EPISODE 179 - The Desperate Hours, Part 2

 

 

Bobby's car turns into the parking lot of the old warehouse in Fort Worth where John Ross had gone to meet Brian Manning.  Bobby brings his car to screeching stop near the old abandoned building.  He and Bum immediately jump out of the car and run to the other side of the building, where they pause in their tracks.  Bobby's heart stops with fear as they see John Ross on the ground, and Alex laying just a few feet from him.  "Oh my God,"  Bobby

says.  He and Bum quickly rush over to them.  "John Ross!"  Bobby says, kneeling beside his nephew.

 

"Uncle Bobby,"  says John Ross, injured and bleeding from a wound in his right side.  "Alex...."

 

"John Ross, you're gonna be fine, just lay still,"  Bobby says.  He then crawls over to Alex, who lays a few feet away.  from John Ross.   He also appears to be wounded.  "Alex,"  Bobby says.  "Son, can ya hear 

me?"

 

"Bridget......"  Alex moans in a soft voice, almost a whisper.

 

Gently, Bobby rolls the boy over onto his back.  "Alex, how bad are you hurt?"

 "I'm......I'm okay,"  Alex says.  

 

"You're not shot?"

 

"No.  Manning, he.......he shot John Ross."

 

"I know,"  Bobby says.  "But John Ross is gonna be fine.  Alex, what happened?"

 

"He took Bridget,"  Alex cries.  "Uncle Bobby, I tried to stop him.  He saw your car coming.  He forced Bridget into my car, and when I tried to stop him, he hit me with his gun, knocked me down and took off.  Uncle Bobby, he's got Bridget."

 

"Which way did they go?"  Bum asks, applying pressure to John Ross's gunshot wound.

 

"That way,"  Alex replies, pointing toward a fence behind the building, and a road leading onto a street. 

 

"Bum, call an ambulance, and the police!"  Bobby says as he takes off running in the direction Alex had indicated.  He runs the length of the warehouse building, and as he dashes around the corner of the rear of the building, he looks toward the fence, with an open gate some 30 yards or so from the old warehouse, and he can see a trail of dust drifting up from the ground near the fence, indicating where Brian had sped off in Alex's car, with Bridget!

 Krystina and Donna Love rush into the emergency department at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth and approach the nurse's desk.  "Excuse me,"  says a frantic Krystina.

 

"Yes, may I help you?"  The nurse on duty asks.

 

"My husband and stepson were brought in here just a little while ago.  John Ross Ewing, and Alexander Walton."

 

"Yes.  The doctor is with your husband now.  Two other men came in with them.  They're in the waiting room just down the hall."

 

"Thank you,"  Krystina says.  She and Donna Love hurry down the hall and into the waiting room, where they find Bobby.

 

"Krystina,"  Bobby says, greeting the women at the door.  

 

"Bobby, how is John Ross?  How badly was he hurt?"

 

"And what about my granddaughter?"  Donna Love asks.  "WHERE is Bridget?"

 

"Donna, I'm sorry,"  says Bobby.  "But Manning took Bridget."

 

"He..........he TOOK her?  What do you mean, he TOOK her?"

 

"Manning escaped, and he has Bridget with him."

 

Donna shakes her head as she begins to cry.  "He.......that madman has my granddaughter?  Oh God.  Oh, dear God, no........"

 

Krystina embraces Donna as she begins to cry.   

 

"The police,"  Donna says.  "We have to call the police."

 

"Donna, the police have been called,"  Bobby says, just as Bum walks into the room with his son, Detective Steven Jones and his partner, Detective Craig Anderson.  "Any word?"  Bobby asks.  

 

"We have an APB out on Manning and your nephew's vehicle, Mr. Ewing,"  Craig replies.  "We need to ask you some questions, and John Ross Ewing and Alex Walton, as well, just as soon as the doctor is finished with them."

 

"Of course,"  Bobby says.

 

"My granddaughter,"  Donna Love says.  "What are you people doing to find my granddaughter?"

 

"Detectives, this is Donna Love, Bridget McKinnon's grandmother,"  says Bobby.

 

"Ms. Love, we're doing everything we possibly can to find your granddaughter,"  says Craig.  "Mr. Ewing, we need to talk."

 

"And I need to have a few words with you,"  Detective Steven Jones tells his father.

 

"Yeah, let's step out here,"  Bum says.  Steven follows his father into the hallway.  

 

"Your husband is very lucky, Mrs. Ewing,"  replies the doctor.  "The bullet grazed his right side, but didn't penetrate.  He's lost a lot of blood, and we have to keep an eye out for infection, but he's going to be fine.  I'd like to keep him over night for observation."

 

"And my stepson, Alex?"

 

"Alex has a concussion and a badly sprained wrist.  He's also a little dehydrated, so we're giving him some fluids.  You'll be able to take him home in a little while."

 

"Thank you,"  Krystina says, breathing a sigh of relief.  "Can I see my husband?"

 

"Doctor, we'd like to ask Mr. Ewing some questions,"  Steven says.

 

"Detective Jones, can't this wait?"  Bobby asks.  "Let Krystina see her husband first."

 

Steven and Craig exchange looks.  "Alright, fine,"  Craig says.  "We'll wait.  In the meantime, we do need to speak to Alex Walton and ask him some questions about Brian Manning.  Can we see the boy, doctor?"

 

"Yes, of course,"  the doctor replies.  "Mrs. Ewing, you can follow me."

 

"Thank you."

 

"Oh, this is just terrific,"  Donna Love angrily says.  "John Ross is going to be fine, and Alex is fine.  But what about Bridget?  What about my granddaughter.  She's still in the hands of that killer."

 

"Ms. Love, I assure you,"  says Craig.  "The police are doing everything possible to find your granddaughter."

 

"Well, you had better do just that, Detective.  Because if that maniac hurts my baby.. ..........someone is going to pay very dearly."

 

 

 

Meanwhile....

 Alex's Ford Escape is driving down a rural road outside of Dallas, with a terrified Bridget driving, and Brian in the passenger seat, holding his gun on her.  "Where are we going?"  Bridget asks, tears streaming down her face.

 

"Just shut up and drive.  You're lucky you're alive after that stunt Ewing pulled back there.  He was still alive, I should've finished him and his son off when I had the chance."

 

"What are you gonna do with me?"  Bridget asks in tears.

 

Brian looks at her.  "You're gonna be my ticket out of here.  You're not a Ewing, like I had planned, but, hopefully the Ewings, or someone, cares enough about you to not try anything stupid."

 

"And, what is they do?  Try something stupid, I mean?"

 

"Well, sweetheart, I'll put it to you this way.  I have NO intention of going to prison.  So if the law closes in, they're gonna have to kill me because they're sure as hell not gonna take me alive.  And if I die........YOU die.  Right along with as many cops as I can take out with me."

 

Bridget looks at her captor, her eyes filling with tears and her heart pounding with terror as she fears she will never make it out of this alive.

Barbara Davis Hagman Center, Fort Worth....

 Meanwhile, Sue Ellen and Dylan are walking in the garden at the Hagman Center early in the afternoon.  "Sue 

Ellen I really appreciate you coming to see me today.  And thank you for the Jurassic Park shirt.  It's a perfect fit."

 

"You're very welcome, Dylan,"  Sue Ellen says.  "I wasn't sure what to get you for your birthday, so I asked Donna, and she said you're a big fan of the Jurassic series."

 

"I sure am.  Thank you.  Sue Ellen, it really means a lot to me that you still come and  visit me, you know, after everything that happened.  With Alex and the accident."

Sue Ellen smiles.  "Dylan, the important thing is that you're owning up to your mistakes, and taking control of your life."

 

"It's not easy.  I can't even count on both hands how many times a day I want a drink."

 

"I know,"  Sue Ellen says.  "But it DOES get better, believe me.  I'm very proud of the progress you've ,made, and when you get out of here, I meant what I said.  I would like to be your AA sponsor, and I'd like for you to start attending meetings with me."

 

"I will,"  Dylan says.  "That is, if I don't leave the Center for prison."

 

"Dylan I have talked to John Ross about dropping the charges against you, and so has Alex."

 

"And let me guess.......he refused?"

 

"Yes.  But I'm not giving up.  My son is very stubborn, but there has to be a way to get him to change his mind."

 

Dylan sighs deeply.  "God, I made such a mess of everything.  Of my life, and Conner's.  If my brother never forgives me, I couldn't blame him."

 

"I'm sure that Conner will come around, eventually.  He'll probably even come and see you today.  After all, it IS your birthday."

 

"Ray and Donna are coming later,"  says Dylan.  "Todd even said he would stop by this evening.  But I haven't heard from Conner."

 

As Sue Ellen starts to say something, her cell phone rings.  She takes the phone from her purse and looks at it.  "Dylan, excuse me for a moment," she says.  "It's Catlin."

 

"Sure,"  Dylan says.  

 

Sue Ellen answers her call.  "Catlin," she says.  For a moment, she listens to her husband on the other end of the line, and the smile disappears from her face, replaced by an expression of fear.  "What?  Oh my God.  Well, are John Ross and Alex alright?  Yes.  Alright, I'll meet you at the hospital.  Bye."  

 

"Sue Ellen, what's wrong?"  Dylan asks.

 

"Dylan, I'm sorry, but I have to go.  Something has happened, and, John Ross and Alex are in the hospital."

 

"The hospital?  What happened?  Are they alright?"

 

"I'm not sure.  I'll talk to you soon.  Happy birthday."  Sue Ellen kisses the young man on the cheek, then quickly rushes away as Dylan watches.  

Hospital in Fort Worth.....late afternoon....

 "No, look, I'm fine,"  Alex says as he tries to get out of his hospital bed.  "I'm fine.  I have to get out of here!"

 

"Alex, you just had a very serious bump on the head,"  Krystina tells her stepson.  "The doctor says you have a concussion.  You have to stay in bed."

 

 

"I can't stay in bed when that psycho has my girlfriend,"  Alex says.  

 

"The police are doing everything in their power to find them.  They have an APB out on your car.  They'll find them."

 

"And what if he hurts Bridget?  Krystina, that guy is crazy."

 

"Honey, I know.  But there's nothing you can do to help Bridget right now.  The best thing you can do for her is to take care of yourself, because when this is all over, and she's home safe, she's gonna need you."

 

"Krystina, I can't just sit here in this hospital,"  Alex says.  "God only knows what that son of a bitch is doing to Bridget!"

 

"Alex, you're gonna have to stay put,"  Bobby says, walking into the room.  "I just talked to your doctor, and he says you have a very serious concussion.  You're gonna have to stay in the hospital for observation for at least 24 hours."

 

"What about John Ross?  How is he?"  Alex asks.

 

"John Ross is gonna be fine.  He wants to see you.  Look, son, I know you're worried about Bridget.  We all are.  But the police are doing everything they can.  They have every available officer out lookin' for Manning and Bridget.  They're also setting up roadblocks on every road leading in and out of Fort Worth.  Manning itn't gonna be able to get out of the city."

 

"And that's what scares me, Uncle Bobby,"  says Alex.  "I was with that guy for HOURS.  He's crazy.  If he's cornered he could do anything.  He could hurt Bridget, or even kill her.  Uncle Bobby we have to DO something!"

 

"Son, everything is being done that can be done,"  Bobby says.  "Now, why don't you go and say a few words to John Ross before he gets outta bed and comes down here to see you?  He's worried sick about you."

 

"Come on, I'll go with you,"  Krystina says.   "But let me get a wheelchair to take you in."

 

"I don't need a wheelchair, I can walk."

 

"Alex, just humor me, please.  I'll be right back,"  Krystina says, then leaves the room.  

 

Alex rubs his head.  "Are you okay?"  Bobby asks his grandnephew.

 

"Yeah, my head just hurts.  But mostly, I'm scared to death, Uncle Bobby.  If Manning hurts Bridget......I don't know what I'd do."

 

Krystina returns with a wheelchair.  "Ready?"  

 

"Yeah,"  Alex replies.  He takes a seat in the wheelchair.  

 

"Alex, try not to worry, we're gonna find Manning and Bridget,"  says Bobby.  

 

"I hope you're right,"  Alex says as Krystina wheels him out of his room.

Justin's ranch....

 

 Late in the afternoon, Jimmy is working on part of a fence on Justin's ranch when Ashley rides a horse across the pasture.  Spotting her brother, she trots the horse over to him.  "Hey, I've been looking for you," she says.

 

"Well, here I am.  You found me,"  says Jimmy.

 

"What are you doing?"

 

"What's it look like I'm doing?"  Jimmy asks.  "Fixing this fence for Justin.  Trying to give him one less thing to worry about when he gets out of that jail."

 

Ashley climbs down off the horse and removes her hat, wiping her forehead.  "Jimmy, we need to talk."

"About what?"

 

"About this guy, Clay Jamison, or Beaumont,or whatever his name is."

 

"Ashley, as far as I'm concerned, there's nothing to talk about."

 

"Do you really think he's Dad's son?  Our half-brother?"

 

Jimmy stops working and looks at his sister.  "Do you?"

 

"Well, you have to admit, he does look like Dad.  And Dad was married to Michelle Stevens."

 

"Ashley, I don't care if Clay Jamison Beaumont or whatever the hell he calls himself is Dad's son or not.  That guy is NEVER gonna be my brother.  Not after the way he lied to insinuate himself into Ewing Oil, and then he crashed Dad's funeral and announced to the world that James Beaumont was his father.  That's unforgivable."

 

 

"I agree, I hate what he did,"  Ashley says.  "But, if he IS Dad's son, then don't you think we should at least get to know him?"

 

"You wanna get to know him?  Then get to know him.  Just leave ME out of it."

 

"Jimmy, aren't you at least curious about him?  About what kind of person he is?"

 

"Clay showed me what kind of person he is when he stood up there and did what he did at Dad's funeral.  He showed us all what kind of person he is.  Y'know, Ash, I've heard a lot about Michelle Stevens.  I've heard about Dad's marriage to her.  I use to hear Mom and Dad talking about her when I was a kid.  Mom hated her.  And from everything I've heard, she was a gold digging little opportunist who'd stop at nothing to get what she wanted.  And from what I've seen, her son is just like her, so I want no part of either one of them."

 

Ashley sighs.  "I'm really worried about how all of this is affecting Mom.  With everything that's happened.......Dad's death, Clay showing up and claiming he's Dad's son, Justin's arrest........Jimmy, when does all of this bad luck end?"

 

"For this family, it never seems to end,"  Jimmy says sadly.

 

"You want some help here?"  Ashley asks.

 

"Thanks, but no.  I really came out here to be alone and think."

 

"Alright, fine.  I'll see you back at the house later."  Ashley walks back to her horse, puts her hat on, and climbs atop the animal.  She looks at her brother as Jimmy resumes his work.  "Jimmy, please don't shut me out.  Not now.  I feel like the whole world has spun out of control, and I don't know what's going on anymore.  I really need my big brother."  Ashley turns the horse around and rides away as Jimmy watches her.  Frustrated at his inability to control the events that have overtaken his family recently, he angrily tosses his  hammer to the ground.

The Fairview Hotel, Dallas....

 Christopher knocks on the door of Phyllis's hotel suite at the Fairview Hotel that afternoon.  After a few seconds, Courtney's brother Gavin opens the door.  

 

"Yes, can I help you?"  Gavin asks.

 

Christopher is confused upon finding the young man in Phyllis's suite.   "I'm sorry.  I thought this was Phyllis Wapner's suite."

 

"That's right, it is."

 

"Is Courtney here?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Yeah, she is.  Come in,"  says Gavin.  

 

Christopher walks into the suite just as Phyllis enters the room.  "Christopher, hello," she says with a smile.

 

"Hi, Phyllis."

 

"Christopher, I see you've met my son, Gavin Murray."

 

"Your son?"  Christopher asks, looking at Gavin.  "So, you're Courtney's brother?"

 "That's right, I am,"  replies Gavin.

 

"Well, it's nice to finally meet you.  I'm Courtney's husband, Christopher Ewing."

 

"Oh, so YOU'RE my sister's husband.  Well, great to meet you too, Christopher."

 

"I had no idea that you were in town."

 

"Yeah, it was a last minute decision,"  says Gavin.  "Just decided it was time to reconnect with my mother and sister again.  And, since my Mom is gonna stay in Dallas for a while, I might just decide to stick around myself."

 

Phyllis smiles.  "And I would LOVE that."

 

"Well, if you do decide to stay in Dallas, I guess you'll be looking for a job soon,"  Christopher says.

 

"Yeah, I guess so."

 

"I might be able to help you out with that."

 

"Christopher, that would be wonderful if you could,"  says Phyllis.

 

"Christopher?"  Courtney says, walking into the room.  

 

Christopher turns to face her.  "Hello, Courtney."

 

"What are you doing here?"

 

"I came to see you.  I was hoping we could talk."

 

A moment of awkward silence follows.  "Gavin, why don't we take Jacob downstairs for some ice cream?"  Phyllis asks, breaking the silence.

 

"Yeah, sounds good, Mom."

 

Phyllis walks over to Jacob's bedroom and opens the door.  "Jacob, honey, could you come out here?"

 

A couple of seconds later, Jacob comes out of his room.  The boy's eyes light up when he sees his stepfather. "Christopher!"  He says.

 

 

"Hey, buddy, how ya doing?"

 

"I'm okay,"  the boy replies.  "Are you here to take us home to Southfork?"

 

"Well, that's gonna be up to your Mom,"  says Christopher.  

 

"Jacob, come on,"  says Phyllis.  "You and Gavin and I are gonna go downstairs for some ice cream and let your Mom and Christopher talk for a while."

 

"Yeah, it'll give me a chance to get to know my new found nephew,"  Gavin says.

 

"Okay,"  Jacob says.

 

"Don't eat too much and spoil your dinner,"  Courtney says as Jacob leaves with Phyllis and Gavin.   Left alone in the hotel suite, Christopher and Courtney look at each other for a couple of seconds.  "Christopher, you shouldn't have come here,"  Courtney finally says.

 

"Courtney, I had to come.  When you left Southfork you didn't allow for a whole lotta time to talk."

 

"I don't think there's anything to talk about,"  Courtney says.  "Not right now, anyway."

 

"I beg to differ.  Courtney, you can't just take Jacob and walk out of my life like this.  Not now when we need each other."

 

"Christopher, I haven't walked out of your life,"  says Courtney.  "I just needed some time."

 

"Time away from me, right?"

 

"Christopher, we've already discussed this."

 

"No, we haven't, Courtney.  Not really.  Look, I know that you're hurting.  So am I.  Courtney that was MY baby, too, that we lost.  We should be grieving this loss together, instead of you here in this hotel and me at Southfork."

 

"Christopher, please, don't do this.  Not now,"  Courtney says, fighting back tears as she turns away from him.

 

"Not now, then when?  You blame me for telling Chase the truth about Jacob's father.  I get that.  But you also blame me for the miscarriage, and you KNOW I never meant for that to happen.  Courtney, I would've cut off both my arms and both my legs before I would ever hurt you or our baby."

 

"I know that."

 

"Then why are you shutting me out like this?"  Christopher asks, walking over to her.  "Courtney, I need you, and damn it, I think you need me, too.  And what about Jacob?  That boy needs both of us.  He's got to be confused and hurt right now, and he probably doesn't even know which end is up or if he's even got a family left."

 

"Christopher, don't,"  Courtney says in tears.  "Don't bring Jacob into this."

 

"Courtney, Jacob is already a very big part of this.  The three of us are a family and it would've been four of us with that baby.  We're all hurting.  We're grieving the death of our child, and we should be doing that TOGETHER."

 

"Don't you understand that I can't right now?"  Courtney asks, turning back to face him.   "Christopher, I can't look at you without being angry.  I think about this baby that I lost, and I know you're hurting, too.  But I keep thinking that if, if there hadn't been that huge fight between you and Chase, and if you hadn't told him the truth about Joseph being Jacob's father, I might still be carrying our baby."

 

"Don't you think I KNOW that?!"  Christopher angrily asks.  "That's all I think about."

 

"Please try to understand.  I need this time to myself, Christopher."

 

"How much time?"

 

"I don't know."

 

"That's not an answer,"  Christopher says.

 

"Well, it's the best I can do right now.  Christopher, please.  If you love me, you'll give me this time.  That's all I'm asking is just time to get my head together, and deal with this loss.  I know that you're hurting, too, and I wanna help you.  I just can't right now."

 

Christopher nods.  "You can't share this loss with me......this pain with me.......because you still blame for you losing the baby, right?"

 

Courtney turns away from him again and begins crying.  

 

Christopher lets out a deep sigh.  "You don't have to answer.  Your silence says it all."  He walks to the door and starts to leave, but he pauses a second, then turns back to her.  "Courtney, I'm SO sorry about our baby.   I love you.  I love you and Jacob more than I ever thought it possible to love anyone.  I want our family back together.  But how are  we ever gonna work on our problems if we're apart?"  Without waiting for Courtney to reply, Christopher leaves.

 

After he's gone, Courtney breaks down in tears.  

 

Meanwhile, downstairs, Phyllis and her son Gavin are each eating a bowl of ice cream in the small cafe as they watch Jacob play video games nearby.  Phyllis smiles as she watches her grandson.  "I really love having him around," she says.  "I only wish that it wasn't because Courtney and Christopher are having problems."

 

"So what kind of problems do Courtney and Christopher have, exactly?"  Gavin asks.

 

Phyllis looks at her son.  "Well, I suppose there's no harm in telling you this much.  Courtney was pregnant, and, a few days ago she suffered a miscarriage.  She kind of blames Christopher."

 

"Really?  Why?  I mean, is he abusive or somethin'?"

 

"No, not at all.  Christopher is a wonderful man and he loves your sister very much.  Look, honey, it's a very long and complicated story, and if you want the rest, you're just gonna have to ask your sister.  It's not my place to say."

 

"The way Courtney feels about me, I doubt she'd ever share something so personal,"  Gavin says.  Looking over his mother's shoulder, he watches as he sees Christopher getting off the elevator in the lobby and heading as fast as he can toward the main entrance of the hotel.  "Hmm, I guess things didn't go so well upstairs, from the way Christopher is high-tailin' it out of here."

 

"What?"  Phyllis asks.  She turns around in her chair and watches as Christopher leaves the hotel through the front entrance.  "Oh, dear.  I was hoping the two of them could talk things out and reconcile."

 

"Yeah,.  What a shame my sister walked away from that guy and all that Ewing money,"  Gavin says, his tone of voice indicating that he is more interested in the Ewing money than in the well being of  his sister or her marriage.

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, Fort Worth....

 "Mr. Ewing, you're simply going to have to relax and take it easy,"  says John Ross's nurse as she gives him pain medication late that afternoon.  "You've just been shot a few hours ago."

 

"Don't you think I know that?"  Asks an agitated John Ross.  "I got the damned pain in my side to prove it.  But I cannot just lay in this hospital bed while Bridget McKinnon is still in the hands of that madman, Brian Manning."

 

"Well, you don't have a choice.  That pain medication I just gave you is going to make you very sleepy in just a little while.  Now the doctor said that you are to have REST.  And if you're doing well, you can leave the hospital tomorrow."

 

"What's going on?"  Krystina asks, walking into the room.  

 

"Mrs. Ewing, thank goodness,"  the nurse says.  "This husband of yours insists on getting out of bed and leaving the hospital.  Maybe you can talk some sense into him."

 

"Thank you, I will,"  Krystina says.

 

"I just gave him his pain medication,"  the nurse says.  "He'll be feelin' real loopy in a few minutes, so make sure he stays in bed til that medicine kicks in?"

 

"Will do.  Thank you, Nurse."

 

"I'll check back in soon,"  the nurse says, then leaves.  

 

"John Ross....."

 

"Krystina, I gotta get the hell outta here,"  John Ross says.

 

"John Ross, you heard the nurse.  You are to stay PUT."

 

"Krystina, this whole thing is my fault,"  John Ross says.  "Brian Manning has that girl because of me."

 

"That's nonsense."

 

"No it's not.   If I had been smarter, I wouldn't have got myself shot and Manning wouldn't have been able to get away with Bridget."

 

"John Ross, stop it,"  Krystina says.  "You were very brave to do what you did."

 

"If anything happens to that girl, I'll never forgive myself.  Maybe I should've listened to you in the first place and let the cops handle Manning."

 

"Yeah, that would've been the smart thing to do,"  Jay Smithfield says as he walks into the room.

 

"Smithfield, what the hell are you doin' here?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I came because I kinda figured you might need a lawyer.  Especially after I spoke with Detective Steven Jones."

 

"A lawyer?"  Asks a worried Krystina.  "But why?"

 

"Krystina, what John Ross, Bobby, and Bum Jones did was a crime.  They failed to report another crime, which was the kidnapping of Alex and Bridget McKinnon, and then they took matters into their own hands.  They couldn't gotten themselves, and those two kids killed.  Not to mention that Brian Manning escaped yet AGAIN, and this time, with Bridget McKinnon as a hostage."

 

"Manning told John Ross that if there was any police involvement, he would kjll Alex and Bridget.  Now what was he supposed to do?"

 

"Let the police handle it.  They're trained to handle hostage situations like this.  YOU, John Ross, are NOT."

 "So what's gonna happen?"  John Ross asks.  "Am I gonna be charged with somethin' or not?"

 

"That's gonna be up to the D.A.,"  replies Jay.   "I'm gonna talk to her tomorrow, and try and convince her not to pursue charges, but that might be hard to do.  Fort Worth is in Tarrant County, not Dallas, and since this all went down in Fort Worth, the case falls under the jurisdiction of Tarrant County.  I don't know the D.A. here that well, but I do have a couple colleagues I can call on who owe me a few favors.  Maybe they can help me convince her not to press charges."

 

"Jay, you have no idea how much we would appreciate that,"  Krystina says.  

 

"Jay, how's my little brother doin'?"  John Ross asks, his speech becoming slurred due to the pain medication he'd been given.

 

"Justin's hanging in there.  He'll be arraigned tomorrow morning, and hopefully the judge will set bail."

 

"I think I need to take that call,"  John Ross suddenly says, slurring his words.

 

"What?"  Asks a confused Jay.

 

Krystina smiles.  "I'm sorry, Jay, the nurse just gave John Ross some pain medication, and I think it's starting to take affect."

 

"Oh, okay, well, I'll get out of here and let him get some sleep."

 

"I'll walk you out,"  says Krystina.  "John Ross, I'll be back in a minute," she tells her husband, but John Ross closes his eyes in sleep without responding.  Krystina and Jay leave the room.  "Jay, could you hold  on a second?"  Krystina asks, once they are in the hallway outside John Ross's room.

 

"What's up?"  Jay asks.

 

"Be honest with me.  How bad is this for John Ross and the others?  Could they really be facing serious charges?"

 

Jay sighs.  "Well, I haven't spoken to anyone from the D.A.'s office yet, but I have spoken to Detective Jones and to the Fort Worth police, and none of them are happy at all about the way this went down.  Especially the fact that a dangerous criminal escaped with a hostage here in Fort Worth.  Luckily, Detective Jones convinced the Fort Worth police not to arrest his father, John Ross, and Bobby until the D.A. makes a decision on whether or not to file charges."

 

Krystina sighs.  "Oh my God.  Things just keep getting worse."

 

"I'll call you tomorrow after I talk to the D.A. here."

 

"Thank you, Jay, for everything."

 

"You're welcome.  Oh, by the way, Krystina, have you or John Ross heard from Jill or talked to her?"

 

"No, not since right after James's funeral yesterday.  Why, is something wrong?"

 

"I really don't know.  I've called her cell phone a bunch of times but she doesn't answer.  I've also left several voicemails."

 

"I'm sure that she'll be in touch as soon as she hears about what happened to John Ross.  If I hear from her, I'll let you know, or tell her you're trying to reach her."

 

"Thanks.  I'll talk to you later,"  Jay says, then walks away.  

 

 

 

"Oh my God, John Ross,"  Krystina says after Jay leaves.  "This can't be happening."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile....

In his room down the hall, Alex is laying in his hospital bed staring blankly out the window.  Unable to relax, he picks up the remote from beside him on the bed and switches on the television.  A news report is on about Brian Manning and Bridget's kidnapping.  Alex watches the TV as he listens to the news reporter:  

 "In our top story, police in Fort Worth have set up road blocks throughout the city, on all major roads leading in and out of Fort Worth and Tarrant County as the search for murder suspect Brian Manning continues.  Manning, who is wanted in connection with the murders of three people in California in 2016, and several other crimes, is believed to have kidnapped 18-year-old Alexander Walton and Bridget McKinnon of Dallas late yesterday.  In a bizarre turn of events, an unsuccessful rescue attempt this morning led to the shooting of Walton's father, 39-year-old John Ross Ewing, III, part of the Ewing Oil family of  Dallas.  Ewing suffered minor injuries in the shooting incident.  Manning escaped, and took Bridget McKinnon hostage.  Police have cordoned off all major roads and highways leading into and out of the city of Fort Worth and Texas State Police have been called in to set up road blocks on minor roads.  The Texas Rangers have also been asked to aid in what has become one of the largest manhunts Texas has seen in years.  Manning is the son of Katherine Wentworth of Wentworth Industries, and is the brother of Katelyn Spencer, who was arrested just days ago for the murder of James Richard Beaumont, half-brother of John Ross Ewing and  son of the late Texas oil man, J.R. Ewing.  Brian Manning is armed and considered extremely dangerous.  If anyone sees Manning or Bridget McKinnon, they are urged to call Fort Worth police at 817 -392-4200, or the Texas State Police Fort Worth office at 817-396-8740.  Please, do NOT attempt to approach or engage Manning in any way.  Repeat, do NOT attempt to approach or engage Manning as police warn that he is extremely dangerous."

 

Alex immediately switches off the TV, tears streaming down his face, which shows an expression of anger.  He throws the covers off of him and quickly gets out of bed.  He walks to the window and looks out at the sun sinking in the sky.  "I have to get out of here," he says quietly to himself.  "Bridget, I'm gonna get you away from that son of a bitch.  I promise.  And if he's hurt you.......I'll kill him."  Alex walks over to the door of his hospital room, which is half-way open, and closes it.  He then goes over to a chair and picks up his clothes.  Taking off his hospital gown, he begins to get dressed.  A moment later, he opens his door and peeks into the hall.  When he sees that no one is around, the boy hurries out of the room and down the hall, where he exits through a stairwell. 

Southfork....

 Bobby walks into the den at southfork that evening with Sue Ellen and Catlin.  "Bobby has there been any word yet on Bridget McKinnon?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"I'm afraid not,"  Bobby replies.  

 

"Is there anything we can do?"  Catlin asks.

 

"I don't think there's anything any of us can do, except pray,."

 

"What a horrible ordeal for Alex,"  says Sue Ellen.  "And for John Ross.  When I left the hospital, Alex was so worried about Bridget, I don't think he'll be able to get any rest tonight."

 

"The police will find Manning and Bridget.  I'm sure of it,"  says Catlin.

 

"I hope so,"  Bobby says.  "And I just hope it's not too late."

 

At that moment, Jenna walks in.  "Bobby,"  she says, walking over to him.  "What is going on?  Why didn't you tell me about what was happening with Alex?"

 

"Jenna, I'm sorry.  I just didn't wanna upset you."

 

"Upset me?"  Jenna asks.  "My grandson is kidnapped, and I had to hear about it on the news instead of from you?"

 

"Jenna, would you just calm down?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "There was so much going on at the time......."

 

"Sue Ellen, why don't you just stay out of this?  Bobby, was there too much going on for you to at least give me a call and let me know what was happening with Alex?  He's my GRANDSON, I deserved to know."

"Jenna, I'm sorry, and you're right,"  says Bobby.  "I should have told you what was goin' on."

 

"Yes, you should have."

 

"Have you been to see Alex at the hospital?"

 

"No, not yet.  I came here first,"  Jenna replies.

 

"Excuse me, Mr. Ewing?"  Maria, the maid says as she comes to the door.  

 

"Yes, Maria, what is it?"

 

"Donna Love and her daughter are here."

 

"Oh?  Thank you, send them in,"  Bobby says.  

 

Donna walks into the den with her daughter, Marley Hudson.   

 

"Donna, how are you?"  Bobby asks.

 

"How do think I am?  I just couldn't sit home waiting any longer.  Have you heard ANYTHING at all from the police about my granddaughter?"

 

"No, nothing."

 

"There has to be something that we can do,"  Marley says.

 

"Right now, all we can do is wait,"  says Sue Ellen.

 

"Maybe not,"  Bobby says.  

 

"What do you mean, Bobby?"  Catlin asks.  

 

"Maybe there IS somethin' I can do.  Like going to the one person who might be able to help us find Brian Manning.  His mother."

 

"What?"  Jenna asks.  "Katherine Wentworth?  Bobby, how could she possibly help?  And even if she could, why would she?"

 

"Bobby, you're not possibly thinking about going to see that deranged woman, are you?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "Like jenna said, why would she help you?"

 

"I don't know, but I have to try.  Donna, you and Marley are welcome to wait here if you'd like.  I'm gonna go to the jail and talk to Katherine.  I'm not sure if this'll do any good, but, right now I don't know what else to do."  Bobby walks  out of the room.

Somewhere in Fort Worth....

 Meanwhile, in an old abandoned building on the outskirts of Fort Worth, a frightened Bridget sits tied to a chair while Brian nervously paces around, looking out the window every few seconds.  

 

"Look, Brian, why don't you just let me go?"  Bridget asks.  

 

"Just shut up."

 

"Without me, you could get out of here.  You could move faster."

 

" I said SHUT UP!"  Brian angrily says.  "The cops have thrown a dragnet around this city.  So for now looks like we're stuck here."

 

"What are you gonna do with me?"  Bridget asks.

 

"Don't you get tired of asking that question?  Because I'm sure as hell tired of hearing it."

 

"I'm hungry, and thirsty,"  Bridget says.

 

"Yeah, well, so am I, sweetheart.  But there's nothin' I can do about that.  It's not like we can just go hit up the McDonald's drive-thru."

 

Bridget begins to cry, the sound of her sobbing only making Brian more angry and agitated.  

 

"Would you stop that damned whimpering?"  He asks.  "What part of shut the hell up don't you understand?"

 

"Well, what do you expect?  I'm tired, I'm hungry, and I'm scared."

 

Brian walks over to the girl.  "If you don't stop that whimpering, I'll give you something to be scared of."

 

"You're never gonna get away with this.  Never.  You're wanted for killing three people."

 

"You wanna make it FOUR?"  Brian asks.  He walks back to the window and looks out again.  For several moments, Bridget sits quietly and watches him.  Finally, Brian walks over to another chair and takes a seat several feet away from her.  He puts his gun on the floor beside him, then runs his hands through his hair.  

 

"You're just as scared as I am, aren't you?"  Bridget asks.

 

"I'm not scared of anything."

 

"It's okay to be scared.  Brian, how old are you?"

 

"What?"  Brian asks, annoyed by the girl's questions.

 

"I asked how old you are."

 

"Almost 25."

 

"25.  You're not that much older than I am.  I'll be 19 in November.  How did this happen to you?"

 

How did WHAT happen to me?"  Brian asks.

 

"How did your life get so out of control?"

 

Brian looks at her.  "You really wanna know, kid?  My life got so messed up the day I was born.  Because my mother was a wanted fugitive who gave birth to three babies, but gave two of them away.  I was one of those two.  Me, and my sister Katie.  We were adopted by someone who thought I was a punching bag instead of a child."

 

"You were beaten?"  Bridget asks.  

 

"Beaten?  Oh, yeah,"  Brian replies, standing to his feet.  "Almost every single day.  A lot of the time, I was beaten not for something I did, but because I took the punishment for my sister when she did something wrong because I didn't want her to have to go through that hell."

 

"I'm sorry.  That must have been horrible."

 

"What the hell do you know about it, little rich girl?  I'll bet you never had to want for anything in your life."

 

"That's not true."

 

"Yeah, right.  People like you make me sick."

 

"People like me?"  Asks Bridget.

 

"Yeah.  You and that boyfriend of yours, that Ewing kid.  You're the type who use to look down on me and my sister in school.  You're the type of girl who'd never give me the time of day, let alone go out with me.  I wasn't good enough.  I'll bet my brothers Jonathon and Austin never had to worry about that.   My little brother, either.  Umm, damn, what's that kid's name?  Oh, yeah.......Alex, same as your boyfriend.  Weird.  I have a kid brother I've never met.  I think he's just about your age, 18.  Oh, well.  No sense dwelling on the family I never had."

 

"I'm really sorry.  It sounds like you haven't had an easy life."

 

"Haven't had an easy life?  Kid, my life has been a living HELL.  My father, my mother.  My brothers.......all of them.  I swore I'd make them all pay for the life I had.   That's how this whole thing started, all because I wanted to make my family pay.  But instead of any of them getting hurt, it turned out three innocent people died in that explosion.  From there, everything just spiraled out of control."

 

"Maybe it's not too late,"  says Bridget.  "Brian, the only way out of this is to turn yourself in."

 

"What, are you NUTS?  Turn myself in and either face the rest of my life in prison, or face the death penalty?  No way.  They'll never take me alive, I can promise you that. But maybe there's a way we can BOTH come out of this alive.  Unless another stunt is pulled like the one John Ross Ewing tried."

 

Bridget looks at Brian, wondering what his next move is going to be.

Dallas Police Department....

 Bobby is pacing anxiously in a waiting room at the Dallas Police Department when his friend, Lt. Steve Walden, walks in.  "Well?"  Bobby says.

 

"Mrs. Channing is being brought up from her cell,"  Steve says.  "Bobby, not only is this bending procedure, but I also don't think it's a very good idea.  I seriously doubt Mrs. Channing will even agree to help you."

 

"So do I, Steve, but I have to at least try.  A young girl's life is at stake."

 

At that moment, Katherine is brought into the  room by a female deputy.  She is surprised to see who her visitor is.  "Bobby," she says.  "What are you doing here?"

 

"Hello, Katherine.  I need to talk to you."

 

"After what you did to me and to my son, what could you and I possibly have to say to one another?"

 

"Katherine, I need your help,"  Bobby says.  

 

Katherine smiles.  "My help?"

 

"Yes.  It's about Brian."

 

The smile disappears from Katherine's face as she takes a seat at the visitor's table.  "What about Brian?"

 

Bobby sits down at the table across from her.  "Your son Brian has abducted a young girl named Bridget McKinnon. He's holding her, probably somewhere in Fort Worth."

 

"So?"  Katherine asks.  "What do you want ME to do about it?"

 "Katherine, a teenage girl's life is at stake,"  Bobby says, standing from his seat.  "Do you REALLY want that on your conscience?"

 

"That's not my problem."

 

"The longer this goes on.......the longer Brian remains at large and holds Bridget McKinnon hostage, the deeper he gets into this.  And if he hurts that girl, your son is as good as dead.  Do you really want THAT, Katherine?  You're probably the only person who can stop this."

 

"My son hates me,"  Katherine says.  "He would never listen to anything I have to say."

 

"It's worth a try, Mrs. Channing,"  says Lt. Walden.

 

"Katherine, we're out of options, and so's your son's,"  Bobby says.  "By convincing Brian to turn himself in, or at the very least, to let Bridget McKinnon go, then you could be saving his life.  And if you help us, Katherine, I'll do all I can to help Austin."

 

"But if you don't help us, Mrs. Channing, and your son Brian continues to run and if he hurts the McKinnon girl, it's doubtful he'll make it out of this alive."

 

"Even if there is only a small chance that Brian will listen to you, or that he'll even see the broadcast, we have to try," says Bobby.  

 

"Alright, I'll do what you ask,"  Katherine says.  "But, only on a couple of conditions."

 

"And what are those conditions, Mrs. Channing?"  Lt. Walden asks.

 

"I want all the charges dropped against my son Austin.  He had nothing to do with any of this."

 

"That will, of course, be up to the District Attorney's office."

 

"Then I would suggest you speak with the District Attorney as quickly as possible,"  Katherine says.  

 

"And your other condition?"  Lt. Walden asks.

 

"That Brian not be harmed."

 

"Mrs. Channing, that's not something I can promise.  I can promise you that everything possible will be done to assure that no one is harmed.  But if your son resists, or opens fire on the police........they will do whatever is necessary to protect themselves."

 

"Katherine, we need an answer,"  Bobby says.  "We're running out of time."

 

"As soon as the D.A. gives an answer on dropping the charges against Austin, you'll have MY answer.  Not before."

 

Bobby and Lt. Walden exchange looks.  "Bobby, I'll contact the D.A. immediately.  Deputy, take Mrs. Channing back to her cell."

 

"Alright, let's go,"  the deputy says.

 

"Bobby, I'll be seeing you,"  Katherine says, then she is led from the room by the deputy.

 

"Bobby, I'll go give the D.A. a call,"  Walden says.  "But I wouldn't get my hopes up.  If Katherine Channing agrees to do this, the chances that Brian Manning will agree to let the McKinnon girl go, or that he'll even see that broadcast are very slim."

 

"Steve, I know that,"  says Bobby.  "But I don't know what else to do.  Manning obviously itn't holding Bridget for ransom or he would've contacted either my family or Donna Love by now.  He's using Bridget.  If he can be convinced that he'll have safe passage out of Dallas now that he has that money John Ross took when he went to meet him, he just might release Bridget."

 

Walden nods, then leaves the room.  

Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, Fort Worth....

 Jenna steps off the elevator at the hospital in Fort Worth just as Krystina is coming out of John Ross's room down the hall.  Jenna approaches her.  "Krystina," she says.

 

"Hello, Jenna.  I guess you're here to see Alex."

 

"Yes, I am.  And I have to say that I'm very upset that no one let me know Alex had been kidnapped.  He's my grandson, and I should've been called."

 

"Jenna, I know, and I'm sorry.  I would've called you, but I assumed that Bobby would."

 

"Well, he didn't.  How is my grandson?"

 

"He's fine,"  Krystina replies.  "He just has a concussion, but the doctor wanted to keep him overnight for observation."

 

"Well, I'll go and see him."

 

"He's in room 324, last door on the right."

 

"Thank you,"  Jenna says.  

 

"I'll walk down with you,"  says Krystina.  "I'm going home, and I wanna tell Alex I'll see him in the morning."  The two women head down the hall to Alex's room, and as they walk in, they find the room empty.  "Alex?"  Krystina calls.

 

"Well, where is he?"  Jenna asks.

 

"I don't know.  Maybe in the bathroom."  Krystina walks over to the bathroom and knocks on the closed door.  "Alex, are you in there?"  She asks.  When no reply comes, she opens the door.  No sign of Alex.  

 

"Where could he be?"  Jenna asks.

 

"I have no idea.  His clothes are gone."  As Krystina spots a nurse walking by, she goes into the hallway to stop her.  "Excuse me, nurse?"

 

"Yes?"  The nurse replies, turning to Krystina.  

 

"I'm Krystina Ewing.  My stepson, Alex Walton.  Where is he?"

 

"He isn't in his room?"  The nurse asks.

 

"No, he isn't."

 

"I'm not sure.  I don't think the doctor had ordered any further tests."

 

"Then where is my grandson?"  Jenna asks.  

 

"I'll see if I can find out,"  the nurse says, walking away.

 

Jenna and Krystina exchange worried looks, both women concerned about Alex.

Sharon Smith's apartment, Dallas....

 Meanwhile, Shawn is working out in his bedroom that night, trying to work off some of his many frustrations 

 Bobby returns home to Southfork, and as he walks into the house, Christopher, Lucy, and Heather meet him in the foyer.  "Dad, Sue Ellen and Catlin told us what's been happening,"  he says.  

 

"Bobby, what's going on?"  Lucy asks.  "Sue Ellen said that John Ross had been shot."

 

"Yes, but thankfully it's only a minor wound, and he'll be fine."

 

"And what about Alex?"  Heather asks.

 

"Alex will be okay, too,"  Bobby says as he walks into the foyer, where Sue Ellen, Catlin, Donna Love, and her daughter Marley are still waiting.  Christopher, Lucy, and Heather follow him in.

 

"Bobby, did you see Katherine?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Yes."

 

"And?"  Donna Love asks.  "What did she say?"

 "I went to ask Katherine to make an appeal to Manning on television.  An appeal to return Bridget,"  Bobby replies.

 

"Is she gonna do it?"  Christopher asks.

 

"I don't know yet.  She agreed but on the condition that all charges are dropped against her son Austin Wentworth. And of course that's gonna be up to the Dallas D.A.  Hopefully, we'll have an answer within an hour or so.  I'm waiting for a call from my friend, Lt. Steve Walden."

 

"So, let me get this straight,"  says Marley Hudson.  "If Katherine Wentworth agrees to do this, to make this......... appeal........to Bridget's kidnapper on television, then what?"

 

"Then we just hope and pray that Manning will return Bridget once he's granted safe passage to an airport to take him out of the country."

 

"Bobby, you've gotta be kidding me,"  Lucy says.  "Brian Manning is a murderer.  There's no way the authorities will agree to that."

 

"I know.  But we're gambling that Manning will believe they will, in exchange for Bridget's safe return."

 

"Dad, this whole plan sounds crazy,"  Christopher says.  

 

"I know, and it probably IS crazy."

 

"Manning is smart.  He's eluded the authorities for nearly two years, there's no way he's gonna fall for something like this,"  Christopher says.

 

"Maybe not, but this plan is all we have right now,"  says Bobby.  

 

Just then, Krystina walks in.  "Hi, everyone," she says.  "Is Alex home?"

 

"No, of course not,"  Sue Ellen replies.  "Isn't he at the hospital?"

 

"No,"  Krystina replies.  "Jenna arrive to visit him, and when she and I went to Alex's room, he was gone.  His clothes were gone, too, so, obviously he slipped out of the hospital.  I hoped that he had come back to Southfork."

 

"Where could he have gone?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

 

"I pray to God that I'm wrong, but, I'm really afraid that Alex may have gone out to try and find Brian Manning and Bridget himself."

 

"But he has a serious concussion,"  Bobby says.

 

"I know, and even more than him finding Manning, since he wouldn't even know where to look, him being out there all alone with a concussion scares me."

 

"Oh my God,"  Sue Ellen says in tears.  Catlin puts his arms around his wife and embraces her.  

Sharon Smith's apartment....

Back at Sharon's apartment, Shawn and Alex are using Shawn's computer to trace the location of Alex's cell phone using the phone's GPS.  "Okay,"  Shawn says.  "Using that app you downloaded on your phone, we should be able to trace the phone's coordinates."

 

"And if Manning still has my phone with him, it'll lead us straight to him and Bridget,"  says Alex.

 

"Yeah, bro, but, you know there's always a chance he could've ditched the phone by now,"  Shawn says.

 

"Maybe, but, let's just hope he's still got the phone."

 

"Dude, look it,"  Shawn says.  "Bingo.  If this is right, then your phone is at this address in Fort Worth."

 

"Come on.  We have to get there ASAP."

 

"Yeah,"  Shawn says, standing to his feet.  He hurries into his mother's bedroom, returning a few seconds later with a handgun and a box full of bullets.  "Let's go.  I've been waiting two years to get the bastard who killed my Dad."

 

"Yeah, well, if he's hurt Bridget in any way, dude, you're gonna have to stand in line behind me, because his ass is mine.  Let's go."  

 

Shawn grabs his laptop, and the two boys rush out of the apartment.  

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

 As the sun begins to come up early the next morning at Southfork, Sue Ellen is standing at the kitchen window looking out onto the patio as she pours herself a cup of coffee.  Jenna comes to the kitchen door, but seeing Sue Ellen, she turns to leave.  

 

"Jenna?"  Sue Ellen calls to her.

 

Jenna stops and turns around to face her.  "Morning."

 

"Morning.   You don't have to leave.  Would you like some coffee?"

 

"Yes, I would, thank you,"  Jenna replies, walking into the kitchen.  

 

Sue Ellen pours her a cup of coffee and hands it to her.

 

"Thanks."

 

"You're welcome."

 

"I had no idea that you'd still be here this morning,"  Jenna says.  

 

 Alex and Shawn pull up across the street from the old abandoned building on the outskirts of Fort Worth where Brian is holding Bridget hostage.  "There it is,"  Shawn says.  

 

"You sure this is the right address?"  Alex asks.

 

"Oh yeah,"  replies Shawn.  "That's the address that showed up when I traced your cell phone coordinates."

 

"Where is my car?"  Alex asks.

 

"Manning may have ditched it, or parked it somewhere out of sight.  He sure as hell wouldn't leave it parked out in the open for the cops to find."

 

"Yeah, I should've thought of that.  They said they have an APB out on my car."

 

"Wait here,"  Shawn says as he opens his door.

 

"Dude, where are you going?"  Alex asks.

 

"I'm gonna sneak around back and see if your car is anywhere in sight.  I'll be right back."  Shawn gets out of the car. 

Alex watches as his friend walks up the sidewalk a ways, then crosses the street.  Shawn then makes his way to the back of the old building, then disappears from Alex's sight for a couple of minutes.  When Shawn is more than a couple of minutes returning, Alex begins to worry.  Finally, he sees Shawn running back toward the car.  Shawn gets into the car.

 

"Well?"  Alex asks.

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Shawn is quietly sneaking into the building, when he hears the sounds of Bridget crying.  He pauses when he sees a large hole in one of the walls, through which he can see Brian with Bridget.  Shawn watches for a few seconds.  

 

 

At the same time, holding a large knife in his hand, Alex is making his way down a small corridor.  He comes to a door.  He stops and listens outside the door when he hears the sounds of Bridget begging Brian not to touch her.  

 

"No, please, STOP!"  She says.

 

"Shut up, Princess,  Brian tells her.  "This is gonna happen, and it's up to you whether it goes smoothly for you, or not."

 

Alex's blood begins to boil with rage, and he realizes he has to do something, and right now!  He quickly slips his jacket off.  Suddenly, Alex bursts through the door.  "Take your filthy hands off her!"  He yells, surprising both Brian and Bridget.  

 

Startled, Brian quickly springs to his feet.  "Well, look who's here.  Come to join the fun?"  He says, pointing his gun at Alex.

 

"Hold it, Manning!"  Shawn says, walking up behind Brian, holding his own gun on him.  "Just hold it right there.  Drop the gun."

 

Brian turns his head and sees Shawn, the gun pointed straight at his head.  "Well, now who the hell are you?"

 

"My name is Shawn Smith,  My father was Mark Smith.  That name mean anything to you?"

 

"Any reason it should?"  Brian asks.

 

"He was killed in that explosion at Richard Channing's house in California two years ago.  That explosion that YOU caused.  You murdered my father, you son of a bitch!  And now, it's time to pay for that."

 

"Drop the gun, Manning,"  Alex says as he unties Bridget's hands.  

 

Brian laughs.  "Drop the gun?  Nope, I don't think so.  What are you gonna do, kid?  Gun me down in cold blood?"

 

"Why not?  You killed my father in cold blood."

 

"Shawn, no,"  Bridget says.  "Don't.  He's not worth it.   We have to call the police."

 

"I've waited two years for this,"  Shawn says, looking straight at Brian.  "Now drop that gun."

 

Brian laughs, then points his gun at Shawn.  "Go ahead, kid.  Pull that trigger.  I'd rather die than go to jail.  But I can promise that if I go down, I'm takin' you with me."  Brian places his finger on the trigger.  Alex quickly jumps into action and rushes Brian, grabbing his hand and wrestling him to the ground.  The gun fires, the bullet hitting the ceiling as Bridget screams.  Brian drops the gun to the floor.  Shawn points his gun, but is unable to get a clear shot at Brian for fear of hitting Alex.  Brian punches Alex, then kicks him in the ribs.  He then tries  to grab his gun off the floor.

 

"Alright, hold it!"  Shawn says, holding his gun on Brian.  "Back up, and put your hands behind your head, or I swear to God, I'll shoot.  But I won't shoot to kill.  Maybe I'll just blow off a couple vital body parts."

 

 

Brian finally does as he's told.  Placing his hands behind his head, he stands erect and backs away from Alex, who picks Brian's gun up and points it at him.  

 

"Bridget, take my phone and call the police,"  Shawn says, holding out his cell phone.

 

Bridget walks over and takes the phone from him.  

 

 

"You boys think this is over?"  Brian asks.

 

"It's over for you, dude,"  Alex says.  "You're never gonna be able to hurt anyone again.  I could kill you right here, and right now for what you did to me and especially to Bridget."

 

"Then go ahead, if you've got the guts to,"  Brian says.  

 

"I think we should blow him away right now,"  says Shawn.  "Self defense."

 

"Shawn, no,"  says Bridget.  "We have to let the police handle him."

 

"Better listen to her, sport,"  Brian says.  "After all, you don't wanna go to jail for murder at your age.  They'd love a pretty boy like you in the pen."

 

"Just shut up," Alex says.  "Sit down in that chair."

 

Brian looks at the chair he'd previously had Bridget tied to, then looks at Alex and smiles..  "Whatever you say."  As he is about to take a seat, Brian suddenly picks the chair up and throws it at Alex, who is forced to duck, falling to the floor and dropping the gun.  This distracts Shawn momentarily, allowing Brian to grab Bridget, holding her in front of him.  "Now, looks like the shoes on the other foot, huh, boys?"

 

"Let her go, Manning?"  Alex says.  

 

"I don't think so."

 

"Let her go!"  Shawn says, pointing his gun at Brian.

 

"You shoot at me, and you'll hit the Princess here, so I suggest you back off, sport!" Brian says.

 

"Alex, help me!" Bridget cries.

 

"LET HER GO, YOU SON OF A BITCH!"  Alex yells.

 

"You follow me, and I'll kill her, I swear I will,"  Brian says.  As Bridget screams and the boys watch helplessly, Brian drags Bridget to the door and then out of the building.  Alex picks up the other gun, then runs to the door and exits the building, Shawn following, but Brian has already disappeared with Bridget.

 

"Where the hell did he go?"  Shawn asks.

 

"My car!"  Alex says.  He and Shawn run around the building to the back, where they find Brian about to force Bridget into Alex's car.  "MANNING, STOP!"  Alex yells, pointing the gun at Brian.  Brian reflexively grabs Bridget again and pulls the terrified girl in front of him.  

 

"Back off!"  Brian angrily says.  

 

"You let her go!"

 

"Manning, you're not gonna get out of this!"  Shawn says.  "Just let Bridget go."

 

"You two don't come any closer,"  Brian says, holding Bridget tightly around the neck.  Slowly, he begins backing away from Shawn and Alex.  

 

"Alex, help me!"  Bridget pleads.

 

"Manning, if you want a hostage, take me,"  says Alex.  "I'll go with you.  Just turn Bridget loose."

 

"So you and your friend can blow me full of holes?  You think I'm stupid, kid?"  Holding Bridget in front of him as a shield, Brian slowly backs away toward the woods, Alex and Shawn inching closer to him.  Once he reaches the woods, Brian takes off running through the woods, pulling Bridget with him by the hand.  

 

Alex and Shawn take off running after them.  However, spotting three different trails leading into the woods, they have no idea which one Brian had taken.  "Damn it, which way did they go?"

 

"You go that way, and I'll take this way,"  Shawn says.  Alex nods, and the two boys head in opposite directions.  

 

Making his way up a hill, Alex comes to a clearing.  He hears Bridget scream.  He takes off running in the direction of her screams and finds  her and Brian as they are about to cross an old foot bridge over what appears to be a creek or river below.  "MANNING!"  Alex yells.  "LET HER GO!"

 

"Back off or your girlfriend is dead!"  Brian says.  He moves closer to the bridge, still holding Bridget in front of him as a shield.  The sound of sirens can be heard approaching in the distance, indicating that the police are coming.

 

"Brian, it's over,"  Bridget says in tears.  "The police are on their way.  You have no way out.  Let me go.  Please."

 

"No, Princess.  We're in this together, you and me."

 

"Manning, let her go,"  Alex says again, moving slowly toward them.  

 

Just as Brian is about to force her onto the foot bridge, Bridget manages to elbow him in the ribs, causing him to release her from his grip.  Bridget falls to the ground.  Brian then rushes Alex, grabbing the gun.  As Brian forces Alex to the ground, he gets on top of him, grabs Alex's wrist, and pounds his hand onto the ground, forcing him to drop the gun.  Brian picks the gun up and stands to his feet.  Looking down at Alex, who still lays on the ground, Brian points the gun at him.  "Say goodbye, kid," he says.  As Brian is about to pull the trigger, a shot rings out and Bridget screams.  Brian is struck in the right shoulder by a bullet fired by Shawn!  Brian drops the gun and grabs his bleeding shoulder with his left hand.  He then makes an attempt to escape across the foot bridge.  Getting to his feet, Alex rushes Brian and grabs him.  The two wrestle around on the bridge.  Bridget screams again as she watches Brian try to force Alex over the side of the bridge into the creek, which is at least 50 to 75 feet below.  

 

Shawn runs over.  "Bridget, are you alright?"  He asks.

 

"I'm fine, help Alex!"

 

Shawn runs onto the bridge just as Brian almost has Alex over the side of the bridge.  Shawn grabs Brian around the neck and pulls him away from Alex.  Brian breaks free of Shawn's hold, and in the process, causes Shawn to drop his gun over the side of the bridge and into the water below.  Brian hits Shawn and knocks him down, then turns back to Alex, who he tries once again to push over the bridge.  His back hanging over the side of the bridge, Alex tries to fight Brian off, but even with his injured and bleeding shoulder, Brian is still much stronger than the teenager.  Shawn quickly gets to his feet and rushes Brian.  Shawn pushes him away from Alex, Brian suddenly loses his balance, and, as Bridget screams in horror, the three teens watch as Brian, letting out a blood curdling scream of his own, falls over the side of the bridge and plunges into the raging waters of the creek below!  Alex and Shawn look down to the creek and see Brian's body being swept away by the current!!

END OF EPISODE 179....