"Miss Lucy."

"Yes Jane?"

"Telephone."

Lucy headed back towards the house, and picked up the phone on the patio.

"Hello."

"Lucy?"

"Muriel! How are you? I have been trying to find you for weeks."

"I know, they told me. Lucy I am fine, I just called to tell you not to worry, I am fine."

"But I have been so worried about you, I was so selfish when you told me you were sick, so concerned about myself, and my grandmother, I did not stop to think about you…Muriel, I am so sorry."

"I know Lucy, don't worry about it, as I said, I am fine."

"I want to see you Muriel."

"Luce, I am not up to that right now, I just called to tell you I am ok."

"But Muriel, I really need to see you, make up for not being there for you."

"Don't worry about me, I will be fine, I am more worried about Clayton. Did you work everything out?"

"Yeah, Grandma explained everything, you are truly a remarkable person Muriel."

"Not that remarkable. But I have been thinking about your Grandfather….Lucy did he have an Aids test?"

"I'm not sure, we never really got that far."

"Ok, well, try to get him to take a test, knowing ole Clayton is free from this hell would make me sleep a lot easier."

"Well, I will ask him, but he and grandma have gone back to Europe."

"Well, Lucy, promise me you will ask him…..promise."

"Ok, I promise. When can I see you Muriel, it is really important to me."

"Soon, I promise, soon, I will call you very soon."

With that Muriel Gillis hung up the phone.

Christopher and Karen lay in bed, they were both worn out from celebrating their two week anniversary. Christopher looked at his bride, she was so beautiful. They hadn't told any of the family yet and had just said that they were leaving and wouldn't be back for a few weeks. They had spent the whole two weeks in Vegas, going to different places, and staying in the hotel room most of the time. Karen sat up and looked at Christopher.

"Chris," she said, "I think I should call my dad."

"Well, if you think it's wise." Christopher wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not.

Karen thought for another minute, then she picked up the phone and dialed the number. The phone rang four times, then there was a voice on the other end.

"Hello?" Alan Beam answered.

"Daddy, it's me, Karen."

"Well, what a pleasant surprise."

"Daddy, I have something to tell you." Karen's voice shook, she was more nervous than she thought she would be.

"Ok, what is it honey?" Alan asked.

"I...I'm in Vegas, and I....I'm married."

Alan didn't say anything for what seemed like hours.

"Karen, if you married that Ewing..." Alan was cut off by Karen.

"But you said…"

"I don't care what I said Karen," broke in Alan.

"Daddy, I did marry a Ewing, but not John Ross." Karen looked up at Christopher.

"What? You decided to go for the old one? J.R.?" Alan said, almost laughing.

"DADDY!, that is so gross, he's… that's just gross!" Karen looked up again and saw Christopher laughing. "Actually, I married the good Ewing… Christopher."

Alan was pleased and asked Karen to come visit, they talked for a few more minutes then they both hung up.

"You know," Christopher said. "Maybe we should go see your dad, spend some time there for a while before we move on."

Karen was so excited, she couldn't believe Christopher just said that. She grabbed Christopher and brought him down onto the bed. They kissed and once again, celebrated their marriage.

J.R. Ewing walked into his office, hanging his hat on the coat rack beside the door. He felt better than he had in a long time. Valene and Jack were gone, Abby and Gary were soon to be, and Christopher and Karen wouldn't be back for quite a while. Valene's plan hadn't worked, but Abby had given him 60% of the company back, reserving 15% to be split between Gary and Jack. Combining the 25% he already had with the 60%, he had 85%, almost all of the company. J.R. could live with that, worse things had happened. What confused him was WHY she handed Ewing Oil back to him. She had been muttering something about Gary and how he had forced her to give it back when she came by. Maybe ole Gary was a real Ewing after all, he thought. As he walked up to his desk and sat his briefcase down, his chair turned around. John Ross sat in it.

"Well, John Ross, what brings you to the office this morning?"

"Dad, there's something we need to talk about and there's something you always told me when I was just a little kid," said John Ross, propping his feet up on J.R.'s desk.

"Oh? What is that?"

"I'm sure you haven't forgotten what you did to cause my car accident and I know I haven't."

"John Ross…"

"No, it's ok. Just listen to me. You say you love me…you've always said that to me. I'm giving you a chance to prove it."

"I'd do anything to prove that to you."

"Then give back my 25% of Ewing Oil. The 25% that you forced me to sign over. If you really love me, then you will."

J.R. looked at his son sitting behind his desk and felt an enormous sense of pride. John Ross hadn't been interested in the oil business when Sue Ellen gave him that 25%, but he obviously was now. It was what J.R. had always wanted. J.R. reached down to the intercom and held down a button. "Judy, could you have Grant Starr meet me in my office in about an hour?"

"Is that Anita's replacement?" came Judy's voice.

"Well I wouldn't call him a replacement, but he's my lawyer, yes."

"Yes sir. Right away."

"John Ross, I love you more than life itself. Grant will be more than happy to draw up a contract transferring the shares."

John Ross got up and hugged J.R. "Thanks Dad, I want this more than anything. I feel like I'm finally ready."

"Well," laughed J.R., "you'll be learning from the best."

"What about Uncle Bobby and Mom, what will they be doing?"

"Oh, I think that Ewing Oil is going to be the last thing on Bobby's mind right now. He and Pam will be married soon and I couldn't be happier."

"Happier?"

"I sincerely hate what happened with poor Jenna, but her suicide note did clear me up. Now everyone knows I had nothing to do with her kidnapping. Jenna and Katherine were behind it all along. Bobby has been unhappy for so long. Pam makes him happy and I can live with that. The Barnes-Ewing feud was ended long ago."

"Wow…I'm impressed. But what about Mom?"

"John Ross, even though your mother won Oil Baron of the Year, her heart was never truly in it. Don't forget, it's her fault that we lost Ewing Oil. She should have known better than signing it over to Gary."

"Oh. Well, where is my office then? And what about my secretary?"

J.R. laughed. There'll be plenty of time for that, but for now, why don't you take Bobby's office. Go on in and have a look around, I'll be there in a minute. After John Ross left, J.R. buzzed Judy again.

"Yes J.R.?"

"Judy, would you get Harry McSween on the phone."

"Right away J.R."

A few seconds later, Judy buzzed back and J.R. picked up the phone. "Hello McSween, been a long time hasn't it?" J.R. chuckled as he continued to talk.

After the shock of Muriel's call, it took Lucy awhile to get herself together and drive to her appointment. When she arrived at the hospital, she was greeted by her husband coming out of Afton's room.

"Hello Mitch."

"Lucy, I am happy to see you, I have been trying to get in touch with you the last couple of days."

"I know, I am sorry Mitch, I just didn't know what to say to you, so I never called back."

"It's ok Lucy, It must have been a shock to see me at the Ball."

"To say the least."

"Well my sister was playing games again, but it was wonderful to see you."

"Really?"

"Yeah really! Lucy I did love you, I do love you, I was broken up when Afton told me you were still hoping we would get back together."

"Well she was lying."

"I know that now. Lucy, I told you I came to see if you really wanted to go through with this divorce, but the truth is…..I needed to see you as well. I was not sure if I was ready to have you out of my life."

"And now you are?"

"No…but…I do know you are ready to have me out of yours."

"I'm sorry Mitch, but when you served those papers at the BBq, the hurt and anger took over. I am sorry if this hurts you, but you and I are in the past. I have moved on."

"I know that now Lucy. I am sorry if I hurt you."

"Mitch, I can't believe I am saying this, but I think what you did might actually be for the best. I am over you, I will always love you in a way, but I am over you."

"I know."

"Well, it was good to see you Mitch, I will sign the papers, no worries, or marriage is, once again over."

"Lucy, I can accept that….but there is one thing I cannot accept…."

"What is that?"

"You and Cliff."

"Well, sorry Mitch, but Cliff and I are none of your business."

"Well, Lucy unfortunately that is not true. Since you have gotten over me by going after my sisters husband, it is my business."

" I did not exactly go after Cliff."

"Well whatever happened, my sister is very important to me, and I will not stand by and let you hurt her."

"Your sister can take care of herself."

"Lucy, Afton claims you are the reason she lost her baby."

"Well, as you said earlier, your sister lies….like a rug."

"Maybe so, but she has been through a lot the last few weeks, and you going into her room is not going to help the situation."

"I am not here to help!"

"I know, that is why you should leave."

"Mitch, I cannot believe you are defending that lying slut sister of yours!"

"Lucy, maybe you had better leave now, before I say something you may not like."

"Too late Mitch….you know what, you are a retard."

"What?"

"You are a retard, you are standing by that slut sister of yours, you're here saying your sorry, for something that actually made my life better, I cannot believe I ever loved you. Mitch Cooper you are a spineless, useless, whining sap. I am glad you are finally out of my life. I cannot believe there was actually something about you that actually held my interest. Go home Mitch, do a cross word puzzel, watch jeopardy, you are a simp, and I am glad you are finally out of my life. Tell your sister I will be back when her watch dog has gone back to Atlanta."

With that Lucy Ewing turned around, her hair swirling in the air, and left Mitch Cooper standing speechless in the hospital corridor.

Charlie sat in the living room at Southfork, everyone else was gone. It seemed like only bad news would bring her back. First it was the avalanche and now her mother was gone forever. She had a picture of Jenna in her hand and was just about to throw the picture down when she heard a voice from the doorway.

"Hiya sis." Lucas walked in and sat down next to his big sister.

"Hi Lucas." Charlie gave her little brother a hug.

"You sitting here thinking of mom huh?" Lucas took the picture of Jenna.

"Yeah, just remembering." Charlie stood up and walked to the bar to get a drink.

"Sis, do you think I'm alot of trouble?" Lucas asked.

"Why would you ask that?"

"Well, I just figured that mom felt like I was too much trouble, she killed herself to get away from me." Lucas had tears in his eyes. Charlie walked up and held him.

"Lucas, it wasn't your fault, but don't worry, I'm going to get the one who made her do this." Charlie continued to hold Lucas. "I'll avenge our mother's name."

The door to J.R.'s office opened and Judy walked in, followed by Harry McSween. "Would you like any coffee Sgt. McSween?" asked Judy.

"No thank you Judy," said McSween.

Judy left the two men alone in the office and shut the door behind her. "Harry, it's good to see you. Have you been taking care of yourself?"

"Yes I have J.R. I've been enjoying my retirement. What can I do for you?"

"Well, I was hoping you might come out of retirement just once for me. I need a good detective to do a little investigating."

"J.R. I'm sorry, but I can't. I do think I might be able to help you though."

"Oh? How?"

"I can recommend an excellent private investigator for you."

"Great, who is he?"

McSween laughed. "How about dinner tonight at the Oil Baron's Club. I'll introduce you to them."

"Sounds good Harry. Thanks a lot. I'll see you tonight."

"Sure thing J.R."

After much thought, she finally dialed the number.

"Hello."

"Clayton, hello, it's me Muriel."

"Muriel, my God, how are you?"

"I am fine, well not fine, but fine, you know what I mean."

"I do."

"How are you is what I want to know, and your wife, having Lucy know the truth must really have thrown a wrench in your life."

"It did, but things are fine now, it is good to be home, Ellie loves Southfork, but to tell you the truth, I think she really loves it here, wether she would admit it or not."

"Is she there?"

"She is on the beach, she love walking the beaches."

"Is she ok?"

"Fine, why do you ask?"

"Because Clayton, we didn't use a condom."

"Muriel, you were very special to Ellie and I, but it is the past, I really want to leave it there."

"I wish we could."

"Muriel what are you getting at."

"Clayton, sit down, you really need to know why Lucy was so upset, it wasn't just our affair….there was more."

Christopher and Karen walked off the airplane at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. They had a forty-five minute layover before their flight to Pennsylvania. Christopher saw Bobby and Pam walking towards them. The four of them exchanged hugs and walked off towards the coffee shop.

"I just can't believe you got married." Pam said, hugging her new daughter-in-law.

"It's kind of like when we got married the first time." Bobby said looking at Pam.

"I'm sorry we didn't tell you, we just didn't want to take the chance of something happening with Pamela Rebecca and all," Christopher replied looking at his Dad, them his mom.

"We understand, but, why can't you stay, why leave?" Pam asked, tears started forming in her eyes.

"We just want to settle into our marriage before we go back to the trouble at Southfork," Christopher said, grabbing his mom's hand. Before anyone else could say anything, they heard the loud speaker going off.

"Flight 453 to Pennsylvania now loading at gate seven."

Christopher, Karen, Bobby and Pam all stood up. Bobby hugged his son, and told him he was proud of him. Then he did the same to Karen. Pam hugged Karen and told her to take care of her baby. Then she hugged Christopher. With tears in her eyes, she gave him a kiss. Christopher and Karen grabbed their walk on bags and boarded the plane.

J.R. and John Ross walked into the Oil Baron's Club. It had been several months since they had both gone there for dinner and it was nice to be back. Dora Mae greeted them as usual and showed them to the usual table. Cassie brought J.R. a glass of iced tea and the same for John Ross.

"Thanks Cassie," said J.R.

"So Dad, why did you want me to come along?"

"Now John Ross, don't forget. You're a part of Ewing Oil now."

"Who are we meeting with?"

"An old friend of mine, Sgt. Harry McSween. He's bringing along a possible future employee of ours."

"Employee? What kind of employee?"

"A private investigator. I have a personal assignment for him first, but he'll be helping us out with investigation for Ewing Oil after that."

John Ross looked puzzled.

"Well, John Ross. One thing you always have to remember is know who you're dealing with in the oil business. McSween always investigated future business partners for me to make sure they checked out okay before I jumped into any deals."

"Oh, I see. That sounds like a good idea," said John Ross.

"And having a close friend in the Dallas PD also has it's other advantages as well, but I'm sure you'll learn those in time."

"I hope so. It seems like there's so much to learn."

"There is, but any son of mine will learn it quickly," laughed J.R.

"J.R., sorry I'm late." It was McSween. J.R. turned to see him standing with a ravishing woman of about twenty-five. In a way, she reminded him of Jennifer Jantzen. "J.R., meet my niece, Melissa McSween."

J.R. smiled and stood, followed by John Ross, who was obviously spellbound. "Hi Melissa," said J.R., who also showed more than a little bit of interest. "This is my son, John Ross."

"Hello Melissa," said John Ross, looking into her eyes.

"Niece, you say Harry?" said J.R.

"Yes and a damned good P.I. as well."

"Is that a fact," said J.R., smiling. "Well, where are my manners, have a seat."

Harry sat in the nearest seat and Melissa took the seat next to John Ross. "So Melissa, what are your qualifications? How long have you been on the force?"

J.R. knew what her qualifications were and he was pretty sure John Ross did as well.

"Well, I started at the bottom right out of high school and worked my way up. I've been on the force for eight years and have recently turned detective, though I sometimes get back into uniform to fill in back at the station."

"That sounds good," said J.R.

"Sounds great," said John Ross.

"Wonderful," said Melissa, smiling at John Ross.

"Anyway, down to business. Melissa, your first assignment. Two weeks ago at the Halloween party, I met a most interesting person. She told me her name was Kaitlin Ryan, but that could be an alias. I don't have a picture, but she looks just like this. J.R. pulled a picture of Kristin out of his coat pocket and passed it to Melissa."

"J.R., that's Kristin," said McSween.

"Yes I know. This woman could have passed for a twin. That's what interested me. I'd like to know where she is staying and who she really is. Anything else you could tell me would be great."

"Well it definitely sounds like I've got something to get started on," said Melissa, putting the photo in her purse.

"I think it's time that I get home. Are you coming with me Melissa?" asked McSween.

"No, I think I'll walk to my apartment. It's a nice night out."

"Okay, suit yourself. Goodnight." "Night Harry," said J.R., "Say, Melissa, John Ross, there's someone I want to speak to at the bar, if you'll excuse me."

J.R. stood and left the two sitting alone at the table.

"No offense or anything," said John Ross, "but you're the youngest looking cop I've ever seen."

Melissa laughed. "I'm 28." "Wow…your husband must really be proud of you. Twenty- eight and already so successful."

"Oh, I'm not married."

"I'm sorry, I just assumed you were, forgive me."

"You're forgiven. What about you? Are you married?"

"I almost was, but it fell through at the last second." John Ross looked up to see that J.R. was motioning that he and the man he was talking to were going outside.

"Oh, sorry about that. I think I should be going."

"I'll walk you outside," said John Ross, getting up and almost knocking the table over.

He and Melissa stepped into the elevator and the doors closed behind them. John Ross stepped over nearer where she stood. Before he knew what had happened, Melissa had grabbed his arm and flipped him to the ground. The bell sounded, announcing that they had reached the ground floor and the door slid open.

Melissa laughed, "John Ross, don't forget you're dealing with someone who has had ten years of police training. Bye bye. I hope to see you again soon."

John Ross was both dumbfounded and love-stricken. The doors closed again before he managed to pull himself to his feet.

Donna Dowling was back. In Washington at least, but not home. She walked into her husbands room and excused his nurse.

"Donna, your finally home." He did not sound well, his voice was almost a whisper.

"I am back darling, but not really home."

"Of course you are. Donna, what are you talking about?"

"Let me tell you my love."

It was 11:00 and everyone at Southfork was asleep, except for Sue Ellen, who was walking down the upstairs hallway to the stairway and out to the car where Dusty was waiting for her. She had told only John Ross because she thought she should at least tell him, being her son, after all. She walked out of the living room door to the patio. She could feel a slight breeze blowing throught the bushes as she walked out to the car.

"Hey, honey. Good to see you could make it. Your coach..." Dusty said smiling, as he popped the trunk so she could put her bags inside.

"Thank you kind sir!" Sue Ellen said, stepping into Dusty's car.

Dusty started the car and backed out of the driveway with Sue Ellen in the passenger's seat. Sue Ellen started straight ahead as Frank Sinatra played over the stereo. This is the last time she'd see Southfork for a couple of weeks, and she was certainly more than happy to get away. She could picture Venice now and welcomed those thoughts as she tried to put everything else out of her mind.

J.R. Ewing walked up to the house with the address Melissa McSween had given him. J.R. had arranged a meeting with her for tomorrow in order that she may tell him everything she had discovered about Kaitlin Ryan in her investigation. For now, he had just asked for the address. It was a townhouse sitting up on a small hill, but still within thirty feet of the street. The neighborhood was old, but all of the houses were nice. J.R. walked up the sidewalk and rang the doorbell. Wicker furniture adorned the porch as well as hanging ferns. Kaitlin opened the door and for a moment, J.R. had a hard time convincing himself it wasn't Kristin.

"Hi again J.R.," said Kaitlin. "I'm sorry I ran away like that at the party, but I just was not ready to face her."

"Who, Patricia?"

Kaitlin ignored his question. "Come on in. We'll go sit out back on the patio. Would you like some tea?"

"No thanks," said J.R., removing his hat.

Kaitlin led him through the dark house and back outside onto the patio. The sky was gray and overcast and leaves of orange and red fell to the ground in a flutter.

"I heard you were close to Kristin," said Kaitlin suddenly.

J.R. was surprised. "You knew Kristin?"

"Yes. I've never met her, at least that I can remember, but I feel like I know her well. I know all about how she shot you and about her son Christopher and about her death," said Kaitlin, taking a seat across from J.R.

"Who are you? What do you want?"

"I am Kristin's twin sister."

"Oh my God," said J.R., his Texas accent more noticeable than ever.

"I didn't know about it up until about a year ago when I decided to research into my past. Patricia, my biological mother, gave birth to Kristin and I on September 12, 1956. Patricia evidently thought she couldn't afford to raise twins, though I know she could. She would have had to have given up the good life and obviously didn't have the time or money for two children and then Sue Ellen. I don't remember any of this, but it's what I've been told. I went to live with a middle class family in Wyoming and they adopted me and became my foster parents. Bill and Christine Ryan are their names. I grew up with them, thinking that they were my real parents. The thought never crossed my mind that I was adopted. One day when I was eighteen, I discovered the adoption papers in an old box. I was devastated and my parents told me all about how I came to live with them. They also told me about my biological parents and siblings. I learned to live with that and promised myself that I wouldn't pursue my biological parents. I knew I would end up being hurt more. Several years went by and I heard about Kristin's death. Her face was plastered all over the newspapers. It was disturbing to me to see someone that looked so much like me. I put Kristin and my real parents into the back of my mind and didn't think about them at all for many years. Last year, I decided it was time I investigated. It was then that I learned about your relationship with Kristin and about my nephew, Christopher and how he had been adopted by Bobby Ewing. I read about how Lisa Alden, Jeff Faraday's sister had come forward trying to take Christopher away as well as everything else Sue Ellen, Christopher, and the other Ewings went through. I feel like I've known all of you before, from my research."

"I see," said J.R., "but what brings you here now?"

"Curiosity. I want to meet Sue Ellen, Patricia, and Christopher. My foster parents were killed several months ago and I had no reason to stay in Wyoming. All that was there for me were the memories."

"Are you married? Do you have any children or other family?"

"Yes. I was married several years but my husband was killed. We had three children, strangely enough, the two girls were twins…only I kept both of them, unlike Patricia. I also have a son who is in the Air Force stationed over in Korea. Both of my daughters live in Colorado with their husbands."

"Do you think it would be okay if I met Sue Ellen and Christopher?"

"I don't see any problem with that, but I do have one question. Why was Patricia so unhappy to see you at the Halloween party? Did she know you were coming?"

"Yes. I sent her a letter about a month ago and she replied telling me it would be best to stay away. I suppose she didn't want her selfish nature to be exposed."

"Christopher is away right now with his girlfriend Karen, but he should be back soon. When he does, I'll take you to Southfork to meet them all at once."

"J.R., why the funny look?"

"This is hard to get used to. Kristin shot me and then drowned later, but here, sitting across from me is someone who looks exactly like her."

"Sorry if I'm spooking you then," laughed Kaitlin.

"I'd better be going, I've got some things to do at the office. I'll be in touch."

"Goodbye J.R."

J.R. left her house with every intention of comparing her story with the one that Melissa McSween would tell him later.

Kaitlin pulled back the curtain and watched as J.R. drove away.

As Gary walked through the small terminal area of the private airstrip where the Southfork jet was kept, he ran right into Abby.

"What are you doing here, Abby?"

"Oh, Gary… I'm running so late! My jet is here waiting for me. I'm going to Knots Landing for Thanksgiving."

"Well, imagine that. So am I."

There was great tension between the former couple and both were rushed to get away from one another.

"MR. EWING! MR. EWING!" A voice called from behind them.

Gary turned to see who was calling him and instantly recognized the pilot of the Southfork plane. "Yes, what is it?"

"Sir, it's the plane. I'm afraid we can't get you to California today. The guidance systems are malfunctioning."

Gary was disappointed at hearing the news of the plane, until he remembered whom he was standing next to. He slowly turned his head toward Abby and she was already looking his way.

Abby sighed and realized that she had no choice but to say, "Gary, why don't you ride with me?"

The two never said another word to one another. They just picked up their luggage and headed for Abby's plane.

He was still very groggy, his memory fuzzy. He sat in his living room, arms tied behind his back, gag still on his mouth. Oh how he longed to see Lucy, oh how he longed to see Afton, if only to make sure his son was ok. He had no idea how long he had been tied there, he vaguely remembered the Halloween ball, getting drunk, but that was as far as his memory helped him. The last couple of days, or was it weeks, it was a blur. He went in and out of sleep, but not because he was tired, but because he was sure the woman sitting next to him was drugging his food. He again slid into the world of dream land. Lucy Ewing was wrong, Cliff Barnes was home, he was in the living room every time she had come by, he just wasn't able to get loose from the robe that held him, he just wasn't able….to answer the door.

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