"You startled me for a minute there!" he exclaimed.

"Well, I was beginning to wonder how far I would have to go to find you; you have been gone a while. How did it go with Jenna? Judging by the look on your face, not too well."

"You're right there. But anyway, I don't want to talk about her right now. I would much rather direct my attentions to you," he said, taking her in his arms and kissing her. "Pam, how long has it been since I told you how much I love you?"

"Not very long, but women like to hear those words often."

Bobby pulled Pam even closer to him and tightened his embrace. "Pam, please promise me you'll never leave again."

"Sweetheart, I already told you I never would. You seem very upset though. I am assuming it is because of Jenna."

"I'm just getting worried she might try to cause trouble between us. But I am determined not to let her, " he said, trying to lift his mood for her benefit. "Now let's go back inside before we get everyone looking for us."

The sky was dark and the sea had grown choppy and gray. The enormous ship, the Oil Baron, sat in a wide expanse of angry sea, though the passengers would almost have never known; the ship was still and calm, due to its large size. The rain had begun to pelt down on the deck and the passengers were forced to retreat to their staterooms or somewhere else, indoors. A few remained outside, seemingly impervious of the rain that fell on them. Even some remained in the pool and more sat under the covered tables.

Marilee Stone was one of these people. She sat at a large table all alone, surveying the crowd over her martini glass, not able to pick out many familiar faces. It had been some time since she had been in Dallas—she had spent much time traveling in Europe and the Middle East. There had been someone else to take care of her company for her, someone who she knew she could trust to do a good job, despite his young age.

Eric appeared and took a seat at the table with her. "Good morning, Mom. Enjoying yourself?"

"Yes, I've had a fabulous time. I've talked to a few old friends and even made a few new ones. What about you?"

"Last night was like a dream. I met this girl; she was unlike anyone I've ever met. I'm not so sure her date was as happy about my meeting her as I was, but I guess he can live with that."

"Oh? You stole someone's date?" laughed Marilee. "You're reminding me of JR Ewing. He used to be the same way…so did his brother Bobby. It must run in the Ewing family."

"I think this girl I met is affiliated with the Ewings. She was with Bobby Ewing's son, Christopher."

"Wow, not only did you steal someone's girl, but that someone was a Ewing!"

"You almost sound proud," laughed Eric.

"Maybe I am, but it also worries me a bit—I'm picturing my son marrying into the Ewing family. That could be a pretty picture, but more than likely, not."

"Jeez mom, I just met the girl! I wouldn't think a wedding is anywhere in my future. By the way, what I wanted to talk to you about…"

"Sure, what is it?"

"I know you probably don't want to discuss business while on this 'vacation' so-to-speak, but this is something we should discuss."

"Ok, go ahead."

"I talked a bit with Don Van Alton this morning. He's trying to sell off a few fields to lighten his load up. I believe he's going to retire and he really has no one to inherit his company. Anyway, I came across a good plot for Stone-Hurst and I think we shouldn't pass it by. I've set up a lunch meeting with Van Alton this afternoon and I'd like for you to be there."

"Well, that sounds good, but I think you can handle that. You've proven yourself to be quite an oilman over and over. This might be the chance you've been looking for to make your mark in the world of the oil business."

"Woah, you think so? It seems like a good, safe investment to me, but I've always had you there for support."

"I trust your judgement Eric, this is your chance, go for it."

"Thanks Mom," smiled Eric. "I'll just take a look at his reports before I jump into anything. The last thing I want to do is make a fool out of Stone-Hurst Oil. We've been the underdog for too long—it's time for us to rise again."

JR was drinking coffee, lots of coffee. He had awoken with a hangover, his first in many years. JR had decided awhile ago that alcohol did not work for him, too many years of bourbon and branches. He regretted drinking too much last night. It had been a difficult few weeks for the eldest Ewing son. His son was still in the hospital and his guilt was getting to him. In addition, his family, even his mother, was blaming him for what had happened to Pam. Damn her return! She was always a thorn in his side, mostly because she was one of the only women he had not been able to bed and he longed for that. But JR knew, for one of the first times in his life, he was being wrongfully accused. He had had nothing to do with Pam being locked away. No one believed him and, given that he had no idea where Katherine was, he had no way to clear himself. He had been enjoying his play with Afton, but was unsure of whether he wanted to bother staying on board for the ball. He was thinking of getting off the ship at the next port and flying back to Dallas. His thoughts were stopped cold with a familiar, but annoying, voice behind him.

"JR, how ya doin?" Lucy smiled at her uncle.

JR only gave her his usual look of disgust. Her question was laden with sarcasm, and did not require an answer.

"Come on, JR. Aren't you happy out here on the open seas? Must be watching your back with all the people on board wanting to make you shark bait."

"Lucy, is there a purpose to this conversation?"

"Well actually there is...." Lucy sat down across from her uncle and placed the orange juice she was holding on the table.

"Oh God! You're sitting. Does that mean that I must continue to listen to your whining?"

"Just for a minute, uncle dear.....You're looking a little, well, not great. Bottle for one last night?"

"Lucy, what the hell do you want?"

"Well, the anti-Streisand shared some news."

"Who?"

"Afton. She told me that you know about me and Cliff."

"Lucy, you have always been a magnet for the world's biggest losers, but you have really reeled in the big one this time."

"Well, I just wanted to tell you that there is nothing you can do about it."

"Lucy, why the hell should I care if you sleep with Cliff Barnes? The two of you make the perfect couple and he is a little closer to your height than most of your men."

Lucy stood up and glared at her Uncle. "I am just making sure that there is not going to be any trouble!"

"I only cause trouble for those I care about."

"You certainly caused a lot of trouble for Pam!"

"Lucy, I hope you and Cliff will be truly happy together. He is an idiot, so are you. Should be a match made in heaven."

"Well, at least I have a date for the ball."

"And....so do I."

"Who the hell would go with you? Certainly, not Sue Ellen."

"No....I think you know her. You shared a moment in the barn a few weeks ago."

"JR, you have sunk to a new low. You are not going to the Ball with Afton, are you?"

"Would that bother you? Think Cliff might be a little jealous, leave his new squeeze for his old one?"

"I swear JR, if you do anything to screw up my relationship with Cliff, you will pay."

"Oh, Lucy.... I am shaking in my boots. You, as always, will screw up this relationship, just as you have always done.... Let's see... Kit, Alan, Mitch, Mickey, Peter, that Eddie fella, Mitch again, Casey Denault, who am I forgetting? It's a long list of losers who have run, or died, just to rid themselves of you."

Lucy got up and picked up her orange juice. As she walked past her uncle, she dropped the drink into his lap.

"JR, the list of women who regret sleeping with you would be longer than the dictionary!

JR just laughed as his niece walked away in a huff. God it felt good to laugh!

Clayton had been jogging. He had not been feeling too well lately. He had been worried about Ellie ever since they had returned to Dallas. He wanted nothing more than to return to their home in Europe, but he knew it was important to support his wife in trying to bring her family back together. Although he would not admit it to his wife, he thought she was fighting an uphill battle. Lucy passed him on the deck. She was in a hurry, and looked angry, he put a hand on his step- grand-daughter's shoulder as she walked by. "Lucy, is everything okay?"

"Get your filthy hands off me, you bastard!" Lucy continued walking down the deck.

Clayton stood in shock. He had always gotten along well with Lucy. He was probably closer with her than with anyone else in Ellie's family. This was the second time, this cruise, she had been rude to him. He did not know what was going on with her, but intended to find out.

It was 8am in Austin, Texas. Valene stood looking in the mirror of her very cozy hotel suite, feeling very nervous about the coming day. It was ironic, she thought, that the movie industry had taken such a keen interest in operating in Austin, and Texas in general. She remembered all the difficulties she had encountered in Hollywood while negotiating a screenplay deal, which had eventually fallen through due to problems with, and the subsequent death of, her co-writer.

Now, here she found herself back in Gary's home state. She was finding the whole movie industry experience much more pleasant and productive. This studio that was courting her, Abberation Studios, was treating her like pure gold. The executives had extended complete autonomy to her, allowing her to write her own material at her own pace, however she might see fit. This morning she was to meet with the studio's top executive to sign the final contract.

She would, of course, have to stay here in Austin for another few days. She was a little worried about leaving Gary alone in Dallas, but he seemed to have things under control. He was busy making history, she thought, symbolizing the absolute end of the Barnes-Ewing feud with the Barnes-Ewing One Project. She smiled and realized how proud of Gary she was, to know that he was accomplishing what none of his brothers had ever been able to.

Realizing, suddenly, that she was running somewhat late, she hurried the process of inserting her earrings and dashed for the door. As she opened the door to exit, the phone rang. Val contemplated, for a moment, not answering as she was already late, but her conscience got the best of her and she returned inside to answer.

"This is Valene Ewing."

"Mrs. Ewing, Trent Bond with Abberation here. I'm glad I caught you."

Embarrassed, Val responded. "Well, I was just on my way down to the car."

"Well, I have a suggestion for you. Why don't you take the day off and have your driver take you out to Lake Travis. It's quite scenic out there, not to be missed while in Austin, actually."

"Mr. Bond, I don't understand. Is there some problem with the contract?"

"Oh, no ma'am, not at all. It's just that the final draft of the paperwork isn't yet ready. It should be first thing in the morning. Now, go…….enjoy your day here."

"Well, ok…." She hesitated.

"Don't worry about a thing, Mrs. Ewing. We'll take care of all this tomorrow morning."

With that, the conversation was ended and both parties hung up. Trent Bond walked from his office to the outer office of the studio and made directions to his assistant. "Call Ms. Fairgate and let her know that we have Mrs. Ewing here for at least one more night."

Cut to Abby Fairgate's suite at the Dallas Fairview Hotel

"……well, that's excellent news. Tell Trent I said to keep up the good work and to remember what a good thing it can be to be on my team." Abby hung up the phone and turned in her bed to Cutter, who was lying next to her.

She laid her head on Cutter's chest and rubbed her fingers over the spot of hair that covered it.

"Sounds like you've got things covered with Valene Ewing."

"Oh, please. Was there ever any doubt that I could? That country bumpkin has never been a problem for me. She's so insecure about living in the world of the wealthy and powerful that she's a pushover." Abby rolled her eyes contemptuously at the thought of Valene's weakness.

"Yes, but what about her husband?"

"Don't forget that I was married to him for a number of years. I've got him pegged to perfection. I know exactly where his weaknesses lie."

Cutter became very excited by Abby's confidence. He rolled over on top of her and asked, "so, what's our next move, baby?"

Rubbing her finger across his square chin, Abby instructed. "It's time to remove Gary from the equation. We've got him right where we want him, alone and vulnerable. You've got his meeting with the people from my Taiwan operation set for today?"

"Just like you told me to."

"Good. I want you to really push him to invest with them. As long as he is unaware that I own the company, he should go for it."

Cutter looked confused and rolled back over to his side of the bed. "I don't understand how that will help, Abby. Won't it just make him a power in your operation?"

Abby laughed. "Oh, no, no, no, Cutter. It will put him in my hands. You'll see."

Abby leaned over and kissed him passionately. The fire between the two grew to an inferno. Abby, while allowing Cutter to lose himself in ecstasy, thought of how easy young men were to control. She knew that Cutter wanted to marry her and she needed for him to think that it would happen, for now. It wouldn't ever come to be, however. She had bigger plans for her marital status and they involved the name Ewing!

Karen Beam sat in front of a large, elegantly furnished vanity in Christopher's room. She brushed her hair, only slightly paying attention to what she was doing. Her mind kept wandering to what had happened last night. She tried to tell herself that what she and Christopher had done wasn't wrong—she knew that Pamela Rebecca would never give up John Ross. She knew that she might as well find someone else; last night, that someone else had been Christopher. Still, she felt guilty. After all, John Ross was back in Dallas, in a coma, helpless…Karen turned to see Christopher still asleep. She did love him, it was definitely not a one-night stand—but John Ross was her first love. She turned and went back to the task of brushing her hair.

"Morning," said Christopher, startling her to the point of dropping her brush. It clattered to the floor, making a noise, startling her again.

"Oh, good morning Christopher," she said, turning around.

"You don't look too happy to see me," said Christopher, "Don't tell me that you regret last night—I didn't."

"No, it's not that, but I was just thinking about it—and John Ross."

Christopher felt a tinge of jealousy. He loved his cousin with all his heart, but there were times, especially when they were kids, that he had wished he could get away for a while. John Ross always seemed to get his way in everything—even now. Chris began to feel guilty about the thoughts he had just been thinking. John Ross was paralyzed and in a coma; he might possibly never recover. "Oh, in what way?"

"I guess I'm feeling a bit of guilt, after all, look at John's condition."

"I know what you mean. But Karen, John Ross has Pamela Rebecca. Have you forgotten the night that you saw him and Pamela at the Doubletree? That hasn't been resolved and it won't be until John Ross wakes up. I guess we're all sort of stuck in suspended animation because of it."

"I know, I know, I feel so helpless. I wish he would wake up so we could straighten everything out."

"Yeah, me too," said Christopher, holding Karen next to him. "Hey, do you want to go for a walk out on deck?"

"Well Mr. Sleepyhead, if you had been up earlier, you would know that it's raining outside."

"What a shame," smiled Christopher, "we'll have to stay in here all day…all alone!"

"Hi, Cliff."

Afton stood in the doorway of her husband's room.

"Afton, what a nice surprise."

"Really? You weren't expecting someone else, were you?"

"No.... How are you? I was really surprised to find out you were on board."

"Why is that Cliff? Pamela is here. Why wouldn't a mother be with her daughter?"

"Of Course, Afton, but it's just that when you said no to my invitation, I assumed you were not coming."

"Well, you assumed wrong."

"Well, would you like to come in? No, better yet, want to join me for breakfast?"

"Breakfast?" Afton grinned at her husband. "Why in the hell do you think I would want to have breakfast with you?"

"Afton, I am confused. The last time we spoke, at the apartment, we were getting along. I was hopeful we might get through this."

"Really? Is that why, as soon as I declined your invitation, you called that skank Lucy Ewing and invited her to the ball?"

"How do you know that?"

"I am sure you have boarded more than the ship."

"Afton, I am not sure where your head is, but I still love you. We can work things out, if that's what you want."

Afton began to laugh, "Cliff you must be insane, just like your sister."

"Don't speak about Pam that way!"

"Pam? I was thinking of Katherine, but Pam may fit as well."

"Afton..."

"Cliff, the only reason I made my way down here was to give you and your pigmy my best wishes. You can have Lucy! I want a divorce! Your years of abuse are over, I want a divorce."

"Abuse!!!... Afton, the only abuse in our marriage was when you shot me!"

"Well, maybe we should leave it to the judge." Afton turned and walked away leaving Cliff standing in shock in his doorway.

Donna Dowling had just finished her lunch and her thoughts ran again to the calls she had received from Valene Ewing. She had decided, after some time to think, that she was being a bit paranoid and that there was no way the Ewings could know what the news was that she had for them. She decided to place a call to Southfork to discover what Val had wanted with her and to obtain Miss Ellie's phone number.

Judy answered the phone at the very quiet Ewing residence. "Ewing residence, may I help you?"

"Uh, hi. This is Donna Dowling. Is Valene Ewing in, please?"

"I'm sorry Mrs. Dowling, but Mrs. Ewing has gone to Austin for a few days. Would you like to try and reach her there?"

"Well, I wouldn't want to invade her privacy."

"Oh, no Mrs. Dowling. Mrs. Ewing left specific instructions to let you know how to contact her."

"Well, in that case…….." Donna surprisedly responded.

Jane proceeded to provide Donna with the information she needed to contact Val and then informed her that the rest of the family was away at sea and that she would have Miss Ellie call upon her return.

After the call had ended, Donna sighed with a small amount of relief. She was sure now that her surprise for the Ewings had not been spoiled.

Christopher stepped out of the shower to see Karen getting dressed. The two had made plans to appear before the family tonight; even though Chris knew that they would be hesitant to accept he and Karen as a couple—after all, Karen was originally John Ross' girl.

"You nervous Karen?"

"About what? Why would I be nervous?"

"The family is going to know about our relationship tonight."

"I know JR isn't going to like it. I'm sure he wanted John Ross and I to be married."

"Karen, there's something you should know about that," said Christopher, getting her attention. "Think back to the wedding. You and John Ross were about to be married—your dad runs in to stop it. He has a bit of information—Pamela Rebecca is pregnant with John Ross' baby. Did you not ever wonder or question how Alan knew about that?"

"No, I didn't. But, now that I think about it, there would be no way he could have known on his own—unless he had help."

"Exactly, Karen. JR did not want John Ross to marry you. I've heard he always hated your dad, just as bad as your dad hates the Ewings. JR somehow found out about that and convinced your dad to break up the wedding. That way, the two both got what they wanted."

"Oh no. If that's true, then JR is as bad as everyone says."

"It is true and JR is much worse than that."

"That bastard is going to pay for this!" said Karen angrily. She made her way to the door; Christopher grabbed her arm.

"Karen, just think. If JR hadn't stopped the wedding, you and I might not be together now."

"Yes, but John Ross wouldn't be in a coma now, either, now would he?" Karen stormed out of the room; Christopher ran after her.

"Karen! Karen, wait…" yelled Christopher. Chris caught up with her, grabbed her arm, and kissed her. A few moments later, Karen had cooled down. "Karen, I think it's best to wait to confront JR. Let's expose him at a time that it's really going to hurt."

"You're right. That man is going to pay."

"Yes he will, but not now, now is not the time. We've got to plan this out."

Pamela Rebecca knocked on the door of room number forty-seven. She had waited around the corner for a half-hour for Bobby to leave before she made her move. The door opened, it was Pam.

"Hi Aunt Pam. I need to talk to you."

"Oh, I wonder why," replied Pam, "come on in."

"Thanks," said Pamela Rebecca, entering the room. "I was wondering if you had made any moves yet with the information we have."

"As a matter of fact, no I haven't. I haven't found quite the right time yet."

"Oh, I see."

"But I will. This could be the last straw for JR. I thought for sure that when Miss Ellie found out what JR had done to me, that she would have nothing more to do with him. Yet, the Ewings have accepted him again. They always do, but not this time. This time they won't. When they find out that JR was responsible for his own son's accident, they'll want nothing more to do with him."

"It sounds like you have a plan."

"Yes, I do."

"When?"

"Two nights from tonight. The night of the Oil Baron's Ball. JR Ewing is going to get what's been coming to him for a long time, right in front of everyone."

"Well, you can bet I'll be there. I'll see you later."

"Ok, Pamela Rebecca. Bye."

Pamela Rebecca left the room.

Bobby came back in the state room he and Pam were sharing. He hadn't ventured out on the decks because of the poor weather conditions, but still he had done some thinking about his life as it stood now. He bent over to kiss Pam. "Hi honey. Was anyone here while I was gone?"

"Just Pamela Rebecca."

"Was that about anything important, or just a niece seeing her aunt?"

"It depends on your perspective, hon," Pam decided to tell Bobby of some other things JR had done. "Bobby, what all do you think JR is capable of doing? I mean, even to his own family?"

"Given what he did to you for all those years, I would think almost anything. My brother has no scruples, as you well know. But you are spoiling my mood by talking about him right now. There are other things I would like to talk about," he said, sitting down next to her on the bed.

"Hmmm, I like how this is starting out," she said, leaning over to kiss him. "What did you have in mind?"

Bobby tried to organize his thoughts so this would come out as he wanted it to. "Pam, almost nothing makes me more upset and angry than the thoughts of what JR did to you for all those 11 years. I hate the thought of how you and I wasted all that time apart. I know we can never make up for all that time , but I don't want us to waste any more time apart. What I am asking is if you will marry me again. We don't have to live under the same roof as JR; I would like to throw him out of there on his no-good ass when we get back home, since I own the house. I love you though, and I know you still love me. Maybe the third time around will be the charm for us," he said lightheartedly. "So... will you marry me again?"

"Oh, Bobby of course I'll marry you!" she exclaimed ecstatically. "I have been waiting for this ever since we found each other again!" With that she went willingly into his arms and they fell back on the bed.

Ellie had the family all at the same table. It took a lot of doing, but they were all there. She was not going to pressure Pam and Bobby into sitting at the same table with JR, but they surprisingly accepted. Ellie watched Lucy and Ray at the buffet table. Jenna was chatting with Sue Ellen near the end of the table. At the other end, far from where Jenna and Ray were sitting, were Pam and Bobby. Christopher also joined the group. Now, if Ellie only knew where Clayton was. He was late. As the last of the Ewings sat with their food, Ellie began to speak. "While we are waiting for Clayton, I would like to make a toast."

"We could be waiting awhile." Lucy said, and under her breath she muttered, "There are a lot of showgirls on this boat."

"To the Ewings. Despite our fights, our battles, we are a family and I want to toast all of you. I know how difficult it was for some of you to sit at this table together, but I am hopeful the fact that you all did means that we all share the same goal, to remain a family."

"Yeah." Pam whispered to Bobby with a smile. "That's why I'm here."

JR rose and lifted his glass in the air. "Mama, if I might add something..." JR looked directly at Pam and Bobby. "I want to say that despite the fact that some of you believe I played a part in Pam's being away, I did not, and I just want to toast her arrival back to Dallas and to the Ewing family."

Jenna set her glass back on the table, not unnoticed by Ray.

"JR, I would prefer you not even mention Pamela's name." Bobby stared at his brother with hate.

"Bob, we have got to get beyond this. You're my brother. You know I would never do anything to hurt you."

"JR, you don't care who you hurt; me, Pam, even Mamma or your son."

Sue Ellen could not help the small smile that started to occur.

JR was shaken once again by the mention of his son, and sat without another word.

Clayton walked briskly up to the table. "Sorry everyone. I got chatting with one of the cruise directors and lost track of time."

"She wasn't charging by the hour, then?"

The group sat shocked at Lucy's comment. The shock mostly concerned a confusion over what she had said, and why she had said it."

Ellie looked at Lucy with a combination of confusion and disgust. "Lucy, this dinner and this cruise were meant to help bring the family together. If you are having a problem with my husband, I would suggest you work it out or keep those type of comments to yourself." Ellie at once felt guilt for the sharp tone she had used toward her grand daughter, but she was working hard on reuniting her family and this was not the first time Lucy had been rude to Clayton since they boarded the boat.

"You're right, Grandma." Lucy got up and turned to Clayton. "I do not think I can sit at the same table with you, so I think it best that I leave." Lucy dropped her napkin on her seat and left the dining room.

"I am sorry everyone. I must have offended Lucy, though I have no idea when, but I think maybe I should try to find her and work things out." Clayton nodded at Ellie and followed in the direction that Lucy had gone.

Jenna leaned in towards Ray. "I thought the fireworks were going to be between Pam and JR."

Sue Ellen, who overheard added, "or you and Pam..."

The Ewings, what was left of them, began to eat their meal. Few words other than "pass the salt" were heard from the table for the next twenty minutes. Ellie considered starting conversation, but after looking at the faces of her family...decided not to bother.

Afton sat at a table by herself, watching the goings on of the Ewing Clan. She had told Pamela Rebecca to meet her, but she was almost a half -hour late. Afton was getting a little tired of her daughter's avoidance of late. She knew her daughter was up to something. She had been so caught up in the shooting and upcoming trial, that her daughter had not been a priority. It was obvious Pamela was not going to show, so she ate dinner, spending her solitude plotting revenge against her husband. She thought of herself and Pamela and her new grandchild sharing their home, just the three of them. With Cliff away in jail, she would have the freedom to start a new life, one not bogged down with Cliff and his constant neediness. It would be a welcome relief.

Don Van Alton took a seat opposite Eric at the small, covered table. The two men shook hands and Eric explained that his mother wouldn't be attending the meeting.

"This infernal rain is going to be the death of an old man like me," said Van Alton, shaking of a small umbrella. "I expected to have a little fun in the sun, not a whole day of rain!"

"I know, it is sort of depressing. Now, those fields you wanted to sell off. I've done some more research and they definitely do look sound."

"Of course they are. There's oil in that land that hasn't even been tapped yet," said the bearded man.

"Yes, I'm sure there is. I'm most interested in the ones in Braddock county right now, since I will be returning there soon. I'll want to arrange a trip out there to see them, but I don't see any reason holding back now, if you have the papers."

"Oh yes, yes," said Van Alton, opening up his briefcase. "I've taken the liberty of having my lawyer draw them up ahead of time, so all that's left to do is for you to sign."

Eric took the papers and peered over them before signing.

"Thanks, I'll be in touch."

Van Alton shook Eric Stone's hand and walked away, unfurling his umbrella before stepping out into the afternoon rain.

"Well Eric, you've really pulled off a good one this time," said Eric to himself as he got up and proceeded to his room.

It had been a long day for Gary Ewing. He sat at his desk eating a sandwich, which Cutter had ordered for him.

The trip out to Barnes-Ewing One had been very informative and very tiring. Gary was a little concerned that the pumping rate might be a little too high, but he would have to clear that up with Cliff Barnes, upon his return from sea.

The meeting with the people from Taiwan had gone extremely well. They had won him over with their genuine attitudes and Cutter had strongly advised that he move quickly on the investment, which he intended to do. In fact, he intended to finalize the deal this evening in a last minute meeting.

His thoughts turned to his wife and he decided to try her in Austin. To his surprise, he found her in her room. The two shared with one another the events of the day and both realized how much they missed one another, being together.

Things were right on schedule for Abby Fairgate. She had a young spy in place at Ewing Oil; tomorrow she would assume sole control over Northstar Oil; Gary had unknowingly signed up to be her partner in Taiwan just a few hours ago, rendering them coupled in two ventures now; Valene was being kept occupied in Austin; the Ewings we still at sea for another 2 days.

In the morning, it would be time to go to Gary. For now, however, it was time to celebrate and Cutter was really good in that capacity. It was a shame, she thought, that he would have to be lost so soon. She was comforted, though, knowing that his replacement in her bed was a much more seasoned and rugged man. That thought excited her almost as much as the thought of owning Ewing Oil!

Ah, Ewing Oil, JR Ewing's favorite toy. He wouldn't let her have it without a fight, which is why she intended to cover her bases before he knew anything about the situation. There was one glitch regarding her ownership of the company and she knew that JR would fire it at her, first thing. Thank God she had her secret weapon!

Pam sat at her vanity, preparing herself for the nights activities. Her eyes fell on a book of matches lying near the edge of the vanity. She gazed at it, as if staring into an open flame and her face appeared blank.

Pam was overjoyed, she would finally be able to have a child again—the child that she and Bobby had always longed for. It was finally going to happen, the doctor had given her a really good prognosis. She filled Bobby in on the good news and her joy soon spread across long distance to him. Something was about to happen, this moment couldn't last forever—something had to give. Pam put down the phone and stared ahead. She froze. She was speechless. She later wouldn't remember what had happened. A tanker truck, coming across the road, there was no time to stop, she would hit. The words flammable were sprawled across the side of the tanker. Thoughts flashed through her mind—meeting Bobby at the barbecue, marrying him, confronting the Ewings, Mark Graison, Katherine, her son Christopher. Their faces flashed through her mind within a split second. It went by so fast, yet it seemed to also draw out forever. The tanker grew ever nearer. She couldn't stop. A crash. An explosion. Fire, intense fire, surrounding her. Everything was so hot, then blackness.

Hours later, she had awakened in the hospital to find herself bandaged up and the room aglow with a reddish tinge, as if it were on fire--or if she was in hell. She didn't remember who she was or what had happened. She didn't remember Bobby, Mark, JR, or Christopher. All was blank. A few days later her memory would return, but it would be too late to save her from a fate almost worse than death. JR and Katherine, standing beside her bed. Katherine was wearing a nurse's uniform. They were the first people she remembered. At first she was overjoyed to see someone she knew, but then she heard them.

"Katherine, no one can EVER know about this, do you understand?"

"Yes JR, I understand. The stakes are too high. Pam will be locked away forever, away from Dallas, away from her precious Bobby, away from EVERYTHING."

"I'll finally be rid of her for good," laughed JR. "Poor thing, it's probably best for her. Bobby would never quite feel the same about a Pam who's face was burned and scarred. Which brings me to the heart of the plan. We make it LOOK as if Pam wanted to go away on her own free will. Bobby would honor her request to be left alone, I know my brother."

"You're right, it's all perfect." Katherine took out a bottle of chloroform and soaked a cloth with it. She pressed it against Pam's nose.

For Pam, again, everything went black. She would later wake up in a sanitarium, where she would spend the next few years, a living hell—all because of JR Ewing.

"Nooo!" screamed Pam. She picked up a bottle of perfume and hurled it at the mirror—at the face that would never be quite the same again. Tears in her eyes, she made herself a promise. JR would pay. Not only for the hell he had put her through, but for the day to day torment that those around him faced. Miss Ellie, Sue Ellen, Bobby, John Ross—and those who had suffered worse fates due to JR's ways like Mickey Trotter. JR would pay, he would pay dearly…for every dirty, low-down thing he had ever done to anyone. The night of the Oil Baron's Ball. She pulled a gun out of her purse, making sure it was loaded. She would finish the task that both Kristin and Sue Ellen had attempted. She was going to kill him.

Clayton saw Lucy. She was at the rail, staring out at the sea. "Lucy, we need to talk."

"Clayton, not now. I am not up to it."

"Too bad, you have been shunning me for days. What is going on?"

Lucy glared at Clayton.

"Lucy, if I have done something to offend you, I am truly sorry, but you must enlighten me so that I can know what the devil is going on."

"Let me ask you a question then, Clayton."

"Shoot."

"If only I had a gun!"

"Lucy, this must be serious. I have never seen such anger in you, other than that directed at JR."

"Clayton, do you remember, a while ago, when I was dating Eddie Cronin?"

"The construction worker?"

"That's him"

"Sort of, Lucy. What does this have to do with what's going on?"

"Well, if you remember, I was hiding the fact that I was a waitress back then, spending a lot of time away from the family."

"I remember I was worried about how you were treating your grandmother."

"Yes, and one day I came home, and you raked me over the coals for not being there enough for her."

"Lucy, I do remember that, but again, how is that tied to what is happening between us now?"

"It isn't really. I just remember you were angry with me and threatened to put me over your knee and spank me... I have just been wondering lately if that might have been something sexual."

A look of shock came over Clayton, and for a moment he could not speak. Clayton stumbled to regain from Lucy's comment and when he could speak, he spoke like someone who had the wind knocked out of him."

"Lucy, please tell me why you would say such a disturbing thing?"

"My friend, Muriel, you didn't seem to remember her. Was she just one of many?"

"One of many what?"

"One of many prostitutes you visited since you have been married to my grandmother?"

Clayton knew at once what was going on. She looked different, but it was clear to him who Muriel was. It was clear to him what Lucy was angry about.

"Lucy, you have got to give me some time to explain this. It is not a simple thing to answer. Let's go inside and I will try to help you to understand."

"There is nothing to understand, Clayton! If you have an explanation, maybe you can give it Grandma. I think she needs to know the truth." Lucy began to walk away from Clayton.

"Lucy, please let's finish this."

"Clayton, don't try to stop me! Grandma has the right to know what has been going on!"

"Lucy... your grandmother does know."

Lucy stopped short in her tracks.

Credits Roll

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