Finally Cliff spoke, "I am listening, I am just not sure If I am believing."

"Well you had better believe it, I just got back from Dr. Balderson's, you can call and ask him yourself if you don't believe me. Cliff don't you see, this changes everything, we can be a family again, raise our child, this time together. You missed so many years with Pamela Rebecca, this time you can be the father you always wanted to be....the one Digger could never be to you."

"You leave Digger the hell out of this!"

"Cliff, I am sorry, but you and Pam practically raised yourselves, please don't let this child come into the world in a jail cell, I could not bear that."

"I couldn't either..."

Afton smiled under her breath; maybe she wasn't going to jail after all. "Cliff I still love you, I want you back, I forgive you for sleeping with Lucy, I know you were drunk, please forgive me for the shooting, I was angry, hurt, I am truly sorry."

It was an unusually cold morning at Southfork. Overnight, a cold front had begun to blow through and the usual rains that accompany such a front were still present. Outside, the chill in the air was coupled with dark skies and a misty rain. The outdoor patio was no place to enjoy breakfast this morning, as it was many, many mornings throughout the year.

Not many who lived at the ranch were in much a mood for a jubilant breakfast, anyway. In fact, two of the home's inhabitants were so determined on another front that they had forgotten all about eating.

Sue Ellen and Valene Ewing were two women who were on a mission. They had been up nearly all night discussing options and plans toward their end, the reclamation of Ewing Oil to it's rightful owners, the Southfork Ewings.

Not only had Val and Sue Ellen stayed up late, but they had also risen early and, once again, convened to continue their work. Now, it was time to share with the family what they had come up with. It was time to finish the work that Miss Ellie had begun during her visit and bring the family together against a common threat, a common enemy.

J.R. sipped a cup of orange juice while reading the morning news. On the front page was a picture of Abby Ewing and a full-length article on her acquiring large percentages of Ewing Oil, as well as NorthStar Oil.

"Damn you Abby. You can bet that if I had been here you wouldn't have taken my Daddy's company."

"Well, 'Uncle' J.R. I see that you're able to enjoy Southfork a bit now that you don't have an office to go to at Ewing Oil."

"Christopher, what the hell are you talking about?"

"Oh, I see," laughed Christopher, "you haven't gotten that far yet."

"You're not making any sense. Being around that crazy mother of yours must be rubbing off on you."

"It's right there, fifth paragraph." J.R. pulled the paper closer and located paragraph five."

"Go ahead J.R., read it aloud."

J.R. looked up, hesitated and started reading. "When asked what her future plans for Ewing Oil were, Mrs. Ewing humorously said this: 'First of all I've got to take an office and I think J.R. Ewing's old one would suit me fine, though it could stand a little remodeling job—the man had no taste what so ever.'" J.R. put the paper down, not bothering to finish the rest.

"Like I said. She's got your office."

"Christopher, let me tell you something. I still own 25% of Ewing Oil."

"Obviously not enough is it? You're not the majority shareholder."

"It's a hell of a lot more than your daddy or Sue Ellen were able to hold on to."

"That wasn't Dad's fault…"

"Oh, that's right! He left power of attorney to you, but YOU gave it to your good Uncle Gary. I had forgotten. If you had given power of attorney to me, Ewing Oil would still at least be 75% in Ewing hands."

"J.R., Ewing Oil is in Ewing hands. Abby's a Ewing now," said Christopher

"Technically. But I'm very anxious to see how long that marriage will last."

Sue Ellen walked into the room and greeted Christopher and J.R. good morning. She had found a bit of news herself.

"J.R., I read something interesting in the paper this morning, page three. The McKay Ranch has been sold," she said.

"Sold? McKay sold?"

"Yes he did and you're going to be so pleased when you find out who bought it," laughed Sue Ellen.

Christopher peered over J.R.'s shoulder as J.R. turned the page. "Oh my God, Dusty Farlow? What the hell would he want with that place?" asked J.R.

"That's a good question. I'm going to give him a warm Southfork welcome. It's been years since we've even spoken and now he's going to be living right next door! Isn't it great J.R.?"

"Oh yes, just wonderful," said J.R. sarcastically.

"J.R., enjoy yourself," said Christopher, "I'm going to talk to John Ross. Glad Aunt Sue Ellen and I were able to fill your day with all of this good news. You really should read the newspaper more often." Christopher turned, got into his car, and drove off.

"He's so much like Bobby it's scary," said J.R.

"Well that's good at least, but I hope to God that John Ross isn't ANYTHING like you," said Sue Ellen….

John Ross sat on the edge of his bed, but wasn't alone as one of the candy stripers was keeping him company. Appropriately enough, her name was Candice…Candy for short. The two were kissing and were unaware that the hospital room door had opened.

"Ah hmmm," said a voice. It was Pamela Rebecca. "What the hell is this?" she asked.

"Oh, I was just…making sure John Ross was," said Candy, getting up.

"I see that. What would the chief-of-staff or head nurse think? Why don't we find out!" said Pamela Rebecca.

John Ross stood. "Pamela! You're not my mother OR my girlfriend so this is really none of your business. Get a life Pamela Rebecca."

"John Ross, you're not upset with me because of what I told you are you?"

"Oh no, not at all! Why would I be upset because you've been feeding me lies all this time? I'm not upset at all," he replied sarcastically.

"I'm sorry all of that happened. Look why don't YOU get out of here," said Pamela Rebecca, pointing to Candy. "This doesn't concern you."

"Candy is my date for the masquerade ball that my mom's throwing tomorrow," said John Ross. "As soon as I'm released today, we're going to find costumes. Who's your date?"

"Oh," said Pamela stunned, "I've got someone in mind."

"Good, because I don't want you within 500 feet of me. Understood?" said John Ross.

"Well, we'll see," said Pamela.

John Ross and Candy kissed for what seemed like several minutes, probably just to spite Pamela Rebecca. It worked. She was steamed.

Pamela glared at Candy when she passed her to leave the room. She and John Ross were going to have to have a talk.

Abby, as usual, rose long before Jack first stirred. The night before had been their first night in bed together since they had married. She made it a point to get out of bed before he woke because she just didn't want to deal with his attempts to make love. She knew that she might not be able to say no. She quickly and quietly dressed and left for the Ewing Oil offices.

Jack awoke to find that his wife had already gone. He was disappointed. He had thought that if she let him into her bed, then she might start acting like a real wife. He laughed at that thought, realizing that Abby was far from an ordinary woman. She was the kind of woman that was worth waiting for. On a whim, Jack decided to dress and go over to the office to greet her 'good morning.'

"You came over here early this morning, baby." Jack addressed his wife, who was obviously surprised to see him.

Wanting to jump and greet him, she was determined to remain aloof. "Well, I had some things pressing on my mind, so I just decided to come on over here."

Jack nodded and took a seat on the opposite side of Abby's desk. He leaned back in his chair and crossed one leg over the other as only a cowboy might do. "Yeah, that's what I thought."

Oh, why does he have to sit there looking so rugged and masculine? Abby thought to herself as she spoke back to him. "Have you thought any more about going on to California to oversee things on the new construction projects we've got going, Jack?"

Looking out the window, with apparent disinterest, Jack replied. "Sure, Abby. Sure, I've thought about it a lot. But, you know, right now I think that we should concentrate on this marriage."

Abby sighed. "Jack, not now, I'm not in the mood."

"Something as important as a marriage must be attended to whether one is in the mood, or not. Lord knows I know all about that." Sue Ellen stood in the doorway of Abby's office with a sly smile on her face.

"Well, good morning Sue Ellen." Jack said to her in a very friendly tone. "Abby and I were just discussing the future of this company." Jack looked back at Abby with a determined look. He'd have her as his true wife or she wouldn't have Ewing Oil for long.

"So I heard. May I come in for a moment?"

"Sue Ellen, if you're here for a rematch, then forget it." Abby commented frankly.

Walking further into the office, Sue Ellen smiled at Abby. "No, no, nothing like that. In fact, I've come to apologize and ask for your help."

"My help?" Abby was curious, yet guarded.

"Yes, well, yours and especially Jack's." Sue Ellen turned back to see Jack once more.

Jack was very curious. "What's on your mind, Sue Ellen?"

They all sat and Sue Ellen began her tale. "Well, the loss of control over this company has been devastating on the family out at Southfork. Jack, I'm sure that you can imagine." She paused for a moment, reserving dramatic license. "Anyway, we've all decided that we're tired of fighting over this company. We're just happy that it's landed in such capable hands."

"Yes, I'm sure that JR is just thrilled." Jack was being sarcastic, but that was understood.

Sue Ellen laughed with Jack, while Abby remained cautious and silent. "Well, JR is JR, the rest of us can't do anything about that." This time Abby joined the other two in a laugh.

"What is it that you want from us, Sue Ellen?" Abby was ready to quit beating around the bush and just get on with it.

Sue Ellen hesitated for a moment and then came out with it. "Well, for the sake of the company and the family, since the two of you are Ewings, after all, we'd like to propose a truce. And, we'd like to start by inviting the two of you out to Southfork for dinner tonight."

"Sue Ellen, we'd love to do that." Jack answered without hesitation and without consulting his wife.

"Oh, good." Sue Ellen could see that Abby was not happy about Jack having responded so quickly and decided to make a quick getaway before anything could change. As she left the office, she called back to them, "we'll see you both at 7 then, bye."

Abby and Jack found themselves speechless, until Jack spoke up and said, "well, honey, this should be a hoot."

Jenna was in the bedroom she and Ray had shared since their return to Southfork. She still couldn't believe that Miss Ellie had kicked her out of the house and off the ranch. It was all because of that damn Pamela, she thought angrily to herself. (She didn't have much of anyone else to talk to lately; Ray had been cool to her since their return from the Oil Baron's cruise.) Her hatred and resentment for that woman was increasing day by day. She hoped that Pamela would be convicted of those deaths on the cruise; maybe then she could get back on the good side of her beloved Bobby. He had always been her true love anyway; Ray was only a shallow substitute for Bobby. Jenna thought how she had been about sick with jealousy in these horrible months since Pam had come back into Bobby's life. Now that Miss Ellie and Clayton had left Southfork, again she wondered if she was really going to have to leave the ranch at all. Slowly she began to become less distraught; maybe she could stay there near Bobby after all.

Jenna's mind began drifting back to the night of the fire on the Oil Baron. She had seen how disoriented Pam had looked when she got up to make her speech, and then fainted. Then there was Bobby carrying her out like her knight in shining armor! Her blood about boiled over at how Pam had taken Bobby away from her; though, it was beginning to look as though it may not have been forever this time.

"Things may just work out for you yet, Jenna Wade," she said aloud as she pulled out an old picture of her and Bobby together. Just then, Ray walked by the bedroom door.

"Jenna, just who do you think you're talking to? And what is going to work out for you?" He then caught a glimpse of the picture Jenna had been cradling in her hands. "Do you still have this fantasy about getting Bobby back? Good Lord!"

"Ray, I am sorry to have to hurt you but I WILL get Bobby back! Pam is going to jail, and Bobby will want me back, I just know it."

"Just what makes you so sure Pam will go to jail?"

"Trust me Ray, a woman's intuition allows me to know these things."

Ray shook his head in disgust. "I don't know you at all anymore. I guess you and I don't have anything left to discuss except for how much alimony you want from me. I'll see you around." With that, he walked away not just from Jenna but from his marriage to her.

Christopher had passed Pamela Rebecca on his way to John Ross' room, but had not even spoken to her. She was one he clearly wanted nothing to do with. He paused at the door to the room and knew clearly what was going on inside. But who was with him. A terrible thought popped in his mind, one that he tried to push out. What if it were Karen…Would she go that far with her charade? He had to find out and decided to wait outside the door. Sooner or later, she had to come out..and she did. It wasn't Karen, but appeared to be one of the hospital candy stripers. After she left, Christopher went inside.

"Hey Chris," said John Ross, smoothing out the bed. "What brings you here?"

"John Ross, what the hell are you doing?"

"What do you mean?" asked John Ross.

"I know exactly what you were doing—having sex with that candy striper."

"And the crime in that is?" replied John Ross.

"You've got a baby on the way because of one careless time and that girl looks like she works the corner of Main and Spring Blvd.," said Christopher.

"Looks can be deceiving. Her name is Candy and she comes from a nice family and I wasn't exactly born yesterday, I do know about using protection."

"John Ross, I worry about you. I worry a lot. You're becoming more and more like J.R. every day."

"Well, maybe that's not so bad. I can definitely see his reasoning behind doing what he does…as far as women go anyway."

"And what about the oil business? After all, he did trick you, his own son, out of 25%."

"I wasn't ready for the responsibility then, but I'm ready now. Part of Ewing Oil is going to be mine."

"Oh, and you think J.R. is going to give you part of his precious 25%?"

"I could always get it back through court. I was drunk when I signed that you know. But…"

"But you wouldn't, right?"

"No, I wouldn't. We'll have Ewing Oil back…back from Abby Fairgate. Just Dad and me. Ewing Oil is going to belong to us! My grandfather's company, Jock Ewing's company. Dad always wanted me to be a part of it and I always wanted to when I was a kid, but that changed later. I lost interest. The interest is back now. I've finished school and there's nothing else I'd rather be doing."

"You're crazy John Ross. That company is going to consume you like it did your dad. It changes people. It's ruined so many lives. I wish to God that Abby would take the whole damned thing from the Ewings!" said Christopher, leaving the room.

Sue Ellen pulled her Jaguar into the driveway of the McKay ranch, now owned by Dusty Farlow. She got out of the car and stared across the ranch to see someone standing near the patio. The figure was staring across the landscape beyond the pool. Sue Ellen managed a hello as she walked around the car, out of the misty rain. She watched as the thin figure of Dusty Farlow turned around and their gazes met. Sue Ellen set her things down on the hood of the car and spread her arms out, welcoming Dusty.

"Hi Dusty, it's nice to see you! Where've you been all this time?", Sue Ellen smiled as the two embraced.

"Oh, I've been here and there, doing this and that. I've heard about you, Miss Oil Baron of the Year! Congratulations!"

"Thanks, yes I have been busy here lately. I came back to Dallas originally for just a little while, for JR's 'funeral', until we found out he was alive the whole time. Typical JR, then Bobby persuaded me to join him in running Ewing Oil, mainly to piss JR off. You know, same old thing..." Sue Ellen waved a piece of hair out of her eyes and followed Dusty up to the house, into the kitchen.

The two passed the kitchen table before Dusty stopped, leaning on the blue tiled countertop.

"You know Sue Ellen, I never quite got over you...you've always been my true love." Dusty said as he waited for Sue Ellen's reaction.

Sue Ellen smiled at Dusty's proclamation, shocked at first, "Well, I'm glad to hear that, I feel the same way about you, Dusty. You were always there for me, when all JR could think about was himself or his precious company. I've always loved you for that."

Dusty walked over to Sue Ellen and took her hand. He closed his eyes and slowly moved his head forward, as their lips met, in mutual passion. Sue Ellen gently placed her hand on the back of Dusty's head, wishing JR were here right now.

Dusty smiled as he opened his eyes and looked into her's, "I've always loved you Sue Ellen."

Sue Ellen smiled, genuinely happy for the first time in a long time.

"Dusty, will you be my date for the Masquerade Ball at Southfork tomorrow? I'd love for you to come."

"Anything for you, my dear." Dusty smiled and kissed Sue Ellen again.

Christopher, Pam, and Bobby sat on the patio trying to enjoy the fall afternoon, though of course the events of the past several days weighed heavily on them. The only happy event Christopher could think of was his upcoming marriage to Karen. Still, the overwhelming fear that his mother wouldn't be there to see his wedding brought his joy down to a somber tone. He knew with all his heart that his mother was totally innocent, but knew also how much Jenna hated her and how she would do anything to get her away from his dad.

"Bobby, have you heard anything about when my trial date might be?"

"I talked to Scottie and his assistant, Marcia Lewis, Pam. They don't know for sure yet."

"I am sorry Miss Ellie and Clayton left. I could have used her support."

"Well, you have Christopher and me, honey. We know you are innocent, and then you and I will be married and get on with our lives."

"I think you and Mom have set a pretty good example of what true love is; I think Karen and I feel that way about each other. You two have loved each other through all kinds of hell that have been thrown at you; I hope Karen and I don't have to endure even half what you have, Mom, Dad." He got up and kissed his mother on the cheek.

Just then, the phone rang, and Bobby answered it. It was Marcia Lewis, Scottie Demerast's assistant. "Mr. Ewing, I am glad I am talking to you. We have been pursuing leads as to what may have happened on the Oil Baron."

"Yes, I was hoping you were. Have you come up with anything?" Bobby inquired.

"Possibly so. We found out there are security cameras on the ship."

"Well, was there one in the passageway by JR's room?"

"That is what we are looking at now, Mr. Ewing. There are many hours of tape to review. We are hoping there will be something to exonerate Pam in them."

"Well, let me know if you find anything Ms. Lewis."

"Of course we will. Bye for now."

Bobby turned towards Pam. "Honey, we may have just gotten some good news. There are security cameras on the Oil Baron, and there may have been one on the passageway by JR's room. They may be able to prove you didn't do this if they can find the right video. We may have a break here Pam."

"I don't want to get my hopes up just yet Bobby," she said as she reached over to take his hand. "But this is the best news I have heard since this nightmare all began."

Ray walked out on the patio after his encounter with Jenna. "Hey, Bob, Pam, Christopher."

"Hi Ray. Are you okay? You look a little upset."

"Bob, I am just getting disgusted with Jenna. She seems to get more unglued every time I see her. She is still on that fantasy she is going to get you back because she thinks Pam is going to prison! I'll be honest with you-- I have had enough of her. I am filing for divorce. I am really worried about her stability, but I just can't reason with her. I wonder if she ever loved me at all," Ray said with some sadness.

Christopher spoke up. "Ray I am probably not the person to be talking to you about Jenna, but maybe you would be better off without her. She is a mean hateful woman. I just have to say that, I am sorry if it sounds harsh."

"It's okay Christopher. I am not thinking too highly of her anymore myself."

"Well, let us know if we can do anything to help you Ray," Bobby said sincerely. "You should know how much you mean to me."

"Thanks Bobby. I'm leaving for the ribbon cutting," said Ray.

"Oh! I had forgotten about that, but I need to be there in Daddy's honor. Pam, will you come with me?"

"Sure Bobby," smiled Pam, half-heartedly.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," said Christopher, thinking about his confrontation with John Ross earlier.

The only Ewing's in the limo driving towards the Jock Ewing ribbon cutting were Sue Ellen and Lucy. The other Ewings had left some time earlier, in a different limo. Sue Ellen had been at Dusty's talking and Lucy had just been late getting ready.

"Sue Ellen, can I ask you something."

"Of course Lucy, what is it?"

"Well, you have hired private detectives before right, once I remember to track down Dusty Farlow."

"Yes Lucy, who are you trying to track down?"

"Muriel, she is quite sick Sue Ellen, that is why she came back to Dallas, came back here to die."

"Oh my God!"

"Well, I got sort of wrapped up in stuff after she told me, now I want to be there for her, and I can't find her anywhere. I have called every hotel and motel around."

"Have you tried her family, friends."

"She had none, well, except me."

"Lucy, that is so sad. I will give you a couple of names, I keep a few on file at the office, never to sure, with J.R around, when I might need one." The two women grinned at one another.

"Lucy, now it is my turn to ask you a question."

"Shoot."

"Well, I have not had much of chance to talk to you lately, but....I have wanted to since you made your grand entrance at the Ball with Cliff. Lucy, I think you remember Cliff and I used to see each other....right?"

"I remember Sue Ellen."

"Well, just how close are you two becoming, I must say I was a little more than shocked to see the two of you together."

"Why were you shocked."

"Because the last thing I knew, you were still with Mitch, and Cliff is still married to Afton."

"Not for too long now. They are getting a divorce."

"Before or after the hearing?"

"As soon as he can I think. Sue Ellen, why is this troubling you?"

"Well, Lucy, Cliff can be a wonderful man, he was really there for me when I was going through hell with J.R."

"He is wonderful Sue Ellen, I have never been so happy."

"I remember those feelings Lucy. But You have to remember the lesson I learned, and it was a hurtful difficult lesson to live with. Cliff will never love any woman, more than he loves sticking it to J.R "

"Sue Ellen, Cliff does love me."

"Maybe he does Lucy, but I thought he loved me once to, and maybe he did, but you be sure part of the attraction is not just that it drives your Uncle crazy."

"I am not sure exactly what you mean?"

"I mean Cliff and I had it great, until J.R and that damned company ceased to be in the middle, as soon as it was just he and I, the trill, for Cliff anyway, left."

"Well, how am I going to know."

"I am not sure Lucy, but you will know, when you see it, you will know." The limo pulled up to the new park, and Sue Ellen and Lucy got out, they walked towards the large crowd and stood by the other Ewings. Donna Culver Krebbs Dowling was beginning her speech.

Most of the guest were heading towards their car's, there was a wine and cheese celebration at a nearby hotel. Lucy and Sue Ellen headed to the Ewing Limo, choosing to skip the wine and cheese, and head back to Southfork. Donna walked slowly towards the man she thought she would spend the rest of her live with. "Well hi cowboy."

"Donna, that was a real nice speech."

"Real nice?" Donna smiled, and brushed some lint of Ray's shoulders, "Do you think Jock would have approved?"

"Yeah, I am sure he would have."

"Well Ray, it is awfully good to see you, I have been wondering how you are doing, how's Jenna? I heard about her adventures in the snow, I am glad she is ok."

"She's fine, I think."

"You think, well, what kind of an answer is that."

"Donna, I am a little confused about Jenna and myself right now."

"Well, would you like to talk?"

"I am not sure your the best person to talk to about this."

"Ray, we were married for many years, we were very close, who else can you talk to...J.R?"

Ray grinned, "No my brother isn't the most sympathetic to my romantic woes."

"Well, I guess you could always talk to Bobby."

"Not this time Donna, Bobby is part of the problem."

"I see. Ray, how about tomorrow night, why don't you join me for dinner."

"Isn't your husband expecting you home soon."

Donna turned away, ever so briefly, but long enough for Ray to notice. "He will understand, I did not have an exact date of return, so tomorrow?"

"Donna, I would love to, but Sue Ellen is throwing a Halloween party at Southfork for John Ross and I should be there."

"Wow, that sounds like fun."

"Hey Donna, why don't you come!"

"Ray I don't think so."

"Sure, come on, the whole family will be there, they would all love to see you. Then after the party we could find a quiet place, and you could listen to me rant."

"Ray, I miss listening to you rant....." Donna and Ray stared deeply into each others eyes. "I would love a chance to see the family one more time before I leave, I only got to talk briefly to Sue Ellen and Lucy today."

"Then it's settled, Donna Krebbs is coming to Southfork."

"Donna Dowling you mean."

"Yes, sorry Donna."

"It's ok Ray, I sometimes forget my self these days......" Donna and Ray instinctively grabbed each other hands and walked together to their cars.

Afton's lawyer had done a wonderful job. The meeting lasted almost two hours, the judge was initially furious at the last minute notice, but cooled off when he found out why. Judge Singer did not like to clog up his docket with cases he felt could be settled out of court. It was a waste of tax payers money he always said. After he heard Cliff Barnes detail his regret for pushing his wife, and making her feel threatened, and then hearing she was pregnant, he knew this would be better settled in his chambers. Afton's lawyer spoke of the need, not for Afton to suffer in jail, not after all she has suffered. Cliff had to restrain from speaking when his abuse was continually brought up, but he knew he had to agree, to ensure he got to raise his baby, his possible son. Finally the Judge made his ruling, Afton was given fifty hours of community service at the local Aids hospice, and Cliff, well Cliff had to seek help to deal with his anger and abuse. Again Cliff bit his lip, but it was over. Afton left the Judge's chambers on cloud nine. She had found a way to do it, she had one, fifty hours, if she had to do that, she would find a way to make it easy, she was not going to jail, Afton Cooper was not going to jail. She had just one more detail she had to work out. It was too soon to tell Cliff the baby she was carrying was J.R Ewings, from there nights of passion on the cruise. She would have to speed up her pregnancy somehow, to ensure Cliff continued to stand by her side, for the time being anyway, until she said get lost.

Lucy had waited at the restaurant for almost an hour, Cliff was not late, he wasn't coming. His message had sounded a bit odd, it just ask that he meet her, he didn't sound himself. She really wanted to see him, to share everything that had happened with Clayton and Ellie. She also wanted to invite him to the party tomorrow night, something was brewing on the home front, she could sense it, and would love to have Cliff by her side for support. Lucy Ewing got up and payed the bill, although all she had was an ice tea, and walked out onto the street. Her mood perked up when she saw the costume shop across the street. The Halloween bash tomorrow, and she still didn't have a costume. Lucy walked across the street, and went in. She was going through the racks, looking for just the right costumes for her and Cliff when she was shaken by a shrilling familiar voice.

"I think the costumes in your size are in the children's section."

"Afton, why are you here, aren't you just going trick or treating as yourself...a witch."

"Your humor is not as sharp as it usually is Lucy, something must be wrong."

"Nothing is wrong Afton, if you will excuse me, I am busy."

"Come on Lucy, I am disappointed, not up to our usual banter today."

"Just not up to looking at your face, I am having nails on the caulk board flashbacks to your song on the cruise."

"Again Lucy, very funny, hey, why don't you just were something pink, and go as Miss Piggy?"

"Miss Piggy again, Afton, you do want to get something started don't you."

"No, I just want to save you the trouble of spending long hours picking out costumes for you and my husband, he is joining me at the party."

"Afton, you're full of shit."

"We're thinking of going as Mary and Joseph."

"You the Virgin Mary, that is a stretch."

"Not really Lucy, Mary was with child....."

"What?"

"With child Lucy, do I need to spell it out....on a caulk board for you....I'm pregnant. Your boyfriend is the father, we are back together, the charges have all been dropped, any more bomb shells you care for me to drop?"

"Afton you are a lying bitch who will stop at nothing to break Cliff and I up. You have stooped to a new low this time."

"Lucy, Cliff did want to tell you himself, he went across the street to meet you, wanted to tell you how sorry he is, he felt a little bad, hurting you and all, If you run, you just might catch him."

Lucy Ewing Cooper did run, out of the store to her car. Lucy lost it when she shut the door, she began crying, draped over the steering wheel. How could this have happened, how could he have done this. It took almost an hour for her to pull herself together enough to make the drive home.

Pamela Rebecca stood outside of the door, a nervous feeling gathering inside of her. She hadn't seen him since the cruise, but she needed him. Her main goal was to make John Ross jealous, though after this afternoon, she didn't know if it were possible. If all else failed, at least she would have a date.

Marilee Stone opened the door, "Well, Pamela. Nice to see you again."

"Yes, hi Mrs. Stone. Is Eric here?"

"Yes he is. I'll go tell him you're here." Marilee invited Pamela Rebecca in and retreated to a back room of the large, elegantly furnished penthouse. A few moments later, Pamela and Eric were sitting together on the couch.

"So let me get this straight," said Eric, "You want me to be your date at the Ewing Halloween party?"

"Yes."

"Pamela Rebecca, I don't know if that's such a good idea. John Ross is going to be there, the father of your child. How will he feel about this?"

"It doesn't matter. He's not going to have anything to do with this baby, as he's made clear to me many times before," lied Pamela.

"Are you sure he won't mind?"

"I'm positive."

"Then I'd be glad to be your date, just don't go into labor or anything at the party!"

"You know? I haven't thought about that. It's almost time. The baby is due November 10th, but they rarely wait that long."

"And you haven't found out whether it's going to be a girl or a boy?"

"No John Ross doesn't want…" Pamela stopped in mid-sentence, realizing what she had said.

"I thought John Ross doesn't have anything to do with the baby?" asked Eric suspiciously.

"Oh he doesn't, but he did used to be interested and always told me he wanted to be surprised. I guess I haven't gotten used to the fact that he doesn't love me or the baby anymore," said Pamela Rebecca, faking tears.

"Hey, don't worry. I'm here for you."

Pamela liked Eric, but he didn't have the Ewing name and that just wasn't good enough for her. "Thanks Eric," she said, "that means a lot to me."

Pamela Rebecca talked to Eric and Marilee Stone for a few more minutes before leaving the apartment. Upon stepping out, she saw someone. The sun glared in her eyes but the face was recognizable, it was Candy, going into the costume shop. An idea popped into her scheming mind, one that might just take Candy out of the picture and get Pamela herself closer to John Ross. Glancing around, she followed Candy into the costume shop. Candy browsed amidst a rack of discount costumes.

"Figures," said Pamela Rebecca, turning up her nose.

Candy walked up to the counter and stood behind a mother and her two children. The children fought over some small trinket and the mother paused a few times to straighten them out. Finally, the woman and two children left. Candy stepped up.

"How can I help you?" asked the man behind the counter.

"I'm looking for your most expensive and most beautiful costume," said Candy, "John Ross Ewing is paying so I won't go with anything less."

"Ewing eh?" said the man, seeing an opportunity to make a few big ones. "Right this way ma'am."

Pamela Rebecca Cooper watched from behind a display of those over-hyped fake jack-o-lanterns as the shopkeeper led Candy to a rack of shiny dresses. He pulled out several but Candy shook her head. Finally, out came an elegant gold dress and Candy nodded. The shopkeeper reached for the accompanying mask, which was covered in gold sequins and large white feathers. The man folded the dress into a box and rang up the price. Pamela Rebecca did a double take. John Ross was sparing no expense. The bell above the door rang as Candy left the store. Pamela stepped out.

"Excuse me sir, but do you have another costume just like the one she just bought?" asked Pamela.

"Yes, I think I do."

"Good, I'll take it."

Valene Ewing sat reading in the living room of Southfork. Lucy had stormed through the room a while before but Val was unable to get her to talk about what was bothering her. Continuing from where she had left off with Sue Ellen earlier, Val had racked her brain for hours upon hours trying to think of a way to get Ewing Oil back from Abby. If it weren't for Gary's involvement, she wouldn't have cared but she knew that she had to make Gary look good in front of the family and that meant getting Ewing Oil back. After being unable to think of any other ideas, Val decided that she would have to go with her last resort. It would be painful to watch but might have satisfactory results if carried out properly. Before the plan could begin, she would have to talk to J.R., as well as Bobby, Lucy, and the other Ewings. This was going to have to be group collaboration if it was to work. If all went according to plan, Abby Ewing would be forking Ewing Oil over to Gary before the weekend was over.

One hour later, Valene had briefed J.R. on the plan and he had readily agreed. J.R. found himself standing outside of the luxury apartment that Abby and Jack Ewing now shared. He knocked and within seconds, Jack had opened the door.

"Well, hello cousin," said Jack.

"Hello Jack. How are you today?"

"I'm fine, but a little surprised you'd care how I was."

"Jack, let's talk. Do you mind if I come in?" asked J.R.

"Oh no, be my guest."

J.R. took a seat next to Jack on the large, overstuffed couch and began phase one of Valene's plan.

"Jack, you know how much family means to me, it always has."

"J.R., what are you getting at here?"

"I'm willing to forgive and forget if you are."

"Oh bull," said Jack, laughing.

"What? I'm serious. Poor Jamie is gone now, but you're still here," said J.R. faking sincerity. "I want to extend my warmest invitation to you and your beautiful wife."

"Invitation?"

"Sue Ellen is throwing a Halloween Masquerade Ball tomorrow night at Southfork. I'd like to have both you and Abby there."

"Sounds like fun, but why do I not believe you're showing me whole picture?"

"Jack, I know I usually have a motive behind everything and this is no exception."

"I knew it."

"I want to bring the family closer together. I feel like Mama left yesterday because of our family problems and she was right. The Ewings could be closer and I want to start with you," lied J.R.

"Well, what can I say, I'm touched," said Jack, in a confused tone.

"Will you come? And bring that bride of yours along?"

"I'll have to talk to Abby, but I don't see why not. I don't have a costume though," said Jack.

"Oh don't worry about that." J.R. stepped outside for a moment and a few seconds later, a man rolled in a rack of costumes.

"You do have faith in yourself don't you J.R.? Why were you so sure I would accept your invitation?"

"Oh I wasn't. This was just in case," said J.R. "I need to be going, there is a lot of work to do to prepare for this ball."

"Well, Abby isn't here right now, she's out shopping so you'll have to leave these here," said Jack.

"That's fine. Frank," said J.R., "when Mrs. Ewing chooses one, you can take them back."

"Yes Mr. Ewing," said the man.

Ten minutes later, J.R. was in his car, headed for Southfork. He dialed and Valene answered.

"Hello?"

"Valene, the stage is set. They took the bait," said J.R.

"Great. This is one strange feeling, working ON your side for once and not against you, but we both have interests at heart. I want to help Gary and you want Ewing Oil back. If things go as planned, we'll have that."

"Wonderful," said J.R., hanging up the phone. He smiled his evil grin as he continued to drive.

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