EPISODE 191 - Trouble At The Ball

 Krystina's car drives up to Southfork and comes to a stop.  She sits in the car for a few moments, in the dark, tears streaming down her face as she tries to grasp what she had witnessed earlier.......John Ross in bed with Michelle Stevens.  Krystina has a look of confusion on her face.  "None of this makes any sense,"  she says softly to herself.  "Especially given the way John Ross feels about Michelle Stevens.  And yet, I saw it with my own eyes.  John Ross in 

 bed with her.  I've always known about John Ross's history, that he's cheated before, but, why now?  And with Michelle, of ALL people?  DAMN you, John Ross.  Why?  Why now, when things were going so well."  Krystina wipes her tears.  "Okay, okay.  Something is very wrong here.  Something doesn't add up.  Damn it, why didn't I stay and confront him?   She must have done something to him.  Or, she has something on him, something she used to force him into bed with her.  That's the only explanation.  The only thing that makes any sense."  

The Omni Hotel....

 As John Ross remains asleep in bed at the Omni Hotel, Michelle and a man stand over him, both looking down at him.  "And you're sure he won't remember what really happened tonight?"  Michelle asks the man.

 

"Michelle, he will only remember what I tell him to remember,"  the man says.  He then looks at his watch.  "Now, the initial effects of the drug should be wearing off right about now, so, I'll give it a couple more minutes, and then he'll be in a perfect state for me to implant the memories in his mind that YOU want him to have of this night."

 

"And how exactly does that work,"  Michelle asks.

 

"When Mr. Ewing here is out of the deepest sleep induced by the drug, and enters into a perfect state of REM sleep, his mind will become very susceptible for suggestion.  So, I simply tell him, several times, what I want him to remember when he wakes up.  For example, you want him to remember meeting you here in this suite of his own free will, and making passionate love to you.  And THAT, my dear Michelle, is the memory John Ross will have when he wakes up, in about an hour or so from now.  The technique I use is basically a form of hypnosis, only in this case it's done to a person who is asleep instead of someone who's awake."

 

Michelle smiles.  "Wow, Stefan, that is absolutely amazing that you can do that."

 

"A technique I learned from my late grandfather, who was one of the world's greatest hypnotists."

 

"And you're absolutely sure that drug leaves no trace in the bloodstream?"  Michelle asks.

 

"None whatsoever,"  replies Stefan.  "This drug cannot be detected in the blood unless very, VERY detailed analysis is done on the blood.  In other words, you would have to be looking for this specific drug in the bloodstream in order to find it."

 

"Stefan, I want to thank you so much for coming all the way to Dallas just to help me with this,"  says Michelle.  "And for putting this plan together so quickly, in a matter of hours."

 

Stefan smiles.  "My pleasure, Michelle.  After all, you have helped me out considerably in the past.  And as for coming up with the plan so quickly.........it is one I have used before, numerous times, so I knew it would work.  Now, then, John Ross should be entering into a perfect state of REM sleep about now, so, I must begin the process of......... 

 

shall we say, suggestion?"  Stefan takes a seat on the bed beside a sleeping John Ross.  As Michelle watches, her  friend begins to speak very softly into John Ross's ear, telling him Michelle's version of events of that night through suggestion....

a woman earlier.  A blonde woman.  He reaches over to the wall switch and turns on the light in the room.  He thinks back.  After a moment, the face of the woman he kissed comes into focus in his mind.  "What the........oh. HELL no,"  he says to himself as he realizes the woman he kissed, and made love to, was Michelle Stevens!  Looking around, he sees an empty bottle of champagne sitting on a table, along with two empty glasses.  "My God, what the hell did I do?  What did I do?  This can't.........this can't be real.   This all had to be a dream.  That's it, a damned dream.  There's no way in hell I would sleep with Michelle.  No way."

 

 

 

John Ross gets off the bed.  Realizing he is completely naked, he begins looking  around for his clothes.  Finding his boxer-briefs on the floor, he 

 grabs them and slips them on.  Walking over to the table, he looks at the empty champagne bottle and glasses.  Then he notices something else.......on the table near the two glasses is a bracelet.  He picks the bracelet up and looks at it.  On the underside is the letters 'M.S'.  "M.S.?"  John Ross says to himself.  "Michelle Stevens.  Dear Lord.  I must have been drunk as hell to go to bed with THAT woman."  He looks around the room, and finds his clothes scattered all over the floor.  He begins gathering the clothes, then starts to get dressed.

Southfork....later....

                                                                                                                               

 John Ross drives his car up to Southfork a little more than half an hour later.  After a moment's hesitation, he gets out of his car and heads to the house.  A couple of minutes later, he walks into his and Krystina's bedroom.  He is startled when the light suddenly comes on, and he sees Krystina sitting on the bed.  "Krystina,"  he says.

 

"Well, you finally decided to come home,"  she says in an angry tone.

 

"Darlin', I..........I can explain."

 

Krystina stands and walks over to him.  "I can't wait to hear this.  In fact, I've been waiting here literally for HOURS to hear you explain what you were doing at the Omni Hotel in bed with a woman you supposedly despise."

 

 

John Ross looks at her, stunned.  

 

 

"You're not even gonna bother to deny it?"  Krystina asks.  "That you slept with Michelle Stevens tonight?  I saw you, John Ross, in bed with that bitch."

 

"Krystina, I don't know what the hell is goin' on here, but there is no way I would EVER to go bed with Michelle Stevens,"  John Ross says.

 

"Then you ARE denying it?  You're denying what I saw with my own eyes?  What I HEARD?  Alright, then.  Where were you tonight?"

 

"I.........I woke up at the Omni.  I don't know what happened, I must've gotten really drunk earlier in the evenin' or somethin', because I didn't........I didn't even know where I was when I woke up."

 

"So, you got drunk and slept with Michelle?  And that's supposed to make it alright?"

 

"Krystina, I swear to you, I DON'T KNOW what happened!  But let me ask you somethin'.  What were YOU doin' there?  You said you saw me in bed with Michelle?  Then what were you doin' there?"

 

"I was there because I got a note and some flowers from you asking me to meet you at The Omni in suite 807 for a romantic evening.  Only when I got there, the guy at the front desk gave me the wrong key, to suite 809, which, apparently since you were already in that suite with Michelle, it must have confused him."

 

"Wait......you sayin' that guy gave you the WRONG key, but it just happened to be the key you saw me in with Michelle?"

 

"That's right."

 

 

"Krystina, damn it, don't you see what's goin' on here?"  John Ross.  "That hotel clerk gave you the wrong key?  Don't you think that's awfully convenient that he just HAPPENED to give you the key to the room I was in with Michelle?"

 

"Then you admit you were with her?"  

 

"Well, since you saw me there, then I guess I was there with her, yes!  But........Krystina, I woke up just a little while ago feelin' like I had been on a drunk.  There was an empty champagne bottle on the table, and two glasses.  I remember goin' to the hotel, and, I remember........."  John Ross pauses as he thinks back.

 

"You remember what, John Ross?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Everything's kinda fuzzy in my mind.  I remember Michelle bein' there, and...........Krystina, she must have drugged me or somethin'.  Darlin', let me ask you this.  You said you saw me in bed with her."

 

"Not.....not exactly,"  says Krystina.

 

"Well what does that mean?"

 

"I walked into the bedroom, and I heard something from the next bedroom, the adjoining one.  I walked a little closer, and I saw two people on the bed.  I could see Michelle."

 

"But not me?"

 

"No.  But I did see your clothes.  Your clothes were on the floor, and so was your belt.  Then, I heard Michelle say something, and she called your name.  You were asleep and she told you to wake up."

 

John Ross nods.  "I was asleep?  Uh-huh.  Now this whole damned thing makes sense.  Krystina, Michelle had to have drugged me.  If I was supposed to meet you at that hotel, why in God's name would I sleep with HER just two suites down?  Darlin', this was a set up, and a damned poor one at that."

 

"But why?"  Krystina asks in tears.  "Why would Michelle......."

 

"Because of what I did to her son,"  John Ross says.  "Krystina, there's somethin' I didn't tell you.  The other night when I left here and went out for a while, I told you I had a business meetin'.  The meetin' was with Michelle."

 

"What?"

 

"I was curious what she wanted.  And what she wanted was to threaten me.  To warn me that she was gonna take me down, and then right after, THIS happens?"

 

"So, Michelle set us both up as revenge for what you did to Clay?  For switching the DNA test?"  Krystina asks.

 

"That's right.  But what I can't figure out is..........is Michelle REALLY stupid enough to think this would work?  Or did she deliberately mean for us to realize she had set us up?  I mean, this whole thing........druggin' me, sending you that note to meet ME at the hotel, and then arrangin' for that desk clerk to give you the wrong key? She HAD to know we would figure this out sooner or later. So why would she go to the trouble of pullin' such a shabby set up job as this? Hell, NOBODY'S that damned dumb.  Except maybe Cliff Barnes, and after what Michelle did to him I know he didn't help her with this."

 

"Maybe this was a warning,"  says Krystina.

 

"A warning?"

 

"Yes.  Maybe Michelle WANTED us to figure out we'd been set up.  A child would have figured this out.  Maybe she meant this to be a warning of things to come."

 

"That's gotta be it,"  John Ross says.  "And I can guarantee to you that Michelle Stevens is gonna be one sorry little bitch for pullin' this on us.  I'll wring her scrawny neck."

 

"Not if I get to her first."

 

"Then......you DO believe me?  You believe I didn't go to bed with her?"

 

"At first, John Ross, I.........I didn't know what to believe.  I was so angry.  And so hurt.  But yes, I believe you.  I know how you feel about Michelle, and, you're right, this whole thing smells of a shabby set up.  Some kind of warning that Michelle is gonna strike again, and next time, for real.  Unless you were purposely trying to destroy our marriage, there's no way you would go to that hotel with her at the same time you were to meet me there.  So no, I don't believe you slept with her."

 

John Ross takes her by the hand.  "Thank ya, sweetheart.  Krystina, I love you," he says, embracing her.  He breathes a sigh of relief that Krystina believes him, but a look of anger comes over his face as he thinks about what Michelle tried to do to he and Krystina.

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

 John Ross comes down the stairs the next morning just as Christopher, Courtney, and Lucy come into the foyer.  "Morning, John Ross,"  Christopher says.

 

"Boy, you look like you tied one on last night,"  Lucy says with a smirk.

 

"Have any of y'all seen Christopher this mornin'?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I did,"  Lucy replies.  

 

"Where?"

 

"She was leaving when I came back from my morning walk.  She got in her car and drove off."

 

"Drove off where?  Did you see which way she went?"  

 

"Of course not,"  Lucy replies.  "You know you can't see the front gate from the back of the house and I didn't walk around to the front to see which direction she turned when she left.  Geez!"

 

"John Ross, what's going on?"  Courtney asks.  "Is everything alright?"

 

"I don't know.  Christopher, can I have a word with you in the den?"

 

"Yeah, sure," Christopher replies, wondering what was going on with John Ross and Krystina.  "Courtney, you and Lucy go on in to breakfast."

 

As the two women go into the dining room, Bobby and Ann come down the stairs.  "Well good morning, you two,"  Bobby says to his son and nephew.

 

"John Ross, I thought that you and Krystina were spendin' the night in town last night,"  says Ann.

 

"Yeah, well, change of plans.  Uncle Bobby, I need to see you and Christopher in the den."

 

The smile fades from Bobby's face and is replaced by a worried expression,  "Alright, let's go.  Honey, you go on to breakfast."

 

Ann nods, then joins Lucy, Courtney, Alex, Jacob, Lucas, Heather, and Michael in the dining room.

 

"I wonder what that's all about,"  Lucy says as Ann takes her seat at the table.

 

"Hey, what's going on in there?"  Alex asks, watching John Ross, Bobby, and Christopher go into the den across the foyer from the dining.

 

"I dunno,"  replies Ann.  "John Ross just said he wanted to talk to Bobby and Christopher.  It sounded urgent."

 

Meanwhile, in the den, John Ross begins pacing around anxiously.  

 

"Alright, John Ross, we're here, now what's this all about?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Michelle Stevens."

 

"Michelle?"  Bobby asks.  "What about her?"

 

"Michelle is back in Dallas, and out for revenge,"  John Ross says.  

 

A look of surprise comes over Bobby's face.  "How do you know?  You've seen her?"

 

"Oh, yeah.  I've done a hell of a lot more than see her.  She contacted me a couple nights ago and asked to meet.  So, curious, I went.  And she made these threats that she was gonna bring me down.  Destroy me."

 

"Michelle always did like to blow a lot of steam,"  says Bobby.

 

"Yeah, well, she's already followed through on part of her threat"

 

"What do you mean?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Last night, she set me and Krystina up."

 

"Set you up, how?"  Christopher asks.

 

"By arranging to get me to The Omni Hotel last night, and, somehow, she drugged me with some champagne, then arranged for Krystina to arrive.  Michelle made it look like she and I were in bed together."

 

"You're.........you're KIDDING,"  says Christopher.  

 

"No, I'm not kiddin' at all.  But the thing is, this set up was so damned sloppy, a child could figure it out.  Now, either Michelle has even Cliff Barnes beat in the stupid department, or.........she meant this not as a real attempt to destroy a part of my life, but as a warning."

 

"A warning?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Yes.  A warning of bigger, and worse, things to come.  Which means that we had all best be on our toes."

 

"John Ross, I hate to break this to you,"  says Christopher.  "But, I seriously doubt that Michelle would be gunning for the rest of us.  After all, YOU and Jimmy were the ones who switched Clay's DNA test to make him believe that James wasn't his father.  None of the rest of us had anything to do with that, so, you and Jimmy are the ones who need to watch your backs."

Clay and Ashley are having breakfast in Clay's apartment that morning.  "Breakfast is delicious, thank you,"  Clay says.  

 

"It's the least I can do in exchange for you giving up your bed for me."

 

"It's no problem, really."

 

Ashley takes a sip of her coffee.  "Where is your Mom this morning?"

 

"She's still asleep,"  Clay replies.  "She was out late last night.  She must have had a hot date or something, because I heard her come in around 2 in the morning, and she was humming.  My mother RARELY hums."  He takes a sip of his coffee.  "Are you gonna be okay here today with her while I go in to the office?"

 

"I'll be fine.  I think I'm gonna get out of here for a while, and maybe do some shopping or something. Maybe even go apartment hunting."

 

"Apartment hunting?"

 

"Well, yeah,"  Ashley replies.  "I really appreciate you letting me stay here, but, now with your Mom here, you're having to sleep on the sofa and that's not fair to you.  And besides, I'm sure you and your Mom would like some time together without me here underfoot."

 

"Well, first of all, that couch is EXTREMELY comfortable, so sleeping on it is no problem at all.  And second, you are NOT underfoot.  Ash, I came to Dallas to find my family, and, even though it wasn't exactly the way I imagined it, I did just that.  And despite everything, you're the only one in this whole family who has made me feel welcome, and accepted, and like I belong."

 

"That's because you DO belong,"  Ashley says.  "Clay, I'm so sorry for what Jimmy and John Ross did to you."

 

"Will you stop apologizing for them?  You had nothing to do with what they did."

 

"But I still feel horrible about it."

 

A sleepy Michelle walks into the kitchen and pours herself a cup of coffee.  "Morning, Mom,"  says Clay.

 

"Morning.  Breakfast smells good."

 

"Ashley made it,"  Clay says.

 

"I'm sure you learned to cook from your mother, right?"  Michelle asks, walking over and taking a seat at the table.

 

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I did."

 

"Why am I not surprised?"  Michelle asks with a smirk.  "Debra Lynn always was the domestic type."

 

"Unlike you, huh, Mom?"  Clay asks, smiling.

 

As Ashley is about to say something, the doorbell rings.  "I'll get that,"  she says.  Ashley gets up from her seat, walks over to the door and opens it to find Krystina standing there.  "Krystina, what are you doing here?"

 

"Well, I could ask you the same thing.  I'm here to see Michelle Stevens.  I figured she would be staying here."

 

"Yes, she is.  Come in."

 

Krystina walks into the apartment.

 

"Michelle, you have a visitor,"  Ashley says.

 

"Oh?"  Michelle asks, standing from her seat.  "You're John Ross's wife, aren't you?"

 

"You know damned well who I am,"  says an angry Krystina.  "And I think you know why I'm here."

 

"Mom, what's going on here?"  Clay asks.

 

"Why don't you just say what you have to say and get out of here?"  Michelle says.

 

"Your sick little plot last night......it DIDN'T work,"  Krystina says.  

 

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

 

"Come off it, Michelle.  Either you're the stupidest woman alive or that little set up of yours was meant to be a warning to John Ross."

 

"What is this all about?"  Asks Clay.

 

"Your mother set John Ross and I up last night.  She drugged him, and got him into bed, unconscious, and arranged for me to show up and find them together,"  says Krystina.

 

"She did WHAT?"

 

"Sweety, obviously, you're delusional,"  Michelle says.  "I WAS with John Ross last night, and we had some champagne, but, other than that, no drugs were involved.  He was all too willing and  ready to jump into bed with me, and if you don't believe me, ask him yourself."

 

"I already did.  And I believe my husband."

 

Michelle laughs.  "Then you're a fool.  Didn't John Ross cheat on his last two wives?  So what makes you think you're so special?"

 

Krystina moves closer to Michelle.  "Let me give you a warning, SWEETY.  Stay the hell away from my husband and my family, or......."

 

"Or what?"  Michelle asks.

 

 

Without warning, Krystina suddenly slaps Michelle across the face as hard as she can, much to the shock of both Clay and Ashley.  "Or next time, I'll use my fist to knock every one of your teeth down your throat,"  Krystina says.

 

"You BITCH!"  Michelle screams.  "How DARE you!?  You're gonna be real sorry you did that."

 

"No, you're the one that's gonna be sorry if you EVER pull another stunt like last night again."

 

"Why, you, I'll......"  Michelle starts for Krystina, but Clay grabs his mother.

 

"Now, ladies, I don't want any bloodshed on my carpet,"  Clay says.  "Mom, is what she's saying true?"

 

"And what if it is?  John Ross deserved that and more after what he did to you!"

 

"If you know what's good for you, you'll heed my warning, Michelle,"  says Krystina.  "Stay away from my family, and leave us alone, or I'll stomp you into the ground."  

 

As Michelle fumes with anger, Krystina turns and leaves.  After she's gone, Clay releases his hold on his mother.  "Mom, why would you do that?"

 

"Because of what they did to you.  And now, I have another score to settle.......with little Miss Krystina Ewing!"  Michelle says, an angry look of hate on her face.

Downstairs......

 As Krystina comes out of the front entrance of Museum Tower, where Clay's apartment is located, she sees John Ross walking toward her.  She pauses for a brief second, then walks out to meet her husband.  "How did you know I would be here?"  She asks.

 

 

"Because when I found you gone this mornin', I figured you'd be comin' here to confront Michelle.  So did you?"

 

"Oh yeah, I did.  Of course I drove around for a while, trying to calm down first because I didn't want to kill the woman."

 

"So happened?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Let's just say that Michelle's cheek is gonna be stinging for a while,"  Krystina replies.  

 

"Oooh, wish I could've seen that,"  John Ross says with a smile.  "Krystina, I promise you, Michelle and Clay are both gonna pay for last night."

 

"Oh, I have no doubt of that.  But, John Ross, I'm sure that Clay had nothing to do with what Michelle did.  He seemed genuinely surprised by it.   Of course, his reaction could have been for Ashley's benefit."

 

"Ashley?"

 

"Yes.  She's upstairs in Clay's apartment with he and Michelle."

 

"What the hell is she doin' there?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I dunno, I honestly didn't have time to ask.  John Ross, let's get out of here."'

 

"Alright.  I already told Uncle Bobby and Christopher I'd be late comin' in to the office today.  You go on back to the ranch.  I'll meet you there in just a little while."

 

"What are you gonna do?"  Krystina asks.

 

"I got some business to take care of.  A man I gotta see."

 

"Alright, I'll see you at home, then,"  Krystina says.

 

"I won't be  long,"  John Ross says.  He kisses his wife, then walks back to his car parked on the street in front of the building and gets in.  As she walks to her own car, Krystina watches John Ross drive away.

Pamela's apartment....

night before, when she and Shawn were making love.  Pamela shakes her head, perhaps in an attempt to shake the image from her mind, but she is unsuccessful.  Somehow, Pamela is unable to get Shawn, or the memory of the two nights they shared together, out of her mind.  "Stop it,"  she says to herself.  "I have to stop this.  Stop thinking about it."  As she tries to return to looking at the web page on her computer screen, her concentration is broken by the sound of her doorbell.  Pamela closes her laptop, gets up from her seat, and goes to the door.  When she opens it, she  is surprised to find Shawn there.

 

"Hi,"  he  says, walking into the apartment.

 

"Shawn, what are you doing here?"

 

"After last night, you even have to ask?  I came to see you, of course,"  he says.

 

"Shawn, this has got to stop,"  Pamela says.  

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"This......coming over here all the time like this. Shawn, this has to stop."

 

"I thought you liked my coming over here all the time.  We've made love twice, and......."

 

"And it was a mistake,"  Pamela says.

 

"A mistake?"  Shawn asks.  "Pamela, turning to someone for sex in a weak moment or in the heat of passion ONCE might be a mistake.  But a second time, that's a conscious choice, and last night, Pamela, you DEFINITELY made a choice to go to bed with me again, and a very willing choice at that."

 

"It was a mistake for me to let this get started in the first place.  Shawn, both of us were in a very vulnerable place, and we both needed someone.  But this has to end.  It can't go any further."

 

"Is that what you really want?"  Shawn asks.

 

"Yes."

 

Shawn nods his head.  "Alright, then.  But, before I go, there is one thing I'd like to discuss, and don't worry, this is business and not pleasure."

 

"Business?  What business?"  Pamela asks, confused.

 

"Those shares of Westar stock, and those voting rights Tripp left Hunter in his will.  Do you plan on holding onto them?"

 

"I've already told you I do."

 

"Pamela, think about this........if you hold onto those shares of Westar and the voting rights, then you're tied to that company for the next 16 years until Hunter reaches the age of 18 and can handle his own affairs.  Is that really what you want?  Because you told me that you'd had your fill of the oil business."

 

"That's true.  But Hunter's father left those shares to him, and I have an obligation to my son to take care of those shares for him, and that's exactly what I'm gonna do."

 

"Or, you could turn those shares, and the voting rights over to me.  After all, I AM Hunter's uncle."

 

"Shawn, you don't know the first thing about business."

 

"No, but I could learn,"  Shawn says.  

 

"Well I'm sorry, but the answer is no,"  says Pamela.

 

"Pamela, those shares are gonna keep you tied to my brother for the next 16 years."

 

"I'm ALREADY tied to Tripp for the rest of my life,"  Pamela says angrily. "In case you have forgotten, I share a son with him.  Now this discussion is over.  I'm keeping those Westar shares for my son, and the voting rights."

 

"Pamela, I really wish you'd change your mind.  If you sell me those shares, you and Hunter will be free."

 

"WHY is this so important to you?  Is it because Tripp only left you fifty thousand dollars in his will?  Or is there some other reason?"

 

"What other reason would there be?"  Shawn asks.

 

"I dunno, Shawn, you tell ME.  Maybe someone put you up to trying to get those shares from me. Is that what this whole thing has been about?  You coming over here all the time?  Bringing a Christmas tree and all those gifts for me and the boys?  Pretending to comfort me?  Getting me into bed?"

 

"No, that's not what any of this was about.  Pamela, I truly care about you and I'm only trying to help you.  I'm trying to make life easier and less complicated for you by taking something off your hands that's only gonna cause you grief in the long run."

 

"Shawn, this conversation is over, and I'd like for you to leave."

 

"Y'know, all day long I've been thinking,"  Shawn says.  "Wondering how everyone, like your parents, would react knowing that you've been carrying on an affair with your dead ex-husband's teenage brother.  I mean, I know that Justin Ewing told you he never wanted to see you again, but, I just have to wonder how the poor guy would feel knowing you've moved on from him so soon while he's rotting in prison."

 

Pamela looks at him angrily.  "Are you SERIOUSLY trying to blackmail me right now?"  She asks.

"You little bastard,"  Pamela says.  "You listen to me VERY carefully.  You are a kid playing a very adult game.  And trust me, you DON'T wanna mess with me because I have dealt with punks much older than you, and way more experienced than you."

 

"You mean like Tommy Sutter?"  Shawn asks.  "Yeah, he ended up dead, didn't he?  And so did the guy who was arrested for his murder?  What was his name? Frank something?  Awfully convenient, wasn't it?"

 

"How the hell did you know about Tommy Sutter?  Did Tripp......."

 

"No,"  Shawn says with a smile.  "Tripp didn't tell me anything.  I needed to know a few things about you, Pamela, so I did a little digging.  And you have QUITE the tawdry past.  Word getting out about our little bedroom adventures... ..........well, that would only add to your already bad reputation.  And when Hunter gets a little older, how do you think this would make him feel?  Knowing that his 30-something year-old mother seduced his innocent teenage uncle."

 

Pamela attempts to slap Shawn's face, but he quickly grabs her hand in mid-air.  "Don't you DARE threaten to bring my children into this!"

 

"They don't have to be brought into ANYTHING, Pamela.  No one needs to know about us.  All I want are those shares of Westar and those voting rights, and then you'll never have to deal with me again.  I would say you'd never have to see me again, but, hey, realistically, living here in Dallas we're bound to run into one another.  So what do you say?  Sell me those shares at a fair price, I keep my mouth shut about our little affair, and bow out of your life for good?  Or, you hang onto those shares, and I spill our dirty secret to the world, and make it much, MUCH dirtier than it actually was.  Given your reputation, people might even believe that you and I had been carrying on this affair for a long time. Maybe even while you were married to my brother, and while I was under age.  It'd be kinda hard to raise two kids from behind bars, wouldn't it?"

 

 Pamela looks at him and begins crying.  "You son of a bitch,"  she says in tears.  "You really ARE Jeremy Wendell's grandson, aren't you?  My God, you're even more despicable than your brother was.  But I'd be careful if I were you, because Tripp ended up dead."

 

"Don't worry about me,"  Shawn says.  "I know how to take care of myself.  Now do we have a deal?"

 

Pamela looks at him through her tears, hating this despicable young man with every fiber of her being.

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

 

 

Sue Ellen and Catlin are sitting at a table at Perry's that evening when Ann walks in.  She is greeted by the hostess, and led to Catlin and Sue Ellen's table.  "Hello,"  she says.

 

"Hello, Ann,"  says Sue Ellen.

 

"Ann, how are you?"  Catlin says, standing and greeting her with a kiss on the cheek.

 

"I'm just fine."

 

"And you all are waiting for more in your party to arrive?"  The hostess asks.

 

"Yes, we're waiting for three more,"  Ann replies.

 

The young woman smiles.  "Just let me know when you guys are ready to order."

 

"We will, and thank you,"  Catlin says as she walks away.  

 

"Ann, where's Bobby?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

Ann sighs.  "He went to see Jenna."

 

"To see Jenna?"

 

"That's right.  Jenna doesn't yet know that Bobby and I are back together, and he wanted to go by her place and tell her in person.  Said he felt he owed her that much."

 

"I have to admit, I kinda feel sorry for Jenna,"  Catlin says.  

 

"You do?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Well, yes.  I mean, she's loved Bobby her whole life, and every time she's had a chance with him, it's gone up in smoke.  But, nevertheless, I couldn't be happier, Ann, that you and Bobby FINALLY found your way back to each other."

 

Ann smiles.  "Thank you, Catlin."

 

"I second that."  says Sue Ellen.  "But, as for Jenna's chances with Bobby going up in smoke, it was usually her own fault."

 

"I'm sorry, but can we change the subject?"  Ann asks.  "Jenna Wade is not exactly somethin' I wanna spend the evening talking about."

 

"Of course,"  replies Sue Ellen.  "We can talk about the Oil Baron's Ball."

 

"Uh, before we get into THAT discussion, I have a question, sweetheart, that I've been meaning to ask you ever since we got here,"  says Catlin.

 

"Oh?  And what question might that be?"

 

"What do you know about Michelle Stevens?"

 

 

"Michelle?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "Why would you ask about her?"

 

"Well, she called me today.  Apparently, she is planning on taking an active role in running Stevens-Beaumont 

Oil, and she wants to meet after the first of the year about a business deal between her company and Catlin Oil.  So, I'd like to know a little about her."

 

"Well, actually, Bobby would be the one to ask about her,"  says Sue Ellen.  "I never knew Michelle.  She arrived in Dallas after I'd already moved to England in 1989.  I did know her sister April very well, though."

 

"April was married to Bobby, right?"

 

"Yes, she was his second wife,"  replies Ann.

 

Meanwhile, Ray and Donna arrive at the restaurant.  The same hostess leads them to the table occupied by Sue Ellen, Ann, and Catlin.  "Evenin',"  Ray says.

 

"Well, hello,"  says Ann.

 

"Ray, Donna, good to see you,"  Catlin says as the two take their seats at the table.

 

"Thank ya,"  Ray says.  "Good to see y'all, too."

 

"Can I get you all something to drink?"  The hostess asks.

 

"Sure,"  replies Catlin.  "I'll have a soda water."

 

"I think I'll have a diet coke," Sue Ellen says.

 

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

 

"For me, too,"  says Ann.

 

"And you, Mr. Krebbs?"  The hostess asks.

 

"I'll have a beer."

 

"I'll bring those right out,"  the young woman says with a smile, then walks away.

 

"Ann, where is Bobby?"  Donna asks.

 

"He stopped by Jenna's.  He wanted to tell her in person about our reconciliation."

 

"Well, I can't imagine she's gonna take that too well,"  Ray says.

Meanwhile....Jenna's apartment....

 "Bobby, would you like a drink?"  Jenna asks, welcoming Bobby into her apartment.  "I was just about to have some wine."

 

"No, thank you, Jenna, I'm actually headed to dinner right now, but I wanted to stop by and talk to you first."

 

Jenna smiles.  "Well, I'm very happy that you did.  Bobby, is anything wrong?  You seem upset.  Has there been any word on Logan?"

 

"No, there hasn't been."

 

 

 

Jenna sits down on the sofa.  Bobby takes a seat across from her, on a chair.  "Alright,"  Jenna says.  "I'm sitting down.  Now tell me what this is about."

 

"There's no easy way to say this, Jenna, so I'll just come right out and say it.  Ann has moved back to Southfork."

 

"What?  Bobby, I don't understand.  Why has she moved back?  Did something happen with her apartment?"

 

"No, Jenna,"  Bobby says.  

 

"Then why is she at Southfork?"  Jenna asks.

 

"Because Ann and I are back together.  We've decided to give our marriage another chance."

 

"You've WHAT?  Bobby, I can't believe this.  After everything that woman has done to you?  After all her  lies, and all the secrets she's kept from you, including the existence of our grandson Logan?  After all of that

 As Jeremy stands with his back to the door of his office in his apartment that night, a blindfolded and handcuffed Shawn is led into the room by Jeremy's henchman, Kenneth.  "We're here, Mr. Wendell,"  Kenneth says as he removes Shawn's blindfold, then the handcuffs.

 

Jeremy turns to face his grandson.  "I trust you have some good news for me,"  he says.  

 

"The best,"  Shawn says.  He reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out some folded papers.  "My nephew Hunter's shares of Westar stock, and voting rights, sold to me by his mother, Pamela."  Shawn walks over and hands the papers to Jeremy, who takes them and looks them over.  

 

"Excellent,"  Jeremy says.  "Well, you just did make your deadline of New Year's Eve."

 

"Okay, so what's next?"

 

"Get in touch with Tom Griffith.  Explain to him that you now are the majority stockholder in Westar, and tell him to call and emergency board meeting for Monday."

 

"Monday?"  Shawn asks.  "That's New Year's Eve."

 

 Bobby, Ann, Lucy, Lucas, Heather, and Alex are seated at the dining room table having breakfast the next morning when Christopher and Courtney walk into the room arm in arm.  "Morning,"  Christopher says.

 

"Good mornin',"  says Ann.  

 

"Where is everyone?"  Courtney asks.

 

"It's Saturday,"  Bobby replies.  "John Ross and Krystina are probably sleeping in, and I have no idea where the boys are."

 

"Michael is in the living room playing that video game Jenna gave him for Christmas,"  says Christopher.  

 

"Has anybody seen Jacob this morning?"  Courtney asks.

 

"I did,"  replies Lucy.  "Said he was gonna ride his bike.  But don't worry, I told him to stay in the yard."

 

"Thanks, Lucy,"  says Courtney.

 

"Well, I hate to eat and run, guys,"  Alex says, getting up from the table.  "But, I have a date to spend this Saturday with my beautiful girlfriend."

 

"Drive carefully,"  Ann says.

 

"I will."

"Hey, you did ask Bridget to the Ball on New Year's Eve, right?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I sure am,"  Alex replies.  "See you all later,"  he says, and walks out.

 

"Bobby, what time is Cally getting here?"  Lucy asks.

 

"Her plane arrives at 11.  Ann and I are meeting her in town, and then we're all gonna drive out to the prison to see Justin."

 

"Mind if I come along?"  Lucy asks.  

 

"Not at all, Lucy, I'm sure Cally could use the moral support."

 

"Heather and I plan to visit him tomorrow,"  says Lucas.  "I feel bad that we haven't been already."

 

"I'm sure Justin understands,"  Bobby says.  "You've had your own problems to deal with."

 

"Courtney, have you heard anything else about your father?"  Heather asks.  "Do you know if he's still in town?"

 

Courtney looks at her.  "No.  I have no idea."

 

"Your father?"  Ann asks.  "I didn't know your father was in town?"

 

"Yes,"  Courtney says.  "He showed up out of the blue right before Christmas."

 

"Well, if Andrew Murray knows what's good for him, he's a long way from Dallas by now,"  Christopher says.

 

Ann puts down her coffee cup.  "Andrew Murray?"  She asks.  "Courtney, your father's name is Andrew Murray?"

 

"That's right."

 

"But, wasn't your maiden name Wapner?"  Ann asks.

 

"I changed my name to my mother's maiden name.  But my real last name was Murray."

 

"Well, that's a name I hadn't heard in a long time,"  Ann says.  

 

"Honey, what is it?"  Bobby asks.  

 

"Nothin'.  It's just that, when I was a girl and my family lived here in Dallas, well, in Irvine, actually, when my father was working here, before we moved back to Gilmer, my brother Mark's best friend was a boy named Andy Murray, who lived just 2 houses down the street from us.  I doubt it could be the same Andy Murray, though."

 

"Probably not,"  Lucas says.  

 

"Yeah, that's gotta be a pretty common name,"  says Lucy.  

 

"What was he like?  Your brother's friend?"  Courtney asks.

 

"Well, he was just a little older than Mark, maybe by a year or so, and Andy was kinda tall, slim, REALLY good lookin'.  And he had long, sandy brown hair.  In fact, I had a huge crush on him.  Hold on just a minute.  I'll be right back."  Ann gets up from the table, and as everyone looks on curiously, she leaves the room.  Ann goes upstairs and into her and Bobby's bedroom.  Walking to her closet, she opens the door, reaches onto the top shelf and pulls out a box.  Opening it, she rummages through some old papers and some photos.  Finding the photo she is looking for, she replaces the box on the shelf, and leaves the bedroom.  A moment later, she returns to the dining room and retakes her seat.  

 

"Honey, is everything alright?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Oh, yes.  I have this photo,"  Ann says.  "Courtney, take a look at this.  This is my brother Mark and his friend, Andy 

Murray.  That was taken around 1978 or '79.  Mark and Andy kept in touch and remained friends long after we moved to Gilmer."

 

Courtney looks at the photo, and her mouth falls open in shock.  "Oh my God," she says.  

 

"Courtney, what is it?"  Christopher asks.

 

"This.......this is my father,"  Courtney replies.

 

"You're kidding."

 

"No, Christopher, it really is.  There, on the right."

 

"Well, that's got to be one of the biggest coincidences in history,"  says Lucy.  "Ann's brother and your father being friends when they were young."

 

"Yeah, tell me about it,"  Courtney says.  

 

"So, Andy was in Dallas?"  Ann asks.  "So, you're not close to your father? Is that why you changed your name?"

 

"It's a long story,"  Courtney says.  "I'll fill you in some time.  But let's just say my father did something unforgivable, and if I never saw him again, it'd be too soon."

 

"Well I still can't get over this coincidence,"  Lucy says.  She takes the photo and looks at it. "Wow, they were both GORGEOUS."

 

"Yes,"  Ann says.  "Like I said, I had a big crush on Andy."

 

"You said that your brother Mark and Courtney's father remained friends after your family moved to Gilmer?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Yes.  We moved in 1976, when I was 16 and Mark was 18.  He and Andy kept in touch and saw each other whenever they could, and in fact, I think they even shared an apartment together in Dallas when Mark came back here a few years later.  I was estranged from my family by that time, so I'm not sure.  Last time I saw Andy was around 1981. All I do know is that my parents didn't seem to like him much, but, that didn't stop Mark from bein' close to him."

 

"Excuse me,"  Courtney says as she quickly gets up from the table and rushes from the room.

 

"What in the world?"  Ann asks.  "I'm sorry, did I say somethin' wrong, talkin' about Courtney's father?"

 

"Her father is a real sore subject with Courtney,"  Christopher says.

 

"Yes, I can see that."

 

Christopher sighs.  "I might as well tell you since everyone here knows.  When Courtney was 14, she was raped."

 

"Raped?"  Ann gasps.  "Oh dear Lord.  Her father....."

 

"No.  It was her stepbrother, Zack, her father's wife's son.  He was 18.  When Courtney told her father about the attack, Andrew refused to believe her, and he and his wife not taking action left the door open for Zack to rape Courtney a second time.  That's what started all of her troubles when she was a teenager.  She hated her father for taking the side of her rapist against her, and she never had anything to do with him after that.  When Andrew came to town to see his sons, Gavin and Ben, that just brought all the pain back to Courtney."

 

"Oh, that poor girl,"  Ann says, shaking her head.  "Well,what about this Zack?  I hope he's servin' years in prison."

 

"No,"  says Christopher.  "When her father and stepmother didn't believe her about the rape, Courtney never told Phyllis or anyone else until just recently.  Zack left home right after that, and no one has seen or heard from him since his mother died a few years ago, not even his and Courtney's half-brother, Ben.  But, I have Bum looking for him, and I intend to find him.  When I do, I intend to make him pay for what he did to my wife."

Harris Correctional Institute....later....

Justin and a group of other prisoners walk into the cafeteria at Harris Correctional Institute at 11:30 that morning 

The young man turns to Tim.  "Ay, man, you know you just hit my arm?"

 

"I didn't mean to,"  Tim says.

 

"I think you owe me an apology."

 

"Like I said, I didn't mean to."

 

The young man places his hand on Tim's chest, preventing him from passing.  "I said, you NEED to tell me you sorry."

 

"Dude, what the hell?"  Tim asks.  "Okay, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bump your arm."

 

"Okay, see, now you done disrespected me, and I don't like that,"  the young man says as several other inmates gather around him.  "So you need to be taught a lesson."

 

"Why don't you just leave him alone?"  Justin asks.

 

The young inmate then turns his attention on Justin.  "You talkin' to me, man?  Cause I don't remember addressin' you.  I was talkin' to this one here."

 

"I just said why don't you leave him alone.  He didn't bump your damned arm on purpose."

 

"Oh, now see you REALLY disrespectin' me, so now you gone get yo ass beat right along with yo friend here."

 

 "Ewin', you just made a big mistake," says another inmate.  "JoJo don't like nobody in his business.  And he sure don't like bein' disrespected."

 

"Nobody is disrespectin' anyone.  It was an accident, now let us pass."

 

"I think these dudes need to be taught a lesson, don't you, Ricco?"  JoJo asks.

 

Ricco looks at Justin and Tim and nods.  Suddenly, Ricco draws back and punches Justin as hard as he can across

the face, knocking him to the ground, while JoJo hits Tim, knocking him to the floor.  Momentarily stunned, Justin quickly gets to his feet and punches Ricco back, then shoves JoJo against the wall.  Four other inmates join the fight, one grabbing Justin and shoving him to the floor.  JoJo tries to kick him, but Justin grabs him by the leg, causing him to fall.  As Justin tackles JoJo, two other inmates begin beating Tim.  Ricco grabs Justin, shoves him against the wall, and all of a sudden, Justin 

feels the terrible pain of a blade piercing the left side of his back.  He yells out in pain.  As Justin falls to the floor, in pain and bleeding, a group of prison guards moves in and begins to break up the fight.  One guard goes to Justin and checks his wound, while another sees to Tim, who lays several feet away from Justin, beaten and injured.  Other guards manage to subdue JoJo, Ricco, and the other prisoners involved in the fight.  Justin gasps for air, each breath cut short by the terrible pain in his back.  One of the guards kneels next to Justin.  "We need two stretchers up here,"  the guard says into a walkie talkie.  

Clay's apartment.... 

 Ashley is curled up on Clay's sofa in the living room of his apartment watching television when Clay comes into the room.  "Ash, I have to go out for a while,"  he says.  "I'm not sure where my Mom went or what time she'll be back."

 

"It's okay.  I have to go out myself in a little while.  I have to find a dress to wear to the Oil Baron's Ball."

 

"I'm really glad you agreed to go,"  Clay says.  "From what I hear, the Oil Baron's Ball is a lot of fun."

 

"Oh, it is and ALWAYS full of drama, of one sort or another."

 

Clay laughs.  "Should be fun, then.  I'll see you this afternoon."

 

"Okay,"  Ashley says.  "Think I'm gonna hop in the shower, and then go out and see if I can find a dress for the Ball.  And, maybe do some other shopping."

 

"Have fun,"  Clay says, then leaves.  

 

After he's gone, Ashley picks up the remote and begins flipping channels on the TV.  Finding noting appealing to watch, she turns the TV off and gets up from her seat on the sofa.  She goes into Clay's bedroom and gets a change of clothing, then goes into the bathroom.  As she is about to get undressed to take a shower, she sees that there are no clean towels in Clay's bathroom.  She goes to the linen closet and opens it.  No clean towels there, either.  She lets out a deep sigh, then goes into the guest bedroom next door to Clay's, the bedroom Michelle is occupying during her stay.  Ashley goes into the bathroom, but again finds no clean towels.  "Damn it,"  she says softly to herself.  Going back into Michelle's bedroom, Ashley goes to the dresser and opens the top drawer, in hopes of finding some clean linen.  No luck.  Opening the second drawer, she finds a towel.  Smiling, she picks the towel up, and finds something underneath, a photo, and a newspaper clipping.  Curious, Ashley picks them up and looks at the photo and newspaper clipping.  A strange look comes over her face.  She quickly replaces the towel, but takes the photo  

and clipping, closing the drawer.  "My God," she says to herself, a look of worry on her face.  After a moment, Ashley thinks back to a day right after Justin was convicted of Tripp's murder, and a conversation she had with Clay........

*************FLASHBACK.....OCTOBER***************

Ashley walks into The Drip Coffee Shop in Dallas, and spots Clay at a table across the room.  She walks over to his table.  Clay stands to greet her.

 

"Thanks for meeting me,"  Ashley says.

 

"You sounded upset.  I heard about Justin Ewing's conviction,"  says Clay.

 

"It's so unfair.  I know Justin is innocent."

 

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

 

"Because I know Justin.   He's not a killer."

"Why would Clay have said that?"  Ashley wonders to herself.  "No.  It can't be.  Clay couldn't have known Tripp McKay."  Going out of the bedroom and back into the living room, Ashley walks over to the coffee table and picks up her cell phone.  She dials a number and waits impatiently for an answer.  When no one answers, she dials another number. On the second ring, someone answers.  "Hey, I need to see you.  Immediately, it's really important.  NO.  I'll come over."  Ashley ends the call and puts her phone down.  "God, please, let me be wrong about this."

 

Harris Correctional Institute....

 Bobby, Cally, John Ross, and Lucy are waiting impatiently in the warden's office at Harris Correctional Institute early in the afternoon.  "Bobby, I'm worried,"  Cally says.  "Why on Earth would they ask us to wait in here instead of in the visiting room for Justin?"

 

"I dunno, Cally."

 

"Somethin's gotta be wrong,"  says John Ross.  

 

"Look everyone, it's not gonna do any good to panic,"  Lucy says.  "Maybe it's like it was on Christmas, Cally, when you said Justin refused to see you and Pamela."

 

"I don't think so this time, Lucy,"  Cally says.  "When Justin called me a couple days ago, I told him I was comin' to see him this weekend.  I think he would've said somethin' if he hadn't wanted me to come."

 

A man walks into the office.  "I'm sorry to keep you folks waiting,"  he says.  "I'm Deputy Warden Jim Porter.  Ms. Harper?"

 

"Yes, I'm Cally Harper.  What's happenin'?  Can we see my son now?"

 

"No, I'm afraid not,"  Porter says.  

 

"Why?"  Bobby asks.

 

"What the hell's goin' on here?"  John Ross asks.  "Why can't we see my brother?"

 

"Mr. Porter, please tell us.  Is somethin' wrong?"  Cally asks.

 

"Ms. Harper, I'm afraid there was an altercation earlier, in the lunch room.  Now Justin is going to be fine, but there was a fight, and your son was........well, he was stabbed."

 

Cally gasps.  "Oh dear God!  He was STABBED?"

 

"Yes, but, fortunately, the shank only caused a minor wound.  Justin was taken to the infirmary and treated."

 

"What exactly happened?"  Bobby asks.

 

"From what I understand, one of the younger inmates was being harassed and threatened.  Justin stepped in, and a fight broke out.  Justin received the minor knife wound, and some bruises."

 

"So my brother gets stabbed protectin' another prisoner?"  John Ross angrily asked.  "Itn't that what your guards are supposed to be doin'?"

 

"Sometimes these things happen,"  Porter says.

 

"Well I hope the bastard who knifed Justin is bein' punished."

 

"He is.  He's being charged with assault and attempted murder."

 

"Mr. Porter, can we see my son?  Please?"  Cally asked in tears.

 

"I'm sorry, Ms. Harper.  Justin is still in the infirmary right now, but later this afternoon he's being moved to solitary confinement."

 

"Solitary confinement?"  Bobby asks.  "But why?"

 

"For fighting."

 

"But you said yourself he was tryin' to protect another man,"  Lucy says.

 

"That's right, but nonetheless, Justin broke the rule against fighting, and he'll have to be punished just like any other inmate,"  Porter says.  "I'm very sorry."

 

"Mr. Porter, can't you make an exception in this case?"  Bobby asks.  "Justin's mother came all the way from Florida to see her son."

 

"Again, I'm sorry.  But I can't break the rules or anyone.  Ms.Harper, I apologize for the inconvenience."

 

"If anything else happens to my brother, you can damned well bet you're GONNA be sorry,"  John Ross says.

 

"Are you threatening me?"  Porter asks.

 

"John Ross, don't,"  Cally says.  "Come on.  Let's just go."

 

"I'll let Justin know that you were here,"  Porter says.  

 

Cally looks at the man.  "Thank you," she says,then leaves with Bobby, John Ross, and Lucy.  

 

"What the hell were you thankin' the man for?"  John Ross asks as the four walk down the hall away from Porter's office.  "For not lettin' us see Justin?"

 

"John Ross, antagonizing the man won't help Justin,"  Bobby says.  "If anything, it could make things harder on him while he's here."

Southfork....afternoon....

 In the living room at Southfork, Michael gets up from his seat on the sofa, grabs his crutches, and makes his way 

 over to the Christmas tree as Jacob walks into the room with Cally's nephew, Corey Harper.  "Hey,"  Jacob says.  

 

"Sup, guys?"  Says Michael.

 

"Corey and I were just gonna go outside and toss the football around,"  says Jacob.  "You wanna come?"

 

"What for?  I can't play football on crutches."

 

"Yeah but you could watch,"  Corey says.

 

"No thanks.  That's no fun."

 

"How long are you gonna have to be on those things?"  Corey asks.

 

"Doctor says about six weeks,"  Michael replies.  

 

"How'd you break your leg, anyway?"

 

"Bein' clumsy,"  Jacob says with a smile.  "He tripped and fell off the balcony upstairs."

 

"You did WHAT?"  Corey asks.

 

"Oh, shut up, Jacob!"  Says an angry Michael.  

 

"Hey, what's goin' on in here?"  Lucas asks, walking into the room with Jimmy and Heather.

 

"I was just telling Corey how Michael broke his leg,"  replies Jacob. 

 

"Hi, Jimmy,"  Corey says.

 

"Corey, how's it goin'?"  Jimmy asks.

 

"Good."

 

"I didn't know you guys were in town."

 

"Yeah, Aunt Cally went to visit Justin."

 

"Well, Jimmy has some great news for you, Michael,"  Heather says.

 

"Oh yeah?  About my CD?"

 

Jimmy smiles.  "Yes.  After a few unexpected delays, your album is all set to be released day after tomorrow, on Monday.  Just in time for New Year's Eve."

 

Michael smiles.  "Oh, wow, Jimmy that's AWESOME!"

 

"I knew you'd be excited. I also have some more news.  In advance of the album coming out on CD and on digital platforms, we are releasing your video to YouTube tomorrow."

 

"Wow, I can't believe this is finally happening,"  says Michael.

 

"Y'know, we are gonna have to go out and celebrate,"  Lucas says.  "Jimmy would you join us out for dinner tonight?"

 

"Sure, I'd love to."

Meanwhile......in Bobby's office at Southfork....

"Ashley, you're absolutely sure that's what Clay said?"  Bobby asks when Alex and Ashley tell him of their suspicions about Clay.

 

"His exact words,"  replies Ashley.  

 

Bobby looks at the photo of Tripp Ashley had found at Clay's apartment.  

 

"So what do you think, Uncle Bobby?"  Alex asks.  "You think it's possible Clay and Tripp knew each other?"

 

"From what Ashley just told me, and from this picture, it would seem so.  But that still doesn't mean that Clay had anything to do with McKay's murder."

 

"So what do we do with this?"  Ashley asks.

 

"We do a little digging,"  Bobby replies.  "We try and find out if there's a connection between Clay Beaumont and Tripp McKay and what that connection is if it exists.  And in the meantime, Ashley, I don't think it's a good idea for you to go back to Clay's apartment."

 

"That's exactly what I told her,"  Alex says.

 

"But if I don't go back, won't he be suspicious?"

 

"Make up some excuse,"  Bobby says.  "Tell him you're spending a couple nights with a friend or somethin'.  I know you're still angry with Jimmy, so if you don't wanna go back to Justin's and stay with your brother, then I want ya to stay here at Southfork.  And one other thing.  Until we know more, I don't want either of you to breathe a word of this to anybody, is that clear?"

 

Both Ashley and Alex nod their head in agreement.

 

"Good, because if we're wrong, we don't want this gettin' out.  And, if we're right about this.........well, I just pray that  

we're NOT right."  Bobby walks to his desk and picks up his cell phone.  He dials Bum's number and waits for an answer.  After three rings, he picks up.  "Bum, this is Bobby.  I need your help, and it's urgent,"  Bobby says as Ashley and Alex look on.  The two teens exchange worried looks.  

 

 

A few minutes later....

Alex and Ashley come out of Bobby's office, and come face to face with Jimmy, who is surprised to see his sister at Southfork.  "Ashley,"  he says.  "What are you doing here?"

 

"Jimmy,"  says a nervous Ashley.  "I just came over to see Alex about something.  What are you doing here?"

 

"I came to let Michael know that his album is all set for release on Monday."

 

"Hey, Jimmy,"  Alex says.

 

"Alex, how are you?"

 

"I'm great, man.  How are you?"

 

"I'm..........I'm okay,"  Jimmy replies.  "Ash, how are YOU doing?"

 

"I'm fine, Jimmy."

 

"Ash, I, uh........I really miss you,"  Jimmy says.  "I wish you'd come home."

 

"I can't, Jimmy.  At least not right now,"  Ashley says.  Without another word to her brother, she walks away.  

 

"Just give her time, bro,"  Alex says.  "She'll get over being mad with you eventually."

 

"I'm not so sure about that, Alex.  I really messed up this time, at least as far as my sister's concerned."

Pamela's apartment....

 As Pamela is taking down the Christmas tree Shawn had brought over a few days earlier, her doorbell rings.  She sighs deeply, as she is in no mood for company this evening.  The doorbell rings a second time.  Reluctantly, Pamela walks to the door.  Before opening it, she looks through the small peephold in the door and sees Cliff standing in the hall with a smile.  She opens the door to him.

 

"Hello, sweetheart,"  Cliff says, kissing his daughter on the cheek as he walks in.  

 

"Daddy, what are you doing here?"

 

 

"Do I need a reason to visit my beautiful daughter?  Just so happens your mother is at her club, and I had some good news I wanted to share with you.  And, I also came to ask a small favor."

 

"Okay, so what's the news and what's the favor?"  Pamela asks.

 

"Well, I heard this afternoon that a special meeting of the Westar board has been called for 9 a.m. Monday morning."

 

"So?"

 

"SOOOO, it's pretty obvious that Westar is getting ready to appoint a new, permanent CEO and they'll probably vote on that person at that meeting."

 

"I still don't understand what this has to do with me,"  says Pamela.

 

"Honey, come on.  I could be appointed the new CEO of Westar.  I already spoke to a couple of the board members, and they're ready to back me.  Haha, this could be my ticket back into the oil business.  All I need is enough votes to secure a majority, and THAT'S where YOU come in.  Pammy, I need for you to be at that meeting and use those voting rights Tripp left little Hunter in his will.  Those voting rights and Hunter's shares would give me the majority that I need."

 

A sad look comes over Pamela's face.  "Daddy, I'm sorry, but I can't do that."

 

The smile fades from Cliff's face.  "You.......honey, what do you mean you can't do that?"

 

"Just what I said, I can't."

 

"Pammy, why not?  Don't you wanna help your father out?"

 

"Yes, and if I could, I would.  But, I don't have those Westar shares or the voting rights anymore."

 

Cliff's mouth falls open in shock.  "You don't HAVE them anymore?  Why not?  What'd you do with them?"

 

"I sold them,"  Pamela replies.  

 

"You.......ya SOLD them?  Oh, Pammy, noo, tell me you didn't."

 

"I'm sorry, Daddy, but, I did.  The shares and the voting rights are gone."

 

"Pamela, WHY would you do that?  And if you were thinking about selling them, why the hell didn't you offer them to me?"  Cliff asks, his voice becoming angry.

 

"I......I didn't think about it.  It's done, now, there's nothing I can do."

 

"Well, I DON'T BELIEVE THIS!  Those Westar voting rights could have put me over the top and made me the CEO of that company and you SOLD them?  Those shares were your son's birthright!"

 

"Don't you think I know that?"  Pamela angrily asks.  "I do.  But I did NOT wanna be tied to that company from now on and I didn't want it for Hunter, either.  And if you can't understand and accept that, then I'd like for you to leave!"

 

"Well, this is just fine.  Damn it!" Cliff says, then he storms out of the apartment.  

 

Frustrated and angry, Pamela begins to cry.  Walking over to the Christmas tree, she yanks one of the ornaments off the tree and throws it against the wall, smashing it.  Then, she takes one hand and pushes the entire Christmas tree over.

Clay's apartment....evening....

 

"Oh, no.  Yeah, that's fine,"  Clay says, talking on his cell phone in his living room that night.  "Well, you have a great time, and I'm glad you're spending time hanging out with your friend.  Okay, well I really appreciating you letting me know.  By the way, did you find a dress for the Oil Baron's Ball?  That's great.  Okay, I'll see you when you get back.  Have fun.  Bye, Ash."  As Clay ends the call and puts his phone down, a worried look on his face, his mother, Michelle, walks into the living room.

 

"Anything wrong?"  Michelle asks.

 

"No,"  Clay replies.  "That was Ashley.  She's not gonna be coming home tonight.  She's staying over at a friend's house."

 

"Well, I can't say that I'm sorry to hear that,"  Michelle says.  "I've hardly had any time at all with you since I've been in town because that girl has been here almost the whole time."

 

'That GIRL, as you call her, happens to be my sister."

 

"Your HALF-sister, sweetheart.  And now that we have some time to ourselves, this is a good time to talk a little business."

 

"Business?  At home on a Saturday night?"  Clay asks.

 

"Sure, why not?  We have to plan for Stevens-Beaumont Oil's future."

 

"Sounds like you're really planning to stay in Dallas for the long term."

 

"I do plan on sticking around for a while.  After all, I've been traveling for the past few months, and, I think it's time I settled down for a while, and what better place than right here in Dallas, where my son is.  Honey, you're the only family I have, and I wanna be near you.  Of course, I'll start looking for my own place after the first of the year."

 

"There's no hurry in that, Mom.  I'm happy to have you here,"  Clay says, hugging his mother.

 

"Well, the last thing I wanna do is crowd you,"  Michelle says.  "I know a handsome young bachelor needs his space and his privacy."

 

A strange look of worry comes over Clay's face as he embraces his mother.

Westar Oil....two days later....

 On Monday morning, New Year's Eve, members of the Westar board of directors are gathered in the company's boardroom for the emergency board meeting called by acting CEO Tom Griffith.  Before the meeting starts, several of the members are engaging in various conversations around the room, waiting for Griffith and a couple of other members to arrive to get the meeting started.  Kimberly Cryder walks into the room.  A man walks over to her and shakes her hand.  Kimberly smiles and begins talking to the man.  A few seconds later, Tom Griffith walks into the boardroom, shakes hands with several others, then goes to the board table and takes his place at the head.  

 

"Everyone,"  Tom says.  "Excuse me, everyone, can you please find your seats so we can get the meeting started."

 

The assembled group begins moving to their respective seats around the table.  

 

"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen,"  Tom says.  "Let this meeting of the Westar board of directors come to order on this 31st day of December, 2018.  I thank you all for coming, and I know that this may have been an inconvenience to some of you, this being New Year's Eve."

 

Kimberly Cryder raises her hand.  

 

"The chair recognizes Mrs. Kimberly Cryder,"  Tom says.

 

"Tom, what, exactly, is this meeting all about?"  Kimberly asks.  "All any of us were told is that we were being called to a special meeting of the board this morning."

 

"I was about to get to the reason for this special called meeting.  For the past several months, since the untimely and tragic death of our former CEO Tripp McKay, first George Patterson and then myself have been serving as interim chief executive officers of this company.  Today's meeting of the board has been called to elect a new CEO to lead Westar into the new year."

 

"Tom, why weren't we told that this was what the meeting was about?"  A male board member asks.  

 

"Because George and I felt that the least publicity, the better."

 

"And who are our candidates for the position of new CEO?"  Kimberly asks.

 

"We only have one candidate,"  replies Tom.  "The person who is now the majority shareholder in Westar."

 

"Tom, I'm confused,"  a woman says.  "Isn't Tripp McKay's young son Hunter the majority shareholder, since the child inherited his father's stock, and his voting rights?  And isn't the boy's mother, Pamela Barnes, administering those shares for her son?"

 

"So, Tom, are you saying that Pamela Barnes is our candidate for new CEO?"  Kimberly asks.

 

"No, she's not,"  replies Tom.  He presses an intercom button on the table in front of him.  "Lauren, would you ask the gentleman to come in?"  

 

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

 

A moment later, the door opens, and Shawn walks into the room, much to the surprise of the board members.  "Ladies and gentlemen,"  Tom says.  "Allow me to introduce Mr. Shawn Allen Smith, our candidate for new CEO of Westar."

 

"Tom, is this some kind of joke?"  One man asks.

 

"You're Tripp McKay's younger brother, aren't you?"  Kimberly asks.

 

"That's right, Mrs. Cryder, I am,"  replies Shawn.

 

"Tom, what is this?"  Another woman asks.  "You expect us to take this seriously?  He's just a boy."

 

"I'm 19-years-old, man,"  says Shawn.  "And, I am now the majority stockholder in this company.  Those shares, as well as the voting rights I have acquired from my brother's aunt, Tracey McKay, and his former wife, Pamela Barnes........and Mr. Griffith's voting shares........I have enough stock and enough votes to become the new CEO of Westar."

 

"Tom, this can't be,"  another man says.

 

"Are you in favor of this, Tom?"  Kimberly asks.  "This young man is a mere boy, a child with no experience in business, and you expect us to vote HIM in as our new CEO?"

 

"Shawn will have help, until he learns the business,"  Tom says.

 

Shawn smiles.  "That's right.  Mr. Griffith has generously agreed to stay on and help me in my new position.  But I am confident that I will learn every aspect of this business in no time.  And I promise each and every one of you that I intend to give this job my all.  Westar needs new blood, new leadership, and a new vision to bring this company into the 21st Century.  And who better to do that than the brother of one of Westar's CEOs, and the grandson of another.  My grandfather, Jeremy Wendell, led Westar during its peak years in the 1970s and 80s, and I believe we can achieve that kind of greatness again under MY leadership."

 

"Tom, I implore you to think about this,"  another man says.  "Any one of us would gladly step up and serve as interim CEO until we can find a more.........suitable, and more experienced candidate."

 

"I'm sorry, Fred,"  Tom says.  "But Shawn has enough votes, and shares to become our new CEO.  So, I see no reason to delay this further.  Shall we take a vote?  Since many of you have already voiced your opinions, I see no need for a secret ballot, so we'll just vote openly.  Mr. Brown?"

 

"No,"  Brown replies.

 

"Mrs. Cryder?"

 

"No,"  Kimberly says, looking at Shawn.  

 

"Mr. Patterson?"  

 

"Yes."

 

"Ms. Kirkland?"

 

"No."

 

And the vote goes around the table until all 12 members have voted.  Once all have voted, everyone's attention turns to Tom Griffith.  "Well, Tom?"  Kimberly says.

 

"I vote.......yes."

 

"And that leaves it up to me, then,"  Shawn says.  "With the votes from Tracey McKay and Pamela Barnes........I vote yes for myself."

 

"And, that gives Shawn Allen Smith the majority vote to become Westar's newest, and youngest, CEO,"  Tom says.  "Is there any further business that needs to be discussed?"

 

"I think everything has been said, and done,"  Kimberly says.  "I only hope that when Westar is driven into the ground bv this very sad turn of events, we'll still be able to save what's left of the company."

 

"Mrs. Cryder, I don't intend to drive Westar into the ground, as you put it,"  Shawn says.  "To all of you, I may be young.  I may be inexperienced.  But I assure you that I care as much about this company as the rest of you, and I would never do anything to hurt Westar.  I know that I have a lot of learning to do, and I intend to get started right away.  After all, Jillian Cryder was also very young and inexperienced when she became CEO a few years ago."

 

"My daughter was 26 when she became CEO, she was NOT a teenager just out of high school,"  Kimberly says.

 

Shawn walks over to Kimberly, looks at her, and smiles..  "I won't let you down, Mrs. Cryder.  I'm going to make all of you proud, and make Westar proud.  I know how you all feel about me.  But the simple fact is, I AM majority stockholder in this company, and I had the votes needed to become CEO.  Now you're all just gonna have to live with that fact."

 

"Just tell me one thing, young man,"  Kimberly says.  "Exactly how did you manage this?  I'm fairly certain you couldn't have pulled this off on your own, and I'm also certain that Tracey McKay and Pamela Barnes didn't GIVE you those shares and voting rights.  So where did you get the money to buy them?"

 

Shawn looks at the woman and smiles.  "That doesn't matter, Mrs. Cryder.  It's done.  And as long as I remain majority stockholder, I am CEO of Westar.  Now, who's gonna be the first to welcome me aboard?"

 

The assembled members of the board exchange looks with each other, the looks on their faces showing their uneasiness, and unhappiness at their new, young CEO.  Shawn looks at them and smiles.

Harris Correctional Institute....that evening....

walks over to the door and looks out through the square window.  Feeling as if he is going out of his mind, Justin begins pacing.  "Oh my God," he mutters to himself.  "If I don't get out of here soon, I'm gonna go completely crazy.  Happy New Year to me."

 

Justin hears someone unlock the door to his cell.  He turns and looks, and when the door opens, a guard escorts Tim, the young inmate Justin had helped when he was stabbed, into the cell.  "Got you a new roommate, Ewing,"  the guard says, then promptly leaves, closing the door behind him.  

 

Justin and Tim look at each other.  "Tim,"  Justin says after a moment.  "I'm glad you're okay."

 

"Yeah, glad you are, too.  And thanks for tryin' to help me the other day.  Sorry you got hurt in the process."

 

"It's fine.  It hurts, but it was only a flesh wound."

 

Tim walks over and takes a seat on the bottom bunk.  "Some place, huh?"

 

"Oh, yeah.  Tim, how long have you got here?"

 

"Twenty years."

 

"You never did tell me what got you in here,"  Justin says.

 

"Well, if you must know, I'm here for second degree murder,"  Tim says.

 

"What happened?"

 

Tim sighs.  "It happened a year ago.  One year ago tonight, as a matter of fact, on New Year's Eve.  I was in high school.  A senior.  Typical kid, lookin' forward to graduating and going to college in the fall.  But that one night changed everything for me.  My older brother, Todd, was a cop.  He'd been on the force goin' on two years.  Last year on New Year's Eve, Todd was killed in the line of duty.  He was called to the scene of a robbery.  It was a gang.  When Todd confronted the gang as they tried to get away, one of them shot him.  He was killed instantly.  The dude that shot my brother, I knew him.  Kid named Deandre Webb.  I went to school with him.  I was so angry and just wanted to get him.  So I took my father's revolver, and went to Deandre's neighborhood.  When I found him, I shot him.  He died two days later.  My lawyer got my charge dropped from first to second degree murder, because of the circumstances.  Man, if I could just take back that night.  My parents not only lost one son that night, but two.  Me and my brother."

 

"Tim, I'm so sorry,"  Justin says.

 

Tim looks at him, tears in his eyes.  "So what about you?  You don't seem like you belong here.  You're nothin' like the rest of these guys. What are you in here for?"

 

"Murder, same as you.  Only mine was first degree, and I got life.  But.......I didn't do it."

 

"Yeah, that's what they all say."

 

"Seriously, Tim, I DIDN'T.  Someone set me up.  And they're out there free while I'm in this nightmare of a place servin' a sentence for a crime I didn't commit."  Justin walks to the door and looks out through the window again.

The Oil Baron's Ball....Omni Hotel Ballroom....

 Later that night, as the annual Oil Baron's Ball gets underway at the Omni Hotel ballroom, couples are dancing on

"Well, yes, Peter, as a matter of fact, it does,"  Bobby replies with a smile.  "Ann and I are back together."

 

Peter smiles.  "Well, now that is some great news.  I'm real happy for you both.  Y'all are gonna have to come over for dinner one night real soon."

 

"Just name the day and time,"  Bobby says.

 

"I surely will.  Good to see you both."

 

"Good to see you, too, Peter,"  Ann says.  "Is Elizabeth with you tonight?"

 

"Yeah, she's around here some place.  I'll tell her to come find you."

 

"Alright,"  Ann says as Peter walks away.  

 

"Well, evenin', you, two,"  Ray says as he and Donna walk up to them.

 

"Hello, Ray.  Donna,"  Bobby says, kissing Donna on the cheek.  

 

"Hi, there,"  says Donna.  "Well, can you believe another New Year's Eve has rolled around?"

 

"I sure can't,"  Bobby replies.  "Every year just seems to go by faster."

 

"Hey, here comes Sue Ellen and Catlin,"  Ray says as the couple walks over to them.

 

"Good evening,"  Catlin says.

 

"Evenin',"  Ray says, greeting his cousin with a handshake.

 

"Sue Ellen, you look STUNNING tonight,"  Bobby says.

"Yes, it certainly has.  I thought I recognized you.  I had no idea you were back in Dallas.  I heard you were living in Florida."

 

"I came here to visit my son."

 

"Oh, that's right,"  Michelle says.  "I heard that your son.........Justin?..........was found guilty of the murder of Carter McKay's grandson.  I can't even imagine how horrible that must make you feel."

 

"I don't think this is the time or place to discuss that,"  says Christopher.

 

Michelle looks at him and smiles.  "I suppose you're right.  Oh, I'm sorry, Cally Ewing, this is my son, Clay Beaumont......mine and JAMES'S son."

 

 

"Yes, I know,"  Cally says.  "Clay, it's nice to meet you."

 

"Nice to meet you."

 

"And it's Cally HARPER."

 

"Harper, oh yes,"  Michelle says.   "Well, excuse us."  Michelle smiles and she and Clay walk away.

 

"Well, she sure doesn't seem to have changed much,"  Cally says.

 

"Hmm, I guess not,"  says Christopher.  

 

Brad is walking around, shaking hands with various people, when Cliff spots his son and walks up to him.  "Hey, I'm glad you came."

 

"Not sure why I did,"  Brad says.  "I'm not involved in the oil business anymore."

 

"Hey, that's only temporary,"  says Cliff.  "Pretty soon you and I are gonna start fresh.  A new company."

 

"Wow, you're really glutton for punishment, aren't you?"  Brad asks.  "Do you really think the Ewings are gonna let us succeed in the oil business in this town?  It'd be the same story all over again."

 

"Come on, now, don't talk that way.  To hell with the Ewings."

 

Brad looks over Cliff's shoulder and sees John Ross getting a drink at the bar.  Brad glares at him angrily for a moment.  "Just look at him, the arrogant SOB."

 

Cliff turns and looks at John Ross, too.  "Don't worry," he says.  "One day it'll be OUR turn.  As a matter of fact, I've got somethin' in the works as we speak."

 

"Something in the works?  Like what?"

 

"I don't wanna jinx it by talking about it right now, but after I found out your sister sold Hunter's Westar shares, I contacted an old friend of mine, and, trust me, son, if this comes through..........the Ewings are going down and Ewing Oil's days are NUMBERED."

 

At that moment, almost as if he had heard what they were talking about, John Ross walks over to Cliff and Brad.  

"Well, what have we here?"  John Ross asks.  "A meetin' of the Dallas Losers' Club?"

 

"John Ross why don't you drop dead?"  Brad asks.

 

"I wouldn't give you the satisfaction,"  John Ross says.  "I don't even know why the two of you are here anyway, since you're no longer even in the oil business."

 

"Yeah, and that's all because of you, you son of a......."

 

"Brad,"  Cliff says, placing his hand on his son's chest to stop him.  "He's not worth it.  Let him gloat all he wants.  He won't be gloating for long."

 

"Oh, Cliff, I'll be gloatin' over you for the rest of your miserable life."

 

Cliff looks at him and smiles.  "John Ross, why don't you go find a firecracker, stick it into your mouth, and light it?"  Cliff says, then he and Brad walk away.

 

John Ross laughs at the comment.  "That the best you can come up with?" He asks as Cliff walks away from him.  

 

 

Krystina comes over to her husband as John Ross is still laughing.  "WHAT is so funny?"  She asks.

 

"Oh, just havin' a little fun messin' with ol' Cliff Barnes and Brad Stone,"  John Ross replies.  "Darlin', where you been keepin' yourself?"

 

"I was just chatting with Lucy.  She came with Mitch, and you should see the smile on her face.  It's pretty obvious, she's still in love with him, even after all these years apart."

 

"I guess it's true what they say.........true love never really dies," says John Ross.  He spots Jordan Lee III walking by.  "Hey, Jordan,"  John Ross says.  

 

The young man stops and looks at him.  "Hello, John Ross."

 

"And how are you this evenin'?"

 

"Just fine, thanks,"  Jordan replies.  "A bit nervous."

 

"That's right I see on the program that you're fillin' in as Master of Ceremonies this year."

 

"That's right,"  says Jordan.  "Tim Anderson was supposed to be MC again this year, but he came down with the flu, and the committee asked me to do it."

 

"Jordan, I'd like you to meet my wife, Krystina.  Darlin', this is a friend of mine, Jordan Lee III.  He and his uncle run Lee Energies and they're members of the Cartel."

 

"Jordan, it's very nice to meet you,"  Krystina says.  

 

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Ewing,"  Jordan says as an older man approaches him.  The man whispers something in Jordan's ear, then walks away.  "Well, if you two will excuse me,"  Jordan says to John Ross and Krystina.  

 

"Of course,"  Krystina says as Jordan walks away.  "Well, he seems like a nice young man.  Awfully young to be running an oil company.  Have you known him long?"

 

"Not Jordan personally, but our families go way back.  His great-grandparents were good friends with my grandparents."

 

Meanwhile, Jordan walks into the stage and takes the podium.  "Everyone,"  he says into the microphone.  "Everyone, may I please have your attention?  Please, find your seats so we can begin this evening's ceremonies."

 

The assembled crowd begins to move to their tables and take their seats.  Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Lucas, Heather, John Ross, Krystina, Alex, Bridget, Lucy, and Mitch take seats at their table.  Catlin, Sue Ellen, Cally, C.J., Eric, and their dates take seats at the next table.  Clay, Michelle, and Ashley take seats at another table nearby.

 

"Thank you,"  Jordan says after everyone has finally taken their seats and the room grows quiet.  "Ladies and gentlemen, I want to welcome each of you to the 54th annual Oil Baron's Ball.  I know that you all expected to see Tim Anderson up here tonight, but unfortunately, Mr. Anderson has come down with a bad case of the flu, so, he and the committee asked me to fill in for him this year.  This is my first time doing this, so, please bear with me.  Before we get to the ceremonies this evening, I have been asked to make an announcement.  As all of you know, Westar Oil has for the past several months been without a permanent Chief Executive Officer.  However, this morning, the Westar board met and elected a permanent CEO.  So, it is my great pleasure to congratulate the young man who will lead Dallas's largest oil company into the future............Shawn Smith."

 

As Shawn stands to his feet at his table, all eyes in the room fall on him, and looks of complete shock can be seen on the faces of almost everyone present.  

 

"Can we have a round of applause to congratulate Shawn?"  Jordan asks, and the sound of reluctant applause fills the room.  

 

"What the hell?"  John Ross asks.  

 

"How did Shawn get to be the new CEO of Westar?"  Bobby asks.  "Annie, did you know anything about this?"

 

"No, I had absolutely no idea."

 

Across the room at the Barnes table, Cliff has almost fainted from the shock.  "I can't believe this,"  he says.  "Shawn Smith is just a kid.  How the hell did the Westar board elect HIM?"

 

Shawn walks onto the stage, where he shakes hands with Jordan, and takes the podium.  "Thank you," he says as the applause fades.  "I want to thank you all for the applause, and I do realize this must come as a shock to all of you.  But, I intend to do my very best in this position as Westar's new CEO and chairman of the board.  It is my goal to take Westar back to its glory days when my grandfather, Jeremy Wendell, was running the company.  And I look forward to doing business with many of you in the near future.  Thank you."  Shawn smiles, then leaves the stage to a second round of applause.  As Shawn descends the four steps from the stage, he is met by John Ross and Bobby.

 

"Shawn, what the hell is this?  Some kinda joke?"  John Ross asks.

 

A look of anger comes over Bobby's face.  "Is this enough to make an arrest?"  He asks Bum.

 

"Oh, yes,"  replies Bum.  "I'd say that's definitely enough to arrest the person who REALLY murdered Tripp McKay and framed Justin.  That person's accomplice is already in custody and has given a full confession."

 

Bobby nods.  "Come on,"  he says.  He goes back into the ballroom, followed by John Ross and Bum.  

 

Inside the ballroom, soft music is playing and couples are dancing.  Standing and talking to Sue Ellen, Catlin, Krystina, and Cally, Ann sees Bobby, John Ross, and Bum making their way through the crowd.  She wonders what's going on.  

 

Meanwhile, As Clay dances with Michelle, Bobby, John Ross, and Bum approach them.  "Clay,"  Bobby says.  

 

Clay turns to face them.  "Bobby, what's going on?"

 

"Hello, Michelle,"  Bobby says.

 

"Hello, Bobby."

 

"Hey, what's this all about?"  Clay asks.

 

"What this is about is, we know who REALLY killed Tripp McKay and framed my brother for the crime,"  says John Ross.

 

"I don't know what you're talking about,"  Clay says as people around them stop and begin to look on, including Alex, Bridget, and Ashley.  

 

"We have proof of the real killer's identity,"  Bobby says.  "And a confession from the person who helped frame Justin for Tripp's murder.  It was YOU, Michelle.  YOU murdered Tripp McKay and you got McKay's private eye friend Jake Martin to frame Justin."

 

"You're crazy,"  says an angry Michelle.

 

 

"Is this a sick joke?"  Clay asks.

 

"No joke, son,"  Bum says.  "I tracked down Jake Martin, and he confessed everything.  He's at the Dallas Police Station now, telling the cops everything he knows about your mother and Tripp McKay.  She was having an affair with him, only the affair soured and he doubled crossed her, so she killed him."

 

Clay turns and looks at his mother, his mouth open in shock, completely blown away by this revelation!

 

 

 

 

 

END OF EPISODE 191....