EPISODE 177 - End Of The Ewing Dynasty?

 "Mr. Ewing, I'm glad you're here,"  the deputy says.  "There's been a shooting."

"A shooting, my God,"  Bobby says.  "Who was shot?"

"Your nephew, sir."

"My nephew?  John Ross?"

"No, Bobby,"  Krystina says.  "It was James.  James was shot."

"What the hell happened?"

"I have to see to Michael and Jacob,"  Heather says.  

"Okay, let the lady through,"  the deputy tells two other officers near the house as Heather heads toward them.

"Mr. Ewing, your nephew was shot by a young woman who's been wanted by the police for several months...... Katelyn Spencer."

Bobby's mouth falls open in shock.  "Katelyn.......Katherine Wentworth's daughter?"

"Yes, sir,"  the deputy replies.  "We have Miss Spencer in custody."

"How bad was James hurt?"

"It was bad, Bobby,"  Krystina replies.  "REALLY bad.  And if you officers are done asking questions, I would really like to get to the hospital to be with John Ross."

"Of course, Mrs. Ewing,"  the deputy says.

"Come on, I'll drive you,"  Bobby says.  "Lucas, you stay here and take care of things."

"I will."

"Lucas, Alex, are you coming?"  Krystina asks.

"Yeah.  Ashley's gonna need a friend."

"Then let's go,"  says Bobby.

"Lucas, would you and Heather please look after Little John and Ellie?"  Krystina asks.

"Yeah, don't worry, we'll take good care of the kids,"  Lucas replies as Bobby, Krystina, and Alex get into Bobby's car.  Lucas watches as they drive away.

 James is rushed into the emergency department at Braddock Medical Center a short time later, Jimmy, Debra Lynn, and Ashley following behind.  John Ross rushes in closely behind them.

"What've we got?"  A doctor asks.

"Gunshot wound to the abdomen,"  replies a paramedic.  "He's lost a lot of blood and he coded twice in the ambulance."

"Alright, get him into trauma room one,"  the doctor says.

Debra Lynn and her kids, along with John Ross, watch in shock as James is wheeled into a trauma room and a nurse closes the curtain behind them.  Debra Lynn begins to cry as Jimmy puts his arms around his mother.

Clay Jamison's apartment....

 Clay Jamison is standing at his stove frying some fish for dinner when he hears the door to his apartment open and close.  Clay turns around and looks into the adjoining living room and sees the mystery woman who has been visiting him.  "Where in the world did you go?"  He asks.

"I needed to get out.  To do some thinking.  To see some old sights.  Dallas has changed a lot since I lived here."

Clay walks over to the woman.  "Do you realize what a chance you were taking by going out?  What if someone who knew you had seen you?"

"No one did,"  the woman says.  "Besides, even if they had, no one knows we're connected."

"Good, because I don't want anything to ruin my plans,"  Clay says.  "And nothing is going to.  Nothing.....and no one."

Braddock Medical Center....

 Debra Lynn, Jimmy, Ashley, Bobby, John Ross, Krystina, and Alex are sitting in a waiting room at Braddock Medical Center as they anxiously and silently await word on James's condition.  Finally, a doctor walks into the room.  "Excuse me, are you the family of James Beaumont?"

"Yes, I'm his wife."  Debra Lynn says as the family quickly stands to their feet.  "How is my husband?"

"Your husband's condition is very critical, Mrs. Beaumont.  The bullet did a lot of damage internally and James has lost a lot of blood.  Now we have a dilemma."

"What dilemma?"  Jimmy asks.

"Mr. Beaumont needs surgery.  Unfortunately, we don't have a surgeon on staff here who can perform such a delicate operation.  Mrs. Beaumont, your husband needs to be transferred to Texas Health Presbyterian in Dallas. But we may not have the time.  And, moving him at the point could prove fatal."

Debra Lynn starts to cry.  "Doctor, you're making it sound as if my husband is going to die."

"I didn't say that.  Our only option is to send for a surgeon from Dallas.  I've already spoken to Dr. Lieberman, he's the best surgeon on staff at Texas Health."

"Then, he can perform the surgery?"  John Ross asks.

"Yes.  Our main concern right now is........that Mr. Beaumont makes it until Dr. Lieberman arrives," the doctor says.  "And, even if he is able to stop the bleeding, with the kind of extensive damage......."

"Doctor are you sayin' my brother could die?"  John Ross asks.

"I wish I could give you more hope, but, I want you all to be prepared.  Mr. Beaumont's chances are not good.  But we're gonna do everything humanly possible for him."

"Dear God,"  Debra Lynn cries.  "Can my children and I see him?"

"Yes, you and your son and daughter can see him, but only for a moment.  He's unconscious.  Come with me."

Debra Lynn, Jimmy, and Ashley follow the doctor down the hall as Bobby, John Ross, Krystina, and Alex watch.  John Ross looks down at his shirt, the front of which is stained with James's blood.  

"Has anybody let Justin and Jill know what's happened?"  Bobby asks.

"No,"  replies John Ross.  

"I'll call Justin,"  says Krystina.  "Bobby, would you mind calling Jill and letting her know?"

"No, of course not.  They should hear it from us before they hear it on the news.  I'll call Sue Ellen, too."

Pamela's apartment....

 Meanwhile, Justin and Pamela are laying in bed that night, neither saying a word, Justin staring off into space.  "I'm glad you're here,"  Pamela says, finally breaking the silence.  "I don't think I could get through this without you."

"I told you, I'm not goin' anywhere,"  Justin says as his cell phone rings.  He reaches over to the table beside the bed and picks the phone up.  "It's Krystina," he says.  He answers the call.  "Hey, Krystina, what's up?"  He listens to Krystina on the other end of the line for a moment, then quickly sits up in bed.  "What?  Oh my God.  How bad was he hurt?  Yeah, I understand.  I'll be there as fast as I can.  Thanks for callin'."  Ending the call, Justin puts his phone down, a pale look on his face.

Pamela sits up beside him.  "Justin, what's wrong?"

"James.  He, umm, he's been shot.  He's in the hospital."

"Good Lord, what happened?"

"I don't know.  But, from what Krystina said, his condition doesn't look good.  Pamela, I have to get to the hospital."

"I wanna come with you,"  Pamela says.  "I'll call Mrs. Braxton down the hall and see if she can sit with the boys."

"Alright, I'll get dressed,"  Justin says, quickly getting out of bed.  Pamela picks up her phone and dials her neighbor's number.

A motel in Dallas....

 Still hiding out in a seedy Dallas motel, Brian Manning takes some ice from an ice bucket and puts it in a glass, then opens a bottle of bourbon, pouring some into the glass.  Walking over to a chair next to the bed, he takes a seat, picks up the remote and switches on the TV.  He flips the channels until he finds the news, then settles back, smoking a cigarette, to watch it.  As he takes a sip of his bourbon, a news story catches his attention.  He turns up the volume on the TV and listens at the newscaster:  

"In our top story, there has been a shooting earlier tonight at the Southfork Ranch in Braddock County.  Police say that the victim, James Richard Beaumont, son of the  late Dallas oil man J.R. Ewing, was shot once in the abdomen at close range during an altercation at the ranch involving fugitive Katelyn Spencer....."

Upon hearing his sister's name, Brian immediately sits straight up and puts his drink down on the table besid the bed as the newscaster continues:  "Miss Spencer, the 24-year-old daughter of Katherine Wentworth and San Francisco based businessman Jeremy Lord, has been wanted by police in connection with the abduction last year of Beaumont's son, James Richard Beaumont, Jr.  Miss Spencer was taken into custody at the scene.  We will have further updates on this breaking story as they become available."

 "Oh my God......Katie,"  Brian says.

Clay's apartment....

Clay switches off his own television, having also heard the news report about James being shot at Southfork.  The young man sits on his sofa, a look of total shock on his face as he tries to process the news.  After a moment, the mystery woman walks into the living room.  "That shower felt wonderful," she says, going to the bar to pour herself a glass of wine.  "I am exhausted. I can't wait to crawl into bed tonight and relax.  Clay?"

"I, uh........I just heard on the news,"  Clay says, his voice shaky.

"Heard what on the news?"  The woman asks.

"James Beaumont, he's in the hospital.  He was shot, earlier tonight."

Upon hearing the news, the woman lets the wine glass slip from her hand and fall to the floor, shattering.

Braddock Medical Center....

 "Mrs. Beaumont, this is Dr. Richard Lieberman,"  says the emergency room doctor at Braddock Medical Center, introducing the surgeon from Dallas to Debra Lynn and the rest of the family, now consisting of Jimmy, Ashley, Bobby, John Ross, Krystina, Alex, Lucy, Justin, Pamela, and Jill.

"Mrs. Beaumont, I'm not going to lie to you,"  Lieberman says.  "Your husband's condition is extremely critical.  I'm going to do all I can for him, but, I want you to be prepared."

"You people keep saying that,"  Jimmy says.  "That we should be prepared.  You're talking as if my Dad doesn't even have a chance!"

"I'm not saying that.  I'm saying that your father's injuries are extensive.  He's lost a lot of blood.  As I said, we're going to do everything possible for him."

"Then why are you standing here telling us to be prepared for the worst?"  Jimmy asks.  "Why aren't you in there operating on him right now?"

"Your father is being prepped as we speak.  I have go go scrub.  I'll make sure that your family gets updates on a regular basis.  Try and make yourselves as comfortable as possible.  This could be a very long night."  Lieberman and the other doctor walk out of the room.  

"I should call my cousin and check on Evie,"  says Debra Lynn.  "I wish we'd brought her to Dallas with us."

"Debra Lynn, would you like for me to do that?"  Lucy asks.  

"Thank you, Lucy, but no.  I need to hear my baby's voice, and tell her that her Daddy and I love her."

Jimmy walks over to the window and looks out.  Justin walks over and puts his hand on Jimmy's shoulder.  "This is my fault,"  Jimmy says.  "I caused this."

"Jimmy, no, you didn't,"  Justin says.  "It was Katelyn, she's crazy."

"When I walked into the house, the place was ransacked.  I don't know how, but she had broken in.  My God, Justin, she told me she had been watching all of us for days.  She knew every place we went, everything we did."

"I don't understand how you and she ended up at Southfork."

"She was babbling, just talking crazy.  She demanded that I take her there to meet my family.  She'd been hiding outside when we got back to your house, and she heard them say they were going to Southfork for a while.  Justin, the crazy bitch said that if I didn't take her, she was gonna kill me, and that Mom, Dad, and Ashley would walk in and find me splattered all over the room, and then she was gonna kill all three of them, too."

"Good Lord,"  Justin says.

"When we got to Southfork, I don't think she was gonna hurt anyone else.  She was going to kill me, right there in front of my parents and my sister, and then kill herself.  She was completely out of her mind."

At that moment, Clay Jamison walks into the waiting room.  Spotting John Ross sitting on a sofa across the room, Clay walks over.  "John Ross?"

"Clay, what are you doin' here?"  John Ross asks.

"I heard on the news about your brother.  I wanted to come and see how he's doing."

 "Not good,"  replies John Ross.  "He's in surgery now."

"I'm really sorry,"  Clay says.  "Is there anything I can do for you?  Anything you or your family need?"

"No, thank ya.  Nothin' anybody can do right now except wait."

"Well, I can sure do that,"  says Clay.  "I'll be glad to stay here and wait with you."

"Clay, you really don't have to do that."

"It's fine.  I WANT to."

Sue Ellen, Catlin, and Ann walk into the room.  Sue Ellen immediately rushes over to John Ross, while Ann goes over to Bobby, who is standing alone across the room. 

"Bobby, I'm so sorry about James,"  Ann says.  

"Thank you."

"How's he doin'?"

"He's......not good.  They just took him into surgery."

Ann places her hand on his arm.  "I'm so sorry.  I also heard about Christopher and Courtney losin' the baby.  Bobby, I'd really like to be here for you if you'd just let me....."

He pulls away from her touch.  "Now really isn't the time," he says, then walks away from her, leaving Ann heartbroken.

Jeremy Wendell's penthouse....

 Jeremy Wendell walks into his foyer to answer his ringing doorbell.  "Alright, alright, I'm coming," he says, opening the door.    

Austin rushes into the penthouse.  "Where's my mother?"  

"There had better be a good reason you're here at this time of night,"  says Jeremy.

"MOM!"  Austin calls.  

A moment later, Katherine walks into the foyer, dressed in her bathrobe.  "Austin, what on Earth are you doing back?  It's after midnight."

"By your calm attitude, I gather you haven't seen the news,"  says Austin.

"What news?"  Jeremy asks.

Austin looks at his mother.  "Mom, it's been all over the news, I thought you would've heard by now.  There was a shooting out at Southfork tonight."

"Really?"  Jeremy asks, a tone of happiness to his voice.  "Well, I hope at least Bobby and John Ross were among those in the line of fire."

"Austin, why did you come here to tell me this?"  Katherine asks.  "Is Bobby......"

"No, Bobby's fine.  James Beaumont, J.R. Ewing's son, was shot.  Mom........it was Katelyn who shot him.  I guess she was trying to kill Jimmy."

Katherine gasps.  "Oh, no.  Is she....."

"They arrested her, Mom."

"Damn!"  Jeremy angrily yells.  "That's all I need.  If that lunatic daughter of yours talks, she could reveal my connection to you and to her.  I should've had her permanently taken care of when I had the chance."

Katherine looks at him.  "If you had harmed my daughter........I would've killed you," she says coldly.

Braddock Medical Center....

 As the long night continues to drag on, Debra Lynn, Jimmy, Ashley, Justin, Pamela, John Ross, Krystina, Alex, Jill, Sue Ellen, Catlin, Bobby, Ann, and Clay Jamison continue to wait for word on James's condition.  There is an eerie silence in the room, as no one is saying a word.  Finally unable to sit still, Jimmy stands to his feet and walks out of the room, angrily punching the wall beside the doorway on his way out.

"Jimmy?"  Debra Lynn calls after her son.  

Justin stands and leaves the room after Jimmy, catching up to him in the hallway outside.  "Jimmy," he says.

"I had to get outta there,"  Jimmy says.  "I feel like I'm losing my mind sitting in there waiting."

"I know, bro.  I know.  You wanna go outside and get some air?"

Jimmy shakes his head.  "No.  I don't wanna be too far away, in case that doctor comes out with some news."

Debra Lynn walks out of the waiting room.  "Jimmy," she says.

"I'm sorry, Mom.  I just.....I feel......"  Jimmy begins to cry.

Debra Lynn puts her arms around her son.  "I know, sweetheart.  I know.  But listen to me, James, Jr.  Your father is a strong and healthy man.  He'll pull through this.  He has to.  We have to hold on to that. Your father and I are so proud of the man you've become.  The way you've overcome everything that's happened to you."

Catlin and Sue Ellen come out of the waiting room.  "Debra Lynn, Jimmy, can we get you some coffee or anything?"  Catlin asks.

"Thank you, but, I'm fine,"  Debra Lynn replies.  "The only thing I want is for this nightmare to be over."

As Debra Lynn, Jimmy, Justin, Catlin, and Sue Ellen talk in the hallway outside the waiting room, they are unaware that they are being watched through the glass of a set of double doors down the hall.  The person watching them is a woman wearing a large hat and dark glasses.  The woman watches with great interest as she sees two doctors come down the hall and approach the group.  

"Mrs. Beaumont,"  says Dr. Lieberman, the surgeon who had performed surgery on James.  

"Doctor........my husband,"  Debra Lynn says as the rest of the family comes into the hall and gathers around her.

"Mrs. Beaumont........I'm very sorry.  We did all we could, but, the damage was too extensive.  Your husband didn't make it."

"No,"  Debra Lynn cries, burying her face in her hands.

"What are you saying?"  Jimmy asks.  "My father is......dead?"

"I'm very sorry.  His chances were very slim.  He lost too much blood and suffered too much damage to the intestinal tract."

"NOOOO!!!!!!!"  Ashley cries out as Debra Lynn embraces her daughter, both in tears.  Jimmy and Justin also embrace and cry, while the rest of the family appears to be completely stunned by the news, none of them able to  

say anything.  John Ross looks on, himself blown away by the news that his older brother is gone. 

Looking on from the doorway of the waiting room. Clay also seems to be stunned speechless by the news of James's death.  The young man turns and walks over to the window of the waiting room and looks out into the darkness.  He begins quietly sobbing to himself, which does not go unnoticed by John Ross, but in his own grief-stricken state of mind, he gives very little thought to Clay's strange reaction to the news of James's death.

Southfork....a few hours later....

"John Ross, do you wanna talk about how you're feeling?"  Krystina asks.  "You haven't said three words since we left the hospital last night."

"Don't really know what to say. I just feel.......well, to be honest, darlin', I don't know how I feel right now.  Just kinda...... empty.  I feel like I'm gonna wake up and this whole thing'll be a nightmare."

"I know."

"All night long I kept thinkin' about when James first came here.  When I first found out I had a brother.  I was 10-years-old.  I'd been over to England to visit Mama, and when I got back to Dallas, my Daddy picked me up at the airport and told me that I had a big brother who'd showed up in town while I was gone.  Soon as we got back to Southfork, I met James for the first time.  And needless to say, I wasn't too happy at the thought of havin' an older brother to take some of my Daddy's love and attention...."

"Sounds like James was a pretty good big brother," Krystina says.

"He tried to be,"  John Ross says sadly.  "He really did.  Sometimes, I just never met him half-way."

Justin's ranch....later....

 Ashley comes down the stairs at Justin's house later that morning and finds Jimmy cleaning up the mess in the living room.  "What are you doing?"  She asks.  "Can't this wait?"

"I have to keep busy.  Mom still asleep?"

"Yeah, she took one of those sedatives the doctor gave her last night.  I feel like I'm stuck in a nightmare."

"I know,"  Jimmy says.   "This whole thing seems so unreal.  I keep expecting Dad to come down those stairs."

"Yeah, well he's NOT,"  Ashley says, bitterly.  "He's never coming back, Jimmy, and that's partly YOU fault."

"What?"  Jimmy asks.  "Ashley......."

"Hey, that's enough!"  Justin says, walking into the house from outside.  He walks over to  them.  "The only person to blame for James's death is Katelyn Spencer.  NO ONE else.  Ashley, I know you're hurtin' right now.  But blamin' Jimmy for what happened is NOT gonna bring your Daddy back and it sure itn't gonna help the rest of the fam'ly."

Ashley looks at her brother, then at Justin.  "I have to get out of here for a while," the girl says, walking to the door.  

"Ash, where are you goin'?"  Justin asks.

"I just need to get away from here.  I'll be back later," she says, then quickly leaves.

"What she means is, she has to get away from me,"  says Jimmy.  "She's right, Justin.  If it weren't for me.......if I hadn't gotten involved with Katelyn again last year, this never would've happened and Dad would still be alive."

"Jimmy, don't.  You start blamin' yourself for this, and it will drive you crazy.  James's death was NOT your fault.  Katelyn Spencer is insane, and you had no way of knowin' who she really was when you got involved with her."

Jimmy turns and looks at him.  "Justin, I can promise you one thing.  Katelyn Spencer is gonna pay for what she's done.  She kidnapped and tortured me.  She RAPED me.  And now she's destroyed my whole family."

"Wait, Jimmy.  She did WHAT?  You said she.....she raped you?"

Jimmy begins to cry.  "When she had me in the basement of her mother's house, she had me tied up.  She drugged me, Justin, and then she..........she forced me to have sex with her!"

"Dear God, Jimmy,"  Justin says.  "All this time.......you never said a word about that."

"Well, that's not exactly the kinda thing a man likes to reveal about himself, is it?  That he was raped.  But she's gonna pay.  If it's the last thing I ever do, Justin........I swear I'm gonna kill her."  Jimmy breaks down in tears.  Justin walks over and embraces him.

A park in Dallas....

 "Shawn, thank you for meeting me," Ashley says as she and Shawn embrace in a park in Dallas.

"Hey, you knew I would," he says.  "Ash, I'm so sorry about your father.  Alex called me this morning and told me, and then I heard it on the news."

"I can't believe he's gone."

"I know.  That's how I felt when my Dad died.  Crazy, isn't it?  Your father was killed my Katelyn Spencer, and my father was killed by her brother, Brian Manning.  Hell of a thing for us to have in common, huh?"

"I did something horrible this morning,"  Ashley says.

"Like what?"

"I blamed my brother for my father's death.  I told Jimmy that it was his fault because he brought that crazy girl to Southfork, and he got involved with her in the first place.  I feel terrible for what I said to him, but, part of me can't help but still feel that Jimmy is responsible for this."

"What was Katelyn Spencer doing at Southfork last night with your brother?"  Shawn asks.

"My family went out to dinner last night.  My Dad wanted to go over to Southfork to see John Ross because we were supposed to leave early for the airport this morning.  Jimmy didn't wanna go, so we dropped him by Justin's house first.  Jimmy said that she was waiting for him there.  And that she said that if he didn't take her to Southfork, she would kill him, and then kill the rest of us when we returned to Justin's last night."

"Thank God you weren't hurt,"  Shawn says, taking Ashley by the hand.  

She begins to cry.  "Shawn, I just wanna go to sleep, and wake up, and none of this be real.  This was supposed to be such a wonderful time.  I was moving here, about to start college.  I was looking forward to spending an awesome summer with you, but instead it's all turned into a nightmare."

Shawn puts his arms around the girl and  embraces Ashley as she cries.

Southfork....afternoon....

Ray and Donna walk into the living room at Southfork that afternoon and find Bobby on the phone.  "Yeah, Gary, we're all in shock around here over what's happened.  I'm not real sure yet what the funeral arrangements are gonna be, but, as soon as I know anything, I'll give you a call.  Yeah, I understand.  Alright, well, I'll let you go.  Thanks, Gary, and, my love to Val and the the kids.  Bye."  Bobby puts down his phone.

Ray and Donna walk over to him.  "How ya holdin' up?"  Ray asks.

"I'm.......still in shock, I guess."

"Bob, I wasn't that close to James, but, I'm real sorry about what happened."

"Thanks, Ray."

"How's Debra Lynn? Have you spoken to her today?"  Donna asks.

"Yeah, I did, very briefly.  She's very shaken up."

"She still over at Justin's?"  Ray asks.

"Yeah."

"I think we'll go over and see her and the kids later today,"  says Donna.  "Maybe take some food over."

"I know they'd appreciate that."

"Bobby, WHAT happened?" Donna asks.  "What on Earth was Katherine Wentworth's daughter doing here?"

Bobby sighs.  "I'm not sure of all the details myself, but, apparently Katelyn Spencer was waitin' at Justin's house last night.  She kidnapped Jimmy again and forced him to bring her here.  Why, I have no idea."

"That had to be terrible, Debra Lynn, Jimmy, and Ashley seein' James killed like that, right in front of their eyes,"  says Ray.  

"It was,"  John Ross says, walking into the room from outside.  "It WAS terrible to see."

"John Ross, we're, uh, we're real sorry about James,"  Ray says.

"Yes, if there's anything we can do for you, just let us know,"  Donna says.

"Thank ya, Donna, but do you really give a damn?"  John Ross asks.

"What is THAT supposed to mean?" Donna asks.

"You come here actin' like you care right now, but, yet you and Uncle Ray are still standing firmly behind Dylan Baxter, the kid who tried to kill me and almost killed my son.  What the hell ever happened to fam'ly loyalty?"

"John Ross, that's enough,"  says Bobby.

"John Ross, I know you're hurtin' right now,"  says Ray.  "And I'm real sorry for what you're goin' through, but you got no call to talk to Donna that way."

"Well, I don't need your sympathy."

"Ray, maybe we should just go,"  Donna says.

"Yeah, I think you're right,"  Ray agrees.  "Bob, I'll call you later."

"Alright, Ray."

Donna and Ray start to leave, but Donna pauses a moment. "John Ross, again, you have our deepest sympathies, whether you want them or not," she says, then she and Ray walk out.  

 Bobby looks at his nephew.  "Is it really necessary, even now, for you to be your usual, unpleasant self?  John Ross, this family has just undergone two terrible tragedies in one day.  That should bring us all together as a family, or is that too much to ask?"  Bobby walks past John Ross and leaves the room. 

Braddock Medical Center....night....

 Christopher is sitting at Courtney's bedside that night as she sleeps.  Bobby comes to the door and lightly knocks.  "Dad," Christopher says, then stands to his feet as Bobby walks in.

"How is Courtney?"

"She's been asleep for a while.  Doctor gave her a sedative.  She was distraught when I told her about the baby."

"Son, you must be exhausted.  Why don't you go home and get some rest?  Courtney will be in good hands."

"No, I'm not gonna leave her,"  Christopher says.

"I spoke to Phyllis.  She's coming up tomorrow."

"Good.  Dad, how are Debra Lynn, Jimmy, and Ashley?"

Bobby sighs.  "I stopped by Justin's to see them on my way here. Debra Lynn is tryin' to be strong, but I could tell she's about to fall apart."

"So hard to believe.  What about Katelyn Spencer?"

"She's in jail.  And hopefully will be there for the rest of her miserable life so she can't hurt anybody else.  Well, I'm gonna get outta here and head back to the ranch.  Sure you won't come home for a while and get some rest?"

"No.  I'll stretch out here in this chair and get some sleep."

"Alright.  If you need me, call me,"  Bobby says.

"I will."

Bobby places a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder.  "I love you, and give my love to Courtney when she wakes up.  I'll see you tomorrow," he says, then walks out of the room.  After his father is gone, Christopher retakes his seat at his wife's bedside.

Ewing Oil....the next morning....

 John Ross walks into Ewing Oil the next morning, much to the surprise of Clay and Sally.  "Clay, come into my office, please,"  John Ross says as he passes by the secretaries' desks.

"Sure, John Ross,"  Clay says, he and Sally exchanging looks of bewilderment.  They watch as John Ross goes into his office.  Getting up from his desk, Clay goes over to John Ross's door, knocks, then walks in.  "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes, I do.  I want you to get Jordan Lee III on the phone for me, and I'll need you to pull the file on the Shaunessy field for me."

"John Ross, I'm really surprised to see you here today,"  says Clay.  "I mean, I thought you'd have taken some time off."

"My sister no longer works here, my Uncle Bobby is too shaken up to be here, my cousin Christopher is at the hospital with his wife who just suffered a miscarriage, and, I'm not sure what my Mama's doin' these days, so somebody had to come in and run this comp'ny.  Ewing Oil itn't gonna run itself.  Now, I had a meetin' later this mornin' with Brandon Harwood."

"John Ross, I already cancelled that appointment,"  Clay says.  "In fact, I cancelled all of your appointments for today."

"You did what?"  John Ross asks, an annoyed tone in his voice.

"I just thought that, after what happened to your brother, that you wouldn't be coming in to the office for a few days, at least."

"Clay, who the hell gave you permission to cancel my appointments?" John Ross asks.

"Well, no one.  I just thought......"

"Let's get one thing straight, Clay.  I'm not payin' you to think.  I'm payin' you to do what I tell you to do, now are we clear?"

Clay looks at his boss, feelings of anger rising up inside of him.  "Yes, sir.  Clear."

"Good, now call Harwood back and tell him our meetin' is still on, then do those other things I told you to do."

"Right away,"  Clay says.  He starts to leave.

"Oh, Clay?"  John Ross says.

"Yes?"

"I got a question.  The other night at the hospital, when that doctor came out and told us that my brother had died.. ........it looked like that upset you real bad.  Any particular reason for that?  I mean, you didn't know James, did you?"

"No, of course not,"  replies Clay.  "I only met him the other day when he came here to Ewing Oil."

"Then why'd it upset you so bad?"

"No reason, John Ross.  It just bothered me to see what you and your family were going through.  I know all too well what it's like, losing a family member like that."

"I see.  Alright, you can go.  Call Harwood and tell him our meetin's back on, then get Jordan Lee on the phone."

"Yes, John Ross,"  Clay says.  The young man walks out of the office,  He pauses just outside of John Ross's door.  He struggles to hold back tears as an angry look comes over his face.

Jay and Jill's apartment....

 Jill opens her apartment door and finds Jay standing before her.  "Jay," she says.

"Jill.  Can I come in?"

"Of course," she says.  Jay walks into the apartment. "Jay, you don't have to ring the doorbell.  This is still your home, too."

Jay looks at his wife.  "Jill, I, was out of town yesterday.  I drove down to see my parents for the day, and I didn't get back until late last night.  I heard about James this morning.  Jill, I'm so sorry."

"Thank you.  It's definitely a shock."

"I wanted to come by and see how you were doing."

"I'm not so great,"  Jill says.  "Especially with you gone.  Jay I wish that you would come home.  Or that we could at least talk about things."

"I'm sorry, Jill, but I just can't," Jay says.  "I'm not ready to come home yet, and, I'm not ready to talk about what happened.  Plus, right now, with what happened to your brother, I don't think that now is the time for you and I to get into what happened between us."

"Jay, I'm sorry that I hurt you. I'm sorry that I did this to our marriage."

Jay looks at her.  "You're sorry you hurt me, and you're sorry you did this to our marriage,"  Jay says, repeating his wife's words.  "But nowhere in there did you say that you were sorry you cheated on me with Craig Anderson.  I have to get my things and  go."

"Jay, please,"  Jill says in tears.  "For months I tried to talk to you about what was wrong with our marriage and you didn't have time for me then.  Now that our marriage is on life support, you STILL don't have time?"

"Jill, I admit, that I'm partly to blame to this because I neglected you.  That almost makes me able to forgive your cheating.  But there are two things I just can't get past right now.  You lied to me, Jill.  You kept the fact that you'd had a baby when you were a teenager from me, even all those times I was pressuring you to have a baby of our own, you couldn't bring yourself to tell me why you didn't want to start a family.  If you'd told me, I would've understood.  And the other thing I can't get past is WHO  you slept with.  Craig Anderson, your old high school boyfriend and the father of your child.  I'm sorry, Jill, but it's gonna take me a long time to deal with that."  Jay turns and walks into the bedroom.  Jill begins to cry.

Braddock Medical Center....afternoon....

  Christopher is still sitting at Courtney's bedside when she wakes up.  Opening her eyes, she looks at him.  "Hey," Christopher says.  

"What time is it?"  Courtney asks.

"A little after 1.  You slept right through lunch."

"You've been here all this time?"  Courtney asks.  

"Of course."

"Christopher, please leave."

"What?  Courtney, I don't understand."

"I.......I just wanna be by myself right now,"  Courtney says in tears.  

"Courtney, I don't wanna leave you,"  Christopher says.  

"I'd rather you did."

"Courtney......"

"Christopher, PLEASE?  I don't wanna see you right now.  Just go home."

Christopher's heart breaks upon hearing his wife's words.  Standing to his feet, he looks down at her.  "I love you, Courtney," he says.

She simply looks at him and remains silent.  Christopher walks to the door and opens it to leave.  He pauses briefly and turns back to her.  

"I'm so sorry about the baby," he says.

"It's a little late for sorrys," Courtney says sadly.  

Deeply hurting not only over the loss of his child, but also over Courtney not letting him share the grief with her, Christopher walks out of the room.  After he's gone, Courtney stares blankly into space for a moment, then she begins to cry.

Justin's home....afternoon....

 Ann rings the doorbell at Justin's home that afternoon.  After a moment, Pamela answers the door.  "Ann," she says.

"Hello, Pamela.  Can I come in?"  Ann asks, holding a casserole dish.

"Oh, yes, of course."

Ann walks into the  house.  "I heard Debra Lynn and Ashley were stayin' here.  I brought over a chicken casserole."

"Thank you, I'm sure they'll appreciate it."

Debra Lynn comes down the stairs.  "Ann," she says.

"Hello, Debra Lynn.  I can't tell you how sorry I am,"  Ann says, hugging her. 

"Thank you."

"I'll put the casserole in the kitchen,"  Pamela says, taking the dish from Ann.

"Debra Lynn, is there anything I can do for you?"  Ann asks.

"Thank you, Ann, but no.  I honestly can't think of anything.  Justin and Pamela have been a really big help, and so has Bobby.  Krystina has also been great."

Justin walks into the house.  "Hi, Ann."

"Hello, Justin.  How are you?"

"Under the circumstances, I've been better,"  Justin replies as Debra Lynn's cell phone rings.

"Oh, would you excuse me?"  Debra Lynn asks.  "It's my sister.  She's flying into Dallas with Eve.  I have to take this, I'll be right back."

"Take your time,"  Ann says as Debra Lynn leaves the room to answer her call.  "She seems to be holdin' up real well,"  Ann says.

"Yeah,"  Justin says with a sigh.  "Maybe a little too well."

"You think she's in some sort of denial?"

"I do.  I don't think this has really hit her yet, and when it does.......it's gonna be bad.  REAL bad."

Southfork....

 Bobby pours himself a drink in the den at Southfork.  As he takes a sip, Jenna comes into the foyer.  Spotting Bobby in the den, she looks at him for a couple of seconds before going in.  "Bobby?"  She says.

"Oh, Jenna, I didn't hear ya come in."

"I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"No, not at all.  Can I fix you a drink?"

"Yes, I would love one,"  Jenna replies.  "Bobby, I heard about James.  I'm so sorry."

"Thank you,"  Bobby says as he pours Jenna a drink.  He hands it to her.

"Have any arrangements been made?  I suppose James's wife will want to take him back east?"

"I'm really not sure about the burial. I suppose Debra Lynn will take James's body back to Boston to be buried next to his mother, Vanessa.  But, she has decided to have a memorial service here in Dallas in a few days, since almost all of James's family is here."

"That will be good.  And how are you holding up, Bobby?  I realize how hard this must be for you.  J.R.'s son."

"Yes, it's hit pretty hard,"  Bobby says.  "This whole last few days have been like one long nightmare."

"Lucas told me about Christopher and Courtney losing the baby.  In fact, our son asked me to come over here."

"He didn't tell you what he wanted?  I mean, he didn't tell you......anything?"

"No.  Bobby, what's going on?"  Jenna asks.

"Mom,"  Lucas says, walking into the room.  

"Hello, darling.  Your call sounded urgent."

"I'll leave you two alone,"  Bobby says, putting down his drink.

"No, Dad,"  says Lucas.  "Since you already know what I'm about to tell Mom......I'd like you to stay."

"Alright,"  Bobby says.

"Lucas, you're starting to scare me," says Jenna.  "This sounds very serious."

"It is.  Mom, I found out a few days ago that I have another child.  You have another grandson."

"What?  Lucas..........I.........you have another son?  My Lord, I don't know what to say.  Who?  How old is he?  Who is the mother?  One of your old girlfriends?"

"Yeah, one of my old girlfriends,"  Lucas replies.  "Mom, Emma Ryland is the mother of my son."

Jenna's mouth falls open in shock as she looks at Lucas, then at Bobby.  "Lucas, did I hear you right?  Emma?"

"That's right.  I'm the father of Emma's son, Logan Channing."

"Emma told you this? Because if she did, Lucas, you know how that girl lies."

"It's not a lie, Jenna,"  Bobby says.  "And Emma didn't tell Lucas.  Tripp McKay did."

"Tripp McKay?  How would he know?"

"No idea,"  says Lucas.  "But he knew, and he wasn't the only one.  The other person who knows I'm Logan's father confirmed it."

"Who?  Who else knew this?"  Jenna asks.  When she sees Bobby and Lucas exchange looks, and neither of them answers her question, she looks at Bobby.  "It was your wife, wasn't it?"  She angrily asks.  "Ann knew that Lucas was the father?"

"Yes, Jenna, Ann knew,"  replies Bobby.  

"How long did she know?"

"Since before Logan was born."

"Since before..........what kind of a woman are you married to?"  Jenna angrily asks.  "She knew all this time that Lucas was the father of that child and she never said a word?  Where is she?  I wanna have it out with her about this right now!"

"Jenna, Ann isn't here,"  Bobby says.  "She's moved out of Southfork."

"You finally wised up and kicked her out, huh?  Good.  Does Heather know?"

"Yes, Heather knows,"  Lucas replies.  "But, we haven't told Michael yet.  We were going to, and so much has happened around here, there hasn't been a good time to sit down and talk to him yet."

"I can't believe it.  Bobby, we have another grandson,"  Jenna says with a smile.

Perry's Steakhouse And Grille....that evening....

 Catlin, C.J. Ewing, and Eric Love are at Perry's that evening waiting for Sue Ellen to arrive and join them for dinner.  "Sue Ellen phoned just before you guys got here,"  Catlin tells the two younger men.  "She'll be a little late, but she should be here very soon."  Catlin looks at his watch.  "Actually, she should be here in just a few minutes now."

"Well, no hurry, Dad,"  says C.J.

"Speak for yourself,"  says Eric.  "I had a light lunch, so I'm starved."

Catlin smiles.  "Well, to be honest, I'm glad I have a chance to talk to the two of you alone before Sue Ellen gets here."

"What about, Dad?"  C.J. asks.

"There's something that, ummm........I'm not exactly sure how to even say this.  A while back, I got a strange phone call, and at first I didn't quite know what to make of it."

"What kind of call?"

"It was Peter Love, calling me from prison,"  replies Catlin.

"My father called you?"  Eric asks.  "Why?"

"He wanted me to come and see him.  Said he wanted to tell me something.......something that would affect not only me, but the two of you, as well."

"Did you go see him?"  C.J. asks.

"No, I didn't.  But he pretty much told me that his sister Donna knew what it was he had to tell me.  So, I went to her and asked if she knew anything Peter would want me to know.  And, she did."

"And what was it?"  Eric asks.  "What is it my Aunt Donna told you, and why would he wanna see you, of all people, knowing how you felt about him?"

"Donna told me that.......what Peter wanted me to know is that, Eric, Peter isn't your father."

"What?  Catlin, that's crazy.  Why would he say that?"

"Eric, according to what Peter told Donna, I'm your father.  You're my son."

"Dad, how can that be possible?  Especially if Mom was Eric's real mother.  Unless......"

"No, Brittany is your mother, Eric.  Apparently, Brittany was already pregnant with you when she and Peter got together again in San Francisco.  Peter found out when you were a kid.  You were injured and needed a blood transfusion."

"Yeah, I did.  I was riding my bike, and I had an accident.  My Dad gave me blood."

"No, he didn't,"  Catlin says.  "Peter was the wrong blood type.  He told Donna that he had a DNA test done, and it proved you were not his son.  It wasn't until the night of her death that Brittany told Peter that you're my son."

"No,"  says Eric.  "No, this can't be true.  It can't."

"That would sure explain a lot,"  C.J. says.

"What are you talking about?"  Eric asks.  "Explain WHAT?"

"Eric, come on, man,"  C.J. says.  "You look a lot more like a Ewing than you do a Love.  Remember that picture I showed you of Conner's brother, Dylan?  Remember how I was amazed at how much the two of you looked alike when you were kids?"

"That doesn't prove anything.  Lots of people look alike that aren't related.  That still isn't proof that Catlin is my father."

"Well, there's only one way to find out for sure if Peter was telling the truth,"  says Catlin.  "Eric, will you agree to take a DNA test?"

"I.......I don't know."

"Eric, if you don't take this test, then you and Dad are both gonna go on wondering about this from now on,"  C.J. says.  "Wouldn't it be better to find out the truth now?"

"Better for who?"  Eric asks.

"For all of us.  Don't you wanna know who your real father is?"

"All my life, I've been Eric Love.  I don't see any reason to suddenly change that and become Eric Ewing."

"Eric, who you are doesn't have to change,"  says Catlin.  "Look, I'm not going to put any pressure on you to have a DNA test.  But I would consider it a personal favor.  If you ARE my son........then I'd like to know.  However, if you choose not to find out, then, I'll respect that.  I realize that in just the last year and a half, your whole life has been turned upside down.  Your father's arrest, and finding out that Brittany was your mother, and now this.  I can certainly understand why you wouldn't want anymore changes or upheaval."

Eric sighs.  "I still don't know.  Just give me some time to think about this."

"Take all the time you need,"  Catlin says as Sue Ellen walks up to their table.  Catlin, C.J., and Eric each stand for her.

"Sorry I'm late," she says, taking a seat.

"That's perfectly alright."

"I had a meeting that ran late.  With Bobby and Christopher out of the office, I had to take a meeting he had originally scheduled.  And John Ross left the office early."

"John Ross actually went to work so soon after his brother was killed?"  C.J. asks.

"Yes, he says that work helps him stay focused."

"I can sure understand that,"  says Catlin.

"So, did I miss anything?"

"Yes,"  Catlin replies.  "I just told C.J. and Eric what Donna Love told me.  That Peter claims Eric is my son."

Sue Ellen looks at Eric.  "I see.  Eric, how do you feel about that?"

"I'm really not sure how I feel.  But I'll think about this DNA test."

"Thank you,"  Catlin says.  "That's all I ask.  Well, now that we're all here, what say we order?"

Clay Jamison's apartment....night....

Clay walks into his apartment that night, goes to his bar, and pours himself a drink.  He goes over and takes a seat on his sofa.  Taking his phone from his pocket, he begins texting someone.  After sending the text, he waits a few seconds until a reply comes, then sends another text.  An angry look comes over Clay's face.  He tosses his phone aside and takes a sip of his drink.  

The mystery woman who is staying with him walks into the room.  "You're home," she says.

"Figured that out, did ya?"  Clay asks, his voice laced with sarcasm.

"What's the matter?  Hard day at Ewing Oil?"

"Every day is a hard day working for a company I should own a piece of.  John Ross was in a foul mood today, which made him almost impossible to be around."

"I'm very surprised John Ross was there today.  James isn't even cold yet, and John Ross is just going on, business as usual?"

"Yeah.  Pretty cold, isn't it?"  Clay asks.  "But that's John Ross for you.  Cold as ice, hard as nails, and ruthless just like J.R.  But John Ross is about to meet his match in ruthlessness.  I can't wait to take him down and claim my place in the Ewing family.......and claim what should've been mine from the beginning."

"Clay, you sound so bitter when you talk about the Ewings,"  the woman says.  "I want you to have what's rightfully yours.  But I do NOT want to see you hurt in the process."

"Hurt?"  Clay asks.  "Trust me, that's not something you need to worry about.  The only one who will get hurt is anyone who stands in my way."

"You sound more and more like J.R. Ewing every day, and I don't like that,"  the woman says.

"Well, that's just too bad, isn't it?  If you don't like it, maybe you should just go on back home.  I don't need you here complicating things for me.  I'll get what I want, on my own, and if need be, I'll use every one of J.R. Ewing's tactics to do it."

"At the expense of your own soul?"  The woman asks.  

Clay stands to his feet and walks over to her.  "If you're so damned concerned for my soul, and worried about how much like J.R. I am......then maybe you never should've told me who my father was!"  He says angrily.  "Or maybe.......maybe you should've introduced me to him before he died.  I may have even decided on my own that I wanted nothing to do with the Ewings."   He finishes off his drink, puts down his glass, then storms out of the apartment.

Cliff and Afton's apartment....the next morning....

"Yes, that's right, I am,"  Craig replies.

"I knew your granddaddy.  Fine man."

"Thank you very much."

"My pleasure, now, what can we do for you gentlemen?"  Cliff asks.

"We need to ask both you and Miss Cooper some questions about the murder of your former son-in-law, Tripp McKay."

"Well, neither Afton or I know anything about that, so, I don't think we would be of much help to you."

"Miss Cooper, where were you last Tuesday evening between the hours of 9 and 10 PM?"  Steven asks.

"9 and 10?"

"Yes, that's the time the medical examiner estimates that Tripp McKay was murdered."

"I was at my club, Afton's Lounge.  You can confirm this by asking anyone there.  Employees, and lots of customers also saw me there that night."

"Thank you, that should be easy enough to confirm,"  Craig says.

"And you, Mr. Barnes?"  Steven asks.  "Where were you last Tuesday between 9 and 10 PM?"

"Me?  I was with my son, Bradley Stone."

"And what were you and Mr. Stone doing?"

"Nothing,"  Cliff nervously replies.  "We had both had a very trying day, and neither of us were feeling very well.  So we just had a few drinks."

"Where did you have these drinks?"  Craig asks.

"Where?  Uh, at our office, Stone-Barnes Oil."

"And Mr. Stone will confirm this?"

"Yeah, sure, he will.  We were there until around 11.  Afton was at her club, as she already told you, and I didn't wanna come home alone, so, I hung out with my son."

"You said that you and your son had a very trying day?"  Steven asks.  "Was that because of the loan you had gotten from Tripp McKay?  A loan that he had called in by the end of last week?"

A stunned look comes over Cliff's face.  "Uh, yeah.  It did.  How, uh, how did you find out about that?"

"We've done our research, Mr. Barnes,"  Craig replies.  "It wasn't that hard to find out.  So, McKay had called in a loan.  How much was the loan?"

"It was fifteen million."

"That's a lot of money,"  Steven says.  "What did you need it for?"

"To keep our company in business.  Thanks to the Ewings, the oil Cartel  refused to do business with us, and the Bureau Of Land Management refused to grant us permits to drill, so basically, Stone-Barnes Oil was blocked from being able to business of any kind."

"You said the Ewings were behind this?"  Craig asks.  "And what about McKay?  Did he have any role in stopping your company from being able to conduct business?"

"I really have no idea,"  Cliff says.

"If you were unable to conduct any business, and if you were unable to repay the loan to McKay, that would have basically destroyed your company, wouldn't it?"  Craig asks.

"I guess you could say that,"  Cliff replies as Afton looks on nervously.

"Mr. Barnes, what was your relationship like with your former son-in-law?"  Craig asks.  "I mean, it had to be strained these days.  McKay and your daughter had a less than friendly divorce, and he was about to sue her for custody of your grandson, Hunter.  Not only that, but McKay was puttin' the squeeze to you and your son in business.  That must have made you very angry."

"If you gentlemen are asking me if I killed Tripp McKay, then the answer is no,"  Cliff says.  "Sure, I was angry, but at one time Tripp McKay was like a son to me, and I was still very fond of him.  I never would've harmed Tripp, nor could I have.  I'm 73-years-old.  Not a young man anymore, and my health hasn't been the best in recent years, so do you honestly think that a man of my age would be able to overpower and bludgeon to death a healthy, strong man who was more than 40 years younger than me?  I mean that's just ridiculous.  If you wanna look at SERIOUS suspects, I'd start with the Ewings.  I heard that Justin Ewing threatened Tripp on the day of the murder, I believe."

"Cliff,"  Afton says.

"So maybe you should be looking at him or Bobby as suspects because of the confrontation they had with my son-in-law at The Cattlemen's Club that day Tripp was killed.  Everybody knows those Ewings all have a hell of a temper."

The two detectives exchange looks.

Sharon Smith's apartment....late morning....

Shawn is pushing himself in a hard workout later that morning, trying to work off some frustrations.  When he has pushed himself to the point he has to stop for a while, he puts down his weights and lowers his head as he tries to catch his breath.  As he tries to rest for a moment to catch his breath, he begins remembering the night of Tripp's murder....

**************************************FLASHBACK***********************************************

 Shawn is standing in the parking deck of Tripp's apartment building, looking down, an expression of complete 

 shock on his face as he looks down at his brother's body, laying face down in a pool of blood.  Slowly, Shawn leans down and feels Tripp's neck for a pulse, unwittingly getting some of Tripp's blood on his hand.  Realizing that his brother is dead, Shawn looks around to see if anyone else is there.  He stands, again looking at Tripp's body, and the blood on the ground surrounding Tripp's head.  Terrified, Shawn quickly runs back to his car, gets in, and speeds away as fast as possible!

*************************************RETURN TO PRESENT*****************************************

Shawn's mind returns to the present, as tears begin to trickle down his face, mixing with the sweat already there from his workout.  Shawn closes his eyes, then opens them again, attempting to get the horrible images of that night out of his mind.  His train of thought is interrupted by a knock at his bedroom door.  The young man sighs deeply, not really wanting to see anyone right now, especially his mother, whom he is sure is the person knocking at his door.  He ignores the knock, hoping she will go away.  The knock sounds again.  "Mom, what do you want?"

"Shawn, it's me.......Ashley,"  comes the voice from the other side of the door.

Ashley being the only person Shawn cares to see at the moment, he quickly stands to his feet.  "Just a second," he says.  Composing himself, the boy walks to his door and opens it, letting her in.  

"Hey," she says.  "Your Mom was just leaving for work.  She told me I could come on back to your room.  I hope you don't mind."

 "No, of course not,"  Shawn says.  "I'm really glad to see you.  I'm sorry you caught me looking like this.  I was just working out."

"Yeah, I see,"  Ashley says.

"Are you okay?"  Shawn asks.

"I just came from the funeral home with my Mom and my brother Jimmy.  Seeing my Dad, it was........"  Ashley stops as she fights back tears.

"Hey, I know,"  Shawn says.  "I know how had it is.  So, you guys made funeral arrangements?"

Ashley nods.  "We're having a memorial service day after tomorrow, at the funeral home, Calvary Hill.  My Mom thought it would be good to do it here because this is where most of my Dad's family, the Ewings, are.  Then we're taking him back to Boston to bury him next to my Grandma Vanessa."

"Ashley, I'm SO sorry.  I know how this is tearing you up inside.  I just wish I knew what to say, or what to do to help.  If I could, I'd take away your pain."

"You have enough pain of your own right now,"  Ashley says.  "Shawn, you just buried your brother a few days ago.  I shouldn't be laying my pain on you, too."

"Hey, stop that,"  Shawn says.  "Ashley, I care about you.  I care about you a LOT.  As more than just a friend.  I'd do anything for you."

"I just needed a friend,"  Ashley says in tears.

"Well, you came to the right place, because I could sure use a friend, too.  I have an idea.  I'm pretty hot and sweaty and just plain gross right now.  Let me run take a quick shower, and then we'll go out. We'll go do whatever you want.  How's that sound?"

"Would you come back with me to Justin's ranch?  We could go horseback riding."

"Justin's ranch?"  Shawn asks.  "Umm, yeah, sure.  Yeah, we can do that.  But first we'll stop and have lunch.  Just make yourself comfortable while I go take a shower.  I'll be back in a few minutes."  He smiles at her, then starts to leave.  

"Shawn,"  Ashley says, grabbing his arm.  

"Yeah?"

Without saying a word, Ashley kisses him.  "Thank you,"  she says.  "I honestly don't know what I would do if I didn't have you in my life right now."

"Yeah, I feel the same.  Be right back."  Shawn gives her another quick kiss, then leaves the bedroom.  After he's gone, Ashley takes a seat on his bed and begins to cry.

Ewing Oil....

 "John Ross, I'm really sorry I couldn't make our original meeting time yesterday,"  Brandon Harwood says in John Ross's office at Ewing Oil.  "But when your secretary called me and cancelled our meeting because of your brother's death, I made another appointment for that time."

"That's quite alright, Brandon, I understand," says John Ross.  

"John Ross, I'm deeply sorry about your brother's death,"  Brandon says.  "My mother also wanted me to send her condolences to you and your family, as well.  I've heard a lot about James Beaumont, and everything I've heard has been good."

"Thank ya, Brandon, I appreciate that."

"I have to say, I AM kinda surprised to see you at work so soon.  Y'know, we could've postponed this meeting."

"Oh no, not at all,"  John Ross says.  "The business of this comp'ny itn't gonna stop because of a fam'ly tragedy.  Right now it's more important than ever to show the world, and especially the Cartel, that Ewing Oil is strong and dependable, and that the Ewing fam'ly is tough and resilient."

"Well, you certainly are that,"  Brandon says.  "Okay, then I guess we may as well get started."

"Fine, I'll have Clay order us up some lunch,"  John Ross says.  "You like chicken sandwiches?  Restaurant downstairs has a chicken sandwich that rivals even Chick-Fil-A's."

"Sounds great, I love chicken,"  says Brandon.

John Ross walks to his desk and buzzes Clay.

"Yes, John Ross?"  

"Clay, Mr. Harwood and I will probably be workin' right through lunch, so order us a couple chicken sandwiches from the restaurant downstairs."

Sitting at his desk, an angry look comes over Clay's face.  "Sure, John Ross," he says.  After a momentary pause, he shakes his head.  "Soon, John Ross, you won't be giving me orders," he mutters under his breath.

"What was that, Clay?"  Sally asks from her desk nearby.

"What?  Oh. nothing.  I was just talking to myself,"  he replies.  Sally smiles at him, then returns to her work.  

Dallas Police Department....late afternoon....

 "Come in, Mr. Ewing,"  says Detective Craig Anderson, ushering Justin into a room at the Dallas Police Department.  "Can I offer you some coffee?"

"No, thank you I'm fine,"  replies Justin.

"We appreciate you coming down here like this to answer some more questions."

"No problem, but I don't understand.  I answered all of your questions last week."

"I understand your frustration, Mr. Ewing, or......would you mind if I called you Justin?  I mean, after all, our grandparents were the best of friends, and I feel a little silly calling you Mr. Ewing."

"Of course."

"Fine.  Now, then, Justin, on the day Tripp McKay was murdered, you and McKay's ex-wife, Pamela Barnes, had gone to The Cattlemen's Club for lunch?"

"Yes, that's right."

"How long, exactly, have you been seeing Pamela Barnes McKay?"  Craig asks.

"Pamela and I started seeing each other more'n a year ago.  We became friends when she was pregnant with her son Randall."

"That's the child who was conceived when Mrs. McKay was raped by Scott Van Buren?"

"Yes,"  Justin replies.  "In fact, I was there when the baby was born.  I helped in his delivery when she went into labor."

"I see.  I also notice that your middle name is Randall.  I assume that Mrs. McKay named her son after you?"

"Yes, she did."

"So, your relationship began after the baby was born?"  Craig asks.

"That's right."

"How did Tripp McKay react to the news that you were dating his ex-wife?"

"He hated it.  The guy hated everything to do with the Ewings.  He's hated my family for a long time."

"Yeah, that old feud between the Ewings and the McKays goes back a long time.  I remember hearing about that myself when I was growing up.  Did McKay do anything to try and break you and Pamela up?"

"He......he made some threats.  He threatened to take Pamela to court and sue for custody of her son Hunter if she didn't stop seeing me."

 other person picks up.  "Hey, it's Craig.  I just questioned Justin Ewing here at the station, and, I think he'd hiding something.  Yeah.  I'd like to get a warrant to search Ewing's car and his home."

Sue Ellen's home....

 Ann comes down the stairs at Sue Ellen's home that evening to answer the ringing doorbell.  When she opens the door, she is less than pleased to see Jenna.  "Sue Ellen itn't home,"  Ann says.

"Good, because I came to see you."

"I've got nothin' to say to you."

"Well, then, you're gonna listen,"  Jenna says, walking into the house.  

Ann closes the door.  "Alright, what do you want, Jenna?"

"What kind of a vile, cruel woman are you?  You kept my son away from his chjld for more than a year?  You kept Bobby and I from even knowing that we have another grandchild?  How could you live with yourself?"

"I did what I did to protect my daughter.  And I was tryin' to protect Lucas and Heather's marriage."

"Oh don't give me that crap!"  Jenna says.  "You were protecting yourself and that slut of a daughter of yours, and no one else!"

 "You're about the last person in the world who should ever call anyone a slut!"  Ann says.  "From what I've heard, you slept your way through half the married men in the state of Texas after you dumped Bobby the first time!"

"At least I didn't sleep with a worm like Cliff Barnes while I was married to Harris!"

"You bitch!  Get out of here."

"Not until I'm done with you."

"You ARE done, now get OUT!"  Ann says, shoving Jenna.

"How DARE you!?  Don't you touch me!"

"If you don't get out of here right now, I'm gonna do more than just touch you. I'm gonna throw you out on your head."

Jenna quickly slaps Ann across the face as hard as she can.  Ann looks at her angrily, then shoves Jenna against the door.

"You BITCH!"  Jenna yells.  She grabs Ann's throat, Ann grabs Jenna, and the two women tug at each other for a few seconds before falling to the floor.  Ann againt grabs Jenna, and the women wrestle around, knocking over a table and vase.  

In a moment, Sue Ellen walks into her home and is shocked to find Ann and Jenna involved in a catfight.  "Stop it!"  Sue Ellen yells.  "ANN!  JENNA, STOP IT!"  She yells again, but to no avail as the other two women continue rolling around on the floor, pulling hair and clawing at each other.  Finally.  Sue Ellen walks over to a table, picks up a vase, and throws it to the floor, smashing it and catching their attention.  "That is ENOUGH!  What in the HELL is going on here?"

"I was just tryin' to get rid of an intruder,"  Ann replies.  "Jenna, I think you'd better go."

The two women get to their feet.  Jenna looks at Sue Ellen.  "So, once again, you're taking HER side against me?"

"I'm not taking anyone's side,"  Sue Ellen says.  "But Ann is a guest in my house.  I come home, and I find the two of you rolling around on my floor like a couple of alley cats."

"This woman purposely kept my son away from his child for more than a year!  How can you stand to be around her?"

"The situation was much more complicated than that, Jenna."

"Complicated?"  Jenna asks.  "There's nothing complicated about any of this.  She's nothing but a lying gold digger.  Well, I'm putting you on notice, Ann.  Now that Bobby has finally wised up and kicked you to the curb, he's fair game.  I intend to do everything in my power to win him back, and I will."

"You stay away from Bobby, or I swear, I'll....."

"There's not a damned thing you can do about it.  Bobby has already had enough of your lies and deceit.  And now that I'm going after him, why don't you and Harris get together again?  I'm sure you'll both be in for some lonely nights in the days and weeks to come."

"Jenna, leave.....NOW!" Sue Ellen says.

"I'm going.  I use to think you were my friend, Sue Ellen.  But that's over.  And I warn you not to stand in my way where it comes to Bobby."

Sue Ellen walks over to her.  "Are you THREATENING me, Jenna?  Because if you are, you have no idea what you're getting into.  I handled myself against J.R. and many others who were much more powerful than you.  So if you wanna make threats, you'd better make DAMNED sure you're able to back them up.  Now get out of my house."

Jenna looks at her, then at Ann, and leaves.  

"I am SORRY about that,"  says Ann.  "She came bargin' in here, and...."

"You don't have to explain anything.  I've known Jenna Wade for a very long time.  I know how she is."

Southfork....night....

John Ross and Krystina are getting dressed for dinner in their bedroom that evening when a knock sounds at the door.  "Come in,"  Krystina says.

Alex walks into the room.  "John Ross, can I talk to you for a couple minutes?"

"Sure, come on in."

"Umm, Krystina, would you mind if I talk to John Ross alone?"

"Oh.  No, of course not.  I'll see you both downstairs."

"Thanks,"  Alex says as Krystina walks out of the room.  Alex closes the door.  

"Well, this sounds serious,"  John Ross says.  "What's on your mind, son?"

"John Ross, you once said that you would do anything for your kids, right?"

"Damn right, I would."

"Good.  There's something I want you to do for me now,"  Alex says.  

"Okay, what is it?"  John Ross asks.

"I want you to get the charges dropped against Dylan and Conner."

John Ross looks at his son with surprise.  "I'm not sure I heard you right just now.  You said you want me to get the charges dropped against Dylan Baxter and Conner Ewing?"

"Yeah, that's what I said."

"Alex, why in the hell would you want me to do that?  And what makes you think I could, even if I wanted to?"

"Because you have a lot of power and influence with the D.A.'s office.  You could talk to someone and get the charges dropped.  John Ross, I went to see Dylan at the clinic a few days ago, and......"

"You did WHAT?"  John Ross asks.  "You went to see Dylan Baxter behind my back?"

"It wasn't behind your back,"  says Alex.

"Well you didn't tell me about it."

"Because I didn't think I had to tell you everything I do and every place I go."

"You should've told me about this.  I wouldn't have let you go there."

"Wouldn't have LET me go?  John Ross, do I have to remind you that I'm 18-years-old, and about to start college soon?  Look, I went to see Dylan because I wanted to talk to him about the accident."

"And I suppose he gave you some sad, sob story about how he's so misunderstood and not responsible for his actions."

"No, he didn't,"  Alex says.  "John Ross, Dylan is a good person.  He's made some mistakes, and......"

"A good person?  Alex, if you're a good person, you don't run somebody down with your damned car!  Good people don't get behind the wheel of a car after they've gotten so drunk their brains have turned to mush."

"So I guess you're the only person in the world who's entitled to screw up, huh?"

"What the hell's that supposed to mean?"  John Ross asks.

"It means that you're not so perfect yourself, John Ross.  Dylan made a mistake, and he's paying for that.  So is Conner.  What good will it do to see them both go to prison for this?  John Ross, I'm okay.  Bridget is okay.  But Dylan won't be if he goes to prison for causing that accident."

"Prison is where that jackass belongs.  He could've killed you."

"But he DIDN'T!   I'm fine now.  Dylan is getting the help he needs.  Sending that kid to prison is gonna kill him!"

"Well, that'll be one less loser the world will have to worry about takin' care of."

 Christopher is working with some of the ranch hands at Southfork the next morning, moving some cattle, when Bobby rides out to the pasture on his horse.  

"Colin, why don't you three go help Steve and the boys?"  Bobby asks.  "I'll take over here."

"Sure thing, Mr. Ewing,"  replies Colin, a young man of about 25.  He and two other hands ride off on their horses.

 "Missed ya at breakfast this morning,"  Bobby says to his son.

"I wasn't hungry."

"That seems to be goin' around these days.  There was only me and Lucy at the table this morning.  This whole fam'ly seems to be fallin' apart and driftin'.  So you'll bring Courtney home today?"

 "But I'm not sure she's gonna wanna be here,"  Christopher says sadly, taking off his hat.  

"What makes you say that?"  Bobby asks.

"She's shutting me out, Dad.  I think she even blames me for losing the baby, and y'know what?  She's right.  This whole thing is my fault."

"Christopher, that's nonsense.  Courtney's miscarriage was NOT your fault.  It was a tragedy beyond anyone's control."

"No, Dad, it was my fault.  I got into that fight with Gioberti, and that's what led to Courtney losing the baby.  MY baby.  And I told him the truth about who Jacob's real father is.  I'm also the one who had the bright idea of going to California and asking Gioberti to sign over his parental rights so I could adopt Jacob.  If I hadn't done that, none of this would've happened."

"Son, you don't know that,"  Bobby says.  "And there's no way you could've predicted what was gonna happen."

"Courtney and I really wanted that baby,"  Christopher says, fighting back tears.  "Maybe.........maybe I'm just not meant to be a dad."

"I don't believe that for one second.  Christopher you are just about the best man that I know.  And I can't think of anyone who'd make a better father than you.  It will HAPPEN.  Pam and I went through the same thing before we adopted you.  She had two miscarriages and then found out that she couldn't carry a baby to full term.  We were just about to give up.  And then by some miracle, you came into our lives."

Christopher looks at his father.  "Dad, I know how much you have loved me all my life.  That's exactly how I feel about Jacob.  But I want a child of my own.  MY blood."

"Christopher, I have never loved you any less because you're not my biological son.  Biology isn't important.  It's love and the bond that is created between a parent and a child, whether that child is adopted or not.  Son, you and I have had a closer and more loving relationship that most biological fathers and sons."

"Dad, I know all of that.  And I know you've never thought of me as anything but YOUR son, and a Ewing.  But  it's different for you, so you can't possibly understand."

"Then help me to understand, son,"  Bobby says.

"All your life you've known exactly who you are.  You're Bobby James Ewing, and you're Jock and Miss Ellie's son.  You had brothers.  You had real ROOTS, Dad.  Me?  I know that I have Sue Ellen and John Ross as a blood connection to my birth mother, but that's it.  And I know that I have an aunt somewhere on my father's side.  But other than two aunts and a cousin, I don't have any blood ties to anyone.  I need that, Dad.  Yes, I want a child because I really wanna be a father and I think I'd make a damned good one.  But I also wanna feel connected to someone in this world.  BIOLOGICALLY connected.  I know that might sound selfish."

"That's not selfish at all, and I think I DO understand.  Pam went through much this same thing after she found out Digger Barnes wasn't her real father  Her doctor even said that was one of the things that drove her need for a child of her own."

"History sure does seem to repeat itself a lot in this family, doesn't it?"  Christopher sadly asks.

"Yes, it does,"  Bobby replies with equal sadness in his own voice.  His cell phone vibrates in his pocket.  Taking the phone out, he looks at it, then answers.  "Yes?"

"Bobby, I think you need to come back to the house right now,"  Lucy says.

"Why, what's wrong?"

"There are two police detectives here to talk to you.  They say they have some questions."

"Alright, I'll be right there," he says, then puts his phone down.

"Dad, what's wrong?"  Christopher asks.

"I dunno.  You keep workin' here, and I'll be back as soon as I can,"  Bobby says, then quickly rides off in the

 direction of the house as Christopher watches him.

Southfork....a few minutes later....

 Bobby walks into the den at Southfork a few minutes later and finds Lucy chatting with Detectives Craig Anderson and Steven Jones.  "Well, Detectives Anderson and Jones,"  Bobby says, walking into the room.

"Mr. Ewing, how are you?"  Craig asks.

"Just fine.  What can I do for you?"

"Mr. Ewing we have some questions we'd like to ask you.  Ms. Ewing, if you don't mind,"  Steven says, looking at Lucy.

"Oh, yes, of course.  I was just about to go into town, anyway.  I have some errands to run.  Bobby. I'll see you later."

"Sure, Lucy,"  Bobby says as his niece leaves.  "You said you have some questions?  This about my nephew's death?"

"No, Mr. Ewing, we need to ask you some questions about the murder of Tripp McKay,"  Craig says.

"I've already answered a bunch of questions for you about that several days ago,"  Bobby says.

"Yes, but we have a few more,"  Craig says.  "We're real sorry to inconvenience you, Mr. Ewing, but we'll try not to keep you long."

"Alright."

"Mr. Ewing,"  Steven says.  "Last Tuesday, you said in your earlier statement tha you and your son, Lucas, went to the Cattlemen's Club for lunch, and your nephew Justin Ewing and Pamela McKay stopped by your table."

"Yes, that's right,"  Bobby says.

"And then Tripp McKay and his date stopped by?"  Steven asks.

"Yes, that's the exact same thing I told you the first time you questioned me about McKay's murder."

"I know, Mr. Ewing,"  says Craig.  "Now we have several witnesses who either saw or overheard much of your, your son's and your nephew's confrontation with McKay that afternoon.  McKay was overheard telling you and your son Lucas something about your wife.  Something you left out in your earlier statement.  Could you please tell us what that was?"

Bobby sighs.  "My son, Lucas, fathered a child by my wife's daughter, Emma Ryland.  But Emma didn't tell my son that he was the father.  My wife knew about it since before the baby was born."

"But she didn't tell you OR your son, the child's father?"  Steven asks.

"No, she didn't,"  Bobby replies.

"Why?"  Craig asks.

"I guess you're gonna have to ask my wife that question.  I understand she's staying at the home of my former sister-in-law, Sue Ellen Ewing, in Dallas."

"Did your wife know that McKay knew her secret?"  Craig asks.

"No.  Not until I told her when I confronted her with this news."

"When was that?"  Steven asks.  "Was it BEFORE, or after Tripp McKay was murdered?"

Bobby remains silent as he looks at the two young detectives, one of whom the grandson of his family's oldest friends.  He doesn't know how to answer the question for fear of how it would look for Ann.

"Mr. Ewing?  Did you tell your wife before or after McKay was killed that he knew the truth about the secret she was keeping from you?"

"Before,"  Bobby reluctantly replies.  

"How did Mrs. Ewing react to that news?"  Steven asks.

"She was upset, naturally, that someone like McKay knew somethin' that intimate about our lives and our family."

Anderson and Jones exchange looks.  

Brad's apartment building....

 Brad is sitting on the patio near the pool area of his apartment building reading over some papers that morning when Pamela comes out of  the building.  Seeing him, she walks over.  "Hi," she says.

"Pamela, hi, how are you?"  Brad asks, standing to his feet to greet her.

"I'm okay.  Hope I didn't interrupt."

"Not at all.  Please, sit down."

"Thanks"  Pamela says, both taking their seats.

"What can I do for you?"  Brad asks.

"Nothing in particular.  I stopped by the office, and Daddy was there.  He said you were working from home today."

 "Yeah, I figured since Stone-Barnes Oil is pretty much doomed anyway, why bother going to the office?"  Brad says.

"I thought that, with Tripp's death, that loan would be......."

"What?  Null and void?  Nah.  Sure, the loan was a personal one from Tripp and not a loan from Westar, I'm sure that whoever is handling his business affairs since his untimely demise, will go ahead and collect the debt.  And, since we can't do business with the Cartel or pump one drop of oil because of those restrictions the Bureau Of Land Management put on us.........we're done for.  How's that for a family legacy?  Three generations of losers, beaten by the Ewings.  First Digger Barnes, and then his son Cliff, and now.......me, Digger's grandson."

"Brad don't talk like that,"  Pamela says.  "You are not a loser, and neither is Daddy, and you're certainly not beaten."

"Then what would you call it, sis?  My company is about to go under.  Sure, your ex-husband did us a favor by getting himself murdered, which bought us a little time, but eventually, SOMEONE, whoever is handling McKay's affairs will demand repayment on that loan, and guess what.....we won't be able to pay it."

"Brad, I'm sorry.  If I had that money to loan you and Daddy I would."

"I know, and I appreciate that."

"Don't give up,"  Pamela says.  "There may still be a way to come up with that money."

"I don't see how,"  Brad says.  

"Just leave it to me.  Most of my money is tied up in investments, but, I may have a way to help."

"Pamela, thank you for the thought, but, no.  I'm not gonna ask that of you.  I haven't had a sister for very long, and now that we're getting to know each other better, I'm not gonna take your money."

"Well, the offer is there, if you and Daddy want it,"  Pamela says.  "I have to go.  I just wanted to stop by and see how you were doing."  Standing, Pamela places her hand on Brad's shoulder.  "Don't lose the faith.  Maybe whoever is executor of Tripp's estate, and I'm pretty sure it'll be his Aunt Tracey, since he didn't have that great a relationship with his mother......maybe the executor won't even try to collect that debt now that Tripp is gone. I'll talk to you later."

"Pamela?"  Brad says.

"Yes?"

"Thanks for stopping by, and for the encouragement.  I could really get use to this whole brother and sister thing."

Pamela smiles.  "So could I.  I'll see you later," she says, then leaves.

Ewing Records....a short time later....

 Sitting at his desk at Ewing Records, Justin finds it hard to concentrate on the work before him.  His mind keeps going back to the conversation he'd had with Detective Craig Anderson the day before, and the investigation into Tripp McKay's murder.  Picking up a bottle of Vodka sitting on the desk, he pours himself a glass, then takes a sip.  After a brief pause, he takes a second sip just as his secretary buzzes his office.  "Yes?"

"Pamela McKay is here, Justin."

"Uh, thank you.  Send her in."  Justin quickly replaces the cap on the bottle of Vodka and shoves it into a drawer on the desk.  A second later, Pamela walks into the office.  

"Hi," she says.

Justin stands to his feet and walks over to greet her.  "Hi," he says, kissing her.

"I'm surprised you came to work today."

"I had a lot of stuff to do.  I'm already days behind."

"You've been drinking,"  Pamela says.

"Alright,"  Justin says.  "I'll give them the loan.  On one condition."

"Anything."

"I don't want either of them to know the loan came from me.  You know how Cliff would react if he knew the money that saved his company came from a Ewing."

Pamela smiles.  "No wonder I love you so much.  Thank you for doing this for them."

"I'm not exactly doin' this for them.  I'm doin' it for you.  And, because my family is partly the reason Cliff and Brad are in this mess to begin with, so, maybe this will somehow make up for what Ewing Oil did to them."

"You are such a good man, Justin Ewing, and I love you."

"I love you too, Pamela McKay.  And I can't wait to make you Pamela Ewing.......again."

"I can't wait for that, either,"  Pamela says.  

As the two begin kissing, Justin's cell phone rings.  He sighs, then takes the phone from his pocket and looks at it.  "It's Jimmy," he says, then answers.  "Hey, man, what's up?"  Justin listens for a moment to Jimmy, then his mouth falls open in shock.  "What?  Yeah, okay, I'll be right there," he says, then puts his phone away.

"Justin, what's wrong?"  Pamela asks.

"The cops are at my house.  Jimmy says they have a warrant to search the place."

"What?"

"Come on.  I have to get there,"  Justin says.  He and Pamela quickly rush out of the office.

Southfork....

 Justin and Pamela walk into his house, along with Jay, and find Detectives Craig Anderson and Steven Jones, and a number of uniformed police officers there with Jimmy.  

"Justin,"  Craig says.  "Glad you're here."

"What the hell is goin' on here?"  Justin asks.

"Mr. Ewing, we have a warrant here to search these premises, as well as your vehjcle,"  replies Steven, showing Justin the warrant.

"What for?  I answered all of your questions yesterday, Detective Anderson."

"On what grounds did the police obtain this warrant to search my client's home, Anderson?"  Jay asks.

 "On grounds that your client is considered a person of interest in a murder investigation, Mr. Smithfield,"  Craig replies.  "Here's a copy of the warrant, signed by Judge Franklin."

Jay grabs the piece of paper from Craig's hand and looks at it.  "Make sure that Mr. Ewing's home is returned to the state you and your men found it in when you leave."

"Don't worry, we intend to,"  Craig says.

"Just get this over and get the hell out of my house,"  says an angry Justin.

"We'll be as quick as we can,"  says Steven.

"Justin, we'll also need to search the trunk of your car,"  Craig says.

"The trunk of my car?  What for?"

"Your keys,"  Craig says, holding out his hand.  

"This is ridiculous,"  Pamela says.  "Jay, can't you stop them?"

"Unfortunately no, they have a warrant."

"Evans, come with me,"  Craig says.  He and a uniformed officer leave the house after Justin gives Craig the keys to his car.  

Jimmy walks over to Justin and Pamela.  "Jimmy, thanks for callin' me,"  Justin says.

"I didn't know what else to do.  I sent my Mom and Ashley into town."

"Good," Justin says.  "After everything they're goin' through, last thing Debra Lynn and Ashley needed was to be here to see this."  He sighs, then walks out of the house and onto the front porch.  He watches as Craig opens the trunk of his car.  Pamela and Jimmy come onto the porch and stand beside Justin.  

Craig looks around inside the trunk, then looks up.  "Justin, mind steppin' over here?"

Nervously, Justin looks at Pamela, then walks into the yard to his car.  

"Mind telling me where your lug wrench is?"  Craig asks.  

"My lug wrench?"

"Yes.  You know that tool you use to loosen the lug nuts when you change a tire.  Yours seems to be missing."

"I.......I don't know where it is.  It should be here in the trunk."

"But it's NOT here,"  Craig says.  "Any explanation?"

"No,"  Justin replies.  "I have no idea.  It was there last time I checked."

"Okay,"  Craig says, looking at Justin curiously.  "Well, you might wanna look for it, or get yourself a new one.  You wouldn't wanna get out there on the road and have a flat, with 

no way to change it."  Craig closes the trunk and walks back to the house, leaving Justin with a worried look on his face as he looks at the trunk of his car.

Perry's Steakhouse And Grille....night....

 Bobby and Jenna are having dinner that evening at Perry's.  Jenna smiles at him as she takes a sip of her wine.  "Thank you for agreeing to have dinner with me tonight," she says.

"Well, dinner at Southfork itn't a whole lotta fun these days,"  Bobby says.

"I'm sorry.  I know how difficult everything must be for you now, especially with James's death."

Bobby sighs.  "Yeah.  It's been just one thing after another lately.  Sometimes it feels like the whole family is just fallin' apart.  And I've tried so hard to keep it together."

"Bobby, no one could have done a better job serving as the Ewing family's patriarch than you.  Not only have you taken care of the family, but also Southfork, and you managed to get Ewing Oil back into the family.  I think both Miss Ellie AND Jock would be very proud of you right now."

"Well, thank you for saying that."

"I meant every word," says Jenna.  

"Now let's talk about you.  Jenna, why did you really wanna have dinner with me tonight?"

Catlin, and Ann walk into the restaurant.  As they are being led to their table, Ann happens to see Bobby at a table across the room, holding hands with Jenna.  She angrily watches them for a few seconds, then turns and rushes out of the restaurant, her heart breaking.  Sue Ellen and Catlin immediately go after her.

Southfork....later....

 John Ross is sitting by the pool at Southfork drinking a glass of bourbon that night when Alex's vehicle drives up and comes to a stop in the parking area.  A moment later, Alex gets out of his car and heads to the house.  

"Alex,"  John Ross calls to his son from the patio.  Alex stops as he is about to go into the house.  John Ross stands to his feet and walks over to him.  "I was waitin' for you to get home."

"Why?"  Alex asks.

"Because you and me have some talkin' to do,"  John Ross says.

"You changed your mind about trying to get those charges dropped against Conner and Dylan?"  Alex asks.

"No, I hadn't changed my mind about that."

"Then we don't have anything to talk about."

"Oh yes we do.  Now you just hold on a minute.  The other night you said some things to me, some very disrespectful things.  Now son, you and I have come a long way in our relationship.  Too far to for us to have this rift between us because of Conner Ewing and Dylan Baxter."

"It's not about that, John Ross," Alex says.  "It's about your need for revenge against Dylan.  The guy has suffered enough.  He had a mental breakdown.  He's an alcoholic and now he's in a place where he's getting the help he needs.  Why are you so hell bent on sending him to prison?"

"You wanna know why?  Because I had to sit in a hospital waitin' room for HOURS not knowin' if you, my son, was gonna live or die.  I had to watch you in a hospital after brain surgery.  TWO damned brained surgeries.  I watched you suffer for months with headaches until you finally collapsed.  Not only that, but I lay in a hospital bed for WEEKS, blind, not knowin' if I was ever gonna see again, and all of that was because of Dylan Baxter."

"Dylan knows everything he did.  We talked about everything, John Ross, and I could see the pain in his eyes when he talked about the accident on New Year's Eve.  It's eating him up inside."

"Good, it ought to!"  John Ross says.  "And that brother of his, too.  Conner Ewing knew that Dylan was responsible for that accident and he lied about it!  Almost let that drunken punk get away with it!  I'm gonna see both of them locked up for a long time."

"And you don't give a damn what I want, do you?"

"This itn't about you."

Justin lays awake that night, Pamela beside him in her bed.  He is staring up at the ceiling, unable to sleep.  He gently moves Pamela away from him, being careful to not wake her, then he gets out of bed.  Despite his efforts to keep from disturbing her, Pamela wakes up and looks at him.  

"Justin," she says.

"Darlin', I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

"That's okay, I was only half-asleep.  Are you okay?"

Justin sighs.  "Yeah.  Just........can't get to sleep."

"You're worried about that missing lug wrench, aren't you?"  Pamela asks.

"Yeah.  McKay was bludgeoned to death with a blunt object, possibly a lug wrench, and mine is missin'.  And I don't think Detective Anderson believed me when I told him I didn't know where that damned wrench is."

"But Justin, you didn't do it.  You didn't kill Tripp, so you should have nothing to worry about."

Justin looks at her.  "You're sure I didn't do it?  You really mean that?"

"Yes, of course."

"How can you be so sure?"  Justin asks.

Pamela sits up on the bed and takes his hand.  "Because I know you.  Justin you are the kindest, most gentle man I know.  I know you don't have it in you to take another human life."

"That means a whole lot, you sayin' that, darlin'.  But I have to look at how all this looks to the cops.  I hated Tripp McKay, that's no secret.  I had fight with him and threatened him in a public restaurant.  And my lug wrench is missin' from my car, which, the cops think somethin' like a lug wrench was used to kill him.  If I were a cop, I'd be thinkin' the worst of me, too.  Everything's fallin' apart, Pamela.  James is dead, Uncle Bobby and Ann are separated, might even divorce.  And all this stuff is goin' on surroundin' McKay's murder.  I just don't understand why all this is happenin'."

Pamela stands and faces Justin, then puts her arms around him, embracing him.

Calvary Hill Funeral Home....two days later....

A large crowd is gathered and are mingling around at Calvary Hill Funeral Home two days later for James's memorial service.  Bobby is talking with Debra Lynn, John Ross, Krystina, and Ashley in the front hallway of the funeral home.  Other members of the extended Ewing family, including Sue Ellen, Justin, Jill, Callly, and Lucy, are greeting and shaking hands with mourners who have come to pay their respects to James and offer condolences to the Ewings and Beaumonts.  Jimmy walks into the funeral home from outside and makes his way through the thick crowd and down the hall, shaking hands with well-wishers as he goes.  He passes by his mother and sister and looks at them, then proceeds into the chapel.  He pauses at the door for a moment and looks at his father's flower draped casket sitting at the front of the chapel.  

Slowly, Jimmy proceeds to the front of the chapel and pauses in front of his father casket, which is surrounded by beautiful 

flowers.  Jimmy looks at the photo sitting on James's casket of himself and James when Jimmy was just 2-years-old.  Ashley walks into the chapel.  She looks at her brother for a moment before approaching him.  

"Jimmy," she says.  "I need to talk to you."

"About what?"

"I wanted to say that I'm sorry.  Sorry for the way I've been treating you.  I blamed you at first for Daddy's death, but, I know now how unfair that was, and that you're not to blame."

"Thank you, for saying that."

"I never meant to hurt you,"  Ashley says in tears. 

"Hey, I know that,"  Jimmy says, pulling his sister into an embrace. 

"Can you ever forgive me?"  Ashley asks.

"There's nothing to forgive.  You were hurting.  We all are.  I understand.  I blame myself for what happened to Dad.  If it hadn't been for me......."

"Don't, Jimmy,"  Ashley says, looking at her brother.  "This wasn't your fault.  I love you."  

"I love you too, sis,"  Jimmy says as he and Ashley embrace again.

Meanwhile, in another room, Bobby is chatting with Justin and Cally

when Ann walks over to them.  "Bobby, hello, Justin.  Cally,"  she says.

"Ann, how ya doin'?"  Justin asks, giving her a hug.  

"I'm okay.  Justin, I'm so sorry for your loss."

"Thank you, I appreciate that."

"Cally, how are things workin' out with your niece and nephew since they've been livin' with you in Florida?"  Ann asks.

"They're doin' just fine,"  replies Cally.  "It was adjustment at first, for all three of us, but once they got settled in, things have been goin' great.  And, if things work out, they might even get to visit their brother Josh soon."

"Well, that's wonderful.  Did they come to Dallas with you?"

"They did.  But, they didn't really wanna come to the memorial, so they stayed at the hotel.  Would y'all excuse me?  I'd like to go speak to Sue Ellen."

"Of course,"  Ann says as Cally walks away.

"Bobby, could we talk?"  Ann asks.

"Now itn't the time,"  Bobby says, then walks away from her.  

Sue Ellen and Catlin are talking to Ray and Lucy when Cally walks up to them.  

"Yeah, Donna wanted to be here, but she had to fly down to Austin today on some Railroad Commission business,"  Ray tells Sue Ellen and Lucy.  

"Sue Ellen,"  Cally says as she walks up to the three.

"Cally, hello,"  Sue Ellen says.  "I'm glad you were able to make it."

"Me, too.  Hi, Ray.  Lucy."

"Cally, how are ya?"  Ray asks.

"Fine.  Just real hard to believe James is gone."

"Yes, it is,"  says Sue Ellen.

"I keep thinkin' about the night we found out J.R. was James's father."

"Bobby, I wouldn't have missed it,"  Sly says.  "I always thought an awful lot of James.  I just couldn't believe it when Phyllis called and told me what happened."

"It was a shock to all of us,"  Bobby says.  As he is about to say something else, Bobby's attention turns to a woman he sees dressed in black dress, hat, and veil who walks into the funeral home and enters the chapel.  "Would you all excuse me?"  Bobby asks.

"Dad, what's wrong?"  Christopher asks.

"I'm not sure,"  Bobby replies.  Making his way through the crowd, Bobby walks into the chapel, where he watches the black-clad woman walk up to James's casket and touch it with a gloved hand.  

"Bobby,"  Debra Lynn says, walking up to him with Jimmy.  "What's wrong?"

"I'm not sure, Debra Lynn.  That woman at James's casket.  Something about her seems so familiar." 

"I saw her walk in,"  Jimmy says.  "I couldn't see her face."

Bobby walks up the isle of the chapel and approaches the woman from behind, followed by Jimmy and Debra Lynn.  "Excuse me,"  Bobby says, touching the woman's shoulder.  The woman pauses for a brief moment, then slowly turns to face Bobby, Debra Lynn, and Jimmy.  The woman slowly reaches up and lifts her veil, revealing her face to a stunned Bobby and Debra Lynn.

"Michelle?"  Bobby says in shock.

"Hello, Bobby.  Debra Lynn.  It's been a long time,"  says Bobby's former sister-in-law and James's ex-wife, Michelle Stevens.

"What are YOU doing here?"  Debra Lynn asks.

"I came to pay my respects.  I was, after all, married to James at one time.  Debra Lynn, you have my deepest sympathies.  You were very lucky to have had James all these years."

"I know that," Debra Lynn says as a funeral director walks over to them.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Beaumont, we should begin."

"Alright, thank you."

"I'll let everybody know to take their seats,"  Bobby says, he and Jimmy walking away.  

Debra Lynn and Michelle exchange looks.  "Well, I supposed I had better take my seat,"  Michelle says.  "Debra Lynn, I reall am sorry about James."

"Thank you."

"And despite what you may think, I really DID love him.  I never stopped.  As a matter of fact, I can honestly say that James was the one great love of my life,"  Michelle says, her mind thinking back to all the times she shared with James.....

"Well, wonders never cease,"  John Ross says.  "Last I heard, you two were about to fight it out over control of Wentworth Industries, now you're here at my brother's memorial service together.  What happened?  You call a truce?"

"No way,"  replies Austin.  

"No, we haven't called a truce, John Ross,"  says Jonathon.  "And we're not here together.  We just happened to arrive at the same time and ran into each other outside.  John Ross, I'm very sorry for the loss of your brother."

"You've got a lot of nerve showing your faces around here,"  Jimmy says, walking up to Jonathon and Austin.  

"Jimmy, I'm very sorry about your father,"  Austin says.

"Yes, and so am I,"  says Jonathon.  "You have my deepest condolences."

 "I don't want your condolences,"  Jimmy angrily says.  "All I want is for the two of you to leave."

"Jimmy, I'm sorry,"  says Austin.

"Your crazy sister KILLED my father and she kidnapped me and held me prisoner for WEEKS!  I don't wanna see you or any member of your family anywhere in my sight!  So get out of here before I throw you out."

Austin and Jonathon exchange looks.  "Alright, we're gone,"  Jonathon says.  "For what it's worth, Austin and I had nothing to do with what our sister has done.  And we're both deeply, DEEPLY sorry for the pain she's caused your family."  The two brothers turn and walk out of the funeral home without another word.  

Outside, Austin looks at his older brother.  "You didn't have to speak for me in there.  And I don't appreciate you doing it."

Jonathon sighs.  "I was only speaking the truth.  Neither you nor I are responsible for what our brother and sister have done, or what our crazy mother has done."

"Listen....don't you EVER talk about Mom like that again,"  says an angry Austin.

"Are you kidding me?  After everything that woman has done, you're STILL defending her?"

"She's still our MOTHER!"

While the two brothers are arguing in front of the funeral home, a black limousine is parked across the street.  From the back seat of the limo, clad in a black dress, large black hat and black veil, Katherine is watching her two 

sons as they exchange words for a moment, then each turn from each other and walk away in opposite directions.  Katherine's heart breaks, as she longs to be close to Jonathon, her firstborn, and as she grieves over her daughter and other son, both of whom she knows are now lost to her since Katelyn has been charged with James Beaumont's murder and Brian is on the run, wanted for the murders of three people and an unborn child.  

Meanwhile, back inside the funeral home, Clay Jamison enters the chapel, then makes his way to the front of the chapel to James's casket, where he pauses and looks at the photo of James beside the casket, then at the photo of James and

 "I was just going over all the evidence we have in the McKay murder case, and over our list of suspects," Craig replies.  "Which one of these people had the best motive for wanting to see Tripp McKay dead?"

"Okay, well, let's take a look at all the suspects,"  Steven says, taking a seat at his own desk.  "There's McKay's ex-wife, Pamela.  The two of them had a very bitter divorce, and McKay was threatening to sue Pamela for custody of their 2-year-old son, Hunter."

"Pamela would definitely be right at the top of our suspect list.  And so would her lover, Justin Ewing."

"Ewing DEFINITELY had a strong motive," says Steven.  "Not to mention the fact that he threatened to kill McKay in front of at least 40 witnesses."

"AND his lug wrench was missing from the trunk of his car,"  Craig says.

"Okay, then, I say we shoot Justin Ewing to the top of our list.  Then there's John Ross Ewing.  John Ross and McKay had a REALLY bitter feud that goes back years.  And, John Ross and Justin's half-sister, Jillian Cryder Smithfield."

Craig becomes nervous upon hearing his partner mention Jill's name.  

"Jill Smithfield and McKay use to be lovers, until Pamela stole him away from her,"  Steven continues.  "And, Jill and McKay had an uneasy relationship after that.  He even stole her job as CEO of Westar Oil.   I'd say she had a pretty good motive."

"What about this guy, Jake Minter?  The private investigator.  He was a friend of McKay's at one time, but, mutual acquaintances say their friendship had soured.  And, we haven't been able to find him to question him.  He'd have to be right at the top of the suspect list, along with Justin Ewing.  Not to mention Janice Duffy, Bobby Ewing's former secretary.  She even admitted that she was sleeping with McKay."

Steven smiles.  "Yeah, but only AFTER we told her that John Ross Ewing had informed us of her affair with McKay."

"Janice even admitted that she'd had sex with McKay not even an hour before he died."

"Well, at least the guy died happy,"  Craig remarks.  "Sorry, I know that was in poor taste."

"We also have to put Bobby Ewing and Ann Ewing near the top, also,"  Steven says.  "Bobby Ewing had a confrontation with McKay at The Cattlemen's Club at the same time his nephew Justin threatened McKay's life.  McKay had exposed the secret that Lucas Ewing was the father of Ann Ewing's daughter's child.  My GOD, these peoples' lives are more complicated than any soap opera!"

"And our list of people who hated Tripp McKay enough to want him dead keeps growing."

Steven sighs.  "Okay, let's run through our list.  We have Pamela Barnes McKay, the ex-wife about to be in a bitter custody battle with McKay;  Pamela's lover, Justin Ewing, who threatened to kill McKay; Bobby Ewing, who also had an angry encounter with McKay; Ann Ewing, whose marriage was probably wrecked because McKay publicly exposed a secret she'd been keeping from her hubby; John Ross Ewing, who had been enemies with McKay  for years, and we know that McKay was using a Ewing Oil secretary to steal deals from the Ewings; Pamela's father, Cliff Barnes, and her brother, Brad Stone, Cliff's son.  We know that Stone had gotten a very sizable loan from McKay, and that McKay had called the loan in, thus putting Cliff and Stone's company in danger of going under."

"That sounds to me like a pretty strong motive for murder,"  Craig says.  

"Yeah, but Barnes is an old man.  Like he said when we spoke to him last, would a man in his 70s have had the strength to over power and kill a young, healthy, strong guy like Tripp McKay who hit the gym every other day?"

"What about Stone?  He's also young and strong.  Maybe he killed McKay and his father provided him an alibi."

"Could be,"  Steven says.  "Damn, it looks like half the city of Dallas wanted this guy dead.  Which is really weird."

"Weird.....how?"  Craig asks.

"Well, you remember me telling you about the Scott Van Buren case?  When Van Buren kidnapped Afton Cooper and her daughter Pamela McKay?"

"Sure."

"I was with Tripp McKay when we went to Canada, along with Pamela's father, Cliff Barnes, to rescue those two women.  I spent time with McKay, and back then, just two years ago, he seemed like one of the most decent guys I'd met.  And it was obvious he loved his wife.  He risked his life to save her.  Even got himself shot in the process.  It's just hard for me to believe that things could've changed THAT drastically between them, and that McKay himself could've changed so much that he'd made so many enemies."

"Partner, you know as well as I do that, it doesn't take much to make enemies these days.  And people do change."  At that moment, Craig's phone rings.  He quickly picks up and answers.  "Yeah," he says.  "Anderson here."  He 

 listens for a moment to the person on the other end of the line.  "What?"  He asks, seemingly surprised.  "Are you sure?  Yeah.  Okay, thanks."  He hangs up the phone.

"Who was that?"  Steven asks.  

Craig looks at him.  "That, partner, was our first real break in this case,"  he replies with a slight smile.

Calvary Hill Funeral Home....

Back at the funeral home, Jimmy is speaking at his father's memorial service, telling the congregation a story from his childhood:  "When I was 10-years-old, I wanted a pet, so my parents decided I was old enough to have a puppy.  They took me shopping at a pet shop, and I there was this liter of puppies.  I think there were five in all, and two puppies looked exactly the same.  Well, I picked one of those puppies, my parents bought it for me and we took it home.  I named it Roscoe, because I was a huge fan of the TV show The Dukes Of Hazzard.  I loved that little pup.  But one day when I was in school, Roscoe somehow got out of the house, and he went into the street and was run over.  My Mom frantically called my Dad and he rushed home from work, buried Roscoe, and then he went back to that pet shop and bought that other pup for me, the one who looked exactly like Roscoe.  Now this wasn't an easy task, because someone had already bought the other puppy, but luckily they just hadn't picked it up yet.  So my Dad he got in touch with the buyer and explained the situation, and he paid them DOUBLE they money they had paid for that puppy.  Dad brought it home before I got home from school, and, it wasn't until years later, after I was an adult, that I found out about my original puppy, and what my Dad had done to get the other one just so I wouldn't have to suffer through the loss of my little Roscoe.  From the look on my Mom's face right now, I don't think Dad ever told her that he'd told me about what happened to Roscoe.  That was the kind of father James Beaumont was.  But he was more than that.  He was a friend.  He was MY friend.  I was blessed to have had young parents when I was growing up.  My Dad got involved in every sports I played.  He coached my little league team.  Coached my recreation department football team when I was in middle school.  And he was a scout leader when I was in Boy Scouts.  He was involved in my life, and later, my sister Ashley's life.  I really feel terrible for my baby sister Eve, even more than I feel bad for myself or Ashley, because we got to have our father with us when we were growing up.  That's something that Eve won't have.  But Dad, I promise you that I will be there for my baby sister.  I'll do my best to  fill your shoes, which I know is impossible.  Thank you for being the best father you could be.  You weren't perfect, and I sure haven't been the perfect son.  But we both did our best.  I love you, Dad, and I'll always miss you."  Jimmy leaves the podium after his emotional eulogy.  

The funeral director walks to the podium.  "Is there anyone else who would like to say anything?"  He asks.  He looks around the large congregation, which remains silent, for almost 20 seconds.  "Alright, if there is no one else, then we will conclude these services......"

"Wait,"  comes a male voice from near the back of the chapel.  Everyone turns and looks in the direction of the voice as Clay Jamison stands to his feet.  "I'd like to say something."

"Of course, young man.  Come,"  says the funeral director.  

Everyone in the chapel watches with surprise as Clay proceeds down the center isle and to the front of the chapel to take the podium.  John Ross watches his secretary with curiosity as Clay takes the podium, wondering why he wants to speak.  

All eyes are on Clay as he stands at the podium.  He hesitates just a moment before he begins and looks at the crowd before him.  "Most of you here don't know.  My name is Clay Jamison and I work for Ewing Oil. I hadn't planned on doing this.  In fact, nothing has gone as I'd planned when I came to Dallas.  Sitting there listening to Jimmy Beaumont'svery emotional speech about his father got me doing some thinking.  Jimmy, you were real lucky to have had a father like the one you described.  I only had the chance to meet James Beaumont once, just a few days ago.  But I really wish that I'd been able to know him longer.  Because, you see, James Beaumont was more to me than just some stranger I only met once in passing.  James Beaumont.........was my father."  Clay's stunning announcement is followed by audible gasps from the congregation, and looks of absolute shock from members of the Beaumont and Ewing family.  "My mother is here today.........Michelle Stevens, who was married to James when I was conceived.

 "The only thing you're entitled to is an ass kicking,"  Jimmy says, looking down at Clay.  

Clay slowly stands to his feet and wipes blood from the corner of his mouth.  "You're gonna be real sorry you did that," he says.  He starts toward Jimmy.

"Alright, stop it, that's enough!"  Bobby angrily says, stepping between them.  "The last thing we all need right now is this kind of drama, and an ugly scene in front of all those people in that chapel."

"Uncle Bobby's right,"  says Justin.  "Nothin' is gonna get settled like this."

"There's nothing to settle,"  Jimmy says.  "This guy shows up at Dad's funeral and ruins everything with this lie!"

John Ross walks over to Clay.  "Is this why you got that job at Ewing Oil?  I had you checked out thoroughly."

"And I covered my tracks thoroughly, John Ross,"  says Clay.  "Just like a Ewing would.  Just like my grandfather, J.R., would."

Before anyone can say another word, Krystina, Pamela, Alex, Shawn, Christopher, Lucy, Jill, and several other people come out of the chapel, some exiting the building.  

"What's going on?"  Krystina asks.  "Is everything alright?"

"No, everything's not alright,"  John Ross replies as Sue Ellen and Catlin come out and join the rest of the family.  "Clay, you ever set foot in Ewing Oil again, I'll have your ass locked up for trespassin', and the best thing you can do is take your Mama and get the hell out of Dallas."

"I'm not going anywhere, John Ross,"  Clay says.  "And if you think I can be driven out of town, then you've got another thing coming."

At that moment, Detectives Craig Anderson and Steven Jones walk into the funeral home.  Spotting the Ewings gathered down the hall, the two detectives approach them.  

"Excuse us,"  Craig says.

"Detective Anderson, what are you doing here?"  Bobby asks.

"Mr. Ewing, we're very sorry to have to do this, especially here and now,"  Steven says.

"Do what?  What are you talkin' about?"  Bobby asks.

The two detectives approach Justin.  "Justin Ewing, where were you on the night Tripp McKay was murdered?"  Steven asks.

"I already told you, I was at home,"  Justin nervously replies.

As Justin is led from the funeral home in handcuffs, Shawn is looking on, a strange expression of fear on his face as he wonders about that witness who had seen Justin at Tripp's apartment building that night of the murder.  Had the witness also seen HIM there?  

As Bobby exits the funeral home with Pamela, John Ross, Krystina, Christopher, and Jill, they watch as Justin is placed into the back of a police car by Craig Anderson.  As he is about to get into the front passenger seat himself, Craig and Jill exchange looks, then Craig gets into the car.  The Ewing family watches as the detectives drive away with Justin in the backseat.  

Bobby takes his cell phone from his pocket, and as he is about to dial Jay's number, he looks up and sees the black limousine parked across the street.  The back window is almost half way down, and Bobby sees a woman in the backseat wearing a large black hat and a veil.  Bobby is sure he recognizes the woman as Katherine Wentworth.  "Jill, call Jay and tell him that Justin's been arrested.  Ask him to meet you at the police station,"  Bobby says.  

"Dad, what is it?"  Christopher asks.

"I think I see someone I know,"  Bobby says.  He starts toward the street, and suddenly, the limousine slowly drives away.  "Christopher, you stay here.  I'll be back,"  Bobby says as he hurries away from his son and to his car parked on the side parking lot.  Bobby gets into his car and drives away in a hurry, following the black limousine as Christopher watches in dismay.

George Allen Courthouse, Dallas....

 Jay Smithfield is in a conference room at the Dallas courthouse placing some papers in his brief case when Assistant D.A. Gail Copeland walks by the open door and sees him.   She lightly knocks on the door.  Jay looks up and smiles when he sees her.  "Gail," he says.

"Hello, counselor," she says, walking into the room.

"What brings you here to the courthouse in Dallas?"  Jay asks.

"Well, if things work out, I actually might be transferring here to Dallas and out of Braddock County."

"Really?  So you're up for a position in the Dallas D.A.'s office?"

"Yes, I am,"  Gail replies.  "And I have to say, I'm really excited.  Oh, don't get me wrong, Braddock is okay, but, I think my job will be a bit more exciting in a bigger city like Dallas."

"Well, good luck, I hope you get the job."

"Even if that means you and I will be going up against each other in court fairly often?"

"Yes, even so."

"Well, I thank you, Jay.  You ever consider leaving private practice and joining the D.A.'s office?"

"No, never,"  says Jay.  "I could never bring myself to leave Smithfield and Bennett.  It's too much in my blood.  My grandpa Smithfield started that firm back in the 1930s when he was fresh out of law school, with a little help from Sam Culver."

"Sam Culver, the former governor?"

"That's right.  My Grandfather and Sam Culver were friends.  And then later, my other grandfather, Kyle Bennett, joined the firm fresh out of law school."

"Thus the Bennett in Smithfield and Bennett?"  

"Yes."

"I admire your loyalty to your family's legacy,"  Gail says.  "Loyalty seems to be a dying thing these days."

"That's true,"  Jay says in a sad voice.

"Listen, Jay, I don't mean to pry, but is everything alright?  You seem really down today."

"Just some personal stuff I'm dealing with."

"Well, I'm done for the day, if you'd like to go have a couple drinks and talk.  I'm a real good listener."

Jay looks at her.  "Yeah, I'd like that.  I could really use a friend to talk to right now."

"Then let's go.  My treat."

Jay nods, closes his briefcase, then he and Gail leave together.  

Meanwhile....

Back at the funeral home, Jill is on her phone calling Jay, but his voicemail picks up.  She sighs in frustration as she listens to Jay's voicemail greeting.  "Jay, it's Jill.  I need you to come to the Dallas Police Station as quickly as possible.  Justin has been arrested for Tripp's murder.  Either give me a call or meet me at the station ASAP."  Jill ends the call and puts her phone away as John Ross and Pamela walk over.  

"You get ahold of Jay?"   John Ross asks.

"No.  It went straight to his  voicemail.  I left a message telling him what happened.  John Ross do you know why Bobby tore out of here the way he did?"

"No idea.  Christopher didn't know, either."

"I'm going to the police station,"  says Pamela.

"Why don't you just leave my brother alone and stay away from him?" Jill asks.  "Haven't you caused him enough trouble?"

"ExCUSE me?"

"Justin wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for you."

"How DARE you say that to me?"

"Because it's true.  Just leave Justin alone."

"My relationship with Justin is NONE of your damned business!  So keep your nose out of it,"  Pamela says, then turns and walks away.  

"I really hate that witch,"  Jill says.

"Well, I don't think she's too fond of you, either,"  John Ross says.  "You wanna ride to the police station with me and Krystina?"

"No, you go on ahead. I'm gonna try Jay again, and if he still doesn't answer his phone, I'll see if I can find him."

"Okay.  Hell of a day, huh?  James's memorial service, then we find out we MAY have another nephew, and now Justin bein' arrested.  I'll see you later."

"Alright, John Ross,"  Jill says as he walks away from her.  Jill again takes out her phone and dials Jay's number.  Again, it goes straight to his voicemail. Jill hangs up in frustration.  "Damn it, Jay, where are you?"  She asks to herself.  

Meanwhile....Ross Avenue in Dallas....

Bobby continues to follow the black limousine through the streets of Dallas until they reach Ross Avenue downtown.  Bobby watches as the limousine pulls into the parking garage of the Chase Building.  Curious, Bobby decides to follow the limo into the garage.  

Driving down the ramp into the underground parking garage of the Chase Building, which houses Jeremy Wendell's penthouse, Bobby slowly drives behind the limo, making sure to keep his distance so as not to be seen.  He finally pulls his car over and watches as the limousine comes to a stop.  He watches as a driver, an older man with gray hair, gets out of the limo and opens the back door for a woman dressed in a large black hat to get out.  The woman and the driver hurry to a nearby elevator.  Bobby quickly gets out of his car and runs to catch up to them, but by the time he reaches the elevator,

the doors have closed.  "Damn!"  Bobby angrily says.  He watches the numbers to see what floor the elevator stops on.  After a few moments, the elevator stops on the penthouse floor, further raising Bobby's curiosity.  "The penthouse?"  He mutters to himself.  "Jeremy Wendell lives on the penthouse in this building.  Oh, Wendell.  Have you been in collusion with Katherine?  Have you been hiding her, is that why she just disappeared into thin air?"

Smithfield And Bennett....

"Thanks for stopping by the office with me," Jay tells Gail Copeland as he places some papers in his briefcase.  "I had to get these depositions.  I have to read over them this weekend."

"Oh, no problem at all,"  Gail says.  "Nice office."

"Thanks. You want a drink while we're here?"

"Sure, I'd love one."

"So would I,"  Jay says, going to his bar.  He pours two glasses of scotch and hands one to Gail.  

"Thank you," she says.

"No problem."

"So, what's on your mind?  It's obviously something very heavy.  Is it related to work?"  Gail asks, taking a seat on the sofa in the office.

"No.  No, it's not, it's to do with my personal life."  Jay walks over and takes a seat beside her.

"Problems at home?  I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get too personal."

"It's quite alright,"  Jay says.  "To answer your question, yes.  It's problems at home.  I guess I may as well tell you.  Everybody's gonna know soon enough.  My wife Jill and I have separated."

"Oh, Jay, I'm sorry,"  Gail says.  "I hope it's not permanent."

"Right now, I really don't know.  To be honest, Gail, it feels permanent.  Jill and I........things haven't been right between us for a long time.  Maybe this is for the best."

"Well, you're certainly taking it well."

"Am I?  Sure doesn't feel like it.  Sometimes, it feels like I'm falling apart."

Gail looks at him.  "Well, for what it's worth, Jay, if you ever need a shoulder to cry on, mine's always available."

"Thank you, Gail.  That means a lot."

"You're very welcome.  That's what friends are for.  Y'know, if you don't mind me saying so, I think your wife is a fool to let a man like you go."

Jay smiles.  "Yeah.  Because I'm such a great catch, right?"

"You ARE.  You ARE a great catch.  You're very handsome, a successful attorney.  And you're a genuinely nice guy.  Jay Smithfield, YOU are the total package."

"Thank you, Gail.  I really needed to hear that."

"I meant every word,"  Gail says.  A few seconds of silence follows as the two look into each others' eyes.  After a moment, they begin to draw closer until their lips meet in a passionate kiss.  

Meanwhile, Jill steps off the elevator just outside.  She walks into the Smithfield and Bennett offices.  Finding no one in the outer offices, she proceeds to Jay's office and, finding the door slightly open, she starts to go in, but she stops short when she sees Jay and Gail on the sofa, locked in a passionate kiss and embrace.  In total shock, Jill watches her husband and Gail for a moment, tears streaming down her face.  When she sees Jay and Gail start to undress each other, Jill turns and flees from the office, her heart broken.  

Southfork....

 Christopher's car pulls up to Southfork and comes to a stop.  Getting out of his car, Christopher makes his way to the house.  A couple of minutes later, he walks into the livingroom and finds his wife looking at herself in the mirror, her hair now cut much shorter.  "Courtney?"  He says, walking into the room.

She turns to face him.  "I didn't expect you back so soon."

"Yeah, there was some stuff that happened at the memorial.  Courtney.......your hair."

"Yeah.  I asked my Mom to cut it for me while you were gone."

"Why?"  Christopher asks.

"I just needed a change.  I thought it was time for a change."

"I like it.  I think you're even more beautiful with shorter hair, if that's even possible."  He walks up to her and gently touches her face.  As he starts to kiss her, Courtney pulls away from him.  

"Courtney......."

"Christopher, don't,"  she says.  

"You can't even stand for me to touch you anymore, can you?"

"I'm sorry."

"Courtney, we're both in pain.  I'm hurting, too.  I wish you'd let me in.  Let me share this pain with you."

"You CAN'T,  Christopher.  You can't share this with me."

"Courtney, that was my baby, too.  I wanted that baby so much. I know you blame me for what happened.  And if I could take all of this back, I would."

Courtney turns away from him.  "If you and Chase hadn't been fighting, this wouldn't have happened."

"I know that.  I'll never forgive myself.  Honey, I'm sorry.  Courtney, I love you."

"I love you, too,"  Courtney says, fighting back her tears.  "But right now, Christopher, I can't be with you.  I just can't."

"Can't be with me?"  Christopher asks.  "Courtney, what does that mean?"

"It means that I think we both need some time apart right now."

"Time apart?  Courtney, I don't need time apart from you."

"But I do, Christopher.  I DO need time away from you.  Jacob and I will be going to stay in Dallas for a while."

"Courtney, what are you saying?" Christopher asks in tears.  "You're leaving me?"

"Yes."

"Courtney, you're my wife, I'm your husband.  We've just been through a terrible tragedy.  Instead of pulling apart, we need to go through this together."

 "Yeah, get me a Coke and a candy bar,"  Alex replies.

"What kind?"

"Snickers."

"Be right back,"  Bridget says, heading to the store.

Alex gets out of the car, opens his gas tank, and begins pumping the gas.

Meanwhile, Brian Manning makes his way out of some woods behind the convenience store.  As he peaks around the corner of the store, he sees a police car parked in front.  He starts to make a run for it, but sees another Dallas police car driving by the store slowly.  "Damn it," he mutters under his breath.  "I gotta find a way outta here."  Again peaking around the corner of the store, he notices Alex at the pump only about 30 feet from him, getting gas, then

sees Bridget come out of the store and walk to Alex's vehicle and get in.  He watches as Alex replaces the gas pump and closes his gas tank.  Seeing his chance, he quickly makes a run for Alex's car.  Just as Alex gets into the driver's seat and closes his door, he and Bridget are stunned when Brian suddenly opens the back door and gets into the car.

"Hey, what the......"  Alex says.

"Shut up,"  Brian says.  "Just drive."

"Who are...."

"Just shut the hell up and drive, kid,"  Brian says, showing Alex and Bridget that he has a gun on them.

"Oh my God," Alex says.  "You're Brian Manning."

"That's right and if you don't wanna see your girlfriend hurt, you'll drive away from here.  NOW!"

"Alex, do what he says,"  a frightened Bridget tells him.  

His heart pounding with fear, Alex immediately starts his car and drives away, making a right turn onto the street and heading toward the Central Expressway.

Dallas Police Department....

John Ross, Krystina, Pamela, Cally, and Jimmy are anxiously waiting at the Dallas Police Department for word on Justin.  John Ross looks at his watch.  "Where in the hell is Jill?"  He asks.  "She said she was gonna try and get in touch with Jay Smithfield and meet us here.  And where's Uncle Bobby?"

"John Ross, just calm down,"  Krystina says.  "I'm sure that Jay and Jill will be here as soon as she finds him."

"Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm goin' stir crazy sittin' here waitin',"  says Cally.  

"So am I,"  Pamela says.  "If they don't let us know something soon, I'm going back there."

A few seconds later, Detective Craig Anderson comes out of a room, followed by two uniformed police officers with

 Justin.  

"Justin, baby, what's happenin'?"  Cally asks.

"Detective, what the hell's goin' on?"  John Ross asks.

"Justin has been formally charged with the murder of Tripp McKay,"  Craig answers.

"No, that's crazy!"  Pamela says.  "He didn't do this!"

"We have evidence that says otherwise, Mrs. McKay,"  Craig replies.  

"What's gonna happen to him now?"  Cally frantically asks.

"He will be booked, and placed in lockup."