EPISODE 234 - Survivors, Part 1

As the search is underway, Alex stands on top of the cliff from which Shawn had fallen, looking down into the river below, obviously traumatized from the tragic events.  Grant County Sheriff Frank Gomez and his men question John Ross, Justin, and Clay.  

Justin sighs.  "Glad this is all over, but at the same time I won't rest easy until they pull Shawn's body out of that river and I see that he's really dead."

"Clay's gonna stay here and see if the cops do find Shawn's body.  In the meantime, you, me, and Alex need to go to the hospital."

"How's Alex holdin' up?"  Justin asks.

"He's kinda dazed and in shock right now, but he'll be okay,"  John Ross replies as Sheriff Gomez walks over to them.

"Mr. Ewing, how's the shoulder?"  Gomez asks.

"Throbbin' like hell."

"So, Sheriff, are we free to go?"  Justin asks.

"We really do need to get them to a hospital,"  a paramedic standing next to Justin says.

"Alright, you can go, but, don't leave town until I say you can.  I may have some further questions to ask you gentlemen about what happened here."

"We'll be around, but I hope we can wrap this up before long,"  says John Ross.  "Me and my family would like to get home and put this all behind us as soon as possible."

"I hope so, too,"  Sheriff Gomez says.  

"Sheriff, is there a cell phone I can use real fast, one that I can get a signal on way out here?"  John Ross asks.  "I need to call Alex's mother and let her call home and let my family know we're all okay before this all hits the news."

"You can use mine,"  the Sheriff says.  

"Mr. Ewing, we need to go,"  the paramedic says to Justin.

"You go on ahead with Alex,"  John Ross says.  "I'll be right behind you."

Justin nods, and John Ross follows the sheriff away.

Southfork....

 Jenna is standing in the den at Southfork looking at some Ewing family photos on the mantle when her cell phone rings.  Jenna picks up her phone and, seeing it's her daughter calling, she immediately answers.  "Charlie, thank God, I've been worried sick waiting for you to call,"  she says.  Jenna listens for a few moments as Charlie speaks on the other end of the line.  

Meanwhile, Bobby, Ann, Lucas, and Heather walk into the foyer.  "Well, I feel like I'm goin' stir crazy sittin' around here,"  Bobby says.  "I think I'm gonna go up and change and go out and work on the ranch for a while."

"Yeah, I feel the same.  I think I'll go with you."  says Lucas.

"Ann, do you wanna take a drive into town with me?"  Heather.

Ann nods.  "Sure, why not?  I agree with Bobby.  I'm losin' my mind sittin' around here."

Lucas looks into the den and sees that his mother is talking to someone on the phone.  "Hey, I wonder who Mom's talking to.  It could be news about Alex."  Lucas and the others walk into the den and approach Jenna.  "Mom?" 

"Hold on a second, honey,"  Jenna tells Charlie.  She puts her hand over the phone.  "It's Charlie, calling from New Mexico."

"Have they found Alex?"  Lucas asks.

"Just give me a minute,"  Jenna says, then returns to her phone call.  "Charlie, what did John Ross say?  Is Alex alright?"  Lucas and the others wait anxiously as Jenna listens to Charlie on the other end of the line.  "Charlie, that's wonderful.  Yes, sweetheart.  Please, call me back as soon as you know something.  Yes.  Yes, I'll tell everyone.  Charlie, I love you, and please give my grandson a big hug for me.  Bye, darling."  Jenna ends the call and smiles.

"Mom. what'd she say?"  Lucas asks.

Jenna smiles.  "John Ross just phoned Charlie.  They found Alex, and aside from being a little shaken up, he's fine."

 Bobby, Ann, Lucas, Heather, Krystina, Jenna, Catlin, and Sue Ellen are sitting around the den at 

Southfork watching the news reports of the events that had taken place in New Mexico:  "In our top story tonight, authorities continue to search the waters of the Gila River in Grant County, New Mexico for the body of 21-year-old Shawn Allen Smith, who fell into the river from one of the cliffs along the canyon surrounding the river yesterday.  Smith, who is the former CEO of Westar Oil in Dallas, had been a fugitive on the run for the past several days.  Smith was arrested last week for the sexual assault of a Dallas woman.  He escaped police custody, and allegedly murdered an employee of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital before taking a hostage and fleeing the state.  Police caught up to Smith and his hostage, 20-year-old Alexander Ewing of Dallas, just outside of Silver City, New Mexico......"

Meanwhile....Brad's apartment....

Meanwhile, Brad is watching the same news report in his apartment in Dallas, as the news anchorwoman continues:  "...... Police engaged Smith in a high speed chase that resulted in the stolen car Smith and his hostage were driving, crashing down a steep embankment.  Smith then escaped with Ewing into the woods of the Gila National Forest in Grant County, where, according to witnesses, Smith fell to his presumed death from a cliff atop the canyon overlooking the Gila River.  Local and state authorities have been searching the waters of the river since yesterday for Smith's body, but so far have turned up nothing.  According to Grant County Sheriff Frank Gomez, there is very little chance that Smith could have survived the more than 500 foot fall from the cliff into the river, the bottom of which, Gomez claims, is mostly quick sand.''

"The likelihood of anyone surviving a fall like that is very slim," Grant County Sheriff Frank Gomez tells reporters.  "The reason we haven't found a body yet is probably because it was swallowed up by the quicksand.  The bottom of that river is nothing but quicksand.  Nothing could survive it.  So if the fall didn't kill him, the quicksand, I'm sure, did."

Brad picks up his remote control and switches off the TV.  "Good riddance,"  he says.  He goes to a cabinet in his kitchen, opens it, and takes out a bowl.  He then proceeds to pour himself a bowl of Frosted Flakes cereal.  He is about to take a bite of his cereal when the doorbell rings.  Brad sighs in frustration.  He puts his bowl of cereal down on the table and makes his way through the spacious living room of his apartment to the door, and opens it to a man about his own age.  

"Hello, Brad,"  the man says with a smile.  Brad's mouth falls open in shock upon seeing the man.  "Yes, I would love to come in, thank you,"  the man says, walking into the apartment.

"What the hell are you doing here?"  Brad asks, closing the door.

"What, you aren't happy to see me after all I've done for you?"

"After all you've done for me?  Just what exactly have you done for me, Craig?"

"Well, now, wasn't I instrumental in setting up that deal for you and Adam Carrington to trick John Ross Ewing into?  You DO remember what deal I'm talking about, don't you, Bradley?  The offshore tract in California that's a dry hole, and that you've been tricking Ewing into thinking is rich with oil?  Oh, and there's also the little part of the plot that's gonna make it look like Ewing Oil has been doing business with an embargoed nation."

"And your point?  Just what are you doing here and what do you want, Craig?  More money?"  Brad asks.

"Money is a nice start, but I want something a little more this time.  Y'see, Bradley, I heard about what happened to you sister.  The rape and miscarriage and all that.  A real shame.  Well, with everything she's been through, my guess is that Pamela Ewing isn't going to be up to the task of assuming the job as Westar's new CEO, at least not for a long while, until she recovers from her trauma.  So, Westar is gonna need a new CEO.  Of course Jeremy Wendell is way too old to step back into the job, and with your sister recovering from her trauma, there's only one person I can think of who is up to the task of assuming control of Westar."

"And let me guess......you?"  

The man smiles.  "Who else?  After all, for the past several months, I've been buying up a considerable amount of Westar stock."

"That may be true, but you still don't have a majority of the stock.  My sister and her husband do."

"Which is where YOU come in."

"Me?  Meaning what?"  Brad asks

"As majority stockholders, Pamela, her husband Justin Ewing, and Jeremy Wendell will be the ones to choose who steps in until Pamela is able to assume the role herself.  Where you come in is, I want you to talk to Pamela and put in a good word for me."

Brad looks at the man and smiles.  "You've gotta be kidding me.  Craig I have no influence over my sister.  Besides, she doesn't even know you. Why should she choose someone she's never laid eyes on to step in for her until she's able to assume the job herself?"

"Well, you could introduce me to her, and you could convince her that I would be the perfect man to fill the job until she's feeling up to it."

Brad looks at the man.  "No way.  I'm not gonna do it."

The man smiles.  "Oh yes, Bradley, you WILL.  I don't think the governor will be too inclined to keep you on as head of the Oil Regulator Commission when he finds out that you conspired with Adam Carrington to set John Ross Ewing and his company up for a fall, do you?"

"So, you're gonna blackmail me now?"  Brad asks.  

"Well, as much as I hate to resort to blackmail, having a certain leverage to use over someone does tend to make them more agreeable to giving in to one's demands."

Brad laughs slightly.  "You dirty little creep,"  he says.  "You're in this, too.  So if Adam and I go down, then you're going with us."

"Oh, I don't think so.  Because y'see, Bradley, there's no evidence linking me to this little scheme, where as you and Carrington didn't cover your tracks very well.  And even if they do find out about my involvement.......I think you and Carrington have a lot more to lose in this than I do.  A LOT more.  So why don't you just talk to your sister for me.  Arrange a meeting.  And then use all your charm and powers of persuasion to convince her that I'll be a great choice to fill in for her until she's ready to take over as CEO."

"Why, Craig?  Why would you even be interested in being temporary CEO of Westar?  And the job WOULD be temporary.  Because as soon as my sister is ready, she'll be taking over herself."

"Let's just say that I'd like to settle a score......or two."

"A score with who?"  Brad asks.  

Craig walks to the door, pauses, and turns back to him.  "Same people you wanna settle your scores with.......the Ewings."

"The Ewings?  Craig, what score would you have to settle with the Ewings?"  Brad asks.  "I didn't think you'd ever met the Ewings."

"I haven't,"  Craig says.

"Then how could you have anything against people you've never met?"

Craig looks at him and smiles.  "Let's just say that the Ewings stole something from my family that I want back.  And I wanna use Westar to force them into giving it back."

"And what is it, Craig?  What did the Ewings take from you?"

"That's my business.  You just do all you can to help me get my foot in the door at Westar.  I'll worry about the rest."  Craig flashes him another smile, then leaves.  

Brad walks over to the door, an angry look on his face, and punches the wall next to the door as hard as he can.  "Damn,"  he says.

Southfork....later....

 Christopher comes out of the house at Southfork as a car drives up to the ranch and comes to a stop.  Courtney and Jacob get out of the car.  Courtney pauses as she gets out of the car, she and Christopher looking at each other.  

"Christopher!"  Jacob says, rushing over to him.  

"Hey, buddy,"  Christopher says, greeting the boy with a hug.  "How are ya?"

"I'm okay, I guess.  I miss you and Southfork and everybody here.  And my horse."

"Well, your horse is still there, so why don't you go on down to the stables and take him out for a ride?"

Jacob looks at Courtney.  "Can I, Mom?"

"Jacob, we're not gonna be here that long. We only came to get some of our stuff, remember?"

"Christopher, try and talk to her," Jacob says.  "I miss Southfork and I wanna come home."

"Yeah, I want you back home too, Jacob,"  Christopher says.  

"Mom, too?"  Jacob asks.

Christopher looks at Courtney, then at Jacob.  "Jacob, why don't you go on down to the stables?  I'm sure your Mom has time for you and me to go for a short ride."

"Mom?"  Jacob says.

Courtney nods.  "Alright.  An hour.  Go ahead."

"Thanks, Mom,"  Jacob says.  The boy turns and runs off toward the stables.  

Christopher watches Jacob as he runs off to the stables.  "I think he gets taller and his voice gets deeper every day.  He's sure growin' up fast."

"Yes, he is,"  Courtney says.  

"I miss him, Courtney.  I really miss him."

"Jacob misses you, too.  That's why this is so hard, Christopher.  We were just gonna come here, and get our things and go.  And I was gonna stop by the bunk house and see how Gavin's doing."

"And how are YOU doing, Courtney?"  Christopher asks.  "This thing with Shawn has to be very upsetting to you."

"It IS very upsetting.  I just can't believe everything that's happened.  Amazing how our lives have changed in just a short while, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is.  But you're the one who chose to change our lives so drastically when you went to bed with Joseph Gioberti."

"You can throw Joseph up to me after all the months you were carrying on with Lucia Trevino?"

"I never went to bed with Lucia,"  Christopher angrily says.  "I was simply trying to help a friend."

"Look, I didn't come here to fight.  I came to get mine and Jacob's things."

"Fine.  You do what you have to do, and I'm gonna go riding with Jacob so I don't have to watch you moving out."  Christopher starts to walk away from her.

"Christopher,"  Courtney says.  

He stops, pauses, and turns back to face her.  "Yes?"

"It doesn't have to be like this.  All you have to do is say the word, and Jacob and I will come home."

 "Courtney, I would love nothing better than to have Jacob back on Southfork,"  Christopher says.  "But......"

"But.......not me.  Isn't that what you were gonna say?"

"I can't look at you without seeing you in Gioberti's arms, kissing him.  Making love to him.  I'm sorry, but no.  I don't want you to move back to Southfork.  I can't forget what happened, and I don't think I ever will.  You can get your things.  I'm gonna go riding with Jacob."

"Christopher......if you could bring Jacob back to the hotel later, he can stay here for a while,"  says Courtney.  "I'm sure he'd like to visit with you and everyone."

Christopher looks at her and nods.  "Yeah, that'd be great.  I'll bring him back this evening.  That'll give you and Gioberti a chance to spend some time together,"  he says, then turns and walks away from her, leaving Courtney hurt.  

Meanwhile, Lucia comes out of the house.  She sees Christopher heading toward the stables, then sees Courtney standing alone.  She smiles somewhat deviously, and walks over to meet Courtney as she is coming to the house.  

"Hello, Courtney,"  Lucia says, taking Courtney by surprise as she meets her on the patio.

"Lucia?  What are you doing here?"

"If you mean what I am doing here at the main house, I was waiting for Christopher to return."

 "Okay, let me see if I have Dylan's description right, Mr. Krebbs," says a Dallas Police detective, talking to Ray and Donna in their living room, along with Todd Baxter.  "Dylan Ewing, age 24.  5 foot 8 inches tall, approximately 145 lbs., brown hair, blue eyes, last seen wearing a black and red striped shirt, brown jacket, and blue jeans, is that correct?"  

"Yes, that's right,"  Ray replies.  

"We'll put out a search for him right away, since he's been missing more than 48 hours."

"Thank you, Detective Wright,"  Donna says.

"Jack, we really appreciate this,"  Todd says.

"No problem, Todd.  I'll give this top priority since Dylan is your brother."

"Please keep us informed," Donna says.

"Sure thing.  I'll be in touch,"  Jack says.  "And if any of you folks hear from Dylan, give us a call."

"We will,"  Ray says as Detective Wright leaves.  

"Now that the police are involved, we'll have a better chance of finding him,"  Todd says.  

Donna sighs.  "I hope you're right.  I just hope it's not too late."

Meanwhile....downtown Dallas....

 A drunken Dylan comes out of a store in a seedy area of downtown Dallas carrying a bottle of Vodka. Dylan opens the bottle and takes a large sip, then walks a short distance up the street.  He stops again,   

opens the bottle, and takes another drink, then another, and another.  Dylan is soon in a fuzzy haze, his reality altered by the effects of the alcohol taking affect quickly on an empty stomach.  After taking two more drinks from the bottle, Dylan closes it and begins staggering down the sidewalk, aimlessly wandering around downtown Dallas, as people walking by stare at him, some in pity, some in disgust at what they see as a filthy drunk.   

Meanwhile, Jasmine is driving down the street on her way home, listening to the classic song by Madonna, Material Girl, a song perfectly suited for her.  As she is driving along carefree, occasionally humming or singing along with the radio, Jasmine looks to her left, and she happens to see Dylan standing on the sidewalk, looking dazed and confused.  At first, she isn't sure it's really him, but upon looking again, Jasmine sees that it really is.  

 "Dylan?"  She says to herself.  Jasmine drives past and looks for the first available opportunity to turn around and go back.  About a block down the street, she sees a parking lot where she can turn around.  Moving over into the turning lane, she turns left into the parking lot, then heads back up the street to where she had seen Dylan.  She is relieved to see that he is still standing there, looking lost and alone.  Jasmine pulls her car up along side of him and comes to a stop.  She lets down her passenger window.  "Dylan?"  She calls to him.

He looks at her, confusion in his eyes, then turns and walks away.  

"Dylan?"  Jasmine calls again, but he ignores her and continues down the street, almost unable to stand.  Jasmine gets out of her car and follows him.  "Dylan, wait, it's me.......Jasmine!"

 Dylan stops walking and leans against a chain link fence.  

Jasmine walks over to him.  "I'm really glad I saw you,"  she says.  "From what I understand, everyone has been looking for you for days now.  Where have you been?"

Dylan turns and looks at her, his eyes unable to focus.  He almost falls, but Jasmine grabs him and prevents him from falling to the ground.

"Oh my God, you're disgusting,"  she says.  "Dylan, when's the last time you showered or changed your clothes?"

"I........I.....don't,"  he attempts to say.  

"Okay, ummm, don't worry.  I'm here, and I'm gonna help you.  Just stay put.  Lean on the fence and try not to fall."  Jasmine takes her cell phone from her pocket and dials a number.  She waits impatiently for the person she's calling to answer.  "Come on, come on.  Pick up,"  she says.

The Winthrop apartment....

Meanwhile, Cory is in his bedroom, working at his computer on a project for one of his classes, frustrated at being unable to get it exactly right.  He lets out a sigh, but he is relieved when his cell phone rings.  He quickly picks the phone up, hoping his caller will be Daniel.  But Cory is left further frustrated when he sees that it's his sister calling.  He sighs again, then answers the call.  "Jasmine, this better be good, because I'm real busy."

Downtown Dallas....

"Well, that's just too bad, because I need your help,"  Jasmine says.

The Winthrop apartment....

"Need my help with what?"  Cory asks.  "Jasmine, I'm busy."

"I don't care," Jasmine says.   "Look, I'm on the corner of 5th and Cherry Streets downtown.  In front of some place called Miller's Pawn Shop."

"Jasmine, I have no idea where that is."

"Well put it in your damned GPS and get your ass over here, NOW!   You owe me big time, remember?"

Cory closes his eyes.  "Yes, I remember.  Okay, fine, I'll be there as soon as I can."  Cory ends the call and shakes his head, wondering what kind of mess his sister has gotten herself into this time.  "Great.  Just great,"  he says.  He saves his work on his computer, then gets up from his desk, grabs his car keys from the desk beside the computer, and leaves.

Twelve minutes later....

Cory pulls up behind Jasmine's car where she had parked on the street a little more than 12 minutes later.  Cory gets out of the car and walks over to Jasmine and Dylan.  "Jasmine, what's going on?"

"You sure took your time getting here."

"Okay, well I'm here.  What's going on?  Hi.....Dylan, right?"

Dylan manages a meager wave.

"Okay, somebody tell me what's up," Cory says.

"I need your help with Dylan."

"Why, what's..........he's wasted, isn't he?"

"He's drunk, Cory."

"Okay, so what do we do?  Take him home?"

"No, not home,"  Jasmine says.  "But, we should take him somewhere.  We can't really take him back to the apartment, because I don't think Mom and Cass would like that."

"Why can't we just take him home?"  Cory asks.

"No,"  Dylan says.  "No.  I don't.......have.......a home."

"Don't worry, Dylan, we're not gonna take you back to the Krebbs',"

says Jasmine.  

"Then where are we gonna take him?"  Cory asks.

"A motel,"  replies Jasmine.  "And you're gonna have to take him in your car."

"MY car?  Why my car?"

"Well, look at him.  He's drunk and he's filthy."

"Okay, well let's go,"  Cory says.  "Come on, Dylan."  Cory takes Dylan by the arm and he and Jasmine lead him to Cory's car.  Cory opens the passenger door, then he helps Dylan into the car.  "Jasmine, I swear, if this dude throws up in my car, YOU'RE gonna clean it up."

"Let's just get to the nearest motel and get a room for him,"  Jasmine says.

As Jasmine walks over to her car and gets in, Cory buckles Dylan's seat belt, then looks at him.  Cory shakes his head in frustration at the entire situation.  

Southfork....

 Christopher and Jacob are walking back to the house from the stables late in the afternoon.  "I don't think I've ever seen you so quiet,"  Christopher says.  "You barely said 5 words the whole time we were out riding."

"Guess I just don't know what to say.  You did all the talking, but you talked about everything except what's gonna happen with you and Mom."

Christopher stops walking and puts his hand on the boy's shoulder.  "Jacob, I'm not real sure what to say."

"You and Mom are gonna get back together, aren't you?" Jacob asks.

"Jacob, I'd like nothing better than to tell you that your Mom and I are gonna get back together, and that you and she are gonna come home, and everything's gonna go back to the way it was, but I can't, because I don't know. I don't know what's gonna happen.  But one thing I do know, and that's that nothing is gonna ever change the way I feel about you.  I love you very much, and I always will."

"I love you, too.  But I don't understand any of this.  Is it because Mom has been spending so much time with Joseph?"  Jacob asks.  

"Jacob, there are a lot of reasons why your Mom and I can't live together right now.  But just know that Southfork is always gonna be your home, and you can come out here whenever you want, to ride your horse, or just hang out or whatever."

"You're really talking like this is gonna be forever,"  says Jacob.  "Like you and Mom are never gonna get back together again."

"Jacob, like I said, I just don't know."

"Yeah, well, there's one thing I know,"  Jacob says.  "This whole thing stinks!"

"You're right, it does."

"It's because of HER, isn't it?"  Jacob asks, looking toward the driveway.

Christopher looks and sees Lucia's car heading back toward the cottage.  "Jacob, what do you mean?"

"Mrs. Trevino.  You were spending almost all of your time with her.  I know Mom didn't like it."

"No, this has nothing to do with Mrs. Trevino.  Your Mom and I just needed some time apart."

"Yeah, right.  Everything was fine until she came here."

"Jacob....."

"Just take me back to the hotel,"  the boy says.  He walks away from Christopher, who watches Jacob as he walks back to the house.  Christopher shakes his head sadly, then follows him.

A Days Inn Motel in Dallas....

 Jasmine opens the door of a room at a Days Inn Motel a short while later.  Cory practically carries Dylan into the room and lays him on the bed.  "Damn he's heavier than he looks,"  Cory says.

"Nah, you're just a weakling,"  says Jasmine.  

"Okay, so we got him here, so I'll be going now?"

"Cory, you're gonna have to stay here with him."

"I'm gonna have to WHAT?  Jasmine, that wasn't part of the deal."

"Cory, come on, I'd stay but I can't.  And look a him.  He's passed out drunk.  We can't just leave him here by himself."

"Well, how long am I gonna have to stay with him?"  Cory asks.

"I don't know.  A day or two."

"Jasmine, what am I gonna tell Mom and Dad?  I'm supposed to be home this weekend."

"Just tell them something came up, and you had to hurry back to Austin.  Tell them a pipe burst and flooded your apartment or something," Jasmine says.  

"I have plans with Daniel tonight."

"Okay, just stay with him for a while and I'll come back and spell you while you go out with Daniel.  Come on, Cory, you owe me this.  After all, I AM keeping a huge secret for you from Mom and Cass."

"What, so you're gonna blackmail me into helping you?" Cory asks.

"Of course not.  Cory, you're my brother. I would never blackmail you."

"But you keep throwing it in my face that you're keeping my secret."

"Cory, it's not blackmail.  I'm just reminding you that you DO owe me big time,"  Jasmine says.  "Now, you take care of Dylan for a while, and I'll be back in a couple of hours so you can have your little date with Daniel.  He's so wasted he'll probably sleep the whole time anyway.  Well, I'll see you in a bit."

"Jasmine, what am I supposed to do if he wakes up and wants to leave or something?"  Cory asks.

"Don't let him.  Whatever you do, don't let him leave."

"Jasmine, what are you up to?  What's this all about?"

Jasmine walks to the door, turns back to her brother and smiles.  "It's about two things, brother dear.  First of all, I really do wanna help Dylan, because, contrary to what you may think, I really do care about him.  And if I can work in a little revenge on a couple of people while helping Dylan get back on his feet, then........that'll be a big win for me.  Just sit tight, and I'll be back."  Jasmine flashes Cory another smile, and leaves.  

Jacob is standing at the window of a suite at the Omni Hotel that evening, staring out at the lights of the city of Dallas.  Courtney comes into the room.  She stops in the doorway and watches Jacob for a moment, his back to her so he is unaware of her presence in the room.  Finally, Courtney walks over to him and places her hand on his shoulder.  "Jacob, what happened at Southfork today when you were out riding with Christopher?  You've been very quiet and withdrawn ever since."

"Nothing happened,"  Jacob says.

"Are you sure?  Did you and Christopher have an argument?"

Jacob sighs and turns to her.  "The reason that we moved out of Southfork........it's because of HER, isn't it?  Mrs. Trevino."

"There are a lot of reasons that Christopher and I needed some time apart."

"But Mrs. Trevino is one of them, isn't she?"

Before Courtney is able to answer her son's question, someone knocks on the door.  "I'll get that,"  Courtney says.  She walks to the door and opens it to Joseph.  

"Hi,"  Joseph says.  "Can I come in?"

"Of course."

Joseph walks into the suite.  "So, how was your day?"

"I'd really rather not talk about it right now."

"Upset about your brother?"  Joseph asks.

"Among other things."

Joseph looks over at his son.  "Hey, Jacob."

"Hi."

"I have an idea,"  say Joseph.  "Have you guys eaten dinner yet?"

"No, we haven't,"  replies Courtney.

"Good, well, neither have I and I'm starving, so I have a great idea.  Why don't I take you both out to dinner?"

"I think that sounds like a wonderful idea,"  Courtney says.  "Jacob?"

"Sure.  But I went riding today, and I'm kinda dirty and sweaty, so I need to go shower and change real fast," Jacob says.

"Okay, go ahead," says Joseph.  "Your Mom and I'll wait."

Jacob sighs, then leaves the room.

A worried expression comes over Joseph's face.  "Is he okay?  Courtney, what's going on?  I get the feeling I interrupted something here."

"Jacob and I went to Southfork today to pick up some of our stuff, and Lucia was there.  She and I had a little confrontation.  It's obvious that she's determined to have Christopher.  Jacob even asked me if the reason he and I moved off Southfork is because of Lucia."

"How do you feel about Lucia wanting your husband?"  Joseph asks.  

Courtney looks at him curiously.  "How am I supposed to feel about it?  Christopher is still my husband, Joseph."

"But you as much as said that your marriage is over.  Is it over, Courtney, or do you still have some hope that you and Christopher might get back together again?"

"Joseph, I don't know,"  Courtney replies.  "I don't know how I feel.  I honestly don't think that things could ever be the same between Christopher and I."

"Courtney, I have to be honest with you,"  Joseph says.  "I'm not unhappy to hear that.  I'm sorry if that sounds bad, but I think you know how I feel about you.  I'm in love with you, Courtney.  And I would like nothing better than for you and I and Jacob to be a family."

"And you know that I care for you, too, Joseph.  But right now, I can't think about any of that.  I can't think past the next few hours."

"Okay, look, I'm sorry,"  Joseph says.  "I'm not trying to put pressure on you, especially now with all you're dealing with.  I just want you to know that I'm here for you, and for Jacob,  I'm willing to wait as long as I have to."

Courtney pauses, then looks at him.  "Well, if we're going out to dinner, I'd better change," she says as she quickly exits the room.

Southfork.....the cottage....

 "Christopher, come in,"  Lucia says, welcoming Christopher into the little cottage at Southfork. 

"Hi, I came over to see how Miguel's doin' on his first night home from the hospital," Christopher says.

"He is resting on the sofa, and of course being stubborn."

"Christopher, I heard that John Ross and Alex are coming home tomorrow,"  Miguel says, attempting to change the subject.

"Yes, they are.  Alex spent last night in the hospital because he was badly dehydrated, but he's okay now.  Physically, at least."

"Well, at least Shawn Smith is dead now and won't be able to hurt anyone else,"  says Miguel.  "If anyone deserved to die, it was him."

"Miguel, don't say that," Lucia tells her son.

"I'm sorry, Mama.  But Shawn Smith was a monster and he hurt a lot of people.  He tried to kill me."

Christopher sighs.  "The thing is, Shawn wasn't always like that.  If you had known him just a couple years ago, he was a completely different person then.  And it's like something changed, or snapped in him.  I'm really worried about how Shawn's death is gonna affect Courtney.  She just found out he was her brother, and they never even had a chance to have any kind of a relationship."

"Courtney seems very resilient to me,"  says Lucia.  "I am sure she will be just fine."

"I hope you're right.  Well, I'm gonna get out of here.  Miguel, you get some rest."

"Christopher, have you eaten dinner?"  Lucia asks.

"No, I haven't."

"Then why don't you stay and have dinner with the boys and I?  Tonio is taking a shower, and I just finished making spaghetti for dinner.  Miguel and I were waiting on Tonio to finish his shower when you arrived."

"Well, are you sure you have enough?"  Christopher asks.  

"More than enough.  Please, join us?"

"Okay, then, I'd love to.  Thank you."

Lucia smiles.  "Wonderful.  I will set the table.  Tonio should be out soon."  

Christopher nods.  "I'll help,"  he says.  He and Lucia go into the kitchen to begin setting the table for dinner as Miguel watches, a concerned look on his face.

Days Inn....

 Cory is pacing anxiously around the Days Inn Motel room, looking at his watch every few seconds and he impatiently waits for Jasmine to return.  Finally, a knock comes at the door.  Cory breathes a sigh of relief as he rushes over and opens the door.  Jasmine walks in.  

"It's about time,"  Cory says.  "Jasmine, where the hell have you been?"

"I'm sorry, I got caught up with Mom.  She wanted me to go to the mall with her."

"The mall?  Are you KIDDING me?  I've been sitting here for hours watching this guy sleep while you were at the mall shopping with Mom?"

"I said I was sorry.  Okay, I'm here now, so you can go on your little date with Daniel."

"I won't forget this, Jasmine,"  Cory angrily says.  He quickly leaves the room.  

After he's gone, Jasmine walks over to the bed and looks down at a sleeping Dylan.  She smiles, the wheels turning in her mind of how she can use Dylan to get back at Conner and Ashley.  

Southfork....the next morning....

 Bobby comes onto the patio at Southfork the next morning as Maria is setting the patio table for breakfast.  "Morning, Maria,"  Bobby says to the maid.

"Good morning, Mr. Ewing.  Coffee?"

"Yes, thank you,"  Bobby replies, taking a seat at the table.  Maria pours him a cup of coffee.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Mr. Ewing.  Would you like your breakfast now?"

"No, Maria, I think I'll wait for the rest of the family."

"Yes, sir,"  Maria says with a smile, and goes into the house.  

Bobby picks up the morning paper on the table and opens it.  As he begins reading the paper, a car drives up to the house and comes to a stop in the parking area.  Bobby looks up from the paper and sees that the early morning visitor is Jenna.   She gets out of her car and walks up to the patio where Bobby is seated.  

"Well, good morning,"  Bobby says.

"Morning.  I know it's early, but I just couldn't sit home any longer.  I just spoke to Charlie a little while ago, and she said that they were leaving New Mexico soon.   I was hoping to come out here and wait for John Ross, Charlie, and Alex to arrive.  I hope it's alright."

"Well, of course it's alright.  Sit down and have some breakfast."

Jenna smiles.  "Thank you,"  she says, taking a seat at the table.  "The rest of the family not up yet?"

"Ann will be down soon.  As for everyone else, since it's a Sunday morning, they're probably sleeping in for a while."

Maria comes out of the house carrying a platter of bacon.  "Good morning, Ms. Wade.  Would you like some coffee, and some breakfast?"

"Yes, I would, thank you, Maria."

The maid pours Jenna a cup of coffee and places a plate on the table in front of her.  Jenna takes a fork and gets herself some bacon.  

"This reminds me of old times, when I stayed here at Southfork,"  Jenna says.  "Back when you and I were engaged."

"That seems like two lifetimes ago,"  says Bobby.

"To me it feels like it was just yesterday.  Sometimes I wonder where all the years went."

Bobby is about to say something when Ann comes out of the house.  She is surprised to see Jenna sitting at the table with Bobby.  "Well, hello, Jenna,"  she says, as cordially as she can.

"Good morning, Ann."

"What in the world brings you out here this early on a Sunday mornin'?"

"I spoke to Charlie, and she and the others will be home soon,"  Jenna replies.  "Hopefully in less than two hours, so I thought that I would come out here and wait for them with the rest of you."

"I see,"  Ann says, taking her seat at the table.  Maria pours her a cup of coffee.  "Jenna, have you talked to Andrew at all since........since Shawn........"

"No.  I've been trying to reach him for days, and I haven't been able to.  Have you asked Courtney if she's spoken to him?"

Bobby and Ann exchange looks.  

Jenna takes a sip of her coffee and then looks at them.  "What is it?  What's wrong?"

"Courtney moved out,"  Bobby says.  

"She moved out?  Why?"

"She and Christopher have been having some problems, but I'm sure they'll work things out in time."

Jenna sighs.  "I sure hope so.  Wow.  Does any marriage or relationship ever last in this world?"

Jenna takes another sip of her coffee as Bobby and Ann again exchange worried looks between them.

Meanwhile....the Ewing jet en route to Dallas....

 Meanwhile, the Ewing Oil jet is flying from New Mexico back to Dallas with John Ross, Alex, Justin, Clay, and Charlie on board.  Charlie is watching Alex as he sits in back of the plane, staring aimlessly out the window as if deep in thought.  John Ross pours himself a drink, and walks over and takes a seat beside Charlie.  

"He's barely said five words since we left Silver City,"  Charlie says, looking at her son.

"I know.  He's still in shock.  That was a really traumatic experience he went through, Charlie.  Shawn Smith use to be Alex's best friend, and to watch him die like that."

"So Alex was very close to him?"

"Yes, they were real close,"  John Ross says.  "I even thought of Shawn sort of like another son for a while.  Amazin' how someone could just change like that."

"I'm worried about our son, John Ross,"  Charlie says.  "I'm worried about what this is gonna do to him."

"He's gonna be fine, Charlie.  Alex is a Ewing.  He's got my blood in his veins.  Not only that, he's got a big family that cares a whole hell of a lot about him and who'll be there for him to get him through this."

On crutches, Justin goes over and takes a seat beside Alex.  "Feelin' okay?"  Justin asks.

"I'm fine,"  Alex replies.

"Sure about that?  You've been so quiet, I was worried about you." 

 Dylan slowly begins to wake up and open his eyes in bed.  Looking around the room, Dylan has no idea where he is.  His face and clothes are soaked in sweat, and his head is pounding.  He slowly sits up in bed, wondering where he is and how he got here.  His hands begin to shake as the craving for more alcohol begins to take hold.  Dylan hears someone in the adjoining bathroom, then the door opens and Jasmine Cory comes out of the bathroom, drying her wet hair.  

"Well, good morning, sleepyhead,"  Jasmine says.

"J.....Jasmine?  Where.......where am I?  What are you doing here?"

"I found you wandering around downtown.  You were pretty out of it.  I offered to take you home, but you were very insistent that home was the last place you wanted to go.  So, I brought you here."

"You're right,"  Dylan says.  "I don't wanna go back there.  I can't go back there."

"I certainly can't blame you, Dylan,"  Jasmine says.  "Not after what Conner and Ashley did to you."

"My own brother, and my girlfriend,"  Dylan says.  "I can't believe they betrayed me like that.  I thought Ashley loved me.  I thought we were happy together."

"Ashley never deserved you, Dylan."

"And Conner.  How could my own brother do this to me?  I hate them.  I hate them both."

"And you have every right to,"  says Jasmine.  "Especially after what I saw yesterday."

Dylan looks at her.  "What are you talking about?  What did you see yesterday?"

"Dylan, forget it, I never should've said anything.  I'm sorry I brought it up."

"No, tell me."

Jasmine pauses for a few second and sighs.  She turns away from Dylan, walks across the room, then turns back to face him.  "I saw Conner and Ashley together.  It looked like they were.......they acted like they're a couple now.  It really ticks me off, the way they treated you, and now they're acting like they don't even care.  Neither of them showed the slightest bit of concern for you.  Dylan, I'm sorry.  You deserve so much better."  Jasmine walks over to Dylan and puts her hand on his shoulder.  "Just forget them, Dylan.  Conner and Ashley aren't even worth you thinking about them."

"Jasmine, I.......I need a drink,"  Dylan says.  "Can you get me something?"

"Umm, sure.  I tell you what.  I know that you don't wanna go back to the Krebbs place now, so, you can stay here for as long as you like."

"Here?  In this motel?"  

"Of course.  I'll pay for the room for as long as you wanna stay here."

"Why?"  Dylan asks.  "Jasmine, why would you wanna help me?"

"Because I hate the way that Conner and Ashley treated you.  You didn't deserve what they did, and neither did I.  They hurt us both.  So, I wanna help you, whatever you need."

"Right now, I need a drink,"  Dylan says.  "I need one really bad.  Jasmine, can you get me something?  Please?"

"Of course.  I said I would help you, and I will."

"Thank you.  Vodka.......Vodka or Bourbon, it doesn't matter.  I just need something."

"Okay, don't worry, I'll take care of it, and while I'm out, ummm....."  Jasmine pauses as she looks at him, a slight expression of disgust on her face.  "I'll also buy you some new clothes.  You could definitely use a change of clothes.  And, while I'm out, why don't you go take a shower?  No offense, Dylan, but, it's pretty obvious it's been a few days since your last one."

Dylan lowers his head and nods.  

Jasmine walks over to the dresser, opens the middle drawer and takes out her purse.  "I'll be back in an hour or so.  In the meantime, get that shower, and, just stay put."

"Yeah, sure,"  Dylan says.  "Umm, Jasmine, have you seen my phone?  Did I have it with me when you brought me here?"

"No, I'm sorry, Dylan, I didn't see your phone."

Dylan looks down at his hands, which begin to tremble.  "Jasmine, please hurry.  I really need a drink."

"Don't worry, I'll be back soon,"  Jasmine says, then she leaves the room.

Dylan remains seated on the bed for almost a full minute after Jasmine leaves.  His hands begin trembling again from alcohol withdrawal.  Finally, he stands to his feet and slowly walks to the bathroom.  He goes to the shower and turns the water on.  After another pause, he begins to undress himself.  Once undressed, Dylan steps into the shower, almost tripping and falling as he does so.  For

 several seconds, Dylan stands under the shower, letting the warm water run over his body as he continues trying to fight the almost overpowering craving for alcohol.  Dylan begins to cry as he is 

over and opens the glove compartment and takes out a cell phone.  Jasmine looks at the phone in her hand for a moment.  "Sorry I had to lie to you about your phone, Dylan, but, we couldn't have anyone getting in touch with you, now, could we?"  Pressing the button, nothing happens, indicating that the phone's battery is dead.  Jasmine quickly plugs the phone into her charger, waits a few seconds, and presses the 'power' button to turn the phone on.  Once the lockscreen comes up, Jasmine has to try to figure out Dylan's pin number to unlock the phone.  "Now, what could your pin number be?"  She asks.  She tries several combinations of numbers but gets nowhere.  "Damn,"  she says in frustration.  "What could he have used as a pin.  Oh, wait.  Why didn't I think of this before?  Ashley's birthday.  Damn, what is it?  Oh, yes."  Jasmine puts Ashley's birthday into the phone, and successfully unlocks the device,  "Wow, Dylan, you're not very original, are you?"  Opening Dylan's texting app, she scrolls through and sees that he has more than 50 new messages.  "Good Lord, you're popular these days,"  she says.  "Conner, Ashley, Ray, Donna,"  she says, scrolling through the messages.  "Some people I've never even heard of.  Oh, well.  Can't have you talking to any of these people just yet, Dylan, especially not Conner or Ashley."  Jasmine unplugs the phone from her charges and then places it back into her glove compartment.  She smiles deviously, starts the car, and drives away to complete her errands. 

The Winthrop apartment....

 Lila walks into Cass's apartment that afternoon with two bags of groceries and finds Cass talking on the phone.  Not wanting to disturb him, she proceeds into the kitchen to unpack and put away the groceries, but she listens to Cass's end of the conversation.  

"Well, Ann, I'm very glad to hear that,"  Cass says, talking on the phone.  "I can only imagine what they must have been through.  If there's anything at all that we can do, please don't hesitate to call.  Give John Ross and Alex my best.  I will.  Bye."  Cass ends the call and puts his phone into his pocket, then he goes into the kitchen where Lila is putting away the groceries.  "That was Ann Ewing,"  he says.

"I guessed as much."

"She said that John Ross, Alex, Justin, and Clay will be arriving home today."

"That's wonderful.  I'm glad they're all okay,"  Lila says.

"So am I,"  says Cass. 

"I think I'll go over and see Justin this evening.  See how he's doing."

"That's a great idea.  Y'know what else I think would be a great idea?"

"What's that?"  Lila asks.

"Ann said that John Ross and Alex should be arriving home at Southfork in about an hour.  I think it would be a nice gesture of good will if you and I were there."

Lila stops what she is doing and looks at him.  "Why?"

"Well, Lila, it would show John Ross and Alex that we care.  That YOU care."

"I do care about Alex," Lila says.  "But quite frankly, I don't give a damn about John Ross."

"C'mon, Lila, you don't mean that.  John Ross is your brother."

"He's my HALF-brother, Cass.  A half- brother who's treated me like trash ever since I came to Dallas."

"One of you has got to make the first move if you and John Ross are ever gonna have any kind of a relationship."

"And why should I be the one to make the first move?  What the hell did I ever do to him, besides merely existing and havin' the misfortune of havin' the same father as him?  No.  If either of us is ever gonna make the first move, then it's gonna have to be John Ross.  Because I'll be damned if I'm gonna apologize for J.R. Ewing getting my mother pregnant and bein' my father.  I had no more control over that than John Ross."

"Well, how about at least let's going to Southfork to welcome Alex home?"  Cass asks.  I'm sure he'd really appreciate.  And besides, don't forget......if it hadn't been for Alex taking that Ancestry DNA test, you might never have found out who your father was, so, you kinda owe the kid."

Lila looks at him and sighs.  "You aren't gonna let up on me until I agree to out there, are you?"

Cass smiles and shakes his head.  "Uh-uh,"  he says.  

"Alright, then, I'll go.  But only for Alex's sake, NOT for John Ross's."

Cass smiles and puts his arms around her.  "That's my girl."

"Cass, how come we didn't get along this good when we were married?" Lila asks.

"Good question.  I have no idea why, but we do get along much better since our divorce, don't we?  Which makes me think."

"Think about what?"

"How much better it could be with us, a second time around,"  Cass says.

"Second time around?  Why, Cass Winthrop, are you suggestin' that we get married again?"

Cass looks at her seriously.  "Yes, I am.  And why not?  You've lived here, in my apartment for the past several months and it's been wonderful.  The kids are here, except when Cory's in Austin for school during the week.  We've been a real family, more so I think than we ever have before.  But most importantly, Lila, I've never stopped loving you."

"Oh, Cass.  I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to hear you say those words."

"Then you still love me, too?"  Cass asks.

"Oh, yes.  So, then we SHOULD get married again."

"I can't wait to see how happy this is gonna make Cory and Jasmine.  But no matter how happy this news is gonna make the kids, it's nothing compared to how happy it's just made me."

Lila smiles and the two begin kissing.

Days Inn, Dallas....

 Jasmine walks into the motel room at Days Inn.  "Dylan,"  she calls out.  "I have what you wanted.  Dylan, where are you?"  Jasmine hears a noise in the bathroom.  Worried, she puts down the bag she was carrying on the bed and rushes into the bathroom, where she finds Dylan sitting on the floor, only a towel wrapped around his waist.  He is sobbing uncontrollably, still soaking wet from the shower, which is still running.  "Oh my God,"  Jasmine says.  She rushes over and kneels beside him.  "Dylan...."

"A drink,"  he whimpers.  "Please......I need a drink."

"Okay, okay, just hang on,"  Jasmine says.  She quickly rushes into the bedroom, takes a bottle of bourbon from the bag and hurries back into the bathroom.   Opening the bottle, she goes over to Dylan, cradles the back of his head with her hand, and helps him to take a sip of the alcohol.  After the first sip, Dylan grabs the bottle from Jasmine's hand and takes a larger drink from it.  Afterward, he begins  

to calm down and his hands stop shaking.  He breathes a sigh of relief and the emotional and physical discomfort he had seemed to be in fades away.  He takes another sip of the bourbon, and another.

Jasmine stands back and watches him, and for the first time she begins to feel sympathy for Dylan.  "I brought you some new clothes,"  she says.  "The ones you were wearing were pretty filthy."

Dylan remains silent as he takes another sip from the bottle of bourbon.  

"I'll bet that shower felt good, huh?"  Jasmine asks  

"Yeah,"  Dylan replies looking at her.  "Thank you.  For everything.  I didn't know what I was gonna do or where I was gonna go."

"Hey, no problem.  I'll bring your new clothes in here and you can get dressed."  Jasmine starts to leave the bathroom, but she pauses and turns back to look at Dylan, who is still sitting on the floor, drinking from the bottle of bourbon.  She sighs, and closes the bathroom door behind her.

Southfork....

Sue Ellen turns to John Ross.  She smiles, then hugs him tightly, a tear of joy falling down her cheek.  "John Ross," she says, her voice shaky.  "This truly is one of the happiest moments of my life.  I didn't know if I'd ever see you or my grandson again."

"I never thought I'd see your beautiful face again," Alex says.  "But thinking about you and how much I love you is what kept me going so many times when I was sure I was gonna die.  I'd close my eyes and I'd see your face, and I realized how much I have to live for."

"I love you so much,"  Bridget says in tears as she embraces Alex again.

Meanwhile, Cass and Lila walk up to John Ross, Krystina, Bobby, and Sue Ellen.  "John Ross, I'm very glad you're home safely,"  Cass says, extending his hand.  

"I appreciate that,"  John Ross says.  He looks at Lila.  "Well, I have to say that I'm surprised to see you here."

"John Ross, no matter what differences or problems you and I have had, I am very glad that you and Alex are home safe and sound."

John Ross looks at her and nods.  "Thank ya,"  he says.  

"You must be exhausted,"  Krystina says.  

"Exhausted's not a strong enough word,"  says John Ross.

"John Ross, how's your shoulder?"  Sue Ellen asks.

"Hurts a little."

"Come on,"  Krystina says.  "Let's go in and you can rest."

"Sounds good to me.  Sure is gonna be good to sleep in my own bed again tonight."

Krystina smiles and puts her arm around him.  Charlie, Jenna, Bobby, Ann, and Sue Ellen watch as the two go into the house, followed by Alex and Bridget, each of them grateful for the safe return of their loved ones.  

Justin and Pamela's apartment....

 Justin and Clay step off the elevator just down the hall from Justin's apartment.  In silence, the two make their way the short distance down the hall to the apartment, Justin walking on crutches due to his injured leg.  Justin pauses outside the door before going in.  

"You okay, man?"  Clay asks.

"Fine.  Just kinda dread facin' Pamela after I didn't tell her where I was goin'.  But I didn't have a choice.  No way could I tell her I was goin' with you and John Ross after Alex and Smith.  Well, better get this over with."

Clay rings the doorbell.  A few seconds later, Afton opens the door.  "Justin, thank God,"  she says, greeting her son-in-law with a hug.  

"Afton,"  he says.  Justin and Clay walk into the apartment.  Pamela comes down the hallway and into the living room.  She and Justin look at each other for what are only a few seconds, but seems longer.  "Hey, sweetheart,"  Justin says.

Pamela struggles to fight back her tears, but she is overcome with emotion and begins to cry as she rushes to her husband and embraces him.  "I am SO damned angry with you right now,"  she says.  

"I know.  Darlin', I'm sorry."

Pamela pulls out of the embrace and looks at him.  "Thank God.  Thank GOD you're alright.  You are alright, aren't you?  I mean, your leg......"

"I'm fine.  My leg is gonna be just fine.  Doctor said I can shed these crutches in a few days, and he gave me some antibiotics to keep off infection.  Doesn't even hurt anymore."

"Justin, why?"  Pamela asks.  "Why didn't you tell me where you were going and what you were going to do?  And more importantly, why did you go with John Ross?  You could've been killed."

"Pamela, I couldn't tell you," Justin says.  "With everything you had been through, darlin', you were in no condition to handle the news of Alex's kidnappin', let alone that I was goin' with John Ross and Clay to try and find Alex and Smith."

"And why did you feel like you had to play hero and go in the first place?"

"Darlin', I had to.  That son of a bitch not only was holdin' Alex captive, but after what he did to you...... to US?  He raped you.  Caused you to miscarry our baby.  I wanted to make him pay for that.  And he did pay."

"Are you sure about that?"  Pamela asks.  "They haven't found his body, have they?"

"No,"  Justin replies.

"Then how can we be absolutely sure he's really dead?"

"Pamela, we all saw him fall,"  Clay says.  "And there's no way that anyone could've survived that fall.  If the fall itself didn't kill him, then the quicksand bottom of that river did.  So you have nothing to worry about.  Shawn Smith is dead and out of all of our lives for good."

"I wish I could be so sure.  But I don't think I can ever feel really safe until I can see his body and know for sure that he's dead."

Afton looks at her daughter with concern.  "Clay, I was just about to start dinner,"  she says.  "Would you like to stay?"

"Thank you, Mrs. Barnes, but I really should be getting home,"  Clay replies.  "My sister Ashley is waiting for me."

"Alright, another time then."

"You bet.  Justin, take care of that leg.  I'll see you guys later."

"Okay, and Clay?" Justin says.  "Thanks a lot for all your help."

Clay smiles.  "No problem, man.  Later,"  Clay says and then leaves.  

Justin looks at his wife.  "Pamela, it's over.  Shawn Smith is dead and rotting in hell right now.  He'll never hurt you or anyone else I love ever again."

Pamela puts her arms around him.  "I still want to be angry with you for putting yourself in danger going after Shawn, but I'm too relieved that you're home safe."

"I love you so much, Pamela,"  Justin says, holding her tightly.  "I wanna see the boys."

"And they wanna see you.  I told them to stay in their room and play for a while.  I wanted to see you and welcome you home first."

"You two go on and see the boys,"  says Afton.  "I'll get dinner started."

"Thanks, Mom,"  Pamela says.  She and Justin exit the living room hand in hand as Afton watches them with a smile, grateful that her family was reunited again.

Southfork....the cabin....late evening....

 Alex and Bridget are laying on an air mattress on the floor of the little cabin on Southfork after making love that evening.  The two lay in each others' arms in silence for a long while.  "This feels so good,"  Bridget finally says, breaking the silence.  "Laying here in your arms."

"Yes it does,"  Alex says.

"Y'know, with everything that's been going on, we haven't had a chance to tell our families the news about our engagement."

"I know.  I was thinking about announcing it to the family tonight, but, maybe with everything going on, it's not the right time."

"So you wanna wait?"  Bridget asks.

"Not for long.  Only a few days.  I love you, Bridget McKinnon, and I want my family and your family, and the whole world to know how much I love you and how much I want you to be my wife."

Bridget smiles and hugs Alex tighter.  "Your wife.  Mrs. Alex Ewing.  Bridget Ewing.  I love the way that sounds.  And I love laying here in your arms.  I could stay here forever, just the way we are right now."

"I never thought I'd get to hold you in my arms again,"  Alex says.  "When I was out there with Shawn, I just knew I was gonna die.  Either he was gonna kill me or........we were both gonna die in those woods."

"Alex, do you think Shawn really would've killed you?"  Bridget asks.  "I mean, was he THAT far gone?"

"I don't know.  I've been asking myself that same question,"  Alex replies.  "At one point I really thought he was gonna kill me right there.  He was just that crazy and psychotic. It's like the Shawn I had known all this time was just......gone, and the person standing in front of me might as well have been some stranger.  A serial killer or something.  It's like he had no conscience, and no feelings.  When I confronted him about Tyler, he didn't even bat an eye.  Tyler was his friend, and he killed him, Bridget.  Bashed his skull in, and it didn't even bother him, what he had done.  I couldn't believe this was the same guy who'd been my best friend for years.  The guy who'd spent nights and weekends with me here at Southfork so many times.  The guy I sat in high school with and hung out with almost every day after school.  I was looking into the eyes of a stranger.  But not just any stranger.  Someone evil.  But then......"  Alex pauses and sits up in bed.  

Bridget sits up beside him.  "But then.......what, Alex?"

"Nothing,"  Alex says.

"No, come on, what is it?"  Bridget asks.  "What were gonna say?"

"Nothing," replies Alex.  "It's nothing."

"Alex, it might help if you talk about it.  About........what happened."

"NO,"  he says adamantly.  "I don't wanna talk about it anymore.  I don't wanna talk about Shawn Smith anymore.  I don't wanna think about Shawn Smith anymore, and I don't wanna remember Shawn Smith anymore."  Alex gets up and puts on his boxers.  "Hey, are you hungry?  I'm gettin' a little hungry.  Why don't we get dressed and head on back up to the house before my parents send out a search party?"

Bridget watches Alex as he hurries to get dressed, concerned about his abruptly changing the subject, and about his wanting to forget that Shawn was ever a part of their lives.  

Southfork....later....

Charlie comes onto the back porch at Southfork after dinner that night.  She walks to the edge of the porch and looks up at the starry night sky.  She takes in a deep breath of the night air as John Ross comes onto the porch.  

"Charlie,"  he says.  "I didn't know anyone would be out here."

"I was just waiting for my mother,"  Charlie says.  "She's upstairs playing with Logan."

"Well, you might have a long wait,"  John Ross says.  "From what I've seen,  Jenna dotes on her grandchildren."

"Yes, she certainly does.  She'll probably look in on Alex again, too, before we leave.  She and Alex have always had a special bond, him being her first grandchild, and all.  John Ross, in case I haven't said this before, thank you.  Thank you for bringing my son.......OUR son.......back safely."

 "Charlie, you don't have to thank me for doin' what comes natural to a father, and that's protectin' his son,"  John Ross says.  

"It's quite obvious you and Alex have developed a very special bond of your own.  He looks up to you a lot, John Ross."

"I'm very proud of that boy.  Especially havin' him work with me at Ewing Oil."

"Amazing how life can turn out, isn't it?"  Charlie asks.  "Ever since Alex was kidnapped, I've been thinking about that night all those years ago......the night Alex was conceived."

"I've been thinkin' about that night, too,"  John Ross says.  As he speaks, Krystina walks onto the patio, and overhears John Ross and Charlie talking.  She pauses and listens, John Ross unaware of his wife's presence.  "That was a real special night, Charlie."

"Yes.  It was a special night, and I've never regretted it.  After all, that very special young man upstairs came out of that night."

"Charlie, what are your plans?"  John Ross asks.  "You gonna stay in Dallas for a while, or head on back to New York right away?"

"Well, I do need to get back.  I do have a career there.  But, I really don't wanna leave Alex right now."

"Then why leave?  Why not take a leave of absence from your job and stay here for a while?  At least for a few weeks.  I know it'll do Alex good to have his mother here."

"Maybe you're right.  I certainly would feel better staying in Dallas for a little while, until I'm sure that Alex is okay.  This was a very traumatic thing he went through, and I worry that he may have some psychological scars."

"Well, he'll have the love and support of his whole family to help him. But havin' you here will mean the world to the boy, I know."

Standing at the patio doors several feet away, hidden in the darkened shadows listening, Krystina is bothered by the fact that John Ross and Charlie seem to be growing closer in the wake of Alex's kidnapping, and that Charlie has decided to stay in Dallas for a while.

Meanwhile, Jenna, Lucas, and Heather, come onto the back porch.  "I can't believe how big Logan is getting,"  Jenna says.

"He's growin' like a weed, that's for sure,"  says Lucas.

"Well, Charlie, are you ready to leave?"  Jenna asks.

"I was just waiting for you, Mom."

"Charlie, you must be exhausted,"  Heather says.

"I am, and I can't wait to get back to Mom's house, take a nice, relaxing bath, and then climb into bed.  I'm sure I'll sleep like a baby tonight."

"I know I will,"  says John Ross.  

"I wanna go up and say goodnight to Alex,"  Charlie says.

"Don't bother,"  Jenna says.  "I just looked in on my grandson and he's sound asleep."

Charlie smiles.  "Well, then, I think we should be going."

"Goodnight, Mom,"  Lucas says, giving his mother a hug.

"Goodnight, sweetheart.  Heather.  Give my grandsons another hug and kiss for me.  

"Will do, Mom,"  says Lucas.  "Sis, I'm glad you're here."

"Me, too,"  Charlie says, hugging her brother.  "We will see you all tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow.  I love you,"  Lucas says.

"I love you, too, little brother.  Goodnight."

"Goodnight,"  Heather says as Jenna and Charlie walk away.

Lucas turns to John Ross after Jenna and Charlie leave.  "Well, John Ross, I never thought I'd say this, but, I congratulate you on a job well done in bringing my nephew home safely.  I know we've had our differences, but, seeing how much you love Alex and how you risked your life to save him, you gained my respect for that."  Lucas extends his hand to his cousin.

"Thank ya, Lucas,"  John Ross says, shaking his cousin's hand.  "Who would've thought, you and I actually bein' civil to one another for a change."

"Well, that's one thing about this family.  No matter how we fight among ourselves or even feel about each other, there's nothing like a major crisis to bring the Ewings together, at least temporarily."

"You got that right,"  John Ross says.  "Well, I'm gonna head on up to bed.  See y'all at breakfast."

"Night, John Ross,"  Lucas says as his cousin goes into the house.

"Well, wonders never cease,"  Heather says.  "John Ross seems so different.  You think this experience might actually change him for the better?"

Lucas smiles and laughs slightly as he shakes his head.  "We can all hope, but, I'm not gonna hold my breath.  My guess is John Ross will be back to his old self, and his old tricks, in a few days, if not sooner."

"You're probably right. 

"Oh, well, why don't you and I head on up to bed, too?"  Lucas asks, putting his arms around his wife.

"Good idea.  I'm pretty tired myself."

"Well, sleep wasn't exactly what I had in mind,"  Lucas says, kissing her.

"Lucas, umm, I'm sorry, but, I'm really not in the mood.  I'm tired and the last few days have been really stressful.  I just wanna go to sleep."

Lucas sighs.  "Heather, what's goin' on with you?  It's like every time I touch you lately, you're not in the mood."

"Lucas, I'm sorry.  I'm too tired to argue.  All I want is sleep."

"Okay, fine.  Go to sleep."

"Aren't you comin'?"  Heather asks.

"No.  I'm not sleepy.  I'm gonna stay out here for a while.  I need some air."

Heather nods, then goes into the house.  Lucas sighs deeply and shakes his head, wondering why Heather had grown so cold toward him in recent weeks.

Southfork....the next morning....

Krystina wakes up the next morning and finds John Ross already out of bed.  Looking around sleepily, she sees him standing at the bedroom window looking out.  "John Ross?  What's the matter?"  She asks, getting out of bed.  

 John Ross turns around to face her.  "I'm sorry, darlin'.  Did I wake you?"

"No, you didn't.  I just woke up and you were gone."

"I couldn't sleep.  Been up since about 5, so I got dressed and came over here because I didn't wanna wake you up."

"What's the matter?"  Krystina asks.  "I thought you would've slept so peacefully last night, since you and Alex are home."

"Normally I would.  But I'm worried about the boy.  Alex has been through so much.  I just wonder how all this is gonna affect him psychologically."

"Alex seemed fine to me last night.  He was happy to be home, and happy to be with Bridget."

"He may have seemed fine, Krystina, but, he wasn't really.  I could tell.  You know how close he and Shawn Smith were.  And he was pretty good friends with that Tyler kid, too.  Alex may act like he's just fine, but, deep down inside I know this is eatin' him up.  He watched someone who use to be his best friend plunge to his death.  I mean the sight of that is hauntin' me, I can't imagine how it's affectin' my son.  Plus, Ann said that Shawn's mother, Sharon Smith, was plannin' to have a memorial service for her son.  I sure as hell don't want Alex findin' out about that, but he might be tempted to go, and that's the last thing he needs right now."

"Well, we'll all just be there for Alex, for emotional support, and whatever he needs.  He has a lot of people who love him."

"That's why I suggested to Charlie that she stay in Dallas for a while,"  John Ross says.  "Alex is gonna need all the love and support he can get right now.  And it'll be good for him to have his Mama around.  Real good.  Well, it's almost 7:30, so, I guess since I'm wide awake I'm gonna go on and get a shower."  John Ross gives her a quick kiss, then goes into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

Krystina sighs deeply after he's gone.  "Oh, yes," she says.  "I'm sure having Charlie around will be good for Alex,"  she says quietly, her voice laced with sarcastic bitterness.

Meanwhile....

 In his bedroom, Alex's sleep is moving restlessly in his sleep, occasionally moaning out as he is haunted by nightmares of his time with Shawn in the woods in New Mexico....... 

 

"You stupid son of a bitch,"  Shawn says.  "I should kill you for that."  Enraged at Alex's attempt to escape, Shawn kneels down beside him, then brutally strikes Alex across the face.  While Alex is still dazed from this latest blow, Shawn stands, looks down at him, and viciously kicks Alex as hard as he can in the ribs on his right side.  Alex cries out in pain as he draws his legs up to his chest in a fetal position.  Shawn again looks down at him.  After a brief pause, he kneels beside Alex and grabs him by the hair, pulling him into a sitting position.  Shawn pull Alex's head back by the hair with one hand, and puts the barrel of his gun in Alex's face with his other hand.  "You EVER try anything like that again, and I promise you, Alex, what I'll do to you will have you BEGGING me to kill you.  Now get on your feet."

 

"I can't,"  Alex cries.  "I think you broke my ribs."

 

"You'll be fine, you can walk it off.  Now get on your damned feet."  Still grasping Alex's hair in his hand, Shawn cruelly forces him to his feet.  "Now get going unless you want me to break those ribs on your other side."

 In terrible pain, Alex begins walking deeper into the woods, a gun wielding Shawn right behind him

 

Back in his bed, Alex rolls over onto his back, a look of distress on his face as he continues to dream.....

Alex grabs Shawn's arm with the gun, the gun fires, and narrowly misses Justin, who quickly dodges out of the way.  Alex and Shawn wrestle for the gun as John Ross and Clay run toward them.  Shawn is getting the better of Alex, as he has Alex down.  A few seconds later, the loud sound of a gunshot rings out........the gun has gone off, blood splatters on Alex's face, and either Alex or Shawn has been shot. 

 

John Ross and Clay stop short a few feet from them.  "NOOOOOO!!!!!!!"  John Ross yells out, terrified that Alex has been shot.  They watch as Shawn staggers away from Alex.

 

 

Alex watches as Shawn takes a couple of steps backward, away from him.  He is horrified to see a large gunshot wound in Shawn's upper abdomen, gushing blood.  "SHAWN!!"  Alex yells.

 

 

 

Shawn looks down at his wound, and touches it with his hand, which becomes covered in blood.  Then he looks up at Alex.  A tear falls down Shawn's face.  Shawn is right at the edge of the cliff that drops off into the canyon.  He takes a step backward, and trips over a log on the ground.  He loses his footing.  

 

"SHAAAWWWN!!!!!"  Alex yells as Shawn trips and falls backward over the side of the cliff.  Alex 

rushes toward him and manages to grab Shawn's arm just as Shawn is about to fall to a certain death into the canyon below.  "Shawn, hold on, I got you,"  Alex tells him as he struggles to pull him up.

 

"Alex,"  Shawn cries.  

 

"It's okay, I'm not gonna let you fall,"  Alex says.  

 

John Ross, Clay, and Justin rush to the edge of the cliff.  John Ross grabs onto Alex's waist.  "I got you, Alex."

 

"Help me!"  Alex pleads, Shawn's sweaty arm quickly slipping from his grip.  "Help me pull him up.  He's slipping."

"No.......NO,"  Alex calls out in his sleep.  His nightmare continues.....

Hanging onto Alex's arm by one hand, Shawn looks up at him, his arm steadily slipping from Alex's grip due to the sweat on both their arms.  "Alex........let me go,"  Shawn says.

 

"No.  I'm gonna get you up."

 

"It's over man.  I've got nothing to go back for, and I may pull you over with me.  Let me go."

 

"I won't, Shawn."

 

A tear falls down Shawn's face as he looks into Alex's eyes.  "We did have some good times, didn't we?  For what it's worth.......I'm sorry, for everything."

 

"Shawn....."

 

 

Alex watches helplessly in horror as Shawn's hand slips out of his grip, and Shawn falls.  "NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!"  Alex screams as he, John Ross, Justin, and Clay watch Shawn fall down the canyon and into the river below!!

 "No!"  Alex yells out as he awakens from his nightmare with a start.  He is breathing hard, his heart racing, and he is drenched in a cold sweat.  Looking around his bedroom, he breathes a sigh of relief that he is safe in his own bedroom, in his own bed.  He sits up in bed and puts his feet on the floor.  Looking over at the clock on his nightstand, he looks at the time:  7:27 A.M.  Alex realizes he won't get back to sleep this morning, so he may as well get up.  His clothes are soaked in sweat.  Alex stands and walks across the room to his dresser.  He pauses a moment and looks at himself in the mirror.  Then he opens the bottom drawer of the dresser, reaches in, and pulls out a shirt........the very shirt he had worn during his time in the woods as Shawn's captive.  He looks at the shirt, still stained with Shawn's blood.  He walks back over to his bed and sits down.  As he looks at the shirt and the blood on it, he begins to sob,  A few seconds later, he slides off the edge of the bed and sits on the floor.  His sobbing turns to uncontrollable crying.  Alex falls over onto his right side and draws his knees up to his chest.  He lays on the floor at the foot of his bed, curled up in a fetal position as he continues to cry, the psychological wounds of his traumatic experience obviously running very deep....

END OF EPISODE 234....