His thought process was interrupted when Sly buzzed him on the intercom.

“What is it, Sly?”

“I'm sorry to disturb you, J.R.,” she replied. “But Rex Wentworth is here to see you.”

“Tell him I'm busy, Sly.” JR thought a second and added, “And tell him that the only way I'll ever see him is by appointment.”

“Yes, sir.”

He turned his attention back to the file on his desk. Within seconds, Rex came bursting through the door with Sly running in behind him.

“I'm sorry, J.R. He insisted.”

“It's all right Sly. I'll deal with him. You just go on to lunch, honey.”

“I'll see you later then,” she replied, turning and going out and closing his office door behind her.

“All right, Wentworth, what's so damn important that you had to come bursting into my office? Can't you see I'm busy?”

“I would think that you would care more about your family than Ewing Oil, Mr. Ewing,” Rex countered.

“What are you thundering on about, Rex?”

“I know that you have people looking into my background, and I'm telling you, that had better stop now, or I'll stop it myself,” Rex responded angrily.

“You know, Rex, you scare me about as much as my daughter was scared by the “Scream” movies. We're Ewings, we don't frighten easily. Why don't you just get to the point and get the hell out of my office,” J.R. was growing weary of Rex's threats.

Rex thought for a moment before responding. He was getting very tired of the whole mess in Dallas, from J.R. to Pam and Bobby to Afton. He needed to put an end to it all, and fast.

“If you don't take your men off the case, Ewing, I'll make damn sure someone in your family pays for it,” Rex finally replied.

“Well, you see, Rex, I can't quite do that, now can I?”

Rex pondered this for a moment and then asked, “What are you getting at?”

J.R. decided to spell it all out for him to see what kind of a reaction he would get.

“You see, Rex, my men are just about at the point where they're going to find all the proof we need to bury you. I've known for a while now that you were the one that was behind trying to kill me earlier this year.”

“That's a lie,” Rex grunted.

“It is not. I know that you're out to get me. Only trouble is, when you cross a Ewing with a Wentworth, the Ewing always wins. Just look at your sister, Katherine, she went up against us way too many times and was finally killed.”

“You leave my sister out of this,” Rex responded angrily.

“Your whole twisted family is part of this, Wentworth. Of course, you're the lead nutcase. You've got a vendetta against us Ewings, and I'm going to stop it, whatever I have to do.”

“Then I'm going to do whatever it takes to stop you! This is war. Do you hear me? War!"

Rex reached forward and grabbed J.R. by the suit.

“You may win the small battles, Ewing, but you've never fought in a war against a Wentworth. Be prepared to lose everything!”

With that threat, Rex Wentworth left J.R. Ewing's Office still feeling that he had the upper hand.

J.R. meanwhile went right back to his files on the Alaskan deal. Rex was just thunder, he told himself. He was going to provide the lightning bolt that would destroy Rex Wentworth and get him out of the Ewing lives once and for all.

Pam looked up from the file she was reading. Her eyes immediately brightened at the sight of Bobby standing in the doorway of her office carrying a large bouquet of flowers. She stared at him, not knowing what to say. Lately, the long days at work had been nothing compared to the long nights at Southfork, with the two of them hardly speaking. He was obviously there to make up, and she was thankful and relieved. Bobby walked over to her and sat on her desk, facing her. He paused and looked into her eyes if he had any doubts about whether he was doing the right thing, they quickly vanished. He leaned over and kissed her. A few moments later, he straightened up.

“Bobby, what are you doing here?”

“I'm tired of fighting. I think it's time we settled this and put it behind us.”

Pam looked up at him. “I'd like that, too.”

Bobby smiled and went to take her hand when he realized he was still holding the flowers. He handed them to her.

Pam took the sweet smelling pink roses and smiled, “I was wondering if these were for me.”

Bobby winked at her, “Yes, but don't tell your husband, I hear he's the jealous type.”

“I think it'll be all right, he's very understanding.”

Bobby's face suddenly turned serious. “Not lately.”

Pam sat the flowers down on her desk. “Bobby, I'm sorry. I know that a lot of this is my fault, and…”

Bobby stood up and gently pulled her to her feet. He put his finger to her lips and the other arm around her waist. “Shhh… It doesn't matter who's fault it is Pamela. What matters is how we're going to fix it.”

“I promise I'm going to slow down, just as soon as I…”

“Pam,” Bobby interrupted. “Will you please stop apologizing long enough for me to ask you to dinner?”

She slid her arms around his neck, nodded her head slowly and kissed him. Bobby returned the kiss, pulling her closer.

Just then, Pam's secretary Sandra walked through the open office door. “OH! I'm so sorry! Excuse me.”

They quickly broke their embrace. “It's all right Sandra. This is my husband, Bobby Ewing.”

“Oh, I'm sorry Mr. Ewing, I must have been away from my desk making these copies when you came in. It's nice to meet you.” Pam turned back to her desk to straighten the files she had been looking through, Bobby watched her impatiently. Sandra stood staring at Bobby. He was so handsome. All of the pictures she had seen of him in the Dallas newspapers didn't do him justice. There was something about that combination of rugged and yet boyish looks. And if he was as charming as everyone said he was-“

“Hey Pam, did you get a chance to look over that file on…” Don Richards walked in and nearly ran right over Sandra, who realized she had been staring and turned red with embarrassment as she laid the copies she was carrying on Pam's desk.

Pam looked up when she heard Don's voice. “Don, you remember my husband, Bobby.”

Don happily walked over and shook Bobby's hand. “Great to see you again Mr. Ewing.” He handed Pamela a folder. “Pam, before you leave, could you look this over and sign off on it?” She looked at Bobby, who nodded grudgingly. She sat back at her desk to look over the contents of the folder.

Don turned to Bobby. “You two going to dinner?”

“If I can ever pull her away.” Bobby meant the words, but said them with a good-natured smile.

Don looked over at Pamela appreciatively. “She's quite a business woman.”

Bobby was starting to get just a little annoyed with this conversation. “I'm sure she is.”

Pam signed her name and put down the folder, which Sandra quickly swept up. “Okay, I think I'm ready now.” Pam stood, and as she did, the room began to spin. She tried to reach out and grab the side of the desk but everything was suddenly a blur and she couldn't find it. She tried to say Bobby's name, but it all happened to quickly-

Bobby was only a few feet away, but he had his back to her, still talking to Don.

CRASH!

Bobby turned in time to see pencils and pens flying through the air as Pam's arm hit them as she fell. He moved quickly to catch her, but didn't get there before her head hit the desk and she hit the floor.

Bobby quickly knelt next to her. “Pam! Pamela…”

“Is she okay?”

“No! Somebody call 911!”

Sandra grabbed the phone and hurriedly dialed the three numbers.

Pam was lying on her side, Bobby couldn't tell how hurt she was, but she wasn't moving, and he could see blood beginning to seep through the hair that had fallen across her face. He moved her hair and fought the desire to lift her to him for fear of making any injuries worse.

Leaning over her, he gently touched her cheek, wondering how long it would take the ambulance to get there. Seeing her lying there motionless and bleeding, he fought back panic. He whispered to her, “Hold on Pammy. You're gonna be fine.” But even as he said the words, he didn't believe them.

He didn't have to ponder anymore when he heard the low sound of a cow in distress, followed by the whinny of a horse. The horse couldn't have been a Southfork horse unless it had somehow escaped, because they were all locked far away in the stables for the night where they could take refuge from the near freezing temperatures.

Manny didn't bother waking his two roommates as he pulled on his flannel shirt and then his coat and boots—if something was amiss here, then Manny wanted to try and handle it by himself…just to show Wade that he could. And then if there were nothing wrong out there, he wouldn't have to be embarrassed after waking the others up for nothing.

He quietly opened the door after grabbing his rifle and Manny's breath was almost taken away by the cold autumn wind, which made the temperature feel much colder than just two degrees above freezing. He pulled his coat closer to him and zipped it up to his chin.

Over the blustering wind, Manny could just barely make out the sound of some sort of vehicle and he stepped out farther into the darkness and slowly began to walk toward the sounds, which grew louder as he got closer.

Soon, Manny was able to see what was going on. There was a large cattle truck parked near the lake and several men on horseback were rounding up some of the cows and herding them into the back of the truck.

Rustlers.

A nervous knot formed in the pit of Manny's stomach while he thought about what his next move should be, but the knot dissolved when he felt the cold steel of a rifle barrel poked into the small of his back…

Manny froze and tried to swallow the lump that was forming in his throat. He found it almost impossible to speak, but after a few moments, he somehow managed.

“D…don't hurt me. What do you want?”

“Manny? What the hell…?”

Manny felt the gun barrel being pulled away and he turned around, relieved. “Wade, you scared the hell out of me, man!” he said in a hushed voice.

Wade dropped the rifle to his side. “Sorry, I didn't know it was you…thought you was one of the rustlers.”

A gunshot suddenly exploded into the ground near them and instinct sent Wade and Manny running to the nearest tree for cover. They both readied their rifles and peered around the tree. The pale moonlight just barely illuminated the lone gunman that had fired at them and he lowered his rifle again and fired near the tree, sending bits and pieces of rock and dirt flying toward Manny.

Wade raised his rifle and fired at the man, just clipping his arm and the man cried out in pain and fell to the ground where he clasped his bleeding arm.

Two more shots were fired at Manny and Wade, but they both retreated to the tree and the shots missed them.

“Oh hell Wade, you've started a war now,” Manny whispered.

“And I'm gonna finish it too.” Wade peered around the tree and fired his rifle randomly into the night. The shot was followed by the sound of the truck pulling away and Wade fired a shot at it, but it was too far away. They both watched helplessly as it pulled off into the night.

There was nothing to do but wait. He decided not to tell anyone until he knew how bad things were; so he waited alone. As he sat there, he couldn't help thinking about another time he had waited here – when Pam had been in a horrible car accident. Though she eventually recovered, that event had been life threatening and had led to Pam being kidnapped by her sister Katherine and taken from him for years.

He pushed those thoughts away. They were together now and he saw no reason to think this accident was life threatening…at least to Pam. But, as he thought of the possibility of losing the babies, feelings of dread ran through him, sweeping him back in time.

Southfork was dark. He walked down the stairs and out onto the front porch where His momma and daddy and JR and Sue Ellen were waiting. He turned to his parents, “She lost the baby. The doctor doesn't know if she can have another. We won't know for a while.” He could still see the stricken look on his parent's faces as they learned they had lost their first grandchild. But that was nothing compared to the pain he and Pam had shared… they had wanted that baby so much.

And then Pam was pregnant again and he thought all they had hoped and dreamed for would finally come true.

He pulled the shiny red Mercedes into the driveway at Southfork and was happily surprised to see Pam come out to greet him. She came to him and kissed him. “How was Austin?”

“The usual.” He put his arm around her waist and they walked toward the house. “Oh, Dr. Crane's office called this morning.”

“Oh?” Pam said hesitantly.

They stopped walking and Bobby turned towards her. “Your gynecologist. Is something wrong?”

“No…”

“Well, then, is… something right?” Bobby eyes searched hers for the answer he was hoping for.

He could see she didn't want to tell him this way. “I guess so.”

Bobby slowly sat his briefcase on the ground, “Pam?”

She knew the unspoken question he was asking and she simply nodded 'yes'. Bobby had been so thrilled he scooped her up off the ground and twirled her around. They had spent the night celebrating.

It was early morning, but Bobby remembered it was already blazing hot. He and a child that he had befriended, Luke Middens, who belonged to one of the ranch hands, had been saddling up horses getting ready for a morning ride when they heard another horse come galloping toward them. From the distance, Luke couldn't tell who it was, but Bobby knew instantly.

“Who's that comin'?”

“That's Pam.”

Luke and Bobby watched as she came toward them at a hard gallop. “She can sure ride.”

Bobby smiled and watched Pam appreciatively. He had taught her to ride, but he couldn't take all of the credit. Pam had great instincts for horses.

He never saw the snake, but the rattlers were especially bad that season, and when he thought back later, he knew that's all it could have been. As he and Luke were watching, Pam's horse came to an abrupt halt, and then reared up, throwing her to the ground. “Pam!” He ran as fast as he could to her side and found her lying on the ground, unconscious.

She tucked Pam's file folder and a clipboard under her arm and motioned to a row of chairs against the wall in an empty area of the waiting room. “Let's sit over there, Bobby.” They sat together and Dr. Bader turned toward him. “I've spoken with Dr. Hericuto and the cut on her head is going to be fine. It looks a lot worse than it is, head wounds always bleed a lot. But her tests looked clear and he didn't see any signs of a concussion.”

“I don't understand, why did she faint?”

“Well, there are plenty of things that can cause a pregnant woman to become light-headed. And, of course, we still don't have the blood work back, that may show something.” Dr. Bader was trying to sound reassuring.

Bobby was relieved that Pam was okay, but she still hadn't mentioned the babies. “You said Pam's fine, what about the twins?”

“I examined her and I heard two strong little hearts beating. We'll need to do a sonogram just to be sure. They did one in the emergency room, but I want to have a more detailed one done.”

”Sonogram?” Bobby gave her a confused and worried look.

“Yes. It's a test; we can actually see the babies.” Noting that Bobby still looked worried, she continued, “They're perfectly harmless, you may remember the one we did when Pam was carrying Grace.”

Bobby nodded, not wanting to admit that he didn't remember. Probably because they had lived apart a good deal of time when Pam was pregnant with Gracie. As a result, he missed almost all of the doctor visits and routine tests.

“Can I see her?”

“Oh, yes, she's awake. Go through those doors and she's in the third room on the right.” They both stood.

Dr. Bader smiled, “They'll be up in a few minutes to do that sonogram.”

“Thank you Doctor.”

“This is such a good move for Ewing Oil, honey, I tell you. You'll thank me for a long time to come for finding a deal like this,” J.R. rambled.

“Would you just shut up, J.R.?”

“Sue Ellen, why are you being so hostile? I'm just trying to make some conversation.”

“I know that,” she replied tiredly, “but I've had a very long couple of days. If I am going to be 100% to meet these gentlemen tomorrow, I need my beauty rest.”

“Well, don't you need to review all this stuff to make sure I'm not lyin' to you again?”

“If I decide to,” Sue Ellen said, “I can do that in the morning before we meet with them. But I'm coming to Alaska because I trust your word, J.R.”

“You do?” J.R. asked quizzically.

“Believe it or not, I do, J.R. Now, please. Let me sleep.”

“Sure, Sue Ellen. See you in the morning.”

“Good night, J.R.”

Sue Ellen fought with her airline-issued pillow and tried to make it comfortable. Within a few minutes she closed her eyes. Sitting next to her in the plane, J.R. simply watched her sleep.

“Good night, beautiful.”

Pam heard him come in and walk over to the bed. Even without looking, she knew it was Bobby. After all of these years, she knew the familiar sound of his footsteps as well as her own.

Without a word, he sat down next to her on the bed and reaching out, he gently took one of her hands in his. She closed her eyes. “I'm so sorry, Bobby.”

“Shhh, don't worry about that right now. All I care about is that you and our babies are safe.”

Pam finally looked up at him, her eyes full of love and wonder. He had every right to be angry with her. Against his wishes, she had gone back to work. She knew she was overtired and pushing herself too hard, yet she'd continued. How would he have ever been able to forgive her if she had lost the babies? How could she ever forgive herself! Tears continued to stream down her cheeks.

Bobby brushed the tears away and tried to comfort her. “It's going to be all right, Pam. Dr. Bader says the babies are fine.”

Just then there was a light knock at the door and it swung open. A woman walked in, pushing a large machine. “Hi I'm Leann, I'm here to do the sonogram. Are you ready?”

Bobby glanced at her and then back at Pam; he stood to leave. “I'll see you in a few minutes. I'll be right outside the door.”

Leann had already begun setting up the equipment. She looked back over her shoulder as she plugged the computer into the outlet. “Are you the father?”

“Yeah.”

“Why don't you stay? You'll love it.” She didn't wait for Bobby's reply, but began laying the things she needed for the test out on a white paper towel.

Bobby was a little nervous, though he wasn't sure why. He looked at Pam. “Do you want me to stay?”

She sniffled and a smiled faintly as she nodded her head. “Yes I do.” She reached out and took his hand.

“Okay. I'm ready if you are,” the technician said. “You've had a sonogram before, right?”

“Yes but he's never seen one,” Pam said as she lay on her back.

“All right,” she addressed Bobby. “What I'm going to do, is put some clear jelly-like liquid on your uh, wife?” Bobby nodded 'yes'. “You can't ever be sure of that these days. Anyway, I'm going to put this on your wife's tummy and then I'm going to put this instrument on her tummy and if all goes well, you should see your baby, er… babies on this computer screen. Got it?” She went ahead and applied the jelly.

“We'll actually be able to see the babies?”

“Well, not like taking a picture, but you can see the outlines of their bodies and you can see them moving around; you can ever make out the faces. You'll understand better when you see it.” With that she double checked her settings and started the test. Immediately there was an image on the screen. One of the babies kicked. “See, there, did you see that one move?”

Bobby stood transfixed. He couldn't believe he was actually seeing his babies moving inside Pam's tummy. Pam smiled to see him so overwhelmed. She had forgotten that he had missed Gracie's sonogram. One of the babies actually put its thumb in its mouth; Pamela squeezed Bobby's hand. He turned his head slightly towards her, but didn't take his eyes off of the screen. “This is amazing.”

“Yeah, isn't it cool? I love my job.” On the computer, Leann was busy measuring the babies' heads and pausing to mark pictures of certain areas.

“Are they all right?” Pam asked with a slight tremor in her voice.

Leann saw the worried look in their eyes and frowned, “I'm sorry, I'm just here to take the pictures; I'm not allowed to tell you anything medical.” Bobby and Pamela watched their babies as Leann continued to get pictures on her computer. Suddenly Leann smiled broadly. “Well, there is one thing I can tell you!”

Bobby and Pamela both looked at her apprehensively. “Do you want to know your babies' sex?”

Leann laughed as she heard a mixture of the words 'yes' and 'no' in unison. “Okay, I'll tell you what I do in cases like this. I'll write their sexes on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope and you two can fight it out amongst yourselves!”

Bobby smiled triumphantly. “I already know something… you asked if we wanted to know their 'sex' – so they must both be the same sex!”

“Ha! I've been doing this too long to get fooled that easily, Mr. Ewing, I also said that I'd write down their 'sexes' – just so you wouldn't know if they are the same or different.” As she handed him the sealed envelope, she patted him on the arm, “Nice try, though!”

“I'm glad you finally showed up,” Rex said.

“I don't appreciate being summoned anywhere,” Iris replied angrily, “especially by you.”

“We have something to discuss, my darling Iris,” he said as calmly as was possible for him.

“What is it?”

Rex motioned her inside. He guided her to his living room where she sat down on the couch. When he offered her a drink, which she refused.

“I don't wanna be here any longer than necessary, Rex, get to the point.”

“OK, I will,” Rex said as he sat down across from her. He steepled his fingers and was deep in thought. “I saw your boyfriend today.”

“You went to see J.R.?”

“Yes, does that surprise you?” Rex asked.

“Considering that the bat hardly ever comes out of his cave up here, yes,” Iris responded condescendingly.

“He told me that he's getting closer and closer to proving that I was the one who tried to kill him earlier this year.”

“So?”

“I'm warning you, Iris, if you don't get J.R. off of my back…and fast, I'll make sure that Jack Ewing is killed.”

“What does Jack have to do with anything?” she countered.

“Don't you get it, deary? If I kill poor Jack, that'll force Sue Ellen right back into J.R.'s arms, now won't it? And we all know that you don't want that to happen,” Rex said.

“So you're trying to blackmail me, Rex. What makes you so sure I'll do it?”

“If you love J.R. as much as you say you do,” Rex responded, “you'll do what's right and protect his son.”

“His son?” Iris looked puzzled.

“Yeah. If Jack's death doesn't get my point across to Ewing, I'll just have to kill his son too.”

“You know, Rex, if the cops were here, they'd have a field day with everything you're saying.”

“Well, they're not. And, my dear, it's up to you to keep it that way.”

Rex thought for a moment more, and then added, “You see, it's very simple, Iris. Even you should be able to understand. People's lives hang in the balance, and it all depends on how Iris Wentworth behaves. Looks like you've got quite a decision to make, Mrs. Wentworth.

Rex smiled his evil smile and then turned, leaving the room. Iris didn't want to admit it, but all his threats were scaring her. He was never this violent when they were married. She didn't want Sue Ellen back in J.R.'s arms, and she certainly didn't want him to lose his son, but she had hardly spoken to J.R. in days. How could she get him to listen to her if they weren't spending any time together? She decided the only thing she could do was to try to re-establish contact. She went to the phone and dialed.

John Ross answered. “Southfork Ranch.”

“Is J.R. there, please?” Iris asked.

“I'm sorry, no, this is his son. He and my mom left for a business trip to Alaska for a few days. Can I take a message?”

“Tell him that Iris Wentworth needs to see him right away.”

“I'll do that,” John Ross responded before hanging up the phone.

Meantime, on the other end, Iris remained worried, but she was now also upset. J.R. and Sue Ellen together on a business trip. This was not a good sign. It would be even harder to keep them apart. Rex would enjoy like news like this too much. It would give him something else to goad her about. She decided to keep her mouth closed as she made a quiet exit from the penthouse.

As Wade continued on through his morning routine, Jack Ewing stepped into the stable and grabbed the other bucket, emptying its contents into the trough.

“Thanks Jack. What's got you stirrin' this early?”

“Cold weather. Nothing like that first cold snap of the year to set you in the mood for winter. So, got any work I can help ya out with?” Jack was eager to do anything to alleviate the boredom that he'd been feeling lately, especially since Sue Ellen was out of town.

“Oh, I'm sure I could think of somethin'. Half the boys have the day off so I could sure use a helping hand here and there. Say Jack, what do you think about all this trouble that's going on here at Southfork? Do you know anything about that McKay fellow?”

Jack cocked an eyebrow. “McKay? Heard of him but don't know him personally. Ray told me he caused a good bit of trouble for the Ewings back in the late 80s, but from what I gather, he's sort of a family friend now.”

“Me and Manny caught hold of some rustlers late last night…they made off with a few heads of cattle and fired a few shots at us. I managed to shoot one in the arm.”

“Damn? You serious? I never heard anything, must've been pretty far away from the ranch.”

Wade looked out at the dismal gray-white sky that was so oppressive it seemed to swallow up the expanse of the ranch. The showdown had taken place fairly far away from Southfork and Wade was relieved that no one in the house had heard it. “Good…I don't want Miss Ellie to know nothin' about this. She just got out of the hospital and it wouldn't be good for her health.”

Jack nodded in agreement. “So you think it's McKay? What about the other hundreds of enemies us Ewings have? There's Rex Wentworth, Cliff Barnes, Jeremy Wendell…I'm sure I could name some more.”

“Could be any of them, but my buck is on McKay and I plan on proving that, no matter what I have to do.”

“I'm here to pick up some of my things I left behind,” Afton snapped. “I don't have time for you or you childish sense of humor.”

Amused, Eric stepped back and let Afton inside the house. “Uh, you may be too late because Cliff had the maid take all of your clothes and stuff down to this raffle they were having to benefit the homeless people of Dallas. Of course, being the kind-hearted soul you are, I'm sure you didn't mind, now did you?”

“Funny. Now send the maid up to help me take my things over to Rex's penthouse.”

Eric shook his head and smiled with amusement. “Afton, I'm not joking. You don't have anything here anymore.”

“You little bastard! Do you have any idea how much those clothes were worth!” Afton couldn't believe this had happened.

Eric shook his head. “No, but I'm sure Cliff did. It was his money that bought them. You mooched off of my dad long enough, so why don't you just go get some money from Rex Wentworth. That is the only reason you're living with him, am I right?”

“Shut up. You don't know me.” Afton was quickly growing defensive.

Eric crossed his arms. “Oh, yeah, I do. Took me all of five minutes to figure you out the first time I saw you. Put the name of a metal commonly used to make jewelry in front of my grandfather's nickname and you've got the one word that most describes you Afton. Gold digger.”

“You wish you knew me that well.” Afton turned back to the door.

“Hey, here's an idea.” Eric was enjoying this entirely too much to let it end here. “Why don't you try making your own way in life just once. You know…get a job…make money…buy things for yourself instead of depending on a man to buy them for you.”

Afton turned back to him, smirking. “I do have a job, or have you forgotten? Don't you ever see me on TV? I come on after Oprah here in Dallas.”

Eric pretended to be surprised. “Ohh, your TV show, how could I forget about that. Didn't you get fired one time and get replaced by that Winger chick?”

“It wasn't my fault…and I'm back now, making twice what she made!”

“Well, at any rate, I love your show Afton, I really do. It's about as deep as Jerry Springer, but nowhere near as entertaining.”

“I did go out and get the damned job by myself! Which is more than I can say for you!” Afton was tired of taking his insults. It was time to begin dishing out some of her own.

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“You've got that cushy little job at your Daddy's company. If he wasn't head of the Clifford Group, you'd have never even been considered for that job and you know it. At least I was qualified for mine…”

“You've got that right…you're qualified to run a freak show, that's for sure. How many times are you gonna have those same freaks on your show? And I thought Maury Povich was the only one who had those God-awful troubled teens going to boot camp on his show about four times a week…get some new material already.”

“I don't write my show,” Afton said, but her defense was growing weak.

“Which is a good thing. What would you have on it then? Psychotic moms finally go off the deep end and declare open season on barbecue guests? But then again, there would only be one guest on that show…and that's your mom. Can't say that I'd blame her though…raising you is bound to have that effect on a person.”

“Would you just stop it already!” Afton finally screamed. She couldn't keep the tears from flowing down her face, but she tried to hide them.

Eric wasn't sure what to say. He was enjoying their little fight until now. He really hadn't meant to get her this upset. “I…I'm sorry Afton. I guess I got a little carried away.”

“You have no idea what I'm going through! Please…just leave me alone.” Afton walked out and slammed the door, rattling the entire house.

“I can't remember when I've ever felt so cold, J.R.”

“I know what ya mean, darlin'. I guess we get spoiled by all that Texas heat.”

Inside his office, Quentin Blake was nice and warm, drinking a cup of coffee. When he saw the Ewing partners approach, he put on his suit jacket and headed for the door to greet them.

“Welcome to Valdez, Mr. Ewing.”

“Thank you, Mr. Blake,” J.R. replied. “I guess it's true what they say about Alaska.”

“And what's that sir?” Quentin inquired.

“That it's cold enough to see your breath 24 hours a day.”

“Well, our heating bills are never cheap,” Quentin said, “and that's why oil production up here is so effective.”

“Well, we're glad to hear that, Mr. Blake. We need a field like Blake 12 to help Ewing Oil to continue to thrive in Texas. Many of our fields are drying up with age,” J.R. said.

“And from what I hear, Alaska is often referred to as 'The Fertile Crescent' when it comes to oil right now,” Sue Ellen added.

“I would agree that that is true, Mrs. Ewing. Why the President didn't tap into these Alaskan wells to reduce the gas crisis, I don't know.”

“Well, you know how the government is about its faith in the Mideast and all the fields there.”

“Again, you're right,” Quentin observed.

“Yeah, well, the President's loss is Ewing Oil's gain, don't you agree, Sue Ellen,” J.R. asked, turning to her.

“Yes, I do, J.R. Do you have the contracts ready for signatures, Mr. Blake?”

“Yes, ma'am, I do.”

Quentin reached into his desk and pulled out a folder that contained some contracts. After he signed, he turned the papers over to both Sue Ellen and J.R. who added their names on the dotted lines. Quentin took a copy of the completed contract and gave one to each of them. He placed his copy in his suit jacket.

“Well, I hate to run, folks, but I have to go out and check on another field. I'll be in touch with you as soon as we know that the field has come in on schedule.”

“Thank you, Quentin. We appreciate that,” Sue Ellen said, shaking his hand.

“You're welcome. Good day, ma'am, sir.”

Quentin turned and headed out the door behind them, leaving J.R. and Sue Ellen standing alone in the office.

“So, how does it feel, J.R.?” Sue Ellen asked.

“Feel?” J.R. was puzzled.

“To have come all the way to Alaska just for a two minute signing.”

“Well, you knew what you were getting in for when you agreed to come along, Sue Ellen. Don't start throwin' a tantrum or anything now.”

“I'm not, J.R.,” Sue Ellen countered, “It's just that I'm not ready to go back to Dallas quite yet.”

“Well, why don't we grab some dinner to celebrate or something,” J.R. offered.

“I don't think so, J.R.”

“Why not?”

“You and I at dinner has always been a dangerous combination…of course not as dangerous as you and Isabel have been lately.”

Sue Ellen couldn't help but start to laugh. For a moment, J.R. was angry, but he soon found himself caught up and laughed along with Sue Ellen.

“Oh, come on, Sue Ellen. It's just two partners celebrating a successful business deal. You'd do the same with Barnes if he'd ever nail a deal at the Clifford Group…”

“I suppose I would,” Sue Ellen agreed.

“Of course you'd have to pay his tab.”

Again, the two of them laughed together. Neither one wanted to admit it to the other, but they were enjoying each other's company. Sue Ellen finally relented.

“All right, J.R. As long as it's just dinner, and as long as you're paying the bill.”

“I promise, Sue Ellen. No hidden agenda tonight.”

“Well, if history's being made, and J.R. Ewing is on his best behavior, dinner it is.”

As the two of them headed out of Quentin Blake's Office, they were both looking forward to dinner with each other.

Pam smiled indulgently and accepted a kiss on the cheek. She looked down and noticed a shopping bag. “Where did you get that?”

“What?” Bobby asked with an expression of innocence on his face.

“Bobby! The shopping bag… where did it come from?”

He looked down, “Oh, that. I just found it on the street.”

Pam smiled, “Well, if you just found it on the street, you won't mind letting me see what's in it.”

“Why not, let's both find out.” Bobby picked up the bag and tossed Pam a professional size football.

“Only one?”

Pam laughed as Bobby tossed her another one. Then with a flourish, he pulled out the envelope Leann had given them with the babies' sexes written on paper inside it and laid it in her lap.

“Bobby James Ewing! You peeked!”

“Aha! So you admit you think they're both boys too!” He grinned, and pulled two miniature sets of pompoms out of the bag and handed them to her too. “No, I didn't peek, but I am placing my bet.” He took the two footballs and placed them on the bed together. “There's my bet.”

Pam smiled slyly and picked up both sets of pompoms. “I'll take that bet.”

Just then the morning nurse came in to take Pam's blood pressure, she nodded at the footballs and pompoms, “What's all of that?”

“We're placing bets as to whether it'll be two boys or two girls.”

She looked at the two piles… “Mind if I place one of my own?” The nurse said.

“Sure.”

She looked at Pam and thought for a moment before picking up one football and one set of pompoms and setting them in a pile. “Men and woman can't ever compromise on anything.” She muttered as she left the room.

When she was gone, Pam and Bobby both burst out laughing. When their laughter finally died down, Pam motioned for him to sit next to her on the bed. “Bobby, I know you didn't want to hear it last night, but I need to say it, I'm really sorry… You were right. I took on more than I could handle at Wentworth and I've come to a decision…”

“Hold on, before you come to any decisions, I've come to one of my own.” Pam sat quietly listening as he continued. “We both have a problem. I know now how important Wentworth Industries is to you. I do understand your desire to protect what your mother left to you.” Bobby looked directly into her eyes, “With that said, I also do not want you to jeopardize our babies, or your own health again!”

Pam spoke in a very small voice. “Bobby, I-“

“ -So that's why I think we need to quit thinking about ourselves and work together to solve our problems.”

Pam looked at him quizzically. “How?”

“It's easy, you help me with my problem – keeping you safe, and I help you with yours – running Wentworth. Deal?”

“Are you saying you're willing to take over for me? Everything?”

“Yes, provided that you hold up your end of the bargain and make it your top priority, to take good care of yourself and do everything Dr. Bader tells you to do!”

Pam smiled and threw her arms around Bobby's neck, pulling him into an embrace. “Oh Bobby, yes! That's perfect! I just needed someone I could trust to hand it over to.”

Bobby pulled back and grinned, “You think you can trust me?”

Pam looked into his eyes and as she pulled him back to her, she said softly, “With my life.” Their kiss was warm and passionate and Bobby took it as a definite 'yes'.

“Does Mr. Rex Wentworth live here?” he asked.

“Yes he does.”

The deliveryman smiled. “I have a package for him. Would you sign for it?”

“Sure,” Afton said.

She took his clipboard and signed for the package. She thanked the young man. He tipped his hat to her and departed. Afton turned to place the package on the one end table in the living room when suddenly an image flashed before her.

For a moment, she remembered that she caught a glimpse of her attacker. He looked like that deliveryman, with a beard of some kind. He came after her and she screamed.

As she was reliving this horrible nightmare again, Afton doubled over on the floor of Rex's penthouse. Unknown to her, Rex had heard her wail and come running. He found her and grabbed her in his arms.

“Afton, what is it?” He asked.

“I remember something…something that doesn't add up,” Afton said.

“What do you mean?”

“You told me that the police said that Neil attacked me, right?”

“That's why he's under arrest for attempted murder,” Rex replied, thinking happily that his plan was working.

“Well, that can't be. No matter how much Neil hates me, it couldn't have been him.”

“Why not,” Rex asked, now a bit worried, “what do you remember?”

“Whoever attacked me had a beard or goatee or something. And I think he had some kind of tattoo on his arm.”

“Afton, you must be mistaken,” Rex replied softly. “Unfortunately, the police have a lot of evidence that points to Neil. They have his fingerprints on the statue.”

“Well, I don't understand any of this, Rex.” Afton was more confused than ever.

“You must still be suffering from the trauma related to what happened to you. I'm sure that when your memory comes back completely, you'll realize that the police are doing the right thing,” Rex said.

“I'm just tired. I think I'm going to go lay down. A package came for you.”

“Thank you, Afton. Take care of yourself.”

As Afton headed for her bedroom, Rex was infuriated again. This time, his plan to frame Neil for murder threatened to fall apart if Afton really did regain her complete memory. Rex was beginning to get frustrated. No plan of his was working correctly! For a moment, he entertained the thought of leaving Dallas. But then, a new idea popped in his head. He disappeared into his office and placed a phone call.

Tom sighed, “Neil, look, I'm just an attorney, I don't know why judges do every thing they do. But I have to tell you that this ruling wasn't really a big surprise.”

Neil turned to Tom and said angrily, “I'm innocent. How many times do I have to say it?”

“Calm down Neil, I know you didn't do it, but try to look at this from the judge's perspective. Here you are with a record of gambling and running out on debts. You have an ex-wife and daughter in another city. And you're screaming that you're innocent when there's evidence against you piled to the ceiling. I believe you when you say you won't jump bail, but I'm not shocked the judge doesn't.”

Neil slumped over in his chair. It was the action of a defeated man, and that was exactly how Neil felt – defeated before he even got to trial. He sighed, “Okay, Tom, I see what you mean. I look bad. I guess I would deny me bail too.”

“Just concentrate on the next step. We have to come up with an alibi or we're up a creek, if you know what I mean.”

“Yeah, sure.” Neil stood and knocked on the door signaling to the guard that he was ready to go back to his cell.

The sun reflected off the pool and Isabel wished it were warmer so she could sneak a quick swim in after all of her work.

Around the corner of the house, Manny struggled with a wheelbarrow piled high with bags of potting soil and fertilizer, which he wheeled onto the patio next to one of Ellie's large planters. The afternoon before she'd asked him to have everything ready for her fall and winter planning. She'd ordered twenty-four flats of pansies and mums to be delivered to Southfork sometime that afternoon.

Isabel watched Manny lift the bags off onto the potting bench and when she realized he didn't know she was sitting there, she spoke up. “Buenos dias Emmanuel.”

Manny reeled around, startled by her voice. “Hi Isabel.” Manny went directly back to his work, emptying out the old pots and planters and beginning to refill them with fresh potting soil for Ellie to use later on.

His giving her no more attention than that miffed Isabel. “Nice day isn't it?”

Manny ripped open another bag with his knife and emptied it into a terracotta pot. “I guess so.”

“You didn't say that like you meant it.”

Manny looked back at her for only the second time. “That's because I didn't.”

“Don't tell me something's got the always happy-go-lucky Manny Vargas down. Why don't ya show me those killer dimples of yours?”

Manny turned away, embarrassed, but he still found himself smiling. “C'mon, just let me do my work Izzy…don't you have something you should be doing too?”

Isabel shook her head and crossed her arms; disappointed that Manny was being no more receptive of her flirting than this. “Nope…I've already finished my morning work.”

“Good for you,” Manny said, pushing the wheelbarrow over to the next planter. “Then why don't you let me do mine…in peace.”

“Ok, fine, if that's what you want, then that's what you'll get!” Isabel stood up and walked over to the pool, but as she turned, her foot caught the edge and she spilled over into it.

The splash caught Manny's full attention and he turned around and saw Isabel submerged under the water. He watched with some curiosity, waiting for her to surface, but when she had been under for nearly a minute, Manny became alarmed. “Isabel? Isabel!”

From her upstairs bedroom, Jillian heard Manny and walked over to the window where she sat down on the cushioned window seat and pulled back the lace curtains from the arched window. She watched as Manny kicked off his boots and dove headfirst into the pool and then disappeared into the water.

“What the…” Jillian whispered.

Manny grabbed Isabel by the waist and pulled her lifeless body out onto the concrete. “Isabel? Can you hear me?”

Isabel was silent and Manny reached over and put his lips to hers, preparing to being mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. When their lips touched, Isabel wrapped her arm around him and pulled him down into a kiss.

“Isa…bel.” Manny pulled away and then pulled himself to a sitting position.

Isabel pulled her dark wet hair away from her face and smiled at him mischievously. “I guess I slipped.”

“That wasn't funny!”

“Oh, loosen up a little bit Emmanuel!”

“I'll loosen up as soon as I get my work done, okay? Now I'm all wet and I'm going to have to go change.” Manny wrung water out of his shirt and shivered as the wind picked up.

Upstairs, Jillian watched them with interest.

Jack was equally exhausted and he took a moment to mop sweat off his forehead. “Tell you what…this beats a morning workout in the Southfork gym.”

“And you don't get the fresh air in the gym.”

“Have you thought about what your next step's gonna be in solving this Southfork mystery?”

“I have a few ideas…but I'm not sure which one to follow.” Wade noticed that Jack had diverted his attention elsewhere and he looked in the direction that Jack was looking and was surprised to see Sly standing in the barn doorway.

“Mornin' Wade…Jack.”

Wade took off his hat and slid off the fence. “Sly, what're you doin' here?”

“Well, you stopped stopping by my workplace, so I thought I'd stop by yours.” Sly's tone was flirtatious, but not overtly so.

Wade found himself grinning. “Heck, I've been busy. Lot goin' on around the ranch here.”

Sly looked to Jack for a confirmation. “Is he telling the truth Jack, or did he just not want to see me?”

Jack held his hands in front of him to indicate that he wasn't going to be drawn into this conversation. “Don't ask me…I don't keep tabs on the man. But, I do need to be going. I'm gonna go grab a shower and head over to the Clifford Group to see if the place has fallen apart in my absence. See you guys later.”

Sly waved to Jack and then walked over to one of the horse stalls where she reached out and stroked a white mare on the nose. “She's beautiful,” Sly commented.

“Ever ride one?” Wade asked.

“When I was a little girl, but it's been a long time.”

“Ridin' a horse is a lot like ridin' a bicycle. Once you learn how you don't ever really forget. Wanna ride her?”

Sly scratched the horse behind the ears and ran her fingers through the silky white mane. The horse gave a slight whinny and stomped its foot in the dirt. “What's her name?”

“Ghost. She's mine…brought her here with me to Southfork…'bout the only thing I brought, other than the clothes on my back.”

“I'm guessing you named her that because she's white?”

Wade shook his head. “Nope, named her that 'cause she spooked so easy when she was young. You'd never know it now though.” Wade walked over to Ghost's stall and led her out where he began the process of saddling her.

“Oh no,” Sly protested, “I couldn't.”

“Sure you could…she's real gentle, wouldn't hurt a fly now.”

Sly reached out and touched the horse again before agreeing to ride her. “Ok, but promise you'll hold on to me? I fell off one of these things when I was little…and I don't want to repeat the experience.”

Wade nodded and carefully boosted Sly into the saddle where she clung to it until her knuckles went white. “Relax Sly…”

“Hold onto me, please,” Sly said nervously. “Did I ever tell you I'm afraid of heights?”

“Nope, never did.” Wade gingerly reached his arm around her waist in support and she instantly relaxed, feeling safer in his grasp.

“So when does she actually start moving?”

“Now if you're ready…”

Sly nodded with a smile. “I'm ready.”

“Well, it was just a little bit of shooting…” Manny said modestly.

“You're so brave. But they got the cows anyway didn't they?”

Manny nodded and emptied another bag of potting soil into yet another pot. “Yeah, Wade said they got about ten.”

Miss Ellie let the patio door slide shut in order to get their attention and she stepped forward when Manny looked around to her. “Mrs. Farlow, good morning!”

Ellie wasn't in the mood for greetings. “You mean we had rustlers here at Southfork last night and I wasn't informed?”

Manny looked at Isabel, not sure what to say. He wished Wade were here. “We thought it would be best for you if you didn't know, since you just got home from the hospital.”

“I'm strong enough to handle anything this ranch can dish out,” Ellie said sternly.

“Yes ma'am, I know.”

“Does Wade know who was responsible?”

Manny shook his head. “No ma'am. He intends to find out though.”

“And so do I. If anyone asks where I am, I'll be over at the ranch next door. I think they know more about this than they're letting on.” Ellie retreated into the house for her keys and five minutes later she was on her way to cracking the mystery once and for all.

Despite his happiness, John Ross could not shake his “deal” with Angela. Why he had done that was still beyond him. He knew that he wanted his son back, but he never thought he would sink as low as to sleep with her.

He tried to dismiss all thoughts of Angela as he headed toward the front door to Melissa's apartment. She had invited him to a special home-cooked dinner to celebrate their engagement. He gripped hold of the bottle of wine as he rang the doorbell. When Melissa answered the door in a green chiffon dress, John Ross immediately was drawn to her beautiful eyes. He looked in them, without saying a word.

“Well, are you going to come in, or are you going to let that wine get all warm,” Melissa teased him.

“I'm sorry,” he said, “But I was just taking a peek at you.”

“Do ya like what ya see,” she asked in a casual tone.

“I always do, you know that.”

“Well, thanks.”

She took the wine from his hand. Before she could say anything, she heard her mother's voice behind her.

“Who's that, Melissa?” Angela McSween inquired.

“It's John Ross,” said Melissa.

Upon hearing her voice, John Ross nearly froze in his tracks. Hearing her voice made him nauseous as the events of that night came back to him. He fought to keep his lunch down as he followed Melissa into the apartment.

“I hope you don't mind,” Melissa said, “but I invited my family to join us so that we could tell them the news together.” She smiled at him.

He returned her smile, faintly. “Are you sure that's the best idea,” he asked.

“Why wouldn't be,” she said, staring at him oddly.

“I don't know. It's just that we sort of decided all of a sudden. Are you sure they're ready for the news?”

“Of course they are,” Melissa smiled. “Something tells me my mom thought we'd be telling her a while ago.”

Angela came into the living room and greeted John Ross.

“It's good to see you again.”

“Same here, Mrs. McSween.”

“I hope Uncle Harry and Dad get here soon,” Melissa said to her mother.

“Well, you know how the two of them get when they go to the shooting range,” Angela replied.

John Ross hesitated for a moment. If Trevor or Harry ever found out about he and Angela, they'd probably use him for target practice.

She finally made a decision; she just had to put all thoughts about everything out of her head for a few hours. She was simply having dinner with J.R. to celebrate their business success, and she didn't want anything to ruin that.

She must have been deeper in thought than she realized, because when the waiter asked to take their drink order, she didn't even look up.

“Are ya sleepin', darlin'? J.R. asked.

“Sorry, just distracted. What did you say?”

“I asked if you were ready to order,” the waiter answered her.

“No, I'm afraid I need a few more minutes,” she said.

The waiter turned and walked away. J.R. decided to make sure that Sue Ellen was all right.

“What's got you on a different planet, Sue Ellen?”

“Sorry, J.R. I guess it's just a little jet lag.”

“I know you…it's something else.”

Sue Ellen thought for just a moment before responding. “It's just John Ross.”

“What made you think about him?” J.R. asked calmly.

“Well, I'm glad to hear he and Melissa are back together, but,” she said, “I'm worried about him.”

“He's a big boy, honey, he's takin' care of himself.”

“I guess you're right, J.R. It's just that I don't want my little boy to grow up so fast.”

“I miss the time that I had with him when he was younger,” J.R. admitted, “but I guess it's all part of how people grow and change, Sue Ellen.”

“We've done a lot of that over the years, haven't we?”

“We sure have,” J.R. smiled, “you more than me, I think.”

“If that's a compliment, J.R., I'll accept it. Thank you.”

“Sure, honey.”

The waiter returned, eager to earn a good tip tonight. “Are you ready to order?”

Sue Ellen answered first, “I'll have a club soda,” she said.

The waiter turned to J.R., “And you, sir?”

“I'll have a bourbon and—no, I'll have an iced tea.”

“Yes, sir. I'll be right back.”

Sue Ellen smiled broadly at J.R. She chuckled as she asked him, “What was that for, J.R.?”

“What are you talkin' about, Sue Ellen?”

“J.R. gone soft on hard liquor,” she teased. “Jack Daniels will be out of business any day now.”

“Now, now, Sue Ellen, I'm just showing you that I've grown up too.”

Sue Ellen smiled for two reasons. One, she had had a good jab at J.R., but two, she was glad to see that after all these years, the man still did have a compassionate side. Despite not wanting to admit it, she was glad to see J.R. finally respecting her decision not to drink anymore.

The two of them continued to enjoy their dinner. When they left the restaurant and headed back to the hotel, both of them were eager to get back to Dallas. The nine-hour plane ride to Alaska had been a lot, and both were looking forward to returning to the luxuries that Southfork provided.

They were scheduled to leave the next morning. As they both went to their separate rooms and packed their bags, each smiled just a bit more as they reflected on the evening they had spent together...