The courtroom was a picture of chaos. Adam, Stan, Karen, Eric and their guards came in through a door on the side of the room in order to avoid the crowd. Christopher was already there in his usual seat, Bobby and Pamela beside him. As Karen took her seat he put his hand on her shoulder and gave a reassuring squeeze. Karen sat stone still.

The courtroom was still abuzz as Judge Moore entered the room, but by the time he sat, all was quiet. He looked out over the room with a stern and steady gaze. “I want to make it very clear that when the verdict is read, there is to be no outburst of any kind in this courtroom. I will not hesitate to find anyone who violates this rule in contempt of court.”

His warning gaze swept the courtroom one last time before turning his full attention to the jury. “Mr. Foreman, I assume you have reached a verdict in this case?”

Earl Peters stood to address the Judge. “Yes, Your Honor, we have.”

Judge Moore nodded. “Very well, if you would please give the paper to the bailiff…”

The bailiff quickly moved forward to take the paper and hand it to the Judge.

Right up until this very moment Karen had held out hope of a not-guilty verdict, but now she had the gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach that she was going to prison, maybe for a long time. How strange that such a little piece of paper would carry a message that would affect the rest of her life. For just a moment she had the urge to run up and grab the paper from him and rip it to shreds. She wanted to scream that she was innocent, but who would listen to her now? It was over.

The room was quiet enough to hear the paper rustle as Judge Moore unfolded it. He stared at it with a blank and emotionless look on his face before handing it back to the bailiff, who then handed it back to Foreman Earl Peters.

Judge Moore turned to Karen and Eric, “The defendants will rise for the reading of the verdict.” Eric stood immediately. Karen stood more slowly and with difficulty, her legs felt like jelly. As was customary, both attorneys stood with their clients. All faced the jury.

The Judge nodded at Foreman Peters and he began to read. “In the matter of the State verses Eric Stone, on count one - accessory after the fact, the jury finds the defendant not guilty.” Relief flooded Eric and he turned happily to his attorney, but Stan just prodded him in the ribs and whispered, 'it's not over yet' and nodded towards the jury.

The Foreman continued, “On count two - aiding and abetting in the commission of a crime, the jury finds the defendant Eric Stone not guilty.” Earl Peters stopped there and looked up at Judge Moore, “there are three counts that were brought against both defendants.”

Judge Moore nodded and Foreman Peters continued. “In the matter of the state verses Eric Stone and Karen Ewing, on counts three, four and five for Mr. Stone, and one, two and three for Mrs. Ewing, obstruction of justice, conspiracy to commit a crime and kidnapping, the jury finds the defendants…” Earl was never much for drama, but he couldn't help pausing for effect here, as he said with a slight smile, “…Not guilty.”

Despite Judge Moore's warning, the courtroom erupted with noise. Most were stunned. The media was manic. The verdict was a jury nullification. Eric was so happy that he actually turned around and hugged his attorney, Stan. Cliff, who was sitting a few rows behind him clapped. Marilee blew her son a kiss.

Karen was elated. She was free! She couldn't believe it. She was going home to her husband - and her son! Tears of joy streaming down her face, she turned to Christopher who hugged her over the rail that was separating them.

Pam was congratulating the happy couple when Bobby put his hand on her arm and said her ear, “Hold on, Pam, it's not over.”

She turned and gave him a quizzical look, as he pointed to the jury Foreman who was still standing.

At the same moment, Adam was trying to get Karen's attention, but she was completely focused on Christopher who was holding her like he would never let her go again. Finally Adam tapped her arm and yelled in her ear, so she could hear him over the din. “They're not done, Karen, turn around.”

Judge Moore had had enough of the chaos and began banging his gavel. That got the attention of all in the room and it got quiet again and everyone sat down, almost immediately. Judge Moore was angry. “I will not have anymore outburst like that in my courtroom, or I will clear all of the spectators out of here!”

Then he calmly turned to the Foreman, “continue, Mr. Foreman.”

Karen was confused. Why were they continuing? They had been found innocent; the Foreman had just said so a minute ago.

“In the matter of the State verses Karen Ewing, on count four, assaulting an officer, the jury finds the defendant...guilty as charged.”

Dallas Courthouse

This time the courtroom was quiet. Karen felt cold dread creep into her heart. It had happened. She was guilty.

Behind her Christopher was enraged. How could they find her innocent on all the other counts and then convict her of this one? If they understood that she was just trying to protect her son, not kidnap him, then why didn't they understand that that was the same reason for the assault!

Bobby sensed his son's anger and reached over to put his hand on Christopher's tense arm. “Just a minute son, let's see what the Judge has to say.”

Judge Moore addressed the jury once more. “So say you all?”

There were nods throughout the jury box (except for Mary). And Earl Peters answered for them all. “Yes, Your Honor.”

Judge Moore turned his gaze to the attorneys. “Any requests for a polling of the jury?” His question was met with silence. Adam knew that though Karen may not feel it right now, they had just been given a miraculous victory. He fully expected her to be found guilty on the assault charge. Maybe if it had been anyone other than a cop….

“Very well then, I would like to thank each and every member of the jury. You have served your community well. And now I am sure you are all anxious to get back to your families. The jury is dismissed.”

After the jury had filed out of the courtroom, Judge Moore turned to Karen. He wasn't surprised to find that she looked scared. “Mrs. Ewing, it is the job of this court to set your punishment. You have been found guilty of assaulting a police officer. I want you to know that the courts in this great state of Texas take that charge very seriously.”

Karen was shaking now and biting her lip to keep from crying. Deep down she knew the verdict was right, no matter what happened, she shouldn't have hit the police officer.

Judge Moore continued. “Yet as I look over your record, I see that you have been convicted of no other crimes, you have indeed been an upstanding citizen and I cannot ignore the fact that the jury did find you innocent of the other charges. Most importantly, I must consider your state of mind. I don't believe that this was a premeditated act, or even a malicious one. I am aware that you have been in jail since the start of this trial, therefore, I am sentencing you to time served and one-hundred hours of community service. Bailiff, please see that Mr. Stone and Mrs. Ewing are released forthwith. Court adjourned.” With a last bang of his gavel Judge Moore was gone.

Karen turned to Adam. She was still a bit confused. “What happened?” All around them the courtroom was buzzing again.

Adam looked at her with a smile. “We won. Well, at least as best we could.” Seeing that she still wasn't getting it, he said, “Karen, you're free. You were convicted of assault, but your sentence was the time that you have already served in jail, you're really free.”

Relief hit Karen like a rushing torrent of water. She covered her eyes with her hands and felt her knees go weak. As she was falling, she felt some one catch her and hold her tightly. She looked up expecting to find Christopher, but found her father instead. Too emotional for words, she buried her head on his shoulder and cried. Her sister Kimberly patted her back. Alan told her that he and Kim knew she didn't want them there for the trial, but they just couldn't stay away today.

Karen was glad to see her father and sister, but when she looked up, it was Christopher her eyes were searching for. She didn't have to look far. She moved out of her father's embrace and was swept up by Christopher. She was only capable of saying three words, “Take me home.”

Christopher was more than happy to comply.

Southfork Ranch

Christopher honked the horn of his convertible as he drove beneath the Southfork sign and then he reached over and pulled Karen closer to him. He sped down the drive and came to a screeching halt outside the garage, where he opened the door and stepped out of the car. Christopher then turned around, and reaching back into the car, he picked Karen up in his arms while she screamed playfully at him to put her down.

They were both so happy...so content. Everything was going their way for once. And for the first time in over a year, the future was bright and untainted. "Welcome back to Southfork Karen..." Christopher's voice trailed off as she kissed him. "And promise me you'll never leave again...ever."

Karen kissed him again and then pulled away. "Wild horses couldn't drag me away from you again. Being away from you all that time was a nightmare for me...thinking that I'd never see you again and that I'd spend the rest of my life in jail--without you. I never thought I'd get a second chance and I don't want to blow it. I love you Christopher...and I always will."

"Then I think I'm probably the luckiest man on earth. I love you too Karen."

Dallas Ft. Worth Regional Airport,
the next day

Raoul quietly hummed to himself and flipped through a worn magazine as he waited in a leather chair in the terminal at Dallas Ft. Worth Regional Airport. It hadn't taken much work for Theresa to talk him into coming here to pick up her niece; but despite the fact that Raoul couldn't stand the girl, she was still preferable to spending the morning in the madness that was always the preparation for the annual Ewing Barbecue.

Raoul peered over the top of his magazine as another crowd of people walked through the terminal. According to the announcement, these people were all coming from Isabel's flight--so she was bound to be amongst them somewhere. Raoul grinned to himself at the thought of Isabel somehow falling from the plane and landing on a desert island somewhere. His smile quickly inverted when he saw her walking toward him. She had definitely grown since the last time he'd seen her.

Isabel's hair was long and black and her eyes were almost as dark. The thin, pursed line of her worried lips soon broadened into a smile when she saw Raoul and her eyes lit up as she ran toward him. When she reached him she threw all of her luggage onto the airport floor and swept her arms around him in a hug.

"Uncle Raoul, it is so good to see you again!"

Uncle Raoul? "Since when was I an uncle to you?"

"Since now, silly. I've outgrown my childhood crush...I'm no longer interested in older men." Isabel's eyes sparkled with mischief and she soon began to giggle.

"What?" Not five minutes and Raoul was growing irritated with her already. By the time she went home, IF she went home, Raoul suspected he'd have to be talked out of jumping off the balcony at Southfork. Isabel continued to giggle. "What is it Isabel? Is it my hair?" Raoul quickly brushed his hair back with his hand in an attempt to smooth the phantom stray hair.

"No… I just noticed. It seems that there's a bit more of you since the last time I saw you." Isabel extended a finger and jabbed Raoul in the stomach.

Raoul recoiled and his face turned a deep shade of red. "What can I say...your aunt feeds me well."

"I bet. Soooo, when're we going back to...what do they call it? I'm not used to a house with a name..."

"Southfork. How about we stop somewhere along the way? Maybe I could drive you out into the middle of nowhere? Push you out of the car? Leave you for dead?"

Isabel broke out into more laughter and she poked Raoul in the stomach several more times until he drew back. "You are so awful to me! For that you can carry my luggage..." Isabel began to walk off and Raoul struggled to pick up the three suitcases that she had been carrying. As he made his way toward the car, Raoul hoped to God she wouldn't be staying long.

Southfork Ranch

Karen stared ahead, completely unaware of the sweat that was trickling down her face. She held Christopher's hand tightly and looked over at him, noticing the fear that was evident in his face.

"We the jury find the defendant, Karen Beam Ewing, GUILTY!"

Gasps erupted through the crowd and Karen screamed out. "NO! I was just protecting my baby...I have to be there for him...please..."

The judge grinned sinisterly. "Furthermore, Austin Anders will be sent to a foster home. As for your sentencing Karen...you're sentenced to an eternity...in hell."

Karen tried to wipe away the tears, but someone from behind grabbed her hands and she felt the cold metal of handcuffs being fit on her. "Come with us Karen. Say goodbye to your husband...you'll never see him again!"

"NO! Christopher, don't let them take me! We can leave...together. We can take Austin and go away where no one will ever find us!" Karen tried to resist the cops, but it was futile.

Christopher shook his head. "You disgust me Karen. You are a dirty adulteress and you ran off with that bastard Eric Stone. You should never have given Austin up in the first place...some mother you are. I never want to see you again and I hope you rot in jail."

Karen's jaw dropped and she felt herself being pulled away from him. "You don't mean it! Christopher, say you don't mean it...you don't mean it...

Still shaken, she stepped out of bed and walked over to the window where she heard laughter coming from below. Christopher and Austin were in the pool, splashing water back and forth. Karen managed a smile and the after-effects of her nightmare vanished.

Twenty minutes and one shower later, she slid open the glass door and joined them outside.

"MOM!" Austin shrieked. He scooped water in his hands and splashed it at her.

"You two are up early this morning! And swimming no less." Karen smiled and it felt good. She walked closer to the pool and sat down onto the edge, where she dangled her feet off into the cool water. "And no splashing my hair, okay? I don't want to have to wash it again."

"Women," Chris said sarcastically.

"Women," Austin repeated.

Christopher broke into laughter and Karen joined him. "So I take it you're not coming in then?"

"No way. I just had a shower."

Christopher pulled Austin into a huddle and began to whisper something to him. Soon, they both charged full speed ahead and each grabbed Karen by a leg. She screamed as they pulled her off in the pool with them. But after she was in, Karen couldn't resist joining them in their laughter. She was back at Southfork and everything was right with her world.

Southfork Ranch, a half-hour later

Ellie sipped her glass of orange juice as she soaked in the sites and sounds of the barbecue preparation at Southfork. The steady drone of a car caught her attention and she craned her head to the side and saw Raoul pull into the driveway. She wiped her mouth on her napkin and made her way over to the car. Theresa pushed open the door and followed Ellie around the patio.

Isabel stepped out of the car and stared, gaping at the house and the land around it. Only the sound of Theresa's voice broke her out of her state of awe and she ran to her aunt and embraced her. "Aunt Theresa, it is so good to see you again!"

"And it's good to see you too Isabel. You've grown into a beautiful young lady!" Theresa turned to Miss Ellie. "Mrs. Farlow, this is my niece, Isabel. Isabel, this is Mrs. Ellie Farlow. She owns Southfork.”

Isabel smiled and shook Miss Ellie's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Farlow. Aunt Theresa has told me so much about you over the phone. Your land...it is so beautiful. And the house!"

"Thank you Isabel. It's good to meet you too." Ellie smiled and let go of Isabel's hand. "I hope you'll like it here at Southfork."

"Oh, I think I will! What are all the people here for? And the banners and decorations? Is it someone's birthday?"

Ellie chuckled at the girl's innocence. She knew she was every bit of seventeen, but the wonder in her eyes reminded Ellie of a child on Christmas morning. "We're having a barbecue...something we usually do every summer."

"Oh! I see!"

Ellie turned to Theresa. "Why don't you go show her to her room. I'm sure she'd like to freshen up and get settled in."

"Yes Mrs. Farlow." Theresa put her hand on Isabel's back and led her toward the house.

Ellie turned to Raoul who was struggling to pull the last piece of luggage from the trunk of the car. "She seems like a very sweet girl Raoul," Ellie said while watching them disappear into the house.

Raoul gritted his teeth and tugged one more time. This time, the suitcase flew out of the trunk and its contents scattered onto the pavement. "Oh yes...as sweet as a cow pie after a spring rain," Raoul muttered as he stooped over to pick up the clothes.

"What's that?" Ellie asked.

"I just said that you were right. She's sweet. Very sweet."

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