EPISODE 183 - Ulterior Motives

"You always acted like you hated me, even when I was a little kid,"  Ben says.  "And I'd like to know why.  As far as I know, I never did anything to you except simply exist."

 

"That's just it, Ben,"  Courtney says in tears.  "You existed."  Courtney turns and runs to the house.

 

 

 

Christopher looks at the two young men.  "Gavin, when we hired Ben on here, why didn't you bother to tell me that he was your brother?  And Ben, why the hell didn't you tell me that my wife is your sister?"

 

"Because I didn't know,"  Ben replies.

 

"What do you mean, you didn't know?"

"He's tellin' the truth, Christopher,"  Gavin says.  "He didn't have any idea that Courtney lived here, or that she was married to a Ewing.  And, when you gave me the job here, I didn't have any idea that Ben was within a hundred miles of Southfork."

 

"The three of you are siblings, how could you NOT know these things about each others' lives?" Christopher asks.

 

"Well, in case you hadn't guessed by now, we're not a real close family like the Ewings are,"  Ben says.  "Courtney cut ties with our Daddy when I was prob'ly 7-years-old, and I hadn't seen her since."

 

"And you expect me to believe it was just a coincidence that you just HAPPENED to end up working on the ranch right next door to where Courtney lives, and you never had any idea?"

 

"Whether you believe it or not, it's true."

 

Christopher looks angrily at the two brothers, then turns and heads toward the house as Gavin and Ben watch.

 

"Well,"  Ben says.  "I guess hittin' up our rich older sister for a loan is pretty much outta the question, huh?"

 

"Ben, just shut the hell up,"  Gavin says, walking away from his brother.  

The Omni Hotel....

 As a frightened Emma is seated in a chair in Ann's suite at The Omni Hotel, Richard Channing paces around the room.  "My, you certainly are quiet, Emma,"  he says.  "What's the matter.......cat got your tongue?"

 

"Richard, I.........."

 

"Before you open your mouth, my dear, I should caution you to be perfectly honest with me.  I don't wanna hear anymore of your lies.  Now I'm going to ask you some questions, and I expect the truth.  Is it true that Lucas Ewing is the father of that little boy of yours?"

 

Emma looks up at him, an expression of  fear on her face.  "Yes," she replies in tears.

 

"Why, Emma?  Why did you lie about the child's paternity?"

 

"By the time I found out I was pregnant, I was with Kevin.  I didn't want to hurt him."

 

"You didn't want to hurt my son, so you lied to him and told him that he was the father of your child,"  Richard says.  "Why do I find that a bit hard to believe?"

 

"Richard, it's true.  I loved Kevin."

 

"You don't know the meaning of the word love, Emma.  You claim to have loved my son, but yet you deceived him.  Kevin died thinking that he had a son.  A son that he left part of Falcon Crest to."

 

"I don't care about Falcon Crest, or the money,"  says Emma.

 

"Good, that's very good,"  Richard says.  "Because you will never see a penny of my son's money, and you can kiss any part of Falcon Crest goodbye.  In fact, you can kiss life as you've known it goodbye, Emma."

 

"Wha.......what do you mean by that?"

 

"Means I'm going to make you regret the day you ever met my son, let alone the day you lied to him about the paternity of your baby."

 

At that moment, Ann walks into the suite and she is stunned to find Richard Channing there with Emma.  "Richard, what are you doing here?"

 

"I came to see this lying little trollup you call a daughter.  I know the truth, Mrs. Ewing.  I know that my son was not the father of Emma's child, and for that little deception, Emma is going to pay very dearly."

 

Emma and Ann exchange worried looks, both of them knowing that a powerful man like Richard Channing could make their lives miserable, and, both women are even more terrified now that they no longer have the protection of the Ewings!

 "Get out of here right now, Richard,"  Ann says, opening the door of her hotel suite to show Richard that she wants him to leave immediately.

 

"I'm not going anywhere until I get some answers, and some satisfaction."

 

"Oh, no, you're leavin' here NOW, or........."

"Or what, Mrs. Ewing?"  Richard asks.  "You'll shoot me the way ya did Harris Ryland?"

 

Ann looks at him angrily.  "Do you really wanna temp me?"  She asks.

 

"You knew about this.  You knew that your daughter was lying to Kevin about him being that child's father."

 

"Look, I am REALLY sorry about that,"  Ann says.  "But I was doin' what I had to do to protect my daughter, just as I'm sure you've done things you regret in order to protect your children."

 

"You use that word regret rather loosely, Mrs. Ewing,"  Richard says with a slight smile.

 

"Believe it or not, I DO regret lyin' for Emma.  Lookin' back in hindsight......... I'd probably do things much differently,"  Ann says as Emma looks at her mother in surprise.  "But what's done is done.  I know you're hurtin' right now, and I know you're still grievin' the death of your son, but I will NOT allow you to come in here and threaten and intimidate my daughter.  Now I want you to leave here, right now, or I WILL call hotel security and have you thrown out."

 

Richard looks at the two women.  "You don't know the meaning of the word regret.......but you will," he says.  He walks to the door and starts to leave.

 

"Richard,"  Emma calls to him.  He stops and looks at her.  "Just for your information, someone else knew about Logan's true paternity, and that's your beloved Katherine.  So you might wanna visit her in jail while you're in Dallas and ask why she didn't tell you the truth."

 

"This isn't over, Emma.  Not by a long shot,"  Richard says, then leaves.  

 

Emma breathes a sigh of relief.  "Thank you.  Thank you SO much for standing up to him for me."

 

Ann pauses a moment, then sees Emma's packed suitcase and Logan's baby bag on the floor.  She looks at her daughter.  "You were about to leave, weren't you?"

 

"I........yes. I had to.  It's only a matter of time before Lucas remembers what happened before the fire, and you saw what just happened.  Richard Channing won't stop until he destroys me.......destroys BOTH of us for lying to him and Kevin."

 

 

"What did you mean, it's only a matter of time before Lucas remembers what happened before the fire?"  Ann asks.  "This itn't the first time you've said that.  Emma, what DID happen before that fire at Falcon Crest?  And you'd damned well better tell me the truth this time."

 

Emma begins to cry.  "Lucas, he.........he came to Falcon Crest to confront me about Logan.  He was gonna tell Richard and the rest of Richard's family.  I.......I panicked.  I didn't know what else to do."

 

"And just what DID you do, Emma?"

 

"I tried to stop him,"  Emma cries.  She hesitates for a few seconds before continuing.  "He was so angry.  He.......he got really rough with me.  He said that he would make me pay, and that he would take my baby.  So, I hit him, and I managed to get him into the basement.  I wanted to keep him there until I could reason with him, but, he was just crazy."

 

"And what happened?"  Ann asks.

 

"Lucas hit me.  And then, he...........oh my God."

 

"Emma, WHAT HAPPENED?"

 

Emma looks at her mother, tears falling down her face.  "Lucas said that he would kill me and take my baby.  He...... 

 

 

 Lucas started that fire.  He tried to kill me.  But, I tried to stop him.  Somehow, we both got knocked out.  When I came to, the fire was all around us.  Lucas was laying at the bottom of the stairs.  I knew I had to get to Logan but, I couldn't leave Lucas there.  So, I struggled as hard as I could and I pulled him up the stairs, and then the firemen found us."

 

"Emma, dear God, what are you sayin'?  LUCAS started that fire?"

 

"Yes.  I've never seen him so angry, so crazy."

 

"Then why didn't you say anything?"  Ann asks.  "Why didn't you tell us?  Why didn't you tell the police?"

 

"Because I couldn't.  Mom, no matter what, Lucas is still Logan's father, and, and I still love him.  When he was injured and he couldn't remember what happened, I thought that was a sign.  I hoped he would never remember anything about that day, and that the fire would be ruled an accident."

 

"Emma, we can't let this lie.  I know Lucas is Bobby's son and Logan's father, but, if he started that fire........people almost died in that fire.  Krystina's nephew, Danny Carrington, almost did die.  What Lucas did was a crime."

 

"Please, don't say anything.  I know what he did was a crime, but, to be perfectly honest, I pushed him to it.  You know what a temper Lucas has."

 

"Yes, just like his father,"  Ann says.

 

"Please, I'm begging you, don't say anything about this.  When my son is older, the last thing I want is for Logan to know what his father did, or about any of this.  And if you turn Lucas in for this, your marriage to Bobby is as good as over.  Besides, I might be able to use this."

 

"What are you talkin' about?" 

 

"If Lucas wants to take my son away, I can use this against him.  Threaten to tell the truth about the fire if he tries to take Logan."

 

"You said that if I told the truth about Lucas, that my marriage to Bobby is as good as over?"  Ann asks.  "Well, I'm not sure it itn't over, anyway.  And even if Bobby forgave me for lyin' to him about Logan. I don't know that I could ever live with him again, knowin' what his son did to my daughter."  Ann walks past Emma, goes into the bedroom, and closes the door.

 

"Oh my God,"  Emma cries.  "What have I gotten myself into?"

Southfork....

 "Courtney, wait a minute!"  Christopher yells after his wife as he follows her out of the house and to her car.  

 

"Christopher, there's nothing more to say.  I have to get out of here.  I'll drive out to the stables and pick Jacob up."

 

"You said you were gonna let Jacob spend the whole weekend,"  Christopher says.

 

"I don't want him here with them here."

 

"Them?  You mean your brothers?"

"I only have one brother, and right now, I can't stand the sight of him,"  Courtney says.

 

"Courtney, what did Ben ever do to you?"  Christopher asks.

 

Courtney looks off into the distance, remaining silent.

 

"Answer me.  Ben was how old the last time you saw him?  7?"

 

"I guess."

 

"Then what did that kid ever do to you?"

 

"He is the reason my parents divorced,"  Courtney replies.  

 

"Is Ben the reason?  Or is it because your father chose Ben's mother over Phyllis?  Courtney, I'm sorry, but your anger toward that boy is completely irrational."

 

Courtney looks at him.  "How dare you say that to me!  You don't know anything about it!"

 

"No, but I DO know somethin' about it,"  Gavin says as he, Ben, and Jacob walk up to the parking area.  "I was there, remember?"

 

"Courtney, what's going on?"  Asks a confused Jacob.  

 

"Nothing.  Jacob, come on, we're leaving."

 

"What?  But why?  You said I could stay all weekend."

 

"I changed my mind,"  Courtney says.  "Now come on, get in the car and let's go.  We'll get your stuff later."

 

"But I don't wanna go."

 

"Jacob, I said get in the car, NOW!"

 

"You know you're bein' really unfair,"  Ben says.  "You're pissed off at me, so you're takin' it out on your kid."

 

"You stay the hell out of this, and stay away from my son!"  Says an angry Courtney.  "Jacob, let's go!"

 

"Jacob, you'd better do what your mother says,"  Christopher tells the boy.

 

"This is SO unfair, I didn't do anything!"  The boy says as he walks to the car.  

 

 Gavin walks over to his sister.  "Courtney, I know you hate me, and I know you hate Ben, for God only knows whatever reason," he says.  "But don't take it out on Jacob.  He doesn't deserve that."

 

"You and your brother just stay away from me and my son,"  Courtney says.  "Jacob and I will be finding another place to live if you're gonna be staying in Mom's suite at the hotel."

 

"Courtney, why?"  Gavin asks.  "I can understand why you have a problem with me.  I was out of control when I was younger, but why do you hate Ben so much?  The only crime he committed was being born."

 

Courtney looks at him and begins to cry.  "That was enough,"  she says.  "Maybe none of us should've been born.  Some men just shouldn't reproduce.  Our father was one of them."  Courtney gets into her car and quickly speeds away, leaving Christopher curious as to what she meant.

Sly's new apartment....that evening....

 Sly is unpacking some of her things in her bedroom in her new apartment that night, while talking on the phone to Phyllis.  "Yes, I'm just getting some more of my things put away right now,"  Sly says to her old friend on the phone.  "Phyllis, I absolutely LOVE my new apartment.  I can't believe I found a place this fast.  I want you to come over for dinner one night real soon, after we get a little more settled.  Yeah, maybe next week?  I'd love that.  You should come by the office Monday and we'll go to lunch.  I love being back there, it's almost like old times.  I do miss J.R., though.  But it's great working for Bobby, Sue Ellen, and John Ross.  Christopher hasn't been in the office much since I've been back.  I really hope that he and Courtney can work things out."  As she is talking, Sly hears the front door of her apartment open and close.  "Phyllis, hold on a second," she says.  "HONEY, IS THAT YOU?"

 

"Yeah. Mom, I'm home,"  comes the voice of a young man from the living room.  

 

"Phyllis, I have to go.  My son is home,"  Sly says.  "Yeah, I'll talk to you later.  Hey, come by the office around 12:30    

Monday, and I'll take you to lunch.  Okay.  Bye."  Sly ends the call and puts down her phone and then leaves the bedroom.  Walking into the spacious living room of her new apartment, she finds it empty.  "Honey?"

 

"YEAH I'M IN THE KITCHEN."

 

Smiling, Sly walks into the kitchen.  "Hey," she says, finding a guy looking in the refrigerator, his back to her.

 

"Hey," he says.   "I'm starved.  I didn't get a chance to eat when I got off work."

 

"There's one of those Sweet and sour chicken dinners in the freezer you like,"  Sly says.

 

"Thanks,"  the guy says.  

 

"Did you have a good day at work, sweetheart?"

 

"Yeah, I sure did, Mom,"  Sly's son Cole replies, looking at his mother.  "I really think I'm gonna love working at the Athletic Club this summer.  I was actually thinking about maybe giving up my job at Perry's and working at the club full time."

 

"Well, sounds like you had a really great day working as a lifeguard."

 

"Yeah, I did,"  says Cole.  "In fact, I met a girl there today."

 

"Oh, really?"  Sly asks.  "So tell me about her."

 

"She's really beautiful, with dark hair.  Her name's Ashley, and she's gonna be starting school at SMU soon."

 

"Well, I am VERY happy for you.   I have my old job back at Ewing Oil, you're in school and have a job you love.  It looks like moving back to Dallas was the right move for the Duncans.  I think we're gonna love living here again."

 

Cole nods.  "Oh, yeah.  I sure know I am."

Southfork....the next day....

Jenna watches Lucas playing with Michael in the pool, and then turns her eyes to Alex and his girlfriend.  She smiles.  "Bobby, you know what today reminds me of?"  She asks.

 

"No, what does today remind ya of?"

 

"All those summer afternoons we use to spend out here by the pool years ago when you and I were engaged.  I can just see Charlie splashing around in that pool with Christopher and John Ross when they were little.  Lucas wasn't even born then.  And now, Charlie's son and Lucas's son are playing in the same pool.  It's amazing.  Do you remember that day that we were all out here......I think there was you, me, J.R., Sue Ellen, Ray, and Donna, and the kids?  If I remember right, Ray was teaching John Ross and Charlie how to dive, and up walked this dirty, scruffy looking stranger.  We all thought it was a boy."

 

"I remember,"  Bobby says.  "At first we thought it was a boy, the way she was dressed,, but it turned out to be Jamie."

 

"Who's Jamie?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Jamie Ewing,"  replies Bobby.  "She was my cousin, Jack Ewing's sister."

 

"Oh,yeah, Conner and Dylan's father."

 

"That's right," says Bobby.  "Jamie came walkin' up here to the ranch dressed in dirty, worn old blue jeans, an old jacket, and a worn out old hat lookin' like somethin' the cat dragged in.  She'd hitchhiked all the way here from Alaska after her Daddy, Jason Ewing, died.  Sue Ellen, and Jenna took her under their wing and bought her some new clothes and turned her into a real lady."

 

"And J.R. couldn't stand that Sue Ellen had befriended Jamie,"  Jenna says.

 

"But why?"  Krystina asks.

 

"J.R. was just suspicious on anybody he considered an outsider,"  replies Bobby.  

 

"I guess that's where John Ross gets his suspicious nature from,"  says Krystina.

 

Almost as if on cue, John Ross comes out of the house.  He walks over and takes a seat beside Krystina on the patio.  "Well, that was Mama on the phone," he says.  "Krystina she wants us to come over for dinner tonight with the kids."

 

"Great, I'd love to."

 

"So, what'd I miss while I was in the house?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Bobby and Jenna were telling me what great times you all use to have out here when you, Christopher, and Charlie were kids.  And about the day your cousin Jamie Ewing arrived."

 

"Those really were some good times," Jenna says.  "And if things had been different, Bobby and I would've ended up married back then."

 

"So, are you campaignin' to become the new Queen of Southfork now, Jenna?"  John Ross asks.  "That why you been hangin' around here so much since Ann's been gone."

 

"John Ross, that's a terrible thing to say,"  Krystina tells him.

 

"It's quite alright, Krystina.  When I reminisce about the old days, I see John Ross as that cute, sweet little boy I knew back then.  But then I remember, he's not that little boy anymore."

 

"I was just bein' honest.  I mean, you ARE spendin' an awful lotta time out here at the ranch this summer, and with Uncle Bobby."

 

"Alright, John Ross, that'll be enough of that,"  Bobby says.

 

"Well, on to another subject,"  Krystina says.  "John Ross, when I was in California to see my nephew Danny, my brother Adam told me about an offshore tract off the coast of Los Angeles that Ewing Oil was interested in."

 

"John Ross, is that true?"  Bobby asks.  "I haven't heard anything about this."

 

"Yeah, a tract Jordan Lee III told me about that his comp'ny was lookin' into buyin' and they want a partner to go in on it with 'em.  I saw the geology reports and it's a real rich tract.  Krystina, how did Adam happen to know about that?"

 

"Because his company, ColbyCo, is also interested in that tract, and Adam was wondering if maybe ColbyCo and Ewing Oil might partner up on the venture,"  Krystina says.

 

"Absolutely not,"  John Ross says.  "After that book Adam's mother Alexis Colby wrote about my father, there's no way in hell I'd do business with them."

 

"I feel the same," says Bobby.  "ColbyCo is about the last company in the world Ewing Oil would partner up with, aside from any company Cliff Barnes might be involved in."

Dallas Police Department....

 Richard Channing is pacing around one of the visitation rooms at the Dallas Police Department that afternoon, anxiously looking at his watch.  Finally, Katherine is brought in.  She pauses at the door upon seeing him after so many months, and smiles.  Then she takes a seat at the table.  Richard takes a seat on the other side of the glass and picks up the phone to talk to her.  

 

"Richard," she says. 

 

"Hello, Katherine.  How are you?"

 

"I'm much better now.  When they told me I had a visitor, I never dreamed it was you.  I'm so happy to see you."

 

"Well, you may just change your mind about that after I say what I came here to say."

 

"Richard, what do you mean?"  Katherine asks.

 

"I know the truth about Emma's child,"  Richard says.  "I also know that YOU knew the truth a long time ago and didn't tell me."

 

Katherine sighs.  "Richard, I'm so sorry.  I know I should've told you."

 

"Then why didn't you?  How long exactly have you known the truth?"

 

"I found out over a year ago,"  she replies.  "I thought I could use that information to my advantage.  I blackmailed Emma.  That's why Ann Ewing came to see me that night........the night you and Jeremy showed up at my house."

 

Richard nods, then looks at her angrily.  "You knew that child wasn't my grandson and you kept it from me all this time?  You knew that my son was raising a child that wasn't his."

 

"Richard, I'm sorry."

 

"I don't WANT your damned apology,"  he says angrily.  

 

"Richard, please.  You have every right to be angry, but......."

 

"Oh, you think so.  It seems that almost everyone knew about this little secret, including my wife, who decided she could use the secret to her advantage and not tell me.  Katherine, as far as I'm concerned, you can rot in this place."

 

"Richard, you can't mean that,"  Katherine says.  

 

"The hell I don't.  As soon as I get back to San Francisco, I'm filing for divorce, something I should've done a long time ago."  Richard hangs up the phone, stands, and as Katherine watches him in tears, he walks out.  

 

"Richard," she cries.  

 

"Come on, Mrs. Channing,"  says the guard standing behind her.  "Time to go back to your dorm."

 

Katherine looks at the female guard.  Crying, she gets up, and the guard leads her from the room.

Dallas Athletic Club....

Ashley walks out to the pool area at the Dallas Athletic Club that afternoon.  Looking around, she spots Cole, the handsome lifeguard she had met the day before.   Cole is chatting with a group of other young men.  After a moment, Cole sees her and the two exchange a smile.  Ashley walks over to an empty lounge chair by the pool and takes a seat.  

 

Cole excuses himself from his friends and walks over to her.  "Well, hello," he says.

 

"Hello, yourself."

 

"I'm really glad to see you back here today,"  Cole says.  "No boyfriend with you today?"

 

"Well, technically, Shawn isn't my boyfriend.  We're just good friends, althought we do kinda date, just, not really exclusively."

 

Cole smiles.  "Well, if he isn't your exclusive boyfriend, then, maybe I have a shot after all."

 

"A shot at what?"  Ashley asks.

 

"At you."

 

Ashley smiles back at him.  "Who knows?  Maybe you do."

 

"Well, look, I have to get back to work,"  Cole says.  "But, what are you doing this evening, say, seven o'clock?"

 

"As a matter of fact, I have no plans for 7:00 tonight."

 

"Awesome.  Now you have plans,"  Cole says.

 

"Oh?  What plans?"

 

"I get off at 6:30.  I'd like to take you to dinner."

 

"Sure,"  Ashley says.  "I think I would like that."

 

"Great.  If you leave before then, iust come back at 7, and we'll go from here."

 

"Okay,"  she says with a nod.  

 

"Talk to you at 7, then,"  Cole says.  

 

Ashley smiles at him, then Cole turns and walks away from her.  

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

 Bobby steps off the elevator at Ewing Oil the next morning and makes his way to Sly's desk.  "Good morning, Sly," he says.

 

"Morning, Bobby.  Sally called and she'll be a little late this morning.  She had a flat on the Central Expressway."

 

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.  You gettin' settled in your new apartment?"

 

Sly smiles..  "Oh, yes, I love it, and it's a great location.  Not too far from work."

 

"Good.  Any calls or messages?"

 

"No, but, you do have a visitor in your office,"  Sly says.  

 

"A visitor?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Yes.  It's Ann.  I hope it's alright.  I told her she could wait in your office."

 

"Yes, that's fine, Sly, thanks,"  Bobby says.  Sighing deeply, he walks over to his office door.  He braces himself, then goes in, finding Ann seated on the small sofa in his office.  "Ann," he says.

 

"Mornin', Bobby."

 

"What are you doing here?"  

 

"I had to come and talk to you,"  Ann replies.  Standing, she walks over to him.  "Bobby, we can't go on like this.  We've been separated for weeks now, and we haven't even begun to talk or try to work this out."

 

"I'm not sure there's anything left for us to talk about,"  says Bobby.  "How many times over the years did you either keep things from me, or flat out lie to my face about somethin'?  There was Emma's existence that you neglected to mention to me for the first 7 years of our marriage.  There was the fact that you'd had an affair with Cliff Barnes."

 

"I didn't have an affair with Cliff Barnes, Bobby,"  Ann says.  "I slept with Cliff but it was ONE night."

 

"That's splitting hairs.  That one night produced a daughter.  I'd hardly call it an insignificant event.  But this time, keeping the fact that my son is the father of Emma's child a secret not only from me, but from Lucas, who had a right to klnow about his child, is just repugnant."

 

"Bobby, don't you think I know that?  I regret every day of my life that I kept that from you."

 

Bobby sighs, then walks to his window, looking out over the city with his back to Ann.  "You swore to me that there would be no more secrets and no more surprises, and what happens?  The very first chance you get, you keep ANOTHER secret from me, and not just any secret, but the secret that Logan is my grandson.  Emma has pulled some crap in her time, but THIS?  Keeping Lucas's son from him was one of the worst, if not THE worst."

 

"Bobby, I'm not denyin' that,"  Ann says.  "I agree, what Emma did was wrong, and my keepin' this secret from you was wrong.  But Emma's not the only one with dirty hands.  Lucas itn't exactly perfect himself."

 

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"  Bobby asks.  

 

Ann looks at him for a moment.  "Nothin'.  Just that, none of us are perfect, but you are always so damned self righteous, Bobby.  You condemn me for every mistake I've made, but what about your mistakes, Bobby?  What about Lucas's mistakes?"

 

"I never said I was perfect.  And YES, I've made some mistakes, but I have never deceived you about somethin' as important as your grandchild."

 

"So what happens for us now, Bobby?"  Ann asks.  "Where do we go from here?"

 

Bobby looks at her for a few seconds before replying.  "Honestly, I don't know."

 

  "It's been weeks, Bobby.  Exactly when will you know?  Bobby, I still love you as much as I ever did,"  Ann says, fighting back tears.  

 

"And I still love you.  That's what makes this whole thing so hard.  I love you, Annie, but I'm not sure I can ever trust you again, and I can't live with somebody I can't trust.  At least not as my wife."

 

"So what you're really sayin' is.......you want a divorce?"  Ann asks.

 

"Ann, right now, I don't know what I want."

 

"And what about Jenna Wade?  Where does she fit into all this?"

 

"Jenna and I are old friends,"  Bobby says.  

 

"You're a whole lot more than that. Bobby, and you know it.  You were engaged to her once, and Jenna has never stopped lovin' you.  She's made that plain enough.  But what I wanna know is, how do YOU feel about her?"

 

"Like I said, Jenna is an old friend.  She's also Lucas's mother, and someone I enjoy spendin' time with.  Nothing more."

 

"Maybe you should tell Jenna that,"  Ann says.  She walks to the door, pauses, and turns back to him.  "Bobby, I hope you figure out what it is you want real soon.  We can't go on livin' in this limbo forever," she says, then leaves the office.  

 

Bobby walks to his bar and pours himself a glass of bourbon.  He lets out a deep sigh, then takes a sip.  

Stevens-Beaumont Oil....

 Jimmy walks into the offices of Stevens-Beaumont Oil that morning and looks around.  After a couple of seconds, an attractive young woman in her mid-20s comes out of Cliff's old office and walks up to the secretary's desk.  "May I help you?"  She asks.  

 

"Yes.  I'm here to see Clay Beaumont,"  Jimmy says.  

 

"Do you have an appointment?"  

 

"No, I don't."

 

Clay comes out of his office.  "Oh, Beth, can I see those........."  He immediately stops talking when he sees Jimmy in the office.  "Well, James Richard Beaumont, Jr.  You're about the last person I ever expected to see in my office."

 

"I wanna talk to you,"  says Jimmy.  

 

"Come in my office.  Beth, hold my calls for a little while."

 

"Yes, Mr. Beaumont,"  the secretary says.  

 

Jimmy walks into Clay's office, followed by Clay.  "You want a drink?"  Clay asks.

 

"No, I don't want a drink,"  Jimmy says.

 

"Okay.  Think I'll have one, anyway,"  says Clay, walking to his bar.  

 

Jimmy looks around the office.   "Nice little set up you got here for yourself."

 

"Thanks.  Glad you like my new offices.  Is that why you came by, to check out the new offices of Stevens- Beaumont Oil?"  Clay asks.

 

"No."

"Then why are you here?"  Clay asks, a smug look on his face.

 

"I came to tell you to stay the hell away from my kid sister.  I know you had lunch with her a few days ago."

 

Clay smiles.  "YOUR kid sister?"

 

"That's right,"  Jimmy says.

 

"You forget that Ashley is also MY sister, too."

 

"I'm not entirely convinced of that."

 

"Jimmy, you might as well face it,"  says Clay.  "James Richard Beaumont was my father, just as he was yours and Ashley's father."

 

"Then prove it."

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"If you really are my father's son, then prove it.  Take a DNA test."

 

"I don't need a DNA test.  My mother......."

 

"Your mother told you that James Beaumont was your father, right?"  Jimmy asks.

 

"That's right."

 

"Well, no offense, but your mother's word isn't exactly the most reliable proof.  Michelle has a reputation as a liar, and........well, a few other things.  From what I hear my father wasn't the only guy she slept with.  Maybe she even got it on with my grandpa, J.R. Ewing.  What if you're HIS son, instead?  That'd make you John Ross's problem, and not mine.  Or maybe you're Cliff Barnes's bastard son."

 

"My mother never slept with Cliff Barnes."

 

"How do you know?  You weren't even born yet.  She was married to the guy, right?"

 

"A marriage that was annulled and never consummated,"  Clay says. 

 

"Then a DNA test shouldn't be any problem for you, if you're so convinced that you and I shared the same father,"  Jimmy says.  

 

Clay walks over to his desk and sits down on the front of the desk.  He looks at Jimmy.  "If I take this DNA test and it proves once and for all that James was my father, then that'll be good enough for you?  You'll accept me as part of your family?"

 

"No time like the present,"  Jimmy says.  "I looked up a very reputable clinic here in Dallas.  If you're serious about this, let's call 'em."

 

Clay looks at him for a few seconds.  "Let's do it," he says with a cocky smile.  "And I can't wait to see the look on your face when that DNA test proves you and I are blood brothers."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

 Lucy is coming down the hall on the children's pediatric ward at the hospital when Mitch steps off the elevator.  Spotting her down the hall, he rushes to catch up to her.  "Lucy," he says.

 

She stops and turns to him.  "Well, hi," she says cheerfully.  

 

"Hi, yourself.  I  just came to see how you're doing.  How do you like volunteering in the pediatric ward?"

 

"I love it.  But, it also does get a little depressing, seeing all those sick kids,"  Lucy replies.  "But they all have such great attitudes."

 

"Well I'm glad this is working out for you,"  says Mitch.  "What time are you planning on taking your lunch break?"

 

"I don't have a set time.  Maybe in a half hour or so?"

 

"Well, why don't I come back up after I finish my rounds, and we'll have lunch together?"

 

Lucy smiles.  "Sure, I'd like that."

 

"Great.  I'll see you then,"  Mitch says, then walks away.  Lucy smiles as she watches him head down the hall.  

The Krebbs Ranch....early afternoon....

 Ray and Conner are working in a pasture on the Krebbs Ranch that afternoon.  "How was Dylan when you went to see him yesterday?"  Ray asks.

 

"He was okay.  He's real excited about getting to come home next weekend."

 

"Yeah, I can't wait to see him.  Conner, I'm real glad you and your brother have worked things out between you."

 

"So am I,"  Conner says.  "It was wrong of me to blame Dylan for everything that happened.  I mean, yeah, technically everything WAS his fault because of his drinking, but, I realize that he had a lot of problems.  I'm so proud of Dylan and how he's faced up to his drinking, and that he's finally gotten himself straight.  And, I'm also grateful to John Ross for dropping the charges against me and Dylan."

 

"Yeah.  It's about time John Ross did the right thing for once,"  Ray says.  "Conner, I been thinkin'.  How you think you'd feel about Ben comin' back to work here? Would you be okay with that?"

 

"Sure.  I said I'd be willin' to give it a try workin' with him again, as long as he does what he's told and doesn't disrespect me the way he did before."

 

"I'll talk to him about that,"  Ray says.  

 

"Good, I'd appreciate that.  When's Donna coming back from Austin?"

 

"She'll be back tomorrow."

 

"Good, I know you'll be happy about that."

 

"I sure will,  I've really missed her,"  Ray says.  

 

"Y'know, I really envy what you and Donna have,"  says Conner.  "Must be nice to have someone to love, and someone who loves you."

 

"Hey, now, where's this comin' from?"

 

"Just been doin' a lotta thinkin' lately.  About my life, my future.  About how much I wanna find someone and settle down."

 

"Conner, you're young yet.  The right woman for you'll come along eventually."

 

"I'm not so sure,"  Conner says.  "I'm 24, Ray.  I use to think I'd be married with at least one kid by now.  But the only relationship I've had in the last few years was Selena Collier, and, of course that ended when she went back home with her great-grandmother."

 

"Maybe you ought to start gettin' out more,"  Ray says.  "You're never gonna meet anybody if ya don't get out there in the world and try.  The way you stay home all the time and never go out with friends or socialize, you'd think you were a hermit or somethin'."

 

"That's just it.  I don't HAVE any friends, not really.  I just haven't made any in the 3 and a half years I've been in Dallas.  My Dad and I moved around so much when I was a kid, I never really had a chance to make many friends.  Especially not friends that lasted.  I guess I really don't know how to."

 

"Well, we're just gonna have to fix that,"  says Ray.  "Get you outta the house more."

 

"Maybe when Dylan comes home, getting out'll do us both some good,"  Conner says as he and Ray continue with their work.

Brad Stone's apartment....late afternoon....

 Brad is working out on the balcony of his apartment late that afternoon when his housekeeper, a woman in her mid-30s, walks out to him.  "Will there be anything else before I leave, Mr. Stone?"  She asks.

 

"No, Carol, you go and enjoy the rest of your day,"  Brad replies, slightly out of breath from his workout.

 

"Yes, sir, I'll see you tomorrow."  Carol makes her way through the living room and as she opens the door to leave the apartment, she finds Pamela there.  

 

"Hi,"  Pamela says.  "Is Brad at home?  I'm his sister."

 

"Yes, Mr. Stone is out on the balcony.  You can go right in."

 

"Thank you,"  Pamela says.  She walks into the apartment and closes the door after Carol is gone.  Walking onto the patio, she finds Brad lifting weights.  "Hi," she says.  

 

Brad places the barbell back into its slots, and sits up on the weight bench.   "Pamela," he says.  "What are you doing here?"

 

"Just dropped by to see if you were still alive.  I've been calling you for the last couple of days, but all I ever get is your voicemail, and of course you never return my calls."

 

Brad stands to his feet, walks over to a table and picks up a bottle of water, which he opens and takes a sip of.  "As

"What is there to talk about?  The company's gone.  The company I worked my ass off to build.  My family's legacy.  Some of those wells use to belong Stonehurst Oil, the company founded by my grandfather.  I had big plans for that company.  If I hadn't been so damned stupid and gone to your ex-husband for that loan, I wouldn't have gotten into this mess.  But, of course if Cliff and I had been able to conduct any business, there wouldn't have been any need to go to McKay for that loan in the first place.  And that was all thanks to your other ex, John Ross Ewing."

 

"What are your plans now?"  Pamela asks.

 

"My plans?"

 

"Yes.  What are you planning on doing now that Stone- Barnes Oil is gone?"

 

Brad thinks about the question for a moment.  "What am I gonna do now?  Good question.  The only thing that I know for sure is that I'm gonna make damned sure that John Ross Ewing pays for what he did to me and Cliff.  I don't know how, and I don't know when............but I WILL pay him back for this."  

 

"Brad when is this gonna end?"  Pamela asks.  "This revenge, this whole feud?  How many more times does our family and the Ewings have to be hurt by this fight?"

 

"So what am I supposed to do, Pamela?  Just let this go?  Sorry but I can't do that.  John Ross made it impossible for Cliff and I to even do business in Dallas.  The Ewings used their influence to turn the Cartel against us and none of those jackasses would even return our calls.  And that is what really cost us our company.  I'm not gonna just roll over and play dead, which is what John Ross wants.  But it'll be a cold day in hell when I do that."

 

"So you and Daddy are gonna just keep this fight going for how long?  Into the next generation?  Til your kids and mine are fighting John Ross's kids?"

"My fight isn't with the whole Ewing family, JUST John Ross.  And it'll go on for however long it takes until the Barnes family FINALLY comes out on top, and John Ross........AND Ewing Oil......... are destroyed, once and for all........or until John Ross is dead, whichever comes first.  Only then can this Barnes-Ewing feud end,"  Brad replies in a tone that sends chills through Pamela.  

Southfork....that evening....

 Bobby, Christopher, Jenna, Lucas, Heather, John Ross, Krystina, Sue Ellen, and Catlin are gathered in the den at Southfork for drinks before dinner that evening.  As several conversations are going on around the room, Bobby walks to the bar and pours himself a drink.  Chatting with Krystina and Catlin, Sue Ellen excuses herself and walks over to him.  "Bobby," she says.

 

"Sue Ellen, fix you a soda water?"  He asks.  

 

"Thank you, I'd love one," she replies.  "Bobby, I saw Ann leaving the office this morning.  She came to see you?"

 

"Yes, she did."

 

"And how'd it go?" 

 

Bobby sighs as he hands Sue Ellen her soda water.  "It didn't."

 

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, that's right, you don't know,"  says Christopher.

 

"Know what?"

 

"That new ranch hand we hired on.......Ben, the kid who worked at Uncle Ray's ranch.........he's Courtney's other brother."

 

A look of confusion comes over Bobby's face.  "Her what?  Son, how's that possible?  I know that Phyllis only had one son, and that's Gavin."

 

"No, Ben isn't Phyllis's son.  He's Courtney's Dad's son.  I had no idea she even had a half-brother until Saturday, when she and Ben came face to face here at Southfork.  Courtney won't even talk about him, or about her father, but, from what I've been able to gather, her father had an affair when he was married to Phyllis, and that affair produced Ben. A few years later, the father left Phyllis and married Ben's mother, and that's why Courtney ran off the other day.  She hasn't seen Ben in years, since he was a little kid, and seeing him again was painful for her.  It had to have brought back all the feelings she felt way back when her parents divorced."

 

"And what the hell is Ben doin' here?"  Bobby asks.  "He'd worked at Ray's ranch for several months, I remember seein' him there once when I went over.  And that was months before Gavin arrived in Dallas."

 

"I have no idea, but I sure intend to find out,"  replies Christopher.  "I think tomorrow, instead of going in to the office I'm gonna stay here at the ranch and talk to Ben and Gavin.  Find out what's really going on in their family.  Maybe then, if I understand I can help Courtney."

 

"I hope so."

 

Meanwhile, in the dining room, as the rest of the family has taken their seats at the dinner table, Maria begins serving dinner.

 

"John Ross, where's Alex tonight?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Oh, he went out to dinner with Bridget.  I think they double dated with her sister Michelle and a friend of Alex's from school or somethin'."

 

Lucas's cell phone rings.  He takes it from his pocket and looks at it.  "Excuse me, I'll be right back," he says, getting up from the table.  

 

"Whos' that?"  Heather asks.

 

"I dunno,"  Lucas replies, then quickly leaves the room.  Stepping into the living room, he answers his call.  "Hello," 

he says.  "Yes, this is Lucas Ewing, who's this?  What do you want?"  Lucas listens to the person on the other end of the line for a moment.  "What could we possibly have to talk about?  Alright, yeah, fine.  How about tomorrow?  1 o'clock at Reunion Tower.  Yeah, I'll be there."  Lucas ends the call and puts his phone away, a look of confusion on his face.

 

The Omni Hotel....the next morning....

 "Sue Ellen, come in,"  Ann says, welcoming her friend into her suite at The Omni the next morning.  

 

"Thank you."

 

"Would you like some breakfast?"

 

"No, thanks, I had a bite before I left the house."

 

"I was surprised when I got your call,"  says Ann.  

 

"Well, we haven't talked in a couple days and I wanted to see how you were doing.  I saw you leaving Ewing Oil yesterday, and Bobby told me you stopped by to see him,"

 

"Yes, for what good it did.  I suppose he also told you that things are still no better between us."

 

"Yes, he did.  Ann I am SO sorry.  I tried talking to Bobby but, he......."

 

"Let me guess........he told you to mind your own business?"  Ann asks.

 "Not in so many words, but, that was the message I got,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Bobby's very stubborn."

 

"Yes, he is, but thank you for tryin', anyway."

 

"Ann, maybe it's time we told Bobby the WHOLE truth.  That I knew for a while that Lucas was the father of Emma's baby.  Maybe then he would realize that you weren't the only one 

 

Ann looks at her friend and shakes her head.  "Oh, Sue Ellen, no.  No, that would be the worst thing to do.  Bobby is already angry enough at me, the last thing I want is for him to be angry at you, too.  There's no need for him to ever know that I confided that to you."

 

"Perhaps you're right.  Ann, look, if you want advice from a friend who cares very deeply for both you AND Bobby, I think that you have to do something, and do it fast."

 

"What do you mean, Sue Ellen?"

 

"Catlin and I had dinner at Southfork last night, and Jenna was there.  According to John Ross, she's been hanging around Southfork a lot lately."

 

"I know,"  says Ann.  "I went out there a few days ago to get a few more of my things, and Jenna was there.  She and Bobby were about to go riding.  Sue Ellen, I have to be honest.  I'm really worried about whether or not my marriage will survive this time."

 

"You and Bobby have weathered storms before."

 

"Not like this.  And Jenna Wade was never part of the equation before.  She was Bobby's first love, and as she reminded me that day at Southfork, she shares somethin' with Bobby that I never will, and that's their son."

 

"You're not telling me you're giving up,"  says Sue Ellen.

 

"No, of course not.  Not until I'm absolutely sure that my marriage is really over.  But one thing is for sure....... Bobby and I can't go on in limbo like this forever."

Dallas DNA Testing Center....

 Jimmy and Clay are waiting anxiously in a room at Dallas's DNA Testing Center a short time later in the morning.  

 

Clay impatiently looks at his watch.  "What the hell is taking them so long to get to us?"  He asks.  "I have a company to run, I don't have all day to sit here waiting for some doctor to come in and administer this test."

 

"I have a company to run, too.  Just be patient."

 

"I have an OIL company to run, not some rinky dink record company,"  Clay says.

 

 

 

 

"An oil company you basically stole,"  says Jimmy.  "At least I came by my rinky dink record company honestly."

 

"Jimmy, this whole thing is a waste of time.  I don't need a stupid DNA test to prove to me who I am."

 

"Well, if you're so sure that you and I share the same father, then you have nothing to worry about from this DNA test.  It'll prove what you've been saying all along.  Or....... not."

 

At that moment, the door opens and a man of about 30 walks into the room.  "Well, Mr. Beaumont, and.......Mr. Beaumont.  Good morning," he says cheerfully.  "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting.  I'm Dr. Parson."

 

"Can we please just get on with this?"  Clay asks.  "I have to get to work."

 

"Of course,"  the doctor says.  He walks over to a cabinet and takes out two small boxes and opens them.  "All we have to do is swab the insides of your cheeks to collect a DNA sample, and you should have the results in a couple of days."

 

"Okay, then let's get this done,"  says Clay.  

 

"Yes, let's get it done,"  Jimmy says, looking at Clay.  

 

"Alright,"  says Dr. Parson.  "Mr. Beaumont, open your mouth, please."

 

As Jimmy watches, Clay opens his mouth and Dr. Parson carefully swabs the inside of Clay's cheek.

Southfork....

 Christopher walks out to the stables at Southfork, where he finds Gavin Murray working, cleaning out one of the stalls.  "Gavin," he says.  

 

"Christopher, good mornin'," he says.  

 

"Morning.  I wonder if I could have a word with you?"

 

"Sure thing,"  Gavin says.  "What's up?"

 Dylan and 7 other young men are in their regular group therapy session at the Hagman Center, and one young man is just finishing telling his story to the group.  "And I knew the moment I hit my little brother, it was time for me to get help.  The look on his face, and on my Mom's face.  I'll never forget those looks.  Not ever.  And I don't ever wanna cause my family pain like that again, so that's why I'm here."

 

"Thank you for sharing that, Casey,"  says Josh, the group's leader and counselor.  "Now, is there anyone else who would like to share anything with the group while we still have some time?  How about you, Dylan?  Don't you have some exciting news to share?"

 

"Yes,"  replies Dylan.  "I will be going home this weekend.  I'll be coming back for a weekly session with Josh, and, I'd like to come to a group session once in a while, but, I'm finally going home."

 

"How do you feel about that, Dylan?"  Josh asks.

 

Dylan lets out a deep breath.  "Nervous.  Scared.  Excited, all at the same time."

 

"Why are you scared?"

 

"Because.  I've been home a couple times on weekends, but, going home for good.......I'm just scared that I'll mess up.  I mean, for months I've been here at the Center, away from alcohol and stress.  What if I get home, and I can't handle it?"

 

"Dylan, we're always gonna be here for you,"  says another young man in the group.  "And whenever life out there in the world gets too much for you, you can always come back until you feel strong enough to try it again."

 

"Nick is right,"  Josh says.  "Just because you're going home doesn't mean that this isn't still your support group.  Dylan, over the last few months, you've grown a lot, and you've learned a lot.  You now have the tools you need to stay sober, and to get back on your feet.  You're going to face temptation.  You're gonna feel stress from time to time.  But you have a loving and supportive family, and as Nick said, you always have us."

 

Dylan smiles and nods.  "Yeah, I think I'm gonna make it too, thanks to all of you."

 

"Well, everyone, let's give Dylan a round of applause, and wish him well,"  Josh says.  The group begins to applaud Dylan as he smiles with pride.

 

A few minutes later, Dylan is pouring himself a glass of lemonade as the group is enjoying refreshments after their session.  Josh walks up to him.  

 

"I know,"  Dylan says.  

 

"And like I said, you can call me anytime.  Come back to the Center any time you need to, and, of course, we'll still be having our weekly sessions."

 

"Josh, you have been really great.  I couldn't have made it this far without you, and, I want you to know that, even though you're my counselor, I also consider you my friend.  I hope that's okay.  I mean, it's not crossing some kind of professional boundary or whatever, is it?"

 

Josh smiles.  "Not at all.  And I'm honored.  I consider you a friend, too, Dylan, and a very special one..  Well, I need to get back to my office.  I have a lot of stuff I need to get done.  I'll see you tomorrow in our session."

 

"Yeah, sure,"  Dylan says.  Josh smiles, then walks away from him.

Southfork....

 Meanwhile, Christopher and Gavin are walking at Southfork as Gavin is telling Christopher a little bit of his family's backstory.  "I was very young when my parents started having problems in their marriage,"  Gavin says.  "So what I'm telling you is basically things I heard later on, or pieced together.  My father, apparently, went through this mid-life crisis.  You know the infamous middle-aged crazies.  And he had this younger, very beautiful secretary working for him."

 

"Ben's mother?"  Christopher  asks.

 

"Yeah, Ben's mother, Susan.  Well, my Dad and Susan had an affair, and she got pregnant with Ben.  For a while, my father kept the affair a secret, and he supported Susan after she had the baby."

 

"And Phyllis didn't know?"

 

"Not for a long time.  My Dad, he, uh, he lived a double life.  Lived with Mom, and Courtney and me, just like a perfect little family, while at the same time, financially supporting his mistress and their son.  Eventually, my Mom found out about the affair, and all hell broke loose.  I was young, but I remember some really awful fights my parents had.  Courtney was older.  She was a teenager by then, so I guess it affected her more than it did me.  Finally, my Mom gave Dad an ultimatum.........he could have us, or Susan and Ben, but he couldn't have both.  And Dad chose Susan and Ben.  He and Mom separated and filed for divorce.  Mom and Courtney were both devastated.  That was when Courtney started acting out.  I had always been closer to my father, and, you know, I was still just a little kid, and at the time, I really didn't know what was going on.  I only knew that my Dad had a girlfriend, and I had a little brother."

 

"So you chose to live with your father instead of Phyllis?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Yeah, I did.  My Mom got custody of both Courtney and I in the divorce, but, she allowed me to choose which one of us I wanted to live with, and I chose Dad.  I don't think Courtney ever forgave me for that, even though I was 10-years-old.  I'm not exactly sure what happened after I left my Mom's house, but, next thing I knew, Courtney was living with my aunt and uncle in Florida.  Christopher, I'm sure you probably already knew most of this, so I'm sorry I can't be more help, but I really don't have any insight into my sister.  Courtney visited my Dad's home a couple times, and then...........then she just basically cut ties with him.  She never came to visit again.  Only times I saw her was when I visited my Mom's.  I didn't even know that my sister'd had a baby until just recently when I came to Dallas and met Jacob.."

 

"I'm sorry, man.  It sounds like it was a rough time for all of you,"  Christopher says.

 

"It was.  Unfortunately, things only got worse.  I had a lot of problems as a teenager.  I rebelled, and when Susan got sick with cancer, my Dad couldn't handle me, so he sent me back to live with Mom for a while.  By that time, Courtney had gone off to college, so I only saw her when she came home to visit.  Well, I only lived with Mom again for a few months, because, she couldn't handle me either at that point.  I was.........I was a pretty bad kid, and I hurt Mom a lot.  That's one reason Courtney can't stand the sight of me now.  After Susan died, I went back to live with Dad, and that was the last I saw of Courtney until I came to Dallas several weeks ago."

 

"You and Courtney never kept in touch?  No letters,or phone calls, or texts?"

 

"No.  As you know, my sister and I have never been close, so we didn't keep in touch at all.  I continued to live with my Dad and Ben until last year.  My Dad became a very hard man to live with after Susan died.  I dunno, it's like he was angry at the whole world, and he took out on Ben mostly.  Ben was a rebellious kid, just like I had been.  Last fall, things reached the boiling point.  Ben and Dad got into the worst argument ever, and it turned physical.  Dad kicked Ben out of the house,and, I guess that's when he came here."

 

"Y'know, I still find it a little hard to believe that Ben coming to Braddock was a coincidence," says Christopher.  "If it was, then it'd have to be the greatest coincidence in history that Ben just HAPPENED to end up here, working on the next ranch over from where his sister lived."

 

"Well, Christopher, I'm sorry I can't be of more help and tell you what you wanna know. But like I said, my sister and I have never been close, so I have no idea what's going on in her head."

 

"No, Gavin, that's fine,"  says Christopher.  "You've actually helped me more than you realize."

Reunion Tower....

 Lucas is sitting at a table outside of Reunion Tower early in the afternoon waiting on the person he is supposed to meet at 1:00.  He looks around, then looks at his cell phone for the time:  12:59.  As he places his phone back into his pocket, a man walks up to him.  

 

"Well, on time,"  Richard Channing says.  "Good, I like that."

 

"What did you wanna see me about, and what could you and I possibly have to talk about?"

 

Richard takes a seat across from Lucas.  "Something we both have in common.......Emma Ryland."

 

Lucas looks at the man.  "You wanna talk about Emma?  Well, from that, I'm guessing that you know the truth about Logan.  That I'm his father."

 "I'm not sure what you're getting at,"  says Lucas.

 

"What I'm getting at is, I just don't see how it was possible for you to have been inside my home, arguing with Emma about the child that night, and no one, including myself, heard the two of you.  Doesn't that strike you as odd, Mr. Ewing?"

 

"Yes.  Yes, it does,"  replies Lucas.  "Having no memory of that night I haven't really thought about it.  And as hard as I've tried, I just can't recall what happened.  Have you talked to Emma?"

 

"I have.  And I haven't gotten the answers I was looking for from her.  But I'm bound and determined to find out what happened the night my home burned and my family was almost killed.  I intend to make whoever was responsible for that fire pay for what they did, and pay very dearly."

 

"Are you trying to say that you think I had something to do with starting that fire?"  Lucas asks.

 

"I certainly hope not, for your sake,"  Richard replies.

 

Lucas stands to his feet.  "Are you threatening me, Mr. Channing?"

 

Richard stands to face Lucas.  "I'm simply giving you a warning, Mr. Ewing.  If you were responsible for that fire, I'll make you wish that you had died that."

 

"Channing, you'd better be DAMNED careful who you accuse without proof, and who you threaten, because I don't take threats very well."

 

"I don't give a damn what you take well.  Maybe you can remember what happened that night, and maybe you can't.  But you'd better hope I don't find proof that you started that fire, or prison will be the least of your worries, and that's not a threat, young man.......that's a solemn promise."  Richard turns and walks away from him, leaving Lucas furious.  After a momentary pauses as he watches Richard walk away from him, Lucas takes his cell phone from his pocket and looks at it.  Putting his phone back into his pocket, he picks up his cup of coffee from the table and takes a sip, but accidentally spills some on his shirt.  "Damn," he says in frustration.  Putting the cup back down on the table, he leaves..

Perry's Steakhouse And Grille....

 Sly and her son Cole walk into Perry's for lunch that afternoon and are led to their table, where they are seated.  "Thanks, Brandy,"  Cole says to the young female hostess.  

 

"You're welcome, Cole.  Tony will be over in a moment to take your orders."

 

"Okay, thanks,"  Cole says, and the young woman walks away,  

 

"Well, thank you, my handsome son for taking me to lunch today,"  Sly says.

 

"My pleasure, Mom.  Least I could do.  After all, I'm making good money now working here and at the Athletic Club."

 

Sly looks at her son and smiles.  "I am so proud of the young man you've become."

 

"Thanks, Mom,"  Cole smiles.  

 

"By the way, you'll never guess who else is in town."

 

"Who?"

 

"Phyllis's son, Gavin,"  Sly says.

 

Cole smiles.  "Really?  Gavin Murray?  Wow, I haven't seen Gavin since we were kids."

 

"Yeah, I remember the trouble the two of you use to get into.  But, Phyllis said he's really turned his life around now.  In fact, he's working as a ranch hand out at Southfork."

 

"I'll have to get in touch with him, and maybe hang out with him sometime,"  Cole says.  Looking past his mother, he sees Ashley walk into the restaurant with Jimmy.  Cole's smile grows larger as he looks at her.  Jimmy and Ashley are greeted by Brandy, the hostess, and led across the crowded restaurant to their table, but, seeing Cole, Ashley walks over to his table.  Jimmy follows his sister.  

 

"Hi, Cole,"  Ashley says.  

 

"Hello, Ashley.  How are you?"

 

"I'm great.  Cole, this is my brother, Jimmy Beaumont.  Jimmy, Cole Duncan."

 

"Jimmy, what's up?"  Cole says, standing to shake Jimmy's hand.

 

"How ya doin', man?"  Jimmy asks, shaking hands with the young man.

 

"Ashley and Jimmy Beaumont, this is my mother, Sly Duncan."

 

"Jimmy Beaumont, and Ashley Beaumont?"  Sly asks.  "You're James Beaumont's kids, aren't you?"

 

"Yes, ma'am,"  replies Jimmy.  

 

"Wow, what a coincidence.  I work at Ewing Oil."

 

Jimmy smiles.  "Wait a second, are you THE legendary Sly, who use to be my grandfather's secretary for all those years?"

 

"One and the same, and now I'm back at the company working for Bobby, Sue Ellen, John Ross, and Christopher."

 

"Well, it's really great to meet both of you,"  says Jimmy.  "Ash, we'd better get to our table."

 

"Sure.  Cole, I'll see you later."

 

"Yeah, you bet.  I'll text you."

 

"It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Duncan."

 

"Please, call me Sly."

 

"Alright, Sly,"  Ashley says, then walks away with Jimmy.  

 

 

"Cole, don't tell me that Ashley Beaumont is the girl you've been telling me about,"  Sly says.

 

"Yeah, Mom, she is.  Itn't she gorgeous?"

 

"She certainly is.  Well, I never thought I'd see THIS day.  My son, smitten with J.R. Ewing's granddaughter."

 

Meanwhile, Jimmy and Ashley are seated at their table across the room.  "So how do you know Sly's son?"  Jimmy asks.

 

"We met at the Athletic Club.  Cole is a lifeguard there."

 

"Seems like a nice kid.  Maybe you should consider dating him instead of Shawn Smith."

 

"Very funny,"  Ashley says.  "You said you wanted to have lunch to talk to me about something?"

 

"Yeah.  I just wanted you to know that Clay and I took a DNA test this morning.  I asked them to put a rush on the results, so, by tomorrow or the next day, we'll know for sure whether or not Clay Beaumont is our half-brother."

 

"Well, I'm happy to hear that,"  Ashley says.  "I know that'll put your mind at rest to know for sure, although I'm surprised Clay agreed to take a DNA test."

 

"I think he did it more to appease me than for any other reason."

 

"So, does this mean that, if the DNA test proves that Clay is Dad's son, you'll accept him?"

 

Jimmy sighs.  "Ashley, I don't know if I'll ever be able to welcome that guy into our family, even if he really IS our half-brother.  I can't forgive the stunt he pulled at Dad's funeral.  Of course that's not surprising that he did something like that, considering he was raised by Michelle Stevens."

 

"I know what Clay did was wrong.  HE knows what he did was wrong.  But I feel sorry for him.  And, I kinda like him....."

 

"Ashley...."

 

"Jimmy, look, I know what I'm doing.  I'm not gonna trust Clay until I get to know him better."

 

"I wish that you'd just stay away from the guy,"  Jimmy says.

 

"I know you do.  But, I can't.  Jimmy, what if he really IS our brother?  What if Dad were alive, do you think he would turn his other son away?"

 

"No, I guess not."

 

Then we shouldn't either,"  says Ashley.  "We should at least get to know Clay, if the DNA test proves he's Dad's son. And if it proves he's NOT, then, you were right, and Clay is out of our lives."

 

"Alright, fair enough,"  Jimmy says.

The Omni Hotel....

 Lucas pounds on the door of Ann and Emma's suite at The Omni Hotel.  "ANN!  EMMA!  I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE!"  He yells.  

 

Inside the suite Emma comes into the living room from the bedroom.  She pauses a moment, then Lucas pounds on the door again.  Finally, Emma goes over and opens the door.  "Would you stop that pounding and yelling?"

 

Lucas storms in.  "You and I need to talk."

 

"Keep your voice down,"  Emma says.  "I just got Logan down for his nap."

 

"Logan's here?  I wanna see him."  He starts toward the bedroom.

 

"No,"  Emma says, stepping in front of him.  "I said he's asleep."

 

"I'm not gonna wake him, I just wanna look in at him.  Emma, he's my son, and I'm GOING to see him, and God help you if you try to stop me."

 

After a brief pause, Emma steps out of his way.  Lucas goes into the bedroom.  Emma anxiously waits in the living room for almost a full minute until Lucas returns, closing the bedroom door behind him.  

 

"Where's Ann?"  Lucas asks.

 

"She's out,"  Emma replies.  

 

"Good, that'll give us a chance to talk alone."

 

"I don't have anything more to say to you, and I want you to leave,"  Emma says, fighting back tears.

 

"You have a LOT to say to me, Emma, and I'm not leaving here until I get some answers!"  Lucas angrily says.  

 

"I'm calling hotel security,"  Emma says.  She walks over and picks up the phone.  Lucas goes over, and grabs the phone from her hand, frightening Emma so much that she lets out a quick scream.  

 

"I want answers, Emma, and you're gonna give them to me!"

 

"Answers about what?"  Emma says in tears.

 

"What happened the night of the fire at Falcon Crest?"  Lucas asks.  "Why was I there at night?  And, if you and I talked, I'm sure that we argued and probably loudly since I went there to confront you about lying to me and everyone else about my son.  So if that's what happened, then why didn't Richard Channing or anyone else in that house hear us?  I still can't remember a damned thing about that night, Emma, and I need you to fill in the blanks for me."

 

"Lucas, I.....I don't know why you were back there that night,"  Emma says.  "You came to see me earlier, and we did argue.  No one else was home then."

 

"You're lying to me,"  he says, walking towards her.  

 

"No, I'm NOT!  Lucas, it's the truth.  Why do you ask me something and then accuse me of lying when I answer you?"

 

"Because I know what a liar you are, Emma!"

 

"Lucas, if you don't get out of here, I swear, I'll scream.  And I'll call the police.  I will!"

 

"I just wanna know what happened that night, because your version of events doesn't add up,"  Lucas says.  "I talked to Richard Channing, and he's got a lot of questions about that night, too."

 

"Just leave me alone, Lucas,"  Emma begs. 

 

"You're gonna tell me what happened that night, Emma, or I promise you, I'll......"

 

"You'll what?"  Emma asks.   "You'll beat me up with our son sleeping in the next room?  Get out of here, or I WILL scream at the top of my lungs."

 

Lucas looks at her angrily for a few seconds.  "This is NOT over, Emma," he says.  "I'm gonna find out what happened to me that night in California, and if I find out you lied to me, or that you had anything to do with that fire.......then God help you.  I'll take Logan away from you, but that's only the beginning of what I'll do."  As Lucas turns to leave, he accidentally knocks over a lamp.  He looks at Emma again, then angrily storms out of the suite.  

 

After he's gone, Emma breaks down in tears.  Then, an idea comes to her mind.  She hurriedly begins knocking over two more lamps in the living room, and rearranging the room to make it look as if a struggle had occurred.  

Fifteen minutes later....

Ann steps off the elevator down the hall from her hotel suite.  Walking to her door, she reaches into her purse, moves a small bottle of medicine she had just gotten from the drug store for the baby out of the way, and takes out the key card to her room.  As she is about to insert the card, she notices that the door is slightly ajar.  A feeling of worry comes over her.  Slowly, she opens the door, and as she walks in, she finds the room in disarray.  "Oh my God," she cries.  "Emma!"  When Emma fails to answer, Ann runs into the bedroom and checks on Logan.  To her great relief, the child is still asleep in his crib.  She runs back into the living room.  "Emma?"  Just as she calls her daughter's name again, she finds Emma laying on the floor near the sliding glass door leading onto the small balcony.  "EMMA!"  She screams, rushing over to her.  "Emma?"  She lifts her unconscious daughter's head, and sees that Emma appears to be out cold from an attack.  Ann quickly stands, finds her purse where she had tossed it when she came in, takes out her cell phone, and dials 911, then goes back over and kneels beside Emma.  On the second ring, a dispatcher answers.  "Yes, I need an ambulance at The Omni Hotel, suite 719.  And please, HURRY!"

Pamela's apartment.....evening....

 Pamela walks into her apartment late that evening and places her purse on the coffee table.  "Justin?"  She calls.

 

Justin comes into the living room from the bedroom.  "Hey, darlin'," he says, kissing her.

 

"How are the boys?"

 

"Just fine.  Randall's been asleep for a while, and I just got Hunter down for a nap,"  Justin replies.  

 

"Good."

 

"Pamela, are you alright?  Seems like somethin's botherin' you."

 

"I got a call today from an attorney named Brooks Oliver.  He was one of Tripp's attorneys."

 

"What'd he want?"  Justin asks.

 

"Tripp's will is going to be read one month from today, and, as Tripp's ex-wife and Hunter's mother, I have to be there."

 

 

"I can see why that would upset you,"  Justin says.  

 

"It's not just that, it's........everything.  Tripp's will being read in a month, my father and Brad losing their company to Clay Beaumont, the possibility of your trial coming up.  Justin, I don't know how much more I can take."

 

Justin walks over to Pamela and embraces her as she begins to cry.  "It's gonna be alright, Pamela."

 

"Justin, I'm so scared.  What if you're found guilty of Tripp's murder?"

 

"Pamela, whatever happens, we're gonna face it together, you and I.  I keep prayin' that somethin' will break in this case.  That the cops will find another prime suspect, or the real killer, I don't care which.  Just as long as this nightmare is over for us."

 

A look of worry and fear comes over Pamela's face as Justin talks about Tripp's killer, as Brad's ominous words from her visit to him the day before echo through her mind. 

Southfork....

 Lucas angrily walks into the den at Southfork late in the evening and makes his way to the bar, where he pours himself a drink.  Heather comes down the stairs and walks into the room.  "Lucas, thank God," she says.  "Where have you been?  You missed dinner, and I've been calling your phone for hours."

 

"I'm sorry, I........I was so angry I just drove around,"  he says.  

 

"Well, I'm glad to see you home in one piece,"  Bobby says, walking into the den.  "Son we were all worried sick, especially when we couldn't reach you."

 

"I was terrified that the same  thing had happened that happened in California,"  says Heather.

 

"It almost did,"  Lucas says.

 

"What do you mean?  Lucas, you're not makin' any sense.  You left here around lunch time and you've been gone ever since.  This have somethin' to do with that phone call you got last night?"

 

"Yes.  That phone call was Richard Channing."

 

"Channing?"  Asks a surprised Bobby.  "What the hell did he want?"

 

"Answers, same as me,"  replies Lucas.

 

"Answers about the fire and what happened?"  Heather asks.

 

"Yeah.  The things he said...........the events of that night as Channing remembers them.........they don't match up with Emma's story,"  says Lucas.  "Her version of events simply do NOT add up.  Like, what was I doing at Falcon Crest late at night, anyway?  And why, if Emma and I argued about Logan, didn't any of Channing's family hear that argument?  None of them even knew I was in the house or on the property."

 

"You're right, that duttin' make sense at all,"  Bobby says.

 

"I went to see Emma, and she gave me the run around.  Made me so damned angry I could've......."  Lucas pauses, takes a sip of his drink, and sighs.  "After I left from seeing her, I was SO pissed, that I just drove around.  I had to be alone."

 

"It's high time Emma Ryland gave us some concrete answers about the night of that fire," Bobby says.  Just then the doorbell rings.  Bobby sighs.  "Now who could that be?"  He wonders.  He walks into the foyer and opens the door to find the sheriff standing on the front porch with a deputy.  "Derrick, what are you doing here?"  Bobby asks.

"Evening, Bobby,"  Derrick says.  "I need to see your son, Lucas Ewing."

 

"What do you need to see Lucas for?" Bobby asks.

 

"Official business.  And I'd appreciate your cooperation."

 

"Come in,"  Bobby says.

 

Derrick takes off his hat, then he and the other officer enter the house as Lucas and Heather come into the foyer.  "Sheriff, what's goin' on?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Lucas, I have a warrant for your arrest,"  replies Derrick."

 

"Arrest?  What are you talkin' about?"  Heather asks.

 

"Arrest for what?"  Asks an angry Bobby.  

 

"Assault and battery."

 

"What?"  Lucas asks.  "Assault and battery?  That's ridiculous!"

 

"Did you pay a visit to Emma Ryland this afternoon at her mother's hotel suite?"  Derrick asks.

 

 

 

 

As Lucas is led out of the house by the Sheriff and deputy, Michael is sitting near the top of the stairs, watching his father's arrest with sadness.  The boy lowers his head and begins to cry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

"Alright, Jay, I'll meet you at the police station in about half an hour,"  Bobby says, talking to Jay Smithfield on the phone as Jenna comes into the foyer.  "Yeah.  Thanks, Jay, I'll see ya soon. Bye."  Bobby ends the call and puts his phone away.

 

"Bobby, what's going on?"  Jenna asks.  "Why was Lucas arrested?"

 

"Emma accused him of attacking her yesterday."

 

"Attacking her?  That's ridiculous!"

 

"Of course it is.  But that's not the worst of it.  Emma also accused Lucas of starting that fire at Falcon Crest."

 

"What?  That little bitch, is she out of her mind?  I'll kill her!"

 

"Jenna, just calm down,"  Bobby says. 

 

"Why didn't you call me last night?"  Jenna asks.

 

"There was nothing that could be done last night, so I didn't wanna worry you.  Right now we need to concentrate on helping Lucas.  Jay Smithfield is meeting me at the police station in half an hour."

 

Heather comes down the stairs.  "Bobby, what did Jay Smithfield say?"  

 

"He's gonna meet me at the station."

 

"I'm comin', too."

 

"How's Michael?"  Jenna asks.

 

"He's real upset,"  replies Heather.  

 

"Michael knows?"

 

"Yeah, he saw when the Sheriff dragged Lucas out of here."

 

"Come on, we'd better get to the station."  Bobby says.  He, Jenna, and Heather quickly leave.

Dallas Police Department....a short time later....

 Forty-five minutes later, Lucas is led in handcuffs down a hall from a holding cell and into a conference room at the Dallas Police Department where Bobby, Jenna, Heather, and Jay are waiting.  "Lucas, sweetheart, are you alright?"  Jenna asks.

 

"I'm fine, Mom."

 

"Lucas, Jay is here to try and help you,"  says Heather.

 

"Lucas, let's have a seat,"  Jay says.  

 

The deputy guarding Lucas removes his handcuffs.  He takes a seat on one side of the table, while Jay, Bobby, Jenna, and Heather sit down across from him.  "Jay, can you get me out of here?"  Lucas asks.

 

"You have an arraingment hearing scheduled at 11:30.  At that time the judge will decide whether or not to set bail."

 

"Whether or not?"  Jenna asks.  "You mean the judge could deny bail?"

 

"It's possible, Jenna."

 

"Heather, how's Michael?"  Lucas asks.

 

"He's pretty upset, but, I told him that everything was gonna be alright.  And we have to believe it is."

 

"Jay, you have to get me out of here,"  Lucas says.  "I didn't do this.  I never laid a hand on Emma."

 

"But you did go and see her yesterday?"  Jay asks.

 

"Yeah, I went to see her.  I needed to find out what happened the night of the fire."

 

"And you said she didn't tell you anything about that night?"  Bobby asks.

 

"No, she didn't."

 

"Jay, doesn't that tell ya somethin'?"  Bobby asks.  "If Lucas had been responsible for that fire, and if Emma knew it, why wouldn't she come forward in all this time?"

 

"Good question."

 

"It's obvious, the little witch lied,"  Jenna says.

 

"Bobby, I need to talk to confer with Lucas alone,"  says Jay.

 

"Alright.  Lucas, we'll see you in court at your hearing in a couple of hours."

 

"Okay.  Thanks,"  Lucas says.

 

"I love you, Lucas, and try not to worry,"  says Heather.

 

"Easier said than done.  And I love you, too."

 

Bobby, Jenna, and Heather leave the room.  Jay motions to the deputy, and he also leaves the room.

 

"Jay, you've gotta get me out of here,"  Lucas says once he and Jay are alone.  "I can't take another night in this place.  I can't believe Emma is doing this to me."

 

"Lucas, I want you to tell me everything that happened when you went to see Emma yesterday.  The two of you argued?"

 

"Yeah, we argued."

 

"Violently?"  Jay asks.

 

"Jay, I was angry.  But I swear to you, I never hurt Emma."

 

Meanwhile in the hallway outside, Bobby, Jenna, and Heather are waiting.  "Bobby, I'm scared,"  Heather says.

 

"Don't worry.  Jay is the best attorney I know."

 

"I could wring Emma Ryland's neck for what she's doing to Lucas,"  Jenna says.

 

"Well, now, itn't this a picture,"  Richard Channing says as he walks up to the three.

 

"Channing, what the hell are you doing here?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I got a call from the police informing me that your son had been arrested for starting the fire at Falcon Crest,"  Richard replies.  "I came here to make sure that justice is served."

 

"You son of a bitch, you stay the hell away from my family."

 

"I warned Lucas yesterday that, if it came out that he was responsible for that fire, I'd make him pay.  I intend to do just that.  Lucas and Emma Ryland are both on my list for retribution.  And anyone who stands in my way will meet the same fate as them."

 

"Channing, you DON'T want to start another war with the Ewings,"  Bobby says.  "Especially not with me."

 

"I'm not looking for a war, Ewing, only revenge.  But if it comes to war, then so be it.  You just better make damned sure you know what you're getting into.  Your son almost killed my family, so whoever I have to destroy to make sure he pays for that........then so be it."  Richard looks at Bobby for a second, then at Jenna and Heather, and walks away from them.  

 

"The nerve of that man,"  Jenna says.

 

"Heather, I want you to take my car,"  Bobby says, handing her his keys.  "You and Jenna meet me at the courthouse before Lucas's arraignment."

 

"Bobby, where are you going?"  Jenna asks.

 

"To the hospital to see Emma.  And to get some answers,"  he says, then walks away.

Ewing Records....

 Ewing Records's receptionist, Kim, buzzes Jimmy's office.  "Yes, Kim?"  He says.

 

"Your sister is here, Jimmy."

 

"Thanks, Kim.  Send her in,"  Jimmy says.  He stands and walks over to greet Ashley as she walks in.  

 

"Hi," she says.

 

"Hey,"  Jimmy says, greeting his sister with a kiss on the cheek.  "What brings you by?"

 

"I came by for two reasons.  First, since you took me to lunch the other day, I'd like to take YOU to lunch today."

 

Jimmy smiles.  "Okay, I'll take you up on that."

 

"Great, but, we have to eat some place a little less expensive than Perry's."

 

"Well, there's the hamburger truck in the park down the street,"  Jimmy says jokingly.

 

"Ha ha, very funny.  But I'm not quite THAT poor.  I think I can afford Zaxby's or something like that."

 Jimmy laughs.  "Okay, Zaxby's sounds great to me.  But, it's not even 11 a.m. yet.  Too early for lunch."

 

"I know, but I wanted to talk to you about something else."

 

"Like what?"  Jimmy asks.

 

"Well, you know Mom plans to go back east with Eve soon."

 

The smile disappears from Jimmy's face.  "Yeah, I know.  I've been trying to convince her to stay.  There's no reason for her to leave.  You and I are both here, and Mom doesn't have much family back east.  I don't know why she insists on going back."

 

"I've tried to convince her to stay in Dallas, too,"  Ashley says.  "But that's not why I'm here.  Jimmy, I was just wondering..........is there any chance that you might have a job for me here at Ewing Records?"

 

"What do you want a job for?"  Jimmy asks.  "You're gonna be starting college soon."

 

"I know.  But I can work afternoons, after I get out of class.  Anything, answering the phones, ANYTHING.  Come on, Jimmy, I wanna earn my own money."

 

"Okay.  I'll see what we have available.  I think maybe Pamela could use an assistant."

 

"Jimmy, thanks.  So when can I start?"  Ashley asks.

 

"Hey, wait a second.......we have to talk to Pamela first, and see if she could use your help,"  Jimmy says as his cell phone rings on his desk.  "Hold on," he says, walking over to the desk.  He picks up the phone.  "It's the DNA clinic."

 

"Could they really have the DNA results this fast?"

 

"Well, I did ask them to put a rush on it,"  Jimmy says.  He answers the call.  "Hello?  Yes, this is James Beaumont, Jr.

You have the results already?  Yes, I see.  Yes.  Thank you.  Yes, I'll be there as soon as I can.  Thank you for calling."  Jimmy hangs up and puts his phone down.

 

"Jimmy, do they have the results?"  Ashley asks.

 

"Yeah, they do.  Dr. Parson wants to see Clay and I as soon as possible."

 

"I wanna come with you."

 

"Alright, let's go.  Let's find out the truth,"  Jimmy says.  He and Ashley leave the office together.  

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

 Emma is sitting up in bed sipping on a drink through a straw, when someone knocks at her hospital room door.  "Come in," she says.  To Emma's shock, Bobby walks in.  

 

"Hello, Emma,"  he says.

 

"Bobby," Emma says, afraid.  "I thought you were the nurse, or my mother.  What are you doing here?"

 

"I came to talk to you, Emma.  And I'm sure you know what it's about.  Lucas was arrested last night.  He's being arraigned later this morning."

 

"Well, you see what he did to me.  Lucas put me in this hospital.  And he started that fire.  My son, and several other people could've been killed."

 

"I don't believe that for one second,"  Bobby says.  "Not that my son attacked you, or that he started that fire."

 

"I didn't figure you'd believe me."

 

"Maybe if your track record was better, I'd be a little more inclined to believe you.  But you've lied so many times in the past, Emma."

 

"You know what a temper your son has.  Why is it so hard to believe that Lucas could've attacked me?"

 

"Because I know my son,"  Bobby says.  "And he never would've put his hands on a woman, not even you, no matter how angry he got."

 

"You don't know your precious son as well as you think you do.  Lucas has a violent temper, and that's not the first time he's gotten rough with me."

 

As Bobby is about to say something, Ann walks into the room.  "Bobby,"  she says.  "What on Earth are you doin' here?"

 

"I came to talk to Emma about Lucas."

 

"My daughter has nothin' to say to you.  Now I want you to leave, and I suggest you keep that son of yours away from Emma."  

 

Bobby walks over to his wife.  "Ann, you can't possibly believe what she's sayin'.  That Lucas started that fire?  His own child was in that house, for God's sake.  Lucas never would've endangered Logan's life, not for ANYTHING."

 

"All I know is.......I came home yesterday and I found my daughter beaten up.  She said Lucas did it, and I believe her.  Witnesses saw him leavin' my suite, and leavin' the hotel."

 

"Lucas never denied that he went to see Emma.  But he did NOT beat her up!"

 

"Bobby, just go,"  Ann says.  "Just get out of here."

 

Bobby looks at her for a second, then walks to the door.  After a moment's pause, he looks at his wife.   "If there was any doubt before that our marriage really IS over........that doubt's gone now."

 

"Are you sayin' you want a divorce?"  Ann asks.  

 Jimmy, Ashley, and Clay are sitting silently in a waiting room at Dallas's DNA Testing Center, when Dr. Parson walks in.  "Well, Mr. Beaumont, and Mr. Beaumont, thank you both for coming."

 

"No problem,"  Jimmy says.  "We wanna get this over with and find out the truth as soon as possible."

 

"Understandable,"  Dr. Parson says.  He looks at Ashley.  "Hello."

 

"Dr. Parson, this is my sister, Ashley Beaumont,"  Jimmy says.  "Since she has a stake in this, too, I told her she could come along."

 

"Yes, of course, that's fine,"  Dr. Parson says.

 

"So, you have the results?"  Clay asks.

 

"I do.  Got them right here.  I could have sent these results to you by messenger, but, I feel this is something that should be discussed in person."

 

"Can we get on with it, then?"  Clay asks.  "Give us the results.  Tell Jimmy and Ashley that I'm their brother."

 

Dr. Parson opens the large, sealed envelope he carries, and pulls out a piece of paper.  "I'm very sorry, Mr. Beaumont, but I can't do that."

 

"What?"  Clay asks.  "I don't understand.  What do you mean?"

 

"Yours and James Beaumont, Jr.'s DNA does not match.  There's no way that the two of you are siblings."

 

 

 

"Maybe this will help you get over that,"  Jimmy says, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a folded envelope.  He hands the envelope to Dr. Parson.  

 

The doctor opens the envelope and looks inside to reveal a large stack of $1000 bills.  "This certainly WILL help, Mr. Beaumont."

 

"Good,"  says Jimmy.  "Now, I trust you destroyed the results of the REAL DNA test?"

 

"All taken care of."

 

"Thank you, Dr. Parson.  Now, you and I can go our separate ways, forget we ever met, and no one will ever have to know that you switched the DNA results."  Jimmy nods to the doctor, then leaves the office.  After he's gone, Dr. Parson takes the money Jimmy gave him from the envelope..........$50 thousand cash!  The doctor smiles deviously...

END OF EPISODE 183....