EPISODE 240 - Echoes From The Past

 Bobby, Christopher, Courtney, Jacob, Lucas, Heather, Michael, Justin, Pamela, Joseph Gioberti, and Braddock's new Sheriff, Lou Chambers, are gathered in the living room at Southfork a couple of hours

after the fire at the home where Michael and Jacob had been held captive earlier. Sheriff Chambers is just finished questioning Michael and Jacob about what happened, then he turns to Bobby, Lucas, and Christopher.  "Bobby, you said that when the three of you arrived at the house, Michael and Jacob were inside, and so was the older of the other two boys, Cameron Lewis?"

"Lou, we've already been through all of this,"  Bobby says.

"Bobby, I know you're all tired.  But I have to get to the bottom of exactly what happened in that house.  I've got a kidnapping here, not to mention a fire to investigate."

"What do you have to investigate?"  Jacob asks.  "We already told you what happened.  I accidentally kicked over a lamp and it set the carpet on fire."

"And you and Michael were tied to the beds?"  Sheriff Chambers asks.

"Yes,"  Jacob replies with a sigh.  

"Sheriff, I think you should have all you need,"  says Christopher.  "The boys have already given you a statement, and so have we."

"I just have a few more questions,"  Sheriff Chambers says, turning to Pamela and Justin.  "Miz Ewing, you said that when you spoke to Cameron Lewis on the phone, he asked for two million dollars in exchange for the return of Michael and Jacob?"

"Yes,"  Pamela replies.  

"And you paid the ransom?"

"Yes, Sheriff, I did."

"And where is this money now?"

"Right here,"  Justin says, picking up the briefcase containing the money.  

"Alright, I guess that's all I need, for now,"  Sheriff Chambers says.  "Miz Ewing, why don't you take Michael and Jacob upstairs?  I'm sure they're real tired and would like to just take a shower and hop in bed."

"C'mon, guys,"  Heather says.  "Let's go up and get ready for bed."

"And don't think you two are off the hook,"  says Lucas.  "We're gonna talk about this first thing in the morning."

Michael looks at his father and nods, then he and Jacob leave the room with Heather.

After Heather and the boys leave, Sheriff Chambers takes his cell phone from his pocket and dials a number.  A second later, someone answers.  "Murphy, bring in Cameron and Devon Lewis," the Sheriff says to the person he phoned, then he puts his phone back into his pocket.

"What's gonna happen to those boys, Sheriff?"  Heather asks.

"The older boy, Cameron, will be placed under arrest.  The younger boy, well, he'll have to be placed in the custody of the state."

Christopher, Courtney, Lucas, Heather, all exchange looks of concern for the boys.  

Cameron and Devon are escorted into the living room by a sheriff's deputy, followed by Ann and Krystina.

Sheriff Chambers walks over to them.  "Cameron Lewis, you're under arrest for kidnapping and extortion," he says to a frightened Cameron.  "You have the right to remain silent.  You have the right......"

"Sheriff, wait a minute,"  Lucas says, interrupting Chambers as he reads Cameron his rights.  

Chambers looks at him, annoyed at the interruption.  "Yes, Lucas, what is it?"

"What if we don't press charges?"

"You're not serious."

"I'm very serious,"  says Lucas. 

"If we don't press charges against Cameron for the kidnapping, then you don't have a case against him, do you?"  Courtney asks.

"These two kidnapped your sons,"  Chambers says.  "Why would you not wanna press charges?"

"Sheriff, Michael and Jacob are home, and they're safe, and that's thanks to Cameron,"  Christopher says.  "He saved their lives."

"And risked his own life to do it,"  Bobby adds.  

"The way I see it, Cameron and Devon are the only ones who really suffered in this whole ordeal,"  Christopher continues.  "In fact, I think they've already paid for what they did.  They lost their home and everything they owned."

"Well, I'm just as sorry as I can be about that, but it's not gonna be that simple,"  Sheriff Chambers says.  "Even if you folks don't press the kidnappin' charge, there's still the extortion charge.  Cameron Lewis extorted two million dollars from Miz Pamela Ewing."

"Sheriff, I'm not gonna press any charges,"  Pamela quickly says.  

Sheriff Chambers looks at her, puzzled.  "So none of you are gonna press charges against these boys for the kidnappin', or the extortion?"

"That's right, Lou,"  Bobby says.  

"It's still not that simple.  Now you folks may not wanna press charges because you feel sorry for these two kids, but I still have to make out a report.  Two crimes have been committed here, and the D.A. could still decide to file charges against Cameron Lewis, and if he does that and I don't make an arrest, it's my butt that's gonna be in the sling.  I'm new in this job, still.  I won the election by a real slim margin, and if I don't do my job right, and if I turn a blind eye ever time you Ewings ask me, then I could be out of a job even before the next election in '24."

"Lou, I seriously doubt the D.A. is gonna wanna waste time and taxpayer money on prosecuting a case where there's no real evidence of a crime,"  says Bobby.  "Michael and Jacob went home with Cameron voluntarily, so, technically, that's not kidnapping."

"And we have the money right here, so there was no extortion,"  says Justin.  

"Well, maybe so, but there's still a little matter of false imprisonment,"  Sheriff Chambers says.  "Michael and Jacob already admitted that young Mr. Lewis here kept them from leavin' his house.  He locked them in a bedroom, and then, after he had gotten that ransom money from Pamela and Justin Ewing, he tied them to two beds and then he and his brother were about to abscond with the money."

"Sheriff, this isn't worth pursuing, and I'm sure the D.A. will feel the same way when we talk to him and explain what happened,"  Christopher says.  

"I don't think so,"  Sheriff Chambers says.  "The new District Attorney for Braddock, Brian Rittenhouse,  is a real hard nose, and as honest as the day is long.  I'm afraid the Ewings aren't gonna be able to buy him off."

"We're not suggesting buying off anyone," says Lucas.

"Lou, the people in this room were the only ones present when Michael and Jacob gave their statements.......just the family, you, and your deputy,"  Bobby says.  "Make your report.  All we're asking is that you leave out the part about the kidnapping and the ransom money..  Just say that Michael and Jacob were picked up hitchhiking, and Cameron took them to his home to spend the night last night when it was storming, which is true."

"And the fire started by accident, which is also true,"  says Christopher.  

"What you're askin' me to do is cover up a crime, which I'm not gonna do,"  Chambers says.  "You folks can talk to Brian Rittenhouse if you want, and if he chooses not to file charges against Lewis, then fine.  But in the meantime, I have a job to do."  The Sheriff turns back to the two frightened young men, both of whom are in tears.  "Cameron Lewis, you are under arrest for the kidnapping of Michael Ewing and Jacob Reed, and for extortion in the amount of two million dollars from Miz 

Pamela Ewing.  You have the right to remain silent.  Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.  You have the right to an attorney.  If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you by the court.  Do you understand these rights?"

"Yes,"  Cameron replies, his voice shaky as Sheriff Chambers handcuffs him.  "What's gonna happen to my brother?"

"He'll be placed in the custody of the state,"  Sheriff Chambers says.  

A frightened Devon begins to cry.

"No,"  Justin quickly says, all eyes in the room falling on him.  Justin looks at Pamela.  "Devon can stay with us."

"You sure you wanna do that, Mr. Ewing?"  Sheriff Chambers asks.  

Justin again looks at his wife, hoping Pamela will agree with him.  

"Yes,"  Pamela finally says.  "We're very sure.  We'll take full responsibility for Devon."

"Well, given the late hour, I suppose that'll have to do for tonight,"  the Sheriff says.  "Okay, then, Devon Lewis, I am placing you into the custody of Justin and Pamela Ewing.  Cameron, let's go."

"Wait, please,"  Cameron begs.  Chambers nods and backs away from him, allowing Cameron a moment with his frightened younger brother.  "Devon, I'm sorry,"  Cameron says, a tear running 

"I'm so sorry I got us into this mess.  I should've listened to you.  Mom always said you were the one that had the most common sense."

"Cam, it.........it's okay.  I know you didn't mean to hurt anybody."

"But I did hurt someone.  I hurt you.  God, I'm so sorry, Dev."

"Okay, let's go, son,"  Sheriff Chambers says, placing his hand on Cameron's shoulder.  

"Dev........I love you,"  Cameron says as the Sheriff escorts him out.

"CAM!"  Devon cries out in tears as he watches his brother leave in handcuffs.  The boy breaks down crying.  Pamela walks over to Devon and puts her arms around him in an attempt to comfort him as the rest of the Ewings look on, their hearts going out to the boy.  

"Devon, don't worry,"  Pamela tells him.  "We're gonna get your brother a good lawyer, and we'll do all we can to help him."

Justin and Pamela's apartment....later....

 The door opens to the guest bedroom of Justin and Pamela's apartment.  Justin walks into the room, followed by Devon and Pamela.  

"You can sleep in here,"  Justin says.  "You can put your things in the closet, or in the dresser."

"Thanks,"  Devon says quietly.

"Just make yourself at home,"  Pamela says.  "Why don't you get unpacked, and I'll go and get you some towels if you wanna take a shower before you go to bed."

"Yeah, thanks."

Pamela looks at Justin, then leaves the room.  

"Well, I'll go and let you get unpacked,"  Justin says.  "If you need anything, just yell."

Devon nods.  Justin turns and starts to leave the room.  "Umm, Justin?"  Devon says.  

Justin stops in the doorway and looks at the teenager.  "Yeah?"

"Why are you guys doing this?  Why'd you take me in like this, after what me and my brother did?"

 Michael is getting dressed in his room the next morning at Southfork when a knock sounds at his door.  Michael's heart sinks at the sound of the knock because he knows it has to be his parents, and he knows he's in for a real scolding......or worse.......for running away.  

"Michael?  You awake?"  Lucas asks.  

"Yeah, Dad, I'm awake.  Come in,"  Michael reluctantly replies, opting to get his punishment over.  

Lucas and Heather come into the room.  "I think we need to have a talk, young man,"  Lucas says sternly.  

Michael sighs as he takes a seat on the bed.  "Guess I'm grounded for the rest of the year, huh?"

"Maybe,"  Heather says, walking over to her son.  "Michael, first of all, we wanna know why.  What on Earth possessed you to run away like that?"

"I.......well, Jacob asked me to go with him,"  Michael replies.

"Michael, that explanation's just not gonna cut it,"  says Lucas.  "There had to be a reason why you decided to go with him.  Christopher said that you went after Jacob to bring him back.  What happened to make you decide to run away with him.  And don't say it was just because he asked you to."

A tear falls down Michael's cheek.  "I didn't think you guys would even notice I was gone," he says.

"Michael, what is THAT supposed to mean?" Heather asks.

"You guys are always so busy with Logan and with Southfork that, you never have any time for me anymore.  Just last week, Dad, I asked you to take me to that carnival in Braddock, but you were too busy working the ranch with Christopher.  Then I asked you, Mom, and......."

"And I had to take Logan to the doctor for his checkup that day," Heather says.  "Sweety, I'm sorry, but I had made Logan's appointment months before."

"It's not just that.  You and Dad, you never have time for me anymore.  Did you even know that I got a certificate for best camp counselor from summer camp a couple weeks ago?"

Heather and Lucas exchange surprised looks.  "No, we didn't,"  Lucas says.  

"Michael, baby, why didn't you tell us?"  Heather asks.

"I did,"  Michael says.  "I did tell you both, and you guys didn't even hear me."

Lucas and Heather are both silent for a moment.  "Baby, I'm sorry,"  Heather says.  

"So am I,"  Lucas says with a sigh.  "I guess we HAVE been pretty preoccupied the last few months.  I think your Mom and I just........well, we just took for granted that you didn't need us as much anymore since you're older now.  We should've realized.........and we should've made time for you.  I don't know what to say, except.........I'm sorry, and we will definitely do better.  But you've gotta do better, too."

"I don't know what you mean, Dad,"  Michael says.

"Your mother and I, we do get very busy sometimes,"  says Lucas.  "Southfork is a very big ranch and it takes a lot of work to run a big spread like this.  And Logan is very young, and a child his age needs a lot of attention.  But that's no excuse for us not payin' attention to you when you needed us or when you were tryin' to share a special moment with us.  I promise, from now on, that's gonna change.  But you have to do your part, too.  Michael, whenever it seems like we're too busy and you need our attention, then you tell us.  You MAKE us listen, but, you also have to promise....no more running away, and no more getting into cars with strangers."

"You had us scared to death,"  Heather says. 

"I promise,"  Michael says.

"Good,"  says Lucas.  "Now, let's talk about what an appropriate punishment would be."

Michael sighs.  "I was hoping you guys would forget about that."

"Uh-uh, no such luck, kiddo," says Heather.

"You're grounded for one month,"  Lucas says.  "No TV, no hanging out with friends, and no video games."

"But Dad, one MONTH?  That's the whole rest of summer vacation."

"I know.  And during that time, you're gonna be workin' with me on Southfork.  You're gonna be so tired at the end of the day you won't even miss your TV, your games, or your friends."

"Dad, that's not fair,"  Michael protests.  "I got kidnapped and almost died in a fire.  Don't you think I've been punished enough?"

"Well, if you hadn't been kidnapped and almost died in a fire, you'd be grounded for the next year instead of only for a month,"  Lucas says.  "Now you can just stay up here for a while and think about what you did, and how much worse things could've turned out yesterday.  You can start working with me on the ranch tomorrow."

"I'll have Maria bring your breakfast and lunch up,"  Heather says, standing from her seat.  

As Michael pouts, an angry look on his face, Lucas and Heather leave the room.  After his parents are gone, Michael punches one of the pillows on his bed.  

Justin and Pamela's apartment....

 Devon is getting dressed in the guest bedroom of Justin and Pamela's apartment that morning when someone knocks on the door.  "Come in,"  the boy says.

Justin enters the room.  "Mornin'.  Figured you might still be asleep.  Breakfast is ready."

"Be right there."

Justin nods and leaves the room.  Devon picks up the framed photo of himself, his mother, and Cameron that sits atop the table next to the bed and looks at it.  

Meanwhile, Pamela is giving Hunter and Randall their breakfast in the kitchen when Justin comes in and takes his seat at the table.  "Is he awake?"  Pamela asks.

"Yeah, he's awake.  He'll be right in."

"Who, Mommy?"  Hunter asks.

"Remember, sweety, last night I told you we would have a guest who's gonna be staying with us for a while."

"Oh, yeah."

Devon comes into the kitchen.  

"Morning,"  Pamela says.  

"Morning."

"Devon, why don't you sit over there, next to Hunter?"  Justin asks.

The teenager takes the seat at the table.

"I hope you like ham, eggs and bacon,"  says Pamela.

"You cook your own food?"  Devon asks.

"Sure.  Why not?"

"I figured you guys would have a maid, a butler, a cook, and everything else," Devon says.

"Well, maybe when we move to the new house we'll need a couple servants, but not here," says Justin.

"New house?"

"Yeah, Justin and I just bought a house,"  Pamela says.

"Oh."

"Better eat up,"  says Justin.  

Pamela takes her seat at the table.  "Devon, when I was in your room, I couldn't help but notice the photo on the table next to your bed.  The woman with the two little boys.  The baby, is that you?"

"Yeah, that's me."

"And the woman?  Your mother?"

"That's right."

"What's your mother's name?"  Pamela asks.  

"Jennifer Lewis."

A strange expression crosses Pamela's face, indicating that she recognizes the name.  "Jennifer Lewis?"

"Yeah.  Why?"  Devon asks.

"I was just curious, that's all,"  Pamela replies, the tone of her voice arousing Justin's suspicion.  He looks at his wife curiously, wondering why Pamela had such a strange reaction to hearing the name of Devon's mother.  

Southfork....later....

Back at Southfork, Christopher comes out of the house and onto the patio just as Jacob dives into the swimming pool.  Christopher watches his stepson as he swims across the entire length of the pool. then turns, swims back across the pool, turns again and repeats his lap   

across the entire length of the pool again.  Jacob climbs out of the pool and grabs a towel draped over the back of a chair and begins to dry himself off.  Christopher watches the boy with a sad expression.  Christopher can't believe how fast Jacob has grown up.  He also is saddened by the strain in their relationship now and the fact that Courtney still plans to move to California with Joseph Gioberti.  After Jacob finishes drying himself enough, he starts toward the house and comes face to face with Christopher.  

"Jacob,"  Christopher says.  "I think we need to talk."

"I don't have anything to say to you."

 conversation.  Hearing Courtney's words takes Bobby back to a similar conversation he had many years ago in his office.....

 John Ross comes out of his office at Ewing Oil and approaches Sly's desk.  "Sly, if Chad Dixon arrives for our meetin', tell him I'll be with him as soon as I can."

"Yes, John Ross,"  Sly says. 

John Ross walks over to Sue Ellen's office and knocks on her door.  "Come in,"  he hears her say.

John Ross walks into his mother's office.  "You find out anything from Sally yet about Clay's business deal with Holly Harwood?"

"No, I haven't.  I politely brought it up in conversation this ,morning when Sally was giving me my messages, but she was being very tight lipped.  I don't like it, John Ross.  I don't like Ewing Oil being involved with Holly Harwood in any way, shape or form."

"That makes two of us,"  says John Ross.  "Whatever deal Clay and Holly have cookin' it must be huge, because the other night, Clay gloated to me that their deal might just put him ahead of me in this contest."

"And that worries me."

"Don't worry.  I've got a big deal of my own I'm workin' on."

 "John Ross, I can't emphasize to you enough, the importance of conducting all your business dealings strictly on the level and above board while this contest is going on,"  Sue Ellen says.  

"Mama, you worry too much,"  says John Ross.  "Trust me.  I'm not gonna do anything that will jeopardize my chances of winning control of Ewing Oil."

Sue Ellen nods.  "Good.  I'll keep pumping Sally for information about Clay and Holly."

"Glad I have you on my team."

"John Ross, you're my son.  What other team would I possibly be on?"

John Ross smiles at his mother, then leaves the office.  As he comes out of his mother's office, a man is sitting in a chair near Sly's desk waiting for him.  He smiles again.  "Chad,"  he says.

"John Ross."

"Right on time,"  John Ross says.  "Come on in my office.  Sly, hold all my calls."

"Yes, sir,"  Sly says as John Ross goes into his office, followed by Chad Dixon.   

John Ross and Chad go into his office.  John Ross closes the door and goes to his desk.  "Okay, Chad, give me the low down.  How are those offshore California wells performing?"

"Production is exceeding expectation,"  replies Chad.  "We're now up to 7,000 barrels a day."

John Ross looks at him and smiles.  "7,000 a day, huh?  Damn.  Those offshore wells are gonna put me well ahead of Clay Beaumont in this contest for control of Ewing Oil."

"So, I'm guessing you're ready to let your family in on your partnership with Adam Carrington in those offshore wells?"

"Not just yet.  First, I wanna win this contest, and once Uncle Bobby installs me as permanent president of Ewing Oil, then I'll let them know about the ColbyCo. deal.  Thank ya, Chad.  You just made my day."

"John Ross, why don't you come out to California and take a look at those wells?"

"I think I'll do just that,"  says John Ross.  "In fact, I think I'll call Adam Carrington and have him meet me out there some time next week and we can tour the wells together.  Sort of bask in our shared success.  Chad, keep me informed on every aspect of the California operation.  I wanna know everything that goes on."

"You got it, John Ross."

"Good.  Now you high tail it back to California and I'll see you sometime in the next week or so."

"Alright,"  Chad says.  "Good seeing you again, John Ross."

"Yeah, you, too,"  John Ross says as Chad leaves the office.  John Ross takes out his cell phone and 

speed dials Adam Carrington's number.  After the second ring, Adam answers.  "Adam, John Ross here.  How'd you like to take a little field trip one day next week?  I'm plannin' on flyin' out to California to personally check out our offshore wells and I was wonderin' you'd like to join me."

Southfork....late afternoon....

 Krystle is sitting on the patio by the pool at Southfork that afternoon playing with Little Ellie while Little John swims.  Ann comes onto the patio.  Seeing Krystle with Little Ellie, she pauses and 

pool.  He swims to the edge of the pool.

"Yaaaayyy,"  Krystle says, clapping her hands.  "That was wonderful, Little John.  You're getting to be a very good swimmer.  Did your Daddy teach you?"

"He taught me a little."

Krystina comes out of the house.  "Little John?  Time to get out of the pool."

"Awwww, Krystina, another five minutes.  Please?"

"No, you've already been in the pool for over an hour,"  Krystina says.  "Come on, time to get out."

"Okay,"  the little boy says.  He climbs out of the pool.  Krystina walks over to him with a towel and wraps it around him.

"You okay, Mom?"  Krystina asks Krystle.

"I'm fine, darling.  Just enjoying my time with my lovely grandchildren."

"Ellie, honey, it's time for your nap,"  Krystina says.  "Mom, I'll get the kids upstairs and put Ellie down for her nap and then how about we saddle up a couple of the horses and go for a ride before dinner?"

"I'd really like that,"  Krystle says.  

Krystina smiles.  "Good.  Just give me about fifteen minutes to get the kids squared away and change my clothes."

"Alright, darling, I'll go up and change, too, and I'll wait for you."

Krystina nods, then takes Little John and Ellie by the hand and takes them into the house, passing Ann on the way.  Ann and Krystina exchange smiles, and Ann walks out to where Krystle is seated by the pool.  

"Krystle,"  Ann says, taking a seat at the table across from her.  "How're you feeling?"

"I feel fine.  Ann I really wanna thank you for the talk the other night.  For listening, and for agreeing to keep my secret."

 Meanwhile, Alex is in session with Dr. Peter Richards in Peter's office that afternoon.  For nearly an hour, Alex has been talking about the events of a couple of nights ago, when Michael and Jacob had been kidnapped.  "That whole time Michael and Jacob were missing, all I could think about was...... what happened with Shawn.  About my own kidnapping,"  Alex says.  

"And how did that make you feel?"  Peter asks.

"It made me feel.........I'm not really sure.  It just brought back all those memories and emotions I thought I'd started to deal with and put behind me."

"Alex, we've talked about this before.  What you went through with Shawn was a very traumatic experience, and it's not something you're going to be able to just put behind you in a few months.  It's going to take a long time."

"I know,"  Alex says.  "Sometimes I think there must be something about my family."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it seems the Ewings are always a target for some nutcase.  Somebody seeking revenge or money."

"Well, Alex, the Ewings are a very wealthy and prominent family, and I'm sure the Ewings have also made their share of enemies over the years, both in business and.........personally."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Does that make you feel afraid?"  Peter asks.

"Sometimes."

"Alex you can't live your whole life in fear.  If you do, then you're not really living."

Alex looks at him.  

"I'm afraid we're gonna have to save this for next time, Alex.  The hour is already up."

"Okay."

"On Monday, can you come in at this same time?"  Peter asks.  "I have a few appointments at the hospital that morning."

"Yeah, sure, I can."

"Fine, I'll see on Monday at 4,"  Peter says.  

"See you Monday, Dr. Richards,"  Alex says.  Alex leaves the office and gets on the elevator in the hallway outside Peter's office.  Just as the elevator doors close, the doors of the elevator next to it open, and Mitch gets off.  He goes into Peter's secretary's office and approaches her desk.

"Hello,"  Mitch says to the secretary.  "Is Dr. Richards in?"

"Yes he is.  Is he expecting you for an appointment?"

"No, I'm Dr. Mitch Cooper, chief of staff at Texas Health Presbyterian."

"Oh, of course, Dr.  Cooper.  You may go right in."

"Thank you,"  Mitch says, smiling at the woman.  He goes to Peter's office and knocks on the door.  

"Come in,"  he hears Peter say.  

"Mitch walks into the office.  "Hello, Peter."

"Mitch, hi.  What on Earth brings you over here?"  Peter asks.  "Don't tell me you're here to rescind your offer of a position at the hospital before I even get started good."

Mitch laughs at the comment.  "No, of course not.  I do some consulting in this building, and while I was here, I wanted to stop by see if you had any plans for dinner tonight."

"Good, because you do now,"  Mitch says.  "I'd like to invite you to come and have dinner with us."

"Well, Mitch, I appreciate it, but I don't wanna put your wife out on such short notice."

"You won't be.  I already told her I was inviting you to dinner one night, and I know she's been looking forward to meeting you."

"Alright, then, if you're sure it won't be an imposition."

"None at all.  Are you finish for the day?"  Mitch asks.

"Yeah, I just had my last client for the day."

"Okay, then, why don't we go?  You can follow me in your car."

"To tell you the truth, I'm starved.  Been a long day,"  Peter says as he and Mitch leave the office.

Southfork....

 Christopher's car pulls into the driveway at Southfork and comes to a stop.  Getting out of the car, Christopher makes his way to the house and goes in.  As he walks into the living room a moment later, Ann comes into the room from the foyer.

"Christopher,"  she says.

"Ann.  Are Courtney and Jacob gone?"

"Yes, they left not long after you did.  Christopher, you have a visitor. She's waitin' for you in the den."

"A visitor?"  Christopher asks.  Curious, he goes into the den, and he is surprised when he sees who his mystery guest is.  

The woman is standing at the mantle, looking at various photos of the Ewing family.  

"Oh my God,"  Christopher says.  

The woman turns to face him.  "Hello, Christopher."

"Erin?  I can't believe it."

"It's been a long time."

"Yes, it has,"  Christopher says, walking over to her.  "You look great."

"Thank you, so do you.  I love the beard.  It looks very good on you."

"Thanks.  Erin, what are you doing here?"

"You don't sound very glad to see me."

Of course, I'm glad to see you.  I'm just......surprised, that's all.  After all this time, I'd just about given up on ever seeing you again.  I wrote to you several times, and I only got a couple replies."

"I'm sorry.  Life got pretty hectic for a while,"  Erin says.  

"I understand.  How's your law career going?"  Christopher asks.

"It's going great.  I heard you got married."

"Yes, I did.  But........right now it seems that my wife Courtney and I are getting a divorce."

Erin looks at him and smiles.  "I won't pretend that I'm disappointed.  Christopher, I've thought about you a lot over the years.  Ever since that time we shared in Knots Landing.  That was one of the most special times of my life."

"Yeah, it was for me, too.  I think about that time often, and I've thought about you often.  How long are you in town for?"

"That depends."

"Depends?"  Christopher asks.  "On what?"

"Mostly........on you, since you're the reason I'm here.  Christopher, if you're free, would you have dinner with me tonight?"

"As a matter of fact, I AM free, and I'd love to have dinner.  We have six years to catch up on."

"Yes, we do,"  Erin says.  "I'm staying at the Omni.  Why don't you come over around 8?"

Christopher nods.  "I'll be there."

Erin walks over to Christopher and kisses him.  "I'll see you tonight."

"See you tonight,"  Christopher says.  He watches her as Erin leaves the room.  

Lucy and Mitch's apartment....

 Lucy is in her kitchen cooking dinner that evening when Daniel walks in, goes to the refrigerator, takes out a can of coke and opens it.  Lucy looks at her stepson.  "Daniel, I didn't know you were home,"  Lucy says to him as he starts to leave the kitchen.

"So do you,"  Muriel says.  "Lucy, you never change."

"And you look the same as always.  I'm so happy you're here."

"So am I.  I can't wait to catch up."

"Well, we do have a lot of catching up to do,"  Lucy says.

"Lucy, I'd like for you to meet my son, Zach Gillis,"  Muriel says.

"Zach, it's wonderful to meet you."

"Thank you, Mrs. Cooper, and it's very nice to meet you, too.  I've heard a lot about you over the years from my Mom."

"Mostly good, I hope,"  Lucy says.

"Oh, it was ALL good,"  Zach says.  

Lucy smiles.  "Muriel, he's adorable.  Very handsome, and a real charmer.  Oh, Muriel, this is Dr. Peter Richards."

Muriel and Peter come face to face, and from the expressions on their faces, it's clear that Muriel and Peter know each other.  "Hello,"  Peter says.

The smile disappears from Muriel's face.  "Dr. Richards.  It's a pleasure," she awkwardly says.  

"Same here, Mrs......

"It's Ms. Gillis.  But call me Muriel."

"Peter just joined the staff at the hospital,"  Lucy says.

"I see,"  says Muriel.  

"And Peter, this is Muriel's son, Zach,"  Lucy says.

"Zach,"  Peter says, shaking hands with the young man.

"Zach is in medical school,"  Lucy says.  

"Really?"  Peter asks.  "What is your area of study, Zach?"

"Right now just general medicine.  I hope to open my own practice some day."

 Pamela is packing some things into a box in the large walk in closet in her and Justin's bedroom that night.  She is looking through some papers and photos she is putting into a box when Justin comes into the bedroom,  "Pamela?"  He calls to her.

"I'm in here,"  she replies.

Justin walks into the closet.  

"Was Devon able to get in to see his brother?"  Pamela asks.

"Yeah, I convinced the Sheriff to let the boys see each other.  I also talked to the D.A. and convinced him not to object to Cameron gettin' out on bail when he's arraigned."

"That's good."

"Honey, what are you doin'?"  Justin asks.

"Thought I'd get an early start on packing some of our things for the move."

Justin smiles.  "Just think.  If all goes well, in another week and a half, we'll be livin' in our new house. I'm real excited about this move."

"Yes, so am I,"  Pamela says, not sounding very happy.

"You sure about that?  You didn't sound too eager to make the move."

"What?  Oh, I'm sorry, it's not that, I was just distracted."

Justin kneels beside her.  "Yeah, you've been distracted ever since Devon was talkin' about his mama.  And the way you were talkin' about seein' her picture, you acted like you knew her."

Pamela sighs.  "In a way, I do."

"What do you mean?"

"Tripp knew her.  He use to talk about her."

"Tripp knew Devon's mother?"  Justin asks.

"Uh-huh.  Tripp use to talk about this girl he knew named Jennifer.  He even had a photo of her.  Tripp had been in love with her, but she was married."

"To Devon's father,"  Justin says.

"Apparently so."

"Pamela, that doesn't make a lot of sense.  If Tripp loved this woman, or had been in love with her, then why did he put her husband out of work when he was sic?  That ruined their whole family."

"Who knows why Tripp did any of the things he did toward the end of his life?"  Pamela asks, a sad tone in her voice.  "Tripp had a thing with Jennifer Lewis long before he and I were married....... about 14 or 15 years ago.  From what I understood, she was a few years older than Tripp, and she had also dated Christopher when she and Christopher were teenagers, and since Tripp lived with his grandfather on the ranch down the road from Southfork and was close to Christopher and John Ross when he was a kid, Tripp knew Jennifer then, too."

"Pamela, I don't understand what you're gettin' at with this?"

Pamela looks at him.  "Justin, when Tripp moved out of here, he left some of his things.  This box of old letters and pictures.  I had intended to get rid of this stuff, but I never did.  In here were a couple of letters to Tripp from Jennifer, and one to her from Tripp that he never sent.  I really think that the reason Tripp treated her husband so horribly was because he was still in love with Jennifer and he wanted her husband out of the way.  Tripp and Jennifer had apparently had an affair about 15 years ago.  Tripp was only 19 at the time and Jennifer was in her mid-20s and married.  She wrote Tripp this letter ending the affair.  It's dated October 29, 2006."

"So?"  Justin asks.

"Devon said that his birthday is June 12, 2007."

"Pamela, what are you tryin' to say?"

 "Justin, I think it's very possible that........Devon Lewis might be Tripp's son," Pamela says.

Justin looks at her, stunned at what he has just heard.  

Southfork....

 Bobby and Ann turn down the covers of their bed that night, then they both crawl into bed.  Bobby puts on his reading glasses and grabs some papers from the nightstand.  He begins looking over the papers, which are this month's feed bills for the ranch. 

"Now I know we're gettin' old and boring,"  says Ann.  "Goin' to bed at 9:30 on a Friday night.  There was a time when we'd be out on the town."

"I'm sorry, honey, it's just been a long and hard day."

"Bobby. what's wrong?  You barely said ten words durin' dinner."

Bobby sighs.  "I overheard Courtney ask Christopher for a divorce today.  I already knew she wanted one, but it's the words she used.  She told him that their marriage just doesn' work anymore, and I got the strangest sense of deja vu."

"Why?"

"Because those are the exact same words Pam said to me when she asked me for a divorce the first time.  Our marriage doesn't work anymore.  It brought back so many memories and ghosts from the past.  Like mine and Pam's history repeating itself in my son's life.  I felt so bad for Christopher.  The look of hurt on his face when she said that."

"I think Courtney's makin' a huge mistake,"  Ann says.

 "I agree,"  says Bobby.  "I can't believe Courtney is really planning to take Jacob and move to California and start a life with Joseph Gioberti.  Surely she must realize the affect this is gonna have on both Jacob AND Christopher.  Christopher loves that boy like his own son and for him to lose Jacob that way.........along with losing Courtney........I just don't know what it might do to him."

"Christopher's a strong man, like his father,"  Ann says.  "He'll get through whatever comes, and we'll help him get through it."

Bobby looks at her and smiles.  "Have I told you lately how lucky I am to have you for a wife, and how lucky Christopher is to have you for a stepmother?"

"No, but I'm listenin'."

"I'm extremely lucky,"  Bobby says, kissing her.

"No, I'm the lucky one."

"Okay, we're BOTH lucky,"  says Bobby.

Ann laughs.  "Do you necessarily have to finish readin' those feed bills tonight?"

"No, I can do it tomorrow.  Why'd ya have somethin' else in mind for me to do?"

"I most certainly do,"  Ann replies kissing Bobby again.  Bobby takes off his glasses and places them on the nightstand, and shoves the feed bills off the bed onto the floor as he and Ann continue their passionate kiss.

The Omni Hotel....

 Meanwhile, Christopher and Erin are finishing their dinner in Erin's hotel suite at the Omni Hotel.  Christopher takes a sip of his wine.  "That dinner was amazing."

"I wish I could take credit, but I ordered from room service,"  Erin says.  "I didn't have time to cook."

"Erin, tonight has been wonderful.  It really takes me back to that time we spent together six years ago."

Erin smiles.  "Six years.  Seems like such a short time ago, and then again, it seems like a lifetime."

"A lot's happened since then,"  says Christopher.  "At least in my life."

"In mine, too."

"Yeah, you never told me what happened with you and that guy you were involved with back in Tennessee."

"It's a long story.  Let's just say that something came between us."

Christopher looks at Erin with a slight smile.  As he is about to say something, a sound can be heard coming from one of the bedrooms in the suite.  "What was that?"

"Mommy?"  Comes the voice of a child from the closed bedroom door.  

"Excuse me for a moment,"  Erin says.  She gets up from her seat at the table and hurries to the bedroom and goes in, closing the door behind her.  Christopher waits anxiously for her, curious.  A few seconds later, Erin comes out of the bedroom holding a small boy by the hand.  She leads the child over to him.  "K.C., I want you to say hello to Christopher,"  Erin tells the child.  

"Hello,"  the boy says.  

"Well, hello yourself,"  Christopher says, kneeling down to face the child.  "Erin, who's this?"

"This is my son, K.C.."

"Your son?  Well, how about that?  How old are you, little man?"

Christopher is left stunned speechless by Erin's revelation!

A motel in Dallas....

 Muriel is getting ready for bed that night at her hotel when someone knocks on her door.  She quickly goes to answer the door, expecting it to be Zach, but she is surprised when she opens the door to find Peter.  She starts to close the door in his face, but Peter grabs the door, walks into the room and closes it behind him.

"What the HELL are you doing here?"  Muriel angrily asks.

"I think we should talk, don't you?"  Peter asks.

"There is absolutely NOTHING I have to say to you."

"That was a nice little performance you gave at Lucy and Mitch's tonight."

"Yeah, and you were the last person on Earth I expected to see there.  What are you doing back in Dallas, anyway  How long have you been here?"

"I've been here about a year,"  says Peter.  "What are YOU doing back here?"

"That is none of your damned business, Peter."

"I think it IS my business, Muriel.  I haven't seen you in twenty-five years, and now all of a sudden yo show up here in Dallas, and at Mitch and Lucy's apartment for dinner on the same night I was there."

"One of life's horrible little coincidences,"  Muriel says.  "Now get out of here and leave me alone."

"Not until I get some answers.  Obviously Lucy doesn't know anything about our past."

"No, and I'd like to keep it that way."

"Gonna be kinda hard, isn't it?  Now that we're both back in town, and closely connected with Lucy and Mitch.  You still hate me, don't you?  Even after all these years?  You still hate me and blame me?"

Muriel turns and looks at him with anger.  "You're damned right I blame you.  With every fiber of my being I blame you."

"Glenn was my son, too, Muriel,"  Peter says, moving closer to her.  "I loved him every bit as much as you did."

"You loved him so much that you let him die?"  Muriel asks in tears.

"I did everything humanly possibly to save him.  That's why I took him to that doctor in Maine."

"Doctor?  QUACK, you mean!  He did all kinds of experimental treatments on Glenn instead of giving him the treatments that could have kept him alive!"

"The chemo was making him sicker, Muriel.  I wanted to spare our son that, and all the doctors agreed that the chemo was only gonna extend his life by a month or two, at most."

"That would've been another month or two I could've had with my baby.  But you took him to some quack who let him die.  Just get out  of here Peter and get out of my life for good."

"Not until you tell me the truth,"  Peter says.  "Zach is my son, isn't he?"

"No,"  Muriel quickly replies.

"I don't believe you."

"I don't give a damn what you believe."

"All I have to do is look at him to know I'm his father.  That means you were pregnant when you left me."

"Get out!  GET OUT!  Either you get out of here or I'm calling the police."

"I know he's my son, and he has a right to know."

"You tell those lies to Zach or to anyone else, Peter, and I swear to God you'll regret it."

"The truth always comes out, Muriel.  Remember that," Peter says, then quickly leaves.

After Peter leaves, Muriel rushes to the door, opens it, and walks onto the balcony outside of her room to make sure that he actually leaves and that he's not trying to find Zach's room to tell him the truth!  Once she sees Peter get into his car and drive away, Muriel returns to her room, closes the door, and breaks down in tears as memories of her past life with Peter come flooding back.  

A parking lot in Dallas....

 A black Nissan is sitting in a lonely, deserted parking lot that night next to a stone wall.  A second car drives into the parking lot, pulls up along side the Nissan and parks.  Chad Dixon, the man who had met with John Ross earlier in the day, gets out of the second car and walks over to the driver's side of the Nissan..  The driver's window of the Nissan lowers to reveal Brad Barnes sitting in the car.  

 "Well?  How'd it go with John Ross?  Brad asks.  

"You sure did pick an out of the way, God-forsaken place to meet,"  Chad says.

"Just answer the question,"  says Brad.   "Did John Ross take the bait?"

Chad smiles.  "He took it.  Even said he was gonna go out to California and look over the operation himself."

"Good,"  Brad says.  "You've done your job well."  He reaches into his pocket and brings out an envelope which he hands to Chad.  Chad opens the envelope to reveal that it is filled with cash.  

"Thanks,"  Chad says.  "Now what's my next assignment.

"For now, go back to California and wait for me to contact you with further instructions.  And if John Ross inquires again, keep feeding him those false reports on the offshore wells."

"Yes, sir, chief,"  Chad says, giving a sarcastic salute.  He puts the envelope into his pocket and then walks back to his car. Brad watches as Chad gets into his car and drives away.

Once Chad is gone, Brad's friend Craig Forrester raises up in the backseat of Brad's car.  "Sounds like 

everything is moving along right on schedule,"  Craig says.

"It is."

"Are you sure we can trust this Dixon guy?"

"As long as we keep payin' him, Chad'll do what we want."

"I'm not sure that makes me feel very confident,"  Craig says.  "What if he decides to turn on us and hit John Ross up for more than we're paying him in exchange for the truth?"

"That's just a chance we're gonna have to take,"  says Brad.  "We're paying Dixon a fortune to work for us to destroy John Ross and Ewing Oil."

"I want a little more insurance than that.  I think I'm gonna put a tail on this guy.  I wanna know every move he makes, and if he makes the wrong move.........then he won't live to regret it."

"What did you just say?"  Brad asks, looking at Craig in the rearview mirror.  Suddenly, Brad turns in his seat and grabs Craig by the shirt, pulling him toward him.  "You listen to me, Forrester.  I'm not gonna put up with anymore of these threats.  What you just said sounded like a death threat against Chad Dixon."

"Call it anything you like."  Craig says.  "I have way too much invested in this to have it ruined by some flunky you picked who might change allegiance at any moment."

"I have a lot invested in this, too.  I plan to pay John Ross Ewing back for everything he's done to me, but I will NOT be a party to anyone getting hurt, and I will sure as HELL not be a party to a murder, you got that?  We do this without anyone getting physically hurt, or....."

"Or what, Barnes?"  Craig says, shoving Brad's hands away from him.  "You don't have a damn thing to threaten me with.  You're in this thing even deeper than I am because if it all goes to hell, I can disappear, while you're left here holding the bag, Mr. head of the Texas Energy Commission.  You just do your part in this.  Use your position to put the screws to Ewing Oil, and I'll take care of the rest, including keeping Adam Carrington and your friend Dixon in line."

"Get the hell out of my car,"  Brad says.  

"Gladly.  It smells in here,"  Craig says, then gets out of the car.  He closes the rear driver's side door, and looks at Brad with a smile.  "Have a good night,"  he says sarcastically.

"Go to hell,"  Brad says, and quickly speeds away, his tires screeching as he turns out of the parking lot and back onto the main street headed back into Dallas.  

Left alone in the deserted parking lot. Craig smiles.  "I love revenge,"  he says to himself.  "And if Brad Barnes, Adam Carrington, or Jeremy Wendell get in my way.........I'll take them all down right along with the Ewings."  Craig's smile grows larger as he thinks about his plan to destroy the Ewings.

END OF EPISODE 240....