EPISODE 174 - A Family Divided

"I don't like it, either,"  says Christopher.  "I just really don't know what to do about it."

 

"A good start would be not blaming yourself anymore for what happened with Chase."

 

"But it IS my fault, Courtney.  If I hadn't insisted that we go to California to see Chase Gioberti, then we wouldn't be facing this custody suit now."

 

"Christopher, we BOTH wanted for you to be able to adopt Jacob,"  Courtney says.  "If anyone is to blame for this mess it's me.  I started this whole thing when I lied about Chase being Jacob's father."

 

"You think we would've fared any better with his brother Joseph?"

 

"I don't know,"  Courtney says.  "Christopher, one thing I do know is, I don't like what this is doing to us, and to you.  How it's changing you."

 

"Nothing is changing me,"  Christopher says.

 

"Yes it is.  What you were talking about doing.........digging up dirt on Chase and his family, and if you can't find any dirt, then making something up?  The man I fell in love with and married never would've considered something like that."

 

"Because I've never had our family threatened like this before.  Courtney, you may be willing to sit back and let Chase Gioberti take Jacob away from us, but I'm sure as hell not.  And I'll do whatever I have to do to keep that from happening, and if that means playing dirty, then so be it."  Christopher looks at her angrily, then walks away, heading back to their bedroom, leaving Courtney standing by the pool, alone and frustrated.

A short time later....

 

Bobby, Ann, Lucas, Heather, Michael, Jacob, Lucy, John Ross, Krystina, and Alex are seated on the patio having breakfast half an hour later when Courtney and Christopher come out of the house and join the family.

 

"Morning, guys,"  Lucy says.

 

"Morning, Lucy,"  Christopher says as the couple takes their seats at the table.  

 

"You two look about as cheerful as a man about to eat his last meal before execution,"  says Bobby.

 

"Neither of us got much sleep last night,"  Christopher says.

 

"That seems to be contagious around here,"  Krystina says.

 

"John Ross, are you goin' to court this morning, or comin' to the office?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I'm goin' to the courthouse first.  Then I'll be into the office later this afternoon."

 

"Good, because there are some things we need to talk about,"  says Bobby.

 

"Court?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Yes,"  Bobby replies.  "Conner's trial starts this morning."

 

"Oh, I'd completely forgotten about that."

 

"Poor Conner.  I feel bad for him,"  Lucy says.

 

John Ross puts down his fork and looks across the table at his cousin.  "You're sorry for the man who almost killed my son?"

 

"John Ross, it was an accident,"  Lucy says.  "Conner didn't mean to hurt Alex."

 

"Nevertheless, he DID.  And as a result, Alex had to undergo TWO brain operations, and I'm gonna make damned sure our cousin Conner Ewing pays for that."

 

"Look, I'm fine now,"  says Alex.  "The problem is fixed, the headaches are gone.  I'd just rather forget about it."

 

"Well, after this trial is over, you can forget about it, but in the meantime, you're prob'ly gonna be called to testify for the prosecution."

 

"What?  You gotta be kidding,"  Alex says.  "Why would I have to testify?"

 

"Because you were the victim in all this.  Bridget, too."

 

"Great.  Just GREAT,"  Alex says, getting up from the table.  

 

"Hey, where you goin'?"  John Ross asks.

 

"School.  I lost my appetite,"  the boy replies as he picks up his book bag and leaves.  

 

John Ross sighs.  "I just don't understand that boy.  You'd think he would want Conner Ewing to pay for puttin' him in the hospital and causin' him to have to undergo two damned brain surgeries."

 

"John Ross, I think the only one who really wants to see Conner pay for a horrible mistake, is you,"  Ann says, getting up from the table.  She looks at him, and at the others, then goes into the house.  

The Krebbs Ranch....

 Ray, Donna, and Conner are sitting through their breakfast in silence.  All three are nervous about Conner's trial beginning in an hour.  Finally, unable to sit still and eat, Donna gathers up her plate and saucer, gets up from the table and goes to the sink, where she puts them in.  

 

"You barely ate anything,"  Ray says.

 

"I'm not hungry,"  she replies.  "Conner, it's not too late to stop this.  You can still tell the truth."

 

"Donna, I CAN'T.  You know what would happen to Dylan if it came out that he was driving that night."

 

"You know, there's something we've all failed to take into account,"  says Donna.  "And that's if the prosecution calls us to testify."

 

"Why would they?"  Conner asks.  "You and Ray were out that night, you had no idea what happened."

 

"No, but it's still a possibility."

 

"Donna's right,"  says Ray.  "And if we ARE called, we can't perjure ourselves."

 

"Damn it!"  Dylan says, angrily slamming his fist down on the table.  "Dylan created this whole mess, for all of us, and he doesn't even remember it.  I'm really angry with him for that.  Angrier than I've ever been with anyone in my life."

 

"Conner, I know we've talked about this til we're blue in the face,"  Ray says.  "And I think you know how Donna and I feel about what you're doin'.  While it's noble that you wanna protect your brother, it's wrong, doin' this.  Takin' the blame for somethin' you didn't do.  Conner, this could mess up your whole life.  I really don't think you've thought this thing through."

 

"I HAVE thought it through!  For MONTHS, this is all I've been thinking about,"  Conner says.  "I'm doing what I have to do.  Dylan has been through hell.  I'm not gonna let him go through anymore."

 

"And what if his memory returns?"  Donna asks.  "What if he remembers that he was driving that night?"

 

"So far, he hasn't.  Hopefully, he won't,"  Conner says as the doorbell rings.  

 

"That's prob'ly Jay,"  Ray says, getting up from the table.  "I'll get it."  He leaves the room to answer the ringing doorbell.

 

"Conner, I am scared for you,"  Donna says.

 

"That makes two of us.  Because I'm scared for me, too."

 

Ray returns to the kitchen with  Jay Smithfield.  "Morning,"  Jay says.

 

"Morning, Jay."

 

"Conner, I was thinking you and I could ride to the courthouse together,"  says Jay.  "That way we can go over a few minor details.  Witnesses, and questions the prosecution might ask you when you testify."

 

"Okay.  I'm gonna go up and finish getting ready.  I'll be down in about five minutes."

 

"Take your time, we have about forty five minutes before we need to be at the courthouse, Jay says as Conner leaves the room.  

 

"Jay, give it to us straight,"  says Ray.  "What are the chances Conner could do some jail time for this?"

 

"Well, Ray, with John Ross pressuring the D.A.'s office to prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law, we have a real fight on our hands.  But I can promise you that I'm gonna go in there and give it everything I got to keep Conner out of jail.  One thing we have going in our favor is the fact that this will be a jury trial and not a bench trial.  It's been my experience that, with a judge, a defendant almost ALWAYS gets jail time.  But with a jury, at least we have 12 people to plead our case to, and we can hope that at least some of them will be sympathetic.  But then again, a jury can be very unpredictable."

 

Conner is standing in the dining room listening.  He lets out a deep sigh as he leans against the wall, Jay's words echoing through his mind.  Is he doing the right thing? He wonders silently to himself.  And how will this affect the rest of his life?  After a moment, Conner goes into the foyer and heads upstairs to finish getting ready for his day in court.

Stone-Barnes oil....

 Cliff walks into the offices of Stone-Barnes Oil, and almost immediately hears Brad yelling at someone on the phone.  "WHAT?"  Cliff hears Brad ask in a loud voice from his office.  "WELL WHY THE HELL DID THEY DO THAT?"

 

"Hey, what's going on?"  Cliff asks the secretary, Connie.

 

"Jim Brady, of the Texas Land Management office in Austin,"  Connie replies.

 

Cliff goes over to Brad's office, and listens outside of his slightly open door.  "Brady, that Bureau had absolutely no 

reason to deny that drilling permit.  What the hell is going on down there?  I thought the Bureau voted down those regulations requiring the oil companies to cut back production, and now you're telling me that our drilling permit was DENIED?  WHY was it denied?"  Brad listens to the man on the other end of the line for a moment.  Cliff walks into the office.  "Okay, well you and that whole damned Bureau can go STRAIGHT TO HELL!"  Brad says, then slams down the phone.

 

"Did I hear you right?"  Cliff asks.  "Our drilling permit was DENIED?  Any explanation as to why?"

 

"No.  Some BS about how they need to review our request,"  Brad says.  "Brady's rationale was that the Bureau can deny any permit they so chose."

 

"I smell a rat,"  says Cliff.  "The timing of this seems remarkably fishy.  It smells like a Ewing rat."

 

"You really think the Ewings are behind this?"  Brad asks.

 

"I do.  But I can't prove it.  Not yet, anyway.  I'm gonna do some checking, and if we're the only company who had our drilling permits denied......then that will give me all the proof I need that the Ewings were behind this."

 

"Well, we have a big problem,"  says Brad.  "If we can't drill, we can't pay off that loan I got from Tripp McKay."

 

"You let me handle Brad,"  Cliff says.  "He's always been on our side.  No way he'd throw us to the wolves now.  I'm sure I can get him to give us a grace period on making that first loan payment."

Braddock County Courthouse....

 "All rise,"  says a bailiff in the crowded courtroom in Braddock, where Conner's trial for reckless driving was getting under way.  The entire courtroom stands to their feet.  "Case of the People of Texas Vs. Conner James Ewing is now in session.  The Honorable Judge Linda Eilberg presiding."

 

Judge Eilberg, a woman of about 50, walks into the courtroom and takes her seat on the bench.  "Be seated," she says, followed by the noise of the audience retaking their seats.  "Case of the People vs. Conner James Ewings.  All parties are present.  Ms. Copeland, you're representing the People."

 

"Yes, I am, Your Honor,"  replies assistant District Attorney Gail Copeland.

 

"And Mr. Smithfield, you are representing the defendant?"

 

"Yes, Your Honor,"  Jay replies.  

 

"Ms. Copeland, are the People ready to present their case?"

 

"We are, Judge Eilberg,"  Copeland says, standing.  Conner watches nervously as the woman walks toward the jury box.  At the same moment, the door to the courtroom can be heard opening and closing.  Conner turns around and sees John Ross and Krystina walk into the courtroom and take their seats.  John Ross gives Conner an angry look.  Conner briefly returns his gaze, then turns back to the front of the courtroom and the young assistant D.A.  "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury,"  she begins.   "On the night of December 31, 2017, New Year's Eve, two 18-year-old Braddock High School students, Alexander Walton and Bridget McKinnon, were traveling down Braddock Road near the Southfork Ranch, when a car driven by the defendant crossed the center line....."  

 

 

 

 

Ewing Oil....

 Jill walks into Ewing Oil late in the morning and approaches Janice's desk.  "Good morning, Jill,"  Janice says.

 

"Morning.  Any calls or messages?"

 

"No."

 

"Thank you,"  Jill says, then proceeds to her office and goes in.  

 

Meanwhile, Lucas is working at his desk when Sally buzzes his office.  "Lucas, Jill just came in."

 

"Thanks, Sally,"  Lucas says.  He hesitates for a moment, then gets up from his desk and leaves his office. 

 

A few seconds later, Jill is getting settled at her own desk, turning on her computer in preparation for beginning her work day.  A knock sounds at her door.  "Come in," she says.

 

Lucas walks into the office.  "Hey, you got a minute to talk?"

 

"Sure, Lucas.  Come in."  Lucas closes the door behind him and walks over to Jill's desk.  "What can I do for you?"

 

"Jill, I don't quite know how to put this without.......well, I'm new here at Ewing Oil, and I don't want it to seem like I'm overstepping my bounds or anything."

 

"Lucas, what is it you're trying to say?"  Jill asks.

 

"Jill, on Friday, after everyone had left for lunch, I saw you going through some files.  One file in particular about Ewing Oil's current ventures.  I saw you take a contract from that file.  I had seen that very contract a few days earlier when I looked at those files to familiarize myself with what's goin' on around here."

 

"So?"

 

"So, I was just wondering why you took that contract out."

 

"Lucas, I do work here at Ewing Oil.  I'm an executive in this company.  It's not unusual that I would need to see some of the stuff concerning our current ventures."

 

"That was one of John Ross's deals."

 

"Yes, and?"

 

"Jill, it was just a strange feeling I got,"  Lucas says.   "The secretive way you were acting.  You looked as if you were making sure no one was around when you went through those files.  Look, you and I have been pretty friendly with each other since we found out we're cousins.  If something's wrong, I'd like to help."

 

"Well nothing is wrong, Lucas."

 

"You sure about that?"  Lucas asks.

 

"I SAID nothing is wrong, Lucas, and I'd really appreciate it if you would mind your own business."

 

"Jill, I'm only trying to help, I....."

 

"Well, I don't need any help,"  Jill snaps.  "And if I do, I'll ask for it.  But until then, please just mind your own business."

 

Lucas looks at her.  He nods, then turns and leaves the office without saying another word.  

 

After he's gone, Jill, unable to hold back her tears any longer, begins to cry as she thinks about the mess her life has become, and about the two men she loves.  Opening the top drawer of her desk she takes out two framed photos, one of Jay and one of Craig.  "Jay," she says softly.  "I'm so sorry.  "Craig, I'm sorry for you, too.  No matter how hard I've tried, I've never been able to get you out of my system.  But damn it, why couldn't you have come back into my life three years ago, before I married Jay?  If you had, none of this mess would be happening now.  Sometimes, I wish I'd never met you.  Wish I'd never given myself to you that first time.....

 

*****************************FLASHBACK, early December, 2004****************************

Jill and Craig are laying side by side in bed, silent, after making love for the very first time.  After a long silence, 

 Back at the courthouse in Braddock, Gail Copeland, the assistant D.A., is questioning David Brock, a deputy with the Braddock County Sheriff's Department, and the same deputy who had been at the scene of the accident on New Year's Eve.  

 

"Detective Brock, you were the first officer on the scene of the accident on Braddock Road on the night of December 31, is that correct?"

 

"Yes, ma'am, it is,"  the deputy replies.  

 

"Tell us what you found that night when you arrived at the scene."

 

"Well, there were two vehicles involved.  One was in a ditch, and it was obvious the car had overturned at least twice.  Inside the car was two teenagers, a boy and a girl.  Both looked anywhere from 16 to 18 years of age, and both were unconscious. Just down the road, also in the ditch, was a second vehicle, with only minor damage from what I could tell."

 

"Was the second car on the same side of the road as the first?"  Gail Copeland asks.

 

"Yes, it was."

 

"Were there skid marks?" 

 

"Yes, there were skid marks that I concluded belonged to the first car that I examined."

 

"The one containing 18-year-old Alex Walton and his girlfriend, Bridget McKinnon?"

 

"Yes."

 

"And what about the driver of the second vehicle, Deptuty Brock?" 

 

"Was another young man, early 20s.  He didn't appear to be hurt, just real shaken up.  Like he was dazed."

 

"Do you see that young man in the coutroom?"

 

"Yes, I do,"  Brock replies.

 

"Point him out for the court, please,"  Copeland says.

 

"Right over there,"  Brock says, pointing toward Conner.

 

"Let the record show that Deptuty Brock has identified the defendant as the driver of the second vehicle.  Deputy, did the defendant identify himself?"

 

"Yes, he showed me his driver's license, and his name was Conner Ewing."

 

"Did you give Mr. Ewing a sobriety test at the scene?"  Copeland asks.

 

"I did.  I gave Mr. Ewing a breathalyzer test, and it showed no signs of alcohol consumption.  I later questioned Mr. Ewing again, and I believe that no alcohol or drugs were involved in this accident."

 

"What, in your opinion, WAS the cause of this accident, Deputy Brock?"

 

"Objection,"  Jay says.  "This calls for a conclusion on the part of the witness."

 

"Objection overruled,"  the Judge says.  "I'll allow the question."

 

"In my opinion, and, given what Mr. Ewing told me at the scene of the accident, and all the evidence, I believe this was a simple case of an accident caused by distracted drivin'.  Mr. Ewing told me he had dropped his cell phone to the floor, and reached down to pick it up.  When he did, he didn't realize it, but his car had veered into the other lane."

 

"Thank you,"  Copeland says.  "No further questions."

 

"You wish to cross examine, Mr. Smithfield?"

 

"Yes, Your Honor, I do,"  Jay says, standing to his feet.   He approaches the witness.  "Deputy Brock, how long have you served on the Braddock County Sheriff's Department?"

 

"I joined the department in the spring of 1996, so, 22 years."

 

"And in those 22 years, how many cases of accidents caused by distracted driving have you seen?"  Jay asks.

 

"Quite a few, especially with young folks but also with older ones.  People pick up that phone to send or read a text, thinkin' they'll be alright if they just take their eyes off the road for a split second."

 

"Have you ever used your cell phone, or texted while driving, or dropped your phone and reached down to pick it up?"

 

"Objection,"  Gail Copeland says.  "Deputy Brock is not on trial here."

 

"Your Honor, I'm merely trying to establish that, most of us, at one time or another, has taken our eyes off the road for a brief moment because of a cell phone."

 

"Overruled.  I'll allow the question."

 

"Deputy?"  Jay says.

 

"Yes, I have.  Quite a few times.  It's a very common thing for most people to do.  Drop your phone, and your first reaction is to pick it up if it's close and where you can get it."

 

"Thank you,  No further questions."

 

"You may step down,"  the Judge says.

 

Jay returns to his seat beside Conner and  the defendant's table.

Barbara Davis Hagman Center, Fort Worth....

 "Mrs. Ewing, hello,"  says Josh, Dylan's counselor at the Hagman Center early that afternoon as he greets Sue Ellen in the lobby.

 

"Hello, Josh, how are you?"

 

"I'm just fine, thanks.  What brings you out here on a Monday afternoon?"

 

"I actually came to check on Dylan Baxter,"  Sue Ellen replies.  "I know that his brother Conner's trial started today in Braddock, and, I wanted to see for myself how Dylan is handling it."

 

"Actually, Mrs. Ewing, Dylan doesn't know anything about that,"  Josh says.

 

"I don't understand."

 

"Mr. and Mrs. Krebbs explained the situation to me.  You see, when that accident happened on New Year's Eve, Dylan was drinking very heavily, and he actually disappeared for a couple of days.  When he was found, he's been beaten and robbed.  He has no memory of anything that happened during that time, and his family decided it best not to tell him about his brother's reckless driving charge, or the trial. I've made sure that Dylan has no access to a newspaper or radio, and that none of the TVs around here are ever tuned to the news."

"Is that really wise, Josh?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "Dylan is bound to find out the truth sooner or later.  Something like this can't be hidden from him forever."

 

"I agree,"  says Josh.  "But, Dylan's brother has made it very clear that he doesn't want Dylan to know what's going on.  He wants him to be able to fully concentrate on getting clean and sober in here, without any outside distractions, which I also understand."

 

"Alright.  I won't say a word to Dylan,"  Sue Ellen says as Dylan walks into the lobby and approaches them.

 

"Hi," he says.

 

"Hello, Dylan, how are you?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"I'm okay.  I'm surprised to see you here.  Is something wrong?"

 

"No, not at all.  I just came to see how you were doing.  I thought maybe we could visit for a little while."

 

"Yeah, I guess, so."

 

"It's a lovely day,"  says Sue Ellen.  "Why don't we take a walk?"

 

"Sure."  

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  She and Josh exchange looks as she walks away with Dylan.

Catlin Oil....

 Eric Love walks into Catlin Oil that afternoon and runs into Catlin as he is coming out of  his office.  "Well, Eric, hello," Catlin says.

 

"Hi,"  Eric says.

 

"How are you?  You all settled in your new office downstairs?"

 

"I'm fine, Mr. Ewing, and yes, I am.  All settled in."

 

"That's good.  But, Eric, don't you think it's about time you called me Catlin?"

 

Eric smiles.  "Of course......Catlin."

 

C.J. comes out of his office.  "Well, hey, you're right on time,"  he says to Eric.

 

"On time?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Yeah, Dad,"  C.J. replies.  "Eric and I are going to lunch.  Would you like to join us?"  

 

"No, thanks, guys, I'd love to, but I actually have a lunch meeting with Bobby and a couple members of the Cartel to discuss some joint ventures we hope to get in on.  But you guys go on and have fun."'

 

C.J. smiles.  "Thanks, Dad.  I'll be back in a little while."

 

"Take your time.  Eric, always good to see you,"  Catlin says as the two young men leave.  Catlin walks over to his secretary's desk and hands her a file folder.  "Carol, would you make copies of these contracts, and file them for me?"

 

"Yes, sir, Mr. Ewing."  the young woman says.  As Catlin is about to head back into his office, the phone rings.  Carol quickly picks it up.  "Good afternoon, Catlin Oil," she says.  "Just one moment, I'll see if he's in.  Whom may I say is calling?  Okay, just a minute.  Mr. Ewing, it's a man for you on line one."

 

"A man?  Who?"  Catlin asks.

 

"I don't know, he wouldn't give his name.  Just said he has some important business to discuss with you."

 

"Alright, I'll take it in my office."  Catlin goes into his office, closes the door, and walks to his desk, where he picks up his phone.  "Hello, this is Catlin Ewing."  

Meanwhile....a room somewhere....

"Catlin......Peter Love here.

Catlin Oil....

Catlin is stunned to hear the voice of the man who had caused he and his family so much pain.  "Love, what the hell are you doing calling me?  HOW are you calling me?  You're supposed to be in prison!"

A room somewhere....

"Catlin, just calm down.  You have nothing to worry about.  I AM still in prison.  I haven't escaped.  Being a man of wealth, even in prison, can sometimes get you certain......perks."

 

"You can rot there.  I have nothing to say to you."

 

"Just wait,"  Peter says.  "Have you spoken to Donna yet?"

Catlin Oil....

"Spoken to Donna about what?"  Catlin angrily asks.

 

"About Eric."

 

"Why in Heaven's name would I talk to your sister about your son?"

A room somewhere....

"I see that Donna HASN'T spoken to you,"  says Peter.

 

"Love, I don't have time for this."

 

"Catlin, wait.  Don't hang up.  I need to see you."

Catlin Oil....

"You WHAT?"  Catlin asks.  "You're out of your mind."

 

"Catlin, what harm can it do?  I'll be spending the rest of my life in this place.  You'll never have to see or hear from me again.  But I have something to tell you.  Something you need to know.  Something that can change the rest of your life."

 

"Nothing, and I mean NOTHING you have to say can be of the slightest importance to me."

 

"Catlin, what I have to say is about Eric, and C.J.  Believe me, you'll want to hear this."

 

"Peter, I won't give you one more minute.  Not one more SECOND of my time.  You go straight to hell, and don't ever try to contact me again!"  Catlin slams the phone down in anger.  But he has to admit that he is curious about Peter's call.  What could Love have wanted to see him about?

Barbara Davis Hagman Center....

"I can't even think that far ahead right now,"  says Dylan.  "I can't even think past today."

 

 

Sue Ellen nods.  "I understand.  Don't think past today.  Take one day at a time, Dylan.  Because that's the only way you're going to get better.  Even now, I still take only one day at a time, because if I didn't, I wouldn't be able to make it."

 

Dylan nods.  "That makes sense.  Thank you, Sue Ellen.  It really means a lot that you're in my corner."

 

Sue Ellen smiles at the young man.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ewing Oil....late afternoon....

 Jill walks out of her office at Ewing Oil late that afternoon and goes over to Janice's desk.  "Janice, I'm leaving," she says.  

 

"Okay,"  Janice says.  "Not much going on here, anyway.  Jill, are you alright?"

 

"I'm fine.  Just, have a lot on my mind.  I'll see you tomorrow, Janice.  You too, Sally,"  Jill says as she passes by Sally's desk. 

 

 

Sally picks up her phone, buzzing Lucas's office.   "Lucas, Jill just left the office.  Said she was gone for the day."

 

"Thank you, Sally,"  Lucas says, sitting at his desk.   He quickly gets up from his seat, grabs his jacket, and rushes out of the office.  A few seconds later, he catches up to Jill just as she gets on the elevator.  "Jill, hold up!"  He says, rushing to get onto the elevator with her.  "Mind if I ride down with you?"

 

"Of course not,"  Jill replies, pressing the button for the ground floor.  

 

"You leaving for the day?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Yeah.  I know it's a little early, but I was all caught up on my work."

 

"Well, how about you and I having a drink downstairs?"  

 

"Thanks, Lucas, but I'll have to take a raincheck."

 

"Come on, Jill.  I'd like to buy my beautiful cousin a drink and make up for earlier."

 

"Lucas, that really isn't necessary,"  Jill says.  "Besides, I have something to do."

 

"Okay, well, another time, then?"

 

"Sure."

 The elevator doors open into the lobby on the building's first floor.  Lucas and Jill step off.  "You sure you won't change your mind about that drink?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Thank you, but, another time."

 

"Well, least I can do is walk you to your car, since I'm leaving, too."

 

"Okay, sure,"  Jill says, she and Lucas exiting the building together.  A couple of minutes later, they arrive at Jill's car in the parking lot next to the building.  "Well, thank you, Lucas.  I'll see you tomorrow."

 

"You too, Jill,"  Lucas says.  He turns and walks to his own car a few parking spaces away, then looks back as Jill pulls out of her parking space.  Lucas gets into his car, and wonders why Jill had been acting so strangely.  His curiosity aroused, he decides to follow her.

A Cemetery in Dallas....a short time later....

  Jill's car comes to a stop in a cemetery in Dallas almost 15 minutes later.  She picks up a beautiful pot of flowers from the passenger floor of the car, then gets out.  She walks over to a small, beautiful marble headstone, and places the flowers.  She stands and looks down at the headstone for several seconds.  "Hi, baby," she finally says. 

"Happy birthday.  I brought you some flowers.  I've been thinking about you a lot lately.  Your daddy and I have been seeing each other.  I know that's not right, but, it just sort of.......happened."  Jill pauses as tears begin flowing down her face.  "I would give anything, ANYTHING, if I could hold you.  If I could have you back.  Sometimes, I wish that I had agreed to start a family with Jay when we were first married, like he wanted to.  Maybe if we had, things between us would be different now.  But I just couldn't.  I was so afraid that, what had happened to you, would happen again, and I couldn't go through that pain again.  It hurts every day, and I wish, I wish, I WISH I could tell your daddy about you.  Maybe one day, I can.  Maybe when everything isn't so complicated.  I don't know what's going to happen.  The only thing I do know is that I love you.  I love you so much, Wesley, and I always will."  Jill leans down, kisses her hand, and gently places her hand on the baby's headstone.  Standing again, she wipes her tears, and as she turns to leave, she is startled to see Lucas standing behind her.  "Lucas, what.......did you FOLLOW me here?" 

 

"I'm sorry,"  Lucas says.  "I was worried about you.  I knew somethin' wasn't right."  He walks over to Jill and looks down at the headstone.  "Wesley Anderson Cryder?  Jill, who's baby......"

 

"He's mine, Lucas.  My son."

 

A look of surprise comes over Lucas's face.  "Your son?  Jill, you never said anything about having a baby."

 

"As you can see, he died before he was a month old."

 

"What happened?"  Lucas asks.

 

"He was 3 weeks premature.  He was born with a heart murmur.  His little heart failed,"  Jill says in tears.  "Today would've been his birthday.  My little boy would've been 12-years-old today."

 

Lucas puts his arms around his cousin and embraces her.  "Why didn't you ever tell me?"

 

"I didn't tell anyone.  Losing Wesley was a very private pain that I shared only with my mother."

 

"John Ross and Justin don't know?"  

 

"No.  Like I said, no one does."

 

Lucas looks at her.  "Jill, not even Jay?  You never told your own husband that you had a baby that died?"

 

"No.  I wanted to.  But every time I tried, I just couldn't get it out.  Especially when Jay started talking about us having a baby of our own.  I couldn't, Lucas.  I couldn't bring myself to get pregnant because I was SO afraid of going through this hell again."

 

"You must have been really young when you had him,"  Lucas says.  

 

"I was 17 when I got pregnant."

 

"What about the father?"

 

"He, uh.........he was 18.  We were high school sweethearts.  We dated for two years, but then he had his own dreams, and he broke up with me before I could tell him I was pregnant,"  Jill says, as she and Justin begin walking.  "He still doesn't know, and it's been so hard not telling him."

 

"You still keep in contact with him?"

 

Jill looks at him.  "Yes.  He came back into my life almost a year ago."

 

Lucas stops and turns to her, taking her by the arm.  "Jill, are you saying that you've been having an affair with this man?"

 

Jill begins crying.  "I never meant for this to happen.  I never wanted to hurt Jay.  Craig Anderson was my first love, and I still love him.  I don't expect you to understand."

 

"I do,"  Lucas says.  "That's exactly how it was with me and Heather.  First loves are very powerful.  It's something you never get over."

 

"Lucas, I feel like I can trust you.  Of all the Ewings, you and Justin are the ones I feel I can trust the most."

 

"Thank you."

 

"You know that file you saw me with the other day?"  Jill asks.  "The contract you saw me take out?"

 

"Yes."

 

"I almost did something that I wouldn't have been able to live with.  Tripp McKay found out about Craig and I.  And he is using that to blackmail me.  He wants me to give him Ewing Oil secrets, particularly about John Ross and any deals he might be involved with, in exchange for not telling my husband about Craig.  I took that contract, but, I couldn't do it.  I created a fake, and changed the information in the contract, and the names of the other companies John Ross was dealing with, and gave that fake to McKay.  And as soon as he finds out what I did, he'll blow me out of the water.  My marriage will be over."

 

 

"McKay, that son of a bitch!"  Lucas angrily says.  "He expected you to choose between your husband and your family?"  Lucas feels his anger rising up.  "Somebody needs to teach that jerk a lesson," he says as he starts to walk away.

 

"Lucas, where are you going?"  Jill asks, grabbing him by the arm.

 

"I'm gonna beat the HELL out of Trip McKay."

 

"No.  If you confront him, he'll know I told you about the blackmail.  And he would love nothing better than to tell Jay everything.  And that's something that I have to do."

 

"Okay.  You're right,"  Lucas says.  "But Jill, after you tell Jay the truth, and McKay has no more hold over you.......I'm gonna take real pleasure in taking Tripp McKay's head off."

 

 

 

Southfork......night....

Lucas walks into the den at Southfork that evening and heads straight to the bar, where he pours himself a drink just as Heather walks in.  "Well, you're home,"  she says.

 

"Hi, honey.  You care for a drink?"

 

"That's all you have to say, Lucas?" Heather asks.  "Do I care for a drink?  You missed dinner, Lucas.  I've been worried sick, and I've been calling you, but you didn't answer your phone."

 

"Honey, I'm sorry.  I had a lot of stuff on my mind, so, I drove around for a while."

 

"Lucas, ya could've called.  Michael was real disappointed that he didn't get to see you before he went to bed."

 

"Oh?  Did he need to talk to me about somethin'?"

 

"Yes, Lucas, your son wanted to talk to you,"  Heather says.  "He was real excited to let you know that on Saturday, his new video is gonna be filmed that mornin', and he's recordin' the last three songs on his CD afterward.  He also wanted to let you know about his honors day on the last day of school this Friday.  He wants us both to be there."

 

"I'm sorry,"  says Lucas.  "Okay, I'll be there."

 

"Sure you won't be too busy at Ewing Oil to see your son get an academic award for this school year?"

 

Lucas looks at his wife.  "What's that supposed to mean?"

 

"It means that ever since you started working at Ewing Oil, Michael and I see very little of you.  Dinner, breakfast, and that's it.  Breakfast SOME days, I should say, because other days, like this mornin', you leave before breakfast."

 

"Heather, I'm really not in the mood to argue tonight,"  Lucas says.  

 

"You haven't been in the mood for a lot of things lately, Lucas.  Y'know, I liked you a hell of a lot better when you were a rancher instead of an oil company executive,"  Heather says, then she turns and storms out of the room.

 

Left alone in the den, Lucas sighs deeply in frustration.  He finishes off his drink, then goes to the bar and pours himself a second.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jay and Jill's apartment....

 Jill walks into her and Jay's bedroom from the adjoining bathroom that night, dressed in her nightgown, as Jay is sitting up in bed, reviewing testimony from Conner's trial that day.  Jill looks at her husband for a few seconds.  Jay finally realizes she is watching him, and looks up at her.  "Everything alright, Jill?"  He asks.

 

"Yeah, everything's......everything's fine.  Why?"

 

"Well, you're standing there looking at me strangely.  And you look like something's bothering you."

 

"Actually, everything isn't fine, and something is bothering me,"  Jill says.  "Jay, we need to talk."

 

"Honey, can't it wait?  I still have all this testimony to go over before Conner's trial resumes tomorrow."

 

"No, Jay, it CAN'T wait.  I've been trying to talk to you all evening, but you've had your head buried in those papers. And by the time you finish, I'll probably be asleep, so we have to do this NOW."

 

Jay sighs and puts down his papers.  "Okay, you wanna talk?  Let's talk.  What's on your mind?"

 

"I don't even know where to begin."

 

"Why don't you just tell me what's wrong?"  Jay asks.

 

Jill pauses a moment, then begins.  "Jay, these last few months.......no, even longer than that.  For almost a year now, you've been working so hard at Smithfield and Bennett.  You leave early, you don't come home until late.  And when you do come home, you're still working or too tired to talk, much less anything else."

 

"Jill, honey, we've been over this before.  I'm sorry.  You know my case load is really heavy right now, with my father away, leaving me as head of the firm."

 

"I know," Jill says.  "You've been saying for months that things would ease up, but they haven't.  Jay, we haven't made love in......how long?  A couple of months?  And before that it was another couple of months.  Do you know how lonely and frustrated I've been?"

 

 

 "Sue Ellen, have you seen my blue striped tie?"  Catlin asks as he and Sue Ellen are getting dressed for work the next morning.  

 

"It should be in the closet,"  Sue Ellen replies.

 

"Oh, yeah,"  Catlin says, looking again and finally locating the tie he wants.  

 

Sue Ellen comes in from the bathroom.  "You never told me how your meeting with Bobby and the Cartel went yesterday."

 

"It went fine.  How was your visit with Dylan?"

 

"Dylan has made so much progress,"  Sue Ellen replies.  "He's a totally different young man than he was the first time I visited him at the Center."

 

"That's good,"  Catlin says.

 

Sue Ellen looks at him.  "Catlin, what's wrong?  I could sense ever since last evening that something is bothering you."

 

Catlin sighs deeply.  "You're right.  There is something,"  he says, taking a seat on the bed.  

 

"What is it?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"I got a phone call at the office yesterday.  It was from Peter Love."

 

"What?  Peter Love?  My God, what was he doing calling you?  And HOW was he calling you from prison?"

 

"Apparently, even in prison, when you have money, you can have advantages that other inmates don't get,"  Catlin says.

 

"What did he want?"

 

"He wants me to come and see him."

 

"He WHAT?"  Sue Ellen asks.   "Is he out of his mind?  I hope you told him to go straight to hell and that you immediately called the warden and reported this call to him."

 

"Well, I did tell Peter where he could go, but, I didn't report the call to the warden."

 

"Catlin, you're........you're not actually considering going to see that murderer, are you?"

 

"Peter said that he had something very important to tell me.  Something about C.J. and Eric.  Something Donna knows.  He asked me if Donna had talked to me about this yet, and she hasn't.  It got me curious."

 

"Catlin, you can't,"  Sue Ellen says.  "This is crazy.  It has to be a trick.  Peter Love is dangerous."

 

"I agree, but the man IS in prison, Sue Ellen.  He can't do us any more harm."

 

"Oh yes, he can.  A man like that is capable of anything.  Catlin, please, promise me you won't go to see him."

 

"Sue Ellen, I can't promise you that,"  Catlin says.  "Look, I will go and see Donna Love today.  If she knows what this is about, then I'll get her to tell me.  But if she won't, then I have no choice.  I have to go and see Peter.  I have to find out what this is about, and how it involves my son."

 "I do understand that,"  says Sue Ellen.  "If you have to see Peter Love, then please, be careful."

 

Catlin stands and walks over to her.  "Don't worry, I will.  This is probably just some twisted, sick trick of Peter's.  But I have to find out, for my own peace of mind.  And I'll be careful."

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  Catlin kisses her, then continues to get dressed for work.  A look of concern comes over Sue Ellen's face.  What could Peter Love possibly have to see Catlin about?  She wonders.

Jay and Jill's apartment....

 Jill answers her ringing doorbell and finds Lucas there.  "Come in," she says.  

 

Lucas walks into the apartment.  "Jill, is everything okay?"

 

"No.  Everything is about as far from okay as it can possibly get."

 

"Is Jay here?"

 

"No, he isn't,"  Jill replies.  

 

"Well, how'd it go last night?  Did you tell him?"

 

"Oh yeah, I told him.  And he walked out on me."

 

"He did what?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Jay left last night.  He went to a hotel.  He reacted just as I was afraid he would."

 

"At least this news came from you and not Tripp McKay."

 

"It doesn't matter,"  Jill says.  "The result was the same.  My marriage is over."

 

"Jill, your marriage isn't over.  Not yet.  Jay loves you.  Once he's had a chance to calm down, he'll realize that, and he'll come back."

 

"I wish I could believe that, Lucas.  I guess one good thing did come out of me telling Jay the truth myself.  Tripp McKay has no hold over me anymore. But in the process of breaking that hold, I lost my husband, and, I lost Ewing Oil."

 

"Ewing Oil?  Jill, what are you talking about?"  Lucas asks.

 

"After this, there's no way I can continue to work at Ewing Oil.  I have to resign.  Today,"  Jill says sadly.

Braddock County Courthouse....

 Ray, Donna, and Conner are standing outside the courtroom at the Braddock County Courthouse that morning when Sue Ellen gets off the elevator and walks over to them.  "Morning Ray, Donna, Conner."

 

"Well, hello, Sue Ellen,"  Ray says, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek.  

 

"Sue Ellen, I'm surprised to see you here,"  says Donna.

 

"Well, I wanted to be here."

 

"Alex is testifying this morning, itn't he?"  Ray asks.

 

"Yes, he is,"  Sue Ellen replies.  "By the way, I went to visit Dylan yesterday."

 

"You did?"  Donna asks.

 

"Why would you visit Dylan?"  Conner asks.

 

"Well, I sometimes volunteer at the Hagman Center.  I was there a while back, and I saw Dylan.  So, I decided to go back and visit and see how he's doing," Sue Ellen replies as John Ross walks up behind his mother.  "He seems to be making wonderful progress."

 

"We think he is,"  Ray says.  "The Hagman Center has really been good for him."

 

"When Dylan comes home, I'll help him in any way I can."

 

"Thank you, Sue Ellen,"  Donna says, seeing John Ross standing behind Sue Ellen.  "Uh, we'd better get in the courtroom and take our seats."

 

"Yeah, I thought Jay'd be here by now,"  Ray says, looking at his watch.

 

"He will.  Come on,"  Donna says.  "Sue Ellen, we'll talk to you later."

 

"Alright, Donna,"  Sue Ellen says as Ray, Donna, and Conner go into the courtroom.

 

"I hear you right?"  John Ross asks, startling his mother, who had no idea he was standing behind her.  Sue Ellen turns around to face her son as he moves closer to her.  "You went out to that rehab place to visit Dylan Baxter?  The kid who tried to kill me?"

 

"John Ross......"

 

"And now you're plannin' on helpin' that little bastard when he gets outta that place?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yes, John Ross.  I do.  Dylan is a young man with a lot of problems, and he needs help."

 

"That punk ran me down in his CAR!" John Ross says angrily.  "He tried to kill me, and left me blind for WEEKS!"

 

"Don't you think I know that?"

 

"You've obviously forgotten."

 

"No, I have not forgotten.  But Dylan was sick then, John Ross.  He was having a mental breakdown."

 

"He was out for revenge because I blackmailed his brother!"

 

"And maybe none of that would've happened if you hadn't almost destroyed Todd Baxter's life by blacmailing him."

 

"Are you.....are you SERIOUS right now?"  John Ross asks.  "You're blamin' ME for what Dylan Baxter did to me?"

 

"Of course not.  But John Ross, all of our actions do have consequences, and Dylan has suffered terribly for what he did."

 

"Just like I'm gonna make sure his brother suffers for what he did to MY son.  At least I care enough about my son to make sure the man who almost killed him pays for what he did, which is a hell of a lot more'n I can say for you!"  John Ross says as Jay steps off the elevator.  He exchanges looks with John Ross and Sue Ellen, then proceeds into the courtroom without saying a word to them.  John Ross turns his angry gaze back to his mother, then walks past her and into the courtroom, leaving Sue Ellen hurt by his words.

Westar Oil....

 

 

 

Jill walks into the offices at Westar and approaches the secretary's desk.  "I need to see Tripp McKay," she says.

 

"Mrs. Smithfield, hello.  Do you have an appointment?"

 

"No, I don't.  But I need to see him.  It's important."

 

"I'll see if Mr. McKay can see you,"  the secretary says.  She buzzes Tripp's office.

 

"Yes, Sheila,"  he says.

 

"Mr. McKay, Jillian Smithfield is here to see you."

 

Sitting at his desk, Tripp is surprised to hear of Jill's visit.  "Send Mrs. Smithfield in." Tripp stands to his feet and walks over to his bar.  He is pouring himself a drink when Jill walks in and slams the door behind her.  "I'm surprised to see you here.  You think it wise, you being seen here at Westar?"

 

"It's over, Tripp,"  Jill says.

 

"What's over?  Care for a drink?"

 

 

"Your blackmail.  It's ALL over.  I told Jay everything.  And I'm resigning from Ewing Oil today.  So you have no more hold over me."

 

Tripp turns to face her.  "You told your husband about your little affair with your old high school boyfriend?"

 

"I most certainly did,"  Jill replies.  "You have nothing on me, Tripp.  Nothing to blackmail me with anymore."

 "Well, that was awfully brave of you,"  Tripp says.  "I admire that.  I guess you really are J.R. Ewing's daughter.  So how's your marriage holding up in the face of your adultery?"

 

"You go to hell."

 

 Tripp smiles.  "Y'know, Jill, I always did think you were at your most attractive when your were angry.  Brings out your sexiest qualities," he says, gently touching her hair.  "You and I were good together, Jill.  REAL good.  Remember how great the sex was?  It could be that way again."

 

"Maybe it could,"  Jill says.

 

Still smiling, Tripp moves closer to Jill, placing his hand on the back of her head.  He pulls her into a passionate kiss.  Without warning, Jill suddenly thrusts her knee into Tripp's crotch, causing him to moan out and double over in pain.  He falls to his knees.

 

"That, Tripp, is the last physical contact you and I will EVER have,"  Jill says, looking down at him.  "And if you EVER come near me again.......I'll kill you."  After issuing her threat, Jill storms out of the office, leaving Tripp on the floor in terrible pain.

Barbara Davis Hagman Center....

 

 

Meanwhile, Dylan is in group therapy with several other young addicts at the Hagman Center.  "The nightmares, they're becoming much more frequent,"  Dylan tells Josh, his counselor, and the rest of the group, consisting of 6 others.  "When I wake up, I can't really remember them.  I just remember bits and pieces, almost like flashes of memory."

 

"Memories of what?"  Asks Nick, one of the young men in the group.

 

"I really don't know.  I've wracked my brain trying to remember, trying to piece it together, but nothing happens."

 

"Dylan, remember what you and I talked about in our one-on-one sessions?"  Josh asks.  "Don't try to push yourself too hard to remember.  When the time is right, it'll come, if it's meant to."

 

"He's probably having flashbacks of the day his Mommy cut off his credit card,"  says Ethan, the angry and bitter new boy in the group.

 "In Braddock today, the reckless driving trial of Conner James Ewing entered its second day at the Braddock County Courthouse in Braddock.  The 24-year-old Ewing is charged with an accident in Braddock County on New Year's Eve which left two teenagers, Alexander Walton of Braddock and Bridget McKinnon of Dallas, seriously injured.  According to reports, the accident was caused when Ewing allegedly dropped a cell phone to the floor of his car, and reached down to retrieve it, briefly taking his eyes off the road.  Ewing is a relative of the Ewing family of Southfork Ranch and Ewing Oil.  We'll have a full report of the day's events at 5.  In other news....."

 

Dylan grabs the remote from the boy's hand and again mutes the volume on the TV.  "Oh my God," he says.

 

"Dylan, what is it?  What's wrong?"  Nick asks.

 

"That was my brother.  Conner,"  Dylan replies, shocked from the news report he had just seen.  

 

"Your brother?  On trial?"

 

"Yes.  Why didn't Conner tell me about this? Or why didn't Ray or Donna?"

 

 

 

Braddock County Courthouse....

 

"Umm, yes, Bridget.......my girlfriend, Bridget McKinnon, and I had attended the Oil Baron's Ball in Dallas that night with my family,"  Alex says.  "We were on our way back to Southfork when the accident happened."

 

"Describe what happened."

 

"Well, like I said, Bridget and I were on our way to Southfork, and, all of a sudden, I looked up and I saw a pair of headlights coming toward us."

 

"And what did you do?"  Copeland asks.

 

"I swerved to avoid a head-on collision,"  Alex says.  "It all happened so fast.  When I swerved, I lost control of the car.  Next thing I knew, we had flipped.  I guess I hit my head and was knocked unconscious, because that's all I remember."

 

"Mr. Walton......do you mind if I call you Alex?"  Gail Copeland asks.

 

"No, of course not."

 

"Good,"  Gail says with a smile.  "Alex, you were quite seriously injured in that accident, weren't you?"

 

"Yes, ma'am, I was."

 

"What was the nature of your injuries?"  

 

 "I had a severe head injury,"  Alex replies.  "I had, what do you call it?  Traumatic brain injury?  I had to undergo surgery the night of the accident to stop the bleeding on my brain," he explains as Conner, John Ross, Sue Ellen,

 Catlin walks up to the front door of the Love home on the outskirts of Dallas that afternoon and rings the doorbell.  He waits for a moment, and when no one answers, he rings a second time.  After several more seconds, Donna Love opens the door and is surprised to see him.  "Catlin,"  she says.  

 

"Hello, Donna."

 

"What on Earth are you doing here?"

 

"I need to talk to you.  Can I come in?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Of course,"  Donna says, stepping aside.  Catlin walks into the house and looks around as Donna closes the door.  "What can I do for you?"

 

"I got a very strange phone call the other day, from Peter."

 

"Peter phoned you from prison?"  Donna asks.

 

"Yes, he did."

 

"Well, that's rather peculiar.  What did he want?"

 

"He wants me to come and visit him,"  Catlin says.  

 

"Well, what in the world for?"  Donna asks.

 

"I dunno.  I was hoping you could tell me and save me a trip to the prison."

 

"Catlin, I'm sure that I don't have the foggiest idea what you're talking about."

 

Catlin looks at her and smiles.  "Really?  Well, now that's very interesting, because Peter said that you DID know something.  He asked me if you had spoken to me yet, and when I told him I had not talked to you, that's when he asked me to come to the prison to see him.  He said he had something very important to talk to me about, and that it concerns C.J., and Eric.  You know what that's about, Donna?"

 

"Catlin, I..........yes.  I do."

 

Catlin looks at her in shock.  "What?  You mean you aren't even going to deny it anymore, or try and lie to me?"

 

"What's the point?  You'll just go to the prison and Peter will tell you himself."

 

"Tell me WHAT, Donna?  Come in, if you know what Peter wanted to tell me, then just say it."

 

Donna sighs as she walks across the room to her fireplace and pauses.  After a few seconds, she turns back to face him.  "Catlin, on the day Peter was sentenced, just before he was taken off to prison, he asked to see me at the courthouse.  And he told me something that, well, I wasn't sure I even believed it."

 

"What'd he tell you?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Peter told me that, he isn't Eric's father.  YOU are, Catlin."

 

"What?"  Catlin asks in shock.  "Peter told you that I'M Eric's father?"

 

"That's right.  I later spoke to him about this again, the first time I visited him at the prison.  His claim is that Brittany was already pregnant with Eric when the two of them resumed their affair in San Francisco.  Peter didn't know this until years later.  He raised that boy thinking that Eric was his son.  When Eric was younger, he had an accident and needed a blood transfusion.  Peter's blood wasn't a match."

 

"And because of THAT, he assumed he isn't Eric's father?"  Catlin asks.  "It's not unusual at all for the father's blood to not match the child's."

 

"I know that,"  Donna says.  "Peter told me that he had a DNA test done, and the test proved that Eric was NOT his son.  The night that Brittany was killed......."

 

"You mean the night that son of a bitch MURDERED her,"  Catlin angrily says.

 

"Yes, well, THAT night, Peter and Brittany argued.  She didn't want to raise another child, so, she left Eric with Peter and let him believe that he was the child's father so she wouldn't have to be bothered with him.  That was the kind of woman your wife was, Catlin.  She deprived you of your OWN son because she didn't want him."

 

"NO!"  Catlin says.  "I don't believe that.  You even said that you weren't sure whether to believe it."

 

"Peter would have no reason to lie, Catlin,"  Donna says.  "He would have nothing to gain, but he would have his son to lose.  You can go to the prison and ask him, if you don't believe what I've told you.  Or, better yet, do what Peter did years ago.  Have a DNA test done, and find out if your DNA matches Eric's.  That would give you a definitive answer."

 

Deeply stunned by this revelation, Catlin look at Donna with an angry expression for a moment, then he turns and walks out of the house without saying another word to her.  Outside, Catlin walks to his car, almost as if in a daze, and gets in.  He sits there for almost a minute, still dazed from the news.  "Dear God, can this be true?"  He asks.  "Brittany, could..........my God, could you have been so cruel as to lie about Eric's paternity, and keep my son from me all these years?"  Catlin lets out a deep sigh.  "What the hell am I saying?  Of course you could.  With all the other secrets I've learned about you since you died, nothing you ever did should surprise me anymore.  All I know is, I have to find out.  One way or another."  Catlin starts his car's engine, and quickly drives away.

Ewing Oil.....

 

 

 

 

John Ross is on the phone with Krystina as he steps off the elevator and walks into the offices at Ewing Oil.  "Yeah, I still just can't believe Alex spoke up for Conner Ewing that way after everything he went through because of Conner," he says.  "Damn right, I'm upset about it.  The guy almost killed my son, there's no way I'm gonna let him just walk outta this scot-free.  I know.  Yeah, court's recessed for lunch now, so I needed to come in to the office to check on a few things, then I'm headin' back to the courthouse in Braddock.  I shouldn't be too late gettin' home.  Alright.  I love you, too, Krystina.  See ya when I get home.  Bye, darlin'."  John Ross puts his phone in his pocket as he is met by a young man, a Ewing Oil employee.

 

"Afternoon, Mr. Ewing," the young man greets with a smile.

 

"Hello, uhh.....uhhh....."

 

 

"It's Clay.  Clay Jamison."

 

"Oh, how ya doin'?"  John Ross asks.  "You're new around here, aren't you?"  

 

"Yes, sir, I am.  I just started at Ewing Oil about a week and a half ago."

 

"Like it here?"

 

"Oh. I love it.  Best job I've ever had."

 

"Good, glad to hear it,"  John Ross says. 

 

"Thank you, Mr. Ewing, and if I can ever be of any service, all you have to do is let me know,"  Clay says.  

"I appreciate that.  Nice to see ya,"  John Ross says, then walks away.  As he makes his way toward his office, he passes by Jill's open door and sees her packing her stuff into a box.  He pauses, then walks over to the door and knocks.  "Jill," he says.

 

"Hello, John Ross,"  Jill says, continuing to clear out her desk.

 

"Jill, what the hell are you doin'?"

 

"What does it look like?  I'm clearing out my office.  I'm resigning from Ewing Oil, effective immediately."

 

"Well, why in the hell are you doin' that?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Because you need someone here you can trust, John Ross,"  Jill replies.

 

"What's that supposed to mean?"

 

Jill looks at her brother.  "I got myself into a real mess, John Ross, and, because of my own stupidity, I was almost forced to betray Ewing Oil.......and you."

 

"Jill, darlin', I've had a REAL tryin' day, and I'm in no mood for riddles, so, would ya just tell me what's goin' on and quit talkin' in circles?"

 

"I made a mistake,"  Jill says.  "A HUGE mistake.  I may as well tell you.  Since I confessed to Jay, and my marriage probably over.  I cheated on my husband.  Tripp McKay found out about it."

 

"McKay?"  John Ross asks.  

 

"He followed me, and he saw us together, me and the other man."

 

"And what'd he do?"

 

"He blackmailed me,"  Jill replies.  "He threatened to tell Jay about my affair if I didn't give him information on deals and projects Ewing Oil had in the works, especially you."

 

"McKay........that son of a bitch tried to blackmail you into givin' him information about me?  And did you?"

 

"John Ross, I started to.  But then, I realized I couldn't.  I couldn't let Tripp have this hold on me, or he would never let go.  I gave him false information, and then I confessed everything to Jay last night.  He was so upset.  He walked out on me.  I think our marriage may be over."

 

"So, McKay not only tried to get you to betray me and this comp'ny, he's also responsible for breakin' up your marriage."

 

"I can't blame Tripp for that,"  says Jill.  "Yes, he blackmailed me.  But it was MY stupid bad choice to have an affair with another man.  If my marriage to Jay is over, I have no one to blame but myself."

"Look, you don't have to leave Ewing Oil,"  John Ross says.

 

"Yes, I do, John Ross.  I can't possibly stay here after I almost betrayed the company, and my family.  Besides, the minute Sue Ellen finds out about this, she'd find a way to kick me out of Ewing Oil so fast it'd make your head spin. It's better this way."

 

"Damn that McKay,"  says an angry John Ross.  "I'm gonna make that man live to regret this."

 

"You're gonna have to stand in line behind me, big brother,"  Jill says.  "Because I want first crack at McKay."  She looks around the office.  "Well, I guess that's everything.  I'd better be going."

 

"You tell Uncle Bobby about this?"  

 

"No.  I left a letter of resignation.  I didn't wanna have to face anyone.  I'll get out of here now."  Jill picks up the box, which is a bit heavy for her.  

 

"Here, I'll take that,"  John Ross says.  He takes the box from Jill.

 

"Thanks.  Well, I enjoyed working here while it lasted."

 

"Jill, you ever wanna come back, you'll have a place here as long as I'm here,"  John Ross says.

 

Jill looks at him.  "Thank you.  That means a lot to me, especially since you and I didn't exactly start out as friends when we found out we were half-siblings.  Let's go."

 

John Ross and Jill leave the office.  As they are heading to the elevator, Clay, the young man John Ross had been talking to earlier approaches them.  "Mr. Ewing, Mrs. Smithfield," he says.

 

"Uh, Cint, right?"  John Ross asks.

 

"No, sir, it's Clay.  Clay Jamison.  Can I help you with that?"

 

"As a matter of fact, ya can, Clay,"  John Ross replies.  "Take Miz Smithfield's things down to her car for her."

 

"Be glad to, Mr. Ewing."

 

"Thank ya.  Jill.  Give me a call later."

 

"I will.  Bye, John Ross, and thank you,"  Jill says, kissing him on the cheek.  

 

"I'll see you later,"  John Ross says.  "Clay, thanks again."

 

"No problem at all, Mr. Ewing,"  Clay says with a smile.  "I'm always more than happy to be of service."

 

John Ross nods, then walks away.  

 

"Well, you ready, Mrs. Smithfield?"  Clay asks.

 

"Yes,"  Jill replies, pushing the button for the elevator.

 

While he and Jill wait for the elevator, Clay watches John Ross as he walks back to his office.  The young man smiles, confident that he is starting off on the right foot, getting into the good graces of the Ewing family.......and from his smile, it's obvious that Clay Jamison has an agenda that includes much more than being a good employee at Ewing Oil.

Barbara Davis Hagman Center.....

 Dylan takes a seat across from Josh's desk.  "Why didn't you tell me?  You HAD to know."

 

"Dylan, what are you talking about?"  Josh asks.

 

"About my brother being on trial for some reckless driving accident!"

 

Josh looks at him for a moment.  "How did you find out?"

 

"TV.  It was on the news in the rec room."

 

"I left word that none of the TVs were to be tuned to the news,"  says Josh.

 

"WHY?  So I wouldn't find out what was happening with my own brother?"  Dylan angrily asks.  "Josh, you're always talking about how we're supposed to be honest.  But you lied to me."

 

"Yes, Dylan, I did lie by omission, and for that, I'm sorry.  But your family made it clear they didn't want you to know about your brother's arrest and trial.  Conner, especially, didn't want you to know."

 

"I don't BELIEVE this!  Did they think I'm such a kid that I can't handle it?  Or that I'm too messed up to handle it!?"

 

"Dylan, if we're to be honest, you WERE pretty messed up when you came here to the center.  Conner, and Mr. and Mrs. Krebbs wanted you to concentrate on getting better, and getting your life in order without having the stress of worrying about what was happening on the outside."

 

"Josh, do you know what happened?" Dylan asks.  "With Conner's accident?"

 

"I don't know all the details, but the accident happened on New Year's Eve.  The night you went missing."

 

"New Year's Eve?  I went missing on New Year's Eve when I was on a huge bender, and Conner got into a car accident that injured Alex Walton?  That's John Ross Ewing's son, Sue Ellen's grandson.  Did you know that?"

 

"No, I didn't,"  replies Josh.  

 

"Wait, this doesn't make any sense,"  says Dylan.  "Could Conner's accident have something to do with me?  With me disappearing that night?"

 

"I don't know, Dylan.  Why don't we use this time to try and find out?  Tell me everything you remember about that day, December 31.....New Year's Eve."

 

"I....I.....I don't remember much at all.  I was so angry with Conner and with Ray and Donna.  They were basically keeping me on house arrest that week because of my drinking.  Donna and Ray went out that night, to the Oil Baron's Ball, I think.  Conner went to sleep."

 

"Dylan, that's good.  Keep going.  What else do you remember about that night?"

 

Dylan pauses for a few moments as he thinks back to the night of December 31.  "Conner was asleep on the couch," he says as he stands and begins pacing the room as he tries to recall the events of that night.  "I remember I snuck downstairs to see what he was doing, and when I saw him asleep, I snuck into the family room.  I took the key to the liquor cabinet, and unlocked it.  I got out, I dunno, a bottle, maybe two, of booze.  Bourbon, I think, I'm not sure."

 

"Then what did you do?"  Josh asks.

 

"I went back up to my room, and I started drinking, straight from the bottle.  I was so depressed that night and feeling so down, I just wanted to drink until I couldn't feel anything anymore.  In fact, I wanted to drink myself to death if I could.  I just don't remember much after that."  Dylan retakes his seat.  "It's like, everything went blank after that.  Damn it, what the hell happened after I started drinking?"

 

"Tell the next thing you actually DO remember,"  says Josh. 

 

"I.......I don't know,"  Dylan says, again standing to his feet.  He walks to the window.  I........in my dream, I remember going into Conner's room."

 

"Why did you go into his room?"

 

"I......I was looking for something.  I think I was looking for car keys?  I........wait.  I think I had drank all the alcohol I could find.  But I wanted more."

 

"So you went into Conner's room, looking for YOUR car keys?"  Josh asks.

 Dylan turns back to look at him.  "No.  Ray had taken my car keys.  He hid them so I couldn't drive and go get more alcohol.  I was looking for Conner's keys that night because I couldn't find mine."

 

"Dylan, are you telling me that you took Conner's car keys on New Year's Eve?"  Josh asks.

 "Yes, I did,"  Dylan replies.  "I took Conner's keys, and, I went downstairs, and I saw that he was still sleeping on the sofa in the living room, and.....I left. I left in Conner's car. I was going to buy more alcohol.  But, if I was driving Conner's car, then, how did he get into an accident in his car?"

 

"The accident could've happened later, Dylan,"  Josh says.  "Either after you returned home."

 

"But, it didn't.  Josh, it DIDN'T.  I took Conner's car and I left the ranch that night.  I was so drunk, everything was spinning.  But I HAD to get more to drink.  I remember...........oh my God.  The nightmares I've been having.  The headlights I saw coming toward me.  The tires screeching.  They weren't nightmares at all.  They were MEMORIES. Josh......."  Dylan pauses as he begins to cry.  "Oh God, no.  It wasn't Conner.  It was ME!  I was driving his car that night.  I caused that accident!"

 

Josh stands and walks over to him.  "Dylan, are you ABSOLUTELY sure about this?"

 "Yes.  It was me.  Conner is on trial for something that I did,"  Dylan says, a tone of defeat in his voice.

Braddock County Courthouse....a short time later....

 "Ms. Copeland, you may call your next witness,"  the Judge says as Conner's trial continues.

 

"The prosecution rests, Your Honor,"  Gail says.

 

"Fine.  Mr. Smithfield, are you ready to proceed with the defense?"

 

"Yes, Your Honor,"  Jay replies, standing from his seat.

 

"Then you may call your first witness."

 

"The defense calls Conner James Ewing to the stand."

 

Nervously, Conner stands to his feet and makes his way to the witness stand, each step feeling as if his legs are heavy, as if he is going before a firing squad.  The bailiff approaches him with a Bible. 

 

"Place your left hand on the Bible.  "Do you swear that the testimony you are about to give before this court will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"

 

"I do,"  the nervous young man replies, then takes his seat on the stand.  

 

Jay approaches him.  "Please state your full name for the record."

 

"Conner James Ewing."

 

"Thank you.  Conner, you and your half-brother, Dylan Baxter, live in the home of Ray and Donna Krebbs, is that right?"

 

"Yes."

 

"On the night of December 31, you were at home with your brother Dylan Baxter, correct?"

 

"Yes, I was."  

 

"Mr. and Mrs. Krebbs were out that evening?"  Jay asks.

 

"Yes, they had gone to the Oil Baron's Ball in Dallas."

 

"Now in your original statement to the police that night, after the accident, and in your later statement to me, you said that you wanted to go for a drive that night."

 

"Yes,"  Conner says.  "Dylan was upstairs, asleep, and I just wanted to go for a short drive.  I was feeling cooped up."

 

"So you took a drive down Braddock Road?"  Jay asks.

 

"That's right."

 

"Conner, tell us about the accident.  Exactly what happened."

 

"I was driving down Braddock Road, and, I reached over to pick up my phone, but, I dropped it.  I reached down to pick it up.  I only took my eyes off the road for a second.  When I looked up, I saw the headlights coming toward me."

 

"The headlights of Alex Walton's car?"  Jay asks.

 

"Yes,"  Conner replies.  "By the time I saw the headlights, it was too late."

 

"Conner, before New Year's Eve, had you ever been involved in an automobile accident before?"

 

"No, sir.  I haven't."

 

"Have you ever had any kind of traffic citation?  Ever been arrested or in any kind of trouble?"

 

"No.  I've never even had a parking ticket before this."

 

"So, you've been a very law abiding citizen, correct?"  Jay asks.  "No traffic citations, no previous arrests."

 

"No."

 

"Were you ever in trouble in school?  Ever get suspended?"

 

"I object, Your Honor,"  says Gail Copeland.  "I don't see the relevance in any of this."

 

"Mr. Smithfield, where exactly are you going with this line of questioning?"  The Judge asks.

 

"Your Honor, I'm trying to show that my client, Conner Ewing, has no prior record.  No previous run ins with the law or any authority.  Not even the slightest blemish on his record.  Conner Ewing is no more a criminal than I am or Ms. Copeland is, and doesn't deserve to have his life ruined or have a felony on his record because of one mistake that most of us in this courtroom have made at one time or another."

 

"Objection overruled.  I'll allow the question, but please keep it brief, Mr. Smithfield."

 

"Yes, ma'am.  Conner, were you ever suspended?"

 

"No.  Never."

 

"Conner, do you feel any guilt or remorse for the accident that injured Alex Walton and Bridget McKinnon?"

 

"Every day.  Every night,"  Conner sadly replies.  "I regret that night, and being responsible for the accident."

 

"Thank you, Conner.  No further questions."

 

"Ms. Copeland, do you wish to question the witness?"  The Judge asks.

 

"Yes, Your Honor, I do."  Gail Copeland stands from her seat and puts on her jacket.  "Pardon me, it's a bit cold in here," she says, putting on her jacket as she approaches the witness stand.  "Mr. Ewing, on the night of the accident, you said that you had reached over to pick up your phone.  Were you about to text someone?  Call someone?  Or had you received a text?"

 

 "I......umm........I was just checking my phone,"  Conner nervously replies.  "I had left my brother at home alone, and I wanted to see if maybe he'd woken up and texted me."

 

"Mr. Ewing, your brother, Dylan Baxter, was detoxing from alcohol at that time, wasn't he?"

 

"He'd had some problems."

 

"Then why on Earth would you leave him alone at home?"  Gail asks.

 

"I just wanted to go for a drive,"  Conner replies as Dylan and Josh walk into the courtroom.  Conner is stunned to see his brother, and his heart begins pounding even faster.  

 

"So, even though your brother was detoxing from a drinking binge, and was upstairs asleep, rather than just going outside for some air, you decided to leave him alone and go for a drive?  Wasn't that incredibly irresponsible of you?"

 

"I, uh........"

 

"NO!"  Dylan says from the back of the courtroom.  All eyes turn to him.  

 

"Order,"  the Judge says, banging her gavel.  "Young man, I don't know who you are, but how dare you interrupt these proceedings."

 

"I'm sorry.  My name is Dylan Baxter.  I'm Conner's brother.  Please, I have to tell what really happened that night."

 

"Dylan, NO!"  Conner yells.  

 

"Please, Judge,"  Dylan says.  "Please, I have to tell what happened that night.  Conner wasn't driving his car that night.........I was."  

 

The entire courtroom erupts into audible gasps and mumblings upon hearing Dylan's revelation.  The Judge bangs her gavel again.  "Order.  Any further outbursts and I will clear this courtroom."

 

"Your Honor, may I approach the bench?"  Jay asks.

 

"Yes, I'd like to see both you and Ms. Copeland up here,"  the Judge says.  Jay and Gail both approach the bench and stand before Judge Eilberg.  "What is the meaning of this, Mr. Smithfield?"

 

"I have no idea, Your Honor.  I'd like to ask for a short recess to confer with my client."

"Your Honor, it seems clear that this is a tactic by Mr. Smithfield to either stall these proceedings or cause a mistrial,"  Gail says.

 

"What, that's RIDICULOUS,"  Jay angrily says.

 

"This young man just confessed that he was driving the car that caused this accident,"  Judge Eilberg says.  "And actually, I'd like to hear what he has to say.  Ms. Copeland, any objection to having this young man testify?"

 

"No, Your Honor."

 

"Good.  But Mr. Smithfield, I warn you, if this IS some ploy by you to disrupt this trial, then I will hold you in contempt.  Understood?"

 

"Understood, Your Honor, but I assure you, I knew nothing about this,"  Jay says.

 

"Fine.  I'd like to question this witness myself,"  Judge Eilberg says.  "You both may take your seats."

 

"Your Honor, before we proceed, may I have a moment to confer with my client?"  Jay asks.

 

"Alright, you have ONE minute, counselor,"  Judge Eilberg says.  

 

In the courtroom, Ray and Donna are getting nervous by the amount of time Jay and the prosecutor are spending talking quietly with the Judge. "Wonder what's goin' on up there,"  Ray whispers to his wife.

 

"I don't know.  But it can't be good,"  Donna says.

 

Jay and Gail Copeland both return to their seats.  Judge Eilberg looks at Conner.  "Mr. Ewing, you may step down."

 

"But, I wasn't finished testifying.  I wasn't finished telling...."

 

"You may get another chance to tell your story.  For now, return to your seat."

 

Conner nods, then quietly exits the witness stand.  As he goes back to his seat, he pauses and looks at Dylan.  After a few seconds, Conner retakes his seat beside Jay, who leans over to him.  "Conner, what the hell is this all about?  What is Dylan doing here?"

 

"I don't know."

 

"Is what he said true?  Conner, WAS Dylan driving your car that night?  And you'd damned well better not lie to me this time.  Is it true?"

 

"Yes,"  Conner says, near tears.  "It's true."

 

The attorney shakes his head in frustration at his client.  "Conner, do you realize what you've done by lying about this?"

 

"I was trying to protect my brother," Conner says.  "And I'd do it again."

 

Jay sighs.  "Conner, I would be really shocked if that judge doesn't throw both you and Dylan in jail today.  You've committed perjury, and there may not be a damned thing I can do to help you out of this one."

 

"Mr. Smithfield, are you ready to proceed?"  The Judge asks.

 

Jay stands to his feet.  "Your Honor, I respectfully ask for the court's indulgence.  I ask for a recess until tomorrow, to give me time to confer with my client, and with Mr. Baxter on this."

 

"NO!"  Dylan says, adamantly.  "I need to tell this.  Conner wasn't driving that night, I was!"

 

"Dylan, you need to keep your mouth closed,"  Jay says.

 

"No.  I'm gonna tell this,"  Dylan says walking to the front of the courtroom.  "I was drinking that night," he says in tears as he looks at the Judge.  "Conner fell asleep on the couch, and I went into his bedroom and took the keys to his car.  I needed to get more alcohol, so I left."

 

"Mr. Baxter, is it?  Mr. Baxter, you do realize that you are confessing to a criminal offense in open court, don't you?  And you're doing so without the representation of an attorney."

 

"I don't care, Your Honor,"  Dylan says.  "My brother is on trial here for something he didn't do.  I did it!  I left the Krebbs ranch that night.  I was drunk.  I hadn't even gotten a mile from the house, when, I......I dunno, I swerved, and I saw the lights of Alex's car."  He pauses as he breaks down crying.  "I tried to avoid it but it was too late.  The other car ran off the road and crashed.  I crashed Conner's car into the ditch."

 

"Your Honor, may I ask Mr. Baxter a question?"  Gail Copeland asks.

 

"You may."

 

"Mr. Baxter, why didn't you come forward until now?  Your brother was arrested the day after the accident.  Why did you wait all these months to confess?"

 

"Because I couldn't remember,"  Dylan replies in tears.  "I guess I blacked out, or blocked that night out.  I don't know.  I've been in an alcohol and drug rehab center for the last couple of months.  I didn't even know about the accident, or Conner's arrest until today.  When I saw on the news that he was on trial, it triggered my memory.  As soon as I remembered, I came here with my counselor from the center, Josh.  Please, my brother can't be punished for something I did."  Dylan turns to face the crowd in the courtroom.  He looks over at his brother.  "Conner, I'm SO sorry.  I never meant for this to happen.  Alex, I'm sorry.  I never meant to hurt you or anyone.  I'd give my life if 

"After everything Dylan Baxter has done to this fam'ly,"  John Ross says.  "He tried to kill me, and then, he damned nearly killed your grandson, and yet you STILL go up and talk to him and offer him support?  What the hell kind of a mother are you?"

 

"John Ross, I only......"

 

"Spare me the damned details.  I don't wanna hear anymore about how Dylan Baxter reminds you of yourself when you were drinkin'.  If you even care one iota about me and your grandson, then you'll stay the hell away from Dylan Baxter!"

 

"Are you giving me an ultimatum?"  Sue Ellen angrily asks.

 

"Call it anything you like.  You either care about HIM, or your fam'ly, but you sure as hell can't have both.  You see him again, or have anything more to do with Baxter, then you're no longer welcome at Southfork to see me, OR your grandchildren!"  After saying his piece, John Ross turns and walks away from his mother, leaving the courtroom in an angry huff, and leaving Sue Ellen standing in the courtroom looking bewildered as the crowd begins to disperse around her.

Southfork....

 Ann comes down the stairs at Southfork late in the afternoon and as she enters the foyer, her cell phone rings.  Taking the phone from her pocket, she looks at it.  It's a private number call, but she answers the call anyway.  

"Hello?"  She says.  

 

"Mrs, Ewing?"  Asks a man's raspy voice on the other end of the line.

 

 

 

"Yes, this is Ann Ewing,"  she says.  

 

"I know your little secret,"  the voice says again.  

 

Ann's heart sinks.  "Who IS this?"  She asks.

 

"Someone who knows your little secret about Emma's baby."

 

"Look, I don't know who you are, or why you're doin' this, but Katherine, if this is you or someone who she put up to this, if you harass me one more time, I'm goin' to the police."

 

"Go ahead, Mrs. Ewing.  I'm sure your hubby and your stepson would love to know aaaalllll about who that baby's real father is."

 

 

"Who ARE you?  Why are you doin' this to me?"  Ann asks, almost hysterically.  

 

"Someone who believes in the truth, Mrs. Ewing.  And we both know what that truth is.  Don't we, Annie?"

 

"If it's money you're after, I'll give you whatever it is you want."

 

"I don't need your money, Annie."

 

"Katherine, if this is you, why don't you leave us alone?  You're already on the run, just let well enough alone."

 

The voice on the other end of the line begins to laugh.......a dark, creepy, foreboding laugh.  "I don't want your money, Annie."

 

"Then what in God's name is it that you want?"

 

"To see the Ewings destroyed.........torn into so many pieces not even a miracle worker could put them back together again......and I'll begin with you and Bobby."  Again, the caller begins laughing a horrible, sadistic laugh

 that sends shivers down Ann's spine and brings her to tears!

END OF EPISODE 174....