"Jenna!" he yelled, cupping his hands to his mouth. There was nothing but the repeated sound of an echo. Bobby heard a thud from behind as Ray jumped from the helicopter.

"Bobby, do you see anything?"

"No," said Bobby, surveying the landscape, "wait a minute, there's something over there, sticking out of the snow." Bobby and Ray walked over towards it.

"Oh no, it…it's Jenna's coat."

"NO!" yelled Ray, "Jenna's fine, you'll see."

"She could be down there, somewhere," said Bobby, getting down on his knees. He began to shovel away the snow with his hands. Ray kneeled down and began to do the same. A half-hour later, they had found nothing but a few pieces of board and a few cans of food.

"Ray, it's no use, there's nothing more we can do for her."

"Damnit Bobby, we've got to try, I'm not stopping."

"Ray, we're going to die out here, the snow up there looks pretty unstable, we're sitting ducks down here. The storm has stopped. Our best bet is to go down to the station and have them send up a search team."

"Maybe so, I feel so helpless."

"Come on Ray, it's the best thing we can do for her right now."

Ray and Bobby climbed into the chopper and Ray started it up…but it only lasted for a few seconds. The whirring sound of the blade stopped. Ray checked the gas gauge…. Empty. "DAMN!"

"Ray, we're going to have to take it on foot. If we don't go now, it's going to cost Jenna's life…and ours."

Anita awakened, disoriented, not quite sure where she was…but suddenly she remembered. Then she realized what had awakened her, the rattling sound of the lock. The outer door of the room swung open and Belinda walked in.

"Well, good morning, Hon," said Belinda, smiling a false smile.

"Yeah, I'm sure it is."

"Oh, did we wake up on the wrong side of the cage this morning?"

"Your sense of humor sickens me," said Anita, glaring at the waitress.

"I've been instructed to escort you to the showers today. I'd hope you wouldn't be foolish enough to try and escape or give me any trouble."

Belinda pulled out a key and unlocked the cage. The rusty door swung open. Belinda led Anita into the outer room, through a corridor, and into a bathroom.

"I'll be waiting outside, so there's no way that you can escape. Don't even try it."

Anita stepped into the shower and Belinda heard the sound of running water. Anita stood inside, away from the water, fully clothed. This was her only chance to escape and she was determined to take advantage of it.

"Excuse me, Belinda, but there's no soap in here. Do you think you could hand me some from the next shower?"

"Sure, sure, hold on."

Anita waited, ready for her chance. Belinda opened the door and was immediately sprayed in the face by the water from the showerhead. She rubbed her eyes. Anita pulled back her arm and punched the woman for all she was worth. Belinda went reeling into the wall where she hit her head; she slid down onto the floor, knocked out cold.

Anita stepped out of the shower smiling, "well, that worked out a whole lot better than even I could have hoped for. Now to get out of this place."

Afton looked around her crummy motel, Cliff was in their home and she was stuck here, well for now. She still had not been able to get a hold of J.R. She at least knew why the man was not returning her calls, upon getting out of jail, she read about Bobby and John Ross in the newspaper, and she would have to wait to speak with J.R.. Afton smiled when she heard the knock on the door. "Pamela, it is so wonderful to see you!" She embraced her daughter. "Where have you been? I have been trying to get a hold of you for days."

"Sorry Mom, A lot has been going on with John Ross in the hospital and all."

"Pamela, I understand, but I am your mother, I am going through hell, I need your love right now."

"Yeah I know...." Pamela Rebecca put the suitcases she had been carrying on the bed; she had brought over some of her mother's belongings. "But you shot my dad! I am a little confused about how I feel about what you did."

"I understand honey, will you let me explain"

"Please"

For the first time, the story Afton had been pitching to judges and lawyers was had to spit out. This was Cliff's daughter, she did not know if she could slide as easily through the lies to Pamela Rebecca. It did not bother her what this was doing to Cliff, but her daughter was a different story.

"Pamela, I am not sure how to explain it, just believe me when I say I did not mean to hurt your father, it was a crazy moment, he was drunk, and panic took over."

Pamela Rebecca was only half listening, she was glad her mother was out of jail, but she had other things, more important things on her mind, her mother would be ok. "It's ok mom, I know you would never intentionally shoot daddy. Mom what is my aunt like?"

"What?"

"Aunt Pam, my namesake, I heard she is back in Dallas, and I want to meet her"

"I read that too...." Afton was disoriented by her daughter's seemly lack of emotion over her situation, but hoped it was her way of coping. "Pam is a wonderful woman, you really should go and see her, I would like to go see her myself, maybe we could go together?"

"Sure." Pamela wanted to see her aunt alone, she could not say all she wanted to with her mother around, but maybe it was better her mother did accompany her on the first visit. "Let's call her now."

"Pamela really, I just got out of prison, let me change and the two of us can go get something to eat, I want to know all about John Ross and how he is doing, I will call Pam later."

"Sure mom, as long as you don't forget."

Cutter Marcus sat at his new desk at Ewing Oil. If was his first official day on the job there though he and Sue Ellen had been quite busy the day before in her office. He thought of how easy it had been to conquer her. Too easy, he thought. He was perplexed because he had been warned that she was very tough. Just at that moment, the phone rang.

"Good morning, Ewing Oil, how may I help you?"

The sound of the mystery woman's voice could be heard from the other end. "Oh, please, Cutter. Don't play this part too well. You'll spend all your energy and we can't have that now can we? You'll need it later."

Cutter blushed and smiled. "I only have a few minutes to talk before anyone else is here."

"Why do you think I called so early, my dear Cutter? Hmm? I know all about how that company is operating. How do you think you got the information you needed to get hired there?"

"I know. I don't like having to make love to Mrs. Ewing, though. I only want to be with you."

"Cutter, we've been through this. What you're doing is for us; to get us both what we want."

"I haven't forgotten. It's just that she was so easy."

"Please. What else could she be? If that alcoholic woman is drinking then she's putty in our hands. I've had my share of dealing with chronic drinkers and, believe me, I know how they can be manipulated."

"So, I'm supposed to convince her that she needs some time off?"

"And that she should sign over her proxy in the mean time…just to take the stress off, of course." The woman smiled her evil grin and ate a chocolate-covered strawberry.

Cutter was then shaken by the sound of the elevator stopping. Gary, Val and Christopher stepped off of it and into the reception area. "Yes, sir. I'll give her the message, sir. Have a nice day."

Smiling still, the mystery woman said, "we'll have an even better night, stud." Unable to contain her laughter she hung-up the phone and Cutter did the same.

"Good morning, I'm Cutter Marcus, Mrs. Ewing's new assistant."

Christopher held out his hand to shake Cutter's. "Mr. Marcus, I'm Christopher Ewing, Bobby Ewing's son and this is my Uncle Gary and Aunt Val. I've given my uncle temporary power over my father's share in the company. Please give him all the help you can."

Shaking Gary's hand, Cutter said, "Of course, Mr. Ewing. Please consider me at your disposal."

"Thank you, Cutter. Oh, this is my wife, Valene."

Cutter had always been a sucker for older blonde women, and Valene Ewing was no exception. "Mrs. Ewing, it is indeed a pleasure."

Embarrassed, Val said, "Oh, I bet you say that to all the old ladies you meet." She giggled.

"Come on, Uncle Gary, I'll show you to my Dad's office."

With that the three Ewings exited to Bobby's office and left Cutter, yet again, alone in the office. Cutter sighed and smiled as he leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on his desk. "My woman will be so pleased with me," he thought.

Once again, though, he was startled at the sound of the elevator doors. This time, though, a quite inebriated Sue Ellen stepped out.

"Oh, Cutter," she said laughing, "that is so professional looking. But, uh, since you're so comfortable already, why don't we just forget work for now and have ourselves a little drink to celebrate your first day?"

"But, Mrs. Ew…"

Sue Ellen interrupted, "I told you to call me Sue Ellen."

"Sue Ellen, your relatives are in the other office and…"

Interrupting him again, she said, "Don't you worry your handsome little head about them. Now come on." She motioned toward the door to her office. "I need you to take down a little dictation."

Cutter had no choice but to follow and act interested. He thought he'd try to make the best of it and go ahead and start working on her about taking some time off.

Cliff always hated walking into Southfork; he did not remember one time he was in the Ewing's home that was not full of tension. Maybe this time would be different. He had told the maid he was here to see Pam, but he hoped to run into another Ewing woman or two.

"Miss Pamela is not here right now would you like to wait?"

"Sure"

"Can I get you anything?"

"No I am fine, I will just have a seat in the living room and wait"

As soon as Jane was out of sight, Cliff began to patrol the rooms one by one; he wanted to see Lucy, and if not, Sue Ellen would do. He checked all the rooms downstairs, and was about to give up when a tap on his right shoulder startled him.

"While Mr. Barnes what on earth are you doing here?" Lucy giggled.

"Mr. Barnes? A little formal isn't it?"

"Your right the young woman said, and with that gave him a big wet one on the lips, "that a little less formal for ya"

"Yeah, a little less" Cliff enjoyed the kiss, but was still not sure how he felt about what was going on.

Lucy did a twirl around "Notice anything different?"

"Not really, should I?"

"I'm blond again silly, decided I was not cut out to be a redhead."

"It looks nice"

"So...Cliff, what brings you to Southfork, come to see me?"

"Umm.... Actually, I came to see Pam"

"She's not here right now, out with Grandma I think, I could keep you busy until she returns."

"I'm sure you could."

Lucy laughed again, "what I mean is, I was about to go work out, care to join, or.... watch me?"

Cliff looked at the woman, trying to focus on her face and nothing else. "Lucy I don't think that is such a good idea."

"You don't think it's a good idea, but you want to anyway though don't you?"

"Maybe."

"Then why not join me." She reached up to give him another kiss, this time he stopped her.

"Lucy I am not sure what is going on right now, my wife shot me only a few days ago, I am not saying I am not interested, I am only saying now may not be the right time for us to.... get together so to speak."

"There is never a right time for a Barnes and Ewing to get together, but I will be patient, speaking of your wife, I saw her yesterday.

"Where?"

"In court, I went to her bail hearing."

"Why on earth did you go there."

"Because I had a hunch you being shot had something to do with me, and I wanted to know for sure."

"And...did you?"

"She wouldn't admit anything to me Cliff, but I am sure our little trist was the reason, she knew all about it, I just know it."

"What else did she say?"

"Nothing really, something about me being a bitch," Lucy laughed again, "You can't still be hung up on her can you, she shot you like an animal."

"I am not sure exactly how I feel right now Lucy.... I need time to think."

"Well, let me give you one more thing to ponder..." Lucy kissed him again, this time he did not resist, this time it took.

Christopher had shown Gary and Val around Ewing Oil and had made all the necessary introductions, then had departed leaving Gary in good faith. Gary and his wife were now alone in Bobby's office discussing what each would do next.

Gary was naturally worried about doing well and proving that he could cut it as a real Ewing.

Valene was excited for the opportunities lay before her and her husband. She had great confidence in Gary and his abilities as a businessman, even if he didn't. She was also excited about getting started on her new book.

"Well, honey. Here I am—at Ewing Oil! I never thought I'd see this day. My daddy…"

Val broke in, "Is dead, and has been for a long time, Gary. You've outgrown his image of you, honey. You're perfectly capable of handling this, and you know it."

Nervously, he replied, "but Abby always…"

Interrupting again, "Please, Gary! Let's not drag that witch of an ex-wife into this pleasant conversation. We're beyond Jock Ewing AND especially Abby Fairgate now. We're really in control of our lives."

"You're right. I just want to prove to J.R. that I'm his equal."

"I'll tell you a secret, Gary. J.R. already knows that. Why do you think he tries so hard to keep you down all the time? It's because he fears you."

Gary didn't believe that for one second, but loved his wife for saying it. "What are you going to do next? You know, about the book."

"Well I need to set-up somewhere and get to work researching."

"Why don't you just use the adjoining office up here?"

"No, Ewing Oil and Southfork are subjects of the new material. I'd like to find some neutral work place. Now, why don't you walk me out, lover man, and get to work."

Gary smiled, put his arm around Val, kissed her, and then escorted her to the elevator.

"I love you very much, Gary," she said as the elevator doors closed in front of her.

Gary turned to return to his office and noticed that Cutter had returned to his desk and that Sue Ellen was leaning over it whispering something in his ear.

"Sue Ellen?"

She responded in a slurred voice, "Why Gary Ewing!" She laughed a mocking laugh toward him. "I never thought I'd see the day…" she stopped short.

"Sue Ellen, I was hoping we could meet now and discuss the current position of Ewing Oil and what our immediate plans are."

Sue Ellen jovial disposition suddenly turned to cold, hatred. "Why the hell should we bother, Gary? Neither one of us is going to be here for very long. J.R. will make sure of that."

"I disagree, Sue Ellen. J.R. has no power over either of us."

Sue Ellen's grave demeanor increased in intensity. "Gary, Gary, Gary. You've been in California far too long. Dallas is J.R.'s town and Ewing Oil is his baby. You just wait…"

Gary stepped near her and grabbed her arm. "Sue Ellen? You're drunk! Why the hell are you doing this to yourself?"

"Who the hell are you to dig in my affairs?" She smiled in Cutter's direction as she yanked her arm from Gary's grasp. Quickly turning her head back in Gary's direction, she said, "I'll, uh… I'll tell you what, Gary. I have a wonderful idea. Why don't I just sign over my proxy to you as well? Hmm? If you're so damned enthusiastic about Ewing Oil, then you can run it alone! Cutter, get legal on the phone and have them draw up the necessary papers, will you sweetheart?"

"Please don't do this, Sue Ellen. You can beat the booze, I know better than anyone."

"I won't say it again, Gary," she stepped back up to him and got right up in his face, "stay out of my affairs." Walking towards her office, she said, "as soon as those papers are ready I'll sign them, Cutter, and them I'm getting the hell out of here!" She slammed the door to her office."

Gary stood there, dumbstruck.

"What the hell?"

Ray and Bobby walked across the endless white snow. There had been several drop-offs that they had had to detour around and neither of the two was sure quite where they were.

"Ray, I don't know if I can go any farther," said Bobby, slowing down, "you'll have to go ahead without me…just..need to…sleep."

"Bobby…I can't leave you here."

"Ray, there's s..something else I need to tell you…about Jenna and me."

"Bobby…get up."

"Jenna and I kissed in the cabin…I love her…I'm sorry."

"Bobby, you're delirious, you don't even know what you're saying. Come on, get up."

"I can't…go ahead…get help for Jenna. Take care of her for me…and if..if Craig's ok, make sure he…he finds his family."

"We're going to get back to the station together."

At that, Ray heard a sound that was music to his ears—the sound of a helicopter. Ray jumped up and began waving at the chopper.

"Down here!" he yelled as loud as possible.

The helicopter began to descend. "Bobby, hold on, everything's going to be ok. We'll find Jenna and we'll all be back in Dallas by this time tomorrow."

Afton and Pamela stood in the Southfork living room waiting for Pam to come downstairs.

"I am feeling a little funny about being here, Pam was a little distant on the phone."

"Could it be mother, that you just used the woman's brother for a little target practice"

"Pamela, you are really beginning to worry me, when this thing with your father dies down, you and I really need to get away, we have yet to have a serious talk, about a ton of things, including what is going on with this baby your carrying."

"John Ross' baby"

"John Ross' baby?" Pam Ewing entered the living room. "I wondered for awhile if it may be my grandson?"

"No Miss Ewing, Christopher was a gentlemen."

"Hello Pamela Rebecca, nice to meet your finally." Pam Ewing looked at her old friend. "Afton"

Afton had hoped for a hug, but her fear that Pam was angry with her became reality, Pam Ewing was not happy to see her.

"Afton", Pam began, "We were once very close, and though I know my brother can be very trying at times, I am not exactly sure why you are here, you can't expect me to be happy to see you after what you have done."

"Pam, I was hoping you would let me explain"

"I have too much on my mind right now to listen to you rationalize shooting my brother. The only reason I agreed to see you at all today, was to meet my niece, and namesake, given that you kept her from all of us all these years, I thought it was about time we met."

Afton looked at her daughter; "Maybe we should leave."

"Maybe you should mom, I want to get to know my aunt."

Afton decided not cause any further discomfort for either herself or Pam. "I will take a walk outside Pamela, you can meet me at the car when you're done. Pam I am very glad to see you are ok, I was thrilled, whether you believe it or not, to hear you were alive. I prayed for that for a long time."

Pam did not reply. Afton walked out of the living room. When Afton was gone, she turned to her niece, "Now Pamela, Christopher has told me a lot about you, care for a rebuttal?"

J.R. sat silently besides his son's bed. The sound of the beep from the respirator was all that could be heard. J.R. had been living for his son since the day John Ross was born. It was ironic, that every dirty deal, manipulation, lie, were all for him. J.R. knew that those around him thought it was about power, money, control of Ewing Oil. That was only part of it, he did want Ewing Oil, but only so that he could one day hand it over to John Ross. He had dreams of working hand in hand with his son, teaching him the ins and outs of the Oil Business, showing him the ropes...but now all his dreams lay in a coma in front of him. J.R. wept again, he rarely cried, but in the last few days, he could not control it. J.R. was a smart man, and the crying scared him, scared him because he was unsure of whether he was crying strictly for the young boy's state.... or because of his role in it. J.R. Ewing's head lay beside the lifeless body of his son, he fell asleep.

Lucy Ewing was having a good day, she pushed her horse more than usual, and she came flying into the stable, almost hitting a freshly gathered manure pile. "Whoa! Whoa!" Lucy dismounted her horse and took off her riding helmet, she handed the reins to Rick, one of the many Ewing ranch hands, and started out of the stable towards the door when the figure in entrance made her stop in her tracks.

"Back to blond eh, you really keep the dye business booming."

"Afton what are you doing here at Southfork?"

"Not that it is any of your business, but I brought Pamela to meet her Aunt."

"That explains why you are out here then, I know Pam is not exactly thrilled with you right now."

"Thought I would take a walk around the ranch, just lucky I happened to run into you."

"Lucky?"

"Well Lucy, you caught me off guard at the courthouse, I had a few other things on my mind, but I'm back in top form now so if you want to start the insults flying, be prepared, I am armed."

"Gun in your purse?"

"I don't need a gun to take on a dwarf, especially the dwarf currently sleeping with Dopey."

"Listen Afton, I am having a great day, you are not going to ruin it."

"I don't want to ruin it, you started this by showing up at court, I just want to finish it."

"I showed up to see if I had anything to do with you shooting Cliff, I did not show up to trade insults with a tone deaf psycho."

Afton started to walk towards Lucy, forcing her to begin to back up.

"It is obvious to me you have been sleeping with my husband for some time…"

"I only slept with him once, and I was so drunk I don't even remember it. You may be crazy enough to sleep with him sober, but I was too drunk to even know what was going on."

"I don't believe you."

"I don't give a damn what you believe. I do know that you must have saw us that night and that is why he ended up with bullets in his chest."

"Listen Miss Piggy, I am tired of your lies. You and Cliff can have each other for all I care."

"Miss Piggy!" Lucy had had enough of being backed up; she was almost against a stall. "Afton, I'm out of here." Lucy attempted to push by Afton, but the taller blond reached out for her arm.

"Let go of me you bitch!"

Afton did not let go. Lucy began to struggle to release her arm, when that did not work; she tried to grab Afton's hair. Afton screamed with the first tug of her locks, the two women struggled together, with neither one letting go of the other. Afton lost her footing on some straw on the stable floor and both women tumbled headfirst into the pile of freshly shoveled manure.

Both women screamed together; quickly letting go of the hold they had on the other.

Rick came running back into the stable "Miss Lucy, are you ok?

"Get me the hell out of here, Afton I can't believe you did this. This is war baby—you and I are now officially at war."

Afton got herself out of the pile, as Rick helped Lucy out, she looked at Lucy and smiled, "Let the battle begin."

The nurse noticed J.R Ewing stirring as she checked on John Ross. "Must be dreaming." She decided not to wake the poor man, he had been up with his son all night. He needed his rest.

Pamela had attempted to convince her aunt she was not the witch Christopher had painted her out to be, but felt she was failing. She faced her aunt straight on, and decided to go ahead with the reason she wanted to see the woman in the first place.

"Auntie Pam?"

"Just Pam will do."

"Pam, I heard you hate J.R.."

"You heard correctly."

"Well, I hate him as well. Without getting into the details, I have proof that it was J.R. who was responsible for John Ross ending up in the hospital. I am not exactly sure what to do with my proof and thought you might be able to help me."

Pam Ewing smiled; it was one of the first smiles that crossed her lips since returning to Southfork. She had never been one for revenge, but after everything J.R had done to her, that was the one thing keeping her going."

"Pamela my dear, I think I may just be able to help you out."

Both woman's nosed curled at the same time, after the shock of the smell, both were greeted by the Ewing maid running quickly in front of Lucy Ewing begging her to walk on the newspapers she was trying to lay in front of her. The two woman listen as Lucy screamed at Jane to get out of her way, and muttered something about Afton, a pile of shit, and the beginning of some sort of war. Lucy headed up the stairs. Jane started gathering up the newspapers she had lain in vain.

Pam walked out. "What on earth happened?"

Jane looked at her frazzled. "I am not sure Miss Ewing, something about Miss Piggy, Snow White and a dwarf."

Christopher walked across the ranch, headed for the stables. A ride was just what he needed to get his mind off of what had happened with Karen earlier. What had he been thinking? He knew that Karen was the one John Ross really loved. Christopher had taken advantage of her vulnerability during such a hard time. Chris knew that it couldn't happen again; it just wasn't fair, not to him, not to Karen, and not to John Ross.

"Well, hello Christopher."

"Clayton, you scared me half to death," said Christopher, turning around.

"Sorry about that. What brings you down here?"

"Just had a few things to think about. I always come down here when I need to think."

"We must think alike; I'm here for the same reason," said Clayton.

"Oh? What reason is that?"

"I'm worried about your grandmother. I'm not so sure that bringing her back to Southfork was the best move right now. Ellie's old now, she's not as strong as she used to be. She just seems too determined to straighten everything up here. J.R. is going to be the death of her if she's not careful."

"I think Gramma can take care of herself, but I'll take care of J.R.."

"Christopher, do you think you're any match for J.R.?"

"Definitely. Let's just say I know some stuff about him. He'd do anything to keep it a secret."

"Well," laughed Clayton, "maybe things are going to turn out just fine. Gary and Val are here. J.R. has finally lost his influence over them. You've got a way to keep him in line, I'd say that the sun is finally going to set on J.R.'s rule over the Ewings."

"J.R? J.R.? Are you ok? Ellie put her arms around her eldest son. He was still lying beside John Ross in Dallas Memorial. "Wake up J.R. you're ok, wake up."

"Momma, thank God it's you, please hold me, hold me like when I was a boy."

"J.R., you haven't asked for a hug from me in years."

The two Ewings embraced, J.R. finally feeling a little comfort from his mother.

"J.R., you are exhausted, you will be no help to John Ross like this, I am taking you home, you need to rest."

"Momma, tell me he will be ok."

"He'll be ok, he's a Ewing isn't he?"

J.R. looked again at his son, straightened the blankets on the bed, and kissed him on the forehead. He put his arm around his mother, and the two walked out of the room. J.R. knew why he had the dreams. It was not about John Ross; it was about himself. This hospital room was the end result of a life of cruelty. He needed John Ross to come through this, and he knew he had to change to ensure his deeds never affected his son again. J.R. Ewing did not have a clue to where to begin, but he knew he had to try.

Val stood in front of the mirror, brushing her hair and thinking over the events of the past few days. She was concerned about Sue Ellen's treatment of Gary. Could he handle the ENTIRETY of Ewing Oil alone, without her help? Acting as a partner was one thing for her husband, but running things alone? That was a different story. She worried that it was too much, too soon for Gary. She hadn't told him that, of course. She had encouraged him as much as she could. Now he was on his way to battle the oil business alone. There was nothing more she could do it about now, she thought.

Her thoughts drifted to the book and to the person whom she had decided to try and interview first. She walked over to the desk, opened her address book, and dialed the phone.

"Yes, this is Valene Ewing for the lady of the house."

"I'm sorry, ma'am. She's not in at the moment. May I give her a message?"

"Do you know when she might return?"

"No, I'm sorry, ma'am."

Disappointed, she continued, "well, thank you. I think I'll just try again later then."

"Very well ma'am," the butler responded. He then hung up the phone and made his way to the lady of the house in her chambers.

"Who was on the phone, Richard? Why didn't you come and get me?" questioned the lady.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, but a Mrs. Valene Ewing called. You asked me not to…"

"Valene Ewing? Calling from Dallas or California?"

"Dallas, I believe ma'am."

She became suddenly concerned and asked the butler to leave her. "Oh, gosh," she said out loud to herself.

Donna Culver Krebbs Dowling hoped that her activities in Dallas had not been discovered.

The ringing of the phone interrupted Cliff Barnes' quiet breakfast. Hoping that it was his new, prospective partner in Northstar he raced to answer.

"Cliff Barnes here." He was satisfied to hear her voice on the other end. "Yes, I've been very anxious to receive your call."

She replied, "Mr. Barnes, circumstances have advanced faster than I had imagined. We need to move quick on this. Is that a problem?"

Knowing that Northstar would die without a partner, he replied, "No, fine, fine. That's fine. The papers are ready, they just need signing to make things official."

"Oh, that's good. That's very, very good." She smiled and thought to herself how sweet it was after all this time!

Anita peered around the corner and made sure no one was looking before she picked up the phone. She dialed J.R.'s cell phone. Suddenly, the phone stopped ringing and there was only a dial tone.

"Now now, I thought I told you not to try anything like that."

Anita turned to see Belinda standing behind her—with a gun.

"You naughty girl. Now, come with me, quietly, or else I blow your head off."

Having no choice, Anita followed Belinda back into the room. Belinda locked the cage and slammed the door shut. Once again, Anita was plunged into darkness.

"I've got to get out of here. J.R. has got to know that Stockton is going to take over Westar. Somebody's got to stop him. Then they'll all pay for doing this to me."

Afton stood at the door in front of what used to be her happy home. Pamela had refused to ride back in the same car as her mother, given the smell and all, so Afton was forced to take a taxi. She had not bothered to clean up, she thought being full of crap was an appropriate way to greet her ever lovin' husband. Cliff opened the door and looked dumbstruck at the site of his wife. "Afton, what the hell happened, what are you doing here?"

"Cliff I do not want to talk right now, I just came here to tell you I want you to move out of our house. I do not think I should be the one stuck in a crummy motel, while you live here with our daughter."

Cliff did not know what to say, the site of Afton, even in her current state, shook Cliff into remembering that no matter what happened, he did love this woman.

"Give me a day or two Afton, I will find a hotel to move into, I'll have Pamela call you when I have moved out, why don't you shower and change, I'll go out, so you can be alone, I can see you have had one hell of a day."

Afton stared at her husband. This was the first time she had seen him since the night he lunged at her, she was not looking at the same face that was marked by alcohol; she was looking at the man she married. "Thanks Cliff, but you don't have to leave, maybe when I'm cleaned up we could talk."

Karen opened her door knowing Christopher was on the other side, she smiled and put out her hand.

"A...a handshake?" Christopher knew the moment they had shared a few days earlier may have been a mistake, but it was one he had come over here hoping to repeat.

"Sorry Chris." Karen gave Christopher a warm hug. "Thanks for coming, I need to speak with you."

"No problem, I was pleased to get your call, I have been thinking a lot about you since the other day."

"Me too."

"Karen, I know you must be confused, but please don't tell me you regret our kiss, it was the only bright spot in an otherwise miserable week."

Karen smiled, "No, I don't regret it, as a matter a fact, I am grateful for it."

"Grateful?"

"Christopher sit down." The two headed toward the couch. "I am not sure what I think about our kiss, but, I do not for one second regret it"

"I am glad to hear that"

"But...it has led me to do a lot of thinking. I am not really sure what I think about anything these days, including John Ross." I should be so mad at him, but I'm not really, and at the same time I'm not pining over him, well, not anymore anyway.... not since our kiss."

Christopher smiled, he hoped all the way over to Karen's that this talk was not going to be about forgetting they ever shared a moment.

"I need to think, I need to get away, I wanted you to know I am going to visit my Dad for awhile, I am not sure how long."

"Karen no, not now, I was looking forward to seeing more of you."

"You will, I promise, I will not be gone that long." "I hate leaving with John Ross in the hospital, but there is nothing I can really do for him right now. And...as much as I feel horrible about what happened to him, I can't stop remembering the events that led up to it"

Christopher looked at Karen, he did not want her to go, but he knew she must really be in pain, first her wedding ruined, then finding John Ross with Pamela."

"Will you call?"

"Of course, and....I need to call you anyway" Karen smiled, "To make sure you are keeping the promise your about to make to me."

"Promise?"

"Yeah, and it's a biggie."

"Lay it on me."

"I need you to make nice nice with Pamela."

"Karen no, I finally got her out of my life."

"I know, I'm sorry, but I have this gut feeling she is up to something, something big, I need you to stay near her, keep an eye on her. You know what they say, keep your friends close..."

"And your enemies closer." Christopher chimed in.

Lucy ran the water; she was still fuming as she undressed for her shower. She heard a knock at her door, and grabbed a towel, she ran for the door. "Afton if you're back for more, come on in for round two." Lucy pulled open the door, but it was not Afton on the other side. "Oh my God, Muriel!"

Muriel stared at her friend for a moment, and giggled, "Lucy Ewing, what shit do I need to get you out of this time?"

Pamela paced her room, she could not believe her mother had caused her so much embarrassment, first with Pam, then by manure wrestling with Lucy Ewing. She was nervous to, she did not know her aunt that well, she did not know if she could trust her. She did know that she needed someone else to take on the burden of going at J.R for her. She did not tell Pam about the tapes, those she would try to sell to J.R.; she just needed someone to begin the deed. Pam nearly jumped out of her skin when the phone rang, "That could not be J.R already, Aunt Pam could not have talked to him yet, I don't think I'm ready" She nervously picked up the phone, "Hello?"

"Pamela, it's Chris, how's it goin?"

"Fine, Chris I am a little surprised to hear from you, is everything all right?"

"Everything's fine Pamela, I just wondered if you might like together some time this week, maybe dinner and a movie."

Pamela smiled, Christopher never truly interested her, but Christopher was a Ewing too, and if for no other reason, dinner with Christopher was like a little extra insurance, a back up so to speak.

"Chris, I would love to, just tell me when…"

The sun had just set on another scorching hot summer day at Southfork. Pamela stood on the Southfork patio, yawning. She hadn't had a good night's sleep yet again. So much of her life in the past 11 years had been a total nightmare for her. She thought of how her life had been made that way by her ex brother-in-law. Pam saw the family gathering for dinner, later than usual for once and she went inside, leaving the humid night air behind. She decided the time had come to confront J.R. for the years of hell he had put her through.

"I hope you have a big appetite Pam," Miss Ellie said.

"Oh Miss Ellie, this looks great.

The family took their seats, Ellie and Clayton on each end; J.R., Lucy, Muriel, Gary, Val, Pam, Christopher, and Sue Ellen lined the other two sides.

"Well, that settles it," said Ellie, "tomorrow we go shopping for a bigger table."

"That might be a good idea," said Lucy, "glancing around at the gathered crowd. All one big happy family."

"I don't know about you, but there are a few of us here who could hardly be considered family," said J.R., staring at Pam coldly.

"J.R., there'll be no more of that at this table," snapped Clayton.

"Farlow, who are you to tell me what to do at this table?"

"If you really want to know, then step outside with me."

"Clayton, J.R., STOP this. I'm not going to have any fighting," said Ellie sharply.

"Yes Momma," apologized J.R..

"As I was saying, we'll need a bigger table. When Bobby and Ray come back…"

"Momma," broke in Gary, "I don't want to ruin the atmosphere, but you shouldn't give yourself false hope."

"Garrison, I know Bobby is alive…I can feel it."

"I hope you're right Miss Ellie," said Pam, "It hurts me so bad…the only thing that kept me going all those years away was knowing that one day I'd be reunited with Bobby. To think that when I do get back he's…"

"Mom, try not to think like that," said Christopher, "Gramma's right, Dad will be back." Christopher knew he was probably wrong, but he also knew that his mom was in a very fragile state. Having hope that his dad would return was what was keeping her going…and maybe the idea of revenge on J.R..

"Umm, excuse me for a second, but I don't feel so good," said Muriel, getting up from the table. Lucy, concerned for her friend, followed her out of the room. Sue Ellen stared longingly at the liquor cabinet, wishing for a drink.

"So Pamela, what brings you back to Southfork?" asked J.R. with an evil grin.

"Well, J.R., I'm glad you asked, because EVERYBODY is about to find out."

J.R. dropped his napkin, "Pam, what are you talking about?"

"Everybody, I think it is time for you all to know what happened to me for the 11 years I've been away."

"Now Pamela, I hope you're not going to get into one of your tirades like that crazy sister of yours used to," J.R. derided her, trying to deflect the damage he expected was coming.

"I don't think you of all people is the one to judge what is acceptable behavior or not!!" Pam exclaimed angrily.

"J.R., shut up for once and let Pam have her say," Clayton said forcefully.

"Pam, you know I have been waiting to hear this," Miss Ellie said gently. "Why don't you go on."

"Well, it all started in the hospital, during my recovery. I didn't leave on my own, I had no intention of it, and I would have never done anything like that to Bobby and Christopher. The man responsible for making it 'look' like I left on my own is sitting right there." Pam motioned to J.R. while struggling to maintain her composure.

"Oh my God," gasped Valene.

"He didn't do it alone though; he had help from my sister Katherine. J.R. and Katherine found out that Jordan Lee had told Cliff that he had seen me; so they found a similar looking woman to masquerade as me. So when Cliff and April made that trip, it was only this woman who was pretending to be me. And I was told this woman convinced Cliff to give up looking for me, that I was 'dying'."

"God, I don't know how much more of this conspiracy story I can stand to hear!!" J.R. said sarcastically. "Next you'll be saying I got Oliver Stone to help me keep you out of our lives! You are making me lose what little appetite I had, which isn't much anyway whenever I see you!"

"That's quite enough J.R.," Miss Ellie exclaimed. "You're going to hear Pam's story with the rest of us, now sit down. Please go on, Pam."

"So J.R. had me kept sedated and out of contact with the real world. I told Christopher about how J.R. had made a tape of Bobby's wedding ceremony to April, and he had it shown to me, just to torture me even more. That has been my life for these past 11 years, thanks to J.R. and his manipulations. I have been held hostage in what were basically hellish conditions; half the time I couldn't even think for myself, I was kept so drugged. It was only because Katherine had a change of heart and decided to help Christopher that he was able to find me at all."

"Mama, Clayton, you aren't going to believe this woman's rantings about me, are you?" J.R. asked. " I know Pam hates me but you don't really think I would go to these lengths to keep her away from Bobby all this time?" J.R. lied.

"J.R., I would believe you are capable of almost anything," Clayton said with contempt.

"I…I'm having a hard time believing this. I know that J.R. has done some bad things, but to think that he would go that low…" said Ellie.

"Excuse me," said Pam, getting up from the table. "I need some time to myself."

"Gramma, it's all true," said Christopher, "I also have a bit myself to add to this. J.R. was responsible for breaking up John Ross and Karen's wedding. He found out that Pamela Rebecca was pregnant and used that, with Alan Beam's help, to stop the wedding."

"J.R.," said Clayton standing up, "I didn't know that even YOU could sink that low."

"J.R.…" said Ellie.

"Momma, you're not going to believe these lies are you? Christopher is upset because he wants Pamela Rebecca for himself…and… and Pam would like nothing more than to turn you all against me. Can't you see that?"

"J.R., get out of this house…now," said Ellie firmly.

"But Momma, you don't understand."

"GET OUT."

J.R. turned to see Bobby, Ray, and Jenna standing in the doorway. Bobby stepped forward. "J.R. you're going to regret this until your dying day, starting right now."

"Oh my God, Bobby…what.."

"That doesn't matter right now, J.R.," said Bobby, his fists clenched.

Miss Ellie stood at the end of the table, shocked at the site of her son…alive. Christopher stood as well.

"Now Bob, think about what you're about to do."

"I've thought about it. You have sunk lower than even I would have thought. Now you're going to pay for it."

With that, Bobby lunged for J.R., sending him sprawling across the dining room table. Plates fell to the floor, shattering. Bobby grabbed J.R.'s throat in a death hold, clearly meaning to kill him. At the last second, J.R. pushed Bobby to the side and regained his breath.

"Bobby! J.R.! STOP it!" screamed Ellie. J.R. and Bobby continued to fight, paying no heed to Ellie's warnings. "Clayton, do something!"

"Ellie, I'm afraid if I were going to do something, it would involve helping Bobby strangle J.R.." "Clayton Farlow, this is not a time to be joking!"

Ray decided it was time to do something, even though Bobby had the upper-hand, which was definitely what he wanted. It wouldn't have bothered him one bit if Bobby had beaten J.R. to a pulp, but he could see Ellie was getting upset.

Bobby picked up one of the chairs, ironically enough, the one that Pam had been sitting in, and swung it in J.R.'s direction. Luckily for J.R., Ray took most of the blow and was knocked to the ground.

Clayton stepped in, but J.R. and Bobby continued to fight. Gary and Christopher stood to the side, shocked at what was happening.

"Bobby," gasped J.R., "stop it, you don't know..what you're doing!"

"Oh yes I do."

J.R. managed to stand up, but Bobby jumped toward him. Ellie watched in horror as her two sons went crashing through the window and onto the patio.

Ray pulled himself up from a pile of broken plates and spilled food. He looked to see the window broken and heard a commotion outside. J.R. and Bobby wrestled on the concrete; Bobby punched J.R. in the face repeatedly, with J.R. only getting in the odd punch every now and then.

"This…is for everything…that you've put Pam through all…of those years," yelled Bobby.

Bobby and J.R. rolled closer to the still, dark water of the Ewing pool. A loud splash echoed through the night as the two men went in. Bobby held J.R.'s head under the water, trying to cut off his air supply.

"Somebody do somethin'," shouted Valene over the commotion, "Gary, stop them."

Gary jumped into the pool; Clayton followed close behind. They both knew that if Bobby and J.R. weren't stopped, that one of them would be dead before the night was over—more than likely J.R..

Christopher joined the rest in an attempt to break up the fight. Clayton, Gary, and Ray; only through a joint effort; were able to pull Bobby away from J.R. and out of the pool. Sue Ellen walked out onto the patio non-chalantly, holding a bottle of vodka. She waved it in the air, "Way to go Bobby, put that bastard in his place."

J.R. spit out a mixture of blood and pool water, one of his eyes was swollen shut. Christopher turned and began to climb out of the pool, but soon stopped.

"Christopher…this is all your fault. They would have never b…believed that crazy mother of yours. If you had just kept your b…big mouth shut."

Christopher made a dive for J.R., forcing him under. No one talked about his mom like that, especially not J.R. Ewing. Christopher punched J.R. one last time and got out of the pool, leaving J.R. there.

"STOP IT!" said Ellie firmly, "stop it now. Bobby, you could have killed J.R.…and J.R., look what you have done to Pam. I'm hurt…deeply hurt by all of you. Sue Ellen is drinking again; John Ross is in the hospital…what's going to become of us. I'm going to get this family back on track if it's the last thing I ever do."

Everyone grew quiet; everyone stared at Miss Ellie. The only sounds that broke the deathly silence was the sound of crickets chirping, an occasional night bird's cry, and the pitter-patter of the water that dripped from the men.

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