EPISODE 188 - The Christmas Spirit, Part 1

 Justin is led down a long corridor at the Dallas County Jail early in the morning as he is about to be transferred to a minimum security prison.  As Justin takes the long walk down the corridor, voices from his trial echo through his mind, especially the moment his guilty verdict was delivered:  "How do you find the defendant?"  "We the jury, in the above entitled action, find the defendant, Justin Randall Ewing, guilty of murder in the first degree......"

  seat in the very back.  He looks out the window as the bus pulls away from the county jail.  Justin looks off at the 

 skyline of the city of Dallas as the bus pulls onto the street to begin the journey to take Justin to his new home.  He realizes that he will never see this city again.  Again, a voice from his trial echoes through his mind, this time, the 

 Nearly half an hour later, the bus pulls into the facility at Harris Correctional Institute not far from Dallas.  Justin

and the other inmates exit the bus and are led into the prison to begin a new life........a life without hope.  Taking the walk into the prison, Justin looks around at his new surroundings, his heart pounding with fear, his mind racing as he wonders what the future holds for him, and for his loved ones on the outside, especially Pamela and the boys.  

 

A short time later, Justin is led into a room with other new inmates, to be processed into the prison system.  He looks around at the other inmates, who are eyeing him curiously.  Many of these men look extremely tough, and Justin knows he will have to toughen up or he will have a terrible time in this place.

 

After a long day of processing and orientation, Justin is finally led to his cell, the place that will be his home from this moment on.  Once in his cell, he takes a seat on his bunk and looks around the small room.  How will he get use to this new life, he wonders to himself....

Christopher walks into the foyer at Southfork on a cold early December morning.  He pauses in the doorway to the den as Bobby is on the phone.  "Yeah, Gary, well, we decided it just wasn't right to have the Barbecue this year.  With everything goin' on, with James's death, Justin in prison, and Ann and I in the process of gettin' a divorce, it just didn't seem appropriate.  I don't think anybody around here was much in the mood for it, anyway.  Yeah, well, listen, Gary, you give my love to Val and the family.  I'll talk to ya later.  Bye, brother."   Bobby ends the call and puts his phone away.  "Mornin'."

 

"Morning,"  Christopher says.  "How's Uncle Gary and everyone?"

 

"They're all doin' just fine.  Gary was askin' me what the plans are for Christmas, and, I didn't exactly know what to tell him.  It just doesn't seem like the holiday season around here this year."

 

"No Ewing Barbecue, no Christmas.  You're becoming a regular Scrooge."

 

"Son, with everything that's happened these last few months, the barbecue just didn't seem appropriate this year, especially with Justin in prison, and Ann and I about to divorce.  As for Christmas, that's still a couple weeks away, and I can't even think that far ahead right now."

 

"Maybe the fact that so much bad stuff has happened to the family this year is the very reason we SHOULD be doing things like the barbecue and a big family Christmas.  Especially for the kids.  They need to know that life is moving on as normally as possible."

 

Bobby looks at his on.  "Alright, fine.  I know you're right.  For the kids, we'll do a Ewing family Christmas.  But the barbecue........not this year.  I'm just not up for it."

 

"I understand,"  Christopher says.

 

"Well, I have to get going.  I'll see you at the office later."

 

"Bye, Dad,"  Christopher says as Bobby walks out.  As soon as Bobby leaves the den, Courtney walks in.  Christopher smiles upon seeing her.  "Well, good morning."

 

"Good morning,"  Courtney says.  "Are you about to leave for work?"

 

"I was just about to, but, if you need to talk I can spare some time."

 

 

"Good,"  she says, walking over to him.  "Because I do need to talk to you."

 

"Oh, boy, this sounds kinda serious.  Do I need to sit down for this?"  Christopher asks.

 

"No.  Actually, I think you'll take this as good news."

 

"Well, you've got me intrigued."

 

"Christopher, I've been doing a lot of thinking, and, Christmas is coming up soon, and...........I think it's time I moved back in here with you."

 

"What?  Courtney, does this mean.......you're ready to move back into the house and into our bedroom?"  Christopher asks.

 

Courtney smiles.  "Yes, that's what it means.  Christopher, I love you, and, after a lot of thinking, I realize how stupid I was being when I shut you out after my miscarriage.  I was angry, and I blamed you for my losing the baby.  I want our marriage to work.  I want us to be back on track as a couple, and as a family, especially with Christmas coming up.  I think it's important for us to be a united family for Jacob's sake during the holidays."

 

"I think so, too.  Courtney, you have just made me the happiest man on Earth.  If I don't get anything else for Christmas..........I've already gotten everything I ever wanted.  I love you,"  he says, then kisses Courtney.

Klyde Warren Park in Dallas....

 Shawn and Michelle McKinnon are walking in Klyde Warren Park that morning, looking at and admiring the beautiful, tall Christmas tree in the park.  "I wonder how tall that tree is,"  Michelle says.

 

"I dunno.  Want me to measure it and find out?"  Shawn jokes.

 

"Very funny.  It sure is beautiful.  I can't wait to spend my first Christmas in Dallas, and my first Christmas with you."

 

Shawn kisses her.  "Me either."  As the two continue to walk, Shawn sees Jeremy Wendell's henchman, Kenneth, watching him from a distance.  "Hey, uh, Michelle, why don't you go on to the cafe and grab us a table?  I'll be there in a minute."

 

"Why, what are you gonna do?"  Michelle asks.

 

"I just have a phone call I need to make.  Real quick."

 

Michelle smiles.  "Okay, but don't be too long."

 

"I won't.  Order me a cup of hot chocolate,"  Shawn says as Michelle walks away from him.  After a brief pause, he 

walks quickly over to where Kenneth is standing.  "Why the hell are you following me?"  Shawn asks him.

 

"To see how you're wasting your time,"  Kenneth replies.  "Shawn, you're supposed to be making every effort to get those Westar shares away from your brother's ex-wife, Pamela, but what do I find you doing?  Having a morning stroll in the park with your new girlfriend.."

 

"I told you......I'm working on it."

 

"Not fast enough,"  Kenneth says.  "Shawn, your grandfather wants those shares, and he wants them before the Westar board meeting next week.  Jeremy wants control of those shares so that you will be the majority stockholder by the time of that meeting, and if you can't get them, then we'll have to find another way......"

 

"I'll GET the damned shares.  I told you and my grandfather that I would, and I fully intend to keep that promise."

 

 

"Good,"  Kenneth says with a smile.  "Because I fully intend to make sure that you do.  Now, you'd better get going.  Don't wanna keep that hot little girlfriend of yours waiting."  Kenneth pats Shawn on the cheek, then turns and walks away from him, leaving Shawn angry at being treated this way by his grandfather's henchman.  

 

 

 

 

Braddock Elementary School....later....

 Michael is coming down the hall at Braddock Elementary School later that morning when Casey, the boy who has been teasing him since the beginning of the school year comes around a corner and deliberately bumps into Michael.  "Why don't you watch where you're going, Ewing?"  Casey says, shoving Michael.  

 

Michael looks at the boy, ignore his remark, and starts to walk past him.  

 

"Hey, you hear what I said, Ewing?"  Casey asks, angered by Michael ignoring him.  He steps in front of Michael, stopping him from passing.   "I said you need to watch where you're going.  You bumped into me.  So you need to say you're sorry."

 Pamela is doing some straightening up in her living room late in the afternoon when her doorbell rings.  Walking over to open the door, she is surprised to see Shawn.  "Hi,"  he says.

 

"Shawn, what are you doing here?"

 

"Can I come in?  Please?"

 

"Sure,"  Pamela says.  Shawn walks into the apartment and Pamela closes the door behind him.  "What are you doing here?"

 

"I came to see how you and the boys are doing."

 

"Why do you even care?"  Pamela asks.

to leave, little Hunter appears in the doorway leading into the hallway.  Looking past Pamela, Shawn sees his little nephew standing behind her.  "Oh, wow,"  Shawn says with a smile.  Pamela turns around and sees her son.

 

"Mommy,"  Hunter says, sleepily.

 

"Hunter,"  Pamela says.

 

Shawn walks over to the little boy.  "Hunter, hey, buddy,"  he says, kneeling down to him.  

 

"Hunter, come on, sweetheart,"  Pamela says.  "He was supposed to be taking a nap.  I'll put him back down.  You can see yourself out."

 

"Hey,"  Shawn says, picking the child up in his arms.  "Hunter, you remember me?"

 

"No,"  the child says in a soft whisper.  

 

"Well, I'm your Uncle Shawn."

 

"Come on, Hunter,"  Pamela says, holding out her arms to take the toddler.  "Let me have him."

 

"Pamela, let me put him down for his nap,"  Shawn says.  "Please?  I never had a close relationship with my brother.  But I really would like to be a part of my nephew's life."

 

Pamela looks at him for a few seconds.  "Alright.  His room is on the left, at the end of the hall."

 

Shawn smiles at her.  "Thanks.  Come on, buddy,"  he says as he carries the child down the hall and to his room.  Pamela walks to the window and looks out.  Almost a minute later, Shawn returns to the living room.  "Wow, he sure is a cute little guy," he says.  "Well, I'll be going now."  He walks to the door, and as he starts to leave he turns back to her.  "Pamela, contrary to what you ,might think of me, I really do care about my nephew.  Take care of yourself."

 

"Shawn,"  Pamela says.  He pauses and looks at her.  "Thank you."

 

Shawn smiles and nods at her, then leaves.  

Southfork....that night....

 Bobby and Christopher are fixing themselves drinks at the bar in the den at Southfork that night before dinner.  "Son, I can't tell you how happy I am to hear that Courtney has moved back in here,"  Bobby says.  "It's about time something good happened to someone in this family."

 

"Thanks, Dad.  I think I'm happier right now than I've been this whole year.  Now, if only you and Ann could work out your problems."

 

"Well, I think we're way past that point,"  Bobby says.  "Especially as long as Ann continues to defend Emma."

 

"Dad, it's obvious you still love Ann, and I'm sure she still loves you."

 

"Maybe so.  But in our case, love just itn't enough to overcome the problems we've had.  It also takes trust to make a marriage work, and how can I trust a woman who's constantly lied to me and kept things from me?"

 

John Ross and Alex come into the den at that moment.  "Well, I wish you'd at least think about it,"  John Ross says to his son as they enter the room.

 

"Okay, I said I'd think about it, but I'm not in any hurry right now to decide on a career,"  Alex says.  "I just started college three months ago."

 

"I know that, but it's never too early to start thinkin' about your future, that's all I'm sayin'."

 

"Hey, now, what are you two arguin' about?"  Bobby asks.  

 

"I've been tryin' to talk Alex into maybe comin' to work part-time at Ewing Oil,"  replies John Ross.  "He could work after he gets out of class every day."

 

"And all I'm saying is, I'm in no hurry to start working right now,"  says Alex.  "I just started college and I'm kinda struggling with math, so I need to concentrate on that."

 

"Well, will you at least think about my offer?"

 

"Okay, if it'll make you happy and get you off my back, I'll think about it."

 

"Think about what?"  Krystina asks, walking into the room.

 

"John Ross is bugging me about coming to work at Ewing Oil,"  Alex replies.  

 

"John Ross, I thought you said you weren't gonna try to pressure Alex."

 

"I'm not.  But is it a crime for me to want my firstborn son to come into the fam'ly business with me?"

 

Bobby smiles.  "Well, congratulations, John Ross.  You have now officially BECOME your Daddy.  You sound exactly like J.R. did when he was trying to get James involved in the company."

 

Michael comes down the stairs and walks into the room, followed by Lucas and Heather.  

 

"Well, hello,"  says Bobby.  

 

"Hi, everyone,"  Heather says.  

 

"Hey, Michael, where's Jacob?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Said he'll be down in a minute."

 

"Michael, why the long face?"  Krystina asks.

 

The boy shrugs his shoulders.  "No reason."

 

"Michael, is everything alright?"  Lucas asks his son.  

 

"Sweety, did somethin' happen at school today?"  Heather asks.

 

"No, I'm fine!"  The boy snaps.  Michael turns and leaves the room.

 

"Hey, Michael come back here,"  says Lucas.

 

"I'm not hungry,"  Michael says as he heads up the stairs.

 

"Michael get back here!"

 

"Lucas, no,"  says Heather.  "Let him go.  Give him some time."

 

"What's goin' on with Michael?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Not sure,"  Heather replies.  "But somethin's really botherin' him lately.   And I'm worried."

Meanwhile....

As Jacob is just finished getting dressed for dinner, Michael storms into the small attic bedroom he shares with Jacob and slams the door behind him.  

 

"Hey, what's wrong?"  Jacob asks.

 

"Nothing!"  Michael angrily replies as he takes a seat on his bed.  

 

"Aren't you coming downstairs for dinner?"  

 

"I'm not hungry."

 "Thank you,"  Lucy says while a waitress at Perry's pours her another glass of wine as she is having dinner with Mitch.

 

"You're welcome, Miss Ewing.  Can I get you anything else?"  

 

"No, I think we're fine for now,"  replies.  The waitress smiles and walks away.  

 

"Thank you for inviting me to dinner tonight,"  Lucy says.

 

"Oh, it's my pleasure.  Daniel is working tonight, and I really had no desire to sit home or eat alone."

 

"So, what exactly happened with you and Sharon Smith, anyway?  You never did tell me why the two of you broke up."

 

"It's a long story, really, but, in a nutshell, Sharon and I just realized we had almost nothing in common.  And our conflicting schedules made it damn near impossible for us to spend any time together at all.  Sharon works mostly nights, I work days, and she couldn't handle the fact that we barely got to see each other."

 

Lucy smiles. "Well, I would say I'm sorry, but I'm really not."

 

"Now why do you say that?"  Mitch asks.

 

"Because you're too good for her.  And now that you're free of her, it gives me a chance to spend more time with you."

 

"Well, I am very glad that we have been getting to see each other more often, Lucy."

 

Meanwhile, across the room, Mitch's son Daniel, clearing a table, is watching his father and Lucy, and the expression on his face shows that the young man is not pleased at all to see Mitch having dinner with his ex-wife.

 

"Hey, Daniel,"  says a pretty young waitress as she walks up to him.  "Isn't that your Dad over there?"

 

Daniel sighs.  "Yeah, that's him."

 

"Is that your Mom?"

 

"No, it's not.  My parents are divorced and my Mom lives in Atlanta."

 

"Oh, bummer."

 

"Not really.  My Dad and I do alright."

 

"Say, Daniel, I have these tickets to the Chris Janson concert tomorrow night.  My sister got them for me.  So, I was just wondering if you'd like to go, since we're both off tomorrow night."

 

"Thanks, Becca, but, I, uh, I'm not really into that kinda music, and I have plans already."

 

The smile quickly disappears from the girl's face.  "Oh, I see."

 

"Thanks, anyway, though,"  Daniel says.  He picks up his tray containing the plates and glasses from the table, and walks away from her.

 

Meanwhile, across the room at Mitch and Lucy's table, Lucy takes a sip of her wine.  "Daniel was just staring at us," she tells Mitch.  "I have a feeling your son isn't very happy to see us together."

 

"I don't think my son is very happy about much at all these days,"  Mitch says.  

 

"Why, what's going on?"

 

"Honestly, Lucy, I have no idea.  Daniel has always been a very tight-lipped kid.  Kind of closed off.  He's never been one to talk about what's bothering him, but lately, it's been even worse."

 

"I remember back during Justin's trial you mentioned that Daniel was upset about having to testify."

 

Mitch nods.  "Yes he was.  But I would've thought he'd be over that by now.  But it's like, every day he becomes a little more quiet and moody."

 

Lucy smiles.  "Mitch, he's a teenager.  Moody and quiet is what teenagers do best.  Daniel seems like a good kid.  I don't think you have anything to worry about with him."

 

"Yes, he IS a good kid,"  says Mitch.  "But I know something's bothering him.  I just wish he'd open up to me about it."

 

 

 

 

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

 Christopher and Courtney are in one of the barns at Southfork early the next morning, a cold, crisp December morning.  Christopher is watching with a smile as Courtney rides her new horse around the barn.  "Well, how's he feel to you?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Feels great,"  Courtney replies.  "Christopher, he's beautiful."

 

"I was gonna wait until Christmas, but, I just couldn't wait to give him to you.  So I had him delivered yesterday."

 

Courtney stops the horse and climbs down.  Christopher walks over to her.  "Thank you,"  she says, putting her arms around her husband and kissing him.

 

"You are MORE than welcome, sweetheart.  Merry early Christmas."

 

As Christopher kisses her again, Gavin walks into the barn.  He pauses a moment as he watches the two kissing, then clears his throat.  Startled, Christopher and Courtney look at him.  "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt."

 

"No, it's fine,"  says Christopher.  "We really should be getting back up to the house for breakfast."

 

"You go on ahead,"  Courtney says.  "I'd like to talk to my brother for a minute."

 

"Okay.  Don't be too long.  I'll walk. You take the car back."

 

"Alright,"  Courtney says.  Christopher kisses her again, then leaves the barn.  

 

"You wanted to speak to me, Mrs. Ewing?"  Gavin asks sarcastically.  "What have I done to displease you now, Mrs. Ewing?"

 

"Stop with the sarcasm, okay?"

 

"Consider it done, Mrs. Ewing."

 

Courtney looks at her brother angrily for a few seconds.  "Fine, if you can't carry on a serious conversation, then just forget it," she says.  She starts to walk away from him.

 

"Courtney, wait,"  Gavin says.  She stops and turns back to him.  "I'm sorry.  What is it you wanted to talk about?"

 

"I just wanted to say that, you may have proved me wrong."

 

"About what?"

 

"About you,"  Courtney says.  "Since you've been in Dallas, and working here at Southfork, you've really shown yourself to be a responsible adult.  I'm sorry for the way I misjudged you when you first came to town, and, I'm glad to see this change in you."

 

Gavin smiles.  "Well, now, I think those are the nicest words you've ever said to me.  Thank you.  Now if you could just find it in your heart to give Ben a chance."

 

"I don't wanna talk about him."

 

"Courtney, he's our kid brother,"  Gavin says.  "I've never understood why you've always disliked him so much.  I can understand how angry and hurt you were that Dad cheated on our mother with Ben's mother.  But that's not his fault.  And with Christmas comin', I was hopin' that maybe......"

 

"What, Gavin?"  Courtney asks.  "That maybe we could become one big, happy family?  I'm sorry, but that's never gonna happen.  We're not the Waltons, and we never will be."  Courtney walks away from him, leaving Gavin alone in the barn.  

Sue Ellen and Catlin's home....

 "Thank you, Janet,"  Sue Ellen says as her maid pours her a cup of coffee that morning.  

 

"You're welcome, Mrs. Ewing,"  the maid replies.  

 

Catlin walks into the kitchen, fixing his shirt collar on his suit.  "Good morning, Janet.  Good morning, my love,"  he says as he kisses Sue Ellen and takes a seat at the table.

 

"Good morning, Mr. Ewing, what can I get you for breakfast?"  Janet asks.

 

"I'll have some eggs and toast, Janet."

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"What time do you think you'll be back from Odessa this evening?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"I should be home, at least by 6 or 6:30.  I just have to tour and look over a couple of our fields down there, and I have a meeting this afternoon with the foreman of one of our drilling crews, and that shouldn't take too long.  Honey, why don't you fly down to Odessa with me?  Unless you have something pressing at Ewing Oil going on today that you can't miss."

 

"No, as a matter of fact, I don't have anything pressing."

 

"So how about it?"  Catlin asks.  "I'd really love the company, and I'd love to show off my gorgeous wife."

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "You talked me into it," she says.  "I would LOVE to fly to Odessa with you today."

 

"Wonderful.  And I have another great idea.  Since today is Friday, why don't we just spend the night down in Odessa?"

 

"I think I would like that."

 

"I was thinking about something,"  Catlin says.  "You know, we have an anniversary coming up very soon."

 

Sue Ellen looks at him and smiles.  "Yes, we do.  Christmas Eve."

 

"It's hard to believe we've already been married a year,"  says Catlin.

 

"I know.  And this has been probably the happiest year of my life."

 

"PROBABLY?"

 

She laughs slightly.  "No.......THE happiest.  Not only did I get to spend the year married to the most wonderful, handsome man in the world, but I also became grandmother to the most beautiful baby girl in the world, and I gained not one, but TWO handsome stepsons.  I think the only thing that could've made it better would've been if the rest of the family had been as happy as we've been."

 

Catlin reaches over and places his hand on hers.  "I love you, Sue Ellen Ewing."

 

"And I love you, my darling.  How would you like to celebrate our first anniversary?  After talking to Bobby, I'm not sure that he's up for a big family Christmas gathering this year."

 

"Well, I'd be happy just celebrating at home, just the two of us."

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "Well, I would like for our sons to be a part of it.  And we really should do some kind of family get together, since it IS Christmas."

 

"Darling, we can do whatever you like,"  Catlin says, leaning over and kissing her as C.J. walks into the kitchen.  He pauses in the doorway and watches with a smile as Catlin and Sue Ellen kiss.

 

Finally, C.J. clears his throat to get their attention.  "Honestly, after a year of marriage, do you two STILL have to neck like newlyweds?"  He asks, walking over to the table.

 

"As far as I'm conerned, we're still on our honeymoon,"  Catlin says.  

 

"C.J., have some breakfast?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Thank you, I'd love some."

 

"Would you like some bacon and eggs, Mr. Ewing?"  Janet asks.

 

"Yes, thank you, and Janet?"

 

"Yes, sir?"

 

"Would you PLEASE stop calling me MR. Ewing and just call me C.J.?"

 

The maid smiles.  "Of course......C.J."  She places an empty plate, then a platter of bacon and eggs on the table.

 

"Thank you, Janet, this looks delicious,"  C.J. says.  "Dad, I came by to talk to you before you left for Odessa this morning."

 

"Anything wrong?"  Catlin asks.

 

"No, not at all.  Just the opposite, in fact.  I got word late last night that Brandon Harwood of Harwood Oil is looking for a partner to go in on some fields.  And I invited him to lunch this afternoon to discuss a deal that maybe Catlin Oil can make with Harwood on those fields."

 

"Oh?  Did he give you any details or particulars of this deal?"

 

"No, he didn't.  He only said that Harwood needed a partner on some wells near Lubbock, and he's willing to listen to our proposal."

 

"Well, I trust you put together a proposal Harwood will like?"  Catlin asks.

 

"I certainly hope so,"  C.J. says.  "If Harwood accepts my proposal, this will be a huge deal for us, and could make Catlin Oil a major player in the Cartel.  But I wanted to run it by you first before you left for Odessa."

 

"Son, I completely trust your judgement.  If this deal sounds good to you, then go for it.  Tell Harwood that if he partners with us, he WON'T be sorry."

 

C.J. looks at his father and smiles.  "Okay, I sure will."

 

"And C.J., why don't you invite Eric to that lunch meeting with Brandon Harwood?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Eric?  But why?"

 

"Well, it wouldn't hurt to have two good business heads there at that meeting.  If the deal sounds good to both of you, then........but, of course, if you'd rather not include your brother, then......"

 

"No, it's fine.  If you want Eric there, then I'll call him and ask him," C.J. says, a look of disappointment on his face, a look that Sue Ellen is quick to notice.  

Ewing Oil....later....

 John Ross and Sly are going over a box of some old company files in his office at Ewing Oil later in the day.  "Okay, what do we got next?"  John Ross asks.

 

Sly reaches into the box and pulls out a dusty file folder.  She opens it.  "This is a file on a deal J.R. put together with Alan Murphy, in........1986."

 

"'86?  Man, some of these files go back decades,"  John Ross says, taking the folder and looking at it.  

 

Sly looks in the box again.  "And here are some files from some deals Bobby put together back in the early 80s.  Umm, here's one on a Canadian deal Bobby had going with the McLeish brothers."

 

"McLeish?  Why does that name sound so familiar to me?"  

 

"Jarrett and Thornton McLeish,"  Sly says.  "Bobby got into this deal with them way back when he and J.R. were fighting for control of Ewing Oil.  As I recall, they were having problems bringing the wells in because the ground was frozen and that delayed drilling.  But, eventually the wells DID come in, and it was those wells that helped Bobby win the contest for the company that your grandfather's will had set up."

 

"Oh, now I remember.  I've heard my Daddy mention them before."

 

"John Ross, what do you wanna do with all these old files?"  Sly asks.  "Most of them belonged to J.R., and now they're just collecting dust?  Should I get rid of them?"

 

"Oh, no, definitely not.  Tell you what, Sly, work on gettin' these old files in some kinda order, like alphabetized.  Then we'll put 'em in storage.  Don't wanna get rid of any of this stuff, because you never know when some of this information might come in handy."

 

"I'll get right on it, but it's gonna take me a while."

 

"Well, if you'll take these home with you and work on it over the weekend, I'll pay you time and a half."

 

"Alright, will do,"  Sly says as John Ross's intercom buzzes.

 

"Yes, Sally?"

 

"John Ross, Sly's son, Cole Duncan, is here,"  Sally says.

 

"Alright, thank ya, darlin'."

 

"Cole?"  Sly asks, surprised to hear that her son is there.  "John Ross, I'm sorry, I had no idea that he was coming by.  I'll see what he wants."

 

"Actually, Sly, your boy's here to see me."

 

"To see YOU?"

 

"Sally, send Cole in,"  John Ross says.  

 

A few seconds later, Cole walks in.  "Mr. Ewing,"  he says.  "Hi, Mom."

 

"Cole, what are you doing here?"  Sly asks her son.

 

"I'm here to interview for an internship."

 

"An internship?"

 

"Yeah, Sly, I'm interviewin' several young people to work here at Ewing Oil in the copy room, to run errands, that sort of thing.  Maybe even answer the phones while the secretaries are at lunch, and Cole here applied."

 

"Why didn't you tell me about this?"  Sly asks.

 

"I wanted it to be a surprise,"  Cole says.  "I figured if I got this paid internship, I could quit Perry's.  And now that school is about to be out for the Christmas break, I can work here all day."

 

"It'll give Cole a chance to learn about business, too,"  says John Ross.

 

"Well, then, I'll get out of your way and let you get on with the interview,"  Sly says, picking up the box of old files.  "John Ross, I'll work on these over the weekend."

 

"Alright, thank ya, Sly,"  John Ross says as the secretary leaves the office.  "Well, Cole, have a seat."

 

"Thank you,"  the young man says, taking a seat across from John Ross's desk.  "Mr. Ewing, I really appreciate you giving me this opportunity."

 

"No problem, Cole.  And why don't you just call me John Ross?"

 

"Okay.....John Ross."

 

"Now then.  I just have a few questions.  To be honest with ya, Cole, this interview is just a technicality.  I did some checkin' on you, and I am VERY impressed with your academic record.  And, you bein' Sly's son and all, well, I think you'd fit in real well at Ewing Oil."

 

"You.......you mean I've got the job even BEFORE the interview?"

 

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves yet.  Let's see how this interview goes first."

 

Cole looks at him and smiles.  

Odessa, Texas.... 

 Sue Ellen and Catlin are taking a tour of one of Catlin Oil's fields early on the cold Friday afternoon.  Catlin's foreman, Fred Benson, is showing them around.  "Well, as you can see, Mr. Ewing, we're pumping to near full capacity, and all our equipment is up to date,"  the foreman says in a loud voice to be heard over some of the running equipment.

 

"Everything looks great, Fred,"  Catlin says.  "Keep up the good work, and if any problems come up, you know how to reach me."

 

"Yes, sir,"  Benson says as a crew worker comes out of one of the buildings and motions to him, holding up a phone, indicating that Benson has a call.  "Mr. and Mrs. Ewing, excuse me, I have a call."

 

"Alright, I'll talk to you again before we leave Odessa.  And again, keep up the good work, Fred,"  Catlin says.

 

"Will do, Mr. Ewing.  Mrs. Ewing,"  Benson says, shaking Catlin's hand.  He then leaves the couple to take his phone call.  

 

"Well, sweetheart, what do you think?"  Catlin asks his wife.

 

"I'm very impressed,"  Sue Ellen says with a smile.  "You've taken Catlin Oil from a small operation when you moved to Texas to a major oil company in just a couple of years."

 

"Well, I DID have help.  I couldn't have done it without C.J."

 

Sue Ellen nods.  "Catlin, I've been meaning to talk to you about C.J."

 

"Oh?  Why?  Is there a problem between the two of you?"  Catlin asks.

 

"No, of course not,"  replies Sue Ellen.  "The problem is Eric."

 

"Eric?  Darling, I don't understand.  Has Eric done something?"

 

"No.  Catlin, you've been spending an awful lot of time with Eric over the past couple of months."

 

"Yes.  So?  I'm getting to know my other son."

 

"I know,"  says Sue Ellen.  "But, at the same time, I'm worried that Eric might be feeling a little...........left out.  I mean, all his life it's just been you and he, for the most part, especially since Brittany walked out on you.  And now, all of a sudden, you have a second son."

 

Catlin stops walking and lets out a deep sigh.  "I never thought of that."

 

"I saw the look on C.J.'s face this morning when you asked him to have Eric join him in that lunch meeting with Brandon Harwood.  He was, umm........bothered to say the least."

 

"Oh boy.  And I kind of insisted, didn't I?  Sue Ellen, it's only that, Eric has been through so much in the last couple of years.  He and C.J. have gotten along so well, I just never realized how C.J. was feeling."

 

"Oh, there's no need to be so hard on yourself.  I realize the excitement you felt upon finding out that Eric was your son. And I'm very happy to see the two of you forming a relationship.  But just don't forget that you have another son.  C.J. may be an adult, but that doesn't mean he doesn't still need his father."

 

Catlin takes her by the hand.  "You're absolutely right, and thank you for reminding me.  I've been so caught these last few months with getting to know Eric that I often forgot that C.J. needed me as well.  Now, I KNOW I did the right thing marrying you.  You keep me grounded."

 

Sue Ellen smiles as she puts her arms around him.  "It works both ways."

 

"I'm hungry, how about you?  What say we go and grab some lunch?"

 

"That sounds wonderful.  I'm famished,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

"Great, because I know this really wonderful restaurant downtown,"  says Catlin.  "Romantic atmosphere and delicious food."

 

"Well, then, let's go,"  Sue Ellen says.  She and Catlin head to Catlin's awaiting truck.

The Cattlemen's Club, Dallas....

 

 

Back in Dallas, C.J. and Eric are finishing lunch at The Cattlemen's Club with Brandon Harwood.  "And, there you have it, Brandon,"  C.J. says.  "Our best proposal for this deal."

 

Brandon looks at the open file folder on the table in front of him and nods.  "And I like what I see.  I'm very impressed.  Catlin Oil has managed to put together a proposal that could prove to be very profitable for both our companies."

 

"And, as you can see, the long term projections are all there,"  says Eric.  "You sign this deal with Catlin Oil, and we can guarantee you won't be disappointed, Brandon......."

 

"You see, what Catlin Oil aims to do with this deal is expand our horizons,"  C.J. says, cutting off his brother in mid-sentence.  

 

"I understand,"  says Brandon.  "My only concern is that, Catlin Oil is still one of the smaller of the independents.  A commitment like this will take a great deal of capital.  I'm just not sure that Catlin Oil is up to something this big just yet."

 

"Trust us,"  Eric quickly says.  "Raising the capital for this will NOT be a problem."

 

"We can do this, Brandon,"  says C.J.  "You have my word."

 

Brandon looks at the two.  "Tell you what.  Give me time to think about this over the weekend, and to go over this proposal again, and I'll get back to you first thing Monday morning."

 

"Well......."  C.J. begins.

 

"That will be fine,"  Eric says, cutting C.J. off, much to C.J.'s annoyance.  "We understand you need time to consider this proposal, but both C.J. and I can guarantee that if you sign with us, you won't be disappointed."

 

At that moment, John Ross and Alex walk by their table.  "Well, well, hello, Brandon,"  John Ross says.

 

"John Ross, how's it going?"  Brandon asks.

 

"Real good.  So, this business or pleasure?"

 

"Strictly business, John Ross,"  C.J. replies.

 

"Well, what kinda deal y'all got goin' on?"  John Ross asks.

 

"C.J. and his brother Eric just pitched a deal to me.  One that should bring in a lot of money to both our companies over the long run."

 

"Is that a fact?  C.J., you and your Daddy goin' in on this with Harwood alone, without any other partners?"

 

"That's right,"  replies C.J.  

 

"Hmmmm, Catlin Oil must've come a long way, then.  Thought y'all were still a small operation."

 

"John Ross, this is really none of your business,"  C.J. says.

 

John Ross looks at him and  smiles.  "You're right, it's not.  Brandon, always a pleasure seein' you.  C.J., and, uhh......"

 

"Eric."

 

John Ross looks at Eric and smiles.  "Oh, yes, Eric.  My other stepbrother.  Y'all have a good lunch.  Cole, let's get to our table," he says, then walks away with Alex.  He and Alex make their way across the room and take seats at their table.

 

"Here are your menus, Mr. Ewing,"  says the hostess.

 

"Thank ya, darlin'."

 

"You're welcome.  Your server will be with you shortly.  What can I get you to drink?"

 

"I'll have a bourbon,"  John Ross replies.

 

"I'll have the same,"  Alex says with a sly smile.

 

"Uh, nice try,"  says John Ross.  "My son will have the soft drink of his choice."

 

A look of disappointment comes over Alex's face.  "I'll have a Pepsi."

 

The hostess smiles.  "Coming right up,"  she says, then walks away.  

 

"You really think I was gonna let you order alcohol?"  John Ross asks.  "In two years when you're 21, you can order whatever you want."

 

"Hey, it was worth a try.  What was all that about with C.J., anyway?"  

 

"Brandon Harwood, of Harwood Oil,"  says John Ross.  "He's a member of the Cartel.  I just wonder what he's got cooked up with C.J. Ewing and that new found brother of his."

 

"Is that why you wanted to have lunch here?"

 

"No, it's not.  I was hopin' the two of us could talk about more, away from Southfork, about that offer I made you."

 

Alex sighs.  "You're not gonna start bugging me again about coming to work at Ewing Oil, are you?"

 

"Now, just hear me out.  We've started this internship program at Ewing Oil, where we're hirin' two college students to work part time in the office, answerin' phones, workin' in the copy room, that sort of thing.  I just hired a young man for one of those positions, and I was kinda hopin' I might could get you interested in the other one."

 

"I really don't know,"  Alex says.

 

"I promise, it wouldn't take up much or your time.  And, I think you know the other boy I hired."

 

"Oh?  Who is it?"  

 

"Cole Duncan."

 

"Cole Duncan?  Oh, yeah, Ashley's friend. The dude who worked at the Athletic Club this past summer."

 

"That's right,"  says John Ross.  "Cole is real eager to learn about business.  And I think the two of you would work real well together.  Would you at least think about it?"

 

"Okay.  Like I told you last night, I'll THINK about it."

 

Meanwhile, across the room, the waitress has brought Brandon's check to their table.  "Thank you,"  he says, handing the waitress his credit card.  

 

"Brandon, I wish you'd have let me take care of the check,"  C.J. says.

 

"No, MY treat.  Maybe next time."

 

"We really do hope that you'll think about our proposal,"  says Eric.  

 

"Catlin Oil may be small for now, but we can hold our own,"  C.J. says.

 

"I'm sure you can,"  Brandon says as the waitress returns with his card.  "C.J., Eric, it's been a pleasure.  I'll think about your proposal over the weekend, and you can expect to hear from me on Monday morning."  Brandon stands to his feet.  "You two have a great weekend."

 

"Thanks, you, too, Brandon,"  C.J. says as Brandon walks away.  

 

"Well, I think that went really well,"  says Eric.

 

"I suppose."

 

Eric looks at him.  "C.J., what's the matter with you?"

 

"What's the matter with me?  What the hell's the matter with you?  Every time I opened my mouth to say something, you broke in and took over.  Brandon Harwood was here to meet with ME, not YOU.  You're not even a part of Catlin Oil."

  Ashley walks into the Drip Coffee House that evening and finds Cole seated at a table waiting for her.  "Hi,"  she says, taking a seat across from him.  

 

"Hi,"  says Cole.

 

"Sorry I'm late.  My Mom called."

 

"Oh?  How's she doing?"

 

"She sounded okay, but, I could tell the holidays are getting to her.  But, fortunately, next week she's coming to Dallas with my baby sister, and she'll be here through Christmas.  The holidays are gonna be really hard this year, without my Dad."

 

"I know.  I still miss my Dad during the holidays."

 

"Well, enough of the sad talk,"  says Ashley.  "You said on the phone you had some good news."

 

Cole smiles.  "Yes, I do.  I had an interview this afternoon for an internship at Ewing Oil, and.........I got it."

 

"What?  An internship at Ewing Oil?  Cole, that's terrific!" Ashley says with excitement.  "I'm really happy for you.  Why didn't you tell me you were applying for an internship?"

 

"I didn't wanna say anything in case I didn't get it.  But, John Ross Ewing seemed to like me a lot, and, I think he'd already made up his mind to hire me even before the interview just because my Mom works there."

 

"Well, I am REALLY happy for you, and I know you're gonna do great,"  Ashley says.

 

"Thanks.  I sure do plan to try.  I start first thing Monday morning, since we're out of school now for Christmas break, and I can't wait."

 

Meanwhile, Alex, Shawn, Bridget, and Michelle enter the coffee house.  Ashley immediately spots the four as they walk in, and the smile fades from her face upon seeing Shawn with Michelle McKinnon. 

 

"Ashley?"  Shawn says.  "Ash?"

 

"What?"

 

"Hey, what's wrong?"  Cole asks.  He then looks across the room, in the direction Ashley is looking, and sees Shawn and the others.  "Ah, now I see what's wrong.  Your ex-boyfriend.  And that girl with him, I remember her from club this summer.  Are they........"

 

"Yeah, they are,"  Ashley replies.  

 

"I'm sorry."

 

Alex and Bridget walk over to them.  "Hey, Ash,"  Alex says.

 

"Hi Alex.  Bridget."

 

"Ashley, how are you?"  Bridget asks.

 

"I'm fine.  You guys know Cole Duncan, right?"

 

"Yeah, sure,"  Alex says.  "Cole, I heard you got an internship at Ewing Oil today.  My Dad told me."

 

"Oh, right, you're John Ross's son, aren't you?"

 

"Yep,I am.  In fact, he's been trying to pressure me into taking the other intern position.  His way of trying to push me into joining the family business."

 

"Well, aren't you gonna take it?"  Cole asks.  "I'm really looking forward to working there.  It's gonna be a great learning experience."

 

"I dunno yet.  I told my Dad I'd think about it.  But anyway, I guess we'd better get back to our table.  We just wanted to come over and say hi.  Good luck with that internship."

 

"Thanks, man, I appreciate it, and, seriously, DO think about it."

 

Alex nods.

 

"Ash, give me a call sometime,"  says Bridget.  "We seriously need to hang out."

 

"I will."

 

"Bye,"  Alex says.  He and Bridget return to their table with Shawn and Michelle. Shawn and Ashley exchange looks from across the room, but Shawn's eyes quickly turn away from Ashley, breaking her heart that this boy she once had such strong feelings for had dumped her so callously when she wouldn't give in to his pressure to have sex.  

 

Cole notices the change in Ashley's mood.  "You wanna go someplace else?  I can see how uncomfortable it's making you, being here with what's his name?  Shawn?"

 

Ashley sighs.  "Yeah.  Would you mind if we left?"

 

"Not at all,"  replies Cole.  "Come on."  He and Ashley get up from their seats, put their coats on, and leave as Alex, Bridget, Shawn, and Michelle watch them.  Outside, Ashley pauses and looks back through the window at Shawn, who is laughing and seemingly having a wonderful time with Bridget's sister.  Fighting back tears, Ashley walks away with Cole.

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

 Bobby is standing in the kitchen at Southfork early the next morning, pouring himself a cup of coffee, when Ann walks in.  "Bobby,"  she says.

 

He turns around to face her.  "Hello, Ann."

 

"I hope it's alright that I came out here this early on a Saturday.  I just came to pick up the rest of my things."

 

"You didn't have to go to the trouble, I could've had 'em sent."

 

"Well, to be perfectly honest, I wanted to come out.  My attorney phoned me yesterday and told me that our divorce hearin' has set for December 28  The Friday after Christmas.  That's less than two weeks."

 

"I know.  Lou Rosen called me and told me yesterday,"  Bobby says.

 

"I figured this might be my last chance to see Southfork.  This was my home for a lotta years."

 

"Yes, it was.  You want some coffee?"

 

"Sure, I'd love some,"  Ann replies.

 

Bobby picks up a coffee cup and pours Ann some coffee, then hands it to her.  

 

"Thank you,"  she says.  "I was really surprised to hear that you decided not to have the Ewing Barbecue this year."  Ann takes a sip of her coffee.  "That barbecue has been a tradition for many years."

 

"Well, with everything that's happened around here this year, and with the family, havin' the barbecue this year just didn't seem.......right or appropriate."

"Maybe his brother's death had somethin' to do with that,"  says Clay.  "Grief can be a powerful thing, and it can change people."

 

"I don't think so.  Shawn couldn't stand his brother."

 

"Even so, his brother being murdered had to affect him in some way.  But, regardless of that, I still stand by what I said.  The guy's an idiot."

 

"Thank you,"  Ashley says.

 

"Thank me?  For what?"

 

"For making me feel better.  And mostly, for being such a good friend.  You've really been there for me these last couple of months, Clay, and you have no idea how much I appreciate it."

 

Clay smiles.  "Hey, just because I turned out not to be your big brother doesn't mean I don't still care an awful lot about you, Ashley.  I'm just returning the favor.  You are the only person in this entire town who has given me a chance when everyone else turned their back on me,  And you have no idea how much I appreciate THAT."

 

"Clay, have you thought any more about talking to Cliff Barnes and asking him to take a DNA test?"

 

Clay lets out a deep sigh.  "Ash....."

 

"Aren't you even the least bit curious about whether or not he's your father?  Your Mom has gone off the radar so you can't get in touch with her.  Can you honestly say you're not curious?"

 

"I think you're more curious about who my real father is than I am,"  Clay says.  

 

"Clay, you said that you came to Dallas to meet your father and your family,"  says Ashley.  "And you thought that was my father and the Beaumonts and Ewings.  But since that's not the case, I think you deserve some answers, and you deserve a family.  I'm just sorry that things turned out the way they did."

 

"I was at first, but not anymore,"  Clay says.

 

"Why?"

 

Clay looks at her for a few seconds before answering.  "Because I'm actually kinda glad that you and I aren't related."

 

"That's a strange thing to say."

 

"I'm sorry.  I'm not real sure why I even said that.  I think I like being your friend better than being your brother."

 

Ashley looks at him and smiles, unsure of how to reply to Clay's remark.  

Harris Correctional Institute.....late morning....

  In his cell at Harris Correctional Institute, Justin is spending his time exercising and trying to get in top shape in order to survive the ordeal of prison, and deal with some of the tougher inmates who might want to mess with him.  As he is doing his routine pushups on this Saturday, a guard comes to his door.  "Ewing, you got a visitor,"  the guard says in a gruff voice.  

 

Justin quickly stands to his feet.  "Visitor?"  He asks.  "Who is it?"

 

"Why don't you just come find out?"

 A few minutes later, Justin is led down a long hallway and into a visitor's room, where he finds Pamela waiting.  He pauses for a moment and looks at her before walking over to her.  He takes a seat at a table across from her.  "Pamela,"  he says.  

 

"Justin, how are you?"

 

"I'm.........hangin' in.  Pamela, what are you doin' here?"

 

"I came to see you."

 

"I told you last time you were here that......."

 

"I know what you told me,"  Pamela says.  "That you didn't wanna see me again.  Did you really expect me to stay away?"

 

"You have to.  You have to go, Pamela, and don't come back here again."

 

"Justin, you can't expect me to just walk away from you and never look back, because I can't do that.  I love you."

 

"Pamela, what about this don't you understand?"  Justin asks.  "You're in love with a man who is gonna spend the rest of his life in prison.  No possibility of parole.  LIFE.  There can be no future for us."

 

"And what am I supposed to do?  Just forget that you exist?"

 

"That's exactly what you have to do!"  Justin says.  

 

"Justin, listen to me.  Jay Smithfield is appealing your case.  He's working to get you a new trial."

"Do you really think a new trial is  gonna change the outcome?  It's not.  I'm in this place, and it's here that I'm gonna stay from now on.  I really wish I'd gotten the death penalty."

 

"Oh my God, Justin, don't say that!"

 

"It's true.  Death would be better than spendin' the next 40, 50, or 60 years in this hell.  My life is over anyway.  They may as well had just killed me."

 

"Justin...."

 

"Pamela, just go,"  Justin says.  "Just get the hell out of here and don't come back.  I don't wanna see you again."

 

"Justin, PLEASE, don't do this,"  Pamela says in tears.  "You can't give up hope."

 

"Hope?"  Justin asks.  "HOPE?  Pamela, there's no hope in this place.  This is my new reality, and your new reality is to forget that you ever knew me.  Forget that I ever existed, because I can never be a part of your life again.  I hope that, eventually, you'll find someone new.  Hell, maybe you and Jimmy should get together.  Can't think of anybody else I'd rather you be with."

 

"I don't want anyone else, Justin."

 

"Pamela, you said that you love me.  If that's true, then you'll do one thing for me.  Walk out that door and never come back here.  I don't ever wanna see you again.  And tell.........." Justin pauses as he fights back tears........"Tell my Mama and the rest of my fam'ly that I don't want them comin' here, either.  I don't wanna see any of you again."

 

"Justin,"  Pamela says in tears.

 

"Goodbye, Pamela,"  Justin says as he stands.  He looks at her for a couple of seconds, then turns and walks away.

 

"Justin,"  Pamela calls after him.  "JUSTIN!!!!"  She yells, but Justin continues walking out of the room without looking back at her, followed by the guard.  Heartbroken, Pamela breaks down crying.

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

 Ray and Conner are unloading some bags of fertilizer at the barn near the house that afternoonwhen a Ford pickup truck drives through the front gate of the Krebbs Ranch and comes to a stop in front of the house.  An older man with graying hair and slight beard gets out of the truck.  He looks around the place curiously.  Seeing the man, Ray and Conner exchange looks, wondering who this mysterious visitor is, and the two men begin walking toward the house.  As the man starts to walk onto the front porch, Ray and Conner walk up.   "Can I help you with somethin'?"  Ray asks.  

 

"Oh, hello,"  the man says.  "I'm lookin' for a fella named Krebbs, who owns this place.  Would you be him?"

 

 

"Sure am.  What can I do for ya?"

 

"I'm actually lookin' for a kid.  Kid named Ben Murray.  I was told he works here."

 

"That's right, Ben works here,"  Ray says.  "What do you want with him?"

 

"Just to see him.  I'm his father,"  the man says.  

 

"Oh, you're Ben's daddy?" 

 

"Yes, sir, I am.  Andrew Murray.  And I'd really like to see my son."

 

"Sure, uh, Conner, go and get Ben, huh?"  Ray says.  "Tell him he has a visitor."

 

"Sure, Ray,"  Conner says, then walks away.

 

"Real nice place ya got here, Mr. Krebbs,"  Murray says.

 

"Thank ya."  says Ray.  "Can I get ya anything?  Cold beer?"

 

"No, thanks, I'm fine."

 

A second later, Conner returns, followed by Ben, who stops suddenly when he sees his father.  Ben's mouth drops open in shock upon seeing him.  Andrew Murray looks at his son for a moment, and smiles, then walks over to the boy.   "Dad?"  Ben says.  "Dad, what are you doin' here?"

 Afton and Cliff ring the doorbell at Pamela's apartment late that afternoon.  Afton waits for several seconds, then rings the bell a second time.  "Maybe she's not home,"  Cliff says.

 

"Her car is downstairs.  She has to be here."

 

"Maybe she took the boys for a walk."

 

Finally, Afton knocks on the door.  "PAMELA?  SWEETHEART, IT'S YOUR PARENTS.  ARE YOU IN THERE?"

 

Cliff and Afton wait for several seconds.  "Okay, she must not be here,"  Cliff says.  

 

Afton sighs.  "I can't imagine where she could be.  She hasn't answered my calls or texts either.  Cliff, I'm worried.  She was supposed to go see Justin today."  As she and Cliff are about to walk away, Pamela at last opens the door, looking as if she has been crying for hours.  "Pamela,"  Afton says.  "Sweetheart, we were worried.  Are you alright?"

 

"No, I'm not.  Come in,"  Pamela says.  

 

Cliff and Afton walk into the apartment.  "Pamela, what's wrong with you?"  Cliff asks.

 

"You went to see Justin this morning?"  Afton asks.

 

"Yes,"  Pamela replies, nodding her head.

 

"And it didn't go well?"

 

"No.  He told me he doesn't want me to come back.......ever.  He said he never wants to see me again.  He wants me to move on with my life."

 

"Yeah, well, that is the very best thing you can do,"  Cliff says.  "I knew it was a mistake, you going up there to see him at that prison.  Now, what Justin told you is exactly what you have to do......forget him, put him out of your mind and move on.  You're a beautiful young woman, and soon, you'll find someone else."

 

"It's not that simple, Daddy,"  Pamela says.  "I love him."

 

"Pamela, your father has about as much tact as a skunk at a picnic, but in this case, unfortunately, he's right,"  says Afton.  "Sweety, Justin was given a life sentence, with no possibility of parole.  Him telling you to move on with your life............well that just proves how much he really does love you.  He doesn't want you to waste your life waiting for something that can never happen now."

 

"But how do I move on?"  Pamela asks, walking to the window.  "I love him so much, and Mom, if you could've seen him.  That place is destroying him.  It's killing him."

 

"Sweetheart, I'm sorry about that, I REALLY am," says Cliff.  "But honey, he's there, and he's gonna stay there, and there's nothing anybody can do about that."

 

"Jay Smithfield is appealing Justin's conviction.  He's trying to get a new trial."

 

"Yeah, but what are the odds of that?"  Cliff asks.  "A million to one?  Honey, in most cases these appeals never work out. You're just gonna have to face the fact that Justin Ewing is GONE, and he's not coming back."

 

"I don't know if I can do that,"  Pamela says.  "I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest.  But even more than my own pain, I'm worried about Justin.  I'm terrified of what's gonna happen to him in that place, physically, and emotionally.  He's already changed.  He's not the same person he was when he went to prison just two months ago."

 

"Well, I know from very painful experience that, prison does change a person,"  Cliff says.  "And you have to change to survive.  You have become harder.  Cold, even.  Especially if you're in there for the long haul."

 

"Justin doesn't belong in prison,"  Pamela says.  "And if it's the last thing I, somehow, I'm going to prove that."

 

"Now what do you mean by that?"  Cliff asks.

 

"I'm gonna find the person who really killed Tripp.  I'm gonna hire the best private detective I can find, or a team of private detectives."

 

"Pamela, that's ridiculous,"  Cliff says.  "Justin Ewing killed Tripp, and he was tried and convicted of it."

 

"But Justin didn't do it!"  Says an angry Pamela.

 

"How do you know that?  All the evidence points to Justin being the killer!"

 

"Cliff, stop it!"  Afton says.  She walks over to Pamela and puts her arm around her.  "Sweetheart, I think I can understand how you're feeling."

 

"Justin didn't do this, Mom.  I know he didn't.  And somehow, I'm going to prove it.  I don't care if it takes me years, I won't let Justin spend the rest of his life in prison for something I KNOW he didn't do."

 

Cliff shakes his head as he looks at his daughter, frustrated that Pamela continues to insist that Justin is innocent.

Southfork....evening....

 Bobby, Christopher, and Lucas are pouring themselves drinks at the bar in the den at Southfork that night before dinner, while Courtney and Heather sit on one sofa, Jacob and Michael on the other.  Christopher pours a drink and hands it to Courtney.  "Thank you," she says.

 

"Well, Lucas and I got most of the Christmas lights put up on the house today,"  Christopher says.  "Tomorrow we'll do the rest of the outside decorating."

 

"And Courtney, Krystina, and I will do the Christmas tree,"  Heather says.

 

"Can Michael and I help?"  Jacob asks.

 

"Of course you can," replies Courtney.

 

Heather notices how quiet her son is.  "Michael, are you alright, sweety?  You do wanna help us with the tree tomorrow, don't you?"

 

"Yeah, sure,"  the boy says without much enthusiasm.  

 

"Listen, I really wanna thank you all for pitching in and helping like this with getting Southfork lookin' like Christmas,"  says Bobby.  "I normally do a lot of it myself, but this year, I just haven't been in the holiday mood."

 

"Well, that's why it's up to US to pitch in and do it for you,"  Lucas says.  

 

"And after the holidays, I really think we should think about doin' the Ewing Barbecue,"  Christopher says.  "It'll be a little late, but, better late than never."

 

"We'll see,"  says Bobby. 

 

"Evenin' fam'ly,"  John Ross says, walking into the room with Krystina, Alex, and Bridget.

 

"Hello, John Ross,"  Bobby says.  "Bridget, it's good to have you."

 

The girl smiles.  "Thank you, Mr. Ewing, it's good to be here."

 

"Christopher and Lucas, the lights on the house look great,"  says Krystina.

 

"Well, thank you,"  Christopher says with a smile.  "John Ross, we could've used your help."

 

"Now, Christopher, you know how clumsy I am on a ladder.  Last thing I want is to spend Christmas with a broken arm or leg."

 

"Hey, Alex,"  Jacob says.  "We're gonna put up the tree tomorrow.  You wanna help?"

 

"Sure, why not."

 

"Can I help, too?"  Bridget asks.  "I love decorating for the holidays."

 

"Of course you can."  Krystina replies.  "The more help we have, the better."

 

"Where is Lucy tonight, anybody know?"  Bobby asks.

 

Heather smiles.  "I think she went out with Mitch again."

 

"Wow, the two of them have been spending a lot of time together lately."

 

"Yeah, I wonder if we might be hearin' wedding bells around here for those two for the third time,"  says Bobby.

 

"You know what they say, third time's a charm," Courtney says.

 

"Third time?"  Bridget asks.

 

"Yes,"  John Ross says.  "You see my cousin Lucy and Mitch Cooper have already been married to each other twice before.  If Mitch couldn't put up with her then, I sure as hell don't see him bein' able to now."

 

"I could never see myself marrying the same person two or three times,"  Alex says.

 

Maria comes to the door.  "Mr. Ewing, dinner is ready."

 

"Oh, thank you, Maria,"  says Maria.  "Well, everyone, shall we?"

 

"And, Miss Courtney, your brother is here, to see you,"  Maria says.

 

"Gavin?"  Courtney asks as Gavin appears in the doorway.  The rest of the family walks past him heading to the dining room.  

 

"Hi, Gavin,"  Bobby says.

 

"Evening, Mr. Ewing."

 

"Gavin, would you like to stay for dinner?"  Christopher asks.  

 

"No, thank you, Christopher.  I just need to talk to my sister."

 

"Christopher, you go on ahead on,"  says Courtney.  "I'll be there in a minute."

 

"Okay,"  he says.  He kisses her on the cheek, smiles at Gavin, then goes into the dining room to join the rest of the family.  

 

"Gavin, what do you want?"  Courtney asks.  

 

"Can we talk in the livin' room?  In private?"

 

"Sure."  Courtney follows Gavin from the foyer into the living room.  "Okay, so what's going on?  Is Mom okay?"

 

 

"Mom's fine,"  Gavin says.  "This isn't about her.  Courtney, I just wanted to prepare you."

 

"Prepare me?  Gavin, prepare me for what?  What are you talking about?"

 

"Dad's in town,"  Gavin says.  "He called me this afternoon and asked me to meet him.  I just had dinner in Braddock with him and Ben."

 

"He's in town?"  Courtney asks, a look of shock on her face.  "Why?  What is he doing here?"

 

"Well, he came to see me and Ben.........and hopefully........you.  Courtney, he's stopped drinking.  And he says he really wants to make amends for everything."

 

"Does Mom know he's here?"  Courtney asks.

 

"No, I didn't tell her yet.  Courtney, he really wants to see you, and to see Jacob."

 

"Well that's NOT gonna happen.  You can go back and tell him that I don't wanna see him, not now, and not EVER.  And he sure as HELL will never see Jacob."

 

"Courtney, why are you getting so upset?"  Gavin asks.

 

Meanwhile, in the dining room, as the Ewings are beginning their dinner, they are interrupted by the sound of Courtney and Gavin's loud voices coming from the living room.  Bobby and Christopher exchange concerned looks.  

 

"Why are Courtney and Gavin fighting?"  Jacob asks.

 

"I dunno,"  replies Christopher, standing from his seat.  "Excuse me, I'll be back," he says, leaving the room.  A couple of seconds later, he walks into the living room to find Courtney and Gavin in a heated argument.  "Hey, what's goin' on in here?"  He asks.

 

Courtney and Gavin stop their arguing, and remain silent, neither of them replying to Christopher's question. 

 

"Courtney, what's goin' on?"  He asks again. 

 

"Gavin came over here to tell me the news that my father is in town,"  Courtney finally replies. 

 

"And when I told her, she went nuts and practically bit my head off,"  says Gavin. 

 

"I don't wanna see him, and I won't.  So you can just go back and tell him that."

 

"Courtney, he wants to make amends with all three of his kids,"  says Gavin.  "He really sounds sincere, and he's eveb stopped drinking."

 

"Or so he says.  But he's lied before." 

 

"Courtney, I don't know what happened between you and your Dad, but the fact is, he's still your father, and if he's come all this way to see you........."

 

"Y'know what, Christopher?"  Courtney asks.  "You're right.  You DON'T know what happened, so don't you try to tell me that I should see that man.  I don't expect either of you to understand."

 

"Then help us to understand,"  says Christopher.  "Tell us what happened between you and your father.  Whatever it was, it had to be something really serious."

 

"Just leave it ALONE, Christopher,"  Courtney says.  "I don't wanna see him, and I won't.  And Gavin you can go back and tell him that."  After giving Gavin an angry look, Courtney leaves the room, goes down the hall to her and Christopher's bedroom, and goes in.  

 

"Gavin,"  Christopher says.  "I don't know what this is about, but I'm damned sure gonna find out why the mention of your father makes Courtney so angry.  This is about more than him cheating on Phyllis with Ben's mother."

Arnie's Bar, Braddock....

 

Meanwhile, Conner and C.J. are at Arnie's Bar in downtown Braddock, enjoying a few Saturday night beers.  "Y'know," Conner says.  "We have been here for about half an hour and you've barely even said ten words, and I think nine of those was to the bartender when you ordered your beer."

 

"I'm sorry, man.  I guess I'm really just not good company tonight,"  C.J. says.

 

"Okay, so, tell me what's bothering you."

"It's that obvious something's bothering me, huh?"  C.J. asks.

 

"To someone who knows you as well as I do, yeah.  What's goin' on, man?  You look like you lost your best friend."

 

C.J. sighs.  "It's Eric."

 

"Eric?  What's going on with him?"

 

"I had a meeting yesterday with Brandon Harwood."

 

"Brandon Harwood?"  Conner asks.

 

"Yeah, he's president of Harwood Oil.  I'm trying to make a deal with him to go into a partnership on some fields.  Well, my Dad wanted me to ask Eric to sit in on the lunch meeting with me, and I did."

 

"So what happened?"

 

"What happened is Eric basically took over the meeting,"  replies C.J.  "Every time I tried to say something, Eric would break in and finish my sentence for me."

 

"Wow.  Why would he do that?"

 

"I don't even think he realized he was doing it.  I confronted him about it later, and he apologized.  Said he was only trying to help."

 

"Maybe he was,"  says Conner.

 

"Maybe, but I didn't need his help.  I don't know why my Dad wanted me to ask him to sit in on the meeting in the first place.  Eric isn't even part of Catlin Oil.  He runs Love International."

 

"C.J., did your Dad INSIST that you invite Eric in on the meeting?  Or did he just suggest it?"

 

"He.........just suggested it."

 

"So, why did you?  I mean, if it was your choice?"

 

"I did it because my father asked me to,"  C.J.  "But, I sure as hell could've done without Eric there."

 

"C.J., what happened?  Not that long ago, you and Eric were REALLY close."

 

"I know.  And, we still are.  But lately, it seems that Dad wants to include Eric in everything.  Eric's all he thinks about."

 

"So, you're jealous?"  Conner asks.

 

"What?  No, I'm not jealous."

 

"Dude, if you are, it's only natural.  You went from being an only child, to having a half brother on your Mom's side, to having a FULL brother who is both your Mom's and your Dad's other son.  All your life it's been you and your Dad, right?  You and Catlin have always been extremely close?"

 

"Yeah, we have.  Have you ever watched that old TV show, The Rifleman?"  C.J. asks.

 

"Yeah I've seen it."

 

"You know the father and son in that show, Lucas McCain and his son, Mark?  That's the kind of relationship me and my Dad always had. Just that close, even after I became an adult and my Mom walked out on us.  We were all each other had."

 

"And now here comes another son, a brother you didn't even know you had just a little while ago, and suddenly......"

 

"Suddenly, there's a third person.......a third wheel.  Conner, I can see where my Dad is coming from.  He just found out a few months ago that he has another son.  He's trying to get to know Eric, and be a father to him.  And......... Conner, I hate like hell to admit this but...........that really bothers me.  Don't get me wrong, Eric is my brother and I do love him.  But to be honest with you, I liked things better when we all that Peter Love was Eric's father.  He was my brother then through my Mom, but, he wasn't my Dad's son.  Eric wasn't a Ewing and he and Dad had no ties.  Now, I feel like Eric is taking my father away from me.  Isn't that crazy?  I'm a grown man and I'm jealous of my new brother's relationship with my father..  I mean, that's something you'd expect from a 12-year-old, not a 32-year-old. And what does that say about me?"

 

 "C.J., I get what you're saying.  I do,"  says Conner.  "My situation is a little different from yours, but, I've thought about this a lot, especially since you found Eric was really a Ewing and not a Love.  If my Dad had been alive when everyone found out that Dylan was his son.........I probably would've had to deal with the same thing you're dealing with now, and I'm sure that I would've felt the same as you are."

 "And how would you have dealt with it?"  C.J. asks.

 

"Well, since I was never faced with that situation, I honestly don't know.  I wish I knew what to tell you, bro."

 

C.J. sighs.  "I wish you did, too.  I hate the way I'm feeling.  And I really don't want this to affect my relationship with my Dad, or with Eric."  C.J. takes a sip of his beer.

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

 

Courtney is standing at the window of her and Christopher's bedroom the next morning looking out when Christopher comes out of the bathroom after a shower.  He watches his wife for a moment, her back to him.  After a while, he walks over to her.  "Courtney?"

 

She turns to face him, tears in her eyes.  "I didn't hear you come out."

 

"What were you thinking about?"

 

"A lot of things,"  she replies, returning her gaze out the window.

 

 

"Thinking about your father?"  Christopher asks. "Courtney, I wish that you would.........I wish that you would confide in me.  That you would trust me enough to tell me what's going on.  Honey, I'm worried about you.  How you reacted when Gavin told you that your father was in town, I can't help but feel that it's about more than your father cheating on your mother and abandoning your family.  I wish that you would tell me what really happened between you and your father."

 

"Christopher, I don't wanna talk about this anymore.  I don't wanna talk about my father."

 

Christopher walks over to her.  "Courtney, don't you understand?  You can't keep all this bottled up inside of you.  I can't stand what this is doing to you."

 

"I just want to forget,"  Courtney says, tears streaming down her face.  

 

Christopher puts his hands on her shoulders and looks her in the eye.  "Courtney, you will never be able to forget and move on until you deal with whatever it is that happened, don't you realize that?  Maybe if you saw your father.  If you confronted him......"

 

 

"No!"  Courtney says adamantly.   "I never want to see him again.  I don't wanna hear his name, and I don't wanna think about him."  She starts to walk past Christopher and into the bathroom.

 

He grabs her by the arm.  "Courtney, no,"  he says.  "For God's sake, what happened between you and your father?  What did he do to you to make you hate him so much?"

 

Courtney looks at him, trying hard to hold back her tears.  

 

A cafe in Dallas....

 Meanwhile, John Ross is sitting at a table in a small cafe in downtown Dallas that morning as a waitress pours him a cup of coffee.  "Thank ya, darlin',"  he says.  

 

"You're welcome,"  the pretty young waitress replies.  "If you need anything else, just let me know."

 

"Oh, don't worry, I will."

 

The waitress smiles, then walks away just as Brandon Harwood walks in.  Spotting John Ross, he walks over and takes a seat across from him.  

 

"Morning, John Ross,"  Brandon says.  "Sorry I'm late."

 

"No problem.  Sorry to get you up and out so early on a cold Sunday mornin', but, I needed to talk to you about somethin' that would best be discussed outside the every day hustle and bustle of the office."

 

"Well, now you got me real curious.  What is it you wanted to discuss?"

 

"Business,"  John Ross says.

 

"Business?  John Ross, if this is business, then why couldn't it have waited until tomorrow?  Why did business need to be discussed outside the office, and especially at 9 o'clock on a Sunday morning?"

 

"That meetin' you were havin' with my stepbrother, C.J. Ewing, the other day, that was about Catlin Oil partnering with Harwood Oil on some fields down around Lubbock, am I right?"

 

"John Ross, how'd you know about that?"  Brandon asks.  "C.J. tell you?"

 

John Ross smiles.  "Nope, C.J. never tells me anything.  In fact, he and I never even speak unless we have to."

 

"Then how'd you know about this Lubbock deal?"

 

"Well for one thing, like my Daddy before me, not much happens in Dallas that I don't manage to find out about.  So, when I heard that Harwood was lookin' to partner up with another comp'ny on this Lubbock deal, and I saw you havin' lunch the other day with C.J. Ewing and Eric Love, I put two and two together.  So, you and C.J. sign a contract yet?"

 

"No, we haven't,"  replies Brandon.  "I told C.J. I needed the weekend to go over his proposal and to think about it, and I'd get back to him first thing tomorrow."

 

"Good, I'm real glad to hear that,"  John Ross says.  "Because I think I can offer you a much better deal than Catlin Oil ever could.  After all, Ewing Oil is ten times the size of that little rinky dink comp'ny."

 

"John Ross.........."

 

"Brandon, just hear me out.  And after you hear my proposal, I think you'll see that you won't be able to say no."

 

Brandon looks at John Ross, curious about what kind of proposal he was going to make to him.

 

 

Southfork....later....

 Lucas climb downs off a ladder at Southfork later that morning, and Alex removes the ladder, laying it on the ground on the front lawn.  Lucas and Alex stand back and look at the mansion, having just hung the large wreath atop the front of the house, and garland across the balcony.  "Well, how's it look?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Looks good to me,"  replies Alex.  "Hey, I thought Christopher was supposed to help with this today."

 

"He was, but somethin' must have come up.  Christopher went tearin' out of here a little while ago like he was headed to a fire or somethin'."

 

"I wonder if he and Courtney had another fight."

 

"I sure hope not,"  says Lucas.  "Especially after they just got back together.  Anyway, let's try and get the rest of these lights up on the house, and then we can help the women with the tree,"  Lucas says.  "MICHAEL?  JACOB?"  He calls.  "BRING THOSE LIGHTS OUT."

 

The two boys come out of the front door of the mansion, each of them carrying an end of a long strand of Christmas lights.  "We got them mostly untangled,"  Michael says.

 

"Mostly?"  Lucas asks.  "Well, we need them ALL untangled."

 

"Uncle Lucas, where did Christopher go in such a hurry?"  Jacob asks.

 

"You mean you don't know?"  Lucas asks.  

 

"No."

 

"Sorry, Jacob, I don't know, either.  Your mother didn't say?"

 

"Haven't seen her.  She's been in their room all morning.  I just saw Christopher  leave in a hurry when me and Michael went and got these lights out of the hall closet."

 

"Michael and I,"  Lucas says, correcting the boy's grammar.  "Now, where's the staple gun?"

 

"I haven't seen it,"  replies Alex.

 

"Michael, I think I left it on the balcony upstairs.  Go and bring it down to me, huh?"  

 

"Sure,"  the boy says, going back into the house.  Michael goes up the stairs and makes the short distance down the 

 Meanwhile, at a Motel 6 near Dallas, Courtney's father Andrew Murray is spending the day in his room with his son Ben, as the two are having a late breakfast while watching TV.  "Is it good?"  Andrew asks his son of the McDonald's chicken bisuit Ben is devouring.

 

"Hmmm, oh yeah,"  the boy replies.

 

Andrew smiles.  "I see livin' and workin' on that ranch hasn't curbed your appetite at all," he says.  

 

Ben makes an attempt to laugh with his mouth full.  The boy finally swallows his food.  "Dad, are you gonna stick around for Christmas?"

 

"Maybe.  Who knows?  Of course, I'd like for you and your brother to come home with me for Christmas,"  Andrew says as someone pounds on the motel room door.  

 

"Who's that?"  Ben asks.

 

"I dunno.  Only one way to find out,"  Andrew replies.  He walks over to the door and opens it.  The man is immediately blindsided by a punch to the face from Christopher.  The punch sends Andrew flying across the room and crashing into a table as Ben springs to his feet in surprise.

 

"Get up!"  Christopher orders.  "GET UP, YOU SON OF A BITCH!!"

 

"Hey, what the hell is this?"  Asks a stunned Andrew, still laying on the floor.

 

"I'm about to make you pay for what you did to Courtney!"  Says an angry Christopher as both Andrew and Ben look at him in fear!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

END OF EPISODE 188....