Previously on DALLAS:
---------------Tripp continued to turn away from his mother.
---------------Brad continued to flirt with Krystina, as Michael Channing's detective snaps photos of the two.
---------------Later, Michael paid Brad a visit and suggested they work together to break up John Ross and Krystina.
---------------Afton grew increasingly suspicious of Jesse.
---------------Austin met Jan at a convenience store where her car broke down. After giving her a ride home, the two had sex, and later, a mysterious intruder broke into Jan's apartment, stabbed her, and knocked Austin unconscious!
A stormy night in Dallas.....Jan Pierce's apartment
Suddenly, Austin is startled by a knock at the door, but he is too petrified to move. The knock sounds again. "OPEN UP!" Orders a male voice from outside the apartment. "OPEN UP! POLICE!!"
As Austin attempts to stand to his feet, the door suddenly bursts open, and two police officers, their revolvers drawn, storm into the apartment. "FREEZE!" One of the officers says to the terrified young man. "DON'T MOVE!" Austin raises his hands and stares at the officer, dazed, confused, and absolutely petrified as he begins to realize how this scene must look to the police, and the kind of trouble that he now finds himself in!
Jan's apartment....later
"Hey, Lt. Bell," Scott says.
"Miller, Jones."
"What've we got here?" Steven asks.
"A homicide," replies Lt. Bell. "Female, mid-20s. Listen, I'm sorry I got you out on your night off, but I called you two because the victim is loosely involved in a case you guys are currently working on."
"Really?" Steven asks.
Scott walks over to where Jan's body lays on the floor in a pool of blood, now covered by a sheet. He kneels down and lifts the sheet, revealing her face.
"Jan Pierce," Scott says with a sigh.
"Yep," replies Lt. Bell. "Victim has two stab wounds to the chest.
"Oh, yeah, we have a suspect in custody," replies Lt. Bell.
"Who?"
"A young guy named Austin Wentworth. He was here when the police arrived, standing over the girl's dead body dressed only in his boxers and with blood on his hands. A neighbor called 911 when they heard loud noises and a scream coming from this apartment. Few minutes later, our guys arrived on the scene."
"Wentworth?" Steven asks. "Why does that name sound familiar?"
"Maybe you're thinking of Wentworth Industries," Scott says.
"Yep," says Lt. Bell. "And this guy claims he's the CEO of Wentworth Industries."
"He's been taken into custody?" Scott asks.
"Yeah, he's down at the station now."
Scott stands and walks over to his partner. "Maybe we'd better get down there and ask Wentworth a few questions."
"Yeah, good idea. And hopefully we can find out if Jan Pierce's murder is connected with Afton Cooper's stalker."
"Hey, wait a minute," Scott says. "Wentworth? As I recall, Cliff Barnes, the father of Afton Cooper's daughter, has a sister named Katherine Wentworth."
"Well, this just gets more interesting all the time," Steven says.
Dallas Police Department.....later
"Well, should we go in and question him?" Scott asks his partner.
"Yeah," Steven replies. "I think he's had long enough with his lawyer."
The two young detectives walk into the interrogation room. "Mr. Wentworth," Scott says. "I'm Detective Miller. This is my partner, Detective Jones. Mind if we ask you a few questions?"
"My client has already answered questions for the officers," says Austin's attorney.
"Yes, but we need to ask him a few ourselves."
"I didn't killer her," says a frightened Austin. "I swear, I didn't kill her."
"Why don't you tell us exactly what happened," Steven says.
"You and Jan Pierce were......involved?" Scott asks.
"No, not exactly."
"What do you mean, 'not exactly'?" Steven asks.
"I met her this afternoon. I stopped for gas and she was having car trouble. I offered her a ride home," Austin explains.
"So, you didn't know Jan Pierce before today?" Scott asks.
"No. I had seen her, where she works, at Afton's Lounge. But other than that, I didn't know her."
"But you were spending the night with her?" Steven asks.
"Yes."
"Do you often go home and spend the night with young women you meet at gas stations?"
"That question was out of line, Detective Jones," Austin's attorney says. "Both my client and Miss Pierce are, or rather WERE consenting adults."
"That's true," Scott says. "So, what happened? You went home with Jan Pierce, and you had sex?"
"Yeah, we had sex," Austin replies quietly.
"Okay, tell us what happened afterward," says Steven. "You said you didn't kill Jan Pierce."
"No, I didn't."
"Did you see who did?" Scott asks.
"No. Whoever it was, they hit me. Hit me from behind. I was knocked out."
"And when you came to, Jan Pierce was dead?" Steven asks.
"Yes."
"Jim, it's okay," Austin says. "Look, I didn't kill Jan. I DIDN'T. We were in bed, and Jan got up to go fix us something to eat. A couple minutes later, I thought I heard something down the hall, but it was hard to tell because of the thunder."
"What was it you thought you heard?" Scott asks.
"Austin, don't answer that," Jim O'Neal says.
"Jim, I have nothing to hide," Austin insists. "Just let me tell them what happened. I got up to go investigate."
"But what did you think you heard?" Scott asks again.
"I wasn't sure. Like I said, the thunder was loud. I called for Jan, and she didn't answer. So I went down the hall, and, just as I walked into her living room, that's when someone hit me from behind. I went out like a light."
"No, I didn't. I told you. He hit me from behind."
"He? You're sure it was a man?"
Austin sighs. "Not 100% sure. But as hard as I was hit, it had to be a man. Feel the lump on the back of my head if you don't believe me."
"Detectives, my client indeed DOES have a bump on the back of his head, and he should obtain immediate medical treatment."
"Okay, don't worry," Steven says. "We'll get you to the emergency room and have you checked out."
"And then what?" Austin asks. "Am I gonna be able to go home then? Or am I under arrest?"
The two detectives exchange looks.
Southfork....the next morning
"Thank you, Maria," Ann says.
"You're welcome, Mrs. Ewing. Will there be anything else?"
"No, thank you," Ann replies with a smile.
Christopher, Lucas, Heather, and Michael come out of the house, chatting as they head to the patio and take seats.
"Good morning," Bobby says to them.
"Mornin', Dad," says Christopher.
"Heather, ya all ready to move yours and Michael's stuff in?" Ann asks.
Heather smiles. "I sure am. And I can't thank you all enough for invitin' me and Michael to stay here."
"Well, it really means a lot to us both," Heather says.
"And it works out great, too, since this is Michael's last week of school," says Lucas.
At that moment, Ray's truck drives up to the house and comes to a stop in the parking area behind Ann's SUV. Ray gets out of the car and walks over to the group. "Morning," he says with a smile.
"Well, hello, Ray," Bobby says. "We haven't seen much of you around here lately."
"Yea, I know. And I'm sorry about that. Things have been kinda hectic, workin' at the ranch, and gettin' Dylan all moved in and settled."
"How's that going?" Christopher asks.
"Goin' very well. That's one of the reasons I came over. Bob, I wanted to catch ya before you left for the office. Tomorrow's Saturday, and Conner and Dylan and me are goin' to a cattle auction over in Fort Worth. Thought maybe you, and Christopher, and, Lucas if he wants to, would like to come along. Be just like the old days when we use to go over there."
Bobby smiles nostalgically. "Fort Worth cattle auction. Ray, that sounds just great. I can't speak for the boys, but, I'd love to go."
"Sounds good to me, too," Christopher says. "I haven't been to one of those in a long time."
Lucas hesitates for a moment before answering. "Sorry, I can't," he says, somewhat coldly. "I'm gonna be helping Heather move her stuff to Southfork tomorrow."
"Lucas, we can do that on Sunday," says Heather. "Why don't you go on ahead and join your family? This sounds like fun."
"Can I come, too?" Michael asks.
Heather looks at Lucas and smiles. "Well?"
Lucas looks at Bobby, then at Ray. "Okay, yeah, sure. Might be fun, at that."
"Good," says Ray.
"Ray, you tell Donna to come over here and spend the day with us tomorrow while you men are gone," Ann says.
"Thanks, Ann, I sure will."
"You sure will what?" Lucy asks, walking up behind Ray.
"Oh, hey, Lucy," Ray says.
"The men are goin' to a cattle auction in Fort Worth tomorrow," Ann says. "So, I told Ray to tell Donna to come over here and spend the day with us women."
"Hey, that sounds like fun," Lucy says. "I haven't been to one of those cattle auctions in years and years. I remember when Granddaddy use to take me."
"Sorry, cousin," Christopher says. "But this one is gonna be men only."
"Well, I wasn't wrangling for an invitation."
"Don't you worry, Lucy," Heather says. "While these men are away playing, we ladies can have our own ladies' day."
"That sounds even better," Lucy says. "So, are you boys gonna invite John Ross?"
The smiles disappear from the faces of Ray, Bobby, and Christopher. "I didn't even think about John Ross," Ray says. "That prob'ly wouldn't work, with Dylan goin'."
"John Ross is like Uncle J.R.," says Christopher. "He was never the least bit interested in cattle or ranching. He probably wouldn't even wanna go anyway."
Meanwhile.....John Ross and Krystina's bedroom
"Darlin', you know me on the dance floor. Just not my thing."
"Okay, then, how about a movie?"
"Movie sounds nice. Check online and see what's playin'," John Ross says.
"I will. I could also come down to the office, and we could go to lunch today."
"I see," says a disappointed Krystina.
"Why don't you go shoppin' with Ann or Lucy?"
"Because there's only so much shopping I can do," Krystina snaps. Then she sighs. "I'm sorry, John Ross. I didn't mean to snap at you like that."
"That time of the month?" John Ross asks.
"No. I dunno, I just feel so......restless."
"Bored?"
"To be honest, yes," replies Krystina. "Don't get me wrong, I LOVE taking care of Little John. But, I'm bored with everything else. I get up in the morning, I feed the baby, you go to work, and I feed the baby again. Some days I go shopping or have lunch with Ann and Lucy. But other than that, I have NOTHING to do. And I'm not use to this. I worked at Denver-Carrington with my father from the time I got out of college with my business degree. Then, after he died, I ran the company for the next two and a half years."
"You're right, darlin'," John Ross says. "You are not the kind of woman to sit around doin' nothin' all day."
"That may be fine for Ann and Lucy but, I need more."
"Maybe I can find a spot for your at Ewing Oil."
"Don't tease me."
"I'm not teasin'. And if not Ewing Oil, then somethin' else. Hell, we got the money to set you up in any business you want. Just let me know what you wanna do."
Krystina smiles as she puts her arms around him. "You are amazing. No wonder I fell in love with you."
John Ross kisses her. "Ya know, how 'bout we skip breakfast this mornin'? I'm not the least bit hungry. At least not for food."
"Yes......why don't we?" She asks, kissing him again.
The Channing Mansion.....Tuscany Valley, California
"Richard, are you alright?" Katherine asks.
"I'm fine. Sorry that our wedding night was not as romantic as it should've been."
"Our wedding night was wonderful. But you're worried about Jeremy's ultimatum, aren't you?"
"I'm sorry, Richard. Is there anything I can do?"
Richard turns and looks at her with a smile. "Well, you became my wife, and that's definitely something. I finally feel as if I have someone by my side again for the first time since I lost Lauren."
"I intend to always be by your side," Katherine says. "And together, you and I are going to make ALL of the people who've wronged us pay. Including Jeremy and the Ewings. I'm just still blown away by the fact that Jeremy is your half-brother."
"All the time you were married to him, he never mentioned his father?" Richard asks.
"No. His father was something Jeremy didn't like to talk about. All he told me was that his father had died several years before we met. I did get to know his mother quite well, though."
"And what was she like?" Richard asks.
Before Katherine can answer his question, her cell phone rings. "Hold that thought," she says. She picks up the phone from the nightstand beside her bed and answers: "Hello?"
An office in Dallas....
The Channing mansion....
Dallas....
The Channing mansion....
Dallas....
The Channing mansion....
"What's wrong?" Richard asks.
Katherine sighs. "Richard, I have to get back to Dallas. Austin has been arrested."
"What was he arrested for?"
"My son is a suspect in a murder. I have to go to him."
"Fine, I'll come with you," Richard says.
"What about Jeremy, and Falcon Crest?"
"Well, Jeremy has given me two days to make my decision. Hopefully by then I can come up with a way to bring that pompous ass ex-husband of your to his knees. But right now, my place is with you. I might even be able to help."
Katherine looks at him and manages a weak smile. "Thank you, Richard."
He takes a seat on the bed and kisses her.
Cliff and Afton's apartment....
"Oh, Detectives," he says.
"Good morning, Mr. Barnes," Scott says. "May we come in?"
"Yes, of course," Cliff says.
The two young detectives walk into the apartment as Afton comes down the stairs. She is surprised to see Miller and Jones. "Detectives. What are you doing here?"
"We're sorry to bother you, Miss Cooper," Steven says. "But we have some news we thought you should hear from us rather than hearing it on TV or in the paper."
"News?" Afton asks. "Is this about my stalker?"
"We can't be sure of that," Scott replies.
"What is it?" Cliff asks.
"I'm afraid we have some bad news, Miss Cooper," Scott says. "Your assistant, Jan Pierce, is dead."
"What?" Asks a shocked Afton. "Oh my God. Jan's dead? How? What happened?"
"Miss Cooper, I'm afraid......Jan Pierce was murdered. Stabbed to death last night in her apartment."
"Oh dear God," Afton cries, putting her hands to her face.
"Murdered?" Asks a stunned Cliff. "Jan was MURDERED?"
"Yes, Mr. Barnes," replies Steven.
"Miss Cooper, we're very sorry," says Scott.
"Do you know who did it?" Afton asks.
"We do have a suspect in custody," Scott says.
"Who?" Asks Afton.
"Austin Wentworth."
"Yes," Steven replies.
"That doesn't make any sense," says Afton.
"Damn right it doesn't. Why would Katherine's son wanna kill Jan Pierce? And how did he even know her?"
"Our investigation is still ongoing," replies Scott.
"Is it possible that Austin Wentworth could be behind Afton's stalking?" Asks Cliff.
"Why would he?" Afton asks. "I don't even know him."
"No, but we both BOTH know his mother, and after meeting my nephew a couple times, I can tell you, that kid is definitely as crazy as Katherine, so with him, anything is possible."
"Cliff, I don't think so."
"Why do you say that, Miss Cooper?" Steven asks. "Do you have any information that could help us?"
"If you do, you need to tell us," Scott says.
"Matthews?" Scott asks.
"Yes. Jesse has been acting very strange lately. Several days ago I received another gift that was left sitting on the floor outside of my dressing room at the club. My daughter Pamela was there and she was the only one who knew about it."
"Why didn't you report this to us?" Scott asks.
"I don't know. I just......that night was very strange. The gift wasn't there when Pamela arrived at my dressing room. Then, not even a minute later Jan came in. After she left, we found the gift. At first, I suspected Jan, but I didn't wanna say anything until I had some kind of proof. Then the next day was when Pamela went into early labor and the baby was born. That gift and this stalker were the last things on my mind with my daughter and grandson in the hospital. But then, I heard Jesse mention the gift to Jan, and I had not told anyone else. Not even Cliff."
"And you think Jesse Matthews could be your stalker?" Scott asks.
"What else can I think? There's no other explanation for how he knew about that gift. And I've seen Jesse with Jan. There was a LOT of tension between those two. I think Jan may have suspected Jesse, too. If only I had said something, Jan might still be alive."
As Afton begins to cry, Cliff embraces her.
Ewing Oil....later
"Well, Amanda, hello," he says.
"Hello, John Ross, how are you?"
"I am just fine," John Ross replies with a smile. "And yourself?"
"Never better."
"Good. I suppose you're here to see my little brother. Or to check up on him?"
"Oh of course. Always a pleasure."
"Yeah, sure," Amanda says as she walks away from him.
Meanwhile, Justin is looking over some papers in his office when Amanda knocks on his door. "Come in," he says.
Amanda walks into the office. "Well, hard at work, I see."
Justin stands to his feet and smiles. "Hey, darlin'," he says as she walks over and he kisses her. "What brings you down here?"
"I had to come to town to pick up a few things, and I was hoping I could persuade my handsome hubby to take me to lunch."
"You can't even spare an hour?" Amanda asks.
"Not today. I'm sorry, honey."
Amanda sighs in frustration. "That's okay, I'll just grab a quick bite and then do my errands, I guess."
At that moment, Jimmy knocks on Justin's door, then walks in carrying some papers. "Oh, hi, Amanda," he says, stopping in the doorway when he sees her. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you guys were in the middle of something."
"We weren't, Jimmy," Amanda says.
"What's up?" Justin asks his nephew.
"Here is a list of the people who have already bought tickets to the fundraiser," Jimmy says, walking over and placing the papers down on Justin's desk.
Justin picks the list up and looks at it. "Hey, this great. Looks like this is gonna be a real big event."
"I sure hope so."
"And if this thing is successful, you two deserve all the credit," Justin says. "After all, you're the ones who planned this fundraiser and put it together."
"You've both done an awesome job. Jimmy, you wanna do me a favor?" Justin asks.
"Sure, just name it."
"Take my beautiful wife out to lunch," Justin says, to the surprise of both Amanda and Jimmy.
"What?" Amanda asks.
"Well, darlin', I'm tied up here all afternoon, and I'd hate for you to have to go eat all by yourself. Would ya, Jimmy? Unless you have other plans?"
Jimmy remains silent for a moment as he looks uncomfortably at Justin, then at Amanda. "No, I don't have any other plans. I finished my last final this morning, and I'm free the rest of the day."
Justin smiles. "Great. Then you two go anywhere you want for lunch," he says, taking out his wallet. He pulls out a $100 bill and hands it to Amanda. "My treat."
"Amanda, if you don't have anything better to do, I'd love to have lunch with you," Jimmy says. "We can discuss the final plans for the fundraiser."
Amanda looks at Jimmy, then back to her husband. "Sure, umm, I guess," she says awkwardly. "Well, I'll see you at home this evening," she tells Justin, then kisses him.
"See ya, sweetheart. You two have fun."
"Yeah, thanks," Jimmy says as he and Amanda walk out of the office. Once out of Justin's office, they pause and exchange looks.
"Thanks, Jimmy, but, you really don't have to take me to lunch. I'm sure you'd like to hang out with Katie."
"No, actually I'd rather hang out with you," Jimmy says rather quickly.
"Okay, then. Where do you wanna eat?"
"Anyplace is fine with me. You pick."
"Okay, sure, Amanda says. "I guess let's go to Perry's."
"Sounds good," Jimmy says. As he and Amanda head toward the elevator, John Ross is coming out of the break room and spots them as they reach the elevator and Jimmy presses the button for it to open. John Ross walks over to them.
"Well, well, Amanda," John Ross says with a smile. "I thought you came here to go to lunch with my baby brother. Instead, I see you leavin' with my nephew."
"Justin was busy and can't get away," Amanda explains. "So, he asked Jimmy to take me to lunch."
John Ross's smile grows wider as he looks at them. "Did he, now? Always nice to have the husband's permission, huh, Jimmy?"
The elevator doors open. "John Ross, put a sock in it," Jimmy says, getting onto the elevator with Amanda. The doors close, leaving John Ross standing there still smiling and curious about this relationship between his brother's wife and his other brother's son.
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....
"Hi, what's going on?" Cliff asks.
"Dr. Wilson has just taken the baby off his oxygen," Pamela replies.
"Yeah, we're waiting to see if he's gonna be able to breathe on his own," Tripp adds.
Cliff walks over to his daughter. "How're you feeling, sweetheart?"
"Still sore. Still a little weak, but I'm fine. I just want my little boy to be okay."
"I know," Cliff says.
Dr. Wilson comes out of the nursery.
"Well, Dr. Wilson?" Pamela asks. "How is he?"
"Oh, thank God," Pamela says as she, Tripp, and Cliff breathe a collective sigh of relief.
"He still has a ways to go, but, unless there are any further complications, your baby looks to be just fine."
"What sort of complications?" Asks Cliff.
"Well, he's still slightly underweight, and his lungs are a little weaker than normal, but with proper care and diet, baby McKay should grow up to be a healthy child. By the way, Pamela, have the two of you chosen a name yet? We can't keep calling him Baby McKay."
Pamela and Tripp look at each other and smile. "Yes, we have," says Tripp.
"We're gonna name him Hunter Thomas Carter McKay," Pamela replies, eliciting a look of disdain from Cliff over his grandson not being named after him. "After Tripp's twin brother, father, and grandfather."
Dr. Wilson smiles. "That's a lovely name. Well, Pamela, you should get back to your room and get some rest if you're going to be strong enough to go home tomorrow."
"Not for a few days. I wanna keep Baby Hunter here to keep a close eye on him. But don't worry. By this time week, the three of you will be home together."
"I can't wait," Pamela says with a smile.
"I understand," says Dr. Wilson. "Now, come on. Let's get you back to your room so you can rest."
"You two coming?" Pamela asks her husband and her father.
"You go on ahead, sweetheart," Cliff says. "I wanna just have a little word with your husband here, and we'll be along in a minute."
"Okay. But don't keep him too," Pamela says, then turns and follows Dr. Wilson back to her room down the hall.
"Cliff, what's up?" Tripp asks. "Is anything wrong?"
"Yeah, I met her a couple times."
"Well, she's dead."
"Dead? Good Lord, what happened?" Tripp asks.
"Somebody killed her last in her apartment."
"Oh my God? Jan was murdered? Afton must be devastated. I know she liked Jan a lot."
"Yeah, she took it pretty hard," Cliff says. "The cops arrested Austin Wentworth for the murder."
"Wentworth? You mean........your half-sister's son?"
"Uh--huh. Apparently he was with Jan last night and the cops found him standing over the body. Now, in my opinion that kid is just as crazy as his mother and I wouldn't put anything past him......but Afton is convinced that the killer is the same person who's been sending her these weird gifts for the last couple months, AND she believes that person to be Jesse Matthews, the guy who plays piano for her at the club."
"Wow. Do you think Jesse Matthews could be the one?" Tripp asks.
"I dunno," Cliff replies. "But I'll tell you one thing........I hope the cops catch this son of a bitch soon. I'm honestly not sure how much more of this Afton can take. She's pretty close to the edge right now."
Dallas Police Department....
"What the hell am I doing here?" Asks an angry Jesse. "Why did you people drag me in here AGAIN?"
Scott takes a seat at the table across from him. "Just wanted to ask you a few questions, that's all."
"Questions about what? About these gifts Afton Cooper has been getting?"
"Questions about a co-worker of yours, Jan Pierce."
"Oh, I see what this is. Jan has been spouting off about me, hasn't she? Spreading her lies that I'm the one who's stalking Afton."
"Oh? Then why am I here? Unless.........unless you suspect Jan of being Afton's stalker and need to ask me some questions about her."
"Mr. Matthews, I'm afraid that.........Jan Pierce is dead. She's been murdered."
"Yes. Last night. Mr. Matthews, where were you at approximately 9 PM last evening?"
"I....uh.......I was at home," replies a nervous Jesse.
"Alone?" Scott asks.
"Yes. I was supposed to work last night, but I wasn't feeling well, so, I went home early."
"You weren't feeling well?"
"Yeah, I had a terrible headache. Like a migraine. I get them sometimes."
"And no one saw you?" Scott asks. "No one can verify that you were home last night around 9 PM?"
"No. No one saw me."
"Mr. Matthews.......what was your relationship with Jan Pierce like?" Scott asks.
"What......what do you mean?" Jesse asks, becoming more nervous by the minute.
"Did you and Jan Pierce get along?"
"Well, yeah, we did. I mean, we had our issues, but......."
"What kind of issues? Like Miss Pierce believing you were the one responsible for stalking Afton Cooper?"
Jesse looks at him for a moment. "I'm not gonna say another word. Not without an attorney here."
Detective Miller looks at Jesse with suspicion.
Meanwhile....
"Austin, sweetheart," Katherine says.
"Mom, what are you doing here? I thought you were in California."
"I was, but Jim called me this morning. I came as soon as I heard."
"I'll leave you all alone," Jim says.
"Thank you, Jim," Katherine says as the attorney leaves the room.
Austin looks at Richard. "Who's this? Another lawyer?"
"No," replies Katherine. "Austin, this is Richard Channing."
"So you're the Richard Channing my mother's been going to San Francisco to see."
"Yes, I am. Hello, Austin," Richard says.
Katherine looks at Austin, then at Richard, then back at her son again. "Austin, honey........Richard is my husband. We were married last evening in San Francisco."
Austin looks at the two, his mouth open in shock. "You....you did WHAT? You married this guy?"
"Sweetheart, listen to me, there's a lot we need to talk about. A lot I have to tell you, but right now we have to get you out of here. Jim says they haven't officially charged you with the murder of that girl, so he's working on getting you released as we speak, and then you can come home. I'm going to do all I can to make sure you don't spend one more hour in this place."
"I don't want or need your help," the bitter young man says.
"Austin, look, your mother and I both understand how you feel," says Richard. "We know this whole thing comes as a shock to you. But we wanna help you."
"You don't know ANYTHING," Austin says. "Look, why are you even here? You think because you somehow talked my mother into marrying you, that automatically makes you a part of my life?"
"Austin, Richard just wants to help," Katherine says.
"I don't need his help. Or yours," Austin says. He walks to the door and knocks on the glass, motioning for the guard.
"Austin, please. Darling, don't turn me away, not now," Katherine begs, almost in tears.
"Austin?" Katherine calls after her son in tears. "AUSTIN!" As Katherine breaks down crying, Richard embraces her. "My God, Richard, I've lost him. Jeremy has cost me my son."
"It's alright, Katherine. The boy will come around once he realizes what kind of a man Jeremy Lord is, and how much you love him."
Ewing Oil...
"Thank ya, darlin'," he says. Courtney smiles, then turns and walks out. As soon as she's gone, John Ross's cell phone on his desk rings. He picks it up, looks at it, and quickly answers. "Hey, Bum, what do ya got for me?"
"John Ross, just thought you might wanna know that our visitor has arrived and has been safely checked into the Hyatt Regency."
"I also have some new information on Brad Stone that you might find interesting."
"Do ya, now? Well let's hear it," John Ross says with a smile.
Stone Oil.....a short time later
"Right away, Mr. Stone," Brenda says. A moment later, Brenda walks into her boss's office. "The contract," she says, handing him a paper.
"Thank you, Brenda."
"You're welcome. Mr. Stone, would you mind if I left early today? I have a slight headache and I'd like to go straight home."
"Sure, Brenda, that'll be fine. I don't have anymore meetings or anything the rest of the day either, and since it's Friday, I think I'm gonna close up early and go on home myself."
"No, thank you, Brenda," replies Brad. "You go on home and have a good weekend."
"Thank you, you have a good weekend too, sir. See you Monday morning."
"Sure, Brenda."
The secretary turns and starts to leave the office, but as she walks out, she almost runs into John Ross as he is about to knock on Brad's door. "Oh," she says.
"Well, hello, darlin'," John Ross says with a smile.
"Umm, Mr. Stone, you have a visitor," says Brenda.
Brad looks up from his desk. "John Ross? What are you doing here?"
"I was hopin' I could have a word with you, Stone. Sorry, but there was nobody at your secretary's desk."
"It's alright, Brenda. You can go," Brad says. He stands and walks over to his bar. "What do you want, John Ross?"
"Oh, thought maybe we could do a little business."
"What kind of business?" Brad asks, pouring himself a drink.
"Before we get started......I'll have a bourbon."
Brad looks at him with an annoyed expression, then reluctantly pours his uninvited guest a glass of bourbon and hands it to him. "Okay, here's your bourbon. Now, what the hell do you want?"
"Well, you know that little oil field over in Johnson County that your comp'ny and my comp'ny own jointly?" John Ross asks.
"Yeah, what about it?"
"I'm prepared to buy you out at top price and become the sole owner of that field."
"Yeah, well, you see, Marilee didn't have a choice in the matter," says John Ross.
"Meaning what?"
"Well, Bradley, since I know that you now know that Seth Stone was not your real daddy and Cliff Barnes is, I guess I can tell you. Marilee sold half that field to me in order to keep her dirty little secret. Can't say as I blame her, not wantin' you to know that an old cretin like Cliff Barnes was your daddy."
"You son of a bitch," says an angry Brad. "You knew about that?"
"Yes, Brad, yes I did. And Marilee was more than willin' to make a deal with me."
"You blackmailed my mother into selling you half that damned field."
"Uh-huh. Just like I'm about to blackmail YOU into sellin' me the other half."
"Not a chance, Ewing. There's nothing you can use to blackmail me. Now get the hell out of my office before I toss your ass out, head first."
"You might wanna change your mind about that, Bradley, unless you want the whole world to know about Sabrina Douglas."
Brad appears stunned at the mention of this name. He looks at John Ross for a moment. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Stone, I'm in no mood for BS this afternoon. You know EXACTLY what and who I'm talkin' about. Sabrina Douglas. She was a cute little cheerleader you met when you were a freshman in college at Yale. One night after a campus party, you and Sabrina went back to your little apartment off campus. You gave the girl some Ecstasy and she ended up havin' a seizure that caused her to stop breathin' long enough for her to suffer brain damage. Your ass woulda went to jail, but Marilee, in prob'ly the only motherly thing she ever did for you, paid the girl's fam'ly a whole helluva lotta money to keep quiet. She also paid the girl's medical bills, AND paid off Brian Logan, your best friend at the time, who you called in a panic to come over and help with the girl after she had the seizure and passed out. Logan was the one who ended up savin' Sabrina Douglas's life. Should I go on?"
John Ross smiles. "Bradley, I always thought you were kinda smart, but maybe I was wrong. Maybe you did inherit the dumb gene from your daddy Cliff Barnes. I learned from the very best. J.R. Ewing was my daddy and he had a way of findin' out secrets that people hoped would stay buried forever. I have that same way about me. So how 'bout it, Stone? Or.......is it Barnes, now? Do I get the rest of those wells in that Johnson County field? Or does your dirty little secret somehow........'leak' out? That wouldn't go over too well with this cushy new life as an oil comp'ny exec, now would it? I'll give you about five minutes to decide."
"You really are the lowest piece of scum," Brad says.
"Brad, I'm afraid flattery will getcha nowhere."
"Alright. You can have those damned wells."
John Ross smiles. "Somehow, I knew you'd see it my way. It's late Friday afternoon, but I'll get with my lawyer and have him draw up the papers. We can sign on Monday and you can have that field off your hands."
"I look forward to ya tryin', bud," John Ross says with a smile. He walks to the door and starts to leave, then turns back to Brad. "Y'know, it's a damned shame. I kinda like you, Brad. You got a lotta spunk. Your mama and my daddy sure done a lotta business together back in the day, and who knows? If you didn't have that Barnes blood coursin' through your veins, we might could've been friends. Have a good weekend now, ya hear." Still smiling, John Ross walks out of Brad's office, closing the door behind him.
Brad walks to his bar again. He pours himself another drink. Then, as he thinks back to that terrible night 19 years ago, his bottom lip begins to tremble. Finally, unable to hold back the tears, he begins to cry, still tormented by the memory of what had happened that night.
Dallas Police Department....
"Issues? Such as?"
"How many times do we have to go over this? I didn't like her, and she didn't like me. But that doesn't mean that I killed her."
"No, because I was home alone, just as I am every night. Geez, if I'd have known I would need an alibi I would've stayed at work even with a splitting headache."
"Jesse, I'm sorry. I know this is emotionally exhausting. And I'm gonna see about getting you released this evening. The police haven't charged you with anything. You're here to be questioned as a person of interest in the Jan Pierce murder."
"And the cops have been QUESTIONING me for hours and I keep telling them the same damn thing. I did NOT kill Jan Pierce."
"Just sit tight," Jay says. "I'm gonna see about getting you out of here." Jay gets up from his seat and leaves the room while a restless Jesse tries to stay calm. Outside of the interrogation room, Jay finds Detective Scott Miller. "Detective," he says. "Are you planning on charging my client with a crime?"
"We don't have sufficient evidence to charge Matthews with anything. Yet."
"Then on what basis was he brought in?" Jay asks.
"What case is that?"
"The Afton Cooper stalker. The victim in that case, Afton Cooper, gave us some information which placed suspicion on Matthews in that case."
"What information is that?" Jay asks. "The fact that my client new about a gift Afton Cooper received that no one else knew about except her daughter Pamela?"
"Yes."
"My client explained that. He saw the gift sitting on the floor outside of Miss Cooper's dressing room before she picked it up."
"That's an awfully convenient answer," Scott says.
"That's right, we do."
"Then why are you still holding my client?" Jay asks.
"Like I said.....for questioning. Mr. Matthews is not under arrest and he hasn't been charged with anything. But we can hold him for 24 hours on suspicion."
"Detective, if my client isn't released within the hour, I will file a law suit against this department, and against you personally. The firm of Smithfield And Bennett is one of the oldest in Dallas and we have a lot of clout in this town. Do I make myself clear?"
Scott looks at Jay for a moment and remains silent, then sighs. "You do. Fine. I'll have Mr. Matthews released."
"Good," Jay says. He then walks away from Scott and goes back into the interrogation room where Jesse is waiting.
"Well?" Jesse asks.
"You'll be out of here within the hour," replies Jay.
Jesse breathes a sigh of relief. "Mr. Smithfield, thank you SO much. Thank you for coming down here so late on a Friday afternoon. I had heard from a friend that you're a good attorney, and I didn't know who else to call."
"No problem, Jesse. Look, this may not be over yet. The cops are releasing you because they have no solid proof you committed any crime. But that doesn't mean they won't try to find some. I just hope you're not lying to me."
As Jesse is about to say something else, Detectives Scott Miller and Steven Jones walk in. "Well, Matthews, you're free to go," Steven says.
"Just don't leave town," Scott says. "We may wanna question you again."
"Don't worry," Jesse says, standing to his feet. "I'm not going anywhere."
"Good," Steven says.
Jesse walks to the door, then turns back to the detectives. "I didn't like Jan Pierce. She was always in my face about something. But I swear, I did NOT kill her. And if you cops can't find out who did, then I will."
"Listen to me, Matthews," Scott says. "You just go home and stay out of our way. Don't interfere with this investigation, or we'll haul your butt back in here for obstruction."
"Let us do our job, Matthews," Steven says.
Jesse looks at the two, then walks out, followed by Jay. A few minutes later, Jay and Jesse walk out of the police station.
"Jesse, wait up," Jay calls to his client, who has walked on ahead of him.
Jesse turns back to him.
"Don't you even THINK about taking the law into your own hands or interfering with their investigation," Jay says. "Because if they do arrest you on obstruction, I'm NOT gonna represent you, is that clear?"
Jesse remains silent and looks away from him.
"Jesse? Is that clear?"
"That's clear," Jesse says. "But I'll tell you one thing, Mr. Smithfield. I've dealt with the cops before. These cops are tryin' to pin this on me because I had some problems with Jan, and because of my past arrests. But I did NOT kill that girl. Look, I won't do anything to interfere with the police investigation, but I'll be damned if I'll let myself be railroaded because the Dallas PD wants an easy scapegoat to pin Jan's murder on."
The Omni Hotel.....evening
"Jim, I can't thank you enough for getting Austin out of that jail," Katherine says.
"Don't thank me yet, Katherine. I haven't really done anything, except represent Austin at his arraignment. Now the real work begins, and that's somehow proving that Austin didn't kill that Pierce girl."
"How tough do you think that's going to be?" Richard asks.
"We could have an uphill battle on our hands," Jim replies. "There were no witnesses, and unfortunately, Austin's fingerprints were found ON the murder weapon."
"They seem to think it's possible that you somehow hit yourself on the back of the head."
"Just who the hell's side are you on, anyway? Mine, or the cops?"
"Austin, I'm your attorney. I'm on YOUR side," replies Jim. "I'm just saying that we're in for a tough fight. The police have a good bit of evidence against you, including the fact that you were standing over the girl's dead body with her blood on your hands."
"Austin, what were you thinking?" Katherine asks. "Picking up a strange girl and going home with her? Sleeping with her like that, not knowing anything about her?"
"You're a fine one to talk," Austin says. "You married THIS guy and how much do you know about him?"
"Richard and I have known one another for MONTHS. I didn't JUST meet him in a bar."
"I didn't meet Jan in a bar, either. She was having car trouble, I gave her a lift home, and ........"
"And your decided to stick around and have sex with her, a complete stranger."
"I'm really getting sick and tired of your lectures. You lied to me for 22 years about my father, and you never told me that I had an older brother, not to mention the fact that you tried to kill Bobby Ewing not once, but TWICE. I hardly think that qualifies you to give advice on morality."
"Alright, can we just take this down a notch?" Richard asks.
"Can you just stay out of it? This is between me and my mother," Austin says.
"Look, why don't I just get out of here and let you all discuss this among yourselves," Jim says.
"Jim, thank you again for helping my son," Katherine says.
"Yeah, sure," the angry young man says, sounding uninterested.
"Well, so long."
"Bye, Jim, and thank you again," Katherine says as the attorney leaves. After Jim is gone, Katherine walks over to her son. "Do you have to be so ungrateful to everyone? Jim is trying to help you."
"Yeah, well, all that talk about being so happy to help out the Wentworths is only because his retainer with Wentworth Industries all these years helped him buy his house in cash instead of on a mortgage."
Katherine shakes her head at her son. "Austin......."
"Look, can you both just leave?"
"What?"
"Just go. I've had a hell of a last 24 hours. I spent the night and all day in jail. I haven't had any sleep or a shower since yesterday morning. I just wanna take a shower and crawl into bed."
"Just, stop right there, Mom," says Austin. "I'm in no mood to argue anymore. Just leave. Please."
"Katherine, we should go," Richard suggests.
"I wish you'd come back to the house with me."
"No."
"Alright, but if you need anything, sweetheart......"
Katherine nods. "I love you, sweetheart."
"Katherine," Richard says, gently touching her arm.
Reluctantly, Katherine turns to leave with Richard.
"Mom?" Austin calls to her.
She turns back and looks at her son.
"Did you love my brother Jonathon, too? Is that why you abandoned him?"
Katherine has no answer for her son's question. Holding back tears, she turns and leaves with Richard.
After Katherine and Richard are gone, Austin walks over and takes a seat on the bed. He starts to cry, feeling as if he's living a nightmare. After a minute, he picks up his cell phone and dials a number. After four rings, someone answers. "Jeremy.......Father........it's Austin. I'm in trouble," he tells Jeremy Lord on the phone.
Hyatt Regency Hotel....
John Ross gets off an elevator on the 9th floor of the elegant Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dallas that evening. Smiling, he makes his way down the hall to a room and knocks on the door. He waits for almost a minute, and finally, a beautiful woman of middle age opens the door.
"Well, hello," the woman says in a sexy voice. "You must be John Ross Ewing."
"Yes, ma'am, that's me," John Ross says walking into the suite. "And you are the very lovely..........Mrs. Catlin Ewing."
"Well, thank you, Mrs. Ewing.......Brittany," says John Ross. "Now then, shall we talk a little business."
"Of course. That's why I'm here," Brittany says.
Southfork....the next morning
"Mornin' everybody," John Ross says happily.
"Good morning," says Bobby.
"You're sure in a good mood today," says Christopher.
"Well, that's because things are lookin' up," John Ross says, taking a seat at the table with his wife.
"Uh-oh," Lucy says. "John Ross is just like his daddy. Every time he says things are lookin' up for HIM, usually means that things are about to start lookin' DOWN for someone else."
The group laughs at Lucy's comment. "Very funny, Lucy," John Ross says.
"John Ross, we would've invited you to come with us to the cattle auction today," Bobby says. "But, since Dylan Baxter is comin' with Ray, we didn't know how you'd feel about that."
"Well you were right, Uncle Bobby. The further I stay away from that little punk who tried to kill me, the better. Besides, lookin' at cows itn't really my idea of a fun way to spend a Saturday."
"So what are you gonna do today?" Christopher.
"I'm goin' over to pick Alex up," John Ross replies. "Probably gonna do some swimmin' today, and then I got a little business to take care of later."
"What kind of business?" Krystina asks.
"Just business, darlin'. Nothin' that'd interest you."
"You sure do a lot of 'business' on weekends, John Ross," Lucas says.
"I'm in the oil business, Lucas. And business duttin' stop just because it's the weekend."
"Bobby and Christopher never have business meetings on the weekend," Lucy says.
"Well, no offense Uncle Bobby, Christopher, but maybe they're just not as dedicated as I am."
At that moment, Ray's truck drives up and comes to a stop. "Ah, there's Ray and the boys," Bobby says. You fellas ready?"
"All set, Dad," replies Christopher.
"Michael, you ready?" Lucas asks his son.
"Yep," the little boy says with a smile.
"You guys have fun today, and be careful," Ann says.
"We will," Bobby says, kissing her.
"I think since Alex is gonna here, I'm gonna call my brother Mark and have him bring his son Shawn out to swim and hang out with Alex," says Ann. "The boys really seemed to hit it off when we had the cookout here."
"Good idea," Bobby says. "Gotta go. See ya this evenin'."
"Y'all have fun, and take care of my baby," Heather tells Lucas.
"You bet," he replies, kissing her. Then Lucas, Michael, Bobby, and Christopher all head over to Bobby's car and get in. Ray then pulls away in his truck, with Bobby's car following as the group of Ewing men head off to the Fort Worth cattle auction.
Afton's Lounge....
"Afton, I'm not here to cause any trouble," Jesse says. "I just came by to clear out my locker and get my things."
"Good. Hurry, do it, and leave," says Afton.
"Afton, do you REALLY believe I did this? That I killed Jan and that I'm the one who's been stalking you?"
"I explained that to the cops."
"I'm sure you did. Now please, just get what you came here for and leave."
"Fine," says Jesse. "But I'm gonna prove to you that I'm not the one. I didn't kill Jan, and I am NOT stalking you. I'm gonna prove it to you and to the cops." Jesse walks past Afton and down the hall to the locker room as Afton breathes a sigh of relief, still terrified of Jesse.
Fort Worth Stockyards.....later
"Duttin' this remind ya of the good old days, Bob?" Ray asks.
"It sure does, Ray. We sure came to a lot of these cattle auctions back in the old days. Daddy really loved these things."
Ray smiles. "I think Jock was happier here than just about anyplace else, except for Southfork."
"That, he was."
"I sure wish I'd known him," Christopher says.
"Yeah, me too," Lucas agrees.
"Well, you two would've really loved your granddaddy, and Jock would've loved all his grandkids," says Ray.
"Did either of your know our grandfather, Jason?" Conner asks.
"Unfortunately, no, Conner, we didn't," replies Bobby. "J.R. was the only one of us who ever saw Uncle Jason, and that was when he was a real small kid. But he said he vaguely remembered him."
"Hey, what exactly happened between Grandpa Jason and your daddy, anyway?" Conner asks. "Why'd they stop speaking to each other for all those years?"
"That's a real long story, son," Bobby says. "How about I tell ya that one when we break and go to lunch."
"Oh, Bob, that reminds me," Ray says. "Speakin' of Jock and the old days, I didn't know if you'd heard or not, but I saw on the news this mornin' that Muhammed Ali died yesterday."
"No, I hadn't heard," Bobby says. He smiles nostalgically. "I remember when we all went to see Ali fight down in Houston. Me, you, Daddy, and J.R."
"What about Uncle Gary?" Lucas asks.
"Gary had already left by that time," says Bobby. "The fight was at the Houston Astrodome, and it was between Muhammed Ali and.........ummmm......Cleveland Williams."
"Yep," Ray says with a smile. "November 14, 1966."
"My gosh, Ray, you still remember the exact date of that fight?" Bobby asks in amazement.
"Heck, I still have a flyer from that night somewhere at home. That was one of the best nights of my life. Meant a lot, Jock includin' me in that. And he didn't even know I was his son back then."
"Daddy always loved ya, Ray, even before he knew he was your father."
"Yeah. I kinda know what you mean," Lucas says sadly as he looks at Bobby.
Both Ray and Bobby looks at Lucas with sadness after he utters these words, each of them still feeling guilt for having kept the truth of Lucas's paternity from him for so many years.
Brad Stone's apartment.......the pool
"Hey, Brad," Chase says.
"Chase, hey, my friend."
"Brad, this is Lauren, the young woman I was telling you about."
"Hello, Lauren," Brad says.
"Hello, yourself."
"I trust that Chase has explained to you the job I need done."
"He has," Lauren replies. "I know exactly what it is you want done."
"Yes, she's very good at what she does," says Chase.
The Omni Hotel....
"Austin Wentworth?" Asks the raspy, disguised voice on the other end of the line.
"Yes, this is Austin Wentworth. Who's this?"
"I know who really killed that girl."
"What?" Austin asks, sitting up in bed.
"The girl the cops arrested you for killing. I know who really did it."
"Alright then, who? Who killed her?"
"Not over the phone. You meet me, and I'll tell you exactly who murdered that girl and set you up."
"Look, how do I know that you're really legit?" Austin asks.
"If you want to get out from under this, the only way is to trust me. I can help. Just come to this address in one hour......"
Austin quickly grabs a pen and a piece of paper from the nightstand and begins writing as he listens to the address his mystery caller is giving him.
Tripp and Pamela's apartment....
"It sure feels good to be out of that hospital," Pamela says. "I only wish our baby was with us."
"Don't worry, sweetheart," Tripp says. "Little Hunter will be home with us in a few days."
"I love the name you've chosen for my grandson," Afton says. "Hunter Thomas Carter McKay. It's lovely, isn't it, Cliff?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah, uh-huh, just......lovely," replies Cliff, still disappointed that his firstborn grandson doesn't bear at least part of his name.
"Daddy, are you alright?" Pamela asks. "You've been acting awfully strange lately."
"Yeah, well, there is something I do need to tell you, sweetheart."
"Okay, so tell me."
Afton looks at him. "Cliff, I don't think this is the right time. After all, Pamela just got home from the hospital."
"No time like the present," Cliff says. "Besides, I've put this off long enough."
"Put what off long enough?" Pamela asks. "Daddy, is something wrong?"
"No, no, sweetheart. Nothing's wrong. In fact, it's just the opposite. This is good news, or at least I hope you'll think so."
"Just tell me."
"Okay. Now I know this will come as a shock to you. Pamela.......you and Emma have a brother."
"Yes, that's right. His name is Bradley Stone. Brad. He's a wonderful young man."
"Stone?"
"Yeah. His mother is Marilee Stone, a woman I had an affair with before I ever met your mother."
"As well as AFTER you met me," Afton adds.
"Oh my God," Pamela says, stunned at the news. "I can't believe it."
"Neither can I," says Tripp. "How long have you known about your son?"
"Not long at all. I haven't known him long, but when he told me he thought I might be his father, we had a DNA test done, and it confirmed it. Brad is my son, and your half-brother, Pamela."
"Daddy, I don't know what to say. I still haven't gotten over the shock of having Emma Ryland as a half-sister and now this? Just how many more kids do you have out there in the world that I don't know about?"
Before Cliff can answer her question, the doorbell rings. "I'll get it," Tripp says. He walks over and opens the door to find a young delivery boy with a bouquet of flowers.
"Flowers for Mrs. Pamela McKay," the boy says.
"That's my wife, I'll take 'em," Tripp says. He takes the bouquet and gives the boy a tip, then closes the door.
"Who are those from?" Pamela asks.
"I dunno. There's a card here," Tripp says, handing her the card.
Pamela opens the envelope and takes out the small card and reads it. Her mouth falls open in shock and her face turns pale.
"Pamela, what is it?" Afton asks.
"Let me see that," Tripp says, taking the card from her hand. "Welcome home from the hospital, dearest Pamela. I know this will be a load off your mother's mind, and Afton's happiness is all I care about. And yours. By the way.....beautiful little boy you have. Signed......Afton's secret admirer."
"Oh my God," Afton gasps.
"I don't believe it," says an angry Cliff. "Now this creep is sending flowers to my daughter, too?"
"I'm calling the police," Tripp says, picking up the phone. Afton walks over and embraces a shaken Pamela.
An old abandoned motel in Dallas....
"FREEZE!" One of them yells as several other officers rush into the room Austin had come from.
Austin stops, his hands in the air.
"Better get in here," one officer yells from the room.
Detective Scott Miller rushes into the room.
Steven moves closer to Austin as another officer cuffs and frisks him. "What's going on here, Wentworth?" Steven asks.
"I don't know," Austin replies in tears. "I swear to God, I don't know."
Scott walks onto the porch. "Hey, Steve," he calls to his partner. "Better get in here."
Steven hurries onto the porch and then into the room, following his partner. He immediately sees Jesse's body on the floor.
"It's Jesse Matthews," Scott says. "Looks like this clears Matthews of any suspicion."
"Yeah," Steven says. "And makes the Wentworth kid look guilty as hell not only of this murder, but Jan Pierce's, too."