EPISODE 194 - Blackmail And Deception Are Very Dangerous Games

 

"Ben, did I just hear you right?"  Asks an angry Christopher.  "Did you just say your Dad's still in Dallas after I told him to get the hell out of Dallas and not come back?"

 

"Conner saw him yesterday."

 

"Where is he?  Where's he staying?"

 

"Christopher, I don't know,"  Ben says.  "I haven't even talked to him."

 

"You'd better be telling me the truth."

 

"Christopher, now wait a ,minute,"  Ann says.  "Ben just told you he hasn't spoken to Andrew."

 

"Ben, I........I'm sorry, I just............after what your Dad did to Courtney, I........."

 

"Christopher, I understand,"  says Ben.  "Believe me, I do."

 

"Look, uh.......I don't want Courtney to know anything about this.  You haven't told her, have you?"

 

"No, of course not."

 

"Good."

 

"Well, I better be goin'.  Night, Mrs. Ewing, Christopher,"  Ben says.  

 

"Ben, wait,"  says Christopher.  

 

"Yeah?"

 

"Never mind."

 

Ben looks at him for a moment, then turns and leaves.

 

Ann looks at her stepson.  "Are you alright?"

 

Christopher sighs. "Yeah, I'm fine, it's just..........when I think of what Andrew Murray let happen to Courtney, I......... I just wanna beat the guy to a pulp.  But that's nothing compared to what I wanna do to her stepbrother Zack."

 

Ann walks over to Christopher and puts her hand on his shoulder.  "Hey, listen to me,"  she says.  "I understand how you feel.  But if and when you do find this guy Zack...........Christopher, you are gonna have to maintain control of yourself.  The last thing Courtney, or Jacob need is for you to end up in jail for doin' somethin' you'll regret.  When Bum does find this guy for you, promise me you'll let the law handle him."

 

"Ann, this guy raped my wife when she was 14, am I just supposed to......."

 

"Listen, honey, I know that.  No one understands the pain of sexual abuse better than I do.  But that bastard is not worth you goin' to prison for."

 

Christopher nods.  "I understand.  And thank you."

 

"Hey, what's going on?"  Courtney asks, walking into the room.  

 

Ann and Christopher exchange looks.  "Nothing,"  Christopher replies, walking over to her.  "Everything's fine.  Jacob in bed already?"

 

"Yeah.  He really enjoyed spending the afternoon with Ben.  But, Christopher, I am a little worried about Jacob.  He hasn't been feeling well lately.  I think I might need to take him to the doctor tomorrow."

 

"Yeah, that's probably a good idea. He hasn't had a check up since right after he came here to live with us."

 

"I'll call first thing in the morning and see about getting him an appointment, tomorrow, if possible, but if not, the first thing Monday,"  says Courtney.  

 

"Well, I'm headed to bed, you two,"  Ann says.

 

"Night, Ann,"  Courtnety says as Ann leaves the room.  After Ann is gone, Courtney looks at her husband, noticing a worried look on his face.  "Christopher, what's wrong?"

 

"Nothing  I'm fine."

 

"You sure?  You look worried about something."

 

"Yeah, it's uh, it's just business,"  Christopher says. 

 

Courtney puts her arms around him and smiles at him.  "Well, I think I can take your mind OFF business, at least for tonight,"  she says, kissing him.  

 

"Hmmm, what'd ya have in mind?"

 

"Come with me to the bedroom, and I'll show you,"  Courtney replies.  

 

Christopher smiles at her.  He switches off the light in the living room, then he and Courtney head down the hall to their bedroom.

 

Ann comes down the stairs the next morning and finds Bobby in the foyer, talking on his cell phone.  "Jerry, that's a load of crock, they're just stalling,"  Bobby says.  "I know, but I'm just ready to get this trial over with and forget that Katherine Wentworth ever existed."  Bobby listens to the man on the other end of the line for a moment, then lets out a deep sigh.  "Yes, Jerry, I understand.  Alright, well, thank you for letting me know, and please keep me informed.  Yeah, you, too.  Bye."  Bobby ends the call and puts his phone into his pocket.  "Damn it,"  he says.

 

"Bobby, what's wrong?"  Ann asks.  "What was that about Katherine?"

 

"That was Jerry Mitchell, he's a friend of mine who works in the D.A.'s office.  Katherine's attorney has asked for yet another delay in the start of her trial.  Apparently, Katherine's daughter, Katelyn Spencer, somehow got ahold of a knife in the mental hospital and tried to kill herself night before last.  And now Katherine's attorney has asked for a postponement of her trial until Katelyn's condition improves because Katherine is too emotionally fragile right now to undergo a trial."

 

"Emotionally fragile?  Katherine Wentworth?"  Ann asks.  "That woman's about as emotional fragile as Charles Manson."

 

"I know.  And this is the second time Katherine's trial has been postponed.  Damn it I am SO ready to get that woman's trial over and see Katherine carted off to a maximum security prison for the rest of her life so I can put that woman's memory behind me.  But I can't do that as long as the D.A.'s office keeps dragging its feet on this trial."

 

"How long has the trial been postponed?"  Ann asks.

 

"Jerry doesn't know.  Hopefully, not too long."

 

"Well, I guess now really itn't the time to talk to you about what I was gonna talk to you about, then."

 

"And what might that be?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Bobby, I've been thinkin'.  Y'know, you decided not to have the Ewing Barbecue last fall because we were separated, and because of everything else that was goin' on with the  family.  Well, what I was thinkin' is.........maybe it's time we started thinkin' about havin' the Barbecue.  I mean, you and I are back together, Justin's out of prison, and the charges against Lucas have been dropped, so all the reasons you didn't have the Barbecue are gone now."

 

"You really wanna plan the Barbecue for the middle of winter?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Well, I don't mean right now.  But maybe sometime in February.  We could consult an extended weather forecast, or the Almanac, and pick a Saturday when the weather is forecast to be nice and kinda warm."

 

Bobby looks at his wife and smiles.  "Y'know, honey, I really like that idea.  I REALLY missed the Barbecue this past year."

 

"And then we can still have another one next fall, and get back on schedule,"  Ann says.

 

"Okay, then, let's do it,"  Bobby says.  "You get together with Krystina, Heather, Lucy, Courtney, and Sue Ellen, and start plannin'."

 

Ann smiles.  "Consider it done.  In fact, I've already spoken to the other Ewing women, and they're all set to help me plan this thing, we were just waitin' to get the OK from you."

 

"Ya mean I was the last to know about this?"  Bobby asks with a smile.

 

Ann nods.  "Uh-huh."

 

"I thought we weren't supposed to keep anymore secrets,"  he says playfully as he puts his arms around her.  

 

"Well, this was only a tiny one,"  Ann says, kissing him as Alex comes down the stairs.

 

"Hey, come you guys,"  Alex says.  "Gross.  WAY too early on a Saturday morning to see that.  Besides, don't you guys think you're a little old to be necking in public like that?"

 

Bobby looks at his great-nephew and smiles as Alex leaves the foyer and walks into the living room.  He and Ann laugh.  "Ah, the younger generation, gotta love 'em,"  he says.  "Honey, I'll be back in a little while.  I have an appointment in town."

 

"Alright.  Hurry back,"  Ann says, kissing him.

 

"Don't worry, I will,"  Bobby says.  He winks at his wife, then leaves.

Sharon Smith's apartment....

 Sharon comes out of her bedroom that morning, dressed in her uniform for work at the hospital where she is employed.  As she opens her door to leave the apartment, she is startled when she finds Andrew Murray standing there waiting for her.  "Andrew.  What the hell are you doin' here?"

 

"Goin' somewhere, sweetheart?"  Andrew asks.

 

"For your information, I'm goin' to work.  Some of us do have jobs.  You might wanna try getting one sometime.  Now get out of my way."

 

"Not so fast,"  Andrew says.  He walks into the apartment and closes the door.  "I'm afraid you're gonna be just a few minutes late for work this morning.  Are we alone, or is Shawn here?"

 

"Shawn is movin' into his new apartment, so he's not here."

 

"Good.  Now, then, about that little matter of some money you still owe me......some twenty thousand bucks."

 

"I don't owe you a damned thing,"  Sharon says.  

 

"Well, yeah, ya kinda do  unless you want our little secret to become known, and Shawn to find out he's really a Murray instead of a Smith."

 

"Andrew, I'm telling you, I do NOT have another twenty thousand to give you.  Look, there was a time when you said you cared for me very much.  If you really do care, then please, just take that money I gave you and go away."

 

"Well, there was a time I did care for you.  But that was twenty years ago,"  Andrew says.  "Things are a lot different now.  Our son is now the head of the largest oil company in Texas, and, I also do know that your father just happens to be Jeremy Wendell, former head of Westar, who is also worth hundreds of millions of dollars.  So go ask your daddy for that money."

 

"I don't even know where that old bastard is, and even if I did, I would never ask him for a dime."

 

Andrew nods.  "Okay, then ask Shawn.  Tell our boy that Mommy needs a loan.  Just out of the goodness of my heart, Sharon, I'm gonna give you an extension.  You have until Tuesday afternoon to get that money for me.  That gives you all weekend to ask Shawn, and Monday and half of Tuesday to actually GET the money for me.  But if I don't get the money by Tuesday..........I'm going to Shawn myself.  Now I think we're done here, so, you go on to work.  Wouldn't want ya to lose your job, now would we?"  Andrew smiles at her, then leaves.

 

Sharon begins to cry.  "Damn you, Andy,"  she says.  "Somehow, I have to find a way to get rid of you."

Museum Tower....

 Shawn and Michelle McKinnon are laying in Shawn's bed in his new apartment that morning after making love.  

 

"Mmmmmm..........that was AMAZING,"  Michelle says.  

 

"Yes, I'd definitely say it was,"  Shawn agrees.  

 

"But aren't we supposed to be getting your new apartment set up?  We still have to rearrange the furniture in the living room."

"You mean you'd rather be doing THAT, than what we've actually been doing?"  Shawn asks.  

 

"Of course not,"  Michelle says.  She sits up in bed.  "But, we're not getting anything done laying in here in bed.  So come on.  Get up and let's get this done, and then, when we're finished, we can...........we can have the rest of the day to do whatever we want."

 

Shawn looks up at her and smiles.  "You have anything in particular in mind you wanna do?"

 

Michelle looks down at him and smiles, then leans over and kisses him.  "Does that answer your question?" She asks, getting out of bed.  She slips on a nightgown.

 

"Loud and clear,"  Shawn replies.  He gets out of bed.

 

"You know, you have got to be the sexiest guy on Earth,"  Michelle says, looking at him with a smile.  "Ashley Beaumont was a damned fool to let you get away, but I'm glad she did." 

 

Shawn smiles back at her just as the doorbell rings.

 

"You expecting anyone?"  Michelle asks.

 

"No.  Whoever it is, I'll get rid of 'em."  Shawn picks up his boxer briefs from the floor and slips them on, then flashes Michelle a smile and a wink before going to answer the doorbell.  As he leaves the room to answer the doorbell, Michelle stands by the mirror and watches him as he exits.  Then she turns to mirror, looks at herself and smiles.  

 

Shawn walks into the living room and to the door that separates the living room from the elevator.  He opens the door and is surprised to see John Ross standing before him.

 

John Ross looks at him.  "You always answer the door half-naked?"  He asks.

"How'd you do it, Shawn?"  John Ross asks.  "How did you convince Pamela to sell you her son's shares of Westar and his voting rights?"

 

Shawn looks at him and smiles.  "A bit of luck, and a bit of skill."

 

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

 

"I learned how to scheme and manipulate from the very best, John Ross.  I guess you could say I learned at the feet of the master, and that's you.  You really taught me well.  It's a shame Alex isn't as ambitious as you and me. I really think the three of us could have done great things together."

 

"Yeah, my son told me about that little talk y'all had, when you asked him to join you at Westar and when he refused, you made some threats,"  John Ross says as he walks around the room.  That was a big mistake, Shawn.  A REAL big mistake.  You know me well enough to know that I don't take threats very well.  Now I'm gonna just chalk that one up to youthful arrogance.  You got a little bit of power, and you've let that go to your head."

 

"A little bit of power?"  Shawn asks, offended by John Ross's casual dismissal of his new found importance.  "John Ross, I have WAY more than a little bit of power.  I'm CEO of the largest oil company in Texas, Westar.  And I'm the youngest CEO in Westar's history."

 

"Yeah, see, there you said it.  You're the YOUNGEST.  Shawn, you're just a kid playin' in an adult game.  You start makin' threats and steppin' on toes, and you're gonna be cut down to size, especially makin' threats against Ewing Oil or my fam'ly."

 

"Are you threatening me?"  Shawn asks.

 

"Nah.  I'm just tellin' you what's gonna happen if you get too big for your britches.  You said I taught you well?  I really appreciate that.  And since I DID teach you pretty much everything you know, then you should know that I know all the tricks and how to use 'em.  Just remember that if you ever decide to come up against me and Ewing Oil."  John Ross walks over to him.  "Now then, why don't you just save us both some trouble and tell me how you got Pamela to part with her son's Westar shares, and where you got the money to buy them, because one way or another, I WILL find out.  And if I do find out that Jeremy Wendell is behind your sudden rise to power, then your fall is gonna be all the harder."

 

"I'm not scared of you or your lame threats. John Ross,"  Shawn says.  "There was a time when you did scare me.  I was just a dumb kid under your wing.  You were my hero, and I was in awe of your money and your power.  I used to envy Alex, havin' you for a dad.  But now, I'm a grown man, and I have my own power.  My own company, so we're on equal footing now.  You can't touch me. Not even when I use all the power at Westar's disposal to ruin Ewing Oil."

 

John Ross laughs slightly.  "Now, see, there ya go makin' those threats again when I JUST warned you against that.  I I guess you're just gonna have to learn the hard way,"  he says as Michelle walks into the room.  John Ross looks at the young girl.  "Well, well, Alex's girlfriend Bridget's sister." 

 

"Hello, Mr. Ewing,"  Michelle says.

 

"Shawn, you got good taste in women, that's for sure,"  John Ross says, looking at the girl.  "But, darlin', if I were you, I'd be finding me another young man to shack up with because this one's days are numbered."

 

"Get out,"  Shawn says.  "Get the HELL out of my home."

 

 "Nothing,"  Shawn replies, a worried look on his face.  "He's just scared, so he was blowing smoke.  He's not gonna be able to touch me.  I am NOT gonna make the same mistakes my grandfather and my brother made.  Soon, everyone, including the mighty John Ross Ewing is gonna have to stand up and take notice of me in this town."

 

Michelle walks over to him and places her hands on his bare chest.  "I just LOVE how fearless and ambitious you are."

 

Shawn grabs Michelle and pulls her into a passionate kiss.  Locked in the kiss, the two begin undressing each other, then fall to the floor.

Downstairs.....

As John Ross comes out of the building downstairs, his cell phone rings.  Taking the phone from his pocket, he answers.  "Yeah, Bum, found anything I can use on Allison Jones?"  John Ross listens for a moment as Bum tells  

 Allison Jones gets out of her car at a beautiful home early in the afternoon.  She walks up to the house and goes in 

the front door.  "Karen?"  She calls.  "It's me."

 

"I'll be right down!"  Says a woman's voice from another room.  Allison walks into the living room of the house and puts her purse down on the sofa.  A moment later, a woman walks into the room.  "Hey,"  the woman says, walking up to her.

 

"Hey, yourself,"  Allison says as she gives the other woman a hug.  

 

"I wasn't expecting you today.  I thougt you said you had a lot of work you had to get done."

 

"Yeah, I worked most of the night, so, I have the day free.  I wanted to see you."

 

"Allison, are you okay?"  The woman asks.  "You seem a little down."

 

"It's nothing, just job stress.  That's why I wanted to come over and see my little sister.  I needed some time with my family today."

 

Karen smiles.  "Well, why don't I go and fix us some lunch, and we can sit and chat."

 

"Sounds good,"  says Allison.  "By the way, where's my handsome nephew?"

 

"He's in his room, playing his Xbox, as usual.  I'll call him."  Karen walks to the doorway.  "Honey!  Your aunt is here!"

 

"Be right there, Mom,"  the boy says from his bedroom down the hall.

 

"I just put some coffee on,"  Karen says.  "I'll be right back."  She walks out of the room.  After she's gone, Allison walks over to the fireplace and looks at some family photos sitting atop the mantle.  One photo is of an older couple.  Allison takes the photo down, looks at it, and smiles as she looks at the two people in the picture, her parents.  Replacing that photo, she takes down a framed photo of a baby boy, and again she smiles. 

 

As Allison is looking at the photo, a young boy walks in the room, and the boy is none other than Casey Myers, Michael's bully from school.  "Hey, Aunt Allison,"  Casey says.

 

Allison turns around to him and smiles.  "Casey, hello, sweetheart,"  she says, walking over to give the boy a hug and a kiss on the forehead.  "How are you?"

 

"Just fine, how are you?"  Casey asks.  

 

"I'm wonderful, now that I get to see my FAVORITE nephew."

 

Casey smiles.  "Aunt Allison, I'm your ONLY nephew."

 

"Well, that doesn't matter, even if you weren't, you'd still be my favorite.  So, are you enjoying the new Xbox I got you for Christmas?"

 

"I sure am, thanks,"  Casey says as his mother returns to the room.  

 

"Casey, did you get your room cleaned up this morning like I asked you to?"  Karen Myers asks her son.

 

"Not yet."

 

Well, then, young man, I suggest you go right in there and clean that room right now, before you play anymore Xbox."

 

"But first, I have a little present for you,"  Allison says.

 

Casey smiles.  "Oh, yeah?  What is it?"

 

Allison walks over and picks up her purse.  Reaching inside, she takes out a small plastic bag and hands it to Casey.  "See for yourself,"  she says.

 

Casey takes the bag, opens it, and pulls out a gift card.  "Oh, wow.  Mom, look!  It's a $100 gift card to GameStop. Aunt Allison, THANK you!"  The boy says, hugging his aunt while his mother looks on, a displeased expression on her face.

 

"You're welcome, sweetheart,"  Allison says.  "Hey, I'll make a deal with you.  You go and clean your room, and when you're done, I'll take you to GameStop and you can get some cool games with that card."

 

"Okay,"  Casey happily agrees, then hurries out of the room.  

 

Karen sighs.  "I wish you wouldn't keep doing that."

 

"Doing what?"  Allison asks.  

 

"Allison, you're spoiling him rotten."

 

"So what?  I love that kid, and since I don't have any of my own, who else am I gonna spoil but my nephew."

 

"But a hundred dollar gift card?"  Karen asks.  "Allison, do you know how that makes me feel?  I do the very best I can by Casey, and he needs to learn to be happy with what WE have.  With what I can give him.  But that's never gonna happen as long as you keep giving him expensive gifts......gifts that I can't afford for him myself."

 

"Karen, I'm sorry.  Look, all I'm trying to do is help you."

 

"Help me WHAT, Allison?  Spoil Casey?  I wish that you would remember that he's MY son, not yours."

 

"Well thank you very much for reminding me of that, as if I didn't already know."

 

"Sometimes I wonder,"  says Karen.  "Allison, you're my sister, and I love you very much, and I am SORRY that you never had children of your own, but please leave Casey's upbringing to me."

 

Allison looks at her sister and fights to hold back her tears.  "Well, thank you again not only for reminding me that I'm not Casey's mother, but also that I never had kids of my own and never will."

 

"Allison, I'm sorry,"  Karen says, regretting her harsh words to her sister.  "I shouldn't have said that.  Look, don't think that I'm not grateful for what you do for Casey, and for me.  But Allison, I'm trying to stand on my own here.  I'm trying to teach my son that we can't have everything that we want.  And it hasn't been easy trying to do that as a single mother."

 

Allison sighs.  "I understand.  I do.  That's why I wanna help you."

 

"And you have been a BIG help.  But Allison, all I'm asking is that you stop showering Casey with these expensive gifts every time I turn around."

 

"Karen, I've done very well for myself financially.  You and Casey are the only family I have, and if I can't spend the money that I've worked so hard for on my sister and my nephew, then what good is it?"

 

Karen walks over to Allison and takes her by the hand.  "Allison, you're my big sister, and you have ALWAYS been there for me, no matter what.  But I REALLY wanna make it on my own.  It's really important to me.  Do you understand?"

 

"Yes.  Of course, I understand,"  Allison says.  "Okay, no more expensive gifts for Casey.  But I want you to know that if you or that boy need anything, and I mean ANYTHING............your big sister is here for you."

 

Karen looks at her and smiles.  "I do know that.  And I appreciate it, and if I do need help, you can bet I'm gonna call on you."

 

"Good.  Because what else are older sisters for?"  Allison asks, hugging her sister.

Afton's Lounge....that night....

 Afton is on stage that night at Afton's Lounge, performing her version of Celine Dion's hit song It's All Coming Back To Me Now to a packed house:  "But if I touch you like this 

And if you kiss me like that 

It was so long ago but it's all coming back to me 

If you touch me like this 

And if I kiss you like that 

It was gone with the wind 

But it's all coming back to me 

(It's all coming back, it's all coming back to me now)

As Afton finishes singing, the crowd erupts into thunderous applause.  "Thank you,"  Afton says, smiling broadly.  "Thank you all so much.  I'll be back in a little while to sing a couple more songs for you, but right now, enjoy your dinner.  Thank you."  Afton places the microphone back into its stand and exits the stage.  

 

Meanwhile, as Justin and Pamela are sitting at a table in the audience, Jay walks into the restaurant.  Spotting the couple, Jay walks over to their table and takes a seat.  "Guys, I'm sorry I'm late,"  he says.

 

"Oh, that's fine,"  Justin says.  "Well, did you go out to Harris and see Tim?"

 

"Yes, I did, and after I left the prison I called my assistant and asked her to do some digging into the case.  I consulted my father, and he and I just got done going over court transcripts and other records pertaining to Tim's case.  And my father and I both agree........Justin, I'm very glad that you asked me to look into that young man's case."

 

"Does that mean you think you might be able to help him?"  Pamela asks.

 

"I think there's a chance I might be able to get him a new trial,"  Jay replies.  "Tim had a public defender because his family couldn't afford an attorney.  That public defender was an attorney named Frank Miller.  I know him by reputation and, as much as I hate to speak ill of a colleague, Miller is a lousy attorney, one of the worst in the profession."

 

"You think he may have not defended Tim well?"  Justin asks.

 

"No, I don't.  The sad fact is, that, while some public defenders are very ethical and conscientious, there are others who just don't just give a damn about their clients.  They're hired by the court, and they're gonna get paid the same whether they win their client and acquittal or not.  In other words, they have no real incentive to defend their client to the best of their ability, and many of them don't."

 

"So, you're willin' to take Tim's case?"  Justin asks.  "I'll cover the cost, whatever it is."

 

Jay nods.  "Yes, I'll take the case."

 

"Jay, thank you,"  says Justin.  

 

"You're welcome.  After talking to this kid today, I really feel that spending the next 30 years in a maximum security prison full of hardened criminals would do him a lot of harm.  Now, don't get your hopes up for an acquittal, but, I might be able to get Tim a reduced sentence, or at least transferred to a facility where the prison population is a little........less hardened, for lack of a better word."

 

"Jay, whatever you can do for Tim, I'll really appreciate."

 

"Good,"  Jay says.  "I just hope Tim appreciates what you're doing for him."

 

"I'm sure he will,"  Justin says.

Downtown Dallas....the next morning....

 Lucas and Jenna are sitting down to coffee at an outdoor cafe in downtown Dallas the next morning.  "Thank you for joining me for coffee this morning, sweetheart,"  Jenna says.

 

"You don't have to thank me, Mom,"  Lucas says, taking a sip of his coffee.  "I'm happy to spend some time with you.  We don't get to see each other as much now that......."  Lucas pauses.

 

"Now that your father and Ann are back together,"  Jenna says.  "It's alright, darling, you can say it."

 

"Mom, how are you really doing?"  Lucas asks.

 

"I'm fine.  REALLY,"  Jenna replies.  "I admit, it was hard at first, but, it is what it is, and I can't change it, no matter how much I'd like to.  Your father chose Ann over me, and I'll just have to learn to live with that."

 

"Wow, Mom, you're really taking this a lot better than I expected."

 

"Well, I'd like to think that I've grown up, at least a little,"  Jenna says.  

 

"You certainly have,"  says Lucas.  

 

"Lucas, has there been any word on Emma and Logan?"

 

Lucas sighs.  "No.  No yet.  But I'm not giving up.  I'm gonna find her, Mom, no matter how long it takes, and when I do, Emma is gonna pay for everything she did to me, and for taking my son."

 

"I'm glad to hear you say that.  Because that little witch deserves to be punished for what she's done.  And I look forward to the day that I see that.  Maybe Emma can share a prison cell with Katherine Wentworth."

 

Lucas laughs at his mother's comment.  "Yeah, maybe so,"  he says.  Lucas looks at his watch.  "Mom, I am sorry, but I really have to run.  I promised Michael I was gonna help him with his social studies project he has to do, and it's probably gonna take us all afternoon.  Get this.....the project is due TOMORROW, but Michael is just getting started on it today."

 

Jenna smiles.  "Sounds a lot like his father.  You use to do the same thing."

"Oh, come on, I was never THAT much of a procrastinator, was I?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Oh, yes, you were.  If you had a project due, you always use to wait until the night before to even get started on it.  That use to frustrate Ray to no end, especially when he had to help you on it."

 

Lucas smiles.  "I remember that.  He didn't always have a whole lot of patience, did he?"

 

"Not when it came to you slacking in your school work, but that was only because he loved you and wanted you to succeed."

 

"Well, I really do have to go,"  Lucas says, standing from his seat.  Jenna also stands.  "I love you, Mom."

 

"I love you, too, sweetheart, and bring my grandson over for a visit soon."

 

"Count on it,"  Lucas says.  "I'll see you soon, and I will call you tomorrow."  He kisses his mother, then turns and walks away.  

 

As Jenna turns to walk away in the opposite direction as her son, a man bumps into her, hard enough to knock her coffee from her hand and to the ground.  

 

"Oh, my gosh, ma'am, I am SO sorry,"  says the man, who turns out to be none other than Andrew Murray.  "Are you alright?"

 

"Yes, I'm fine.  No harm done."

 

"You lost your coffee,"  Andrew says.

 

"It's quite alright."

 

"Well, you've gotta let me buy you another."

 

"Thank you, but that won't be necessary,"  Jenna says.

 

"Please......I insist.  Least I can do for not looking where I was going."

 

Jenna smiles.  "Well, alright, if you insist."

 

"Good.  Now you just have a seat, and I'll go grab that coffee.  How do you like yours?"

 

"Cream and sugar,"  replies Jenna.

 

"I'll be right back,"  Andrew says. He smiles at her, then as Jenna retakes her seat, he walks over to the cafe to buy her another cup of coffee.

The Krebbs Ranch....

 Ashley drives her car up to the Krebbs home later and comes to a stop.  As she gets out of the car and approaches the house, Ray comes out of the front door.  "Ashley, mornin',"  Ray says.

 

"Good morning.  Is Dylan home?"

 

"Sure is.  He's in his room.  I was just headin' out to help Conner and a couple of the hands."

 

"Oh, alright. I'll see you later, then."

 

"Ashley, mind if I have a word?"  Ray asks.

 

"Sure."

 

Ray hesitates for a moment.  "Listen, uh, I sure hope you don't take what I'm gonna say the wrong way.  I'm only askin' this because I really care about Dylan.  Y'know, he and Conner are like my own sons.  You and Dylan have been spendin' an awful lot of time together.  And I think I know how Dylan feels about you.  Kid's crazy about you."

 

"And you wanna know how I feel about him, is that it, Uncle Ray?"  Ashley asks.

 

 

"Well, y'know, Dylan's had a real hard time.  He's been hurt an awful lot.  And he's just now startin' to get on his feet good.  He's happier right now than I think I've ever seen him, and I feel pretty sure that's because of you.  What I'm tryin' to say is, I don't wanna see him hurt again.  How do you feel about Dylan?  Now you can tell me it's none of my business, and I'll respect that."

 

"I understand how you feel, Uncle Ray.  But I promise you, you've got nothing to worry about.  I care an awful lot about Dylan, too.  And I'm not gonna hurt him.  He's very special to me, Uncle Ray."

 

Ray looks at the girl and nods.  "Okay, fair enough.  Well, you go on in, I'm sure he'll be glad to see you."

 

"Thanks,"  Ashley says with a smile.  Ray watches as she walks into the house, then he leaves.  As Ashley enters the Krebbs home, she hears the soft sound of a guitar playing.  Following the sound, she comes to Dylan's room and 

listens outside the door to Dylan play.  After a few seconds, he begins to sing:

 

"Will I regret it if I let you swing me along

The guy you'll meet tomorrow will he know where you're from?

And not what good will it do, will it do if I wait?

He's trying to belittle my political views

I fucking hate depression so I don't watch the news

The more aware that I am, the more I won't wanna say

The closer I get I don't wanna see

Hearing footsteps coming after me

Pick up the pace but I don't know where to go

Give me time, you're pulling me around

Got me nervous, fall and hit the ground

Season's changing but them again so am I

Woah, out in the morning

Woah, who you gonna call

Woah, who can pitch him for me, may not a problem, maybe not at all

Woah, I wanna hear you

Woah, when you're on the stage

Woah, is it now what I want to see

To be

Oh

Can I make my own opinion, tell me all about it

If everyone approves of it, I wanna scream and shout it

And they all wanna see us, I think it could be a sign

Adolescence forming at the line

They move way too quick to give the time

They're all the same but how much different am I?

Woah, out in the morning

Woah, who you gonna call

Woah, who can pitch him for me, may not a problem, maybe not at all

Woah, I wanna hear you

Woah, when you're on the stage

Woah, is it now what I want to see

To be

Oh

If you want it, I can take it, make it a little better

I will be here when the weather changes

You'll be waiting for the latter

I won't run away

This time I got too much to lose

I will be here when it goes on

Woah, out in the morning

Woah, who you gonna call

Woah, who can pitch him for me, may not a problem, maybe not at all

Woah, I wanna hear you

Woah, when you're on the stage

Woah, is it now what I want to see

To be

To breathe

And not to breathe

Oh......"

 

Dylan looks up and sees Ashley standing at the door.  "Ash," he says.  "I didn't know you were there."

 

She walks into the room.  "Yeah, Uncle Ray said I could come in.  Dylan, that song........"

 

"How much did you hear?"

 

"All of it,"  Ashley replies.  "Dylan, that was beautiful.  I had no idea you could play guitar and sing like that.  How long have you known how to play?"

 

"I picked it up when I was around 11 or 12.  Taught myself.  It helped pass the time during long, lonely summers."

 

"That song, I've never heard it before."

 

"Of course not.  It's mine,"  Dylan says.

 

"Yours?  Dylan, you WROTE that?"

 

"Yeah.  Writing was another way I use to pass the time.  I wrote that one a few months ago while I was at the Hagman Center."

 

 

"Dylan Baxter, you never cease to amaze me,"  Ashley says.  "You're just a man of many talents.  Have you ever thought of trying to do something with that talent?"

 

"Talent?"  Dylan asks.  "Come on, you really think I have talent?"

 

"I know you do.  Dylan, that song was amazing, and you have a beautiful voice."

Dylan smiles.  "Well, thank you.  Means a lot to me to hear you say that."

 

"I mean it.  How many songs have you written?"

 

"I dunno, a few.  Started off just writing poetry, and then I would put my poems to music, you know, just messing around with it."

 

"Would you sing another one for me?"  Ashley asks.

 

"You really wanna hear another one of my songs?" 

 

"Yes."

 

"Well, okay, then,"  Dylan says.  As Ashley watches him with a smile, Dylan begins to play another song on his guitar.

Southfork....

 Over at Southfork that afternoon, Lucas, Michael, and Jacob are sitting at the table on the patio working on building Michael's project for the Michael's science class, which is due the next day.   They are building a 3 dimensional solar system, showing the sun and all the planets.  

 

"Boy, Uncle Lucas, you're really good at this,"  Jacob says.

 

"I should be.  This is the same project that I did for MY 6th grade science fair.  But, don't tell your teacher that.  By the way, Jacob, what did you do your project on?"

 

"The phases of the moon.  Christopher helped me, and so did Alex."

 

"How long have you had yours finished?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Since last weekend."

 

Lucas looks at his son.  "And why, Michael, did you wait until the day before this project was due to even tell me and get started on it?"

 

"I kinda forgot about it,"  Michael says.

 

"Your forgot?"  Lucas asks, annoyed by his son's answer.  "Michael, this is a big part of your grade, how could you forget something this important?"

 

"I just did, OKAY?"  The boy snaps.

 

"No, it's not okay, and neither is raising your voice to me like that,"  Lucas sternly says as Jacob looks awkwardly on at him and at Michael.  

 

"I'm sorry, Dad,"  Michael says, lowering his head.  

 

"Okay, apology accepted.  Now come on, let's get back to work on this."

 

A Dodge Ram truck drives up to the house and comes to a stop.  

 

"Hey, who's that?"  Jacob wonders.

 

Bum gets out of the truck and walks up to the patio. "Hi, Lucas.  Boys," he says.

 

"Bum, what are you doin' here?"  Lucas asks.  "Have you found Emma?"

 

"No, Lucas, I'm afraid not, but I have my people working almost around the clock to find her,"  Bum replies.  "I'm actually here to see John Ross."

 

"Oh, well, I think he's in the house."

 

"Thanks,"  Bum says.  He goes into the house and a moment later, he walks into the foyer just as John Ross comes 

down the stairs.  

 

"Bum, I saw your truck drive up,"  John Ross says.

 

"I have some of that information you wanted on Allison Jones."

 

"Good.  Come on up to my room.  Krystina left for Denver this mornin' with the baby to visit her Mama for a few days, so we won't be disturbed."

 

Bum nods, then follows John Ross up the stairs and into John Ross and Krystina's bedroom.  

 

John Ross closes the door to the bedroom.  "Okay, what have you got?"

 

Bum reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a folder, which he opens.  "Allison Jones was born in Dallas on March 28, 1977.  Her father was a Naval officer, who, after his retirement from the Navy, went into a life of public service.  He served on Dallas County Commission for a number of years during the 1990s.  He was a good bit older than Allison's mother, and he died of a heart attack in 1999, age 63.  Allison's mother, Carolyn Jones, was a registered nurse who worked as a nurse for about 20 years at Dallas Memorial Hospital, which of course is now Texas Health Presbyterian.  She retired due to ill health in 1999, right around the time of her husband's death, and died of cancer in 2000, just 14 months after her husband died.  She was only 49 when she died.

 

John Ross sighs.  "Okay, I could've found out this much on my own.  So far you're makin' this fam'ly sound like Ozzie and Harriet.  Bum, is there anything in Allison's past, or in her family's past that I can use as leverage?"

 

"I was gettin' to that,"  Bum says.  "Allison has a younger sister, Karen Jones Myers, who was five years younger than her, born July 16, 1982, in Dallas.  Now this sister got in some trouble when she was young.  Apparently, losing both parents within a short time span had a rough affect on Karen Jones, and she ran a little wild.  She was arrested on Christmas Eve, 2001, for marijuana possession.  Then again in April, 2002, of both marijuana and possession of an illegal narcotic.  She was placed on two years' probation, and no sooner was she off probation than she was arrested again, in 2005 for possession of Ecstasy, and for solicitation of sex."

 

"Wow.  Sounds like a real interestin' young lady,"  John Ross says.  "She ever serve any time?"

 

"Nope,"  Bum replies.  "Every time she was arrested, Allison bailed her out, and managed to use her political clout to get her sister's indiscretions swept under the rug.  After she married Craig Morgan, who was an important man in Dallas, he used his clout to help his wife's sister out and keep her name out of the press so much."

 

"So, this sister's past misbehavior is not really public knowledge?"  

 

"No, not unless you know where to look,"  Bum replies.  

 

"And what about the sister?"  John Ross asks.  "She married?  Any kids?"

 

"She was married, yes.  She's a widow, her husband died seven years ago, of an apparent suicide."

 

"APPARENT suicide?"  John Ross asks.

 

"He shot himself, but there was some question at the time about the circumstances surrounding his death.  But his business was goin' under and he was very depressed.  Unfortunately for Karen Myers, since her husband's death was ruled a suicide, his life insurance wouldn't pay so she was basically left very financially hard up.  Allison stepped in and supported her sister and nephew for the next few years. She even bought them a house here in Braddock County a couple years ago."

 

"Nephew?  So Karen does have  a kid?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yes, she has a son, Casey, age 12.  Allison has pretty much taken care of both of them since the death of Karen's husband, and Casey even lived with Allison and her husband for a while back in 2013 when Karen suffered an emotional breakdown about a year after her husband died."  

 

"Hmmm, interesting,"  says John Ross.  "This report of yours makes Allison Jones look like a bit of a saint, the way she's taken care of her baby sister all these years.  But there's gotta be somethin' there, Bum.  Somethin' that lady's hidin'.  No way in hell Allison Jones could be that clean the way she schemed to get what she wanted a few years ago when Christopher and I had dealin's with her.  I want you to keep diggin'.  Keep diggin' til you find somethin', and make this top priority.  I've got to find a way to either stop that Oil Regulatory Commission from becoming a reality, or..........find a way to keep Allison Jones and Cliff Barnes OFF that commission.  Tell you what, Bum.  Look into this Myers guy, the husband of Allison's sister.  Dig into his suicide.  Find out everything you can about him, and about Karen.  If there was some question about whether Myers really killed himself, or the reason WHY he killed himself, maybe we can use that."

"Will do,"  says Bum.

 

"And while you're at it, put a tail on Allison.  I wanna know everywhere that lady goes,everyone she meets with, and everyone she talks to.  Find me the best P.I. you can find and put him on that.  I just got a feelin' Allison or her sister have some deep, dark secret that might just help me stop her and Cliff Barnes from destroying Ewing Oil."

 

"I'm way ahead of you on that, John Ross.  I kinda figured you'd wanna keep tabs on Allison's comings and goings so I engaged a friend of mine, to tail her when you asked me to do this investigation into her past.  I expect him to report to me this evening."

 

"Good,"  John Ross says.  "Allison and Barnes might think they have the upper hand now, but, I still have a few cards left to play."

Allison Jones's apartment....that evening....

 Allison walks into the bedroom of her high rise apartment in Dallas that night and pours herself a drink.  She takes a sip, then removes her bathrobe and is now dressed only in a very skimpy nightgown.  She takes another sip of her drink, places the glass down on the small bar, and walks over to her bed, where a young man is asleep.  Allison 

 looks down at Peter Watson, the son of Senator Bill Watson, as he sleeps, and she smiles.  Standing over him, Allison clears her throat loudly, waking him.  Peter looks up at her and smiles.  "Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep, but you were on the phone so long."

 

"It was business.  Actually I was on the phone with your father, talking about the ORC.  Should I have given him your regards?"

 

"Oh, yeah that'd sure go over well with the old man,"  Peter says.  "So, did he tell you anything new?"

 

"We have a meeting first thing Tuesday morning with members of the Senate committee.  And we might have a problem."

 

"Oh?  What problem?"  Peter asks.

 

"Donna Krebbs,"  Allison replies.

 

"Donna Krebbs?  The Railroad Commissioner?"  Peter asks, getting out of bed.  

 

"That's right.  She's been in Austin the past couple of days talking to members of the committee.  She's trying to keep Cliff Barnes from being named head of the ORC.  Donna Krebbs has a lot of power and influence in the legislature, so she could be a formidable enemy."

 

"And why would the Railroad Commissioner want to keep Cliff Barnes off the ORC?"

 

"She's doing it on behalf of the Ewings,"  Allison says.  "Donna's husband, Ray Krebbs, is Bobby Ewing's brother."

 

"Whoa, WHAT?  Then, Donna Krebbs serving as Railroad Commission should have been seen as a conflict of interest,"  says Peter.

 

"Should have been, but wasn't.  But like I said, she has a lot of influence, being the widow of both Sam Culver AND Senator Andrew Dowling.  She also has an extensive body of experience in politics herself.  If she uses her clout to convince that committee not to appoint Cliff as head of the ORC.........I should call Cliff and arrange a meeting for tomorrow morning.  If he has any friends left in the state capitol, then we're gonna need them."

 

"Well, you know my Dad carries considerable weight with that committee himself, and I'll certainly do what I can."

 

"Yes,"  Allison says.  "This is not a battle we can afford to lose, especially not now.  We've come too far to let anything stand in our way of getting the ORC off the ground.."

 

"Allison, I realize this appointment to the ORC would mean a lot to you, politically, but, why is this so important to you, PERSONALLY?"  Peter asks.

 

Allison looks at him.  "Because I have a score to settle, and the ORC, and Cliff Barnes, will help me do that,"  she replies.  

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

 Jacob and Michael are at the Southfork stables early the next morning with Lucas.  Jacob is riding his horse around in the fenced in area behind the stable as Lucas and Michael watch him.

 

Michael lets out a deep sigh.  "I can't wait for this stupid leg to heal so I can ride again,"  he says.

 

"Don't worry, it'll only be a few more weeks, and you'll be right back out here ridin' up a storm, doin' everything you use to do,"  Lucas says.  He looks at his watch.  "Okay, Jacob,, that's it,"  he says.  "Time to go in."

 

"Awww, Dad,"  Michael says.  "Already?"

 

"Come on, Uncle Lucas, can't we stay out here just a little longer?"  Jacob asks.

 

"No.  It's time for breakfast, and then you guys have to get ready for school, so let's go."

 

"Okay,"  says a disappointed Jacob.  He trots the horse back over to the stable, and climbs down off the animal.  Lucas takes the reigns and leads the horse inside the stable, where he hands the reigns to a ranch hand.  

 

"Scott, will you give Draco a good brushing for me?"  Jacob asks.

 

"And Banjo, too?"  Asks Michael.

 "I sure will, boys,"  the ranch hand replies.

 

"Scott, I'll be back after breakfast,"  Lucas says.  "I wanna give Banjo a good workout."

 

Scott nods to his boss, then grabs a brush and begins brushing Michael's horse as Lucas and the boys head to the house for breakfast.  

 

"You boys got your science projects all ready to take to school today?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Mine's all ready,"  replies Jacob.

 

"Yeah, so's mine,"  Michael says.

 

"Well, you were very lucky that we were able to finish yours in time, Michael,"  says Lucas.  "If I'd been busy yesterday and couldn't have helped you, what would you have done?"

 

"I'd have asked Alex, or Grandpa to help."

 

"Well, my point is, next time you have a project like that, don't wait until the day before it's due to get started on it."

 

"I won't."

 

Jacob suddenly has to stop walking to catch his breath, which has become short again.  Lucas and Michael have walked away from him before realizing they've left him behind.  Lucas stops and turns around, seeing the boy about 20 feet behind them.  "Jacob, what's wrong?  You okay?"  Lucas asks, walking over to him.

 

"Yeah,"  the boy replies, breathing hard.  

 

"Hey, what's wrong?"

 

"I just don't feel so good all of a sudden.  Kinda hard to breathe."

 

"Have you had this before?"  Lucas asks.

 

Jacob nods.  "Yeah, a lot lately.  It's better now.  Always gets better when I stop and rest for a few seconds."

 

"Hmmm, sounds like you may have a touch of Asthma.  You okay now?"

 

"Fine."

 

"Well, we better get goin' or you guys'll be late for school."

A couple of minutes later....

 Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Heather, John Ross, Krystina, Alex, and Lucy are gathered around the dining room table having breakfast when Lucas and the boys walk in.  "Hey, I was just about to come lookin' for you guys," says Christopher.

 

"Sorry we're late,"  Lucas says as the three take their seats at the table.

 

"Jacob, sweety, are you alright?"  Courtney asks her son, noticing he doesn't look well.

 

"Fine."

 

"He got a little short of breath on the way back from the stables," says Lucas.  "He had to stop and rest for a minute."

 

"Short of breath?"  Christopher asks.  "This the first time this has happened?"

 

"No,"  Jacob says.

 

"I noticed you seemed a little short of breath the other day, Jacob,"  Bobby says.

 

"Sounds to me like he might have Asthma,"  Lucas says.

 

"Well, I called his doctor Saturday morning to get an appointment, and they're booked until the end  of this week,"  Courtney says..  Lots of flu and stuff going around."

 

"Maybe you should try another doctor, if you're concerned,"  says Lucy.  "Maybe Mitch could check him out."

 

"Oh, Lucy, do you think he would?"  Courtney asks.

 

"I'm sure he'd love to.  Why don't I ask Mitch when I get to the hospital this morning, and I'll give you a call?  You can probably bring Jacob in to see Mitch after school."

 

"Lucy, that would be great,"  says Christopher.

 

"John Ross, how long do you expect Krystina will be in Denver?"  Ann asks.

 

"She'll be back on Friday,"  John Ross replies.  

 

"I'll bet her Mama's gettin' a real kick out of havin' little Ellie there,"  says Bobby.

 

"She is."

 

"Dad, you haven't heard anything from Donna since she's been in Austin, have you?"  Christopher asks.

 

"No, but she said she'd be in touch by the first of this week, so I expect to hear from her this morning."

 

"I sure hope so,"  says Christopher.  "If Cliff gets on that Oil Regulatory Commission, he'll be no end of trouble for Ewing Oil."

 

"What's this?"  Lucy asks.  "What's Cliff Barnes up to now?"

 

"The legislature down in Austin is in process of setting up a new Oil Regulatory Commission to oversee the industry because they don't feel the Railroad Commission has been effective in controlling how much the oil companies are able to pump,"  Bobby says.  "And good ol' Cliff Barnes is set to be appointed to head that new ORC."

 

"That is, UNLESS, we can do somethin' to stop his appointment,"  says John Ross.

 

"And just how would you do that?"  Heather asks.

 

"Well, that's what Donna's workin' on down in Austin,"  Bobby replies.  "She's talking to the legislature and members of the committee that's setting up the ORC, in hopes of convincing them that Barnes would not be able to remain impartial when it comes to Ewing Oil."

 

"And what if Donna's not able to help you?"  Ann asks.

 

"Well, then there are other ways to deal with Barnes, as well as Allison Jones,"  John Ross.  "I've got Bum workin' on it."

 

"Who's Allison Jones?"  Alex asks.

 

"She's another enemy of Ewing Oil that we do NOT want sittin' on that Regulatory Commission,"  replies John Ross.

 

"Hey, you boys almost done?"  Courtney asks.  "You still have to go up and get your science projects, so hurry, or you'll be late."

 

"Michael, come on,"  Lucas says.  "I'll carry yours down for you."

 

"Okay,"  Michael says.  He gets up from the table, grabs his crutches, and follows Lucas from the room.  

 

"Jacob, you'd better go get yours,too,"  Christopher says.  "You need any help?"

 

"Nah, I can get it.  It's not heavy."  The boy gets up from the table and leaves the room.  Jacob runs up the stairs, but by the time he reaches the top of the stairs, his shortness of breath has returned, much worse this time.  He has to stop and take a seat on the top step as he tries to catch his breath.  

Allison Jones's office....later....

 "Cliff, come in,"  Allison says, welcoming Cliff into her office later that morning.  "Can I offer you something?"

 

"No, I'm fine.  Now, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?  It sounded urgent."

 

"It very well could be."

 

"Oh, I don't like the sound of that," says Cliff.  "What's going on?"

 

"We're facing some opposition.........opposition that's trying to stop not only you and I from serving on the ORC, but the very creation of the ORC."

 

"And I don't have to guess too hard to figure out who this opposition is.  It's Donna Krebbs, isn't it?"  Cliff asks.

 

Allison smiles.  "Give the man a cigar."

 

"Not that hard to figure out,"  says Cliff.  "Donna Krebbs is married to Bobby Ewing's brother again, and naturally the Ewings were gonna ask her to use her clout down in Austin to stop this Commission from coming into existence."

 

"Sounds like you expected this,"  Allison says.

 "Here is your appointment calendar for the week,"  says Shawn's secretary as she hands him his desktop calendar, followed by a file folder while a tailor is busy fitting him for a new suit.   "And, here are those files you wanted on Westar's history for the last twenty-two years, beginning with J.R. Ewing's taking over as company CEO from Carter McKay in 1996."

 

"Thank you,"  Shawn says, taking the file in his hand.  "I wonder why they changed the name."

 

"I beg your pardon?"  

 

"The name.  The company name use to be spelled with an extra 'T'.......W-E-S-T-S-T-A-R."

 

"Well, the 'T' in the middle was dropped about fifteen years ago, because the board felt it wasn't necessary.  After all, it's pronounced Westar, not West-Star,"  the secretary says as a knock sounds at the door.  "Will there be anything else, Mr. Smith?"

 

"Yes.  I want you to try and reach Clay Beaumont at Stevens-Beaumont Oil.  See if you can set up an appointment with him this afternoon."

 

"Yes, sir,"  the secretary says as the person knocks on Shawn's door a second time.  "I'll get that on my way out."  She goes to the door and opens it, and Jeremy's henchman, Kenneth, is standing there.  "May I help you?"  

 

"Yes, I'm here to see Shawn Smith."

 

"Do you have an appointment?"  

 

"It's alright, Kathy,"  Shawn says.  "I've been expecting him."

 

Kathy walks past Kenneth and closes the door on her way out of the office.  Kenneth walks over to Shawn's desk.  

 

"I suppose the old man sent you here to check up on me,"  says Shawn.  

 

"I'm here to do more than just check up on you,"  Kenneth replies.   "From this moment on, I am going to be your executive assistant."

 

"Executive assistant?"  Shawn asks.  "What you really mean is you're here to be my watchdog."

 

"Whatever you'd like to call it, I am here on behalf of your grandfather, since he's unable to be here himself.  My job is to make sure that you don't make a mess of this company, and that you do exactly as your grandfather instructs you to do.  And to train you to eventually take over when you're older and more experienced. 

And what on Earth are you doing?"

 

"New CEO has to have some new suits,"  Shawn replies.  "What do you think?  Like it?"

 

Kenneth looks Shawn up and down.  "Ugliest suit I think I've ever seen in my life."

 

"Good, then I'll take it,"  Shawn says, taking off the jacket, then the shirt he had been trying on.  "Jonas, I like this one and the other two I tried.   Just bill them to my account."

 

"Yes, Mr. Smith,"  says Jonas Bradford, owner of Bradford Suits and Things in downtown Dallas, catering to the city's super rich and most important people. 

 

"That will be all, Jonas,"  Shawn says. 

 

"Well, I shall leave you, then.  I'll have the suits ready for you in a few days."

 

"Thanks, Jonas,"  Shawn says.  The tailor picks up the suits Shawn had been trying on and leaves.  Shawn picks up his original shirt and jacket and puts them on.   "I love this.  Having an expensive tailor come right to your office or your home is great."

 

"Well, now, that you're finished trying to look like someone important, tell me what your agenda for today is."

 

Shawn opens up a folder on his desk and pushes it over to Kenneth, who picks it up and begins looking at some papers inside.  "Stevens-Beaumont Oil?"

 

"That's right,"  Shawn says.  "That company is owned by........."

 

"Michelle Stevens and her son, Clay Beaumont, yes, I know,"  Kenneth says.  "Of course now that Ms. Stevens will be making her home in the state pen for the rest of her days, I would imagine that her son is the sole owner of the company now."

 

"Stevens-Beaumont has some very rich fields, both in oil and natural gas.  The company use to belong to Bradley Stone and Cliff Barnes.  It would be the perfect acquisition for Westar.  And it would make it all the sweeter that Clay Beaumont is a relative of the Ewings."

 

Kenneth smiles.  "Well, you ARE learning fast.  Jeremy will be very pleased with this, IF you can pull it off.  You think you'll be able to convince young Mr. Beaumont to sell his company?"

 

"Oh, I'm sure of it, for the right price,"  Shawn says.  His secretary buzzes his office.  "Yes, Kathy?"

 

"I have Clay Beaumont on line one."

 

Shawn looks at Kenneth and smiles.  "Thanks, Kathy,"  he says.  He picks up his phone.  "Mr. Beaumont, Shawn Smith.  I'm the new CEO of Westar."

Stevens-Beaumont Oil....

 "Well, Shawn, what can I do for you?"  Clay asks.  

 

"I was hoping you and I could get together and talk,"   Shawn says.  "I have a business proposition for you."

 

"I'm intrigued."

 

"I was hoping you'd be.  Are you free for lunch today?"

 

 

"As a matter of fact, I am."

 

"Good.  How about the Cattlemen's Club, at one o'clock?"   Shawn asks.

 

"Sounds good to me,"  Clay says.  "I'll see you then."

 

"Looking forward to it."

 

"Yeah, so am I,"  Clay says.  "Bye."  Clay hangs up his phone and puts it down on the desk.  "Now what on Earth could that be about?"  He wonders to himself. 

 

 

 

Westar....

Shawn hangs up his phone and smiles.  "All set.  Clay Beaumont and I are meeting for lunch this afternoon."

 

"Excellent.  Now let's see if you can pull this one off.  If you can, it'll go a long way toward proving yourself to your grandfather."

 

Shawn looks at him and nods.

Braddock Elementary School....

 Late in the morning at Braddock Elementary, Michael, Jacob, and the rest of the kids in the 6th and 7th grade science classes, including Casey Myers, watch with anticipation as their teacher looks over their science projects set up on three tables around the classroom.  "Well," she teacher says.  "This is going to be a very difficult decision, because all of your projects are really well done.  I hope that all of you have learned something from doing these projects about how our solar system works, and I hope that you've all benefited by having the 6th and 7th grade all do these projects at the same time.  But unfortunately, there can only be one prize for best project.  And that prize goes to..........Eden Matthews, for her remarkable project depicting the phases of a lunar eclipse.  And second prize goes to Michael Ewing, for his beautifully built model of our solar system.  Let's give Eden and Michael a hand."

 

Michael and Eden smile at each other proudly as the teacher and the rest of the class applauds them, with the exception of an angry and jealous Casey Myers and two of his friends.  Casey looks angrily at Michael while other kids congratulate he and Eden on their prizes for winning the two best projects.

 

At that moment, the bell rings.  "Okay, everyone, those of you who have recess this period, make your way down the hall, and Mr. Duffy will take you outside.  For those who have lunch, proceed straight down the hall to the cafeteria.  I'll be right behind you.  Michael, can I see you for a moment, please?"

Michael nods, then looks at Jacob.  "Go on ahead.  I'll be there in a minute,"  he says, then walks over to the teacher.   "Yes, Miss Cunningham?"

 

"Michael I really want to commend you on your project.  You did a great job."

 

"Thanks."

 

"Michael, just so you know, you would have gotten first place except for ONE small detail you made a mistake on.  You have Pluto on your solar system listed as a planet, but, Pluto was downgraded from the status of planet to dwarf planet in 2006."

 

"Oh, I forgot about that.  My Dad helped me on the project, and I guess he forgot, too."

 

Miss Cunningham smiles at the boy.  "It's fine.  Now you'll know, for future reference.  How's your leg, by the way?"

 

"Getting better every day.  I should be able to walk without these crutches in another couple weeks."

 

"Good, I hope so.  Now, you may go on out to recess with your classmates."

 

Michael nods, then turns and leaves the classroom on his crutches.  A couple of minutes later, he comes out of the rear exit of the school and onto the playground, where Casey Myers is waiting for him.  Casey walks up to Michael

and confronts him as soon as Michael comes out of the building.  

 

"So what'd Miss Cunningham wanna see you about, Ewing?"  Casey asks.

 

"None of your business."

 

"Did you have to kiss ass some more to earn a good grade in her science class?  We all know that's how you got second place on that stupid project of yours, because you're the teacher's pet.  I bet your daddy did that whole thing for you.  You had Pluto listed as a planet, and your daddy's probably too stupid to know it's not even a planet."

 

"Get out of my way, Casey, and leave me alone,"  Michael says.

 

"And just what are you gonna do about it if I don't?"  Casey asks.  "Cry like the baby you are?  Or go running to Miss Cunningham?"

 

"Why are you always messing with me?  What did I ever do to you?"

 

"I just don't like you, that's all.  Little rich boy.  You and that cousin of yours come here and act like you own this school because your family's got a lot of money.  And he's not even a real Ewing, is he?  Maybe you're not, either.  I heard your mama was a whore, and I've seen her.  She IS pretty hot for an older chick."

 

"You'd better shut your mouth, Casey."

 

"Let's just see what you're gonna do to make me, Mikey."

 

Meanwhile, Jacob is playing with some other kids when he sees Michael and Casey near the school, and he sees that Casey is again bullying his cousin.  Jacob immediately runs over to where the two boys are standing.  "Leave him alone, Myers."

 

"So, gettin' your ass kicked the first time didn't teach you a lesson, huh, Reed?"  Casey asks.  "Well, fine.  I'll just kick it again and again until you learn not to get in my face.  Let's take this behind the school."

 

"Ready when you are,"  Jacob angrily says.

 

"Jacob, man, come on, don't,"  says Michael.

 

"Better listen to him, Jaky,"  Casey says.  "Your cousin Mikey's scared to fight me, so I guess he's the smart one.  Oh, wait, he's not really your cousin, is he, because you're ADOPTED."

 

"Let's go,"  Jacob says.  He and Casey proceed around the side of the school building, making sure that the teachers present on the schoolyard are not watching, being engaged in conversation with each other.   Michael, and several other students follow the boys.  Once behind the school, the two boys face each other as a small crowd of students gathers around them.

 

"This is gonna be fun,"  Casey says.  

 

Jacob prepares himself for the fight and makes a fist.  He takes a swing at Casey, but Casey ducks and then quickly punches Jacob in the nose.  Casey laughs.  Jacob rebounds, and headbutts Casey in the stomach, knocking him off his feet and to the ground, the other kids present cheering for one boy or the other.  Casey quickly gets up, and punches Jacob in the face again.  As Jacob draws back to take a swing at Casey, he suddenly is stricken with a shortness of breath again, this time worse than the other spells he had experienced.  The shortness of breath is accompanied by a tightness in his chest, and a pain that nearly brings him to tears.

 

"Jacob, what's wrong?"  Michael asks.

 

"Come on, Reed, ya scared?"  Casey taunts.

 Jacob looks at him, then at the other kids, the shortness of breath growing worse by the second.  He feels as if he is about to pass out.  

 

"Jacob, what's wrong?"  Michael asks.

 

"Look at him, he's scared to get his ass beat anymore,"  Casey says.

 Breaking out in a cold sweat, Jacob bends over, struggling hard to breathe.  

 

"Jacob?"  A girl present calls out to him.

 

"He doesn't look so good,"  says Bryce, one of Casey's friends.

 

"Jacob, are you alright?"  Michael asks.

 

"Reed, what's wrong with you?"  Casey asks.  

 

As Jacob tries to stand upright, he suddenly falls to the ground, unconscious.  "JACOB!!"  Michael yells, then hurries over to his cousin.  Two other students kneel beside him while Casey, frightened he will be blamed for whatever has happened to Jacob, takes off running with his friend Bryce and another boy.  

 

"Dude, he's out cold,"  says one boy kneeling beside Jacob.  

 

"Somebody help!"  Michael yells.  "Get Mr. Parker!  HURRY!!"

 

One girl quickly runs off to find a teacher to inform that Jacob has passed out.

The Cattlemen's Club....

 Meanwhile, Clay and Shawn are having lunch at The Cattlemen's Club.  "Y'know,"  Shawn says as he takes a bite of his steak.  "I think this has become just about my favorite place to eat in Dallas.  They have the best steak I've ever tasted."

 

"Yeah, it really is good."

 

Shawn looks across the table at Clay with a curious expression. "Is everything alright, Clay?  You've seemed uneasy 

ever since we've been here," Shawn says, eating some of his fries.  "I'd almost get the feeling that you're uncomfortable with me.  Why is that?"

 

"Well, considering the circumstances of what's happened between our families......."

 

"Oh, you're talking about the fact that your mother killed my brother,"  Shawn says.  "Well, if that's what's bothering you, don't let it, because I don't hold that against you.  In fact, I don't even hold it against your mother.  Tripp had this way of pushing people to their breaking point, and I guess he just pushed your Mom too far."  

 

"Thank you for that,"  says Clay.  "Now, look, why don't we get to the reason you wanted to meet with me for lunch?  We've been here almost half an hour and so far you've talked about the weather, how good the steak is here, and my mother.  What do you really want?"

 

Shawn looks at him and smiles.  "You're a man who likes to get directly to the point.  I like that.  Okay, Clay, the reason I asked you here is because I have a business proposition for you."

 

"Yes, you said that much on the phone."

 

"Clay, I'd like to buy your company, Stevens-Beaumont Oil,"  Shawn says.  

 

"You'd.......you'd like to BUY my company?"

 

"Well, not me personally, but Westar, would like to buy Stevens-Beaumont."

 

"Why?"  Clay asks.

 

"WHY?  Because you have some fields very rich in oil and natural gas that Westar would love to get hold of and develop.  And we're willing to offer you a very fair price for the company, and a substantial profit, as well as a seat on the Westar board."

 

"You want ME to serve on the board of directors at Westar?"

 

"That's right.  Clay, I've done a lot of research on you.  I know that you're 27-years-old, you're very smart, very driven, very ambitious.  You and your mother pulled off a coup and stole Stone-Barnes Oil right out from under Cliff Barnes and Brad Stone.  AND you stole the deal away from Ewing Oil and anybody who can beat John Ross has my admiration."

 

Clay looks at the young, man and smiles.  "Well, thank you, I appreciate the compliment."

 

"I meant every word.  Clay, I'd like someone with me as I take Westar to new heights.  Someone more or less like me.  Someone young, like you.  That whole board is made up of ancient old farts who were around when John Kennedy was president.  It's time for new blood, new faces.  You have a little experience under your belt already, which we could both use."

 

"But why would I wanna sell you my company?"

 

"Clay, I'm offering you the chance of a lifetime.  To go from being a little fish in a huge pond, president of a small, upstart company, to being a BIG fish, sitting on the board and helping to run the largest oil company in Texas.  It's a chance you can't pass up."

 

"Well, it's certainly a very attractive offer,"  says Clay.  "But, I'm gonna have to think about it."

 

"Okay, that's fair enough.  I didn't expect an answer right now.  Take a couple days and seriously consider my offer.  Just think about this, Clay......you and I......two fresh young bucks taking this town by storm.  Nobody will be able to touch us, not even the Ewings."

 

"The Ewings are my family, in case you're thinking of going up against them."

 

"Your family?"  Shawn asks.  "A family that's treated you like an outcast ever since you set foot in this town.  I was at James Beaumont's funeral.  I saw how they treated you."

 

"Well, well, well,"  John Ross's voice comes from behind Clay as he is about to say something.  A smiling John Ross walks up to their table.  "If it itn't Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb."

 

Clay puts his fork down and sighs.  "I just lost my appetite."

 

"Now what in blue blazes are the two of you doin' together?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Well, we MIGHT be plotting the complete destruction of Ewing Oil, and you,"  replies Clay.  

 

John Ross laughs.  "You just keep on dreamin', Clay, ol' boy, because that's never gonna happen, especially if you team up with this kid here."

 

"Kid?"  Shawn asks, offended by being called a kid.  

 

John Ross looks at him.  "That's right.......KID.  Shawn, you are nothin' but a green kid with about as much experience runnin' an oil company as I would have bein' Prime Minister of Great Britain, which is absolutely NONE.  You're the same age as my son, yet you really think you're capable of takin' on us Ewings?  If you do, then that would be the biggest mistake you could ever make.  Or, have both of you been takin' stupid lessons from Cliff Barnes?"

 

"John Ross, why don't you go to hell?"  Clay asks.

 

John Ross again laughs.  "Nice seein' you both.  Oh, and Clay.........say hi to your mama for me in prison on visitation day."  Smiling, John Ross turns and walks away.

 

"That arrogant son of a........."  Clay angrily says.

 

"You see what I mean?"  Shawn asks.  "That guy deserves to be taken down, and together, we can do it, Clay."

 

After thinking for a few seconds as he watches John Ross arrogantly walk out of the restaurant, Clay looks at Shawn and nods.  "Alright," he says.  "Look, give me a couple days to think about your offer.  But even if I decide not to sell my company to Westar, I still wanna join you in taking on my UNCLE John Ross.  I've been waiting months to make that jerk eat his own words, and I'm not gonna wait any longer."

 

Shawn smiles as he picks up his glass and raises it.  "Here's to what I hope will be a new partnership of Smith and Beaumont,"  he says.

 

Clay raises his glass in a toast with Shawn.

Braddock Medical Center....

 A frantic Christopher and Bobby rush into the emergency department at Braddock Medical Center.  As they approach the nurse's desk to ask information on Jacob, Bobby spots Courtney, Ann, Heather, and Phyllis down the hall.  "Son,"  Bobby says.  Christopher looks up and sees the women.  He and Bobby rush down the hall to meet them outside the waiting room. 

 

"Courtney, I got here as fast a I could,"  Christopher says, embracing his wife.  "What happened to Jacob? Is he alright?"

 

"I don't know,"  Courtney replies in tears.  "They have him in back for tests. They won't tell me anything."

 

"You mean they haven't told you what his condition is?"  Bobby asks.

 

"No, not yet,"  Ann says.

 

"They said he passed out at school,"  Phyllis says.

 

"He'd been having a shortness of breath for a while,"  Courtney says.  "Lucy called and said that Mitch would be glad to see him after school today if I'd bring him in.  Why didn't I keep him out of school today and take him?"

 

"Courtney, listen to me, this wasn't your fault," says Christopher.

 

"Of course not, sweetheart,"  Phyllis says.

 

"Why don't we all go in and sit down?"  Heather suggests.

 

"That's a good idea,"  says Ann.  "We might be here for a while."

 

Courtney nods, the group goes into the waiting room to take seats as they worry about Jacob's condition.

Later....

Bobby walks into the waiting room an hour later, carrying three cups of coffee.  "You sure you two didn't want anything?"  He asks Christopher and Courtney, who are sitting on the sofa.  Both shake their heads.  Bobby walks over to Ann and Phyllis, both of whom are standing by the window. He gives a cup of coffee to each of the women.  "Heather, you want this one?"  He asks his daughter-in-law.

 

"No, thanks, Bobby."

 

"Heather, if you need to go to pick Michael up from school,"  Bobby says.

 

"Lucas is gonna do that,"  says Heather.  "He said they'd come by here and I could take Michael home while he waits with y'all."

 

"God, if anything happens to Jacob, I don't know what I would do,"  Courtney cries.

 

"Courtney, listen to me, don't think like that,"  Christopher tells his wife.

 

"This waiting is driving me crazy,"  Phyllis says.

 

"I know,"  Ann says.  "But we just have to be patient."

 

As Ann puts her arms around Bobby, a doctor walks into the waiting room.  "Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Ewing?"

 

"Yes,"  Christopher says he and Courtney standing and rushing over to the doctor.  "How is Jacob?"

 

"How's my baby?"  Courtney asks.

 

"Jacob's condition is quiet serious, we believe,"  the male doctor replies.  

 

"What do you think's wrong with him?"  Christopher asks.

 

"From all indication, Jacob appears to have a heart condition."

 

"His heart?  Oh my God!"  Courtney cries.  

 

"Unfortunately, we don't have the ability or a cardiologist on staff here who deals with pediactric heart conditions,so we're gonna have to transfer Jacob to Texas Health Presbyterian in Dallas.  They have the best cardiologist in this part of the state there."

 

"Doctor......please be honest with me,"  says Courtney.  "How serious is this?  Could Jacob die from this?"

 

"I don't want to offer an opinion until a trained specialist sees your son, Mrs. Ewing."

 

"Please, just answer the question,"  says Christopher.  

 

"Yes,"  the doctor reluctantly replies.  "Our tests show that only 20% of Jacob's heart is working.  It's having to work much harder to pump blood than a healthy heart would.  Mrs. Ewing, I don't wanna frighten you, but you asked for the truth.  Jacob is very, VERY lucky to be alive right now.  He could have suffered a massive heart attack and died instantly.  If this happens again, he might not be so lucky."

 

"No,"  Courtney cries.  

  Christopher embraces Courtney, and the two frightened parents cry together as the others look on, each of them worried about what this terrible news would mean for Jacob, and for Christopher and Courtney....

END OF EPISODE 194....