeding profusely from two stab wounds to the chest!!