EPISODE 193 - Friends, Relatives, And Enemies, Oh My!

 "I'm here to talk about my son, Shawn......... the new CEO of Westar,"  Andrew Murray says as he stands face to face with Shawn's mother, Sharon Smith.  "I would ask how my boy is, but, from all I've been reading lately, Shawn is doing VERY well.  19-years-old and he's the CEO of the largest oil company in Texas?  Wow.  That's my boy."

 

"Shawn is not your son, Andy,"  Sharon says.

 

"Oh, I beg to differ, my dear.  When Shawn was conceived, my good friend Mark was in jail, and you later told me that the kid was mine when I asked you, and you also told me that you had lied to Mark about how far along you were in your pregnancy."

 

"Mark raised that boy.  You've never met him, never shown an interest in him, and never had any part in his life. And now, all of a sudden, when you find out that Shawn is a wealthy CEO of an oil company, you show up here wanting to know about him.  You haven't changed one bit, have you, Andy?  You're still the same  low life creep who seduced your best friend's wife while he was locked up in a detention center."

 

Andrew laughs.  "Seduced?  Sharon, who seduced WHO?  You were very needy, and very willing in our little bedroom adventures."

 

"Why don't you just get the hell out of here?"  Sharon asks.  

 

"Not until I get what I came  for."

 

"And just what might that be?"

 

Andrew walks up to her.  "Money.  Money for keeping the secret from Shawn that poor Mark wasn't his real father.  I think about fifty grand should hold me  over for now."

 

"That's all I have,"  Sharon says.

 

Andrew laughs again.  "Oh, come on, Sharon.  Your older son died leaving behind a fortune worth around a hundred million dollars, or more.  And your younger son, who also happens to be MY son, has just inherited an oil company worth, what?  A couple BILLION dollars.  Hell, Sharon, I should hit ya up for at least a few million."

 

"Let's get something straight, Andy.  I don't have that kind of money.  When Tripp died, he only left me fifty thousand in his will.  And I'm sure as hell not gonna ask Shawn for money to pay a blackmailer."

 

"Blackmailer?"  Andrew asks.  "Sharon, that hurts.  I'm not some random blackmailer.  I'm that boy's father.  Y'know, I have an idea.  My other two boys, Gavin and Ben, are living here in Dallas now, too.  I'm sure they would LOVE to meet their brother."

 

"You low down piece of scum. It's men like you that give the whole male gender a bad name."

 

Andrew smiles.  "It's my purpose in life, to make all men look like the scum of the Earth.  So do we have a deal, Sharon?  Fifty thousand for me, FOR NOW, or do I introduce myself to my son."

 

"I'll deny it."

 

"That doesn't work in today's world, babe.  There's a thing now called a DNA test that would PROVE I'm Shawn's father.  I'll be in touch,"  Andrew says as he walks to the door.  He pauses and looks at her with a smile.  "Shawn really is a good lookin' kid.  Gavin, Ben, and Shawn all inherited my looks.  I'm really very proud of all three of my sons.  And my daughter, too, even though she hates my guts.  I'll be seein' ya, Sharon.  I'll be in touch in two days and you'd better have that money for me."  He smiles at her again and then leaves.

 

After he's gone, Sharon begins to cry.  "Damn it,"  she says.

 Alex steps off the elevator at Ewing Oil and makes his way to Sly's desk.  She smiles when she sees the young man.  "Alex, hi,"  Sly says.

 

"Hi, Sly.  Is my Dad in his office?"

 

"He sure is, he's been waiting for you.  He told me that you had decided to take the other internship in the office."

 

"Yeah, I did."

 

"Well, that's great.  I know your Grandfather J.R. would be VERY proud of you.  I'll let John Ross know you're here."

 

"Thanks,"  Alex says.  

 

Sue Ellen comes out of her office.  Seeing her grandson, she walks over to him.  "Alex,"  she says with a smile as she hugs him.  "Hello, sweetheart."

 

"Hi, Grandma."

 

"I hear you're going to be working with us here now every afternoon."

 

"That's right,"  Alex says as John Ross comes out of his office and approaches them.  

 

"Hey," John Ross says.  "Glad you're here.  Sly, would you please call Cole?  I'm gonna have him show Alex what the job is all about."

 

"Sure, John Ross,"  Sly says with a smile.

 

Sue Ellen and John Ross both look at Alex, and noting that he seems to be angry about something, the two exchange worried looks.  "Hey, what's the matter?"  John Ross asks his son.  "You look like you just lost your best friend."

 

"You couldn't be more right,"  Alex says.

 

"What does that mean?"

 

"It means I DID lose my best friend.  Or the guy I thought was my best friend.  I stopped by Westar on my way over here.  Shawn called me this morning and said he wanted to see me."

 

"So what happened?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"I don't even know that guy anymore.  Get this.....he offered me a job at Westar.  When I told him I had taken this internship here at Ewing Oil, he changed.  It's like he became a completely different person.  He said that he was gonna come up against Ewing Oil in deals."

 

"Well, Westar and Ewing Oil have always been competitors, so yeah. that's naturally gonna happen,"  says John Ross.

 

"Yeah, but Shawn made threats.  He said that he was gonna crush Ewing Oil, and that he was gonna be as big in this town as his grandfather Jeremy Wendell ever was.  I'm telling you, I felt like one minute I was talking to Anakin Skywalker, and the next minute, Darth Vader took over Shawn's soul."

 

"Sounds to me like that kid's let that little bit of power he's attained go to his head," John Ross says.  "Did he happen to say how he came into enough money to buy all that Westar stock?"

 

"No, he wouldn't tell me,"  Alex says as Cole arrives and walks over to them.  

 

"Alex, hey, man."  Cole says.  "Your Dad said you were starting here today."

 

"That's right,"  says John Ross.  "Cole, I want you to show Alex around, tell him what he needs to do, and help him get started."

 

Cole smile.  "I sure will, John Ross."

 

"Thanks, bud."

 

"Come on, I'll show you around the offices,"  Cole says.

 

Alex looks at his father and grandmother, then follows Cole away.  

"Hey, Alex, I'm really glad you decided to take the internship and come to work here,"  Cole says.  "It's be great having someone my own age around here to talk to."

 

"Thanks,"  Alex says with a smile.  "Yeah, I think it'll be fun."

 

"Man, I wanted to ask you about Ashley.  What's up with her?"

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"Ever since a few days before Christmas, she won't talk to me.  I text her, and she doesn't reply.  I call and she doesn't answer.  She did send me a text one night that said to not text or call her anymore.  I have no idea what I did.  I was out of town for about a week and a half visiting some family right after Christmas, and when I got back a couple days ago, I heard about what happened at the Oil Baron's Ball.  I texted and asked if she was okay and she didn't even reply.  I even looked for her on campus yesterday, but I couldn't find her.  I have no idea what I did.  I thought things were going great between us, and then, all of a sudden, everything changed."

 

"And you have no idea why?"  Alex asks.

 

"None at all.  Think maybe you could talk to her and ask her why she changed toward me?"

 

Alex sighs.  "Look, man, I really don't wanna get in the middle of you and Ashley.  If she doesn't wanna talk to you, maybe you should just move on.  Find another girl."

 

"It's not that simple, dude.  I like Ashley.  I REALLY like her.  I thought she liked me, too.  Maybe if I knew what I did wrong, I could fix it.  I'd really appreciate it if you could just ask her to call me or text me.  SOMETHING."

 

Alex looks at him.  "Cole...........alright, alight.  I'll call her this afternoon, and ask her to give you a call."

 

Cole smiles.  "Thanks, man, I really appreciate that, and I'll return the favor sometime.  Now, let's get to work."

The Krebbs Ranch....

 Dylan is sitting up in bed in the downstairs guest bedroom of the Krebbs home that afternoon, looking at his Facebook on his laptop, when someone knocks on the door.  "Come in,"  he says.

 

Donna walks into the room carrying a meal tray.  "I thought you might be a little hungry after a week of eating that hospital food, so I fixed you your favorite.........vegetable beef soup,"  she says, bringing the tray over to him.

 

Dylan smiles.  "Wow, thanks,  smells great."

 

"I know how much you love this in the winter."

 

"I appreciate that."

"You are welcome,"  Donna says, kissing him on the forehead.  "It's so good to have you home."

 

"It's good to be home."

 

Donna smiles.  "Well, I'm gonna get out of here and let you enjoy your soup."

 

"Okay, and thanks again."

 

Donna leaves the room, closing the door behind her.  Dylan places his laptop on the bed beside him and takes  the dinner tray on his lap.  He removed the cover from the soup, then breaks up several saltine crackers and places them into the soup.  As he is about to take a bite, Donna knocks on his door again and opens the door.  

 

"Hey, I hate to disturb you again, but you have a visitor," she says.  "You up for seein' anyone?"

 

"Who is it?"

 

"Ashley Beaumont," Donna replies.

 

Dylan smiles.  "Of course.  Please, ask her to come in."

 

"Will do,"  Donna says.  She walks out of the room, and a few seconds later, Ashley walks in.  

 

"Hi,"  Ashley says.

 

"Hi."

 

"I'm glad you're home."

 

"Thanks.  Conner, Ray and Donna fixed up this room for me down here so I wouldn't have to climb the stairs until my lung heals."

 

"How long does the doctor think that'll be?"  Ashley asks.  

 

"He said that I should be good as new in a few more weeks,"  Dylan replies. 

 As Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Jacob, Lucas, Heather, Michael, Lucy, and Alex are having breakfast in the dining room the next morning, John Ross and Krystina walk in.  "Mornin',"  Ann says.

 

"Good morning,"  says Krystina.  

 

"Alex, how was your first day at Ewing Oil?"  Lucas asks his nephew.

 

"Great, so far."

 

"And it's only gonna get better,"  John Ross says.

 

"What exactly is it you do there?"  Lucy asks.  

 

"Just whatever they ask me to do,"  Alex replies.  "Run errands, stuff like that."

 

"I got bigger plans for you than runnin' errands, Alex,"  says John Ross.  

 

"Michael, sweety, you'd better hurry up and eat or you'll be late for school,"  Heather tells her son, who is playing with his food with his fork.

 

"Michael, is everything alright, son?"  Bobby asks.  "You been sittin' there playin' with your waffles for the last ten minutes, not sayin' a word."

 

Michael and Jacob exchange looks across the table.  "I'm fine.  Just not real hungry this morning."

 

"What's this?"  Lucas asks.  "You're not hungry?  Not sick are you?"

 

"No, I'm not sick,"  the boy says in an irritable tone.

 

"Jacob, you're not eating much, either,"  Christopher says.

 

"Guess I'm not that hungry, either."

 

"Well, now wait a minute,"  says Ann.  "If Maria comes in here and sees that you boys haven't finished her breakfast, it's gonna hurt her feelin's."

 

Michael sighs.  "May I be excused?  I don't want anymore."

 

Heather looks at her son with concern.  "Sure. Jacob, are you finished, too?"

 

"Yes,"  the boy replies.  

 

"Okay, then, let's go,"  Heather says.  "It's my turn to take y'all to school."

 

Michael gets up from the table, picks up his crutches and his book bag, and leaves the room as the family watches, all of them with looks of worry on their faces.  

 

"Come on, Jacob, I'll walk you out,"  Courtney says.

 

Jacob stands from the table, and as he does, he suddenly feels dizzy and like he's going to pass out.  He braces himself by placing his hands on the table.

 

"Jacob, what's wrong?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Honey, what is it?"  Courtney asks.

 

"I don't know.  I felt real dizzy and light headed."

 

"Dizzy and light headed?"  Courtney asks, feeling her son's forehead.  "You don't feel like you have a fever."

 

"Flu's been goin' around,"  says Heather.

 

"Maybe you should stay home from school today,"  Christopher suggests.

 

"No, I can't!"  Jacob says quicjkly.  "I'll be fine.  I feel better now."

 

"Are you sure?"  Courtney asks.

 

"Yeah, I'm okay.  I probably just got up too fast."

 

"Tell ya what, Courtney,"  says Heather.  "If he's still feelin' bad when we get to school, I'll bring him home."

 

"Okay.  Come on, I'll walk you out."

 

"Have a good day, partner,"  Christopher tells his stepson as he leaves the dining room with Courtney and Heather.

 

"What's goin' on with those two?"  Bobby asks.  "You think they could both be comin' down with somethin'?"

 

"I sure hope not,"  says Lucas.

 

Alex has a worried look on his face, wondering if the strange way Michael and Jacob have been behaving since school started back has anything to do with Michael being bullied at school.

Pamela's apartment....

 While Pamela feeds Hunter his breakfast, she looks across the kitchen table and smiles as she watches Justin feed Randall.  "That is the most beautiful sight,"  she says.

 

"Oh? What's that?"  Justin asks.

 

"You feeding our son."

 

Justin looks at her and smiles, then looks at the baby boy sitting on his lap.  "Our son.  I love the sound of that."

 

"Well, you might as well be his father.  You were there when he was born.  You brought him into the world.  Yours was the first face he saw."

 

"As far as I'm concerned, he IS mine.  So's that other little munchkin over there,"  he says.  "Pamela, I been thinkin'.  It's time we started plannin' our weddin'."

 

She looks at him and smiles.  "Our wedding?  That's the first time since you've been home that you've mentioned getting married."

 

 

"That is, if you still want to."

 

"If I still want to?  Justin, of course I want to.  I've dreamt of nothing else for months."

 

"Then let's do it.  Let's set a date, and start plannin'.  And we can have any kind of weddin' you want, anywhere you want."

 

"Let's do it," Pamela says, fighting back tears.  "I really don't want a big wedding.  I've had that before, and so have you, and none of those worked out.  If it's alright with you, this time, I'd just like a small wedding, with just our families, maybe a couple close friends."

 

"That would be great with me,"  Justin says.  "But there is one big problem."

 

"What's that?"

 

"A weddin' with our families.  You really think that's possible, seein' as how my fam'ly feels about your daddy and how he feels about the Ewings?"

 

"My God, I never thought of that," Pamela says.  "But you're right.  I'm not sure that your family and mine would come together, not even for our wedding."

 

"Well, maybe they would, as long as it's not at Southfork."

 

"Well, Southfork is the LAST place on Earth I wanna get married.  I had two weddings there, and both marriages turned into disasters."

 

"Yeah, and you know how my marriage to Amanda ended after our weddin' at the ranch."

 

"I guess there really is some truth to that infamous Southfork wedding jinx,"  Pamela says.  

 

"I've never heard of any marriages that started at Southfork that ended well, with the possible exeption of my grandmother and Clayton Farlow.  From everything I've heard, they had a happy life together.  But, I'd still rather not chance it with three failed marriages between us that started with a Southfork weddin'."

 

"Me, too, so we're agreed.........whererver we get married, it WON'T be at Southfork.  So how about your ranch?"

 

Justin looks at her and smiles.  "That's perfect.  Darlin' that is just perfect."  Suddenly, the smile disappears from his face as Justin looks at Randall.  

 

"What's the matter?"  Pamela asks.

 

"Umm, someone needs a change,"  Justin replies.

 

Pamela laughs.  "Okay, can you finish feeding Hunter?"

 

"I'll take care of Randall's diaper change,"  Justin says as he stands with the baby in his arms.  "After all, if I'm gonna be a daddy to these little guys, and any little guys we have in the future, then I'd better get use to daddy diaper duty right away."  He smiles, then carries Randall out of the kitchen.

 

After he's gone, Pamela looks at Hunter, who is looking up at her and smiling, his little face projecting such a sweet 

Ashley and Bridget are coming out of Dallas Hall at Southern Methodist University late in the morning after a class together.  "Hey, since Alex is gonna be working at Ewing Oil this afternoon, you wanna do something?"  Bridget asks.  "Maybe go to an afternoon movie, or do some shopping after class?"

 

"I'm sorry, Bridget, I'd like to, but I can't,"  replies Ashley.  "I'm gonna be spending the afternoon with Dylan."

 

"Dylan Baxter, AGAIN?  You sure have been spending an awful lot of time with him lately.  Like every day."

 

"Yeah,I like spending time with Dylan.  He's a great guy."

 

"Ash, don't take this the wrong way, but, let me ask you something.  You're my best friend, and you can be perfectly honest with me."

 

"Okay,"  Ashley says.

 

"Are you spending all this time with Dylan Baxter because you LIKE him, or, is it because he saved your life?"

 

Ashley sighs as the two girls stop walking.  "I admit, it started out because I was so grateful to Dylan for saving my life at the Oil Baron's Ball.  But, the more time I've spent with him.......Bridget, I really like him, a lot.  Dylan is one of the nicest, sweetest guys I've ever known."

 

"Well, that's good.  But, just make sure that's the reason why, and not something else.  I mean, what about Cole Duncan?"

 

"Whatever I felt for Cole died that day when I saw him with that other girl.  It wasn't real with him, anway.  When I started talking to Cole, I was just on the rebound from Shawn."

 

"Are you sure you're not just on the rebound now from Cole?"  Bridget asks.  "Ash, look, I don't really know Dylan Baxter, except through what Alex has told me, and what I know of him after the accident last year.  And from what I've heard, Dylan is a REALLY decent guy, but he's been through a whole lot.  You know he was in rehab for alcoholism, right?"

 

"Yes, I know."

 

"Well, I hope that you're honest with yourself, and with Dylan.  I'd really hate to see him hurt again."

 

"Bridget, stop worrying,"  Ashley says.  "I'm not gonna hurt Dylan.  Believe me, I really, REALLY like him, and I enjoy spending time with him.  We have a lot in common, including our unconventional taste in movies."

 

Bridget looks at her friend and smiles.  "Well, alright.  If that's the case, then, I'm happy for you, and I hope things work out."

 

"Ashley!"  A male voice calls from a distance.  "HEY, ASHLEY!"

 

The two girls turn and see Cole jogging toward them.  "I have to go,"  Ashley says.

 

"Hey, wait, don't you think you should at least wait and hear what he has to say?"

 

"I don't wanna hear what he has to say."

 

"Ash, wait!"  Cole says as he jogs up to her.  "Hey, what the heck is going on with you?"

 

"What are you talking about?"  Ashley asks.

 

"What am I talking about?"  Cole asks.  "Are you KIDDING me? I've been trying to get in touch with you since before Christmas, and you've ignored my texts and my calls.  Why?  What did I do to offend you?"

 

"Guys, I have to be going," Bridget says. "Ash, text me later."  Ashley nods as Bridget walks away.

 

"Ash, come on.  What happened between us?  I thought we had something special, and then all of a sudden, you turned cold as ice toward me.  I was out of town for a while over Christmas and I get back, I heard what happened at the Oil Baron's Ball. I even tried to text and call to ask if you were okay."

 

"As you can see, I'm fine,"  Ashley says.

 

"Well, are you gonna tell me what I did so wrong?"  Cole asks.

 

"You REALLY don't know?"

 

"No idea."

 

"Think back, to about a week or so before Christmas.  I went to Renaissance Tower to see my brother at Ewing Records, and when I walked into the building, I saw you with some other girl, and she was all over you."

 

"Oh my God, is that is?  You've been upset with me about that all this time?  Ash, that girl was someone I grew up with.  I hadn't seen her in a couple of years, and she was in Dallas for the day and she called me."

 

"She was your girlfriend, wasn't she?"  

 

Cole hesitates a moment before replying.  "Yeah, we dated for a while in high school.  But that was four years ago."

 

"It didn't look to me like it was in the past, Cole,"  Ashley says.  

 

"She was just happy to see me, that's all.  Ash, come on.  We had something.  Look, I have a class in about five minutes.  But afterward, let's get together.  Go get some coffee or something.  Let's talk."

 

"Cole, I'm sorry, but I can't.  I already have plans this afternoon."

 

"Plans?  With Bridget?"

 

"No."

 

"With another guy?"  Cole asks.

 

"So what if it my plans are with another guy?"  Ashley asks.  "Cole, I'm sorry.  I have to go."

 

"Seriously?"  Cole asks.  "I thought we had something, and now you've moved on with some other guy, just like that?"

 

"Cole I'm sorry.  I do care about you.  But, what we had, for me, I was on the rebound from Shawn.  I do hope that we can be friends."

 

"No thanks,"  Cole says angrily.  "I was hoping to be more than your FRIEND.  If I can't be that, then, I don't wanna be anything."  Cole turns and walks away from her.  

 

Ashley shakes her head as she fights back her tears.  She realizes she was wrong about Cole and that she has hurt him, but she also realizes that her feelings for him were not the same now as they had been in the beginning.

Braddock Elementary School....afternoon....

 

 

Michael sits on a bench and watches other students, including Jacob, play a game outside during recess at Braddock Elementary School that afternoon, sad that he can't participate in the games because of his broken leg.  He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small notepad and pen.  Opening the notepad, Michael begins to write something.  He stops and thinks for a few seconds, then begins writing again.  

 

 

 

"Well, well, what's goin' on over here?"  Casey Myers asks, walking over to Michael and the girls with three of his friends.  "Got yourself a little fan club, Mikey?"

 

"Why don't you go away, Casey?"  The younger of the two girls, Cassie, asks.

 

"Hey, Mikey, whatcha writing?"  Casey asks, grabbing the notepad from Michael's hand.  

 

"Give that back,"  Madison angrily says.

 

"Not until I see what this is."

 

"You heard him.  Give it back!"  Cassie says, trying to take the notepad back from Casey.

 

"Mikey, you gotta have your girlfriends speak up for ya?"  Casey asks with a laugh.  He opens the notepad and begins reading.  "Hey, you guys, guess what Mikey's writing.  It's poetry."  Casey begins laughing again.  

 

"Probably another SONG,"  one of the other boys says.  

 

"At least Michael has talent!"  Madison says.

 

"Talent to what?  Sing like a bird?"  The other boy asks with a laugh.

 

"Good one, Bryce,"  Casey says, giving the other boy a high five.

 

Michael picks up one of his crutches, stands to his feet, and places the crutch under his left arm.  "Give my notebook back,"  he says, standing face to face with Casey.  

 

"And what are you gonna do if I DON'T?"  Casey asks.

 

"Careful, Casey.  He might start recitin' poetry to ya,"  Bryce says as the other boys laugh.  

 

"Give it back,"  Michael says sternly.

 

"Make me,"  Casey says, pushing Michael's shoulder with his hand, causing Michael to lose his balance and fall to the ground.  

 

Across the playground, Jacob notices what's going on, and runs over to the group of boys and girls gathering around as Madison helps Michael to his feet.  

 

"Leave my cousin alone, Casey,"  Jacob angrily says.  

 

"Oh yeah?  I guess you're gonna make me?"

 

"His leg's broke,"  Jacob says.  "Let's see you pick on someone who can fight back."

 

Casey smiles.  "This is gonna be fun,"  he says.  He pushes Jacob.  Jacob retaliates by shoving Casey back.  Then the two boys grab each other and begin wrestling as the other kids cheer for one boy or the other.  A large group of kids gather around them as Jacob and Casey wrestle around on the ground. Casey unfortunately getting the best of Jacob, who is slightly smaller, and has him in a choke hold as Michael watches helplessly.

 

"Hey, you guys, Mr. Wilson is coming!"  One boy yells.  

 

Casey immediately lets go of Jacob as a male teacher walks over to the kids.  "Okay, break it up, what's going on here?"  The teacher asks.

 

"Nothing, Mr. Wilson,"  Casey lies.  "We were just playing a game."

 

"Looked a little more serious than a game to me.  Reed, what's this about?"

 

Jacob looks at Casey, and at the other boys, then at the teacher.  "It was just a game."

 

"Well, break it up.  Recess is almost over.  Everybody get ready to go back in,"  Wilson says.  He gives the boys one last, stern look, then turns and heads back to the school, followed by most of the kids.  

 

Casey watches until the teacher is a safe distance away, then he looks at Jacob.  "We'll finish this later, Reed,"  he says.  "You're on my list now.  I'll get you."  Casey and his friends walk away.  

 

"You okay?"  Michael asks Jacob.

 

"Fine,"  Jacob replies, breathing hard.

 

"You didn't have to do that."

 

"It's okay.  Come on,"  Jacob says.  Just then, the school bell rings. He picks up Michael's note pad from the ground and hands it to him.  As the two are heading back to the school, Jacob suddenly stops, as he is having a hard time breathing.

 

Michael stops and turns back to him.  "Hey, what's wrong?"

 

"I.......I just feel real short of breath.  You go on ahead.  I'll be right there."

 

"You sure?"  Michael asks.

 

"Yeah,"  Jacob replies.  Michael turns and heads on back to the school on his crutches.  Jacob pauses for a moment, still finding it hard to breath as he experiences a tightness in his chest.  After several seconds, he hurries to catch up to Michael.

Southfork....that night....

 Michael is sitting alone that night in the bedroom he shares with Jacob, staring blankly down at the cast on his broken leg, desperately wishing the day would hurry and come that his leg would be healed, he could get this cast removed,  and be off his crutches.  Jacob walks into the room.  "Hey,"  Jacob says.

 

"Hey."

 

"Why are you sitting in the wheelchair?"  

 

"Just am,"  Michael replies.  "It's comfortable."

 

"You sure missed a good dinner."

 

"Wasn't hungry,"  says Michael.  

 

"Your Mom said she'd bring you up somethin'.  But here, I brought you up a bag of chips from the snack pantry,"  Jacob says, handing him the bag.

 

"Thanks. Jacob, about what happened at school today.........thanks.  For stickin' up for me."

 

"You'd do the same for me."

 

"But you shouldn't have done it,"  Michael says.  "You could've gotten yourself in trouble."

 

"So?  I'm not gonna let Casey Myers keep pushing you around."

 

"Yeah, well, you also could've gotten the crap beat out of yourself."

 

"I'm not scared of him,"  Jacob says.

 

"Casey Myers is bigger and older than you."

 

"Why don't you just tell your Dad that Casey's messing with you?  Or tell Mr. Wilson or Ms. Braxton?"

 

"That would just make things worse,"  says Michael.  "What's gonna happen?  Casey gets suspended for a couple days, then he comes back to school even madder at me than he already is.  He'd just mess with me more."

 

"Then what are you gonna do?"  Jacob asks.

 

 

Michael looks down and sighs.   "I really don't know,"  he says sadly.

 

"It's too bad you don't have an older cousin who's not an adult who could beat the crap out of that jerk Casey."

 

"Yeah,"  Michael says.  

 

 

 

 

Sly's apartment....the next morning....

                                                                               Sly is pouring herself a cup of coffee in the kitchen of her apartment the next morning.  "Cole!"  She calls to her son.  "Honey, you'd better get a move on.  Don't you have an 8 A.M. class?"

 

"Yeah, I so,"  Cole replies as he walks into the kitchen carrying his book bag over his shoulder.  

 

"There's some eggs and bacon on the stove,"  Sly says.

 

"Thanks, Mom, but I'm not hungry.  I'm gonna just get going."

 

Sly looks at her son.  "Sweety, is everything okay?  Are things okay with you and Ashley?  I know you said she wasn't returning your calls or texts."

 

"Well, there IS no me and Ashley,"  Cole says.

 

"What?  Oh, honey, I'm so sorry.  What happened?"

 "You remember back before Christmas, when Amber was in town?"  Cole asks.

 

"Sure."

 

"I had lunch with her, and Ashley saw us together.  Without even talking to me about it, she just assumed the worst."

 

"Oh, Cole, I'm sorry,"  Sly says.  "Maybe if you tried talking to her......"

 

"I did that.  She's not interested in me anymore.  Apparently, she's moved on with some other guy."

 

"Another guy?  THAT fast?"

 

"Yep, which makes me glad that things went down the way they did.  Ashley told me that I was only a rebound thing for her after what happened with Shawn Smith."

 

"I'm so sorry, honey.  I don't know what to say."

 

"It's okay, Mom.  I'm actually better off.  I don't need that kind of drama in my life right now, and Ashley Beaumont obviously has a lot of issues, so, right now I'm just gonna concentrate on school and my internship at Ewing Oil.  Anyway, I have to go."

 

"Sure you don't want some breakfast?"  Sly asks.

 

"Nah, I'll grab a cup of coffee and a bagel or something at the Campus Coffee House after my first class.  I'll see you this aftrnoon."  Cole kisses his mother on the cheek.

 

"See you at Ewing Oil this afternoon,"  Sly says as her son leaves.

Cliff and Afton's apartment....

 

 

Meanwhile, Cliff and Afton are having breakfast in their apartment that morning, and Afton is  watching how fast and nervously Cliff is eating.  "Cliff, why are you in such a hurry?  You're eating those eggs like you think eggs are about to go out of style."

 

"I'm eating fast because I'm in a hurry.  I have a real important appointment downtown this morning at 9 a.m. sharp."

 

"Cliff, it's not even 8 yet.  Must be something big,"  Afton says.

 

Cliff smiles.  "Oh, trust me, it IS.  Things are starting to fall into place for me."

 

"Cliff, what's going on?"

 

"Nope, not yet,"  Cliff says.  "I'm not gonna say anything until this is a sure thing because I don't wanna jinx this.  Then, we're gonna have something to celebrate."  He takes a sip of his coffee, then gets up from the table.   "But I will say this........if this works out, I'm gonna be a very important man in this town again.  Hey, I'm gonna go shave."  Cliff gets up from the table, kisses Afton, then happily walks out of the room, leaving Afton wondering what has him so excited.  

Downtown Dallas....later....

 Cliff is seated in the reception area of an office in downtown Dallas that morning. He is impatient, and looks at his watch, then looks at the secretary seated across the room at her desk and smiles at her.  After a few moments, a woman opens the door to an office.  "Mr. Barnes, you may come in now,"  says Allison Jones, a former member of the Dallas City Council.  

 

Smiling, Cliff stands.  "Thank you,"  he says, walking into the office, Allison walking in after him and closing the door.  Two other men are in the office.  "Bill,"  Cliff says with excitement, shaking hands with the other two men.  "Or I should say, Senator Watson."

 

"Cliff, how are you?"

 

"I'm just great.  It's been a long time."

 

"Yes it has, almost twenty years, I believe."

 

"Yep,"  Cliff says.  "I think the last time I saw you was the night of your re-elction to the Senate, and that was in November of 2000."

 

Bill smiles.  "I remember that night very well.  Cliff, I think you already know Allison Jones, and this is my assistant, Peter Watson."

 

"Oh?  Watson?"  Cliff asks.  "Same last name, any relation?"

 

"Peter's not only my assistant, he's also my son,"  Bill says.  "He's the youngest of my three boys."

 

"Youngest is right,"  Peter says.  "My oldest brother is almost twenty years older than me."

 

"Oh, well, Peter, it's good to meet you,"  Cliff says, shaking hands with the younger man.

 

"Mr. Barnes, I've heard a lot about you,"  Peter says.

 

"Well, I hope at least some of it was good,"  Cliff says with a laugh.

 

"Now, then, Senator Watson, shall we get down to the reason why we're here?"  Allison asks.

 

"Of course,"  Bill says.  "Cliff, as I told you when I spoke to you on the phone a couple nights ago, the State Legislature has been working in as much secret as possible in this day and time, to set up a new Oil Regulatory Commission to help regulate the oil industry in the state."

 

"It's become obvious the past few months that the Texas Railroad Commission has been largely ineffective in stopping the larger independents from drilling to capacity,"  Allison says.  

 

"Well, what do you expect, with Donna Krebbs serving as Railroad Commissioner?"  Cliff asks.  "She's a member of the Ewing family, and that should be a conflict of interest right there."

 

"No, Cliff, I disagree,"  says Sen. Watson.  "I know Donna Krebbs very well, and you'd be hard pressed to find anyone more ethical, or capable, than her.  Unfortunately, it's the Legislature itself that has tied the Railroad Commissioner's hands when it comes to regulating the independents.  That's why it's time for something new.  Something not under the control of my colleagues in the Legislature."

 

"Sounds like a good idea,"  says Cliff.

 

"And that's where you come in, Mr. Barnes,"  Allison says.  "We would like for you to head that commission, once it's set up."

 

Cliff smiles. "I'm flattered."

 

"Cliff, we feel that you are the one man available who has not only the experience in this sort of thing, after all you were head of the Office Of Land Management years ago, but you also have experience in the oil business,"  Bill says.  

 

"As head of the new Oil Regulatory Commission, you would have broad, sweeping powers over the oil industry in the state of Texas,"  Allison says.

 

"Of course we'll give you a few days to think about it, Cliff,"  Bill says.

 "Well, Bill, I'm not gonna need to think about this at all,"  says Cliff.  "I can give you my answer right now, and my answer is yes.  I'll be glad to head up this new commission."

 

Bill smiles.  "Cliff, that's wonderful.  I knew we could count on you.  But there is one thing."

 

"Oh?  And what's that?"

 

"Your on-going feud with the Ewing family is very well known, even legendary,"  Bill says.  "This commission cannot and WILL not be a vehicle for you to wage a personal war against the Ewings or Ewing Oil.  You will have to agree to carry out your duties as head of the commission in a completely fair and unbiased manner."

 

"Will you be able to do that, Mr. Barnes?"  Allison asks.

 

"Oh, yes, sure.  Of course, I will,"  says Cliff.

 

"Good," Bill says, standing from his seat.  "I'll be helping to oversee the new commission, and I look forward to working with you."

 

Cliff stands and shakes the Senator's hand.  "Bill, I truly am honored, and I look forward to working with you, too."

 

"I'll be in town until late this afternoon.  Why don't you have lunch with Peter and I?  Shall we say, at Perry's Steakhouse, around 1?"

 

"I'll be there,"  Cliff says.  "Peter, very nice to meet you, and Allison, good to see you again."

 

Allison smiles.  "You too, Mr. Barnes."

 

Cliff smiles and nods at the group, then walks out.

 

"Well, Peter, what do you think?"  Bill asks his son.

 

"Well, to tell you the truth, Dad, I wasn't terribly impressed.  Don't you think Cliff Barnes is a little old to head the new ORC?"

 Ben Murray is working in one of the horse barns at the Krebbs Ranch early in the afternoon, cleaning out one of the stalls when Gavin walks in.  "Hey, Ben,"  Gavin calls to him.

 

"Hey, come on in,"  says Ben.  "You come to help me out over here or just takin' a break from Southfork?"

 

"On my lunch break,"  Gavin says.  "And we need to talk."

 

Ben stops working and looks at his brother.  "Okay, so, how bad is it?"

 

"How bad is what?"

 

"Whenever anybody says 'we need to talk,' it aint never good news,"  Ben says.

 

"Well, I guess it's all in how ya look at this.  Dad's back in Dallas."

 

"He's what?  How do you know?"

 

"He called me this mornin'.  He wants to see both of us,"  Gavin says.

 

"I guess Courtney has no idea he's back, since Christopher Ewing told Dad to get out of town or he was gonna make him wish he had."

 

Gavin shakes his head.  "No.  Dad knows how Courtney feels about him, and he'd never contact her."

 

"Are you gonna see him?"  Ben asks.

 

Gavin looks at his brother for a couple of seconds.  "I dunno.  Do you want to?"

 

"Gavin, I know he's my father and all, but to be honest with you, no, I don't.  After what he let Zack do to Courtney, I don't much care if I never see him again.  I know that sounds bad, but it's how I feel."

 

"No, doesn't sound bad at all,"  says Gavin.  "Considering what we now know about our father, and what happened to our sister, I feel the same way.  I don't wanna see Dad, but I think I'm going to.  Just to tell him to stay out of our lives.  I just wanted to give you a heads up that he was back in case he tries to contact you."

 

"I appreciate that,"  Ben says.  

 

"Anything you want me to tell him?"

 

Ben pauses for a moment, then looks at his brother.  "No.  I don't have anything to say to him."

 

"Okay, well, I've gotta get back to Southfork,"  Gavin says.  "I'll call you and we'll hang out soon."

 

Ben nods, then Gavin turns and walks out of the barn as Ben returns to his work.

The Cattlemen's Club....

 Justin and Jill are having lunch at The Cattlemen's Club that afternoon.  "One thing I have REALLY missed about about Dallas is the steaks they have here."

 

Justin smiles.  "Don't y'all have steaks in Califorinia?"

 

"Of course, but not like this."

 

"Well, I got a simple solution to that,"  says Justin.  "Don't go back to California.  Stay in Dallas."

 

Jill looks at him and smiles.  "Justin, I can't.  I really don't feel like Dallas is my home anymore."

 

"And why is that?"  

 

"There are a lot of painful memories for me here,"  Jill says.  

 

"The divorce?  And.........Tripp McKay?"

 

"Yes.  Among other things.  But Tripp is definitely a big part of it.  There's memories of him here that I just can't get away from as long as I'm in Dallas."

 

Justin sighs.  "Man, that guy.  McKay poisoned everything he touched.  And even though he's been dead for 7 months, he's still doin' it."

 

"That's not all,"  Jill says.  "Justin, there's something that I never told you.  You know about my affair with Detective Anderson, don't you?"

 

Justin looks at his sister in shock.  "What?  You mean........the Detective Anderson who arrested me?"

 

"Yes."

 

"You had an affair with him?"  Justin asks.

 

"Yes.  It was before Tripp's murder."

 

"Jill, is that what happened between you and Jay?  Your marriage broke up because you cheated with that detective?"

 

"That was part of it.  There's more.  Craig Anderson was my high school sweetheart.  I never meant for the affair to happen, and for months, I tried my best to avoid it.  But when Craig came back into my life after years of being out of it, I was drawn to him.  Justin, when Craig and I were in high school, I became pregnant with his child."

 

"You........oh my God, you WHAT?"  Justin asks, stunned.  "You had a baby?  Where is the child now?"

 

Jill looks at him in tears, unable to reply at first.

 

"Did you give the baby up for adoption?"  

 

"No,"  she replies, wiping her tears.

 

Justin's mouth falls open in shock.  "Oh my God, no, you.......did you have an abortion?"

 

"No, of course not, I would never do that.  I hate the very concept of abortion."

 

"I'm sorry,"  Justin says, reaching across the table and taking her hand.  "What happened?"

 

"My baby died,"  Jill says.

 

"Oh, no, Jill.  I'm so sorry."

 

"He was 3 weeks premature and was born with a heart murmur.   He only lived for 25 days.  Most of that was spent in the hospital.  I brought him home, and within a few days, I had to take him back to the hospital.  He never came home again."  

 

"I'm really sorry.  I don't.........I can't even imagine how awful that must have been for you."

 

Jill nods.  "It was.  I visit my little boy's grave often.  Sometimes I just sit and talk to him.  That was why I was so reluctant to get pregnant when Jay and I were together.  I was terrified of something like that happening again, and I don't think I could handle another loss like that."

 

"Did you explain that to Jay?"  Justin asks.

 

"Yes, but, it only made things worse.  Jay was upset that I didn't tell him about Wesley.  That was my son's name."

 

"Wesley, that's a pretty name,"  Justin says as Clay walks up to their table.  

 

 

"Justin,"  Clay says.  

 

"Oh, Clay, hello,"  Justin says, looking up at him.  

 

"I know I'm probably the last person you wanna see right now, but, I just wanted to say that I'm glad you're free."

 

"Thank you, Clay."

 

"I'm very sorry.........for what happened.  For what my mother did to you,"  Clay says, his voice shaky.

 

"Clay, I never blamed you for that,"  says Justin.  

 

"Thank you for that,"  Clay says.  "Well, you take care."  He turns and starts to walk away.

 

"Clay, wait,"  Justin says.  

 

Clay stops and turns back to him.  

 

"I'd like for you to meet Jill Smithfield.  She's my.........."

 

"Your half-sister, yes, I know,"  says Clay.  "Jill, it's nice to meet you."

 

"It's nice to meet you, too.  I've heard a lot about you."

 

"None of it good, I'm sure."

 

"Well, we've all done things we're not proud of,"  Jill says.  "So I'm no one to judge.  I guess since you're James's son, that would make you my nephew."

 

"Yes, I suppose so.  This is all kinda new to me.  Except for my mother, and my grandmother, I never had any other family.  Not even any cousins.  

 

"Well, you've certainly got a whole bunch of relatives now,"  Jill says with a slight smile.  

 

"Yeah, I guess.  It was nice meeting you.  Take care."

 

"Clay, would  you like to join us?"  Justin asks.

 

"Thank you, maybe another time.  Bye,"  Clay says, then walks away.

 

Jill and Justin watch as Clay leaves the restaurant.  "Poor guy,"  Jill says.  "He seems so sad.  So lost."

 

Justin sighs.  "Yeah.  I really feel bad for him."

 

"From what I've heard, he hasn't exactly been welcomed into the family with open arms."

 

"No.  So far, Ashley is the only one who's made the guy feel welcome.  Maybe it's time that changed."

McDonald's in downtown Dallas....late afternoon....

 Sharon Smith walks into a McDonald's in downtown Dallas, just down the street from Westar.  Looking around, she spots Andrew Murray sitting at a table and walks over to him.  "Well, hello, Sharon,"  Andrew says, eating a cheeseburger.  "Sit down."

 

Sharon takes a seat across from him.  "I might have known you'd pick a McDonald's to meet in,"  she says.  "Low class as always."

 

Andrew laughs.  "Well, until I get that money from you, I'm afraid a place like Perry's or La Petit Maison is a bit out of my price range.  Plus, my daughter's husband, Christopher Ewing, kind told me to get out of town and not come back, so I gotta keep a low profile, if ya know what I mean.  I highly doubt the Ewings would eat at a McDonald's.  Now then, got my money?"

 

Sharon reaches into her purse and takes out an envelope.  Looking around to make sure no one is watching, she places it on the table and slides it over to him.  "There's thirty thousand there."

 

"Thirty grand?"  Andrew asks.  "Sharon, our deal was for fifty."

 

"I told you.  Fifty thousand dollars is all I have to my name.  I will NOT end up penniless because of you."

 

Andrew looks at her.  "Sharon, personally, I don't give a damn if you end up penniless.  Our deal was for fifty thousand dollars, in exchange for me keeping the secret that Shawn is my son.  And, since our baby boy is now the head of the largest oil company in the state of Texas.......money shouldn't be a concern."

 

"I've already told you, I am NOT going to beg money from my son to pay a blackmailer,"  Sharon says.

 

Andrew leans closer to her.  "You will, unless you want me to ask Shawn for the money myself.  You think maybe he'll give it to his dear old dad?"

 

"Why the hell are you doing this to me?"  Sharon asks.  "You promised me years ago that you would never breath a word of our affair to anyone.  And now you show up here out of the blue threatening me?"

 

"Well, there's a couple reasons for that,"  says Andrew.  "You see, Sharon, I see it as divine fate that all four of my kids ended up right here in Dallas at the same time, and so did you.  And, I'm a little down on my luck these days.  And not only that, but my second born son has never been the head of a multi-BILLION dollar company before.  All these things falling into place make this the perfect for you and I to reconnect and do a little business.  This thirty grand is a start, but I expect the other twenty grand I wanted by tomorrow."

 

"Andrew, don't do this.  Just take that thirty thousand and leave Dallas."

 

Andrew smiles.  "Sorry, Sharon, but no can do.  I need the rest of that money.  I WANT the rest of that money, and I'm gonna get it, even if I have to go to Shawn."

 

"You son of a bitch, if you do that, you WILL regret it."

 

"Threats never looked good on you, Sharon."

 

Meanwhile, Conner and C.J. Ewing walk into the McDonald's and walks up to the counter.  "I'll take the next customer,"  says a young female cashier.  

 

"And I'll take the next,"  says a young Hispanic male cashier.  Conner smiles at C.J. then walks up to the female cashier, leaving C.J. to go to the male.  

 

"Hi,"  Conner says.  "I'll take a 10 piece McNugget meal, supersized."

 

"Will that be for here, or to go, sir?"

 

"For here, please."

 

"10 piece McNugget meal, supersized, and what type of sauce would you like?"

 

"Honey mustard,"  Conner replies.  

 

"Okay, sir, that will $6.91," the cashier says.  

 

Conner opens his wallet, takes out a ten dollar bill and hands it to the cashier.  She places the ten into the register and hands Conner his change. 

 

"And your change is $3.09."

 

"Thank you."

 

"You're very welcome, sir," the girl says, smiling at him.  "Your order is number 97, and here is your tray and your cup."

 

"Thanks,"  Conner says, smiling at the pretty brunette, who looks about 19 or 20.  "C.J., I'll grab us a table,"  he says.

 

"Alright, I'll be right there,"  C.J. says.

 

As Conner takes his cup to the drink machine to fill it, he spots Andrew and Sharon across the room, engaged in what looks like an intense conversation.  Curious, he walks over to them.  "Excuse me,"  Conner says.  "Mr. Murray?"

 

Andrew and Sharon look up at the young man.  "Can I help you?"

 

"You're Ben's Dad, right?"  Conner asks.

 

"Yes, I am.  Do I know you?"  

 

"I'm Conner Ewing, I met you about a month or so ago when you came to the Krebbs Ranch to see Ben."

 

"Oh, that's right, I thought you looked kinda familiar."

 

"I didn't know you were still in town,"  says Conner.

 

"Yes, I'm back on some business, and to see an old friend."

 

Conner looks at Sharon.  "Aren't you Shawn Smith's Mom?"

 

Sharon looks at the young man nervously.  "Yes, that's right.  You know my son?"

 

"Well, not really.  But, we have met.  I remember you from seeing you at Southfork a couple times and at the Ewing Barbecue.  I didn't realize you two knew each other."

 

"Oh yes,"  Andrew says.  "Sharon and I are old friends.  Her late husband and I, we were friends when we were kids."

 

"Oh, yeah, Ann's brother?  Wow, that's pretty cool."

 

"Hey, they just called your order.  You got us a table?"  C.J.asks, walking over.  

 

"Not yet, just pick one,"  Conner says.  "Mr. Murray, it was nice seeing you again."

 

"Yeah you, too, uh......Conner, is it?"

 

"That's right.  Bye."

 

"Bye,"  Andrew says with a smile as Conner and C.J. walk away.

 

"Well, that was just great,"  says an irritated Sharon.  "Didn't expect to run into any Ewings here, huh?"

 

"Hell, what can I say, those Ewings are like cockroaches, they're everywhere.  But don't worry.  The kid had no idea why we're here, and he bought the story of us being old friends through your husband."

 

"What if that kid mentions to Ann or any of the other Ewings that you're in town or he saw us together?"

 

A look of worry comes over Andrew's face as he looks over at Conner, who has taken his seat with C.J. at a booth across the room.

 

Meanwhile, at their booth, C.J. begins eating his cheeseburger, but Conner is looking over at Andrew and Sharon.  

 

"Hey, what's wrong?"  C.J. asks.  "Who were those people you were talking to?"

 

"That guy, that's Andrew Murray, Courtney Ewing's dad."

 

"Courtney?  Christopher's wife?"  

 

"Yep.  And that lady, that's Tripp McKay and Shawn Smith's mother,"  Conner says.

 

"Really?  Wow, what would those two be doing together?"

 

"Good question.  Murray said they were old friends, but I don't buy it.  Those two were talkin' about somethin' REALLY intense when I walked over there.  And Murray.........man, he's bad news.  His own kids don't even want anything to do with him."  Conner continues to look at Andrew and Sharon with suspicion.

Afton's Lounge....that evening....

 

 Cliff and Afton are sitting at a table that evening at Afton's Lounge.  Cliff is anxiously looking at his watch.  "Okay, where is she?"  He asks.  "Brad told me he was gonna be late, but Pamela said she would be here at 7 PM sharp."

 

"Cliff, will you stop being so impatient?"  Afton asks.  "Pamela said she'd be here, and she'll BE here.  Maybe the sitter was late."

 

"Yeah, or hopefully didn't show up at all so she'll have to leave J.R., Jr, at home with the kids,"  Cliff says.

 

"Very funny."

 

"Oh, no such luck, here they come now,"  Cliff says as he sees Justin and Pamela walk into the restaurant.  The two make their way over to Cliff and Afton's table.

 

"Hi, Mom, sorry we're late,"  Pamela says, greeting her mother with a kiss on the cheek.  "The sitter called and said she couldn't make it, so we had to ask Justin's niece Ashley to come over and sit with the kids."

 

"Oh, it's fine, darling,"  Afton says.  "Hello, Justin."

 

"Hi, Afton, how are you?"  Justin asks, he and Pamela taking seats at the table.

 

"I'm just fine, how are you?"

 

"Couldn't be better.  Hello, Mr. Barnes."

 

"Uh, yeah, hi,"  says an uncomfortable Cliff.

 

"Justin, I think by now you could call Daddy 'Cliff,'" says Pamela.

 

"Oh, alright......Cliff."

 

"Mr. Barnes is just fine,"  Cliff says.

"She'll be fine,"  Brad replies.  "Turned out to only be a case of appendicitis.  She had surgery, spent last night in the hospital, and tonight she's back in her hotel room being cared for by a private nurse until she's well enough to travel back to the states in about a week."

 

"Well, that's good," says Pamela.  "Brad, you haven't seen Justin since he's been home, have you?"

 

"No, I haven't.  Justin,"  Brad says, coldly.

 

"Brad,"  Justin replies, a tone of equal disdain in his voice for his fiance's brother.

 

"Cliff, now that we're all here, why don't you ask us why invited us all to this little family dinner?"  Afton asks.  "Unless, of course, you're expecting Emma to show up."

 

"No, I wish, but I'm not,"  says Cliff.

 

"When you called me this morning, you made it sound real important,"  Brad says.

 

"It is.  It's very big news.  This morning, I had a meeting with an old friend of mine, Senator Bill Watson, who is heading a committee that is setting up a new Oil Regulatory Commission here in Texas.  This Commission will replace the Railroad Commission in the job of regulating the oil industry in this state."

 

"So?"  Brad asks.  "I don't get it.  We're out of the oil business, thanks to that jackass, Trip McKay.  Pardon me for speaking ill of the dead."

 

"Well, you are all looking at the new head of the ORC,"  Cliff says.

 

"Daddy, you're kidding,"  Pamela says.  

 

"Nope, I'm not kidding.  Of course I'll have to go through Senate confirmation hearings, but Bill Watson says that's only a formality.  He's pulling for me, so that means I as good as HAVE the appointment."

 

Afton smiles.  "Cliff, that's wonderful.  I'm so happy for you."

 

"And so am I,"  says Brad.  "That sounds like it's gonna be a powerful position."

 

"Oh, it will be.  I'll have final say on ALL drilling in the state."

 

"Well, I am VERY proud of you,"  says Brad.  "I propose a toast.  To my father, Clifford Barnes, the new head of the Oil Regulatory Commission."

 

"Here, here,"  Pamela says as everyone toasts.  However, Justin isn't happy about the news of Cliff's new probably appointment.

 

"Well, Justin, aren't you going to congratulate me on my news?"  Cliff asks.  "You don't seem too happy about it.  Any particular reason?"

 

"Well, I would be happy, Cliff, if I didn't feel that you were just gonna use that new commission to come after Ewing Oil and my fam'ly."

 

"Justin,"  Pamela says.

 

"Y'know, I am REALLY insulted by that remark.  I'm not gonna use this position for any personal gain.  Only make sure that all the independents, INCLUDING Ewing Oil, follows the guidelines the ORC sets in place."

 

"Well, umm, Justin and I also have some good news,"  Pamela says in an attempt to diffuse any trouble.

 

"Oh, well, it's hear it, sweetheart,"  Afton says.

 

Pamela smiles.  "Justin and I have set a wedding date.  We're going to be getting married on Saturday. February 9."

 

"Oh, Pamela, that's wonderful,"  Afton says.  "But that hardly gives me any time to plan a wedding."

 

"Mom, Justin and I have decided that we don't want a big wedding.  We've both done that and it didn't work out.  This time, we want a small, intimate ceremony with only our family and a couple of close friends."

 

Neither Cliff nor Brad are happy about Pamela's news.

Pamela's apartment....later....

 Justin and Pamela walk into her apartment after dinner that evening.  "Hi,"  Ashley says as she walks into the living room.  "Did you guys have a fun night?"

 

"Yes, we really did,"  Pamela replies.  "Ashley, I can't thank you enough for coming over and babysitting on such short notice."

 

"Oh, hey, it was my pleasure,"  Ashley says.  "Those two little guys were a real joy.  And any time you need a sitter, just give me a call."

 

"Thank you, I definitely will,"  Pamela says.  

 

"Thanks again for comin',"  Justin says.

 

"You're very welcome,"  Ashley says, putting on her coat.  "I'll see you guys later."

 

"Good night, Ashley,"  Pamela says as Ashley leaves.   "Well, your niece turned out to be a lifesaver."

 

"Yes, she did,"  says Justin.  

 

"What's wrong?"  Pamela asks.

 

"Wrong?  No idea what you're talkin' about."

 

"Come on, Justin, you've been in a bad mood ever since my father told us he was heading up this new commission."

 

Justin looks at her.  "Darlin', forgive me if I can't be happy about your father gettin' that appointment."

 

"You're afraid he's gonna use it to go after Ewing Oil again,"  Pamela says.

 

"Aren't you?"  Justin asks.

 

"Well, I..........."

 

"Pamela, you know your father probably better'n anybody.  And we both know how he feels about Ewing Oil and about my fam'ly.  Do you honestly think that Cliff WON'T use his new power to put the screws to Ewing Oil?"

 

Pamela looks at him and sighs.  "No,"  she says sadly.  "Knowing my father the way I do, I'm sure that's exactly what he'll do."

 

"And that's what I'm afraid of.  I think Cliff gettin' that appointment is about the worst thing that could happen.  It's just gonna start this whole damned feud all over again."

 

"Justin, listen to me.  Whatever happens, it doesn't have anything to do with us."

 

"Pamela, how can it not, if your father goes after my fam'ly?"

 

"Look, I'll talk to him.  But whatever happens, you and I have to make a promise that we're gonna stay out of out of it."

 

"You think that's possible?"  Justin asks.

 

"Yes.  Justin, we can't let ourselves get dragged into this feud."

 

Justin walks over to her and touches her face.  "You're right.  We have to stay out of it,"  he says, embracing her.  "I just hope that's possible."

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

 Sly buzzes Bobby's office the next morning.  "Bobby, Donna Krebbs is here to see you."

 

At his desk, Bobby smiles.  "Well, send her in."

 

"You can go right in, Mrs. Krebbs,"  Sly tells Donna with a smile.  

 

"Thank you,"  says Donna.  

 

"You're welcome, it's really good to see you again."

 

"It's good to see you, too."  Donna walks over to Bobby's office, knocks on the door, then walks in.  "Good mornin',"  she says.

 

"Hello, Donna, how are you?"  Bobby asks, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek.

 

"I'm fine.  I have something real important to talk to you about."

 

"Sounds serious,"  says Bobby.

 

"It is."

 

"Well, alright, have a seat."

 

"Maybe Sue Ellen, John Ross, and Christopher should be in on this.  It concerns them, too,"  Donna says.

 

"Well, now you HAVE got me worried,"  Bobby says.  He presses the button on his intercom.  "Sally, would you ask Sue Ellen, John Ross, and Christopher to come into my office?"

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"Donna, what's this about?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I'll explain when the others get here."

 

"Okay,"  Bobby says with a smile. "How's Ray, and how's Dylan doin'?"

 

"Ray is fine, and Dylan is coming along nicely.  He's getting stronger every day, and I think his recovery might be in part due to Ashley Beaumont."

"Ashley?  What does she have to do with it?"

 

Donna smiles.  "She has been visiting Dylan every day since he was injured saving her life.  And, I really think those two like each other."

 

"Well, that's great.  Those two kids really deserve some happiness after all they've been through."

 

Sue Ellen walks into the office.  "Hello, Donna, how are you?"

 

"I'm just fine."

 

"What's going on?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

John Ross and Christopher walk into the office, and both are surprised to see Donna.  "Dad, what's going on?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Donna, what are you doin' here?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Well, now that everybody's here, I'll explain,"  says Donna.  "I just got off the phone a little while ago with Matt, and I have some news that none of you are going to like."

 

"Well, let's hear it,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"A committee has been formed down in Austin by the Legislature to set up a new Oil Regulatory Commission that will oversee the oil industry in the state, including who can drill and where."

 

"Wait, what happened to the Railroad Commission overseeing the oil industry?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Many in the Legislature, as well as the governor, seem to think that the Railroad Commission has become ineffective in regulating the industry and stopping the independents from drilling to capacity,"  Donna replies.  "Basically, the committee members changing their votes last year tied the Railroad Commission's hands.  But that's not even the worst part.  Cliff Barnes is seriously being considered to head this new commission.  Word has it, his appointment is all but a sure thing."

 

"What?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Cliff Barnes?"  Asks Christopher.

 

"You have GOT to be kiddin' me,"  says an angry John Ross.

 

"No, I'm afraid I'm not."

 

"Donna, how on Earth did this happen?"  Bobby asks.  "Of all people, WHY Cliff Barnes?"

 

"The committee charged with the formation of the new ORC is being spearheaded by Senator Bill Watson."

 

"Bill Watson, well, that's explains it,"  says Bobby.

 

"Why, Bobby?"  Sue Ellen asks.

"What about Cliff's prison record? Can't we use that against him to keep him from getting that appointment?"  Christopher asks.

 

"I'm afraid not, since Cliff was pardoned, and then completely exonerated in J.R.'s murder,"  replies Donna.

 

"Ol' Cliff Barnes, the gift that just keeps on givin',"  John Ross says. 

 

"Well, I just wanted you all to know what you're potentially up against,"  Donna says as she stands.  "I will be flying down to Austin this afternoon myself for a meeting first thing tomorrow morning with Matt and a couple other senators, and I will keep you informed."

 

"Donna, we really appreciate you lettin' us know about this,"  Bobby says.

 

"Yes, we certainly do,"  says Sue Ellen.  "And any help you can give us to keep Cliff Barnes OFF that commission would also be greatly appreciated."

 

"Well, I don't think that anyone wants Cliff on that commission, with the exception of Watson and a few of his........ shall we say, loyal fans.  I do happen to know that one of Cliff's, and the Senator's, staunchest supporters is a former city council woman from right here in Dallas, who has also been appointed to serve on the new ORC."

 

"Who's that?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Allison Jones,"  Donna replies.  

 "And if that's the case, then we're gonna have not one, but TWO enemies on that commission,"  Bobby says.  "And that could potentially be devastating to Ewing Oil."

 

"Because there's no way Cliff Barnes is gonna let us drill or operate anywhere in the state,"  John Ross says.

 

"Well let's just hope that Donna's able to help us down in Austin,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Hopefully she and Matt Culver can find some way of keeping Cliff OFF that commission."

 

A moment later, John Ross walks out of Bobby's office, followed by Christopher.  "John Ross, wait up,"  Christopher says.

 

John Ross stops and turns back to him.  

 

"Are you planning on doing something, the way you rushed out of my Dad's office?"

 

"Well, I'm sure as hell not gonna just sit around and do nothin' while Cliff Barnes and Allison Jones get on that commission and use their power to destroy Ewing Oil."

 

"Look, just don't go off half cocked and do something stupid that's gonna backfire in our faces."

 

"Don't you worry,"  John Ross says.  "I won't.  But what I AM gonna do, is save our asses."  He turns and walks away, leaving Christopher worried about what his cousin may be planning.

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

 As Ben Murray is closing one of the gates on the Krebbs Ranch that afternoon, Conner drives up in his truck and comes to a stop beside him.  "Hey,"  Conner says, getting out of the truck.

 

"What's up?"  Ben asks.

 

"Brought some more fertilizer.  It's on the back of the truck."

 

"Okay."

 

"Ben, did you know your dad was back in Dallas?"  Conner asks.

 

"Yeah, I did know,"  replies Ben.  "My brother told me yesterday.  But how'd YOU know?  Has my Dad been here to the ranch?"

 

"No, no, he hasn't.  I saw him yesterday afternoon in Dallas.  I had a late lunch with my cousin C.J., and your Dad was at McDonald's."

 

"Okay, well, good to know,"  Ben says, sounding uninterested.  

 

"Ben, do you know a woman named Sharon Smith?"  Conner asks.

 

"Sharon Smith?  No, I don't.  Why?"

 

"Your Dad was with her at McDonald's yesterday."

 

"Yeah, so?"  Ben asks.

 

"Sharon Smith is the mother of Tripp McKay and Shawn Smith."

 

Ben looks at him and sighs.  "Dude, am I supposed to know who that is?"

 

"Tripp McKay is the guy who was murdered last year.  Justin Ewing was wrongfully convicted of his murder."

 

"Okay.  So?  Conner, why all these questions about my Dad and some woman you saw him with?"

 

"No reason, just curious why your Dad would be with Ann Ewing's sister-in-law, that's all."

 

"Well, I have no idea.  I'm not talking to my Dad these days, so I really don't care who he has lunch with."

 

"Okay, well, fine,"  says Conner.  "Like I said, it just seemed strange to me."

 

Ben looks at him, also curious himself why his father was even back in Dallas after Christopher had told him to leave, and why he would be meeting with the sister-in-law of Christopher's stepmother.

Southfork....late afternoon....

 Two horses are running wild and free inside a fence next to the stables at Southfork that afternoon.  Gavin stands 

at the other end of the fenced in area, calling the horses to him, whistling for them.  After making a few laps around 

"What?"  Gavin asks.  "Ben, what would Dad be doin' with Mrs. Ewing's sister-in-law?"

 

"Well, that's a good question, now itn't it?"  Ben asks.  "What do you think?"

 

"Maybe he met her by coincidence."

 

"Nope.  Conner said Dad told him she was an old friend.  Her name is Sharon.......somethin'.........Sharon Smith.  You remember Dad ever mentionin' her?"

 

Gavin shakes his head.  "No, not at all.  But, as recent revelations have proven, there's a whole 'nother side to our father that we never knew existed."

 

Ben sighs. "I know.  I still just can't wrap my head around what Zack did to Courtney.  And that both Dad AND my Mom knew about it and did NOTHING to protect Courtney.  In fact they made things worse for her.  Gavin, get this ..........Conner said that lady, Sharon Smith..........her son is Shawn Smith, who just became the new CEO of Westar Oil.  And her other son was Tripp McKay.........."

 

"Tripp McKay?"  Gavin asks.  "Itn't that the guy that Mr. Ewing's nephew went to prison for killin'?"

 

"Sure is.  What our father be doin' with Tripp McKay's mother?"

 

"And if they really ARE old friends, then why have we never heard of her?"  Gavin asks.  Just then, he sees Courtney's car driving up.  "Shhhh.......don't say anything about this,"  he tells Ben.  "Don't even mention to Courtney that Dad's back in Dallas."

 

"Don't worry, I won't,"  Ben says as Courtney's car comes to a stop next to them.  Jacob gets out of the car, followed by Courtney.  

 

"Gavin!"  Jacob says, running up to his uncle.  

 

"Hey, man, how was your day at school?"  Gavin asks.

 

"LONG,"  the boy replies.  "How's my horse?"

 

"Oh, he's great."

 

"Hey, Ben,"  Jacob says.

 

"What's up, Jacob?"

 

Courtney walks over to her son and her two brothers.  "Hi, guys.  Ben, what are you doing over here this time of day?  Did Christopher's Uncle Ray give you the afternoon off?"

 

"Well, we finished our work a little early today, so I asked if I could have the afternoon off,"  Ben replies.

 

Over at the Krebbs home that afternoon, Dylan and Ashley are taking a pleasant walk in the back yard.  "Not getting tired, are you?"  Ashley asks.

 

"Not at all.  Feels so good to finally get out of the house for a while,"  Dylan replies.  "It's a beautiful day."

 

"Sure is.  Weather feels good for January."

 

"The weather's not the only thing that makes it a beautiful day."

 

"Oh?  Well, what else is there, besides just getting out of the house after being cooped up for a few days?"  Ashley asks.

 

Dylan stops walking and turns to her.  "Sharing a nice day with such a beautiful girl."

 

Ashley looks at him and smiles.  "That's really sweet."

 

"Well, I meant every word," Dylan says.  "But, Ashley, y'know, you don't have to continue keeping me company like this every day.  As you can see, I'm back on my feet now, and I'm sure that you probably have friends you'd rather spend time with, or maybe some lucky guy."

 

"So what are you saying?  Dylan, I'm sorry.  I didn't realize.  I should've known."

 

"Should've known what?"  Dylan asks.

 

"That I was coming over too often.  I can see how that could get annoying, and I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you so much."

 

"Hey, now, wait a minute, that's not what I meant at all.  I just meant that, well, I figured there were things you'd rather be doing than hanging out here watching movies and taking walks around the yard with me every day.  I never meant to imply that you were bothering me.  Ashley, you never could.  It's just........ well, I know that you felt like you owed me for what happened at the ball......."

 

"You mean for you saving my life,"  Ashley interrupts.  "I love how you're so modest about it you never say that."

 

Dylan smiles.  "Okay, I know you felt like you owed me for saving your life, but, that's not the case at all.  You never owed me for that.  I didn't want you to feel like you were obligated to come check on me every day when you'd rather be doing something else, or spending your time with someone else."

 

"Well, if you're finished, now can I say something?"  Ashley asks.

 

"Sure."

 

"Dylan, I admit at first, I did feel like I owed you.  I still do.  You saved my life that night.  I'd be dead right now if it weren't for you, and you almost got yourself killed doing it.  But after that first day I hung out with you, all that changed.  I really enjoy spending time with you.  I'm not doing it out of obligation or because you saved my life.  I'm doing it because I can't think of anyone else I'd rather spend my free time with."

 

"Really?" Dylan asks, surprised.

 

"Yes, really.  Dylan, you are the sweetest, kindest guy I've ever known, next to my own father.  And I really like you."

 

"I, uh.........I can't believe it.  I don't know what to say."

 

"Well, your face is kinda saying it for you."

 

"What?"  Dylan asks.

 

"You're blushing."

 

"I am?"

 

"Yes,"  Ashley says.  "And it's really cute on you."

 

"I honestly don't know what to say.  I like you, too.  A lot.  I REALLY don't know what to say or how to act right now. I think this is the first time that I've ever liked someone and she actually liked me back."

 

"You're kidding,"  Ashley says.

 

"No, I'm not.  All through school I was really shy, and most.......no ALL the girls, even the nerdy ones, thought I was weird.  So I never got anywhere with them."

 

Ashley moves closer to him.  "Well, those girls were missing out on one heck of a great guy,"  she says, then kisses him.  

 

Meanwhile, Ray is coming out of the barn when he sees Dylan and Ashley kissing.  He pauses for a moment watching the two young people.  Ray smiles, both because he is glad that Dylan finally seems happy, and proud of how far the young man has come in the last few months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southfork....

 Ben and Jacob are riding horse in one of Southfork's many pastures late in the afternoon.  Ben looks around the sweeping landscape of the ranch in awe.  "Wow," he says.  "Man, this place is so beautiful.  It must be great livin' in a place like this."

 

"It is,"  says Jacob.  "But you live on a ranch too, don't you?"

 

"Yeah, I do, but Mr. Krebbs' place has NOTHIN' on Southfork.  I wonder how big this place is."

 

"I dunno.  Christopher would probably know.  Ben?"

 

"Yeah?"

 

"You're Courtney's brother, right?  Just like Gavin?"

 

"That's right."

 

"So you're my uncle?"

 "Yep, I sure am,"  Ben says.

 

"That's kinda weird,"  Jacob says.

 

Ben laughs.  "What's weird about it?"

 

"You're not much older than I am."

 

"Well, I do have a few years on you."

 

"How old are you?"  Jacob asks.

 

"I'm 17."

 

"How come you don't go to school?  Did you graduate already?"

 

"No, I didn't,"  Ben says.  "I dropped out."

 

"You dropped out of school?  How come?"

 

"Lots of reasons.  School just wasn't for me.  And I had some problems at home."

 

"What kind of problems?"  Jacob asks.

 

"Me and my Dad, we didn't get along,"  replies Ben.  "So, soon as I turned 16, I hit the road.  That's when I ended up here in Braddock and got a job workin' at Mr. Krebbs's ranch.  Of course back then I had no idea that my sister lived on the ranch right next door.  Now THAT'S what I call weird."

 

Suddenly, Jacob begins to experience a shortness of breath again.  He stops his horse.

 

"Jacob?  Hey, what's wrong?"  Ben asks.  

 

"Nothing.  I just don't feel so good."

 

"Maybe we ought to head on back.  Are you gonna be okay?"

 

"Yeah.  But let's go back,"  Jacob says.  

 

"Jacob, are you sure you're okay?  I can call Gavin and have him come pick us up in his truck."

 

"Nah, I'll be okay to ride,"  Jacob says.  

A few minutes later....

Jacob and Ben return to the stables, where they hand off their horses to one of the ranch hands.  "Thanks, Tony,"  Jacob says to the ranch hand.  "Ben, you wanna come up to the house?  You can play a game with me and Michael?"

 

"Sure, you go on ahead, I'll be up in a couple minutes."

 

Jacob nods, then turns and begins walking toward the house.  Gavin walks up to Ben.

 

"You two weren't gone long,"  Gavin says. 

 

"Nah, Jacob wasn't feelin' too good,"  says Ben.  

 

"Listen, Ben, I been thinkin' about Dad and this woman you said Conner Ewing saw him with."

 

"What about 'em?"

 

"Itn't it strange to you that our father would be having lunch with Ann Ewing's sister-in-law?  Ann Ewing, my boss's wife?  What bugs me most is, you said Conner told him she was an old friend of his."

 

"Gavin, you really think it's that big of a deal?"  Ben asks.  "Dad lived here in Dallas when he was a kid, didn't he?  Maybe he knew her then."

 

"Maybe, but I dunno, Ben.  Somethin' seems fishy to me."

 

"Well, I'm goin' up to the house now.  If Mrs. Ewing is home, why don't I ask her?"

 

"Okay, but just be subtle about it.  And whatever you do, don't let Courtney hear you.  Last thing she needs right now is to know that Dad is anywhere near here."

 

"Okay, I'll be subtle,"  says Ben.  

Allison Jones's office....

 Allison Jones walks into her office late in the afternoon, and she is surprised to find John Ross there waiting for her.  "What are you doing here?"  She asks.

 "You and I have some business to discuss, Ms. Jones,"  John Ross says.  

 

"You and I have nothin' to discuss, business or otherwise, Mr. Ewing, and I'd like it if you would please get the HELL out of my office."

 

"Not until we talk about some things, specifically that little Oil Regulatory Commission you and Cliff Barnes are all set to serve on."

 

"Found out about that, did you?"  Allison asks.  "I'm not surprised."

 

"You shouldn't be.   I always find things out."

 

"Yes, well if you're here to try and blackmail me into not servin' on the ORC, or into sabotagin' Cliff Barnes, then you can go straight to hell.  I will NOT be blackmailed again."

 

"I still have copies in my safe of that little romp you and I took in bed together a few years ago."

 

Allison smiles.  "Still won't work.  My husband and I have since divorced, so you see, John Ross......you and your cousin Christopher don't have  a leg to stand on this time."

 

"It'd still make a pretty good scandal, even after almost six years."

 

"And I could always claim those photos were faked.  You can do wonders these days with a computer and photoshop.  So, you see, John Ross, blackmail and strong arm tactics won't work this time.  Now get out of my office."

 

"Alright, I'll go for now,"  says John Ross.  "But this itn't over, Allison.  If you and Cliff Barnes are plannin' to use that commission to put the screws to us and hurt Ewing Oil...........then you'd better think twice."

 

"Careful, John Ross,"  Allison says.  "You're on the verge of being accused of trying to threaten and intimidate a public official."

 

"Public official, my ass.  You and Barnes are all out for yourselves, you don't give a damn about public service.  I'm gonna do all I can to keep you and Barnes off that commission.  Maybe I won't use those pictures of me and you, but then again, maybe I will.  But maybe, just MAYBE, you got some other skeletons rattlin' around in your closest.  And as just about every politician and public official knows these days........secrets and past indiscretions, and fam'ly skeletons ALWAYS come out, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.  If you don't have any secrets, maybe someone close to you does."  John Ross walks to the door and starts to leave. 

 

"John Ross, I'm warning you,"  Allison angrily says.  "Messin' with me is one  thing, but if you dare to go after anyone I love, I swear.........you will regret the day you were born."

 

John Ross looks at her and smiles.  "Now, Allison, I would never wanna drag an innocent person into this mess just because they were unlucky enough to know you.  You have a good evenin', now."   John Ross winks at her and then leaves.  

 

"Damn it,"  Allison says after he leaves.  She walks over to her desk and takes a seat.  After a brief pause, she picks up her cell phone and dials a number.  After the third ring, someone answer.  "Hey, it's me.  I think we may have a problem.  John Ross Ewing, that's what the problem is.  Yes.  He might start snoopin' around not only in MY past, but also those closest to me.  And if he finds out our secret, then you and I are both sunk."

Smithfield And Bennett....later....

 "Justin, Pamela, come in,"  Jay Smithfield says as he welcomes the couple into his office at Smithfield And Bennett that evening.  "I'm really sorry that we had to meet at such a late hour, but it's been an extremely busy last few days, and I was in court and meetings all day.  Can I offer you a drink?"

 

"No, thanks, Jay, I'm fine,"  Justin says.

 

"Me, too,"  says Pamela.

 

"I'm actually glad you were coming by.  If you hadn't been, I was gonna call you.  I just got off the phone with my cousin, Todd Baxter a little while ago.  You know, he works with the D.A.'s office."

 

"Yes, I remember,"  Justin says.  

 

"Todd gave me some news.  There won't be a trial for Michelle Stevens."

 

"What?  Why not?"  Pamela asks.

 

"Michelle has agreed to plead guilty to Tripp McKay's murder in exchange for the D.A.'s office not seeking the death penalty against her.  She'll spend the rest of her life in prison."

 

"Good, that's where she belongs,"  says Justin.

 

"I couldn't agree more,"  Justin says.  "Now, then, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?"

 

"Jay, when I was in prison, I met this kid, another inmate, named Tim Martin,"  Justin says.  "He's only 19, and he's in prison for years for murder."

 

"And what is it you want me to do?"  Jay asks.

 

"I'd like for you to look into his case.  See if maybe you can't get his sentence reduced, or at least get him moved to a better facility."

 

"Justin, I'm sorry to break it to you, but, as far as prison goes, there ARE no better facilities.  They're all basically the same, and they're all a terrible place to be.  What makes you think I can do anything for this kid, I mean, that his own attorney hasn't probably already done?"

 

"Jay, that's just the thing.  Tim's family couldn't afford a really good attorney, so he had a public defender.  What happened is this........Tim's older brother was a cop, and a little over a year ago, his brother was shot and killed in the line of duty by a gang member, a kid Tim knew from school.  The family was devastated.  Tim really looked up to his brother.  The night his brother died, Tim went a little crazy, and  he went after the guy who shot him.  Tim shot the guy, and he died.  Jay, Tim is a good kid.  And I'm gonna tell you, I don't think he'll survive in prison, especially not with all the gang members and cop haters in there, if they find out what he was  convicted of."

 

"To be honest, Justin, I don't know what I can do."

 

"Jay, please.  Look, I'm willin' to pay you whatever it takes.  I'd also consider it a personal favor if you would just look into Tim's case.  Or go visit him and just talk to him, then decide for yourself."

 

Jay hesitates a moment before answering.  "Okay.  I'll go and see him tomorrow."

 

"Thanks, man."

 

"Justin, why is this kid so important to you?"  Jay asks.

 

Justin looks at him.  "Because a little over a week ago I was in the same place he is now."

 

Pamela reaches over and takes Justin's hand and smiles at him.  "That's one reason I love this man so much,"  she says.  "Because of his compassion for other people."

 

"You've definitely got yourself a good man there, Pamela,"  Jay says.  

 

"Yes, I know."

Southfork....

 Courtney walks Ben downstairs as he is getting ready to leave Southfork after spending the evening with Jacob and Michael.  "Jacob had a great time with you this afternoon,"  Courtney says.  

 

Ben smiles.  "I had a great time with him, too."

 

"My Mom is having a family dinner on Saturday night, and we'd love it if you would come."

 

"You sure your Mom would like that?"  Ben asks.  

 

"I know she would."

 

"Thanks, I'd love to."

 

"Great, if you'd like, you can come over and ride into town with Christopher, Jacob, and I."

 

"Okay.  Goodnight,"  Jacob says.  He kisses his sister on the cheek, then leaves the foyer.  As he walks into the living room to leave through the back door, he runs into Ann, who is coming out of the kitchen.  

 

"Hello, Ben, you leavin'?"  Ann asks.

 

"Yes, ma'am."

 

"Well, it was nice havin' you, and you come back any time."

 

"Thank you.  Ummm, Mrs. Ewing, can I ask you somethin'?"

 

"Of course, Ben.  What can I do for you?"  Ann asks.

 

"Did you, by any chance, know my father, Andrew Murray?"

 

Ann smiles.  "Well, yes, as a matter of fact, I did know him.  When I was a teenager, Andy's family lived just down the street from us.  He and my brother were the closest of friends."

 

"Your brother?"  Ben asks.

 

"Yes, my brother, Mark Smith."

 

"Mark Smith?"

 

"Yes.  I'm surprised your father never mentioned Mark."

 

"No, he didn't.  But, I guess that explains it."

 

"Explains what?"

 

"It's probably nothin',"  Ben says.  "Conner Ewing told me that he saw my Dad yesterday, and he was havin' lunch in Dallas with a woman named Sharon Smith, and Conner said that Sharon is your sister-in-law."

 

"Yes, she is," Ann says.  "She's my brother Mark's widow.  And I had no idea that your father was in Dallas."  

 

While the two are talking, Christopher starts into the living room, but hearing Ann and Ben, he stops and listens.

 

"Yeah.  Umm, I guess since he was friends with your brother, that explains why he was havin' lunch with your brother's wife.  Thanks, Mrs. Ewing for clearing that up for me.  Well, good night."

 

"Goodnight, Ben,"  Ann says.

 

Christopher walks into the living room.  "Ben, what did I just hear you say?"  He asks.  "Did you just say that your Dad is still in Dallas after I told him to get the hell out of town and not come back?"

 

Stunned that Christopher had overheard their conversation, Ben looks at him, unsure of what to say, and realizing that he had just opened up a whole can of trouble for his father if Christopher finds him.

 

END OF EPISODE 193....