EPISODE 243 - And The Walls Came Tumbling Down

 

"Oh my God.....Mom,"  says a horrified Cory when Lila finds him in bed with Daniel.

 

"Cory, what.......what the hell is goin' on here?"  Lila asks.

 

"Mom, I can explain, I......"

 

"Hey, what's goin' on?"  Daniel asks, waking up in bed beside Cory.  "What's happening?"  Opening his eyes, Daniel looks over at Cory sitting up in bed, then he 

"Mom, I'm not confused,"  Cory says.  "I know who I am, and you're gonna have to accept it.  I'm gay, and Daniel and I are in love.  We have been for a long time."

 

"A long time?"  Lila asks.  "What's a long time?"

 

"Two years."

 

"Two........YEARS?"

 

"Yes,"  Cory says.  "Daniel and I met on Facebook a little over two years ago, before I came to Dallas to see Dad."

 

"So this little.........thing between you and Daniel Cooper has been goin' on for two years?"  Lila asks.  

 

"Yes.  Mom, I'm sorry I kept this from you for so long.  But I was afraid of how you and Dad would react."

 

"So you've just been livin' this double life for the past two years?  Cory, I don't believe this.  What happened?  Where did I go wrong as a mother?"

 

"Mom, you didn't do anything wrong.  Why can't you just accept that this is how I am?  I'm gay, Mom, and how you and Dad raised me has nothing to do with that."

 

"I know.....it's that Daniel kid,"  Lila says.  "He persuaded you to,,,,,,,,experiment."

 

"Mom, Daniel isn't the reason I'm gay.  I was gay a long time before I ever met Daniel."

 

Lila begins to cry.  "Cory, I just........I can't accept this.  I can't."

 

"Mom, I'm the same person I was this morning, before you found out.  I mean,, why can't you love me the same as you did before you knew?"

 

Lila looks at her son.  "Oh, sweetheart, I DO love you.  I love you with all my heart, and that's why this is so hard for me to accept.  Cory, don't you understand?  I know that things have come a long way and that this is 2021, but things haven't changed THAT much.  Even now, gay people face all kinds of hardships and ridicule and even harassment.  It's a hard life you're setting yourself up for, Cory.  This is Texas, after all.  It's not Bay City, Illinois."

 

"But it's MY life, Mom.  Yes, I know things can be harder for gay people.  But my life would be a lot harder if I had to go on living a lie."

 

"Cory,"  Lila says in tears.  

 

"Mom,"  Cory says.  "There's something else I have to tell you.  Maybe you'd better sit back down."

 

"Cory, trust me, there's nothing more you could tell me that could possibly shock me anymore than what I walked in on here earlier."

 

"Oh, this might,"  Cory says.  He pauses a moment before continuing.  "Mom, the truth is........I'm not in school.  I haven't been for the last year.  I lost my scholarship to the University.  I rented an apartment in Austin, and I got a job down there to pay for it.  For the last year, I've been spending the weeks in Austin, pretending to be in school, and coming home on weekends.  Mom, I'm so sorry."

 

Lila's mouth falls open in shock as she retakes her seat, trying to process all the stunning news she has just learned about her son and the double life he's been living.

Southfork....

Meanwhile, back at Southfork, the Ewing Barbecue is still underway as John Ross finishes off a plate of barbecue and Brunswick Stew.  He walks to the nearest trash can and tosses his plate.  John Ross turns around just as Peter approaches him.  John Ross gives him an angry look.  

 

"John Ross, can we talk?" Peter asks.

 

"I got nothin' to say to you."

 

"Please, John Ross,"  Peter says.  "Look, I understand why you're angry.  I should've told Alex about my past connection to your family."

 

"You think that's why I'm angry with you?  You think that's why I was hopin' I'd never lay eyes on you again?  What the hell are you really doin' here?"

 

"I told you, I came because Alex invited me.  And because...... because I really wanted to see you again.  John Ross, when you were a little boy, you were very special to me."

 

"So you wanted to see me again?"  John Ross asks.  "And did you also wanna see my mother again?"

 

"I'm not sure what you mean by that."

 

"Peter, I remember.  I remember everything from that time you were my counselor at Windsor Meadows.  I know I was real young, but I remember.  You said I was special to you?  Well, you were special to me, too.  The time you spent with me.  All the extra time and attention you gave me that you didn't give the other kids at that camp.......do you realize how much I looked up to you?  I idolized you.  My God, you were my hero.  You did more for me and took up more time with me in just a few months than my own father ever did.  I loved you.  You were like the big brother that I never had and I always wanted.  And then one day, you were just.......gone.  Disappeared from my life.  I got no goodbye from you, no explanation.  Nothin'.  You were just gone, and I had to learn how to adjust to life without you in it.  My Mama and Daddy, they gave me this lame explanation that you had gone back home to be with your family, but that didn't explain why you didn't say goodbye to me or tell that yourself.  I was 5-years-old, and this guy that I loved like a big brother, that I idolized, and who promised me that we were gonna do a lot more stuff together that summer.......was gone, just like that."

 

"John Ross, let me explain why I had to leave....."

 

"You don't have to explain a damn thing to me, because I know,"  says John Ross.  "It wasn't until years later that I found out the truth about why you up and ran out on me.  You were screwin' my mother, and when my father found out about it, he ran your sorry ass out of Dallas."

 

Peter lets out a deep sigh.  "I prayed to God you'd never find out the truth about that."

 

"Yeah, well, I DID find out.  I was 14, and I overheard my Mama talkin' about it to her husband, Don Lockwood.  She was talkin' to him about all the terrible things my father did to her durin' their marriage, and naturally, I wanted to know everything she had to tell him, so I listened outside their bedroom one night when they thought I was asleep.  And when your name came up, well, I was real curious, especially when Mama told Don that my father had forced you to leave Dallas by threatenin' to send you to prison if you stayed.   I never told her what I had overheard that night.  I figured she'd been hurt enough.  For a long time after that I was mad as hell at my father because I finally knew why you left.  My father had taken away the one person I had in my life who made me feel good about myself.  But then, my anger shifted from him to you, because none of that would've happened if you hadn't seduced my mother.  So tell me, Peter.  Is that why you went out of your way to get so close to me?  Why you spent so much time with me?  Because you wanted to get close to my mother?"

 

"No, John Ross, that's not why at all,"  Peter says.  "I truly cared about you.  I cared a lot."

 

"You think I'd believe anything that you have to say now?  I don't know why you came back here to Dallas, but your time as my son's therapist is over.  Alex will be finding himself another therapist first thing Monday mornin'."

 

"Don't you think that should be up to Alex?"  Peter asks.

 

"You really think Alex would wanna continue on as your client if he knew the truth about what kind of person you really are?  And that you had a sordid affair with his grandmother years ago?"

 

"Would you really tell him?"

 

"Damn right, I would.  Unless you remove yourself as Alex's therapist,"  John Ross says, and walks away from Peter.

 

Meanwhile, as Brad comes out of the house following his confrontation with Krystina, he looks around the crowd and sees Craig Forrester coming toward him. Wondering what his other accomplice

in the scheme to destroy John Ross is doing here, Brad quickly approaches him.  "Forrester, what the hell are you doing here?"

 

"Bradley, hello,"  Craig says cheerfully.  "Looks like a great party going on here."

 

"Damn it, answer me, what are you doing here?"

 

"Relax, Barnes, I'm here because this is the social event of the season, and because as one of Dallas's newest businessmen, I felt it was my duty to check out the famous Ewing Barbecue and see what it's all about."

 

"Do you really think it's wise?"  Brad asks.

 

"Why not?  The Ewings have no idea what's going on behind their backs, and they have no idea who I am, or that you and I are working together, so, relax.......we're perfectly safe."  Craig looks across the way and sees Krystina coming out of the house.  "Well, well.  Isn't that John Ross Ewing's wife?"

 

Brad looks toward the house.  "Yes it is.  Why?"

 

Craig smiles.  "She's even more beautiful than the pictures I've seen.  Excuse me, Bradley I'm gonna go over and introduce myself."

 

"Forrester, I have a lot riding on this,"  Brad says.  "Literally everything.  You screw this up, and ....."

 

"And what, Barnes?  And WHAT?  I have just as much riding on this, if not more, than you do.  So don't threaten me.  That would be one huge mistake, my friend."  Craig walks past Brad, forcefully and purposefully brushing against Brad's shoulder with his own as he heads toward the house and toward Krystina.  

 

"Damn,"  Brad says, watching Craig approach Krystina on the patio.  Brad is worried that there are two many players in his scheme at this Barbecue for comfort.

 

On the patio, Craig walks up to Krystina.  "Mrs. Ewing?"  He says.

 

"Yes?"

 

"I'm not sure if you remember me or not.  Craig Forrester.  I met you a while back at Perry's when I was having dinner with Holly Harwood, and you were with your husband."

 

Later that night, John Ross and Krystina come into their bedroom after the Ewing Barbecue has ended.  John Ross sighs deeply as the couple enters their bedroom and he begins unbuttoning his shirt.  "Damn, I'm tired,"  he says.  

 

"Me, too,"  Krystina agrees.  "It's been a long day."

 

"I think these Barbecues make me more tired every year,"  John Ross says, taking a seat on the bed as he starts to take off his boots.  "Guess I'm just slowin' down in my forties.  I don't know how Uncle Bobby does it.  He still seemed to be as energetic tonight as he was when the Barbecue started early this afternoon."

 

"Uh-huh,"  Krystina says, almost as if she isn't paying attention to what her husband is saying.  

 

John Ross looks over at her.  After a brief pause, he stands and  walks over to Krystina.  "Darlin', what's wrong?"

 

"What?"

 

"Somethin' botherin' you?  All evenin' you've been quiet and seems like you got somethin' on your mind."

 

"I'm fine.  I'm just tired.  Like you said, these events do take a lot out of you."

 

"Sure that's all?"  John Ross asks, placing his hands on her shoulders.  

 

"Yes.  I'm tired.  Let's go to bed."

 

"Okay.  Krystina, that guy I saw you talkin' to this afternoon......wasn't that the guy we met a few months ago at dinner with Holly Harwood?"

 

"Yes, Craig Forrester,"  Krystina replies.  

 

"That's what I thought.  What was he doin' here?"

 

"I assume he was invited."

 

"Who invited him?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I have no idea."

 

"He didn't tell you?"

 

"No, he didn't,"  Krystina replies.  "John Ross, why all these questions about Craig Forrester?"

"I'm not sure.  It's just somethin' about that guy that seems strange.  Somethin' about him I don't trust."

 

"You only met the man once, and that was several months ago," Krystina says.  "You can't judge someone on one meeting."

 "Darlin', you know I've always had pretty good instincts when it comes to people, and I'm tellin' you, there's somethin' about that Craig Forrester guy that just doesn't sit right with me.  Bum didn't find anything out about him before, but, maybe I should get him to dig a little deeper."

 

"Bum? John Ross, what are you talking about?"

 

"Remember when we first met this Forrester guy with Holly Harwood at Perry's?"   John Ross asks.

 

"Yes?"

 

"I had Bum dig into Forrester's past."

 

"And?  Did he find out anything interesting?"  Krystina asks.

 

"No,"  John Ross replies with a sigh.  "Forrester is 43-years-old, he was born in Houston.  He was orphaned at age 5 and raised by an aunt.  Made his money in a variety of business ventures.  Never married or had kids.  Nothin' at all showed up that was suspicious."

 

"Then what's the problem?"

 

"Because, Krystina.  Forrester seems almost too clean.  According to Bum, he's worth around a hundred million dollars, and he started with nothin'.  No one gets that far and makes that kinda money from scratch without doin' a few unethical things along the way.  Breakin' a few rules.  Steppin' on a few toes.  But Forrester seems to have no enemies and not much of a past at all."

 

"Maybe he's just a guy who values his privacy."

 

John Ross shakes his head.  "I don't buy that.  I still have this feelin'.  And what's he doin' in Dallas, and what's his connection to Holly Harwood, who happens to be a partner in an important deal with Clay."

 

"John Ross, now you're sounding paranoid.  Besides, I think there's something more important to worry about."

 

John Ross looks at her.  "Like what?"

 

"Today at the Barbecue, I saw my brother Adam talking to Brad Barnes."

 

"Barnes?"

 

"Yes.  I asked them both about it and both denied that they knew each other.  Said they just met at the Barbecue and were exchanging in small talk."

 

"You don't believe that?"  John Ross nervously asks.

 

"No, I don't.  Both Adam and Brad acted strangely when I asked them, and when I saw them together, they didn't look like they were engaging in small talk."

 

John Ross stands to his feet.  "Krystina, are you tellin' me that you think Adam and Barnes are connected somehow?  That you think maybe they're in on somethin' together?"

 

"John Ross, I don't know.  But I do know my brother, and I know Brad, and both are untrustworthy snakes.  Put them together, and......"

 

"Damn,"  John Ross angrily says.  

 

"What's the matter?"

 

"Nothin'.  Krystina, did Adam go back to Denver after the Barbecue?"

 

"No..  He and Alexis were going to check into a hotel in town and stay until tomorrow.  Why?"

 

"No reason,"  John Ross says, a worried look on his face as he wonders what Adam Carrington's connection to his mortal enemy, Brad Barnes, could be.

Justin and Pamela's home....the next morning....

 

Pamela is standing at the window of the kitchen of her and Justin's new home watching Devon at the pool with Hunter and Randall when Justin comes into the room.  "Hey, what's goin' on?"  He asks.  "Where are the boys?"

 

"Down at the pool with Devon,"  Pamela replies.  

 

Justin walks up behind Pamela and places his hands on her shoulders. 

 

"Feels so weird, watching Devon with Hunter, knowing that they're half-brothers."

 

Justin sighs.  "I know.  So what are we gonna do about this situation?"

 

"I honestly don't know.  I suppose I really didn't think past getting that DNA test done.  I really never expected Devon to turn out to be Tripp's son.  I guess I was just hoping that the test would prove he wasn't."

 

"Pamela, does this change how you feel about Devon?"  Justin asks.  "Does it change how you feel about havin' him live here with us?"

 

"No, not at all,"  Pamela says, turning to face her husband.  "I think if anything, it makes me care about that boy even more, because he's my son's half-brother.  But at the same time, I have very mixed feelings.  I'm not quite sure HOW to feel."

 

"I think that's normal.  Tripp McKay caused you a lot of pain."

 

"He caused you a lot of pain, too.  Justin, how do YOU feel about having Devon here?  I mean, now that we know he's Tripp's son?"

 

"It doesn't change how I feel,"  Justin says.  "I've come to care a lot about that kid, despite who his father was.  Devon had nothin' to do with that, any more'n I chose to be J.R. Ewing's son or you chose to be Cliff Barnes's daughter."

 

"Question is.......how do we handle this from here?"  Pamela asks.  "Do we tell Devon the truth?  That Tripp was his father?"

 

"Pamela, that poor kid has been through more hurt in his short life than anyone two or three times his age has a right to.  You know how he feels about Tripp McKay.  I think it'd only cause him more hurt if he knew that bastard was his real father."

 

"What did you just say?"  Comes Afton's voice from the doorway, startling both Pamela and Justin.  

 

"Mom, we didn't hear you come in,"  Pamela says.

 

"I'm sorry.  Grace let me in.  Pamela, did I hear you right?  The DNA test results came back so soon?"

 

"Yes."

 

"We had the lab put a rush on it,"  Justin says.

 

"Then........it's true?"  Afton asks.  "Devon is Tripp McKay's son?"

 

Pamela and Justin exchange looks between them before answering Afton's question.  "Yes, Mom.  It's true."

 

"Well, if that's the case, then you've got to get that boy out of this house and away from your family,"  Afton says.

 

"Why, Afton?"  Justin asks.  "What are you talking about?"

 

"Don't you see?  If Jeremy Wendell ever finds out that he has another great-grandson, and that he's living here under your roof, I'm sure that man would stop at nothing that get close to Devon.  Wendell knows that Hunter is off limits to him because Hunter has the two of you to protect him, but if he were to find out that he has an older great-grandson........a teenager who's old enough and ripe to be groomed to inherit his empire, do you think Wendell is going to just sit back and not try to get his clutches into that boy?  And I certainly don't want my family caught in the middle of that."

 

"Afton, relax,"  Justin says.  "There's no way in hell Jeremy Wendell is ever gonna get his hands on Devon, even if he were to find out Devon is Tripp's son.  We won't let him."

 

"You won't be able to stop him,"  Afton says.  "Cliff told me stories about that man that made my skin crawl.  Jeremy Wendell is evil, and he'll stop at nothing to get what he wants, especially now that ALL of his grandsons are dead."

 

"Mom, you don't have to worry,"  says Pamela.  "Justin and I can handle Wendell.  He's an old man.  How dangerous could he really be now?"

 

"Extremely dangerous, Pamela.  Don't let Wendell's age fool you into thinking that he isn't just as dangerous, just as sinister, and just as ruthless as he ever was.  Not to mention just as powerful."

 

"Mom, I'm president and CEO of Westar, and I have all the power of that company behind me.  Jeremy Wendell would be no match for us if he tried to come up against us."

 

"I wouldn't be too sure of that,"  Afton says.  "Wendell still has a lot of very powerful friends on the board at Westar, Pamela.  I think it would be in your best interest, especially now, if you did something about that."

 

"What do you mean?"  Justin asks.  

 

"She means replace Westar's board of directors,"  Pamela says.

 

"What?  Can you do that?"  Justin asks.

 

"Of course,"  Afton  replies.  "Justin, you and Pamela are the majority shareholders in Westar.  All you have to do is get a couple of more large shareholders to vote with you, and the entire board of directors could be fired, and replaced by people you know and trust."

 

"Wow, Mom, I'm impressed,"  says Pamela.  "I had no idea you knew so much about business."

 

"Your father taught me a lot, darling, including to beware of Jeremy Wendell.  And I think if your father were here, he'd tell you the same thing.  Pammy, you need to secure your power at Westar, and the only way to do that is to replace that board of directors with people that YOU choose.  People loyal to you, and not to Jeremy Wendell."

 

"Maybe she's right, Pamela,"  Justin says.  "Maybe it's time you did make some major changes at Westar.  Quite a few of those board members have been there since Wendell ran Westar back in the 70s and 80s.  If we ever did run into trouble, most of them would likely side with Wendell."

 

Pamela sighs deeply, realizing her mother and husband are right.  But at the same time, she isn't sure she's ready to make such huge changes in the company, and in her life.

The Omni Hotel....

 Adam Carrington pours a cup of coffee for his mother, Alexis, in his suite at The Omni Hotel.  "Here you are, Mother,"  Adam says.

 

"Thank you,"  says Alexis.  

 

"Did you enjoy the Barbecue at Southfork yesterday, Mother?"

 

"Oh, it was alright, although such primitive affairs are not really my cup of tea,"  replies Alexis.  "However, it was quite interesting to see the home where J.R. Ewing lived."

 

"I'm sure it was also nice for you to see Krystle again, and......catch up on each others' lives,"  Adam says with sarcasm.

 

"Krystle,"  Alexis says.  "That woman is as unhinged and deranged as ever.  Well, with any luck she'll remain here in Dallas with her beloved daughter Krystina, and stay OUT of Denver."

 

Adam is about to say something when a knock comes at the door.  "I wonder who that could be."

 

"Well, why don't you open the door and find out?"  Alexis suggests.  "Perhaps it's room service again."

 

"Guess we'll find out."  Adam gets up from his seat and walks to the door.  He is surprised when he opens the door to find John Ross to be his morning visitor.  "John Ross,"  Adam says.

 

 

"Well, John Ross Ewing,"  says Alexis.  

 

"Alexis, I need a word with your son, if you don't mind."

 

"Alexis?  That's MRS. Colby, young man."

 

"I only use Mr. and Mrs. with people I like and respect," John Ross says.

 

"My, my," says Alexis.  "Didn't your mother teach you any manners, boy?"

 

"My mother taught me a lot of things, including how to deal with women like you.  Now, if you don't mind....."

 

"Mother, please excuse us,"  Adam says.  "John Ross and I need a moment to talk."

 

"Fine,"  Alexis says.  She reluctantly gets up from her seat, She gives John Ross a disapproving look, then leaves.

 

"Was it necessary to be so rude to my mother?"  Adam asks.

 

"Rude?  I was actually restraining myself."

 

"To what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected and unwelcomed visit?"

 

"I need to know somethin', and you'd damned well better tell me the truth.  How do you know Bradley Barnes?"

 

"I see my sister told you that she saw me and this......Mr. Barnes......chatting at the Barbecue."

 

"That's right."

 

"John Ross, I'm going to tell you the same thing that I told Krystina.  I do not know, nor have I ever known this Bradley Barnes person.  Yesterday at the Barbecue, I was simply standing at the bar when Mr. Barnes came over for a drink, and we engaged in a little small talk about the Barbecue, the weather, and such,  I introduced myself, and he asked if I was related to Krystina, and I told him I was her brother.  That, John Ross, was the extent of the conversation, and I really don't have any idea why it's such a problem that I was having a polite conversation with another guest at your Barbecue."

 

"Brad Barnes happens to be a sworn enemy of my family's, and of me in particular."

 

"Oh, that's right,"  says Adam.  "The infamous Barnes-Ewing feud."

 

"Yes, the feud.  So you can understand my concern when I hear that you were havin' a conversation with him, especially considering our secret business dealings."

 

"John Ross, I assure you........I am not in some nefarious cahoots with your enemy Mr. Barnes."

 

"Good.  Because I'm tellin' you, Adam, brother-in-law or not, if I find out you're lyin' to me and you and Barnes are in collusion together.......there's not gonna be anywhere on God's green Earth you can run that I won't find you, and no one's gonna be able to protect you.  Not even that decrepit old gargoyle you call a mother."  John Ross looks at Adam angrily for a couple of seconds, then leaves.  

 

Once John Ross is gone, Adam breathes a sigh of relief, hoping that, at least for now, John Ross has bought his story.  "Damn it,"  he says to himself.  Adam takes his cell phone from his pocket and dials a number.  After two rings, someone answers.  "It's Adam.  We need to have a meeting.  Yes, today.  We have a major problem,"  Adam says, a worried look on his face.

Erin Ward's suite....

 Christopher is standing in the doorway to a bedroom at Erin Ward's suite at the Omni Hotel late that morning watching K.C. as he plays with his toys.  Christopher is smiling as he watches the child.  Erin walks up behind him.  She watches Christopher with a smile for a moment as he is watching K.C.  "Christopher,"  she says.

 

He turns to face her.  

 

"I'm so glad you stayed over last night,"  Erin says.  "It was wonderful waking up in your arms."

 

"And I loved waking up with you IN my arms,"  Christopher says.  "I was just watching K.C.  That kid's amazing."

 

"Well, I sure agree with you there.  He enjoyed you being here last night, too."

"I love spending time with him,"  Christopher says.  

 

"You're great with him,"  Erin says.  She hesitates a moment before continuing.  "Christopher, I have a question.  We didn't discuss this last night after we came back here.  But, your father and stepmother........they weren't very happy when you told them about K.C., were they?"

 

"It's not that, it's just.......they think that I should have a DNA test done."

 

"To prove that K.C. really is your son,"  Erin says.

 

"Yes."

 

"I'm actually surprised you haven't approached the subject yourself."

 

"Erin, I don't need a DNA test to tell me that little boy in there is mine,"  Christopher says.  

 

"Christopher, maybe you should have a DNA test done.  To ease any doubts....."

 

"Erin, I've already told you,"  Christopher says, putting his hands on Erin's shoulders.  "I don't have any doubts."

 

"What about to ease any doubts your father and stepmother have?"

 

"I don't care what anyone else says or thinks."

 

"Christopher.......I have my own reasons for wanting you to have a test,"  Erin says.  "Something we haven't even talked about.  My cancer.  Christopher, we can't avoid the subject forever.  I have cancer, and my chances of surviving for another year are.......well, not good.  If and when the time comes, I want K.C. to be with you......his father.  With a DNA test, you'll have proof that K.C. is your son, and no one would be able to take him away from you.  I want you to raise our son after I'm gone."

 

"Erin, I'm gonna talk to my cousin Lucy's husband, Mitch Cooper.  He's a doctor, and he knows specialists from all over the world.  I'm not gonna give up hope that something can be done for you."

 

"I wish I had your optimism."

 

"Erin, a couple of years ago, my cousin James's wife was diagnosed with cancer, and the doctors only gave her a few months.  She went to this treatment clinic in Florida for intensive treatments that included conventional chemotherapy combined with experimental treatments.  Debra Lynn is doing much better now, after she was only given a short time to live.  If they could help her, I'm sure they can help you, too.  Mitch put Debra Lynn in touch with the doctor who runs the clinic.  I'm gonna talk to him."

 

Erin looks at him and nods.  "Alright.  But I still want you to have that test.  K.C. is YOUR son, Christopher.  There's no doubt about that.  But I want your family to know.  And I don't want there to be any problem when it comes to custody of our son if or when the time comes.  I'm a lawyer, remember?"

 

"Okay.  If it'll make you feel better, I'll get the test done."

 

Erin puts her arms around Christopher and embraces him.  "Thank you.  Christopher, if I had only one wish, it would be that.........that I could turn back time, to six years ago, when you and I first met and fell in love.  I never would've let you walk out of my life if I could go back and do it all over again."

 

"Shhhh, the past doesn't matter now,"  Christopher says, lovingly stroking Erin's hair as he embraces her tightly.

Cass Winthrop's apartment....

 Cass is sitting at his desk in his small office in his apartment late that morning reading over some legal briefs.  He is so caught up in his work that he doesn't notice when Cory comes to the open door.  Cory watches his father for a few seconds, dreading what he knows he has to tell Cass, but realizing that, now that his mother knows the truth, he can't keep it from his father any longer.  Cory musters all his courage.  "Dad,"  he finally says.  

 

Cass looks up from his work.  "Oh, hello. Cory.  I thought you went out earlier."

 

"I just went for a walk.  I needed to clear my head."

 

"Feeling better?"  Cass asks.

 

"Not really.  Dad, I need to talk to you."

 

"Son, can it wait?  I have to familiarize myself with these briefs for a case I'm arguing in court tomorrow morning."

 

"Actually, Dad, it's really important,"  Cory says nervously.  "And it can't wait."

 

"Well, alright then.  Sit down."

 

Cory takes a seat in front of his father's desk.  "Thanks, Dad."

 

"Okay, what's on your mind?"  Cass asks.

 

"Dad, there's no easy way to say this.  So, I guess I'll just come right out and say it.  God, Dad, I don't even know where to start.  I have so much to tell you, and......I don't know where to begin."

 

"Cory, you and I have never had any problem talking to each other.  Whatever it is, I'm sure it can't be that bad.  Just tell me, son.  What's got you so upset?"

 

"Dad....I've been living a lie.  My whole life has been a lie.  I've been lying to you, to Mom.  I even tried lying to myself."

 

"Cory, I don't understand what you're trying to say."

 

Cory pauses for a few seconds, then lets out a deep sigh.  "Dad, I, umm.....the truth is, for the last two years, I've been in a relationship.  A relationship with someone I love very much."

 

"Well, Cory, that's wonderful, son.  But I don't understand the secrecy.  If you love this girl, then why didn't you tell us?  Why haven't you brought her to meet us?"

 

"Because, Dad........the person that I'm involved with........it's not a girl."

 

Cass looks at his son, puzzled.  "What exactly are you saying, Cory?"

 

"I'm........I've been in a relationship with another guy.  The truth is, Dad........I'm gay.  And the person I've been involved with.......is Daniel.  Daniel Cooper."

 A beautiful and sunny Sunday morning had given way to a cloudy, overcast, and breezy day by late afternoon, as crews were finishing up cleaning and removing all the remaining decorations and all traces of the Ewing Barbecue from the previous day.  By the time they are finished, no one would ever be able to tell that such a massive event had taken place at Southfork.  While the crews continue their 

work, Christopher's car pulls up and comes to a stop.  Getting out of the car, Christopher nods to a couple of the workers loading a truck, and heads to the house.  As he is about to go into the house, Gavin Murray approaches him on the patio.

 

"Christopher, hey,"  Gavin says.

 

"Gavin, what's up?"

 

"I was on my way up to see your Dad, but I'm glad I ran into you," Gavin says.  "I've decided to leave Southfork."

 

"Leave?  Why?"

 

"Well, since you and my sister are no longer married, I just don't feel like I have a place here anymore."

 

"Gavin, c'mon, just because Courtney and I are about to be divorced doesn't mean you have to quit your job and leave Southfork,"  Christopher says.

 

"Look, Chris, to be perfectly honest........I don't really feel comfortable here anymore.  Especially seeing you with someone else."

 

"Gavin, I understand how you feel.  But Courtney's the one that ended our marriage, not me."

 

"I know, but I still think it's best that I leave."

 

"I'm really sorry to see you go, Gavin.  You've been one of the best ranch hands we've ever had here at Southfork."

 

"Thanks, I appreciate that,"  says Gavin.  

 

"Are you gonna be leaving Dallas?"   Christopher asks.

 

"No, I'm staying in Dallas, at least for now.  My Mom's here, after all.  And with Courtney and Jacob in California, if I left, my Mom would be all alone."

 

"Well if you're really determined to go, I wish you the best,"  Christopher says, extending his hand.

 

"Thanks, Chris.  I'm sorry things didn't work out between you and my sister."

 

"Yeah, so am I.  But I'm just glad Courtney's happy.

 

Gavin nods.  "By the way, Chris, I should tell you.......I'm not the only hand leaving Southfork."

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"Miguel's leaving, too.  He's packing up right now.  Just thought you should know."

 

"Yeah, thanks,"  Christopher says as Miguel goes into the house.  Christopher pauses for a moment, and looks out toward the bunkhouse.  He shakes his head, then begins walking toward the bunkhouse.

A couple of minutes later....

 Christopher makes his way up to the front door of the room at the bunkhouse where Miguel Trevino had been staying.  He knocks, then opens the door and walks into the room, where he finds Miguel packing a large duffle bag.  "Miguel, what's going on?"  Christopher asks.

 

"What does it look like?  I am packing my things."

 

"Yeah, I can see that, but why?"

 

"Why do you think?"  Miguel asks.  "My Mama and my brother have gone back to Mexico.  There is no reason for me to remain here."

 

"I thought you liked it here at Southfork,"  Christopher says.  

 

"I do.  At least......I did."

 

"Miguel, if you're leaving because of what happened between me and your mother......."

 Late that afternoon, Adam is pacing anxiously around in an apartment in downtown Dallas, with Brad Barnes and Craig Forrester also in the room.  "Carrington, will you stop that infernal pacing?"  Craig asks.  "You're getting on my last nerve."

 

"When I'm nervous, I pace,"  Adam says,

 

"Well sit down and stop it,"  says Craig.

 

"Not only is Krystina suspicious, but now she's told John Ross that she saw Brad and I talking at the Barbecue together.  We have to figure out a way out of this mess,"  Adam says.

 

 

 

"You mean this mess that YOU created?"  Craig asks.

 

"That I created?"

 

"Carrington, attending that Barbecue yesterday was the height of stupidity.  What the hell were you thinking coming here?"

Adam stops pacing and takes a seat.  "My sister invited me to the Barbecue, and although Krystina is not particularly fond of me, she wanted her family all together at the Barbecue.  And since Krystina is my sister, it seemed perfectly logical that I was there.  Now, the two of you, on the other hand.......that's an entirely different story.  You, Craig, a perfect stranger, showing up at that Barbecue without an invitation?  And you, Barnes.  Everyone knows you hate the Ewings with a passion, so what the hell were you doing there?"

 

"I accompanied my mother to the Barbecue,"  says Brad.  "And, given my position as head of the Oil Regulatory Commission, everyone expected me to attend the social event of the season, despite my personal feelings about the Ewings."

 

"The stupid thing was the two of you being seen TOGETHER," says Craig.  

 

"It was an innocent meeting,"  Adam says.  "I was at the bar, and Barnes happened to come over, and while he was waiting for his drink, we engaged in pleasantries and small talk about the Barbecue."

 

"Do you think Krystina Ewing bought that story?"  Craig asks.

 

"Of course, she did."

 

"I'm not so sure,"  says Brad.  "Krystina seemed bound and determined to tie us together somehow.  But she's not the one that worries me.  John Ross is.  Now that he's suspicious of Adam, he could try to pull out of that deal with ColbyCo."

 

"I won't allow that to happen,"  Adam says.

 

"How are you gonna stop him?"  Brad asks.

 

"Just leave that to me."

 

"Well, considering how you've botched things from the very beginning, Carrington, forgive me if I don't have a whole lot of confidence in your ability to handle John Ross Ewing."

 

"Neither one of you have proven to be very competent,"  Craig says.  "Which is why we have to bring our plan to head right away.  That contest to see who ends up controlling Ewing Oil will be over soon, and when that contest comes to an end, the winner MUST be Clay Beaumont.  John Ross can NOT be allowed to win that contest and end up controlling all of Ewing Oil."

 

"Don't worry, John Ross isn't going to win that contest,"  says Brad.  "All I have to do is find some excuse to shut down one of John Ross's biggest fields, and that will give Clay Beaumont a clear advantage."

 

"And then, we pull the rug out from under John Ross's deal with ColbyCo, and there's no way he can recover from that,"  says Adam.  "He'll sink, and he'll lose the contest, and once John Ross's nephew, young Clay Beaumont, becomes President and CEO of Ewing Oil, the company will be ripe for a takeover."

 

"I wanna do more than just take the company over,"  Craig says.  "I wanna destroy it.  Crush it, and the Ewings like a bug."

 

"I can't wait for that day to happen,"  Brad says.  

 

"Neither can I,"  says Craig.  "But we have three things to worry about.  First of all, John Ross and his suspicions."

 

"Don't worry about John Ross,"  says Brad.  "When I shut down some of his largest producing wells, he'll be so distracted dealing with that, any suspicions he has will be the last thing on his mind."

 

"And Krystina?"  Craig asks.

 

"Don't worry about Krystina,"  replies Adam.  "I'll handle my little sister."

 

"Good, see that you do."

 

"Craig, you said we have three things to worry about,"  says Brad.

 

"Yes.  The third thing is Mr. Adam Carrington here himself."

 

"What?  Me?"  Adam asks, quickly standing from his seat.  

 

"Krystina Ewing is your sister,"  Craig says.  "John Ross is your brother-in-law.  How can we be sure that your heart is really in this?  That when the time comes to crush John Ross and his family, you won't go soft and side with your sister and her husband?"

 

"I don't think we have to worry about Adam,"  Brad says.  "Not as long as we have that Iran deal to hold over his head.  Last thing you want is to spend the next 20 to 30 years of your  life in prison, and pay millions of dollars in fines, which is the penalty for doing business with an embargoed country."

 

"We'd better not have to worry about him,"  says Craig.  "Because, Carrington, if you so much as entertain the thought of betraying us in your head, we won't hesitate to contact the state department and inform them of your numerous illegal dealings with the terrorist nation of Iran."

 

"And don't even bother trying to threaten to take us down with you,"  Brad says.  

 

"Adam, do we have your guarantee that you're with us 100%?"  Craig asks.

 

Adam looks at the two younger men in front of him.  "Of course."

 

Craig nods.  "Good.  Now, the two of you leave.  I have some thinking and planning to do."

 

Adam and Brad exchange looks, then the two walk to the door to leave.  

 

"Gentlemen,"  Craig says to them.

 

Adam and Brad turn back to face him.  

 

Craig looks at them harshly.  "If anything goes wrong with this plan, then Barnes, you can kiss your job as head of the ORC, and any future career you may have planned, goodbye, because I'll make sure you never work again not only in Texas, but in this whole country.  And Carrington, you will be spending the rest of your miserable life in prison once I send all the evidence I have against you to the State Department.  Am I clear?"

 

Adam and Brad hesitate for a second, look at each other, then look at Craig.  Both men nod to him and then quickly leave the apartment. 

 

Once they're gone, Craig walks to the bar, picks up a glass, and puts two cubes of ice in it.  He pours himself a drink, slightly shakes the glass, and takes a sip.  As he does so, another man enters the room from a side door and stands behind Craig.  "You heard all that?"  Craig asks the other man.

 

"Oh yes, very clearly,"  Jeremy Wendell replies.  "Krystina Ewing is the problem we didn't anticipate.  I feel like killing Barnes and Carrington for being so stupid as to be seen together at that Barbecue yesterday."  

 

"Don't worry.  Carrington said that he'll take care of his sister, and once we set our plans for John Ross in motion, he'll be so distracted trying to deal with a huge mess that he won't have time to worry about Barnes and Carrington."

 

"I wouldn't be too sure of that,"  Jeremy says.  "John Ross is a lot like that bastard of a father of his.  Never underestimate his talent for being able to deal with multiple crises at once.  What John Ross needs is a larger distraction.  One that's all consuming.  Something that will knock him flat on his ass and make him forget all about the company while we proceed to make sure that John Ross loses that contest, and that dimwitted nephew of his becomes the head of Ewing Oil.  And then we move in and destroy that company.......and the Ewing family.......without any interference."

 

"It would take something pretty big to make John Ross forget about Ewing Oil."

 

"Yes it would.  But there is one thing I do believe John Ross values even more than that company.  His family.  And Krystina is the key.  If something were to happen to her, we would be taking care of two problems at once.........Krystina, AND John Ross."  Jeremy looks at Craig, an evil and sadistic smile on his face as he prepares for his ultimate revenge on the family that had sent him to prison and caused him to lose everything more than 30 years ago.

The Krebbs home....the next morning....

 Ray and Donna are sitting down to breakfast the next morning when Dylan enters the kitchen.  "Morning,"  Ray says.

 

"Morning,"  Dylan says, sleepily.

 

"There are some blueberry muffins on the stove,"  says Donna.  "I know how you love those."

 

"Thanks."  Dylan walks to the stove and picks up a muffin.

 

"You made yourself pretty scarce yesterday,"  says Ray.  

 

"I really wasn't in the mood to see or talk to anyone yesterday.  And I didn't think you guys would wanna see me after what happened at the Barbecue."

 

"Don't you think we should talk about what happened?"  Donna asks.  

 

"What is there to talk about?  Every time Conner and I come face to face, we fight.  I feel like I wanna knock his head off."

 

"I'd hoped that, after all this time, things would've cooled down a little between you and your brother,"  Ray says.  "I think what needs to happen is, you and Conner need to sit down and talk this thing out."

 

"That's never gonna happen.  Conner betrayed me.  He slept with my girlfriend, a girl that I loved.  Conner and Ashley hurt me more than anyone has ever hurt me in my life, and I will NEVER forgive them for that.  As far as I'm concerned, I don't have a brother named Conner."

 

"As angry as you are with Conner and Ashley, is that really a reason to take up with Jasmine Cory?" Donna asks.  

 

"I like Jasmine.  She understands me, and she cares about me."

 

"She cares about you?"  Donna asks, getting up from her seat.  "Dylan that girl is trouble with a capital 'T'.  Can't you see that she's using you?"

 

"She's not using me.  Jasmine is the only person who's really been honest with me."

 

"Dylan, this girl has got you so blinded....."

 

"Look, I don't wanna hear anymore against Jasmine.  But she and I are together and you guys might as well get use to that."

 

"You're......together?"  Ray asks.  "Meaning, you're in a relationship with her?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Dylan, what can I do to get you to realize that this relationship.......this GIRL......is only going to mean trouble for you?"  Donna asks.

 

"Look, I appreciate your concern, and you know that I love and respect you both.  But this is MY life, and my business.  Jasmine makes me happy, and if you have a problem with that, then I'm sorry.  But you're just gonna have to deal with it, and if you keep interfering, then I won't have any choice but to move out."  Dylan promptly walks out of the kitchen.

 

Donna starts after him, but Ray grabs her arm.  "Donna, don't.  Just let him go."

 

"Let him go?  Ray, Dylan is getting in way over his head with this girl, and she's only going to hurt him."

 

"I know that."

 

"Well, we can't let that happen!"

 

"And how are we supposed to stop it?"  Ray asks.  "Donna, you heard what he said.  We keep interfering in his life, and he's gonna leave here.  Is that what you want?"

 

"Of course that's not what I want.  But I cannot just sit back and let this girl ruin Dylan's life."

 

"How do we know that's what gonna happen?"  Ray asks.  "Yeah, I don't trust Jasmine Cory any more'n you do, but what if we're wrong?  I mean, we don't really know the girl that well. What if Jasmine really does care for Dylan?  And besides that, Dylan was right.  It's his life, and his business.  Now I know you're just worried about him, and so am I.  But Donna, we gotta face facts.  Dylan and Conner are both adults.  They're grown men, and we can't tell either of 'em how to live their lives.  All we can do is let 'em make their own mistakes, and be there to pick up the pieces when they do."

 

Donna sighs deeply.  "You're right.  This is just so hard.  It seemed so much easier with Margaret."

 

"Sure it did,"  says Ray.  "Margaret fell in love with Matt Culver when she was real young, and Matt was a boy you knew well and approved of.  You never had to deal with her bringin' home a boy you didn't like."

 

"You're right, again."

 

"Look, Donna, Conner and Dylan may not be our biological sons, but they ARE our sons in every other sense of the word.  I know you wanna protect those boys, and so do I.  But we gotta let 'em live their own lives.  That's what bein' a parent is all about, especially when your kids reach a certain age."

 

"I know you're right.  It's just hard to sit back and watch what I know is bound to happen.  Ray, I just know that girl is going to end up hurting Dylan, and......."  Donna stops talking and looks at him.  "I'm doing it again, aren't I?"

 

Ray looks at his wife and smiles.  "Yeah, ya are.   Honey, I know it's hard,"  he says, putting his arms around her.  "Believe me, I know.  But we've got to let those boys stand on their own two feet and make their own mistakes, and then we'll be there to pick up the pieces."

 

"That's easy with Conner,"  Donna says, resting her head on Ray's shoulder.  "But Dylan........ Ray,  after that last time he started drinking.........I'm not sure there'll be any picking up the pieces next time."

Ewing Oil....

 John Ross is working at his desk later, reading over some oil leases, when a knock comes at his door.  "Come in,"  he says.  

 

Sly walks into the office.  "John Ross, here are those other leases you wanted to take a look at,"  she says, handing him a stack of papers.

 

"Thanks, Sly."

 

"And, the Hennessey contract."

 

John Ross takes the last piece of paper from Sly and looks at it.  "Phil Hennessey call yet?"

 

"Yes, and I've scheduled you an appointment with him for Wednesday at one o'clock."

 

"Wednesday?  I wanted to meet with him and get this contract signed today."

 

"I know, and I explained that to him, but he said he's tied up all day today and tomorrow.  Wednesday at one is the earliest he can meet."

 

"Damn,"  John Ross angrily says, getting up from his desk.  He walks to his bar and pours himself a drink.  "You want one?"

 

 Alex walks into The Tower Club for lunch early that afternoon.  A female hostess greets him at the door, picks up a menu and leads him across the restaurant to a table.  The hostess hands Alex the menu, and walks away.  Alex opens the menu, and as he is looking it over, trying to decide what to have for lunch, Megan Richards comes over to his table.  

 

"Well, well, Alex Ewing,"  she says.  

 

Alex looks up at her and smiles.  "Hi, there."

 

"What brings you here?"

 

"Same as everyone else here.  I came for lunch.  The Tower Club has the best seafood in all of Dallas.  And the best steaks, even better than Perry's.  Not to mention the prettiest waitresses."

 

"Such a flatterer,"  Megan says.  "But aren't you afraid your girlfriend might get jealous again?"

 

"Not at all.  Bridget trusts me."

 

"Yeah, sure.  I could tell at the Barbecue on Saturday just how much she trusts you.  So what'll you have?"

 

"The number 3,"  Alex says.  "The seafood platter."

 

"Do you want that fried or grilled?"

 

"Fried."

 

"All that fried food is unhealthy,"  Megan says.

 Sue Ellen walks into the La Petite Maison French Restaurant that afternoon.  A female hostess greets her at the door and leads her to a table where Peter Richards is sitting.  Peter stands to greet her.

 

"Peter,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Please sit down."  She takes her seat across from Peter, who also retakes his seat.

 

"Mrs. Ewing, can I get you anything to drink?"  The hostess asks.

 

"Yes, Linda, I'll have an ice tea."

 

"And you, sir?"

 

"I'll have the same, without lemon," replies Peter.

 

"Coming right up,"  Linda says, walking away.

 

Peter looks at Sue Ellen.  "Thank you for coming.  I wasn't sure you would."

"That was a long time ago.  Why don't we just leave the past where it belongs?  Dredging up all of this ancient history won't do either of us any good."

 

Peter nods in agreement.  "Agreed."

 

"Peter, what's the real reason you came back to Dallas?"

 

"Well, hello,"  comes Lucy's voice from behind Sue Ellen, interrupting their conversation before Peter can answer Sue Ellen's question. Lucy and Muriel walk up to Peter and Sue Ellen's table.  

 

"Hello, Lucy,"  Peter says.  

 

"Peter.  Sue Ellen,"  Lucy says.  

 

"Hi, Lucy,"  Sue Ellen says, nervously.

 

"Sue Ellen, you remember Muriel Gillis, don't you?"

 

Sue Ellen looks at Muriel and smiles.  "Of course.  Hello, Muriel, it's very nice to see you again after all these years."

 

"Mrs. Ewing, it's good to see you, too,"  says Muriel.  

 

"Muriel, this is Dr. Peter Richards,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"Muriel and I know each other,"  says Peter.

 

"Yeah, they met when Mitch and I had them both over for dinner a few nights ago,"  says Lucy.  

 

"Oh, I see."

 

"Well, Muriel, we really should get to our table,"  Lucy says.  "Peter, we're gonna have to have you come over for dinner again one night real soon, and this time with your daughter."

 

"That would be nice, Lucy," Peter says.  

 

"Sue Ellen, take care."

 

"You, too, Lucy,"  Sue Ellen says as Lucy and Muriel walk away.  Sue Ellen can't help but notice and be curious about a strange look exchanged between Peter and Muriel.  

 

Lucy and Muriel proceed to their own table across the room and take their seats.  "Well, that was strange and awkward,"  Lucy says.  "I wonder what those two are doing together."

 

"Who knows,"  Muriel says, hoping to change the subject.  

 

"Whatever it is they ARE doing together, I just hope and pray it's not rekindling their old affair.  Sue Ellen's married to a really nice guy now, and I'd sure hate to see Catlin hurt."

Southfork...late afternoon....

Lucas and Miguel, along with several of the other ranch hands, are loading some bales of hay onto the back of three trailers in one of the pastures on Southfork that afternoon.  As they work to load the hay in the hot Texas sun, Lucas looks at Miguel, noticing that the teenager seems more down and withdrawn than usual.  

 

"Miguel?  Anything on your mind?"  Lucas asks.

 

"No.  I'm fine.  Why do you ask?"

 

"Christopher told me you were thinkin' about going back to Mexico."

 

"Yes.  I promised him I would think about it before deciding."

 

"This decision to go back, is it because you miss your mother and brother, and wanna be with them?  Or is there another reason?  I mean, I thought you were happy here."

 

"I am happy here,"  Miguel says.  "I love Southfork, and the people here.  I even love my job."

 

"Then why are you thinking about leaving?"

 

Miguel looks at him and sighs.  "Because now that......well, I thought, I'd HOPED that my mother and Christopher were becoming involved.  I know that she was falling in love with him.  I thought that he cared for her, as well.  But then, that other woman came along.  That Erin woman, and Christopher seemed to forget all about my mother, and about me and my brother."

 

"I don't think that Christopher forgot about you, or your mother,"  Lucas says.  "Miguel that whole situation between Christopher and your mother was very complicated."

 

"I do not see what was so complicated about it.  If they cared for each other, and since Christopher's wife left him....."

 

"Miguel, you're very young,"  Lucas says.  "As you get older, you come to realize life, and relationships, don't always work out the way you hope it will.  Feelings are complicated things."

 

"This whole thing is all my fault.  If I had not come here to try and seek revenge against Christopher for my father's death, none of this would not have happened.  My mother would not have gotten her heart broken, and, perhaps Christopher and his wife would never have broken up.  It is all because of me."

 

"That's not true, Miguel.  Look, don't go blaming yourself for everything that went wrong.  Things just happened, and it was nobody's fault."

 

"Thank you, Lucas, for saying that.  And for being a friend."

 

Lucas looks at the boy and smiles.  "Hey, no problem.  You're a good kid, Miguel.  And I want you to know something.  As far as I'm concerned, you'll always have a home and a job here at Southfork, for as long as you want."

 

"Thank you.  That really means a lot to me.  I am just not sure yet what I should do.  I really like it here.  No.  That is not true.  I love it here.  Everyone, your whole family has made me feel very welcome.  And like a part of the family.  Everyone, except John Ross.  He still does not like me."

 

Lucas laughs.  "Miguel, don't take it personally.  When John Ross's own brother, Justin, came here, John Ross treated him like a real outsider.  He did the same to me.  In fact, he still treats me like I'm not even part of this family.  He's just like that."

 

"But why?"  Miguel asks.

 

"Well, just between you and me.......my cousin John Ross is a real jackass sometimes.  So don't let him get to you."

 

Just then, Lucas looks up and sees Heather's car driving out across the pasture toward them.  

 

"Ah, there's Heather,"  Lucas says.  "She said she was gonna bring us some lunch out here.

 Heather brings her car to a stop in the pasture near where Lucas and Miguel are working.  Heather

gets out of the car and walks over to them.  "Hi,"  she says, smiling.

 

"Hey, sweetheart,"  Lucas says, greeting his wife with a kiss.  

 

"I hope you guys are hungry.  Hello, Miguel."

 

"Hello, Mrs. Ewing,"  the boy says.

 

"We're starving,"  says Lucas.

 

"Good, I've got a whole box full of food in the backseat of my car,"  Heather says.  "Miguel, would you mind gettin' it out?"

 

"Of course."  Miguel goes to Heather's car to get the food.

 

"I made some fried chicken and some rice.  And there's plenty for all seven of you."

 

Lucas smiles.  "That sounds great."

 

Miguel brings the box over to them.  "Where can I put it?"

 

"Umm, put it on the back of the truck over there,"  Lucas says.  He motions to the other 5 ranch hands, who are some distance away.  "HEY, FELLAS, LUNCH TIME!"  He yells to them.

 

"Well, I've gotta go,"  says Heather.  "I gotta pick Michael up at school."

 

"Okay, I'll see you tonight."

 

"Oh, hey, my car has been makin' that funny noise again.  I took a look at it, but I can't tell where it's comin' from."

 

"Okay, uh, drop it off at Herb's Garage in Braddock and have one of the other hands pick you and Michael up after,"  Lucas says.

 

"Alright.  See you tonight.  Love you,"  Heather says, kissing her husband quickly on the lips.

 

"I love you, too."  Lucas watches as his wife goes back to her car, gets in, and drives away.  

 

"You are a very lucky man, Lucas,"  Miguel says.  "Mrs. Ewing is a very nice lady, and very beautiful."

 

Lucas looks at the boy with a smile.  "Yes, she is, Miguel.  Come on, let's eat.  I'm starving."

 

Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University ....late afternoon....

 Daniel Cooper is waiting at the bottom of the steps just outside the Meadows Museum of art on the campus of Southern Methodist University late that afternoon.  He takes his phone out of his pocket and looks at the time.  He starts to type a text message when he sees Cory walking toward him.  

 

"Hey, sorry I'm late,"  Cory says.

 

"Dude, I was just about to text you.  I was starting to get worried."

 

"Yeah, I'm sorry,"  Cory says.  "But my Mom has been watching me like a hawk ever since she caught us together the other day."

 

"Did she tell your Dad?"  Daniel asks.

 

"Yeah, she did, and, he was surprisingly accepting.  He said that he wished I'd told him a long time ago."

 

"Do you think your folks are gonna tell my Dad?"  Daniel asks.

"I.....I dunno, man,"  Cory replies.

 

"Dude, if that happens......"

 

"Daniel, maybe NOTHING will happen.  I thought my Dad would react really bad when I told him, but he didn't.  He was cool with it. Maybe your Dad will be, too."

 

"Not a chance.  I know my Dad.  He always had this dream for how he wanted my life to turn out.......college, medical school, get married and give him grandchildren.  And of course, become a big time doctor like him.  But at least I'm glad things worked out for you, at least with your Dad.  Maybe, umm, maybe you could talk to your folks and convince them not to say anything to my Dad."

 

Cory sighs.  "It's not that easy, Daniel."

 

"Why, what do you mean?"

 

"I wasn't just honest with my Dad about being gay.  I came clean about everything."

 

"You mean about......your scholarship?"

 

"Yep,"  Cory replies.

 

"And how'd he take that?"  

 

"Not good.  He was hurt and angry and disappointed.  So even though my Dad was okay with the gay thing, I'm still in the doghouse with him over school.  And with my Mom, who, as you know, is less accepting of me being gay."

 

"Cory, my Dad CAN'T find out,"  says Daniel.  "I'd just die if he did."

 

"I think you're underestimating your Dad, man.  Dr. Cooper loves you.  I mean, you're his son.  I really can't see him turning his back on you because of who you are."

 

"It's more complicated than that.  All my life, I've worked so hard to earn my father's approval.  When he and my Mom divorced, and we moved here........I was so happy.  I was never close to my Mom.  But me and Dad.........we were like two peas in a pod.  He was so proud of me.  I was an honor roll student.  Won a full scholarship to SMU.  But ever since Lucy came back into my father's life, I've had to compete with her for everything.  Wouldn't she just love to use this to her advantage somehow?"

 

"Daniel, I'm so sorry for how everything turned out.  This was all my fault,"  Cory says.  

 

"It was NOT your fault."

 

"Yes it is.  If I hadn't had the bright idea to go back to my parents' apartment to be alone, my Mom never would've caught us."

 

"Well, it's done now.  Question is, now that your parents know, how do I keep MY Dad from finding out."

 

"Don't worry,"  says Cory.  "I'll find a way to keep my parents from telling your Dad.  My Mom's the one we really have to worry about, and I think I can handle her."

 

"How?"  Daniel asks.

 

"Just leave that to me.  I'll find a way."

Ewing Oil....late evening....

As dusk settles in over Dallas late that evening, John Ross is standing at the window of his office at Ewing Oil, looking out over the vast city, deep in thought.  His thoughts are interrupted by a knock at his office door.  He looks at his watch.  The person he is expecting is right on time.  He turns around to face the door.  "Come in,"  he says.

 

Sly's son, Cole Duncan, walks into the office.  "You wanted to see me, Mr. Ewing?"

 

"Yes, Cole, I did.  Come in and close the door."

 

The nervous young man does as he is told.

 

"Cole, I wanna thank you for comin' back to the office this evening.  I hope I didn't interrupt any plans you may have had."

 

"No, sir, not at all."

 

"Good,"  John Ross says.  "I felt it best to have our little talk when the office was empty, after everyone left for the day."

 

 

The nervous young man's heart begins to pound inside his chest, as he is certain he is about to be fired for some unknown infraction.  "Umm, Mr. Ewing, I don't understand,"  Cole says.  "Have I done something wrong?"

 

 

"No, no, quite the opposite," replies John Ross.  "You like workin' here?"

 

"Yes, sir, I love it."

 

"Good, good.  Cole, truth is, I've had my eye on you for a long time now, and I like what I see.  You're a smart, talented, and ambitious young man.  And I think you've learned a lot in the time that you've worked here."

 

"Yes, sir, I have,"  Cole says.

 

"Your Mama has every right in the world to be proud of you."

 

"Thank you,"  Cole says with a slight smile, breathing a sigh of relief.  

 

"Now, I suppose you're wondering why I asked you here this time of the evening."

 

"Yes, I was, actually."

 "And what would I have to do in return?"  Cole asks.

 

"What makes you think you'd have to do anything?"

 

"Well, no offense, Mr. Ewing, but, I do know your reputation, and I know that you never do anything for anyone without wanting something in return."

 

John Ross looks at him and smiles.  "Like I said, you're a smart young man."

 

"Umm, look, Mr. Ewing, if this is some sort of sexual blackmail thing....."

 

"Sexual blackmail?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yeah.  You help advance my career, open some doors for me in exchange for sexual favors.  Because if that's the case, then I......"

 

John Ross interrupts Cole by bursting into laughter.  "Damn, you know you are the second young man who has had that mistaken idea about me.  Do I give off some sort of gay vibe or somethin'?  No, Cole.  I assure you, it's nothin' like that at all.  I am 100% straight, and you've got nothin' to worry about in that department."

 

Once again Cole breathes a sigh of relief.  "Okay, then, what is it you want?  Because I know there's gotta be somethin'."

A look of defeat comes over the young man's face.  "Very clear," he says.

 

John Ross smiles.  "Good.  I knew we'd understand each other."

 

"I don't have a choice here, do I?" Cole asks.

 

"No, son.  You don't.  But don't worry.  Clay will never find out you're workin' for me, and you will be very amply rewarded.  And there's no better time to start than right now.  You know of any big deals Clay is workin' on at the moment?"

 

Cole hesitates for a moment before answering.  "There's one,"  he finally says.  

 

"So tell me about it,"  says John Ross.  

 

"He's working on some big deal with Lee Energies.  I don't know the details."

 

"Then find out the details and let me know ASAP.  Workin' closely with Clay, I know you must have access to his files.  I wanna know what deal he's workin' on with the Lees by this time tomorrow evening."  John Ross stands and walks over to his desk.  Opening the bottom drawer, he takes out an envelope, walks over to Cole and hands it to him.  

 

Cole takes the envelope and looks inside, finding one thousand dollars.  

 

"There's a whole lot more where that came from, Cole.  I'll double that amount for each piece of information you bring me about Clay that I can use.  Now, you go on home.  I'm sure Sly's expectin' you."

 

Cole looks at John Ross, then lowers his head.  In silence, the young man leaves the office.  After he's gone, John Ross turns and looks out the window at the Dallas skyline, now shrouded in darkness. but dotted by the city lights.  He smiles, confident that young Cole Duncan will help him regain the upper hand over Clay in this contest.

 

In the outer office, Cole stops by his mother's desk.  He looks at a framed photo sitting on Sly's desk,  

 Pamela comes into her and Justin's bedroom that night after tucking the boys in.  Justin is turning down the covers on the bed.  "Boys okay?"  He asks.

 

"Yeah.  Randall lost that loose tooth.  I put it under his pillow."

 

"It's about time.  Damn, I'm tired.  It's been a long couple days."

 

"Sure has,"  says Pamela, turning down the covers on her side of the bed.  "Justin, I've been doing a lot of thinking.  And I realize my mother's right."

 

"About Wendell?"

 

"About Wendell, and about Westar.  I think it's time we got rid of the board and brought in people who don't have any connection or loyalty to Jeremy Wendell."

 Southfork is eerily quiet in the early morning hour, a gentle fog rolling in, only adding to the eeriness of the unusually quiet and still night.  The only audible sound is of the crickets in the distance.  As the occupants of Southfork sleep soundly, they are unaware that outside, an intruder dressed all in black has scaled one of the fences and is silently making his way toward the mansion under cover of dark-

 While Michael and Logan are in the pool early the next morning, Bobby, Ann, Lucas, and Heather come out of the house and take seats at the breakfast table on the patio.  The maid, Maria, places a platter of bacon on the table.  

 

"Gonna be another hot one,"  Lucas says.

 

"Sure is,"  says Bobby.

 

"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm READY for cooler weather,"  Ann says.

 

"Lucas, what are you gonna be doing today?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Miguel and I are gonna be patchin' up that fence over on section 30.  That last storm we had, a huge limb fell on it and knocked out a whole section of the fence."

 

"That was some storm,"  Heather says.

 

"Sure was,"  says Bobby.  "Too bad we mostly got wind out of it and not much rain.  Son, I think I'll come out today and help you and Miguel on that fence."

 

"Well, we can use all the help we can get,"  Lucas says.  

 

"Honey, what are your plans for the day?"  Bobby asks his wife.

 

"I'm meetin' Sue Ellen for lunch.  She called me last night and asked me to have lunch with her.  I got the feelin' somethin's bothern' her, and she needed to talk."

 

"Yeah, Sue Ellen did seem upset at the Barbecue the other day.  I wonder if it has anything to do with the return to Dallas of Peter Richards."

 

"Who is Peter Richards?"  Ann asks.  "I know I've heard that name before."

 

"He was John Ross's counselor at camp when he was a kid,"  Bobby replies.  "And, he's now a psychologist, and the Dr. Richards Alex has been seeing."

 

"What?  You're kidding,"  Lucas says.  "Alex's Dr. Richards was John Ross's counselor when he was a kid?"

 

"That's right, and according to Alex, he had no idea Dr. Richards even knew John Ross, or anyone in the family, until Dr. Richards came with his daughter to the Barbecue."

 

"Did you know Dr. Richards when he was John Ross's counselor?"  Ann asks.

 

"Not that well.  I met him a few times when he came here to the ranch, and he went out with Lucy a couple times.  In fact, he was her date at the Oil Baron's Ball one year."

 

"Was Sue Ellen close to him?"  Ann asks.

 

"I have no idea.  Why don't you ask her when you have lunch with her today?"

 

"MICHAEL?"  Heather calls to her son in the pool.  "HURRY UP AND YOU AND LOGAN GO IN AND GET DRESSED FOR BREAKFAST.  IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR SCHOOL."

 

"Aww, come on, Mom, just a few more minutes?"

 

"No you've been out there long enough.  Your breakfast is gettin' cold, and you don't wanna be late for school."

 

"Wouldn't bother me to be late."

 

"Michael, you heard your mother,"  says Lucy.  "Get out of the pool, take your brother upstairs and get dried off, dressed. and down here for breakfast in the next ten minutes."

 

The boys lets out a sigh.  "Yes, sir,"  he says.   "Come on, Logan."  Reluctantly, Michael takes his little brother, gets out of the pool and grabs a towel from the back of a chair.  He dries himself and Logan off enough to go into the house.  Michael and Logan meet John Ross, Krystina, and Krystle coming out of the house onto the patio.  

 

"Good mornin', all,"  John Ross says cheerfully, taking his usual seat at the table.

 

"Morning, John Ross,"  Bobby says.  "Krystina, Krystle."

 

"Good morning,"  Krystle says.

 

"John Ross, you're in an awfully good mood this morning,"  says Bobby.

 

"I have every right to be, Uncle Bobby.  That little contest of yours is about to end, and I have a real good feelin' that the tide is about to turn in my favor."

 

"Krystle, you're awfully quiet this morning,"  Ann says.

 

"I'm sorry.  I'm just tired, I haven't been sleeping well."

 

"Are you okay, Mom?"  Krystina asks.  "You do look a little pale."

 

"Krystle, why do you suppose you haven't been sleeping?"  Bobby asks.  "Is your room comfortable enough?"

 

"Yes, the room is fine, thank you."

 

"Maybe you should take it easy today, Mom,"  says Krystina.  "We can cancel having lunch and shopping, if you want."

 

"I'm FINE!"  Krystle angrily snaps, taking everyone by surprise.  

 

"Mom, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you angry,"  Krystina says.

 

"No, I'm the one who's sorry.  I apologize, everyone.  Krystina, I didn't mean to snap at you like that."

 

"No, it's okay.  I'm just worried about you."

 

"Like I said, I'm fine.  I'm just tired.  I'm not very hungry, so, I think I'll go back upstairs and try and get some sleep."

 

"Okay.  I'll wake you when it's almost time for us to leave."

 

"Darling, maybe you were right,"  says Krystle.  "Maybe we should cancel our plans to go shopping today.  I'm uh, I'm functioning on maybe half an hour of sleep.  I'm sure that by tomorrow, I'll feel more up to it."  

 

"Okay,"  Krystina says with a nod as her mother gets up from the table.  

 

"Excuse me, everyone,"  Krystle says.  She starts to go into the house, when she accidentally bumps into Alex as he is coming onto the patio.  "Oh, John Ross, I'm sorry,"  Krystle says, to Alex's bewilderment.  Krystle walks past him and into the house.

 

"Did she just call me John Ross?"  Alex asks.  

 

"That's what I heard,"  John Ross replies.  

 

"I'm really worried about my mother,"  says Krystina.  "She's been acting very strange lately.  I'd better see if she's alright."

 

"Krystina, I'll go,"  Ann says.  "You stay and finish your breakfast.  I'll make sure Krystle's alright.  I'll be right back."

 

"Thanks, Ann,"  Krystina says as Ann gets up from her seat and goes into the house. 

The foyer.... 

 A few seconds later, Ann catches up to Krystle as she is about to go up the stairs.  "Krystle,"  Ann says.  "Are you sure you're alright?"

 

Krystle pauses on the second step of the staircase and looks at her.  "I'm........I'm not sure."

 

 Daniel Cooper walks into a cafe in downtown Dallas that morning.  Looking around, he sees Lila sitting in a booth across the room.  Nervously, Daniel walks over to her.  

 

"Hello, Daniel,"  Lila says.  

 

"Mrs. Winthrop."

 

"Thank for agreeing to meet with me before you go to class.  Please, sit down."

 

Daniel takes a seat across from her.  "Why did you wanna see me?"

 

 Sly buzzes John Ross's office at Ewing Oil later that morning.  "John Ross, David Parker is on line one."

 

"Thanks, Sly,"  John Ross says.  John Ross picks up his phone and presses the '1.'  "David, what can I  

 do for you?"  John Ross listens as David Parker speaks to him on the other end of the line.  "What?  But that's impossible.  Those wells were just inspected not more than a week ago.  Well who the hell was it you talked to?  Someone from the ORC?  Was it Barnes?  Parker, I don't care what you have to

do.  I want whatever damage there is fixed, and I want that well up and runnin' again by this weekend.  No, I don't give a damn what it costs.  Parker, every day that well remains shut down is costin' Ewing Oil, or I should say, MY half of Ewing Oil tens of millions of dollars.  Ewing 38 is one of our largest producin' fields, and without it.......I don't have a chance of passin' Clay Beaumont in this stupid contest for control of this company.  Get that well fixed, and get it back up and runnin' again, or it'll be your job."  John Ross angrily hangs up the phone.  "Damn it.  Barnes, I know you're behind this.  And if you think I'm gonna let you get away with this.....then you've got another thing comin'."

 

A knock comes at John Ross's door.

 

"Come in,"  he says.

 

Sly walks into the office.  "John Ross, here are those files you wanted on Ewing 23 and Ewing 18."

 

"Just put 'em on the desk,"  John Ross barks.  

 

"John Ross, what's wrong?  Did David Parker phone with bad news?"

 

"Bad?  More like the worst.  The ORC did a surprise inspection on Ewing 38.  That inspector found some violations and a couple of leaks, and he shut the whole damned field down."

 

"What?  They can't do that, can they?"

 

"They can, and they did,"  John Ross replies.  "Somethin' smells fishy about this, Sly.  And I know exactly who's behind this.  That SOB Brad Barnes.  I knew when that man became head of the Oil Regulatory Commission, he was gonna use that office to cause me trouble."

 

"John Ross, I'm sorry,"  Sly says.

 

"So am I.  If I don't get Ewing 38 back in operation in the next few days, there's no way in hell I can ever catch up to Clay in this contest.  And that will cost me Ewing Oil.  I'm not gonna let that happen, Sly.  This whole thing makes me wonder if........."  John Ross stops talking and pauses.

"If what, John Ross?"  Sly asks.

 

"If Clay's not behind this."

 

"John Ross, you can't honestly believe that Clay could have colluded with the Oil Regulatory Commission?"

 

"Why not?  Stranger things have happened.  Brad Barnes hates me, and he'd do anything to make sure I lost that contest.  And Clay wants control of Ewing Oil.  Somehow, I've got to find proof.  And when I do, that should be enough to convince Uncle Bobby that Clay is the one who's not playin' by the rules, and it should disqualify him from ever running Ewing Oil."

Westar Oil....early afternoon....

 Justin and Pamela are waiting in the boardroom at Westar right after lunch, as Pamela had called a special meeting of the company's board of directors.  Pamela looks at her watch and then stands from her seat and begins pacing.

 

"Darlin', calm down,"  Justin tells her.  

 

"I'm just nervous.  I'm not sure how the board members are gonna take being let go."

 

"Well, it doesn't matter how they take it.  As CEO, it's your decision."

 

"I know you're right.  Most of these board members have been with Westar since the 1970s.  It's time for some new blood."

 

"And more importantly........it's time to have people you can trust on the board, and not these people who have ties and loyalty to Jeremy Wendell. Pamela, Cutting Wendell's cronies loose from Westar's board will literally neutralize him and make him much less of a threat."

 

Pamela is about to reply to Justin's statement when two men, members of the board, enter the room.  "Afternoon, Mrs. Ewing."  one of them says.  "Mr. Ewing."

 

"Good afternoon, Bill.  George."

 

"Mrs. Ewing,"  the other man says.  

 

Several more board members come into the room, each taking their seats around the table.  One of the last to enter is Tom Griffith, one of Westar's most senior board members, who had also served as interim CEO in the past.  

 

 

 

 

"Hello, Pamela,"  Tom says.  

 

"Hello, Tom."

 

"Would you mind telling me what this emergency meeting of the board is all about?"  Tom asks.

 

"Just have a seat, Tom,"  says Pamela.  "You'll find out along with everyone else."

 

Tom, frustrated at Pamela's reply, takes his usual seat at the table, a seat he had occupied as a member of Westar's board of directors since December of 1969, when he was just a young man.  

 

A few seconds later, the final three members of the board enter the room and take their usual seats at the table.  Once everyone is seated, Pamela and Justin take their seats.  

 

"This meeting will come to order,"  Pamela says.  "I would like to thank you all for coming on such short notice.  I know that all of you are probably wondering why I called this special emergency meeting of the board."

 

"Yes, we are,"  a woman says.  "What is this all about, Mrs. Ewing?"

 

"I'm getting to that, Evelyn.  First of all, I would like to thank each and every member of this board for the outstanding job you've all done in helping to build Westar over the years into one of the largest and most powerful oil companies not only in Texas, but in the entire southwestern United States.  I realize that some of you have been members of Westar's board of directors for many years.  Tom,, I believe you are the most senior member of the board, aren't you?"

 

"Yes, I've been a member of Westar's board of directors since December of 1969."

 

"You were appointed by Jeremy Wendell?"  Pamela asks.

 

"That's right.  I was Jeremy's first appointee to the board,"  replies Tom.

 

"And Evelyn, you've also been on the board for many years, haven't you?"

 

"Yes, I have,"  Evelyn Whitaker replies.  "I have served happily on this board for almost 50 years, since July of 1972."

 

"And we thank you for your service and dedication.  You must have been very young when you were joined the board."

 

"Yes, I was 20."

 

"That's very young to be appointed to the board of directors of the largest independent oil company in Texas, isn't it?"  Justin asks.

 

"I was appointed to replace my father, Frank Stephens, who had recently passed away."

 

 

"And you, Doris.  How long have you been on the board?"  Pamela asks, turning to an older woman seated to her left.

 

"Since April 15, 1970,"  replies Doris Ellerby.  

"Mrs. Ewing, may we know the reason for this rather bizarre line of questioning, and the reason for this meeting?"  Asks a board member.  "We're all very busy, and I'm sure that we have better things to do than sit around and discuss the exact date we were all appointed to Westar's board of directors."

 

Pamela looks at the man.  "I'm getting to that.  John, you yourself have been with Westar since the mid-70s, haven't you?"  

 

"Yes, but I don't see what......"

 

"When did you join the board?"  Pamela asks.

 

John clears his throat and looks around the room uncomfortably.  "In September of 1976," he finally replies.  

 

"1969.  1970.  1972.  1976,"  Pamela says.  "And each of you were appointed as board members during Jeremy Wendell's tenure as CEO, as were several others of you.  The rest of you, I believe, joined the board during Carter McKay's time at Westar."

 

"Except for Ted Banning,"  Doris says.  

 

"Yes, I came on the board a bit later than my fellow board members.  I was appointed in 1997, by your father, Justin......J.R. Ewing."

 

"Is that right?"  Justin asks.  

 

"Alright, Pamela, I think that we've played this little game long enough," Tom Griffith says. "What's the meaning of this?"

 

"All of you have served Westar very loyally and faithfully for decades.  But I've come to a decision.  One that I did not make lightly, but with great difficulty because of your long years of service to this company.  But I've decided that I'm letting you all go."

 

"Letting us go?"  John asks.  "What does that mean?"

 

"It means she's firing us,"  Doris Ellerby replies in an angry tone.

 

"Not firing........I'm RETIRING you,"  says Pamela.  

 

"You can't do that,"  Tom says.

"Yes, Tom, I CAN,"  Pamela says.  "It's clearly spelled out in the Westar charter that the company's board of director's serves solely at the pleasure and discretion of the CEO, and the board can be dismissed and replaced at any time by the sitting CEO."

 

"Why are you doing this?" Evelyn Whitaker asks.  "Almost everyone in this room has served on this board for longer than you have even been alive, and suddenly you come in here and tell us you're dismissing us?"

 

"Truth is, Evelyn, I feel that Westar, and this board, need some new blood,"  says Pamela.  

 

"You mean YOUNGER blood?"  John asks.

 

"Not necessarily.  Just a board that wasn't appointed by and doesn't have any ties or feelings of loyalty to Jeremy Wendell."

 

"Jeremy Wendell?"  Asks another male board member.  "What does Jeremy Wendell have to do with anything?  He hasn't been actively involved in Westar for years."

 

"Well, that's not exactly true, now is it?"  Justin asks.  "We know that Wendell has been callin' a lot of the shots around here over the years through this board, tellin' some of you how to vote, and such."

 

"So that's what it all boils down to?  You don't trust us?" John asks.  

 

"Well, if you want the truth, yes,"  Justin replies.  "Some of you have longstanding relationships with Wendell.  And Jeremy Wendell is NOT runnin' this company anymore."

 

"You're not going to get away with this,"  Evelyn Whitaker says.  "You have no right and no reason to dismiss the board of this company."

 

"I have every right,"  says Pamela.  "And this board's ties to Jeremy Wendell is plenty of reason.  You will all receive a very generous severance package, as well as a hefty monthly retirement pension.  Ted, since you were not appointed to this board by Jeremy Wendell, and since you haven't reached retirement age, you can remain as an active member of the board."

 

Ted Banning breathes a sigh of relief.  "Thank you, Mrs. Ewing."

 

"So that's it?"  Tom Griffith asks.  "Just because of who appointed us to this board, you're going to just toss us aside like we're nothing?"

 

"That's not what's happenin' here, Tom,"  says Justin.  "As my wife said, you will each receive a large and generous severance package, as well as a retirement pension comparable to your pay you receive as a board member.  You're being retired, not fired.  You'll have plenty of time to spend with those grandchildren you're always braggin' about, and with your lovely wife Maggie."

 

"Once again, I want to thank you all for your service and devotion to Westar for so many years.  I wish you all the best of luck in your retirement or any future endeavors.  This meeting is adjourned."

 

 

Feeling anger and resentment toward Westar's new young CEO and her husband, the now former members of Westar's board of directors reluctantly began getting up from their seats and filing out of the boardroom, none of them saying a word to Justin and Pamela.  None, that is, except for the last one of the ousted board members to leave the room, Tom Griffith.

 

"You're making a huge mistake here,"  Tom says.  "What's going to happen the minute you run into a real crisis with this company and you won't know how to handle it without the experience and expert counsel of myself and these other board members?"

 

"Tom, I'm not stupid, and neither is Justin,"  says Pamela. "Nor am I totally inexperienced in running a company.  I ran Barnes Global for my father when he owned it.  I can handle a crisis."

 

"You dismissed all of us because you're sure that we're in Jeremy's pocket.  Well, let me give you this to think about.  Do you really think that Jeremy is going to just roll over and accept that you've fired all his friends on the Westar board?"

 

"There's nothing Wendell can do about it," says Justin.  "He has no say in what happens in this company anymore."

 

Tom laughs.  "You're a very naive young man if you believe that, Justin.  Jeremy Wendell has a lot of friends in very high places, and he has power that you can only imagine.  He's not a man you'd want for an enemy."

 

"Griffith, my father and my uncle took Wendell down years ago, when he was much younger and in his full power here at Westar.  Now that he's an old man with no power at this company, do you honestly think Pamela and I are afraid of him?"

 

Tom looks at him and smiles.  "If you're not.......you should be.  Good luck to you both.  You're gonna need it,"  Tom says, and walks out of the room.  

 

"Y'know,"  Pamela says.  "After hearing what Tom said, I'm convinced I made the right decision to dismiss Wendell's cronies on the board."

Krystina and Krystle are sitting on the patio that afternoon drinking lemonade when Heather comes out of the house.  "Hi,"  Heather says, walking over to the women.  

 

"Hi, Heather.  Care to join Mom and I for some lemonade?"  Krystina.

 

"It's delicious, and it's a hot day,"  says Krystle.

 

"Thanks, I'd love to, but, I have to go into Braddock.  I have to pick Michael up from school and then drop my car off at the shop, it's been makin' a funny noise from the engine.  Lucas told me to the other day, but after I picked Michael up from school we stopped for ice cream and I had some errands to run.  By the time we finished, it was too late, so I figured I'd drop it by today."

 

"What if they keep your car in the shop?  How are you gonna get home?"  Krystle asks.

 

"If that happens, I'll call one of the hands to come and pick us up, but hopefully Mr. Garland, our mechanic, will be able to tell me what it is and fix the problem while we're there.  I hope it's something simple."

 

"I hope so,"  Heather says.  "But if you need a ride home, just call me and I'll come pick you and Michael up."

 

Heather smiles.  "Okay, thanks.  I'll see you both later."

 

"Bye,"  Krystle says as Heather walks away.

 

Heather goes to her car in the parking area near the patio and gets into the vehicle.  Placing the key in the ignition, she tries to start the car, but nothing happens.  The car tries to start, but won't.  "Damn,"  Heather says.  Frustrated, she hits the steering wheel, then gets out of the car and walks back to the house.  "Damned car won't start,"  Heather tells Krystina and Krystle.  "I guess it was somethin' serious.  I'll have to either have Mr. Garland come out here, or get it towed to his shop. Lucas always told me not to put things off.  And wouldn't you know it?  He's gone into Fort Worth with Miguel, and Bobby and Ann aren't here, either.  I guess I'll see if one of the Southfork trucks is available."

 

"No, just take my car,"  Krystina says.  "Here."  She reaches into her pocket and pulls out the key.

 

"Are you sure?"  Heather asks.

 

"Yeah.  If you'll do me a favor."

 

"And what would that be?"  

 

"Pick Little John up from school?  I mean, if it's no trouble?"

 

Heather smiles.  "Sure.  No trouble at all.  And thanks."

 

"You're welcome,"  Krystina says, handing her the keys.

 

"Don't worry, I'll be careful."

 

"Oh, I trust you,"  Krystina says.

 

Heather goes to Krystina's car, gets in, and quickly drives off.  

 A minute later, Heather drives out of the front gate at Southfork and turns right on Braddock Road. 

As Heather drives off toward Braddock in Krystina's 2020 Infiniti, she is unaware of a man who had been sitting in a car parked alongside the road near Southfork.  Seeing Krystina's car leaving the ranch, the man starts his own car and begins following her toward Braddock.  It is obvious that this man has very nefarious motives.

 

Olive Garden Restaurant in Dallas....

 Meanwhile, Ann and Sue Ellen are finishing lunch at The Olive Garden Italian Restaurant that afternoon.  "My goodness, I'm stuffed,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"So am I.  I always eat way too much when I come to the Olive Garden,"  says Ann.

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "Ann, I want to thank you for having lunch with me today."

 

"You know I was happy to.  But, so far we've talked about almost everything except what you wanted to have lunch to talk to me about today.  Sue Ellen, what's on your mind?"

 

"You're right,"  Sue Ellen says.  "I do need to talk.  You're the best friend I have in the world, aside from Catlin, and, since I can't talk to him about this, I can't think of anyone else I'd rather discuss this with."

 

"So what's goin' on?"  Ann asks.

 

Sue Ellen sighs.  "It's about Peter Richards, Alex's therapists.  As you already know, Peter was John Ross's counselor at camp when John Ross was a little boy."

 

"Yes, I know.  You were close with Peter back then?"

 

Sue Ellen closes her eyes and nods.  "Yes.  I was.  Too close, in fact."

 

"Sue Ellen, what do you.......are you tellin' me that there was somethin' between you and Peter Richards?"

 

"Yes.  And before you ask me, I'll just go ahead and admit the truth.  I know what you're thinking, Ann, and you're right.  Peter and I had an affair.  And yes, you're right again with what you're thinking now.  Peter was much younger than I.  That was a very difficult time in my life.  My marriage to J.R. was at an all time low point.  It was shortly after I discovered his affair with Holly Harwood, and I started drinking again.  Well, you already know much of what happened after that........my car accident in which young Mickey Trotter was paralyzed, the fire at Southfork.  After the fire, John Ross began to exhibit some signs of emotional trauma, so, J.R. and I took him to see a psychologist, who recommended we send him to this camp for troubled children who had experienced traumatic events.  The camp was Windsor Meadows, and Peter was a counselor there.  He was working at the camp while he was attending college and studying to be what he eventually became......a psychologist.  Peter was very young, only 20 at the time.  In some ways he seemed much younger, but in others, he seemed older.  He was wonderful with John Ross.  So patient, and loving.  John Ross was absolutely crazy about Peter, and very soon Peter became involved with the family, so to speak.  It seemed like he would be a good match for Lucy, who was grieving the recent death of Mickey Trotter, who she had been dating.  So, we arranged for Peter to be Lucy's date for the 1983 Oil Baron's Ball.  For a while it seemed as though the two were hitting it off, but, unfortunately, Peter wasn't interested in Lucy.  The reason for that is because he had fallen in love with me.  At first, I did everything I could to discourage him.  The entire thing was inappropriate on so many levels.  But, Peter was very persistent.  J.R. and I were living......and sleeping.......separately at the time, even though I was still living at Southfork.  But because of the Holly Harwood affair, I had moved out of our bedroom and into one of the guest bedrooms at the ranch.  I was very lonely, and frustrated.  And there was Peter, this handsome, sweet young man showering all this attention on me, a woman technically old enough to be his mother.  He even got an apartment for us to have a secret meeting place.  I tried so hard to fight that attraction.  But, I was a woman with needs, and eventually........I gave in to Peter.  I had no idea the repercussions that little indiscretion would cause.  Soon after, I had an accident, and, in the hospital, the doctor told me that I had been pregnant and suffered a miscarriage."

 

"A miscarriage?"  Ann asks, reaching out and touching her friend's hand.  "Oh Lord, Sue Ellen.  You never told me you'd had a miscarriage."

 

"I know.  It's not something I have talked about with anyone."

 

"Then, Peter was......."

 

"I don't know,"  Sue Ellen says, interrupting Ann's question.  "Peter could have been the father, or J.R. could have been."

 

"But, I thought you said that you and J.R. were not sleepin' together at the time."

 

"We weren't........except for this one night.  One lonely night I allowed myself to give in and J.R. and I made love.  I never knew who the father of that baby was.  I still don't, to this day.  J.R. found out about my affair with Peter and, in typical J.R. fashion, he acted on it."

 

"I shudder to ask what he did when he found out,"  Ann says.

 

"Well, one afternoon, Peter was pulled over by the police, who found a significant amount of cocaine in his car.  I suppose you can guess where this is going?"

 

"J.R.?"

 

Sue Ellen nods.  "That's right.  My loving husband had set Peter up.  And then, he pretended to try and help Peter with his legal difficulties.  Then one night at dinner, J.R. issued an ultimatum to both Peter and I.  My ultimatum was that I had to move back into J.R.'s room and his bed and become his wife in every sense of the word again, or he would send Peter to jail to possession.  I had no choice.  Peter was so young and innocent.  A drug conviction would have destroyed his whole life.  So, I did as J.R. asked.  I moved back into his room, and his bed."

 

"And what happened to Peter?"  Ann asks.

 

"Well, after threatening to kill J.R., Peter........left Dallas.  I never saw or heard from him again, until the Ewing Barbecue a few days ago."

 

"Sue Ellen, that's quite a story.  The more I hear about J.R., the more I understand why so many people hated him so much."

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "Oh, yes.  Ann, you came into the picture very late, when J.R. was long past his prime and of course the first few years of your marriage to Bobby, J.R. was in that nursing home after his breakdown.  You didn't get to experience him during the heyday of his ruthlessness.  I've told you a lot of stories about J.R., and I'm sure you've heard a lot from other people as well.  But I could tell you more stories that would turn your hair gray just listening to them.  All these years, I've felt a tremendous sense of guilt where Peter was concerned, especially since I never knew what became of him.  Oh, with my resources, I could've hired a private detective to find him, but, at first, I was afraid to.  As long as I remained married to J.R., I knew I had to keep Peter out of the picture.  And by the time J.R. and I were divorced a few years later, I thought it best to not try and find Peter.  I suppose I even forgot about him to an extent, even though he did often cross my mind."

 

"Well, now after all these years, you know what became of him.  Peter became a successful psychologist, just as he had studied to become."

 

"Yes,"  Sue Ellen says sadly.  "My curiosity has been satisfied.  But then why do I still feel so confused and conflicted when it comes to Peter?"

 

"Confused and conflicted?"

 

"Yes.  Ann, I honestly don't know how I feel about Peter Richards, and.........to be quite frank, that scares me.  It scares the hell out of me."

 

Ann looks at her friend with an expression that is a combination of sympathy and concern.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....Peter's office....

 Peter is sitting at his desk in his office reading over a medical file when his secretary buzzes him.  "Yes, Jane?"

 

"Dr. Richards, Mrs. Lucy Cooper is here.  Should I have her come in?"

 

Peter hesitates for a second, wondering why Lucy is there.  "Yes, Jane.  Have Mrs. Cooper come in," he says.  Peter stands from his seat at the desk and walks over to greet Lucy as she walks in.  

 

"Hello, Peter,"  Lucy says.  "Thank you for seeing me."

 

"It's no problem, Lucy.  I don't have any clients during this hour.  What can I do for you?"

 

"Well, Peter, I'd like to talk about Sue Ellen," Lucy replies.  

 

"What about Sue Ellen?"

 

"Just curious what you were doing with her the other day when Muriel and I saw you."

"Well, Lucy, no offense, but I don't really think that's any of your business,"  Peter says.  "What difference does it make to you, anyway?"

 

"Catlin Ewing is a wonderful man, and he makes Sue Ellen very happy.  I'd hate to see Catlin hurt, or Sue Ellen for that matter."

 

"What makes you think I'd hurt Sue Ellen?"  

 

"Because I know your history with her,"  Lucy says.  

 

"Lucy, I'm really very busy, so if you don't mind,"  Peter walks over to his bookshelf and replaces a book he had earlier taken down.

 

"What's your game, Peter?  Why did you REALLY come back to Dallas after all these years?"

 

Peter pauses for a second, then he turns to Lucy.  "What kind of question is that?"

 

"A logical one.  You didn't grow up here.  You don't have family here.  You have no ties here at all.  With your credentials, you could have opened up a practice anywhere in the country.  Yet you chose to come back to Dallas, a city that should hold very unpleasant memories for you."

 

"I came back here to be near Sue Ellen,"  Peter says.  "Is that what you wanted to hear?  Sue Ellen was my first love, and I've never forgotten her, even after all these years."

 

"But she's married, and very happily,"  says Lucy.  "So why don't you just go to another hospital, in another city."

 

"Thank you, Lucy, for the suggestion, but I have no interest or intention of doing that.  I like Dallas, and I like it here at the hospital."

 

"Y'know, Peter, I could talk to Mitch.  And one word from me, and he might just re-evaluate your position here."

 

"You think that would get rid of me?  Well, it won't.  Especially now that I have a reason to stay in Dallas."

 

"A reason?  Meaning Sue Ellen?"  Lucy asks.

 

"No, Lucy, not Sue Ellen."

 

"Then what reason would you have for staying here, if not because of Sue Ellen?"

 

"My son is here,"  Peter replies.  

 

"Your........your SON?"

 

"That's right, my son."

 

"Peter, what are you talking about?"

 

"I told you I had been married before I was married to Megan's mother."

 

"Yes."

 

"I didn't know it until recently, but my former wife is here in Dallas, and so is my son.  And it's someone you know."

 

"Someone I know?"

 

"Yes.  It's Muriel, Lucy.  Your friend Muriel is my ex-wife, and Zach is my son."

 

Lucy's mouth falls open in shock upon hearing Peter's confession!

Campus Cafe at SMU...

 Daniel is sitting alone at a table at the Campus Cafe on the SMU campus that afternoon waiting for Cory, desperately dreading this meeting.......a meeting in which he will have to end his relationship with Cory.  As he waits, Daniel is trying to figure out what he will say to Cory.  The very thought is ripping his heart into pieces.  

Cory comes into the cafe and looks around.  Spotting Daniel sitting across the room, Cory walks over to him.  "Hey, there,"  Cory says, taking a seat across from Daniel.

 

"Hey.  Glad you came."

 

"Yeah, no problem.  I was at the library and then I went by the registrar's office.  Since my secret is out and my parents know I lost my scholarship to the University of Texas, I was thinking about applying here for classes this fall.  But the lady in the registrar's office told me I'm too late for fall classes since they start next week, so, I'll just apply for winter."

 

"Oh, that's cool I guess."

 

"So what did you wanna see me about?"  Cory asks.  "I mean, not that I'm complaining.  I love any reason or excuse to see you, but your message sounded kind of urgent.  Is anything wrong?"

 

"Yeah, you might say something's wrong,"  Daniel replies.  "Look, Cory, I don't know how to break this to you, except to just come right out and say it.  I don't wanna see you anymore."

 

Cory is caught off guard by Daniel's words.  "What?  What do you mean, you don't wanna see me anymore?"

 

"Just what I said.  It's over between us.  I'm sorry, but, that's the way it is."

"Daniel.....I don't understand.  What happened?"

 

"Nothing happened.  It's just over, that's all."

 

"No, that's not all,"  Cory says.  "Daniel, I don't understand this at all.  Everything was fine earlier.  Did I do something wrong?"

 

"No.  Cory, the truth is.......I just don't love you.  It's as simple as that.  I thought I was ready for a relationship, but I'm not."

 

"I don't buy that crap at all,"  Cory says.  "Something must have happened to change your mind.  Dude, we've been in this relationship for almost TWO years."

 

"Yeah, well, umm, when we had to keep it a secret from our parents, it was fun.  Now that your folks know about us, it's not fun anymore.  The thrill is gone.  I'm sorry.  I've gotta go."

 

"NO!"  Cory says.  "I'm not gonna just let you walk out of my life without so much as a logical explanation why."

 Cory stands to his feet as he watches Daniel leave the cafe with Steve, this boy he'd never heard of until a few seconds ago.  Cory feels his heart breaking into a million pieces watching Daniel go.  

 After a few seconds, Cory sits back down in his seat as he continues to stare straight ahead, in total shock over what has just happened.  

Daniel reaches into his pocket and brings out his wallet.  Opening it, he takes out two one hundred dollar bills and hands them to Steve.  "Here.  Two hundred, just like I promised."

 

"Thanks, bro,"  Steve says, taking the money.  "But, if you wanted to break up with that guy, why didn't you just do it?  Why pay me to put on this stupid little show and pretend to be your new boyfriend?"

 

"Because Cory had to be convinced things are over between us,"  Daniel replies.

 

"Well, uh, why'd you break up with him, anyway?"  Steve asks.

 

Daniel looks at him, annoyed by the question.  "That's none of your business."

 

"Nope, I guess it's not.  Well, if you ever want me to pretend to be your boyfriend again, just....... shoot me a text.  Or, if you're in the market for someone to take Cory's place, well, shoot me a text in that case, too."

 

"Thanks,"  Daniel says, uninterested.  "Look, just remember.......I paid you two hundred bucks to pretend to be my boyfriend, AND to keep your mouth shut about this whole thing."

 

"Dude, no worries.  I've got no interest in outing you to your friends.  I don't need the drama.  Take it easy, and like I said......shoot me a text."

 

"Uh-huh,"  Daniel says as Steve walks away.  Now left alone, Daniel leans against a wall, closes his eyes, and sighs deeply.  

A highway near Braddock....

 Heather and Michael are Krystina's 2020 Infiniti down a highway headed toward Braddock after Heather has picked Michael up from school, unaware that the man who had followed her since she left Southfork was still behind her, making sure not to follow too closely so as to be seen.  

 

"So how do you like your new school, sweety?"  Heather asks her son.  

 

"It's okay, I guess,"  Michael replies.  "I sure miss my old school and some of my friends who transferred.  And the work's harder."

 

"Well, you're in a higher grade.  And you'll get use to the new environment."

 

"I guess so,"  Michael.  "So why are you in Krystina's car?  You put yours in Mr. Garland's shop?"

 

"Not yet, but I'm gonna have to.  It wouldn't start when I was about to leave to come pick you up, so Krystina told me I could take her car."

 

"I'm not complainin',"  Michael says.  "I like her car better than yours, anyway."

 

"Hey, now!"  Heather says.

 

Meanwhile, Dylan's car is also heading down a highway.  Inside the car, Dylan is driving with his 

 Dylan smiles.  "Sure, I'll pick up a jar."

 

"Great, thanks."

 

"You're welcome.  I'll be home in about an hour.  Bye."  Dylan ends the call.

 

Meanwhile, Heather and Michael continue down the highway as she nears the turn off to Braddock Road.  Inside Krystina's car, Heather and Michael are smiling while listening a classic country song by fellow Texas George Strait, If You're Thinking You Want A Stranger.

 

"I love George Strait,"  Heather tells her son.  "He was my favorite singer when I was in high school and he still is."

 

"Yeah he's pretty cool for an old guy,"  Michael says.  "Scotty McCreery's more to my liking, though. It was so awesome to meet him at the Barbecue."

 

Heather looks at her son and smiles.  "Yeah, he was a real nice guy, wasn't he?  Maybe your Grandpa will get him to perform at the ranch again at some future event.  He's talkin' about havin' a rodeo sometime this fall."

 

"Really?  I hope so.  Maybe this time I can compete,"  Michael says as he drops his cell phone to the floor.  "Oh, darn,"  he says.  He tries to reach down and pick up his phone but he can't reach it with his seat belt on.  He takes the belt off, then reaches down and picks up his phone.

 

"Hurry and put your seat belt back on,"  Heather tells him.

 

Two cars behind them, the mysterious stranger is still following her.  The man picks up his cell phone from the cup holder and dials a number.  A second later, someone answers.  "Yeah, it's me,"  the man says.  "I've got Mrs. Ewing's car in sight.  She's got some kid with her.  Too old to be her husband's kid.  This is some teenager.  Nope, I don't have a problem with that at all.  Just say when."  The man listens for a second to the person on the other end of the line, then he smiles.  "Consider it done,"  he says.  He ends the call, puts his phone down, and picks up a small device that looks like a remote control.  The man looks at Krystina's car driving ahead of him.  Still smiling, he presses a button on the device.

 

Ahead, a small explosion underneath Krystina's car is set off, causing the axle to break.  Krystina quickly loses control of the car and begins to swerve erratically.  "Oh my God!  Michael, HOLD ON!" She yells, terrified as she tries hard to bring the car back under control.

 

Meanwhile, traveling on the same road, Dylan continues to listen to  his music on the now empty road, blissfully unaware of what he will face just up ahead.  But, as he rounds a curve, he sees 

 the red Infiniti careening toward him.  He barely has time to react. 

 

In Krystina's Infiniti, Heather and Michael both let out a blood-curdling scream when they see Dylan's car.  "MOM, LOOK OUT!!!!!!!"  Michael yells. 

 

To avoid a head-on collision, Heather and Dylan both swerve their vehicles.  Heather crashes through a white fence, her car going down a steep embankment.  Meanwhile, Dylan loses control of his car too, and also crashes down the embankment on the opposite side of the road.  Krystina's Infiniti, with Heather and Michael inside, rolls over several times before coming to a rest on its top at the bottom of the embankment, while Dylan's car crashes into a tree down the embankment across the road.

 Mere seconds later, there is the ear-splitting sound of an explosion and a huge fireball erupts from one of the vehicles as it bursts into flames, leaving little to no hope of survival for anyone trapped inside!!!!

 

END OF EPISODE 243....

 

            END OF SEASON 10....