Previously on DALLAS:
----------------Lucy confided to Donna about paying Joanna Pearce off to leave Atlanta without telling Mitch she was pregnant back in 1985.
----------------Bobby agreed to accompany Ann to California for Emma and Kevin's wedding.
----------------Krystina confessed to John Ross that she slept with Brad.
----------------Before Christopher could stop him, John Ross assaulted Brad and was later arrested.
----------------Brad agreed to drop the assault charges against John Ross in exchange for Marilee's oil wells John Ross had blackmailed Brad and Marilee into turning over.
----------------Scott lured Afton to a house on the outskirts of Dallas, where he revealed his true identity as her former stepson, Scott Van Buren.
----------------Phyllis and Courtney discussed a secret from Courtney's past that she is hiding from Christopher.
A home on the outskirts of Dallas....
"That's right, Afton. Your former stepson, Scotty Van Buren."
"Scotty.......I haven't seen you since......."
"Since I was seven. I know," Scott says. "I'll never forget that day, that......LAST day I saw you. You were so beautiful. I remember, I begged you not to leave. But you said you had to. I didn't understand that. Not then, at least. Not until later, when, I came to realize what a monster my father was. I dunno how you stayed with him as long as you did. But I didn't have a choice. I had to stay with the old bastard. God, how I wanted to go with you, Afton. With you, and Pamela. But I couldn't. You told me I
"Scott, what are you going to do with me?" Asks a terrified Afton. "And my grandson?"
"Oh, the baby can be returned safely to his parents now," Scott replies. "I only took him to get you to come here. I mean, I AM a cop, and I guess I could've used that, but, asking you to meet me alone, in a secluded house on the outskirts of town might've seemed a little, oh, I dunno.....WEIRD, and I couldn't risk tipping you or anyone else off. The baby was the perfect smokescreen. I took him, then called you to meet me alone for the sake of the baby."
"So, you will take him back to Pamela and Tripp?"
"Oh, yes. I have no further need of the child. But don't worry, Afton, he was well taken care of this whole time he was with me. I made sure of that. I even hired a nurse to stay with him when I had to be out of the house. Afton, I would never harm your grandchild. NEVER."
"And what are you planning on doing with me?" Afton asks, fearing Scott's answer.
"You're coming with me, Afton."
"Where?"
"To a little place I know. A place that holds a LOT of great memories. And then, we're gonna be together there........always."
Afton looks at the obviously disturbed young man with fear, wondering if she would ever see her family again.
Hyatt Regency Hotel.....
Bobby and Ann are enjoying a dance when Richard and Katherine walk into the ballroom.
"I don't believe it," Bobby says as he sees the couple enter.
"What is it?" Ann asks.
"Look who just walked in."
Ann turns and looks to see. "Oh, our future in-laws," she says.
"Yeah, and the thought of that makes me nauseous. Great, they're comin' this way."
"Well, good evening Mr. and Mrs. Ewing," Richard says with a smile. "Fancy event you've put on here."
"Channing, what the hell are you two doin' here?" Bobby asks.
"Same as everyone else, Bobby," replies Katherine. "We wanted to contribute to the J.R. Ewing Foundation and the charities it supports."
"I trust the two of you will be in San Francisco tomorrow for the big wedding between my son and your daughter, Mrs. Ewing." says Richard.
"We'll be there," Ann says.
"Good."
"I'm really surprised that you're going to be hosting a wedding at your home in San Francisco, since Katherine's son is in jail here in Dallas charged with two murders," Bobby says. "In fact, I'm surprised to see you here tonight."
"Honey, why don't we go get a drink?" Bobby asks his wife. "The air stinks over here."
"It's lovely to see you too, Bobby," says Katherine. "By the way, aren't you going to congratulate us on our marriage?"
"Well, you two certainly deserve each other, Katherine," Bobby says. "The true definition of a marriage made in hell. Come on, Annie."
"See you at the wedding tomorrow evening," Richard says as Bobby and Ann walk away.
The Ewings make their way over to the bar, where Bobby orders a bourbon from the bartender.
"Honey, don't let those two get to you," Ann tells her husband.
"I can't help it, Ann. I can barely stomach the thought of attending Emma's wedding at Channing's house, and it's ESPECIALLY upsetting knowing that Channing and Katherine are gonna be our in-laws."
Meanwhile, John Ross walks over to Richard and Katherine. "Channing," John Ross says.
"Well, John Ross," Richard says with a smile.
"Who the hell told the two of you that you were welcome here?"
"John Ross, we bought our tickets, just like everyone else here," Katherine says. "Which means, we have every right to be here."
"Well, next time we'll just have to be more selective as to who we sell those tickets to."
Richard laughs.
"John Ross, I have absolutely no idea what the hell you're even talking about," says Richard.
"You just tell him. He'll know what the hell I'm talkin' about."
"Oh, I'll be sure and pass the message along."
"Katherine, speakin' of sons, how's Austin?" John Ross asks. "Still sittin' in the slammer, I guess."
The smile disappears from Katherine's face. "You nasty little troll."
"John Ross, I understand that you are acquainted with Katherine's ex-hubby, my half-brother, Jeremy Lord," Richard says.
John Ross looks at Richard for a moment. "You just give that son of yours my message. And once I get done with him and Elena, I'm gonna take you down."
"Good luck with that one, kid," Richard says.
John Ross looks at Katherine, and at Richard, then walks away from them.
"That spoiled brat is even more insufferable than his father was," says Katherine.
"Justin," Mayor Rawlings says.
"Well, good evenin', Mayor," Justin says.
"Son, I wanna tell you that you have done a great job in puttin' this event together. Your daddy would be real proud."
"And they did a marvelous job."
"Oh, Mr. Mayor, I'd like to introduce my Mama, Cally Harper. Mama, this is Dallas's honorable Mayor, Mike Rawlings."
"Ms. Harper," Rawlings says, shaking Cally's hand. "It's a pleasure."
"Pleasure is all mine, Mr. Mayor."
"Justin, Ms. Harper, if you'll excuse me. It was nice seein' you both."
"Nice seein' you, too, Mayor," Justin says as Rawlings walks away.
"I've come a long way since I left Florida for Dallas, Mama."
"Yes, you sure have. Justin, I can't tell tell you how proud I am, and I know J.R. would be, too."
Justin looks at his mother. "I guess we'll never know, will we? Since you kept me from knowin' that J.R. was my father until after the man was dead and gone."
The smile disappears from Cally's face after Justin's words. Before either of them can say anymore, Sue Ellen and Catlin walk over.
"Cally, hello," Sue Ellen says. "How are you?"
"I'm just fine, Sue Ellen."
"Cally, I'd like for you to meet Catlin Ewing. Catlin, you already know J.R.'s son, Justin, and this is his mother, Cally Harper."
"Cally, it's nice to finally meet you," Catlin says, shaking her hand. "Sue Ellen has told me a lot about you."
"It's nice to meet you, too. Umm.....Ewing? Are you a relative?"
"Catlin is a second cousin of J.R., Bobby, Ray, and Gary."
"If y'all will excuse me," Justin says. "I think I'm gonna go see where my wife got off to."
Meanwhile, as Jimmy stands at the bar drinking a glass of scotch, Jeremy Shepherd and Katelyn Spencer walk up to him.
"Well, well, if it isn't Jimmy Beaumont," Katelyn says with a smile. "The man responsible for putting this whole event together."
"Katie, you forget," Jeremy says. "Ol' Jimmy here didn't do it on his own. He had a LOT of help from my sister."
"Oh, that's right. Yes. Amanda was invaluable in helping you, wasn't she, Jimmy? Helping you in ALL kinds of ways."
Katelyn looks over Jimmy's shoulder at Justin, who is standing with Amanda some distance away. "I sure feel sorry for poor Justin. Such a great guy to be betrayed by his own wife and his so called best friend."
"Amanda and I haven't betrayed anyone," Jimmy says.
"You betrayed me," says Katelyn.
"I betrayed you? How the hell do you figure that?"
"You led me on, Jimmy. Led me to believe you cared about me. That we had something, when all the time you were pining away for your best friend's wife."
"I wonder how poor Justin is gonna take it when he finds out what ya been up to, Jimmy boy," says a gloating Jeremy.
Jimmy is finding it hard to contain his anger, and his desire to punch Jeremy.
"Come on, Jeremy," says Katelyn. "We don't wanna start a brawl right here in the middle of this little party."
"You're right. Justin doesn't deserve to have his party turned into a free-for-all, on top of everything else."
John Ross walks up to the bar. "Bourbon, straight," he tells the bartender as Christopher and Courtney walk over to him.
"John Ross," Christopher says.
"Christopher, Courtney."
"So far the fundraiser seems to be a success," says Christopher.
Christopher and Courtney exchange worried looks. "John Ross, Krystina just walked in," Christopher says.
John Ross turns and looks in the direction of the ballroom entrance, where he sees Krystina walk in. "I can't believe she had the nerve to show up here tonight."
"John Ross, why don't you go talk to her?" Courtney asks. "Whatever this problem is the two of you have, I'm sure it can be worked out."
"Hadn't told your girlfriend what Krystina did to me, Christopher?" John Ross asks. "I'm kinda surprised. I thought you were the kinda guy who didn't like to keep secrets from his…….significant other."
"Maybe you're right, cousin. Wouldn't wanna do anything to embarrass the fam'ly, now would I?" John Ross finishes off his glass of bourbon, then sits his glass down on the bar, and walks away from them.
"Wow, John Ross is really in a bad mood," Courtney says. "Christopher, what exactly happened between him and Krystina? And what was all that about Brad Stone the other day?" Courtney looks at him for a moment, then her eyes grow wide as she realizes what has happened. "Oh my God. Christopher……..is Krystina cheating on John Ross with Brad Stone?"
"Yeah," Christopher replies. "I looks that way."
"Poor John Ross. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually feel sorry for him."
"Y'know, so do I. After all the dirty tricks John Ross has pulled. All his cheating and lying and backstabbing…… he truly loves Krystina, and not even he deserves this."
Meanwhile, John Ross walks over and meets Krystina. "Can't believe you showed up here tonight after everything," he says.
"How the hell do you expect us to work this out, Krystina? You had SEX with Brad Stone, Cliff Barnes's son. If it had been anybody else but him, I MIGHT be able to look past this. But that son of a bitch set us up to destroy our marriage, and you walked right into his trap."
"John Ross, I know, and I cannot tell you how sorry I am," Krystina says as she starts to cry. "I will spend the rest of my life apologizing and trying to make this up to you. If I could change what I did, I swear to God, I would. But I can't change the past, John Ross, anymore than you can."
"No, you're right. You can't change the past, and there's no way you can ever make this up to me, so y'know what? Don't even bother tryin'." Without another word, John Ross walks away from her.
Seeing Krystina upset, Bobby and Ann walk over to her. "Krystina, it's good to see you," Bobby says.
"Sweety, are you alright?" Ann asks.
"No, Ann, I'm not. I think my marriage just might be over," Krystina says, trying to hold back her tears.
Across the room, Donna takes out her cell phone and dials Lucy's cell number. The phone rings several times, but no answer. Lucy's voice mail picks up. After the beep, Donna leaves a message: "Lucy, hi, it's Donna again. Honey, give me a call, or text me and let me know that you're alright. I'm worried about you. Bye." Donna ends the call and puts her phone away as Ray walks over to his wife.
"Callin' your boyfriend the minute my back's turned?" He asked with a smile.
"Yes. But he was unavailable," Donna jokes. "But no, seriously, I was callin' Lucy."
"Yeah, I thought she'd be here tonight," Ray says.
"So did I," says a worried Donna.
Donna sighs. "Yes, there is. I'll tell you all about it later. Right now's just not the time or place."
"Okay, if you say so."
Meanwhile, as Amanda walks up to the bar. "Can I please have a scotch and water?" She asks the bartender. Standing nearby, Jimmy sees her and walks over to her.
"Hi," he says.
"Oh, Jimmy," she says.
"You look like you're not having a very good time."
"I just have a slight headache, that's all."
"Sorry to hear that," says Jimmy. "You should be enjoying yourself tonight. After all, this event wouldn't have been possible without you."
As Jimmy and Amanda chat, Justin stands across the room watching them while he sips on a glass of bourbon. Jeremy walks up to him.
"How's it goin', brother-in-law?" Jeremy asks.
"Just fine. How about you?"
Jeremy turns and looks over in the direction of Jimmy and Amanda. "Justin, man, I don't mean to stick my nose in where it don't belong, but, can't you see what's goin' on between my sister and your best friend?"
"No idea what you're talkin' about," Justin says.
"Don't you? Justin, I've seen Jimmy and Amanda together. Seen him over at your place while you were at work."
"He was there AFTER they'd already finished with this fundraiser, man," says Jeremy.
Justin looks at him. "Jimmy's been at my house with Amanda after their work on this fundraiser was done?"
"That's right. Justin, you're a real decent guy. You been good to me. Treated me even better than my own sister has. I think you deserve to know what's goin on, man."
"Jeremy, NOTHIN' is goin' on between Amanda and Jimmy."
"Then why are you watchin' them the way you are?" Jeremy asks. "Justin, everybody can see it but you. Why do you think Jimmy and Katie broke up, and she's here with me tonight? It's because Katie saw what was goin' on. Your best friend is in love with you wife, man. And I think it's obvious she feels somethin' for him. And if you don't wake up and do somethin' about it, dude, you're gonna lose her." Without saying another word, Jeremy walks away, leaving Justin angry, and even more worried about the state of his marriage as he again looks over at Jimmy and Amanda.
At that point of the evening, John Ross takes the stage and steps up to the podium. "Everyone, may I have your attention, please," he says into the microphone. "Please, everyone, find your seats. Thank you." The assembled guests begin to take their seats at their designated tables, and after a few moments, the room becomes quiet, and John Ross begins his speech: "Ladies and gentlemen, my fam'ly and I would like to
As the crowd applauds, Justin, Jill, and Jimmy each make their way on stage and gather around John Ross, three of J.R.'s four children, and his oldest grandson Jimmy, representing his father, James, on stage.
"And now, I turn the podium over to my little brother, Justin," John Ross says, much to Justin's surprise.
As Justin finishes speaking, the crowd applauds. Sitting at a table with Sue Ellen, Bobby, Ann, Catlin, Christopher, Courtney, and Phyllis, Cally beams with pride at all her son has accomplished since arriving in Dallas just a little more than a year and a half ago.
John Ross again takes the podium. "Now, then, y'all enjoy the rest of your evenin', eat hearty, and give generously. Thank y'all." Again, applause erupts from the audience as John Ross, Justin, Jill, and Jimmy leave the stage. The band begins to play, and couples return to the dance floor.
Amanda approaches Justin as he walks off the stage. "That was a beautiful speech," she says.
"Thank ya," Justin says. "You alright? You look like you're not feelin' so good."
"I've had a headache all evening, and it's getting worse."
"You want me to take ya home? Call it a night?"
"No. You can't. I mean, you're the head of the J.R. Ewing Foundation, so you have to stay."
Justin sighs. "Yeah, you're right, I should be here."
"I'll just call a cab," Amanda says.
"Just hold on a minute, darlin'," Justin says. He walks several feet over to where Jimmy is chatting with Jill and Jay. "Hey, Jimmy," Justin says. "Can I borrow you for a while?"
"Yeah, sure," replies Jimmy. He follows Justin back over to join Amanda near the stage. "So what's up?"
"I was just wonderin' if I could get ya to do me a little favor," says Justin.
"Sure, what's that?"
"Take Amanda home for me. She's not feelin' well, and I need to be here since I am the head of the Foundation."
Caught off guard by Justin's request, Jimmy looks awkwardly at Amanda, then back at Justin. "Umm, Justin, I don't know, man, I......."
"Justin, that's not necessary," Amanda says. "I can just take a cab."
"I wouldn't hear of it, darlin'," Justin says. "And I'm sure Jimmy won't mind helpin' me out, would ya, Jimmy?"
"Okay. Well, I'd really appreciate it, bro," Justin says, looking at him. "I'll see ya when ya get back."
"Yeah, okay," Jimmy says. He starts to walk away with Amanda, then turns back to Justin. "Ummm, y'know what, man? I think after I take Amanda home, I'm just gonna call it a night and go on home myself."
"Oh?" Justin asks, suspicious.
"Yeah. I'm kinda tired. It's been a long week."
"Jimmy, I got an idea."
"What's that?" Jimmy asks.
"This weekend, why don't you and me go fishin'? Maybe up at Jay's fam'ly's cabin at that lake. Jay says there's some real good fishin' up there, and you and me hadn't been fishin' together in a while. So how 'bout it?"
Jimmy looks at Amanda, then back at Justin. "Yeah, sure, man. That sounds nice."
"Good. Well, go on, get my wife home, and I'll talk to you in the mornin'. I'll ask Jay about usin' his fam'ly's cabin."
Jimmy nods, then he and Amanda walk away. Justin watches his wife and best friend with both hurt and anger in his eyes as Jimmy and Amanda exit the ballroom. Justin realizes that he HAS to find out the truth. Are his wife and best friend in love, and are they having an affair?
Across the room, Jeremy and Katelyn are slow dancing, and Jeremy sees his sister leave with Jimmy. He looks over and sees Justin standing alone.
"Jeremy, what is it?" Katelyn asks.
"My sister just left with Jimmy Beaumont."
"What? We should tell Justin...."
"No," Jeremy says. "Let's just stay out of it. I already tried to tell Justin what was goin' on between those two, and he wasn't interested in what I had to say. So, if his wife is cheatin' on him, it's his problem, not ours."
Meanwhile, outside, as Jimmy and Amanda walk to Jimmy's car in the parking lot, Amanda turns to him. "Look, Jimmy, why don't you just go on home?" Amanda asks. "I'll call a cab. I'd RATHER call a cab."
Amanda looks at him, then after a few seconds' hesitation, she gets into Jimmy's car. He gets into the driver's seat, starts the car, and the two drive off into the night, headed toward Justin and Amanda's ranch. As the car drives away, Justin emerges from the hotel. He watches as Jimmy's car pulls out of the hotel parking lot and onto the street. In his mind and his heart, Justin knows that he has to find out for himself if there is any truth to his suspicion that something was going on between Jimmy and Amanda. He walks over to his own car and gets in. He hesitates for a moment, part of him still unsure whether he was doing the right thing. Then, he convinces himself that he is. He starts the car, and drives off toward home behind Jimmy and Amanda.
Tripp and Pamela's apartment....
"Still can't reach Afton?" Tripp asks.
"What do you think's going on?"
"I have no idea, but I'm getting really worried."
"Wait a second," Tripp says, walking back into the bedroom. A moment later, he returns with Pamela's phone. He unlocks the phone and opens her contacts.
"What are you doing?" Cliff asks.
"Let's give Afton's bartender, Joe, a call. Afton gave Pamela Joe's number not too long ago, in case she needed to get in touch with her at the club and she couldn't reach her on her phone."
"Oh, great," Cliff says. "What's the number?"
"Here," Tripp says, handing Cliff the phone. He speed dials Joe's cell phone. On the third ring, he answers. "Joe, hi, this is Cliff Barnes. Are you and Afton still at the club?" Cliff listens to Joe on the other end of the line, a look of concern crossing his wrinkled face. "What? Joe, Afton said that there was some problem at the club and she had to go there to take care of it. That was over two hours ago. Joe, what the hell are you saying? Afton was never AT the club tonight? Are you sure? Okay, Joe, thanks." Cliff ends the call, a look of fear on his face.
"Cliff?" Tripp says.
"Oh my God," says Tripp. "Then that call she got....."
"It was a set up," Cliff says. "It had to be. It had to be Afton's stalker. Oh my God, if it was, then Afton is in serious danger. I'm calling the police." Cliff picks up his cell phone and dials the number of the Dallas Police Department. Cliff waits impatiently for someone to answer as Tripp looks on. Finally, after several rings, someone picks up. "Yes, hello, this is Cliff Barnes, I'd like to report a missing person. Her name is Afton Cooper. She's been missing for a little over two hours now. No, look, you don't understand. Afton Cooper has been the victim of a stalking recently, and I know she's in some kind of danger now. Let me speak to Detective Scott Miller. He's the detective in charge of Afton's case."
As Cliff talks to the police on the phone, a groggy Pamela comes out of the bedroom and walks into the living room after having slept for several hours under sedation.
"Tripp?" Pamela says, coming out of the bedroom.
"Honey, you're awake," Tripp says, walking over to her.
"Yes. What's going on? Has there been news about the baby?"
"No, sweetheart, there hasn't," Tripp replies.
"Mom? Tripp, where's my mother?"
A worried Tripp looks at his wife, not knowing how to answer Pamela's question about Afton's whereabouts, and unsure of whether to give his already emotionally fragile wife any more bad news.
A house on the outskirts of Dallas....
"What about the baby?" Asks a frightened Afton.
"The baby will be fine. I'm gonna call his parents, and tell them where they can pick the little guy up."
"And then? What happens after that?"
"Disappear?" Afton asks.
"Yeah, of course. I mean, we can't very well stay around Dallas, now can we? Your family and the cops are gonna be looking for you, and now that you're with me, I can't get back to the hospital to make sure my ol' buddy Steve Jones doesn't wake up and tell them that I'm the one who shot him."
"You actually tried to kill your own partner. I can't believe you ever made it onto the police force."
"Really wasn't that hard, Afton," Scott says. "And I think I've been a good cop."
"Then why give that up? Why resort to stalking, and kidnapping and murder?"
"Afton, everything I've done......I've done for you. Because I love you."
"You.......love me?" Afton asks, near tears.
"Oh, yes, Afton," Scott says. "I've loved you for years. I remember when I was a little kid, what was I, like......four, five? You use to sing 'She'll Be Coming Around The Moutain' to me. You remember that, Afton?"
She remains silent as she looks at her kidnapper in fear.
Annoyed by his hostage's silence, Scott moves closer to her, a strange look on his face. "Do you REMEMBER THAT, Afton?" He asks again. "That's where you're supposed to answer me."
"I remember," Afton finally replies.
"Your voice was like that of an angel. I never wanted that song to end. And, what was that other song you use to sing to me?"
"Hush, Little Baby," Afton says.
Scott smiles. "Yes, that's right. God I use to love to hear you sing that. Hey, sing it for me now."
"What?"
"You heard me. Sing it for me now," Scott says, still smiling.
"No, I don't........"
"Don't what, Afton?"
"I don't feel like singing."
"Well, I feel like hearing you sing," Scott says, his smile fading from his face. "So come on. Sing."
"Scott.......please......."
"Afton, you heard me," Scott says, standing. He takes his gun from his holster and points it at her. "I wanna hear you sing. So SING!"
Afton jumps with fear. She looks at him for a moment, tears streaming down her face. "Hush, Little Baby, don't say a word, Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird. And if that mockingbird don't sing, Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring....."
Justin and Amanda's home....
"Jimmy, you didn't have to come in," she says.
"I told Justin I'd see you safely home......"
"And you've done that. So you can go now."
"Not like this. Not at night. Besides, Justin will be home soon."
"No he won't," Jimmy says. "That fundraiser will go on for a while yet. Justin won't be home for at least a couple hours. But, maybe you're right. I should go. Because when I look at you, I see the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. A woman I didn't want to, but DID fall in love with. My best friend's wife."
Amanda begins to cry as she turns away from him. She walks over and takes a seat on the sofa.
Jimmy hesitates for a brief moment, then walks over and sits down beside her.
"NOTHING has happened, Jimmy," she says. "And nothing CAN happen. Look, why don't you just go and visit your parents for a while? Maybe some time away from each other will..........."
"Will what? Make us completely forget our feelings? Look at me, Amanda."
She looks up at him, tears in her eyes.
"Can you look me in the eye and tell me, honestly, that you want me to leave Dallas?" Jimmy asks. "Because if you can tell me that and truly mean it, then I will. I'll be on the first plane to Boston tomorrow. But I don't think you can tell me that you want me to leave, and mean it."
Amanda looks at him for a moment, trying to hold back her tears. "I can't tell you that, Jimmy. Not honestly. Because I don't want you to go. But I know that you have to. Jimmy, don't you see how wrong this is? Sure, we can't help how we feel, but that doesn't make it any less wrong. I am married to the kindest, most decent and loving man that I know. YOUR best friend. I don't even understand why I'm having these feelings for you. I have everything I need with Justin. But, I......." Amanda stops talking and begins crying again. "Jimmy, I'm sorry......."
"Amanda, you don't have anything to be sorry for," Jimmy says. "Neither one of us is to blame for this situation."
"Aren't we?" Amanda asks. "Aren't we, Jimmy?" She stands and walks across the room, her back to Jimmy as she cries.
Jimmy stands to his feet and walks over to her. "Amanda," he says softly. "Hey, come on, now." He gently places his hands on her shoulders and turns her around to face him. For a few seconds, the two look deeply into each others' eyes, the sexual tension between them stronger than either of them can stand. Taking her face in his hands, Jimmy continues to look at her, then, as if unable to control the attraction between them, Jimmy and Amanda begin kissing passionately. The kiss lasts for several seconds, then Amanda pulls away. She again looks into Jimmy's eyes, which look longingly back at her. Unable to control the passion she's feeling for him, Amanda places her hand on the back of Jimmy's head and pulls him into another kiss. This time, the two begin undressing as they kiss.....Jimmy takes his jacket off, while Amanda rips open his shirt and slips it off as Jimmy unzips and removes her dress.
As Jimmy and Amanda begin to make love, they are unaware that Justin is watching them through the window, his worst fears, his worst suspicions, realized as he watches his wife with Jimmy, the man who was supposed to be his best friend.
Tripp and Pamela's apartment....
"Calm down?" Asks an angry Cliff. "That's easy for you to say."
"Look, Mr. Barnes, we have every available man out looking. We wanna catch this stalker every bit as much as you do."
"Yeah, sure!" Cliff says.
"I'm gonna have one of my men stationed here in case Miss Cooper or this stalker contacts you. I'll keep ya updated," Lt. Daniels says as Tripp walks him to the door.
"Yeah, you just do that."
"And if you do happen to hear anything, please let us know."
"Don't worry, we will," Tripp says.
Lt. Daniels nods and then leaves.
After he's gone, Tripp turns to Cliff and sighs. "Boy, things just keep getting worse and worse, don't they?"
"Yeah, they sure do," Cliff says as the doorbell rings.
Tripp opens the door to find Mitch and Tracey in the hall. "Hey, guys, come in."
"Thanks," Mitch says as he and Tracey walk into the room.
"What's going on?" Tracey asks.
"Afton is missing," replies Cliff.
"What do you mean.....missing?" Mitch asks.
"Afton got a call earlier from her club, supposedly," says Tripp.
"Supposedly?" Tracey asks. "You mean whoever called Afton when I was here earlier WASN'T someone from her club?"
"No," Cliff says. "When Afton didn't come back after a couple of hours, and she didn't answer her phone or texts, I called the club, and Joe the bartender says no one from the club ever called Afton tonight, and there was no emergency that required her attention."
"Oh my God," Mitch says.
"I felt like something was wrong," says Tracey. "Afton was acting too nervous, too jumpy when she left here."
"Cliff, do you think it was Afton' stalker who called her?" Mitch asks.
"It had to be."
"What about Pamela, does she know?" Tracey asks.
"I know," comes Pamela's voice from the doorway to the bedroom.
"Pamela, sweetheart, you should be resting," Tripp says.
"Tripp, I'm tired of laying in that bed, trying to get to sleep when all I can think about is our baby and my mother."
"Pamela, do you think you need something to help you sleep?" Mitch asks.
"No, Uncle Mitch. The doctor gave me something earlier. But I wanna stay awake. I wanna know what's happening, and what you're all keeping from me," Pamela says as she starts to cry.
"Honey, just calm down," Tripp says in an attempt to comfort his wife.
"Tripp, what's going on with my Mom? Where is she?"
Tripp looks at Tracey, then at Mitch and Cliff. "We might as well tell her," Mitch says. "Pamela's strong enough to handle this after everything else she's been through."
Tripp nods, then looks at his wife. "Pamela, you're mother is missing. And, there's a good chance that the stalker may be responsible."
"Oh my God," Pamela cries. "Mom. First our son, and now my mother? God, what's next?"
"Daddy, I know you're trying to make me feel better, but I can't stand the thought of either Mom or Hunter with that stalker."
"I know, baby," Cliff says, embracing his daughter. "I know," he tells her as Tripp, Tracey, and Mitch look on.
Justin and Amanda's home....
"I can't believe that just happened," she says. "I can't believe we let it happen."
"Neither can I," Jimmy says, looking at her with a smile. "Amanda, it's been so long since I've been with anyone, that, I'd forgotten how amazing it is." He reaches over and gently touches her face.
"I know, you're right. But right now, all I can see is the most beautiful, amazing woman I've ever known. And this was the most amazing night of my life."
Amanda gets up and slips on her panties and then puts her bra on. "Jimmy, you should go."
"Amanda, I'm sorry. Look, I know you're feeling guilty right now......"
"Guilty?" Amanda asks. "Jimmy, guilty doesn't even BEGIN to describe how I feel right now. I feel disgusted, with myself. My God, Jimmy, we just betrayed my husband and YOUR best friend in the worst possible way. There must be something seriously wrong with me."
"Perfect? PERFECT?" Amanda asks angrily. "I just slept with my husband's best friend. I would hardly consider that PERFECT!" She begins to cry.
Jimmy stands to his feet, picks up his boxers and slips them on, then walks over to her.
"Maybe not tonight. But what about the next time we happened to be alone together? What is wrong with me, Jimmy? I have the most wonderful husband any woman could ask for, but I find myself so attracted to his nephew and best friend that I couldn't even stop myself from having sex with you? What does that say about me?" Amanda says as she begins to cry.
"Hey, don't," Jimmy says as he embraces her. "Amanda, don't beat yourself up. We both made a mistake. I never should've let this happen."
Amanda pulls out of the embrace. "This wasn't all your fault. Jimmy, you'd better go. Justin will be home soon."
"No, I'll do it. Please, just go."
Jimmy pauses a moment as he looks at her. He nods. "Okay." Jimmy walks over to the sofa, then turns back to her. "Are you gonna tell Justin?" He asks.
"No," she replies. "Justin can NEVER know about this, Jimmy. And we can never talk about it again. We have to forget that tonight ever happened."
After Jimmy leaves, Amanda begins to cry. After a moment, she picks up the blanket she and Jimmy had lay on, then picks up the two pillows, and carries them upstairs to the bedroom. Opening the closet door, she tosses them into the closet, the takes out her bathroom. She slips the robe on and then walks into the
Hyatt Regency Hotel....
"John Ross, this sure was a wonderful night," Cally says with a smile.
"Thank ya, Cally," John Ross says. "I think tonight was a success."
"John Ross, do you have any idea how much money was raised tonight?" Bobby asks.
"Yes, I do, Uncle Bobby. Tonight we raised approximately $11 million."
"Oh my goodness," says Sue Ellen. "11 million? John Ross, that's wonderful."
"By the way, has anybody seen Justin?" Cally asks. "I hadn't seen him in quite a while."
"He left a while ago," says Jeremy Shepherd, standing nearby.
"Left? Why?"
"I do know that Amanda wasn't feelin' well earlier, and Jimmy left to take her home," says Jeremy.
"And I saw Justin leave right after," Ann says. "Maybe he went home with her."
"Hmmm, maybe so," Cally says.
"Honey, we'd better get home and get some sleep, too," Bobby says to Ann. "We've got a long......and trying day ahead of us tomorrow."
"Yes, we do."
"Oh, that's right, Emma's wedding," says Sue Ellen.
"Yes, somethin' I'm not exactly lookin' forward to," Ann says.
"Guess I should get home and get some rest myself, if I'm to go with y'all tomorrow," John Ross says.
Bobby, Ann, and Sue Ellen all look at him strangely. "You're comin' with us to California tomorrow?" Ann asks.
"John Ross, when you told me you were going to Emma's wedding, I'd hoped you were joking," Sue Ellen says.
"Nope, I wuttin' jokin', Mama. I was dead serious."
John Ross nods, then Bobby and Ann turn and leave.
"John Ross, I really wish you would change your mind about going to San Francisco tomorrow," Sue Ellen says. "I know that you're only going there to confront Michael Channing, and, I think that's a big mistake."
"Don't worry, Mama," John Ross says. "I fully intend to behave durin' Emma's weddin'. But I DO have every intention of makin' Michael Channing and Elena pay for what they did to me. And then, when I'm done with them, Cliff Barnes's son is gonna pay, and I do mean pay dearly. Night, Mama." John Ross kisses his mother on the cheek, then walks away.
Sue Ellen sighs deeply. "I just have this terrible feeling that if John Ross goes out there, something terrible is going to happen."
"Sue Ellen, John Ross is a grown man."
"Yes, a grown man with very poor judgement and impulse control at times. I had honestly hoped that when Cliff Barnes went to jail for J.R.'s murder and John Ross was married to Pamela that this whole stupid war between the Ewings and the Barnes would finally end. But then, the marriage fell apart, Cliff got out of prison, and the whole feud started all over again. Only now it's worse because not only does Cliff have a son to join the fight, but the damned Channing family has been drawn into the war. God help me, Catlin, I do NOT want my grandsons to have to fight this same stupid feud that has been going on for three generations. and has already ruined so many lives."
Catlin puts his arm around Sue Ellen and embraces her.
Justin and Amanda's home....
Meanwhile, downstairs, Justin walks into the house. As he enters the living room, he looks down at the spot where, not even two hours earlier, he had seen his wife and his best friend having sex. Once again he feels the anger rising up inside of him as his mind flashes back to that moment......the worst moment of his life. Justin plans to get even with them, but not just yet. He plans to bide his time, until just the right moment. After a pause in the living room, he takes off his jacket, then heads upstairs. He walks into the bedroom
She opens her eyes and looks up at him. "Oh, Justin," she says. "How long have you been home?"
"Just came in."
"What time is it?"
"Almost 12:30. Been asleep long?"
"I really don't know," Amanda says. "I read for a while, and then dozed off."
Justin takes off his top shirt. "How long did Jimmy stay after he brought you home?"
Amanda looks nervously at her husband. "Not long. He, ummm……he just came in, made sure that the house was safe, and then he left."
count on him to see you safely home. I'm gonna have to thank him tomorrow when we go on that fishin' trip."
"Fishing trip?" Amanda asks. "You're still thinking about going fishing?"
"Sure, darlin'," Justin replies casually. "Why not? Supposed to be nice weather this weekend. Great for fishin'. And me and Jimmy hadn't been in a while. I think it'll do us some good to spend some time together. Ya know, darlin'…….some good bro time."
"Yeah," Amanda says nervously as she looks at her husband.
"Well, I'm gonna just take a quick shower and then try to get some sleep," Justin says. "Tomorrow's gonna be a big day. You go back to sleep. I'll try not to wake ya when I get in bed."
Amanda looks at him and nods, then she lays back down.
Courtney's apartment....
"Yes, it certainly was," Courtney agrees.
"Are you okay?" Christopher asks as they reach Courtney's apartment door.
"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just been a long day, that's all."
"You're right about that," Christopher says. "Why don't I come in? I could spend the night."
Christopher sighs. "Yeah, you're absolutely right, AGAIN. I wish I didn't have to go to that wedding tomorrow, and I wouldn't if not for Ann, but, she wants us there."
"I know, and I wouldn't wanna let her down," says Courtney. "Ann's been so wonderful to me."
"She has to me, too. She's been like a real mother to me since she married my Dad, even though I was 24 when they got married. Well, I'd better get home, and let you get some rest."
"I had a lot of fun tonight, Christopher."
"So did I. You sure you're okay? You seem a little down tonight."
"I'm fine," Courtney says. "Just tired."
"Okay, well, I'll pick you up tomorrow morning around 10."
Courtney smiles and nods at him.
Christopher kisses her. "I love you," he says.
"I love you, too."
"Night," Christopher says, then walks away.
Courtney watches him as he makes his way down the hall to the elevator, then she unlocks her door and goes into her apartment. She switches on the light in the living room and is startled when her mother walks in. "Oh, Mom, I thought you'd be asleep by now."
"I would be, but I wanted to see how the rest of your evening went," Phyllis says.
"It went fine."
"Did you talk to Christopher after the party?"
"Mom, WHY are you pushing this?" Courtney asks.
"Because I'm worried about you, sweetheart. Honey, I see how you and Christopher feel about each other, and he has a right to know the truth."
"Yes, darling, I can."
"Then why do you keep bringing it up?" Courtney asks, wiping a tear from her face. "Why does this even have to be an issue? Christopher and I are very happy together. I love him, and he loves me. Why does he even have to know about the worst mistake I've ever made?"
"And what if he does? I made a mistake when I was young and stupid. And I have regretted that every day of my life since. I cannot turn the clock back Mom and undo what I did. But I will NOT let this affect the rest of my life. Now, I'm flying to California tomorrow with Christopher, Bobby, and Ann for Ann's daughter's wedding, so I have to get some sleep. Goodnight, Mom." Courtney walks past her mother and into her bedroom.
A house on the outskirts of Dallas....
"Scott," Afton says.
"Yeah, what is it, Afton?"
"What about the baby? When are you going to return him to Pamela and Tripp?"
Scott looks at his watch. "Well, it's almost 3 in the morning. Come first light, I'll have you send a text to Pamela, telling her to keep her mouth shut if she ever wants to see her mother and child again. Basically the same as when I called and led you here. Then, we'll take the baby to a location, and let Pamela pick him up there. Provided she comes by herself. Then, you and I can disappear."
"And exactly........where........would we be going?" Afton asks.
"I know a place. Out of the country," Scott replies. "We can stay there for a long, long time. Have new identities."
"Scott, why are you doing this? When you were a little boy, and I was married to Harrison, I was good to you. I treated you like my own son. Why are you hurting me now?"
"Hurting you?" Scott asks, standing to his feet. He walks over to her. "Afton, I would NEVER hurt you. Never. Not unless I had to, of course. I love you. When I was a little boy, I loved you like you were my mother. Then, as I grew older, I use to listen to your records. Looked you up on the internet. I guess when I was about 15 or 16........you know how those hormones are at that age........that's when my feelings for you started to change."
"Change?
"Changed.......how?" Afton asks.
"I fell in love with you. At first, that felt a little......weird......since you were my former stepmother and you knew me when I was just a toddler. But, I couldn't help it. You're everything I always wanted. Oh, I know we have a little bit of an age difference, but, hell, there are a lot of successful relationships where there's an age difference. To me, you're every bit as young and beautiful as you were when I was 6-years-old. My father was a damned fool for letting you go. And that Cliff Barnes guy......he's the biggest fool of all because he let you go first. But I'm glad he did, because if you'd stayed with him, you never would've married my father, and WE never would've met. I'm thankful for that, Afton. Anyway, why don't you try and get a few hours of sleep? I'm gonna try to catch a little myself. You're not gonna be going anywhere. I'll wake you in a few hours and we'll shoot that text to Pamela. Let her know where she can pick up her son."
As Scott speaks these words, an increasingly frightened Afton looks at him, worried that she may never make it out of this situation.
Tripp and Pamela's apartment......later
"Sweetheart, I'm sorry," Tripp says. "I didn't mean to wake you."
"It's alright, I wasn't asleep."
"You've been awake all night?"
"Yeah. I can't sleep," Pamela.
"Why don't you take one of those pills the doctor gave you? And if they're not helping, we can ask your Uncle Mitch if he could give you something stronger."
"No. Tripp, our baby is still missing, and now my mother's missing, too. I don't wanna sleep. All I want is for this to be over and for Mom and Hunter to be safe."
"I know," Tripp says, walking over to her. "Me, too."
"What time is it?" Pamela asks.
"About 6:30. Almost daylight."
"Tripp, you must be exhausted. You've been awake for almost two days straight."
Tripp sighs. "I can't sleep, either. Honey, why don't you at least try to get a little sleep? Even if it's only an hour or so."
"And what about you? Why don't you come to bed?"
"I will soon. Right now, I'm still kinda wired. And, I kinda need a shower. With everything going on, I haven't even taken one since day before yesterday. So, I think I'll go take one, then come back and join you in bed."
Pamela nods. Tripp walks over, leans down and kisses her. "I love you so much, Pamela."
"I love you, too. I don't know if I could get through this without you."
"I know I couldn't get through it without you," Tripp says. "I'll be back in a few minutes." He walks over to the dresser, opens the second drawer and takes out a change of clothes, looks back at his wife, then he goes into the bathroom. A few seconds later, Pamela hears the shower running. She lays back down and fights
Pamela quickly speed dials Afton's number.
Scott's house on the outskirts of town....
"Okay, go ahead. Answer it. But no funny business, Afton," Scott says, holding his gun on her.
Nervously, Afton picks up her phone and answers. "Pamela?"
Tripp and Pamela's apartment....
Scott's house....
"Yes. Tripp's in the shower."
"Alright, Pamela, listen to me very carefully. I'm about to hang up and text you an address. Come to that address in half an hour, and you can pick up the baby."
Tripp and Pamela's apartment....
Scott's house....
Pamela and Tripp's apartment....
Pamela quickly gets out of bed and gets dressed. Tripp is still in the shower, as the water is still running. Pamela grabs her purse and car keys, and quietly slips out of the bedroom. As she makes her way through the still darkened living room, Cliff is still asleep on the sofa and Mitch on the love seat. Silently, Afton slips out of the apartment.
A few moments later, Tripp is out of the shower. He dries his hair and face off, then wraps the towel around his waist as he walks from the master bathroom into his and Pamela's bedroom "Honey," he says as he
"Huh? What is it?" Cliff asks, waking up.
"Have you seen Pamela?"
"What? No, she's asleep, isn't she?"
"No. I went to take a shower and when I came out, she was gone."
"Maybe she's in the kitchen, or the nursery."
"No, I've already searched the whole apartment, and she's not here."
Cliff quickly sits up. "Oh my God. Where the hell could she be?"
"I dunno," Tripp replies. He walks over to the front door and goes into the hall. Looking both ways, he sees no one. He rushes back into the bedroom, then returns to the living room. "Her phone is gone. It was on the table beside the bed, and she took it."
"Where could she have gone?" Cliff asks.
Tripp picks his phone up from the coffee table and dials his wife's number. The phone rings several times with no answer. "She's not answering her phone."
"What are we gonna do?" Cliff asks. "Maybe she just went out for some air."
"She could've gone out on the balcony if she wanted air, and the door's still locked from the inside. I've gotta go out and look for her."
"I'm coming with you."
"No," Tripp says. "You call the police. Pamela is in NO condition to be out wandering around God knows where." He goes into the bedroom, grabs a shirt and his shoes and rushes out of the apartment.
"Cliff, what's going on?" Mitch asks, awakened from his sleep.
"Pamela's gone. Tripp went out to look for her," Cliff says, picking his phone up. He dials the number of the Dallas Police Department. On the third ring, someone answers. "Uh, hello, this is Cliff Barnes. I know it's early, but has Detective Scott Miller come in yet? Okay, well, I need to speak to someone. My daughter has disappeared."
North Highlands Community Pool.....a short time later
"Hunter!" Cries a relieved Pamela when she sees her son. She starts toward the baby when Scott suddenly emerges from one of the stalls.
"Hello, Pamela," he says.
"What? Detective Miller? Oh my God. What are you doing here? How did you know the stalker would......"
Pamela stops talking abruptly when Scott smiles and she suddenly realizes the terrible truth. "No......no, it can't be. It was YOU?"
"But......why?" Cries a frightened Pamela.
"Because I had to," Scott replies. "Now, come on. We have to go. Your mother's waiting for us."
"But.....my baby!"
"Don't worry. Your baby will be fine right here. It's only 7 a.m. This place doesn't open until 9. That's two hours, and your baby will be safely back with that husband of yours by then, because you're gonna call him and tell him where he can find his son."
"And then......what?"
"Then you, me, and Afton are going away. FAR away from here. And we'll be a family again. Just like we should've been all along."
"Family?" Pamela asks. "What are you talking about?"
"That will become clear to you soon enough. Now, let's go. Like I said, your mother's waiting."
"Oh yes, Pamela," Scott says, drawing his gun on her. "You ARE. Now we can do this peacefully, without bloodshed, or........the alternative won't be very pretty. I could shoot you......or........" he points the gun at little Hunter. "I could shoot your baby."
"NO! No, please......I'll go with you. Just please......don't hurt my baby."
"That's better," Scott says with a sick smile. "Now let's go. Once we're safely in my car, you can call that hubby of yours, what's his name......Tipp, Tuck......whatever, and tell him where his son is."
Pamela looks at her infant son with tears in her eyes, then, left with no choice, she turns and walks out of the restroom, Scott behind her with his gun. A few moments later, they arrive at Scott's SUV, parked a short distance away. Inside the locked SUV is a bound and gagged Afton. Scott unlocks the vehicle.
"Get in," he tells his new hostage. "You drive."
Crying, Pamela does as she's told and gets into the vehicle. Afton's eyes grow wide with fear when she sees her daughter get in. Pamela sees her mother tied up in the backseat. "Mom!"
"Oh, Afton, let me remove that gag," Scott says. He reaches back with one hand, his other still holding the gun, and removes the gag from Afton's mouth.
"Pamela," Afton cries. "Why is my daughter here?"
"Pamela has decided that she wants to come with us," replies Scott.
"But, you said that you would give her the baby back. Where is Hunter?"
"He's safe in the bathroom. Pamela here is gonna call her hubby with the funny name, and tell him to come and pick junior up."
"No. You have to let her go."
"Afton, this will be perfect," says Scott. "We'll be a family, just like we use to be. Only this time, it'll be better, because my father won't be around to mess it up like he did before."
"Mom, what is he talking about?" Pamela asked through her tears.
"Pamela, he's Scott Van Buren........Harrison's son," Afton says.
"Your ex-husband?"
"Yes."
"Come on, Pammy, let's call ol'.......what is that guy's name......Tripp? What the hell kind of a name is Tripp, anyway? Come on.....call him. And don't try anything funny. Or you and I will be going on this little trip without your mother."
Terrified, Pamela takes her phone out and dials her husband's number.
Meanwhile....
Scott's SUV....
"What? The baby? Pamela, what are you talking about? Where are you?"
"Tripp, come to the North Highlands public pool at 9940 White Rock Trail. The baby will be in the womens' room. He's fine. And Tripp, for God's sake, come alone. And HURRY."
Meanwhile....
"Tripp, please just do as I say. Come alone. No police. Just come and pick up our son," Pamela says, then the line goes dead.
"Pamela?? PAMELA!!?? Damn!" Tripp says. He puts his phone into his pocket, then runs out of the building, gets into his car and speeds away.
Scott's SUV....
Reluctantly, Pamela hands over her phone to him.
"You won't be needing this anymore," Scott says as he proceeds to smash the phone to pieces on the dash with the butt of his gun. "Well, ladies, I guess we'll wait here for a little while to see if good ol' Trippy boy does as he's told and comes to get the little bundle of joy, and then.......the three of us are going for a long, LONG drive, far away from Dallas. Where no one will ever find us. Where everyone will leave us alone. We'll finally be a family, just the three of us, without that son of a bitch Harrison. We'll be the kind of a family I always wanted and deserved. Smile girls. This is gonna be just great."
A terrified Afton and Pamela exchanged worried looks, both women realizing that they may never see their family again, and realizing that they may not come out of this alive!