"Oh, it occurred to me that here we are with JR on this cruise ship and nowhere to get away from him. Well, almost nowhere," she said, going to him and taking him in her arms.

"Well, if he causes any trouble he might find himself inspecting some of these off-shore rigs firsthand, or becoming shark bait." Bobby responded, returning her embrace and kissing her lightly. "Now let's finish unpacking before I'm tempted to spend the entire cruise in this room with you."

"That wouldn't upset me one little bit, but you have a point." She sighed and released him. "I think everyone here would love to see us together again; well, most everyone. I can think of a couple exceptions, though."

"Yes, I did sense a distinct chill in the air between you and Jenna since a couple weeks ago. I got the feeling you two were about to scratch each other's eyes out that morning! Did that have something to do with me?" Bobby inquired.

"Hmmm, I always heard about male egos running rampant!" Pam teased him. Her voice grew serious. "But yes, it was about you. Bobby, she is obviously still in love with you."

"Well, I already explained that to you, and I meant it when I said you were the only true love for me, Pam." As Bobby said these words, he realized he was going to have to have a chat with Jenna; this situation had potentially disastrous implications for all involved.

JR Ewing leaned on the upper rail of the cruise ship, the Oil Baron. It was about 10 a.m. and a beautiful day. The salty sea air was just what JR needed to take his mind off his troubles at home. Surely here, he could escape all of that—surely.

"Well, JR Ewing. I thought that I would have run into you before now, but I guess not."

"Marilee, to what do I owe this pleasure? And where have you been?"

"Well, I got this invitation and, I have to admit, I was quite perplexed. I think it's most interesting that they're having the ball on a ship this year."

"I can't say that I really wanted to come, this was Momma's doing; but now I'm thinking maybe it was a good idea. If only that idiot brother of mine wasn't running the company all alone back in Dallas; though I doubt that even Gary could do too much damage in four days time."

"So," said Marilee, sipping a cocktail, "who's your date for this little event?"

"Are you sure you really want to know?"

"Of course," said Marilee.

"Afton Cooper."

"Afton Cooper!? I thought she was married to Cliff Barnes."

JR turned around, "she is."

"Well, this is a strange turn of events. This cruise could turn out to be quite interesting. I'll see you around JR."

"Ok Marilee, enjoy yourself."

"Ms. Fairgate, we've been cleared to land at DFW. I apologize for the turbulence, but you instructed us that you wanted to get back to Dallas as soon as possible." The pilot informed Abby.

"Thank you. Is the car waiting?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Fine. I need to go directly to the Fairview after we land."

"Very good, ma'am." He returned to the cockpit.

Abby was very pleased, if a little shaken. There had been such bad weather encountered on the flight from Galveston, but it was all worth it, she thought. Abby Fairgate was a woman who let nothing stand in the way of what she wanted but she was going to have to work quickly. With all of the Ewing family and the majority of the Dallas' oil community as sea for the next four days, everything she wanted to accomplish was well within reach, but only if she moved fast and struck hard.

She mused at her own brilliance. It had been a stroke of genius purchasing that Austin movie studio and courting Valene with the offer of a movie deal. With Valene out of Dallas, Gary would be easy prey and Cliff Barnes; well, Cliff Barnes wasn't much of a threat to anyone with half a bit of sense. Everyone knew that.

There was tap at the door. Lucy Ewing was unpacking her things. She carefully placed the dress she had bought for the Ball on the bathroom door hook before heading to the door.

"It's just me." Cliff was standing impatiently on the other side of the door, hoping not to be seen.

"Hey, stranger." Lucy opened the door, and planted a wet one on Cliff. "Come on in."

"I can't right now. Can we meet later?"

"Sure."

Cliff grabbed the young Ewing and embraced her, lifting her in the air. "I am so happy, Lucy!"

"Well, I am glad someone on this ship is smiling."

"Let's meet in the Calponia lounge, it is quiet and dark, we won't be seen."

"Cliff, I understand you wanting to keep this low profile, but we are going to be seen at the ball, right? We won't have to have all our dances behind potted palms?"

"Lucy, I plan on making a grand entrance with you. I just need to clear things up with Afton, straighten a few things out first."

"Isn't that going to be kind of difficult with her back in Dallas?"

"She's here Lucy, I saw her board."

"Oh great, Afton Cooper and me on the same boat. This could be interesting!"

"I am hoping it will be." Cliff gave Lucy another kiss and headed back into the corridor. How about we meet in an hour?"

"Sounds good."

Lucy shut the door behind Cliff and sat on her bed. Her head was still spinning with the news Muriel had dropped on her. She had tried to convince her friend that being HIV-positive was not a death sentence; that she had to think positively; but Muriel seemed fixed on the idea that she was going to die and was intent on wrapping up loose ends. Loose ends indeed, she thought. Clayton was her grandmother's second love, he was the man she had, until a few days ago, greatly respected and admired. What the hell was she going to do about this one?

Stockton heard someone coming around the corner and he pushed Anita into the nearest door, which happened to lead to the storeroom. He peered out the window and watched as Cliff Barnes walked by.

"We'll have to wait a bit, until things clear up out there. We can't have you seen until the right moment."

"Right moment for what? What are you going to do?"

"Well, as you know, I was going to let you go, but I think you know a little too much, now don't you?"

"What do you mean?"

"For one thing, the first thing that you would do is go to JR, or the police, and tell them what I've done. Then I'd go to jail AND lose what I've already gained."

"No, no, you can trust me! I wouldn't do that! Just let me go, please!" begged Anita.

"Miss Smithfield, how foolish do you think I am? Now, I need to make sure that you don't try to escape."

Stockton pulled out a small bottle and a cloth. He soaked the cloth with chloroform and held it against Anita's nose. After a few seconds of struggling, she was out cold.

"Sorry to do this to you, but you can't escape. I have to ensure that you never, ever tell anyone about this."

It was a very busy day at the office of Ewing Oil. Gary had the entire staff working overtime on various projects so that the family would come home from the cruise to find the company in incredible shape. He had been surprised at Cutter's knowledge of the business and thought how lucky he was that Sue Ellen had left him such an asset. Without Cutter, he thought, he might have flopped on his face.

"Mr. Ewing?" Cutter buzzed him.

"Yeah, Cutter."

"Smithfield and Associates is on the line. They asked specifically for JR or Bobby, but I told them you were the only one here."

"Thanks Cutter, I'll take the call." He pressed all the buttons necessary to disconnect with Cutter and connect to the incoming call.

"This is Gary Ewing, how can I help you?"

"Mr. Ewing," the voice on the other end inquired, "this call isn't directly business related. We're trying to locate Ms. Smithfield, Anita Smithfield. She's never been one to come to the office often, but it's been over 3 weeks now since we've heard anything from her."

Gary thought for a moment. "Well, I know she mostly consults with my brother over at Westar. I'll try and contact him at sea and get back to you with whatever information I can find."

"Thank you, Mr. Ewing, good-bye."

Gary hung up and thought for a moment. He asked Cutter to check around and find out what he could. He then inquired with Cutter as to the status of Barnes-Ewing One.

"We brought production up to capacity just this morning. Would you like to schedule a trip out to the site?"

"Yes, for tomorrow morning, please."

"I'll get right on it, Mr. Ewing. Is there anything else?"

"Yes, set up a meeting for tomorrow afternoon with that Taiwanese company that keeps bugging us for an investment."

"I'm on it, sir."

Gary sat back in his chair and thought to himself about how good it felt to finally be able to act like a real part of the Ewing family.

"Oh, one more thing, Mr. Ewing. Your wife called from Austin. She said to let you know that she'd be there at least overnight and that she'd call again when she'd settled into a hotel."

"Thanks, Cutter."

With that, Gary terminated the exchange, turned and looked out at the Dallas skyline, and smiled.

Christopher walked through the onboard casino and game room. He walked to a pool table and decided to give it a shot.

"So, do you think you're good enough to beat me?" said a voice from behind Christopher.

Christopher turned around, startled. A guy of about his own age stood behind him, pool stick in hand. "Well, I guess we'll see in a minute."

"My name's Eric," he said, extending his hand.

"Mine's Chris," he replied, shaking Eric's hand.

Pamela Rebecca walked in at about that moment. "Chris, hey, I've been looking all over for you. What's up?"

"Hi Pamela. I was just about to tear this guy up in a game of pool."

"Hey Pamela, I'm Eric."

"Hi Eric. So you think you can beat Chris in pool? I beg to differ."

"Well, we'll see. And I have a little something in mind to make this a bit more interesting. How about the winner gets to have dinner with Pamela here, tonight."

"That's fine with me, I know Chris will win," said Pamela Rebecca.

Christopher thought for a bit and realized that he could be free of Pamela for at least one night...he just had to throw the game. "You're on," he said.

Meanwhile, across the cruise ship, Ray and Jenna relaxed in the pool. Jenna could only halfway relax because she knew that Pam and Bobby were also on the boat, having fun together after 11 years apart.

"Jenna, you seem so far away. What's wrong?" asked Ray worried.

"Oh nothing, just getting used to all of this sun and salty air, I guess," lied Jenna.

"Well, I'm sure you'll get used to it soon enough; or at least I hope you do before this cruise is over."

"So do I. Um, Ray, I'm going to run back to our room for a few minutes. I'll be back soon," said Jenna.

"Ok, hurry back."

A few minutes later, Sue Ellen walked up to the pool. She had managed to beat the drinking once more. There had been so much stress that she had buckled. It had seemed like her whole life was falling apart, but at least she was getting it back on track. As soon as she got back to Dallas, she would return to work and correct the mistakes she had made.

"Hello, Ray."

"Hi, Sue Ellen. Having fun?"

"Oh yes. There's always the prevailing shadow of John Ross' coma hanging over things, but I'm trying to take my mind off of that for a few days."

"Don't worry Sue Ellen, I'm sure that Patricia is taking good care of him."

"Yes, I know she is. She promised to get in touch with me if there was any change. But still, I intend to call her when we get to the next port."

"I can understand that Sue Ellen, but try to have a good time."

"I will. Where's Jenna?"

"She had to go back to the room for something; I'm not sure what."

"Oh." Sue Ellen thought of Pam and Jenna and the looks of contempt that the two had been giving each other lately. "Ray, Bobby told me what went on between he and Jenna while they were stranded in the Alps. He told me that he had told you."

Ray turned around in the pool. "Yes, he told me. But, he was delirious, near death. He wasn't thinking clearly."

"Ray, he was thinking just fine when he told me about it. I've also talked to Pam and she's told me some things about Jenna."

"Like what?"

"From what I hear, she may still be in love with Bobby."

Ray stood still for a minute, then spoke up. "Sue Ellen, I know that you and Pam have always been good friends and I know that you want to watch out for her, but I don't think that Jenna is in love with Bobby."

"You're right, Ray. I was stupid to think that. You and Jenna are married and Jenna knows that Bobby loves Pam. Let's just forget I ever mentioned this."

"Good idea. Would you like a drink?"

"Yes, but just a glass of iced tea," laughed Sue Ellen. She still couldn't help but worry about Jenna going after Bobby. Pam didn't deserve that, not after the hell JR had put her through all those years.

Eric had beaten Christopher with ease, much to Chris' delight. He would have one less night that he would have to put up with Pamela Rebecca.

"Well Christopher, looks like I get to take Pamela Rebecca to dinner tonight," said Eric, smiling.

"I know, but you won fair and square. I guess the best man won," said Christopher, trying to suppress his happiness.

"You got that right," said Eric.

"Well, Eric," smiled Pamela, "I'll meet you tonight at my cabin, room number eighty-seven, at about 7."

"Alright, sounds great. I'll see you then."

"Nice meeting you Eric," said Christopher, "we'll have to do this again soon. Nothing like a little friendly competition for the hand of a lady."

"Great, I'll see you later."

Ellie was resting on her bed. The family was all together on the ship. So far, so good. But, it was a big ship. She needed to ensure that they all did not separate, or the cruise would not help at all. Clayton stepped out of the bathroom and lay down beside his wife.

"You're worried."

"Clayton, I always dreamed of having my family all together back at Southfork. Now they all are, including Gary and Valene. This should be the happiest time for all of us, especially with Pam home safe and sound, but something isn't right. I have bad feelings about what is happening to all of us."

"You thinking of John Ross?"

"All the time. But, I know he will be okay, Clayton. Don't ask me how, but I know he will pull through this."

"Then what?"

"I can't exactly put my finger on it.....In the past, the main family conflicts were over Ewing Oil. I always thought if that damned company did not exist, the friction would go away. But the friction, lately, is worse than ever and it doesn't have anything to do with the company."

"Ellie, the family hasn't been all together in some time. It will take a while to adjust. And, with what J.R did to Pam, it may never be possible for the family to come together again."

"Clayton....I don't think J.R had anything to do with what happened to Pam."

"But Pam said...."

Ellie interrupted her husband. "Clayton, I know my son. J.R has done wicked, wicked things in his life, but most centered around the company or his son. He had no reason to keep Pam away. Sure, he never liked her, but he would never do that to Bobby, or Christopher for that matter. I truly think, for one of the first times in his life, he is getting a bad rap."

"Well, I would not put anything past him."

"I know, that is why it was so easily believed."

"What can you do about it, Ellie?"

"I am not sure, but I know that if I talk to J.R, he will not lie to me. Because, Clayton.... If I am wrong, if J.R really did lock Pam away for all those years, depriving Christopher from his mother.... He will have to leave Southfork, and Ewing Oil, for good!"

On his way to Dallas Memorial, to check in on John Ross, Gary reviewed his day in his mind. Westar had informed him that Anita Smithfield had been away, in Greece, for a short and much-needed sabbatical. He had, in turn, notified Smithfield and Associates of his findings.

Barnes-Ewing One was in good shape, pumping to capacity and he would visit the site tomorrow morning and tomorrow afternoon he would meet with the Taiwanese about Ewing Oil's possible investment in their communications projects. He thought of how good it would look to his family when they discovered that he had been able to diversify Ewing's holdings.

His visit with John Ross was brief. There had been no change in his condition. Watching JR's son lie there, lifeless, had been a little disturbing to him, as he had imagined over and over that his own son could be lying there like that.

Gary left the hospital and proceeded to Southfork. He had looking forward to a horseback ride across the ranch all day.

Afton walked slowly past JR. His stateroom was much grander than hers, almost as big as her house. She had on the skimpiest of bikinis. She was headed for the pool and stopped to, hopefully, pick up some company.

"Afton, you look sensational."

"JR, you're looking quite good yourself. I am so glad you decided to join me."

"I surprised myself Afton. I'm actually looking forward to the ball. I'm looking forward to showing all the old oil coots that I am still alive and kicking and it will help with you on my arm."

"Great, I have a dress to die for."

"Afton, aren't you worried what it might look like for your case that you're out cruising the seas with your trial coming up?"

"I think about it day and night, but that isn't going to help anything, is it?"

"I guess not. I think about John Ross constantly too, but I needed the break. I hated to leave him, but I was going mad sitting around that hospital all day and night."

"JR, he'll be okay."

"Afton, I hope you're right."

Afton reached out her arms to comfort him. JR gently pushed her arms aside and walked behind her, placing his arms around her waste.

"Afton, you really don't want to lay out in the hot sun this afternoon, do you?"

"I do want to lay, somewhere."

JR and Afton began to kiss, and kiss, making their way to the bed. JR Ewing, despite his advancing years, still had the energy of man half his age, energy for women anyway. They both fell onto the large bed. JR untied her bikini top and started to go for the bottoms.

"JR, I think we should stick to the top for now....."

"You can be on top if you wish, Miss Cooper."

"No, that's not what I meant." Afton got up and retied her bathing suit. "JR, I am still a married woman and though my husband may be bonking your niece, maybe at this very moment, I am not stooping to his level."

"So, why the foreplay, if you had no intention of allowing me to continue?"

"JR....." Afton smiled, and this time removed her bathing suit top herself. "Just because you can't bat it out of the field tonight, doesn't mean you can't have a few base hits."

She snuggled next to him and pulled his arms around her. "I just don't want to come across as too easy. I have made that mistake with you before. I just wanted to be of some comfort to you during the trip, make sure you were not alone."

"And in return?"

"Return.....well, as you said, my court date is coming. I may just need a little assistance getting my husband to cooperate." "Cooperate...with what?"

"JR, relax." Afton snuggled closer into JR. "Today, we'll start with the top. There's lots of time to get to the bottom of things later....."

Lucy decided she needed to make a stop on her way meet Cliff. She knocked on her grandmother's door. Clayton swung open the door, smiled and ushered his step-granddaughter into the room. "Lucy you look like you're going to burst."

Lucy ignored his remark and proceeded to the bed, sitting beside her grandmother. Keeping her eyes directly on her grandmother, she rudely asked Clayton to leave.

"Lucy, you seem upset, but that is no reason to be short with Clayton."

Lucy continued to stare only at Ellie, "Sorry Grandma, I just need to talk with you."

"It's okay, Ellie. I thought I would walk the decks anyway. See who's out and about."

See whom you might pick up, more like it, Lucy thought.

Clayton exited the stateroom, leaving the two women alone.

"Lucy, tell me what's the matter?"

"Grandma, I have something to tell you....and I am not sure how you will react."

"Then, just tell me."

Lucy got up from the bed and paced the room. She had been pacing a lot the past few days. "Grandma, when you and Clayton first started going out, you got a lot of flack from JR, and even Bobby, didn't you?"

Ellie smiled. "They found it difficult to see me with anyone except your Grandfather. I seem to remember you felt the same way for awhile."

"But, I got over it."

"Clayton won you over."

"Yes......" Lucy bit her lip, wondering where to go next.

"How long are you and Clayton staying in Dallas?"

"I'm not sure.....Lucy, you're stalling."

This time Lucy smiled. Ellie had always been more of a mother than a grandmother to her. Ellie always told Lucy how much she reminded her of herself, when she was younger. Lucy often felt her grandmother could see right through her.

"Grandma.....I am taking someone to the ball. Someone who you may not be too thrilled with."

"Who?"

"Cliff Barnes."

"Oh no, Lucy, no. Just as the family might stand a chance of coming together, another wrench gets thrown in. How on earth did you and Cliff get together?"

"It happened the night of the last barbecue."

"That was before the shooting!"

"Grandmother, Mitch had the divorce papers delivered to me that night. I was a wreck and Cliff was a great comfort."

"I'm sure he was....."

"With the shooting and all, I don't think he and Afton are going to be married much longer."

"So now you're comforting him?"

"So to speak."

"Lucy, I hope you did not have anything to do with that man's marriage coming apart, or with Afton shooting him!"

Lucy sat silently, looking out the small window at the water.

"Lucy, I have always liked Cliff, but have you stopped to think about how this will impact the family? Can you imagine Cliff and your uncles sitting down for Christmas dinner together?"

Lucy giggled. "Grandma, we are not talking marriage or anything. We are just sort of seeing each other."

"Well, I think you're stepping in quicksand with this one. He is still married! You don't want to be implicated in his divorce or Afton's trial."

"Grandmother, you did not stop seeing Clayton with JR's objections or all the crap with Jessica."

"Lucy, I hardly see a comparison with Clayton. Cliff has had so many difficulties in his life and, despite my liking him, he is not the man Clayton is."

"I hope you're right, Grandma."

"So, you're determined to bring him to the ball? There is nothing I can say to change your mind?"

"No. I am sorry Grandma, but this is the best I have felt about a man in years. It is too good to let drop."

Ellie sighed, another complication, not as serious as some of the others, but another one just the same.

Afton left JR's room and headed towards her room. She ducked into the bar to ask to have a bottle sent to JR's room, as a thank you gesture. She saw Cliff sitting alone at a table in the back. Lucy did not see her as she entered the lounge. She headed to the table and Afton watched the two embrace. Afton's anger again started to rise. She had been flip flopping back and forth with what to do about her trial, deciding whether she could actually put the screws to the man she once loved, maybe still did. The kiss did it, it brought back seeing the two of them together the night of the Ewing barbecue. Cliff was dead meat. She was not going to prison. If anyone was, it was he. Pamela Rebecca would be better off without him, anyway. The thought of Lucy Ewing as stepmother to her daughter clinched the deal, no more flip-flopping. Cliff was going down!

Sue Ellen sat alone in her room. After a few moments of thought, she picked up the phone and dialed John Ross' hospital room.

"Hello, Mama?"

"Sue Ellen? Darling, is that you?"

"Yes Mama. How is John Ross? Have the doctors said anything else?"

"Sue Ellen, things are beginning to look up! The specialist says that there are definite signs of improvement. Small things, but still, signs of improvement."

"Oh God, thank goodness," said Sue Ellen, her eyes filling with tears of joy. "Mama, call me if anything else happens."

"I will honey, and you take care of yourself. John Ross is going to need a well-rested mother when he wakes up."

"Alright Mama. Take care of yourself now. John Ross is counting on you being there for him now."

"I will, Darling. Have fun on the cruise!"

"Goodnight!"

"Night, Mama..."

Sue Ellen jumped off the bed and was soon changed into one of her nicest dresses. Things were definitely beginning to turn around for her. She had beaten the bottle and John Ross was showing signs of improvement—now if only JR could just fall overboard.... Sue Ellen opened the door and walked out onto the deck where couples slow-danced beneath the pale red sky.

JR smiled when the bottle arrived at the door. He would to get the bottom of things with Miss Cooper before the cruise was over. He poured himself a glass and headed out onto the deck. He smiled when he saw his ex standing at the railing. "Thinking of taking a dip?"

"JR, I have had the biggest dip, you, nothing else would compare."

"Sue Ellen you're a riot." JR held his glass towards his wife. "Care for a sip? Or, if you want more, the bottle's in my room."

"It would take a miracle to get me into your room again, JR!"

"Who are you fooling? You would crawl naked across the deck for a shooter."

"JR, for your information, I am not drinking."

"For the moment."

"Ever again! I decided I need to be there for my son when he wakes. God Forbid all he sees when he wakes is your mug, not a reason to go on."

"You'll start drinking again, it's just a matter of time."

"I will make you a deal, JR. I will drink again.....a celebration drink, at your funeral."

"I think I will outlive you, my dear. The booze will kill you one of these days."

"JR, if for no other reason than to outlive you, I will stay sober. I am looking forward to the day when I can be a single parent, freeing John Ross from your influence."

"I love my son."

"Maybe, but he would be far better off without you in his life. I see him taking on subtle traits of yours, and it scares me to death."

JR was silent for awhile. He could never tell Sue Ellen, but he recently had been having the same fear. His part in his son's plight still weighed heavily on him. The cruise was a good diversion, but he could not escape his guilt. "Excuse me, Sue Ellen."

"Gladly."

JR headed back to his room. It was he, not his wife, who needed to drink tonight.

"Cliff, why are you so happy?"

Lucy and Cliff had been in the bar together for awhile. He was still beaming, almost child-like in his behavior.

"Lucy, I can't really say. I'm not sure I even really know. But just as my career in the Oil Business seemed over, someone came along to give me a boost."

"Who?"

"I don't know."

"Cliff, you're being awfully cryptic."

"I know. I'm sorry Lucy. I am just happy. You, however, seem a little distant."

"I know. I'm sorry. I have a lot on my mind."

"You worried about your family's reaction to us being together?"

"Not really. I was, but I spoke with Grandma. She is the one I was most worried about."

"How did the stoic Miss Ellie react?"

"As well as can be expected. I think there are greater problems with JR and Pam to worry too much about me."

"JR will pay for what he did to my sister."

"I hope you're right.... Cliff, have you told Pam about us? I haven't really had too much time with her since she returned, but she and I were once really close. I don't want to shock her, she has had enough surprises lately."

"You're right Lucy. I should find her and tell her myself, before word gets out."

"You don't have to leave right away, do you?"

"No."

Ewing and Barnes walked hand in hand back to the room of Lucy, soon to be Cooper-less, Ewing. There, minus the alcohol, they replayed the night of the barbecue. This time both were thinking much more clearly. The passion was now real. The first time had been a blur to both, neither knowing exactly what they thought of the other. This time, they were together because they wanted to be.

The various couples were all dancing in the ballroom on the Oil Baron's cruise: Bobby and Pam, Ray and Jenna, Clayton and Miss Ellie. Jenna could hardly stay focused on Ray; her gaze kept wandering over to Bobby and Pam. She wondered how long it would be before Ray noticed. Jenna couldn't get out of her mind what had transpired between her and Bobby when they had been lost over in Switzerland. She had been sincere when she had declared her love for Bobby; she thought he had been too. But looking over at him with Pamela, it almost made her physically ill, the way they looked at each other like a couple of teenagers, or a couple of newlyweds. Ray was a decent man, she thought, but her feelings for Bobby were just so much stronger.

Christopher watched his parents dance. He had heard from his father some of the story of how much he and his mother had loved each other, since he had been too young to really remember it firsthand. Now he could see how true it was; he hoped he could find the same kind of happiness with a special woman sometime in his life.

The song they had been dancing to stopped, and the couples broke off the dance floor. Bobby still thought of the talk he should have with Jenna as he escorted Pam back to their table. He decided now was as good a time as any to have this talk.

"Honey, I think I need to have a talk with Jenna. I feel like now is the time to try to clear the air with her." He could see by the look on her face that his having any kind of discussion with Jenna was painful to her but necessary.

"Do what you have to, Bobby," Pam said reasonably. "I would like this all to be resolved between you two."

"Well, no more than I would. I'll be back in a little while," he said as he walked over to where Jenna stood with Ray.

"Hi Ray, Jenna. Ray, do you mind if I have a few minutes alone with Jenna?"

"Sure Bob, go ahead." With that, Bobby and Jenna walked out to one of the outer decks to the warm, late summer, Gulf air.

"Jenna, I think it's time you and I cleared up what happened between us over in Switzerland. So much has happened in our lives since then."

"You mean like Pamela coming back into your life?" Jenna said with an edge in her voice.

"Yes, obviously that is a factor. Besides the fact that you are married to Ray. Jenna, I think you know I care very deeply for you and Charlie; I think of her as a daughter. Plus, Lucas is my son and I care for him very much, too. But I was afraid for my life over in Switzerland, Jenna; I let my fear control me. I had no idea Christopher had found Pam..."

"And Pamela being back in your life changes everything," Jenna interrupted. "I thought for a while when we were over there, that if we were rescued, that when we got home I might divorce Ray and get married to you," she said wistfully. "Ray is a wonderful man but he never took your place in my heart, and he never will."

Bobby tried to think of the kindest way to tell Jenna it was over between them, but an easy way just didn't present itself to him, so he was blunt. "Jenna, there can be nothing between you and me again, not anymore. I was wrong to tell you I loved you when we were lost. What I mean now is what I told you-- I care for you but that is all it will ever be now. Ray is about the best man I know; you should feel blessed to be married to him. I always loved Pam, and now that she is back there can be no one else for me."

Jenna decided to cut to the heart of the matter. "Do you intend to marry her?"

"That really doesn't concern you Jenna," Bobby said in a low voice. "That is between Pam and me."

"I'll take that as a yes then," Jenna said, her hurt clearly showing. "I guess we don't have anything else to say to each other then, do we? I guess I'll go find my husband," she said as she walked off. Bobby sighed and rubbed his face. That went about as well as I expected, he thought to himself. He went back to find Pam.

Pamela Rebecca and Eric sat adjacent each other at a small table outside. Darkness had fallen on the ship and the temperature was very pleasant. The salty smelling breeze blew across the occupants of the ship. The ship had really come alive after dark. People danced on the deck, lights were strung up everywhere, and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

"So, Pamela Rebecca," said Eric, "where are you from?"

"Dallas," replied Pamela Rebecca, picking at her food.

"Cool, I'm originally from Galveston, but I went to school in France for six years. I've just been back in Texas for two years now," explained Eric.

"Are you in the oil business? No offense, but you look a little young for that."

"I'm twenty-one and yes, I am in the oil business. My mom got me into it. She set me up with 50% of her company. I've grown fond of it, but I still like to have fun every now and then. What about you?"

"Oh, no," laughed Pamela, "I'm not in the oil business, I have no intention of ever being. I'm here with my parents."

"Ah, I didn't think you looked much like an oil baron, but you never can tell, these days. Have you enjoyed yourself so far?"

"Oh yes," smiled Pamela, thinking of John Ross.

"This is a nice boat, I don't think I've been on one quite so nice. It's got everything."

"I could tell you enjoyed your game with Chris this morning. You did a nice job with that one." Pamela's mind kept wandering, first to John Ross, then to Christopher, then to Pam and the blackmail scheme.

"Yes I did, would you like to dance? Everyone seems to be having a nice time out there, why don't we join them?"

"That would be great," said Pamela, getting up. Eric took her hand and led her out into the open.

Christopher sat alone at a table in the corner. He had watched them, hoping that they would hit it off so that he could be permanently rid of Pamela Rebecca for the rest of the cruise. He thought about Karen, wishing she were here instead of Pamela. An arm went around Christopher's neck and startled him.

"Guess who?"

"Oh my God, Karen!" said Christopher, turning around, "what are you doing here?"

"Well, I got back from Pennsylvania just in time to catch the boat. I told them that I was late and that I was with Mr. Christopher Ewing and the Ewing party. They let me on, just like that."

"Wow, I'm glad you're here. Maybe you can save me from Pamela Rebecca," laughed Christopher.

"I thought I should keep an eye on you two. I didn't want you to get too close to her," laughed Karen.

"You didn't have to worry about that," said Christopher, "I think she's found other things to occupy her time. Christopher pointed out to where Pamela and Eric were dancing.

"Woah, who is that?" Asked Karen.

"Eric somebody, I don't know his last name."

"Well, if he can take Pamela's mind off John Ross, then so be it, this is great."

"How about we join them and dance?" asked Christopher.

"Alright, let's go!"

JR was drunk. He lay on his bed, thinking of his ex-wife, Cliff and Lucy, and Pam and Bobby. He tried to focus in on thoughts of Afton Cooper, but his mind always ended up back on his son. He was afraid to sleep; the thought of horrible nightmares returning was not something he relished. Despite it being a dream, hearing his father's words of hate shook him to the core.

He picked up the phone by the bed, and clumsily dialed the number to her Hotel. She had decided not to stay at Southfork because of the distance to the hospital. Patricia was still up, reading a romance novel when the phone rang. "Hello?"

"How's my boy?" JR's voice was slow and slurred.

"JR, is that you, are you okay?

"Damnit woman, I asked how my boy is!"

"He's fine JR, still sleeping comfortably. There hasn't been any change. I told all this to Sue Ellen, earlier tonight."

"I don't care if you told Sue Ellen. I am the boy's father and if I call, you will tell me!"

"Fine, JR. Obviously, you're drunk, so maybe I should hang up. Call me back tomorrow."

"Don't hang up on me you old bag. I need to know if John Ross is ok. I NEED to know! I need to know that what I did will not hurt him forever!"

JR was not too drunk to realize that he had said too much.

"Patricia?! Patricia?!"

There was silence on the other end, then a dial tone. JR sat holding the phone for a minute. Did she hear, he wondered? She couldn't have, stupid bitch anyway. He passed out on his bed. He would awake in the morning and not even remember having made the phone call.

Cutter entered the Fairview suite with his own key and surveyed the main room for the woman he had come to visit.

"Abby?" He yelled.

From the bathroom, her voice could be heard, answering. "In here, Cutter."

He entered the large bathroom to find Abby amidst a bubble bath, the room lit only by candles.

"You look absolutely beautiful."

Abby smiled a faux smile. "So, how are things going over at Ewing Oil? Is everything proceeding to plan?"

He sat at the edge of the basin and began stroking her naked shoulder. "Everything's fine. Gary is just as you said he would be. He's very eager to take any advice that will make him look good to his family."

Abby smiled a real smile this time. "I knew it. He's always been eager to please, always seeking approval."

Cutter leaned over and kissed her lips, gently. "What's the status with NorthStar?"

"Please. It couldn't have been any easier. That Barnes character signed the papers without even going over them. He has no idea that his absence of over 2 days will automatically give me sole ownership of his company."

Cutter undressed and joined Abby in the over-sized tub. "Oh, this is great, Abby. We're going to have everything we've wanted, and more."

"Cutter, darling, you should know by now; I always get what I want; and I want Ewing Oil and NorthStar." She smiled her evil grin and began massaging Cutter's well-muscled shoulders. "You just keep feeding Gary my instructions, and it'll all be over in just a few days."

Anita awakened, groggy. The room was blurry but everything soon came to focus. A feeling of terror came to her when she remembered that Stockton intended to kill her. She had to escape!

"Did you have a nice nap?" asked Stockton.

Anita stared at him, trying to think of how she could get away.

"Miss Smithfield, I've grown quite fond of you lately. It's not going to be easy for me to do away with you, just like that."

"Oh, I'm sure it won't," said Anita, sarcastically.

"Even looking death in the face, you still manage to keep your sense of humor. I like that."

"What are you planning on doing to me?" asked Anita.

"I'm not sure yet. We could go the adventurous route, and throw you overboard...let you drift at sea for a few days...or until the sharks find you. Maybe we could finish it quickly. I did bring a gun, you know."

"My God, you're deranged!"

"Maybe I am just a little crazy, but if you had put up with what I have, then you would be too."

"Oh yeah...and I haven't had to put up with anything for this last month. You'd just better hope I don't get the chance, because I plan to kill you first," said Anita, who would later be surprised at what she had said.

"Ah, a competition. The race is on...the most dangerous game," laughed Stockton.

"Let's not forget that JR is on this boat. I'm sure he's already had people looking for me. He will find me."

Stockton laughed, "I've taken the liberty of letting JR, and your law firm, know that you've taken a few months to go to Greece. They all think you've been there for the past month, living life to it's fullest. It's a shame they don't know the truth."

"You bastard! You're going to pay for this! You'll regret it to your dying day...and if I have anything to do with it, that should be pretty soon."

"Now, it seems like you're the one who is crazy. Those are the words of a mad-woman," laughed Stockton.

"I will get out. Everybody's going to know about you, but it's going to be posthumous. I'll plead self-defense. After all, you do have that gun."

"It's all going to be too late for you...just wait and see..."

Credits Roll

<--- Previous Episode    Next Episode --->