EPISODE 182 - Paying The Piper

 "I want the truth, Emma,"  Lucas says as he confronts Emma outside of the Omni Hotel.  "Why did you keep the fact that I'm Logan's father for me for more than a year?"

 

"Because I didn't wanna hurt you,"  Emma replies.

 

"You didn't wanna hurt me, so you kept my son from me?  What the hell kind of logic is that?"

 

"Lucas, please, just listen to me.  You were with Heather.  The last thing I wanted to do was to cause problems for you.  And I also didn't wanna hurt Kevin."

 

"So you lied to the guy?  Told him he was Logan's father to keep from hurting him?  Emma, do you even hear yourself?  You try to justify anything you do, no matter how horrible it is, or no matter who you hurt, it was for their OWN good, right?"

 

"Lucas, I'm SO sorry.  About everything,"  Emma says in tears.

 

"You're not sorry, Emma.  You're never sorry for the things you do.  You're only sorry when you get caught.  But you're GONNA be very sorry you kept my son away from me.  Where is he?"

 

"What?"

 

"Where is Logan?  Where is my son?"  Lucas asks.

 

"He's........he's upstairs with my mother."

 

Lucas gives Emma an angry look, then turns and walks away from her, heading toward the hotel.  

 

"Lucas!"  Emma calls, running after him.  "Lucas, where are you going?"

He stops and turns back to her.  "I'm going to see my son."

 

"No,"  Emma says.  "Lucas, I can't let you do that."

 

"Oh, you can't LET me?  You wanna try and stop me?"  Lucas asks, looking at her angrily.  

 

"Emma, if I were you, I'd let Lucas see his son,"  Bobby says, walking up to the two.  

 

"If you do try and stop me, Emma, so help me, I'll wring your neck."  Lucas turns and walks across the parking lot to the hotel as Emma watches, helpless to stop him, and fearful of what Lucas might do.  

A few minutes later....

Ann has just finished changing Logan's diaper and puts the baby down in his crib.  She smiles at her little grandson as she looks down at him.  The baby pulls himself up in his crib.  "You want your pacifier?"  She asks.  Picking the pacifier up, Ann lovingly places it in the baby's mouth, her smile growing bigger as she looks at her grandson.  After a few seconds, the smile fades from Ann's face.  "Oh, my sweet baby," she says.  "Thank goodness you're too little to understand everything that's goin' on around you.  Sometimes, I wish I didn't understand all that was happenin', myself.  So consider yourself lucky."  Ann gently touches the baby's stomach.  She is startled by a knock at the door.  "Now who can that be?"  Ann asks the baby.  "Why don't we go find out?"  She smiles at the child, then walks over and opens the door, surprised to see her stepson.  "Lucas," she says.  

 

"Ann, I'm here to see my son,"  Lucas says.  

 

"Come in."

 

Lucas walks into the hotel suite.  Seeing the baby's crib across the room, he walks over and looks down at Logan.

"Oh, it's business, darlin'.  Nothin' for you to worry about."

 

"But I DO worry, John Ross.  What affects you, affects me."

 

John Ross sighs.  "Somethin' I had been plannin' kinda fell through, that's all. But don't you worry, Krystina.  I'm gonna get back at the person who messed up my plans and I'm gonna make him sorry he ever set foot in Dallas."

 

Krystina smiles.  "I have no doubt of that.  Now, why don't we go up and get ready for dinner?"

 

"Sounds good to me,"  John Ross says.  He and Krystina leave the den and head upstairs hand in hand.  

 

A moment later, Lucas and Bobby come into the den, and like John Ross before him, Lucas heads to the bar and pours himself a drink.  

 

"Okay, now do you wanna talk about it?"  Bobby asks.   "You didn't say one word after we left the hotel, all the way home."

 

"What is there to say?"  Lucas asks.  "I'm mad as hell.  Emma kept my son from me for more than a year.  I mean, how could she do that?  And how could Ann have kept the truth from me?  From BOTH of us?"

 

"I wish I knew, son,"  Bobby says as Heather walks into the room.  

 

"You're back,"  she says.  "So what happened?"

 

"I confronted Emma about keeping the truth from me, and then I spent some time with my son,"  Lucas replies.  "Heather, it was amazing holding that little boy, my son.  I felt this connection, I can't even explain.  It's exactly the same feeling I had when I first found out that I'm Michael's father."

 

"I think I understand,"  Heather says.

 

"I'll never forgive Emma for not telling me about my son."

 

 

"Lucas, I don't know what Emma's reasons were,"  Heather says.  "What did she say?"

 

"Only that she did it because she didn't wanna hurt me. She didn't wanna come between you and I, and she didn't wanna hurt Kevin."

 

"Maybe she's tellin' the truth."  

 

"What, you're defending her for what she did?"  Lucas asks.

 

"No, of course not.  But, you said you would never forgive Emma.  Then how could you forgive me for doin' the same thing?"

 

"Heather, the situations are completely different.  You and I went our separate ways before you found out you were pregnant, and we didn't even see each other for years.  You had no idea how or where to find me to tell me about Michael.  Emma has no excuse for not telling me about Logan.  And I'm gonna see to it she pays."  Lucas quickly leaves the room and heads upstairs.  

 

Heather lets out a deep sigh.  "Bobby, maybe it was a mistake to tell him about Logan."

 

"No, Heather, it wasn't a mistake.  Sooner or later, Lucas would've remembered on his own why he went to California to see Emma.  Now, the truth is out in the open again, and we can deal with it."

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

"Chris, you and I haven't really had a chance to talk since Courtney moved out,"  Lucas says.  "I'm really sorry about that."

 

"Thanks."

 

"My memory's still pretty fuzzy on a lot of recent events.  I'm sorry I haven't been here for you with everything you've been through."

 

 

"You had your own issues to deal with,"  says Christopher.  "Dad told me last night that you went to see Emma and the baby."

 

"Yeah, I did."

 

"How'd that go?"

 

"I'm still so damned angry, man.  I can't believe Emma kept the truth from me for more than a year.  I mean, how could she do that to me?"

"I wish I knew, Lucas,"  Christopher says.  "I don't understand why people do the things they do.  Only thing I DO know is that nothing good ever comes from lies.  Your situation with Emma is a perfect example of that.  So is what happened with me and Courtney.  This whole thing started with the lie about Chase being Jacob's father.  If Courtney and I had just been honest about Joseph being his father from the beginning, a lot of pain and heartache could've been avoided for all of us.  Same thing with you and Emma.  If she'd been honest with you about Logan, you wouldn't be goin' through this hell right now.  Lies just lead to trouble, every time."

 

"You're right about that,"  says Lucas.  "Chris, I'm sure that you and Courtney are gonna work things out.  You guys love each other, so, just don't give up."

 

"Thanks, man.  You're right, I do love Courtney.  I love her and Jacob with all my heart, and I'm gonna do everything in my power to put my family back together.  I just hope it's not too late."

Kimberly Cryder's home....

 Jay rings the doorbell at Kimberly Cryder's home later in the morning.  Kimberly's butler opens the door.  "Good morning, Mr. Smithfield," he says.

 

"Good morning, Gerald.  I need to speak with Mrs. Cryder."

 

"Jay,"  Kimberly says, coming down the stairs.  

 

"Hello, Kimberly."

 

"Gerald, thank you, that will be all,"  Kimberly says to her butler and the man leaves the room.  "So what can I do for you?"

 

"I need to know where my wife is,"  replies Jay.  "I've been trying to reach Jill for days and days, and all I get is her voicemail, and she never returns my calls.  She's moved out of her apartment.  Is she here?"

 

"Jay, I don't know what happened between you and my daughter, but I do know that Jill doesn't want to see you,"  Kimberly says.

 

"What do you mean she doesn't wanna see me?"

 

"Just that.  She doesn't wanna see you, and obviously it's because of something you did to her."

 

"Something that I did?"  Jay asks.  "You've gotta be kidding me.  Look, Kimberly, if you know where my wife is, I want you to tell me."

 

"It's okay, Mom,"  Jill says, coming down the stairs.  "I'll talk to him."

 

Kimberly looks at Jay.  "Fine, but I'll be in the study," she says, then leaves the foyer.  

 

Jill walks into the living room.  Jay follows.  "Jill, where have you been?  I've been trying to get in touch with you.  So has Justin.  Why have you been ignoring my calls?"

 

"Isn't it obvious?  I just didn't wanna talk to you."

 

"May I ask why?"

 

"I made some mistakes, Jay,"  says Jill.  "Very serious mistakes with Craig Anderson."

 

"Mistakes?"  Jay asks.  "You had an affair with the guy, Jill.  You call that a mistake?  I call it a conscious choice to betray our wedding vows."

 

"So you decided to pay me back?"

 

"What do you mean by that?"  Jay asks.

 Brad is standing at the window of his office that morning looking out, thinking about the company he has just lost, an angry look on his face.  Meanwhile, Michelle Stevens and Clay Beaumont walk into the outer offices of Stone-Barnes Oil.  Michelle looks around the office and smiles with satisfaction.  Cliff comes out of his office, surprised to see Michelle and Clay.  "What are you doing here?"  He asks.

 

"Clay and I have come to take over the running of this company, and to see that you and your son vacate the premises without taking anything that belongs to us."

 

"Yes, and I'm very anxious to get started,"  says Clay.  "And I think we'll begin with this."  He walks over to the sign on the wall that says STONE-BARNES OIL CO.  "We'll have this sign removed immediately and have it replaced with a new one."

 

"Yes,"  says Michelle.  "We were thinking of calling the new company Stevens-Beaumont Oil.  How do you like that name, Cliff?  The initials will stay the same."

 

"Boy, you're really enjoying this, aren't you, Michelle?" Cliff asks.

 

Michelle looks at him and smiles.  "More than you could possibly imagine."

 

"You really are somethin'.  You waited ALL these years to exact your revenge.  And I gotta hand it to you."

 

"No, actually, Cliff, I've gotta hand it to YOU, and of course, to your son,"  Michelle says.  "I saw an opportunity and I took it.  An opportunity that your son Brad provided.  But of course, none of this would've been possible had it not been for an almost ridiculous amount of good luck.  Brad got that loan from your former son-in-law Tripp McKay, using this company as collateral.  And then, poor Tripp ended up dead before he collect that debt, which left the door wide open for some third party to step in, pay the debt to his estate, and come away owning Stone-Barnes Oil.  All the pieces just fell into place.  I couldn't have planned this better myself."

 

"I wouldn't be a bit surprised if you killed Tripp yourself, just so you could carry out this little plan of yours."

 

Michelle laughs.  "Cliff, don't be ridiculous.  I didn't even know Tripp McKay, except that he was old Carter McKay's grandson.  So why would I want to kill him?"

 

Brad comes out of his office at that moment.  He pauses and angrily looks at Michelle and Clay.

 

"Well, hello, Brad,"  Michelle says.  "I trust that you've packed up all of your belongings, and you and Cliff are ready to vacate my offices."

 

"You're not gonna get away with this,"  Brad says.  

"I hate to break it to you, but, we already HAVE,"  Clay says.  "Kind of ironic, isn't it, Mr. Barnes?"

 

"And what's that?"  Cliff asks.

 

"You've carried on this feud with the Ewings for decades, and you've never been able to beat them.  In fact, most of the time it's you who's ended up defeated.  And now, here we are, once again, only it's a new generation, J.R. Ewing's grandson, who has left you broken and defeated.  I'm sure my grandfather is smiling down on me with pride right now."

 

"Your bastard of a grandfather is burning in hell right now, and I'll see you and your mother in hell before I'll ever concede defeat to YOU!"  Cliff says.

 

"Cliff, you two get your things and get the hell out of my company," Michelle says.  

 

Brad and Cliff exchange looks, then Brad goes into his office.  A few seconds later, he comes out carrying a box filled with his belongings.  "I can promise you one thing," he says to Michelle.  "I'm not gonna rest until I get back at you for this.  You may have won this battle, but, no way in HELL are you gonna win the war.  Come on, Cliff, let's get out of here.  This place is beginning to stink."  Brad looks at Clay and Michelle, then leaves.

 

Clay smiles.  "Well, I'll call a decorator," he says.  "Mom, if you don't ,mind,I think I'm gonna take Brad's office to use.  I like the view."  He looks at Cliff, winks, then goes into Brad's former office and closes the door.  

 

Michelle looks at Cliff.  "Well, what are you waiting for?"  She asks.  "Your son is gone.  Now, you go."

 

"Y'know, I was just thinking about something,"  Cliff says.  "Your son is what?  26?  Almost 27?"

 

"Yes, so?"

 

"I was just wondering...........that night you and I got married, the night before you were arrested for Hillary Taylor's murder.........we went to bed together.  I was just wondering what the chances are that Clay could be MY son and not James Beaumont's."

 

Michelle laughs.  "Cliff, that is without a doubt the most ludicrous thing I've ever heard.  Look at my son.  He looks a lot like James, and NOTHING like you.  Now get out of this office."

 

Cliff walks to the door and starts to leave.  He pauses for a second, then looks at Michelle.  "If you're so sure that he's James's kid, then you won't mind if I ask him to take a DNA test, would you?"  Cliff smiles, then leaves.  

Southfork....

 Several ranch hands are loading some bales of hay onto two trailers in one of Southfork's many pastures late in the morning, including brothers Gavin and Ben Murray.  The brothers are working together in virtual silence, loading one trailer with bales of hay.  Gavin looks at his younger brother.  "Y'know, Ben, you never did answer my question the other day."

 

"And what question is that?"  Ben asks.

 

"How exactly did you happen to end up here in Braddock, workin' on the ranch right down the road from where our sister lived?"

 

"I had no idea Courtney lived here at Southfork when I got the job workin' at Mr. Krebbs's place.  I saw this ad for a ranch hand in a paper, and I went to Mr. Krebbs, and he gave me the job.  I hadn't seen Courtney since I was a little kid.  How was I supposed to know she'd married a Ewing and lived on this fine ranch?"

 

"No, I guess you couldn't know," says Gavin.  "I didn't even know it myself until I showed up in Dallas to see Mom."

 

"So, ya see, big brother?  I been here all these months, and had no idea that our sister lived here.  So I didn't come here to try to hit Courtney up for money.  Not that she'd give it to me anyway."

 

"Well, don't you think it's time you at least let Dad know where you are, and that you're okay?"  Gavin asks, taking off his hat and using the back of his gloved hand to wipe sweat from his forehead.

 

"You want him to know so bad?  Then YOU call him and tell him.  I got no interest in talkin' to that old man after what he said to me when I left last year.  He said for me to get out and never come back.  Remember?"

  Ashley walks into the offices of Ewing Records just after noon and looks around.  "Hi, may I help you?"  Asks Kim, the receptionist.  

 

"Hi, I'm here to see Jimmy Beaumont," Ashley says.

 

"Do you have an appointment?"

 

"No, I don't."

 

"I'll see if he can see you,"  Kim says.  "Can I have your name?"

 

"Ashley Beaumont.  I'm his sister."

 

Kim smiles.  "Oh, so YOU'RE Ashley.  Jimmy talks about you all the time.  I'll let him know you're here."

 

"Thank you,"  Ashley says with a smile.  

 

Kim picks up her phone and buzzes Jimmy's office.  "Jimmy, your sister is here.  Yes, I will."  Kim hangs up the phone and smiles.  "You can go right in, Ashley."

 

"Thanks."  Ashley goes to Jimmy's office and walks in.  "Hi," she says to him.

 

"Hey, Ash,"  Jimmy says, getting up from his desk.  He walks over to his sister and gives her a kiss on the cheek.  "What brings you here?"

 

 Bobby and Jenna are having lunch at Perry's a short time later.  "Thank you for agreeing to have lunch with me," Bobby says.  

 

 

Jenna smiles.  "Bobby, it was my pleasure, you don't have to thank me.  It's I who should be thanking YOU for asking me." 

 

"Why don't you come out to Southfork and have dinner tonight?  Unless ya have plans already?"

 

"Are you kidding?  No, I don't have plans.  And I would love to.  Bobby, I'm really worried about Lucas.  I'm very concerned about what this whole thing with Emma and Logan is doing to him."

 

"So am I, Jenna,"  Bobby says.  "That's one reason I wanted to have lunch with you so we could talk privately.  I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I'm real concerned about the gaps Lucas still has in his memory, especially about the night of the fire."

 

"Bobby, something has always bothered me about that night,"  says Jenna.  "What was Lucas doing at Falcon Crest, at night?  He flew out to California early that day to see Emma."

 

"I know.  And since Lucas has no memory of even being there, or of the fire, the only person who DOES have answers is Emma."

 

"I shudder at the thought of going to ask her about anything."

 

"So do I.  But if we're gonna have answers and if Lucas is gonna have answers, then we need to talk to her. But, maybe I should be the one to do that."

 

"Do you really think that little tart will be honest with you?"  Jenna asks.

 

"I dunno.  But only one way to find out."

 

"What bothers me the most is that Emma Ryland is the mother of our grandchild.  That means we're gonna be stuck with her for the rest of our lives."

 

Meanwhile, Ashley walks into the restaurant and is greeted by the hostess, who leads her through the restaurant, now filled with the lunch crowd, to Clay's table.  Clay stands to his feet as Ashley arrives.  "Thank you for coming," he says.

 

"Sure,"  Ashley says as they both take their seats.  

 

"What can I get you to drink?"  The hostess asks.  

 

"I'll have a sweet tea,"  replies Ashley.

 

"And I'll have the same,"  says  Clay.

 

"Here are your menus, and I'll be back with those drinks,"  the young woman says, then walks away.  

 

"Ashley, I really do appreciate you coming,"  Clay says.  "I wasn't sure you would."

 

"I said I'd be here."

 

Clay looks across the table  at her for a moment.   "This is kinda awkward, itn't it?" He asks.

The young male waiter comes to their table.  "Good afternoon," he cheerfully says, placing two iced teas on the table in front of them.  "My name is Cole and I'll be your server today.  How're you guys doing?"

 

"We're just fine,"  Clay replies.  

 

"Are you guys ready to order yet, or do you need a few  more minutes?"

 

"I'm ready,"  says Clay.  "Ashley?"

 

"Yeah I'm all set."

 

"Okay, what can I get for you?"  The waiter asks.

 

Ashley looks at her menu.  "I'll have the Chicken Parmesan, with rice."

 

"Okay, and you, sir?"

 

"I'll take the Butcher's Blend Burger,"  replies Clay.  

 

"And your two sides?"  The waiter asks.

 

"French fries, and corn on the cob."

 

"Okay, I'll get those orders out to you as soon as they're ready,"  the waiter says.  "Let me know if you guys need anything."

 

"Thanks,"  Clay says as the young man walks away.  

 

Ashley looks across the table at him.  "So, why didn't you tell Dad who you were that day at Ewing Oil?"

 

"I really don't know.  I really don't.  I guess I was just waiting for the right time, and an office setting at Ewing Oil just didn't seem the appropriate time or place."

 

"I guess that's understandable," says Ashley.  "So, I guess you're planning on staying on in Dallas?"

 

"Yes, I am.  And now I have even more reason to stay."

 

"Oh?"

 

"Yeah.  I am now the co-owner of an oil company here in Dallas,"  Clay says.  

 

"Really?  Well, congratulations, I guess."

 

"Thank you.  I really do wanna make Dallas my home, and, more than anything, I wanna get to know my family here.  Ashley, do you think that Jimmy could ever give me a chance?"

 

"Clay, I honestly don't know,"  replies Ashley.  "Jimmy's........angry.  And he's hurting.  Daddy's death hit him really hard.  It did me, too, but, Jimmy blames himself for Daddy dying because that girl, Katelyn Spencer..........and then you showed up at the funeral and........"

 

"And just made things worse,"  Clay says with a sigh.  "That's always been the story of my life."

Cliff and Afton's apartment....

 

 

Afton comes down the stairs at the apartment she shares with Cliff to answer the ringing doorbell.  She opens the door to find Pamela.  "Hi, sweetheart, come in."

 

"Hi, Mom,"  Pamela says, walking into the apartment.  "I heard about what happened with Stone-Barnes Oil. How's Daddy taking it?"

 

"About like you'd expect.  He's in the study."

 

"Thanks,"  Pamela says.  She walks through the living room and to the study door, knocking.  

 

"Come in," she hears Cliff say.  

 

Pamela walks into the room and finds Cliff sitting alone at his desk.  "Daddy, I heard about what happened.  I'm so sorry."

 

"Yeah.  You mean you heard that I lost yet another company, thanks to the Ewings?"

 

"I heard that someone paid off the loan Brad got from Tripp.  What does that have to do with the Ewings?"

 

"The person who paid off that loan was Michelle Stevens."

 

"Michelle Stevens?"  Pamela asks.  "Why does that name sound so familiar?"

 

"Michelle Stevens used to be married to J.R.'s son, James Beaumont, and her sister April was married to Bobby."

 

"Oh, now I remember.  It was her son who stood up at James's funeral and said that James was his father."

 "Yeah, uh-huh, that's right,"  says Cliff.  "Michelle and that son of hers now own mine and Brad's company.  But, that wouldn't have been possible had John Ross not made it impossible for Brad and me to do business in Dallas by poisoning the Cartel against us.  No one would even return our phone calls.  The company was about to go belly up.  And, that's what happened anyway, despite our best efforts.  I guess I was just put here on this Earth to be a punching bag for the Ewings.  That's the way it's always been, and I guess that's the way it's always gonna be."

 "Daddy, that's not true,"  says Pamela.

 

"Oh yeah, it's true.  This latest fiasco is proof.  For years, every time I managed to get somewhere in life, or achieve some measure of success, J.R. was there to take it right away.  I'd try to crawl outta the hole, and there he was again to kick me back down.  Well, that bastard's  dead and gone, but now his son has picked up where J.R. left off, doing the same thing to me that his Daddy did.  It never  ends."

 

"Then do something about it."

 

"Oh, like what?"  Cliff asks.

 

"Like putting an end to this stupid feud once and for all.  Look how long this fight between the Barnes and the Ewings has been going on, and look at how much it's cost all of us, ESPECIALLY you."

 

"You want me to just walk away?  To just forget about everything the Ewings have done to me over the years, including framing me for a murder I didn't commit?"

 

"I'm not saying that.  I know the Ewings have done some terrible things to you, but this feud hasn't been one sided.  And is it worth all the pain it's caused for both families?" 

 

 

Cliff stands from his chair and walks to the window and looks out.  After a moment, he turns back to Pamela.  "Is it worth it?  I dunno, maybe not.  But I do know one thing.  I cannot rest until I pay the Ewings back for everything they've ever done to me and my family, and I promise I WILL pay them back if it's the last thing that I ever do."

 

"Would you listen to yourself?"  Pamela asks.  "After everything this fight has cost you, you're still planning revenge?"

 

"Yes, damn right, I am, and ya wanna know why?"  Cliff asks.  "Because the Ewings have taken EVERYTHING from me.  They took my dignity, my pride, my daughter, and my company.  The only thing that I have left is revenge."

 

Pamela looks at her father and shakes her head.  Realizing that trying to reason with Cliff is pointless, she walks to the door and starts to leave.  She pauses a moment, and looks at him.  "If you REALLY believe that revenge against the Ewings is all you have left, then that makes me truly sad," she says, then walks out.  

 

Cliff walks over to the bar and pours himself a drink.  He takes a sip as he thinks about his revenge against the Ewings.  

Southfork....that night....

 "Steve, Wendell couldn't have just disappeared into thin air.  The man has to be somewhere,"  Bobby says to his friend, police Lt. Steve Walden, in the den at Southfork that night.

 

"Bobby, I know how frustrating this is for you,"  Steve says.  "And believe me, we're doing everything we can to find Jeremy Wendell.  But the man is very rich, and with his resources, he could be anywhere in the world by now."

 

Bobby sighs.  "I know, and I'm sorry, Steve.  And you're right, it is very frustrating.  Wendell was helping Katherine Wentworth by hiding her out in his penthouse and I want that man to pay for that."

 

"And so do I.  Don't worry, we're doing everything we can to find Wendell.  The FBI is even involved now, and if Wendell has left the country, then Interpol will find him."

 

Jenna, Lucas, and Heather walk into the room at that moment.  "Lt. Walden, hello,"  Heather says.

 

"Hello, Mrs. Ewing.  Lucas."

 

"Hi."

 

"Steve, you know Jenna Wade, Lucas's mother," Bobby says.

 

"Yes, of course I do.  It's nice seeing you, Ms. Wade."

 

"Thank you,"  says Jenna.

 

"Bobby, as I said, don't worry,"  says Steve.  "I'll let you know when we hear something."

 

"Thanks, Steve, keep me posted, and thanks again for stoppin' by."

 

"Sure thing.  It's nice seeing you all again."

 

"Good evening, Lieutenant,"  Jenna says as Steve walks out.  

 

"Dad, what was Lt. Walden doing here?"  Lucas asks.

 

"I asked him to drop by so I could talk to him about Jeremy Wendell."

 

"Do the police know where Wendell is?"  Jenna asks.

 

"No, they don't."  Bobby replies.  "But Steve assured me that the police, and the FBI are doin' everything they can to find Wendell.  I wanna see that man face some kind of punishment for aiding and abetting Katherine Wentworth."

 

"Well, I certainly hope so,"  says Jenna.  "Jeremy Wendell and Katherine Wentworth deserve to share a cage together."

 

"Listen, guys,"  Lucas says.  "While I have you all here and it's just the four of us, there's something I wanna discuss with you all."

 

"This sounds serious,"  says Jenna.

 

"It is."

 

"Lucas, honey, what is it?"  Heather asks.  

 

Lucas hesitates for several seconds before answering.  He lets out a deep sigh.  "I've been doin' a lot of thinking ever since the other day when you told me that I'm the father of Emma's little boy.  I've really been struggling with my memory of going to California to talk to Emma about it.  And then seeing Logan the other day.......my son."

 

"Lucas, what is it you're tryin' to say?"  Bobby asks.  

 

"What I'm trying to say is.........I've decided to take Emma to court and sue her for custody of my son."

 

Heather looks at her husband in shock.  "You've what?"

 

"I'm going after custody of my son,"  Lucas replies. 

 

Meanwhile, Michael comes into the foyer.  Hearing his father's words, the boy stands near the doorway and listens.

 

"Lucas, how could you make such a decision without talkin' it over with me first?" Heather asks.

 

"Honey, I'm sorry.  I just reached this decision this evening, and believe me, it's not one that I came to lightly."

 

"Son, are you really sure that this is what you wanna do?"  Bobby asks.  "We all know that custody battles can get real ugly."

 

"I know that.  But this is something that I have to do."

 

"And don't I get a say in this at all?"  Heather asks.  

 

"Heather, you're my wife, so of course you do."

 

"Then how could you just decide to do this without even askin' me?  Lucas, this is a decision that's gonna change all our lives......yours, mine, and Michael's."

 

"Honey, I KNOW,"  says Lucas.  "Dad, I know custody battles can get ugly, and Heather, I know this will drastically change our lives, but can any of you honestly tell me that you think Emma Ryland is fit to raise my son after she lied to everyone about who Logan's father was for more than a year?  I lost a year of my son's life because of her."

 

"Well, I for one certainly do NOT think that Emma is fit to raise a child,"  Jenna says.

 

"Lucas, seekin' visitation or somethin' is one thing, but goin' after full custody?  That means that you and I would raise Emma's child,"  says Heather.

 

"And MY child.  Heather, I have to do this.  I want your support in this.  I NEED your support.  But......."  Lucas pauses.

 

"But, if I don't give you my support, you're gonna go ahead with it anyway?"  Heather asks.

 

Lucas looks at his wife.  "If I have to, yes.  Heather, I'm sorry.  But this is something I HAVE to do, for my child.  And I hope you can all understand that."  Lucas turns and leaves the room, and hearing Lucas coming, Michael quickly slips into the living room, where he waits behind the doorway and watches until his father goes up the stairs.  Afterward, Michael comes back into the foyer, where he overhears Bobby, Jenna, and Heather continue to 

talk.  

 

"Heather, what are you gonna do?"  Bobby asks.  "Are you gonna be able to accept Lucas tryin' to get custody of his and Emma's son?"

 

"Bobby, I love your son,"  Heather says.  "If Lucas goes through with this, looks like I don't have any choice.  But God help me, if Lucas wins custody of Logan, it'll be hard for me raisin' Emma Ryland's child.  I'm really afraid that Lucas and I could be in for a rough time in our marriage, and I'm worried about how that's gonna affect Michael, especially if Lucas starts spendin' more time with his new son."

 

Standing in the foyer listening, a sad look comes over Michael's face.

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

 

 Bobby is sitting alone on the patio the next morning, having breakfast, as Maria pours him a cup of coffee.  "Thank you, Maria."

 

"You're welcome, Mr. Ewing."

 

John Ross, Krystina, Lucy, and Alex come out of the house, each of them chattering away as they come onto the patio.  "Morning, Bobby,"  Lucy says cheerfully, taking a seat at the table beside her uncle.

 

"Lucy.  You're sure in a good mood this morning."

 

"Thanks.  I have reason.  Today, I start my new job."

 

John Ross looks across the table at his cousin.  "Your new WHAT?"

 

"My new job."

 

"What job, Lucy?"  Krystina asks.

 

"I'm starting a job as a volunteer at Texas Health Presbyterian this morning,"  Lucy replies.

 

"Volunteer?"  John Ross asks.  "Oh, then it's not a real job makin' money?"

 

"No, it's not.  I don't need the money, but I do feel the need to give something back to people.  After all, being a Ewing I have been particularly blessed as far as money goes.  And being a cancer survivor, I wanna do something to help others fighting the disease.  So, I'm volunteering four days a week at the pediatric cancer center at the hospital."

 

Bobby looks at her and smiles.  "Well, Lucy, I think that's just wonderful."

 

"Thank you,"  says Lucy.  "It was all Mitch's idea, really."

 

"Mitch's idea?"  Krystina asks.  

 

"Yeah.  I was at the hospital the other day for my regular tests, and I was in the cafeteria feeling sorry for myself because I wasn't really doing anything with my life these days.  And Mitch was there and we had lunch together. He suggested that I volunteer at the hospital."

 

"Lucy, I think that's wonderful,"  says Krystina.

 

"So do I," agrees Bobby.  "I'm real proud of ya."

 

"I think it's great, too,"  Alex says.  "Especially working with sick kids."

 

"Lucy, I gotta admit,"  John Ross says.  "I'm proud of ya, too.  I think it's a great thing you're doin'."

 

Lucy smiles proudly.  "Well, thank you all very much."

 

Christopher comes out of the house.  "Morning, everyone."

 

"Good morning,"  says Bobby.  

 

"Breakfast, Mr. Ewing?"  Maria asks.

 

"Oh, no thanks, Maria,"

 

"What's the matter?  Not hungry?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I'm actually having breakfast in town with Courtney this morning,"  Christopher says.  

 

"Well, that IS good news,"  says Bobby.

 

"I hope that means that you and Courtney are working things out,"  Lucy says.

 

"So do I,"  says Krystina.  "I really miss her."

 

"Well, I guess time will tell,"  says Christopher.  "If Courtney and I don't work things out, it's sure not gonna be for lack of me trying.  I'll see you all later."

 

"See you later, son,"  Bobby says as Christopher walks away.

 

John Ross takes a sip of his coffee.  "Y'know, I gotta admit, I feel bad for him.  I remember how I felt when Krystina moved off Southfork."

 

Lucas comes out of the house.  "Lucas,"  Bobby says.  

 

 

"Mornin'."

 

"Where are Heather and Michael?"  Lucy asks.

 

"Michael is still in his room, I guess, and Heather........she said she's not hungry."

 

 

"Everything okay between you and the little wife, there, Lucas?"  John Ross asks.  "You seem a little tense this mornin'."

 

"And John Ross, I would suggest not starting with me this morning," Lucas says.  "I'm goin' out for a ride."  He quickly turns and walks away, headed toward the stables.  

 

"Now you all saw that, right?"  John Ross asks.  "I asked a simple question, just tryin' to be friendly, and damned near got my head taken off."

 

Alex lets out a slight laugh.  "I think it's the WAY you asked it."

 

Lucy also laughs under her breath.  "Well, if you'll all excuse me, I have to get to my volunteer job.  I have orientation this morning.  I'll see you all tonight."  She gets up from the table and kisses Bobby on the cheek.

 

"Good luck, and have a good day,"  Bobby says as she walks away.

 

"Oh, I will."

Fairview Hotel....a short time later....

  Courtney opens the door and lets Christopher into her hotel suite at the Fairview.  "Come in," she says.

 

"Thanks for inviting me over,"  Christopher says.

 

"I thought we should talk."

 

"Good.  Where's Jacob?"

 

"I asked my Mom to take him to breakfast at Chick-Fil-A,"  Courtney replies.  "I wanted us to talk alone, and some of what I wanted to talk about concerns Jacob."

 

Christopher nods.  "Okay, I'm all ears,"  Christopher says as a knock comes at the door.

 

"Oh, that must be room service,"  Courtney says.  She walks over to the door and opens it to find a young man with a table on wheels.

 

"Your breakfast, Mrs. Ewing," he says.

 

"Thank you,"  Courtney says.  She gives him a tip.  

 

"Thanks," he says, then leaves.  

 

Courtney closes the door, then walks over and removes the cover from the tray on the table.  "I ordered your favorite......blueberry waffles and sausage."

 

Christopher smiles.  "Thank you."  He takes a seat at the table.  "So, what is it you wanted to talk about?  I hope it's about our marriage."

 

"That's part of it.  Our marriage, Jacob, our family."

 Clay stands and looks at the newly mounted letters on the door of his new company, looking at the words 'Stevens Beaumont Oil Co.' with a smile.  Michelle walks into the office.  "Well, Mom, what do you think?"  He asks.

 

Michelle looks at the letters and smiles.  "I love it."

 

"So do I.  Now, our first order of business should be to hire a secretary."

 

"I'll let you take care of that, sweetheart."

 

"Great,"  says Clay.  "Now, as I said, I'd like to use Brad Stone's old office, if that's okay with you.  I mean, unless you wanted that office for yourself."

 

"No, I don't."

 

"Okay, then, you can take Cliff's old office.

 

"Actually, Clay, I won't be needing Cliff's office,"  Michelle says.  

 

 

"What?  Mom, what do you mean?"  Clay asks.

 

Michelle looks at her son.  "This company is all yours, Clay.  I'm turning the new Stevens-Beaumont Oil over to you.  It's yours to run any way you see fit."

 

"I don't understand.  Mom, we did this together.  We're equal partners."

 

"I did this for YOU, Clay.  This town treated me pretty poorly when I lived here years ago.  J.R. Ewing treated me like a second class citizen.  Your father used me to get his hands on Ewing Oil.  And so did Cliff Barnes.  James and J.R. are dead, but I have gotten my revenge on Cliff by taking his precious company, which I now turn over to you.'

 

"So what are you saying?  You're leaving Dallas?"  Clay asks.

 

"For now.  I have some other business to take care of back east, but I'll be back from time to time to check on you and the company."

 

"Mom, come on,"  says Clay.  "I need you here.  I can't run this company on my own."

 

"Darling, of course you can.  I taught you everything I know about the oil business, which is everything YOU need to know to run this company.  Besides, you have oil in your blood, so you're a natural."

 

"Yeah, but what happens when I have to compete with Ewing Oil, and John Ross?"  

 

Michelle walks over to her son.  "Sweety, I'm only a phone call away.  You need me, and I'm on the first plane back here.  But you'll be fine."

 

"You're right, I will be,"  says Clay.  "Mom I promise I'm gonna make you proud.  And I'm gonna make the Ewings stand up and take notice of me."

 

"I have no doubt of that,"  Michelle says.

Ewing Oil....later....

 Jill steps off the elevator at Ewing Oil later and approaches Sly's desk.  "Excuse me,"  she says.  "Is John Ross in his office?"

 

"Yes, he is,"  Sly replies.  "Do you have an appointment?"

 

"No, I don't.  But, I'm his sister."

 

"Oh, you must be Jill Smithfield."

 

"Yes, that's right."

 

"I'll let John Ross know you're here,"  Sly says.  She picks up the phone and buzzes his office.  "John Ross, your sister is here to see you."

 

"Good, send her in,"  John Ross says.  

 

"Mrs. Smithfield, you can go right in,"  Sly says.

 

"Thank you,"  Jill says.  As she walks toward John Ross's door, Sue Ellen comes out of her office.  

 

"Well, Jill," she says.  

 

"Hello, Sue Ellen.  How are you?"

 

"Just fine.  A bit surprised to see you back here, after the little stunt you pulled,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Spying on Ewing Oil for Tripp McKay?"

 

"Sue Ellen, I didn't come here to get into it with you.  I came to see John Ross, so if you'll excuse me."  Jill walks past her and knocks on John Ross's door, then goes in as Sue Ellen watches her.

 

"Well, where have you been?"  John Ross asks, greeting his sister with a kiss on the cheek as she walks into his office. "I been worried about you."

 

"I'm sorry,"  Jill says.  "After everything that happened, I needed some time away, so I took a trip.  I went down to Galveston for a while, and then when I came back to Dallas a few days ago, I've been staying at my mother's house."

 

"Well, I'm glad you're back."

 

"That's what I came to tell you, John Ross,"  Jill says.  "I'm gonna be leaving Dallas, at least for a few months."

 

"Leavin'?"

 

"Yes.  I need to get away from Dallas.  Away from all the painful memories, so I'm gonna be working in Westar's West Coast office in L.A.  I'm leaving town tomorrow."

 

"Wow.  I never expected this."

 

"I know.  But, I've already gotten cleared by the police to leave, since I was a suspect in Tripp's murder.  Unfortunately, Justin's arrest means that none of the rest of us are considered major suspects anymore."

 

"Only Justin didn't kill that bastard,"  John Ross says.

 

"Well, I don't believe that he did, either,"  Jill says.  

 

"Okay, well, what about your husband?"

 

"I've already spoken to Jay.  And we're getting a divorce."

 

"Damn.  I'm real sorry."

 

"It's for the best,"  says Jill.  "Jay and I........our marriage has been going downhill for a long time."

 

"I am REALLY gonna miss you,"  John Ross says.

 

"And I'm gonna miss you.  Weird, isn't it, since when we first found out we were brother and sister we couldn't stand each other.  All those fights over Westar."

 

"Yeah, we sure have come a long way these last few years."

 

"Yes we have.  And don't worry I will be back.  Who knows, after a few months in California, I may get homesick and decide to move back to Dallas.  Right now, I've made such a mess of my life, my marriage and everything else, that I just need some space between me and this city, and all the painful memories here."

 

"Well, I sure understand that.  You take care of yourself, and if you need anything, give me a holler."

 

Jill tries to hold back her tears.  "I will.  I'm gonna stop by and see Justin.  Just three years ago I never thought I'd say this but....... I love you, John Ross."

 

"I love you, too.  I never thought I'd say this, either, but, I'm damn sure glad to have you for a sister."

 

Jill hugs John Ross, and the two embrace for a few seconds.  Then, without saying another word, Jill leaves.  Outside of John Ross's office, she wipes the tears from her eyes, then heads to the elevator.

Southfork....early afternoon....

 Jenna's car pulls into Southfork early that afternoon and comes to a stop in the parking area in rear of the house.

 Sly buzzes John Ross's office.  "John Ross, Clay Beaumont is here to see you."

 

Sitting at his desk, John Ross sighs deeply.  "Now what the hell does he want?  Okay, Sly, send him in."  John Ross gets up from his desk and walks over to the window and looks out over the city of Dallas. 

 

A moment later, Clay walks into the office with a smile.  "Uncle John Ross, how's it going?"

 "Was goin' great until you showed up,"  John Ross replies.  "What the hell do you want, Clay?"

 

"I just thought I'd come by and share my good news,"  says Clay.

 

"And what good news might that be?"  

 

"As you already know, I now own Brad Stone's and Cliff Barnes's former oil company.  Well, you are now looking at the owner and president of the new Stevens-Beaumont Oil.  We're now in full operation, and we intend to give Ewing Oil a little healthy competition."

 

"Good luck with that one,"  John Ross says.  "Ewing Oil is one of the largest independents in Dallas.  That little upstart comp'ny you stole from Barnes and Stone was never any competition for us, and never will be."

 

"Maybe not yet.  But I plan to build Stevens-Beaumont into one of the largest oil companies not only in Dallas, but in Texas."

 

"That all you came here to say?"  John Ross asks.  "If so, then you've said and now you can get out."

 

"Alright, I'm going.  Y'know, I think this is gonna be a whole hell of a lotta fun.  Just think......J.R. Ewing's son and his grandson competing against each other in the oil business.  And may the best man win."

 

"Clay, you got a WHOLE lot to learn about........well, just about everything.  But especially about bein' a Ewing.  Y'know, I really do wish you success in that little oil comp'ny of yours.  I hope Stevens-Beaumont does grow into somethin' pretty big."

 

Clay smiles.  "You really mean that?"

 

 "I do.  Because the bigger your comp'ny becomes, the more fun it's gonna be to destroy it,"  John Ross says with a smile.  

 

"I'll see you later......UNCLE,"  Clay says, then leaves.  

 

After Clay has gone, John Ross takes his cell phone from his pocket and dials a number, then waits for an answer. 

 Meanwhile, back at Southfork, Jenna is still waiting for Bobby on the patio when Ann comes out of the house carrying a bag of her things.  She is not happy at all to see Jenna Wade at the ranch.  "Jenna," she says.  "What are you doin' here?"

 

"I'm waiting for Bobby.  We're going horseback riding."

 

"Just couldn't wait to get your claws into Bobby, could you?"  Ann angrily asks.   "No sooner had I moved off Southfork than you're skulkin' around here, hopin' for a chance to move right in."

 Bobby comes onto the patio.  "What's goin' on out here?"  He asks.

 

"Nothing,"  replies Jenna.  "Ann and I were just having a little chat.  Bobby, are you ready to go?"

 

"Yeah, all set."

 

"Bobby,"  Ann says.

 

"Jenna and I are goin' riding,"  says Bobby.

 

"So she told me.  Bobby, don't you see what this woman is doin'?"  Ann asks.  "She's takin' advantage of the fact that you and I are havin' problems.  She's tryin' to drive us further apart."

 

"I'm not even sure it's possible to drive us any further apart than we already are,"  Bobby says.  "And Jenna's not what's driven us apart, Ann.  It was your dishonesty that did that.  Come on, Jenna, let's go."  Bobby walks past Ann and heads toward the stables.

 

Jenna looks at Ann, smiles, then turns and follows Bobby away as Ann watches, fuming with anger and determined to stop Jenna from destroying what's left of her marriage.

 

 

 

 

 

Pamela's apartment....that night....

 

Justin and Pamela are laying silently in bed that night, her head resting on his shoulder.  "Pamela,"  Justin finally says, breaking the silence.  

 

"Yeah?"

 

"Are you okay?  You haven't said two words since dinner."

 

"I'm sorry,"  Pamela says.  "I just have a lot on my mind, that's all."

 

"You're thinkin' about your daddy, aren't you?"

 

"Yes, I am.  And Brad, too.  Losing the company like that has really hurt both of them, but it's Daddy I'm most worried about.  He's so angry, Justin.  Angry, and at the same time, he's like a hurt little boy.  I'm just afraid this is going to start the Barnes-Ewing feud all over again."

 

"All over again? Like it ever stopped?"

 

"He blames the Ewings for the loss of the company."

 

"Well, I guess in a way Cliff is right,"  says Justin.  "Since it was that guy who's supposedly James's son who now owns Stone-Barnes Oil."

 

"It goes even further than that.  Daddy blames the Ewings, and John Ross in particular, for creating the whole situation in the first place.  If John Ross hadn't turned the Cartel against my father and brother, then they would've been able to do business and wouldn't have had to borrow that money from Tripp."

 

"I'm really sorry, Pamela."

 

"I know.  But, none of this is your fault.  While I do agree with my father that John Ross started the whole mess, Tripp is really the one to blame for all of this.  He loaned Brad that money, and then, because he was angry with me, he took it out on my father and Brad and demanded repayment of the loan in full.  There was no way they could repay that $10 million."

 

Justin sighs.  "I really wish that I'd have been able to help.  If I hadn't been arrested......."

 

"Hey, it's okay,' says Pamela.  "This wasn't your mess to fix.  And what's done is done.  Right now, I'm worried about my father.  What this is doing to him, but also, I'm worried about what he might do."

 

"What do you mean?"  Justin asks.

 

"When my father feels cornered, he can be very dangerous, usually more to himself than anyone else.  He doesn't think things through."

 

"Well, whatever happens between your daddy and the Ewings, you and I need to just stay out of it.  We have enough to deal with right now without havin' to worry about the Barnes-Ewing feud."

 

Pamela looks at him.  "You're right about that," she says. She lays her head on his shoulder again, a look of worry on her face as she thinks about all the problems facing her and Justin.

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

 Courtney's car pulls up to Southfork the next morning and comes to a stop.  Courtney and Christopher get out of the car as Christopher comes out of the house.  "Hey," he says, walking out to greet them.  

 

"Hey, Christopher!"  Jacob says excitedly.  

"I couldn't help but notice that, you look really familiar,"  the young man says.  "Don't I know you from somewhere?"

 

"Funny, I was just thinking the same thing.  You look very familiar.  Wait, don't you work at Perry's Steakhouse?"

 

The young man smiles.  "Yes, I sure do, I'm a waiter there 4 days a week, sometimes in the evenings, and sometimes in the afternoon after class. And I work here on weekends as a lifeguard."

 

"I knew I'd seen you somewhere before."

 

"Yeah, you came in there the other day, and you ordered the chicken parmesan with rice," he says.

 

Ashley smiles in astonishment.  "Wow, you must have SOME memory."

 

"Only when it comes to beautiful girls.  I'm Cole."

 

"Hi, Cole, I'm Ashley," she says with a smile, shaking his hand.

 

"And I'm Shawn......Ashley's boyfriend,"  Shawn says as he walks up to them, carrying two paper plates, each containing a slice of pizza.

 

"Boyfriend, huh?"  Cole asks.  "Darn, that's just my luck.  Well, it was real nice meetin' both of you."

 

"Yeah, you, too,"  says Ashley.  "You said you work at Perry's after class?  Where do you go to school?"

 

"SMU,"  Cole replies.  "I just transferred there this summer."

 

"Well, I'll be going to school there, too.  I'm sure I'll see you around campus, or......here at the club."

 

Cole smiles.  "Definitely," he says, then turns and walks away.

 

"What the hell was that all about?"  Shawn asks.

 

"What?"

 

"You flirting with that guy."

 

"I wasn't flirting,"  says Ashley.  "Cole is new in town.  I was just doing my best to make him feel welcome.  Isn't that what we're supposed to do?"

 

Shawn looks at her, believing that Ashley had only flirted with the handsome lifeguard to get back at him for her thinking he had acted flirtatiously with Michelle McKinnon.  But privately, looking over at Cole as he climbs back onto his lifeguard stand, Ashley can't deny to herself that she feels strongly attracted to the young man she has just met.  

 

 

 

 

 

The Omni Hotel....

 Emma is in her room at the suite she shares at The Omni Hotel packing her suitcase while baby Logan is standing in his crib watching.  Emma places one of her dresses in the suitcase on top of her other things, then closes the suitcase, zipping it.  She pauses a moment and looks at her son.  "Okay, baby, now I have to get your things together so we can get out of here before your Grandma comes back," she tells the little boy.  Emma sighs deeply and walks over to Logan's crib, looking down at him.  "Sweety, I'm so sorry that we have to leave.  But I have no choice.  It's only a matter of time before Lucas remembers what I did to him, and how that fire started.  And not only that, it won't be long before Richard and the rest of his family find out that Kevin wasn't your Daddy, and when he does, he'll come after me."  Emma pauses and begins to cry.  "Dear God, how did I ever get myself into this mess?  Lying about Kevin being your Daddy was one thing, but, what I did to Lucas?  I only made things worse for both of us.  When Lucas remembers what happened, he'll have me arrested and they'll take you away from me.  I can't let that happen.  Not to mention what Richard Channing will do when he finds out the truth.  Now we have to hurry.  Your Grandma will be back soon."  Emma walks to the table and picks up the phone, dialing the number to the front desk downstairs.  "Yes, this is Emma Ryland.  Has my cab arrived yet?  Good, thank you.  Tell the driver I'll be right down."  Hanging up the phone, she grabs Logan's bag.  Very quickly, she throws the bag's strap over her shoulder and goes over to pick up the baby.  Carrying Logan in one arm and her suitcase in her other hand, she hurries through the living room of the hotel suite and to the door.  Opening the door to leave, Emma is stunned to find Richard Channing.  Her mouth drops open in shock.  

 

 

 

Christopher, Courtney, and Jacob return on their horses to the stables after their ride on Southfork just after noon.  "That sure was fun,"  Jacob says.  

 

"Yes, it was a lotta fun,"  agrees Christopher.  "Right, Courtney?"

 

"Yes, agreed.  It was a fun day."

 

"Jacob, why don't you put your horse away?"  Christopher asks.

 

 

 

"Sure,"  the boy says.  "Hey, guys?"

 

"Yes, Jacob?"  Christopher says.

 

"Today's been awesome so far.  It feels great being back at Southfork."

 

"Feels great having you back," says Christopher.  "Listen, put your horse in the stall and then we'll all go up to the house and have some lunch.  And don't forget to put your saddle away."

 

"Okay,"  Jacob says.  

 

Christopher and Courtney watch as Jacob takes his horse into one of the stalls.  Christopher smiles.  "Today really has been great so far."

 

"Yes.  It has.  But I really should be going."

 

"Courtney, don't.  You said today has been great."

 

"It has,"  Courtney says.

 

"Then why leave?  Spend the day."

 

"You said that after we finished our ride, if I wanted to leave, you wouldn't try and stop me."

 

"You're right, I did say that.  Okay, if you really wanna go, then go.  No pressure."

 

Courtney nods.  "Thank you.  But I will stay until after lunch."

 

"Good, I know Jacob will love that, and so will I."

 

As Courtney starts to take the saddle off her horse, she looks out over the ranch and sees her brother, Gavin, with Ben.  I look of curiosity comes over Courtney's face upon seeing Gavin with Ben, whom she thinks she recognizes. "Christopher," she says.  

 

"Yeah?"

 

"That guy over there with my brother.  Who is he?  I've never seen him before."

 

 

"Oh, you mean Ben?"  Christopher asks.  "Yeah, he's new here.  He was workin' over at Uncle Ray's ranch, but Uncle asked us to take him on over here for a while.  I dunno, he and Conner had some sort of problem or something.  He's a real good worker from what I can see, though.  Why do you ask?"

The two brothers turn to look at her.  "Courtney,"  Gavin says.  

 

"Well, Courtney, it's been a long time,"  Ben says.  

 

"Who.......who ARE you?"  Courtney asks as Christopher walks up behind her.

 

"Mean ya don't recognize me?  I'm Ben Murray."

"Ben Murray?"  Courtney asks in shock.

 

"That's right Courtney,"  says Gavin.  "It's Ben.........our little brother."

 

"Not surprised you didn't recognize me,"  Ben says.  "I think the last time I saw you I was about 6 or 7-years-old."

 

"Ben.......oh my God.  What are you doing here?"  She pauses and looks at Gavin.  "Are YOU responsible for him being here?  What the HELL are you two up to?"

 

"Now hold on, sis,"  Gavin says.  "Nobody's up to anything.  When Christopher gave me this job I had no idea that Ben was anywhere near Southfork."

 

"Courtney, what's goin' on?"  Christopher asks.  "You said that Ben is your brother, too?"

 

"Yes, that's right,"  Courtney replies.  "He's my brother..........he's the reason my parents' divorced.  And the reason my whole life fell apart."

 

Christopher looks at the three siblings with a confused expression, wondering what Courtney meant when she said Ben was responsible for her parents' divorce.

END OF EPISODE 182....