Donna arrived at City Hall shortly after three and saw Dave waiting. She went to him and gave him a hug.

"Dave, its great to see you!"

"You too, Donna, it seems like its been months since you and Maggie left Washington. I can't believe Andy is really gone. You holding up OK?"

"I am OK, it is hard at times, but I will be fine."

"Good, that's good to know, because there is something very important that I need to speak to you about. And I am sure that you are wondering why I picked City Hall as a meeting place. Well, there are several of us back in Washington and even more here in Texas that think you would do a great job overseeing that building."

"Dave Culver, you know good and well that I have absolutely no experience as a groundskeeper," Donna said in a stunned, comical tone. "You want me to run for Mayor of Dallas? And you are serious?"

"Donna, you know damn well that I am. You know how this business works, and you know how to work the business!"

"Dave, I am flattered by the suggestion, but I will definitely have to think about it!"

"Donna, with that office, you could put an end to JR's reign of power in Dallas. You could keep a leash around his neck so tight that every time he swallows, he will know that it is there."

"You know Dave Culver, that may just be an offer that I can't refuse."

Donna thought for a minute, about all of the pain that JR had caused Ray and the family. She made a silent promise to them that starting soon, starting very soon, JR would be responsible for his actions. He would pay for his crimes against the people that she loved.

Sue Ellen had just landed in Dallas and headed straight for the hotel that Clayton and Miss Ellie were staying at. She knew that she had to tell Clayton about Dusty immediately. She requested that the French authorities not contact Clayton, for she felt it be better if she were to tell him what happened to Dusty. Maybe it would be easier that way. Sue Ellen rang the doorbell to the Farlows' suite. Clayton answered a moment later.

"Sue Ellen!! You're back! I didn't think you were coming to town so soon!" Clayton was happy to see her, but the events with Muriel's will earlier in the afternoon had really throw him for a loop. "Come on in!"

"Clayton, please sit down. We need to talk." Sue Ellen's voice had a somber tone to it that was alarming to Clayton.

"Are you ok? You seem a bit shaken up?"

"I'm fine Clayton. Is Miss Ellie here?" Sue Ellen asked.

"She is taking a nap. We've had quite a long day. Sue Ellen, you're worrying me. Is everything ok with Dusty?" Clayton's face did not mask his concern.

Sue Ellen took a very deep breath. She did not know how to say this.

"Clayton, Dusty has…..Clayton, Dusty is dead. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Sue Ellen began to sob a bit as she said this. Clayton didn't say anything. He was silent. Dead silent. First he had lost Muriel and now Dusty too.

"Oh Clayton, Clayton, I'm so sorry. He was acting so strange when we were in France together, before Christmas, and the explosion. He was so angry, but I didn't know why. I thought maybe it was drugs, or gambling, ANYTHING. I didn't realize how sick he was. He had cancer, but he didn't tell. He didn't tell anyone." Clayton was still silent. It was unbearable to Sue Ellen. She continued just to deafen the silence.

"I should have gone back sooner Clayton, I'm so very sorry. With Christmas, and the explosion and Megan being injured…." Clayton was still quiet. "When I got back there, I found Dusty, in bed. He was gone." Sue Ellen tried to stifle her sobs for Clayton's sake. He was always there for her in the past, and now she had to be strong for him. "He took his own life rather than watch those he love suffer while he was dying. It was sweet, and noble, I guess. Clayton, he left a note. It said that he left this Earth having only the utmost respect for you. Dusty loved you. He loved you so much…" Sue Ellen started to sob again, but it was muffled my Clayton.

"Get out." Clayton was firm.

"What?"

"Get out of here. NOW!!" He got up and pointed toward the door. Sue Ellen was frightened, but she did not want to resist. She owed that to Clayton.

Sue Ellen left, as Clayton closed the door behind her. She could her him weeping.

"Is that all sir?"

He nodded. "Send the information to the address that I gave you, Arianne."

Mark Graison waited until his assistant left with the package to go into his desk. He pulled out the photo and smiled. "We were so happy then."

He studied the photo more closely. It had been taken shortly after the baby had been born. She was cradling the child, and he had his arms around the two of them. The little boy, slept soundly.

"I was so wrong. I let her ranting and ravings cloud my sense of logic." He looked away and then back to the photo.

"Cloud my sense of YOU."

He stood up and went to the window. "Sweetheart, I'm so sorry."

He remembered that day again...

"Pam, we need to talk."

She turned around, her pretty features, twisted in confusion. "Mark, What are you doing here?"

She clamped her hands over her ears. "I can't deal with this, with YOU. Not now!"

She was about to turn around and leave when he grabbed her arm and spun her around.

"You HAVE to. Pam it is SO important that you listen. I need you to remember."

"The best thing is for you to leave now before Bobby sees you." She shook her head. "I'm getting married today and it's a fresh start."

Mark shuddered. "Then the explosion hit."

Christopher had taken a seat on the bed of the apartment he had previously shared with Karen. He had arrived there to find the door unlocked and Karen's things moved out. A sharp knock at the door startled him and he walked over to answer it.

"Are you Mr. Christopher Ewing?"

"Yes."

"I have something for you, from Kaitlin Ryan."

"Kaitlin? Oh. I'm not even sure if I want to see."

"I'm sure you'll change your mind once you see. My name is Frederick Lauder, Kaitlin's lawyer. I have some documents for you to look over."

Christopher took the papers from the man's outstretched hand and filed through them. "What is this?"

"Mr. Ewing, these are documents giving you control of a sizeable amount of West Star Oil stock…21% of the available body to be exact."

"What? Kaitlin owns West Star stock and she's giving it to me?"

"Yes and she sends this letter with it." Christopher took the letter from his hand.

Christopher,

I am so sorry for what I put you through with my impersonation of Kristin Sheperd. You have become a very important person in my life and I want to thank you for being there. I'm not trying to give you this gift to win back your friendship, though I hope someday we can be friends again. I want you to take this stock and keep it. With it, you'll have all the money you could ever need for Karen and yourself. Once again, I am truly sorry for the trouble I've caused you. I hope someday we'll meet again, but until then, take care of yourself.

Love always,
Kaitlin

"I'm shocked," said Christopher.

"I'm sure Mrs. Ryan would be happy if you'd sign these papers."

"Yeah…but West Star…I'd like to have my own lawyer look over these papers if you don't mind."

"That shouldn't be a problem."

"Okay, I'll give him a call now, but first, there's another phone call I need to make that's important. Do you have a second?"

"Sure."

Sue Ellen didn't know what to do with herself. She felt so empty, and so alone. She was dining by herself at the Oil Baron's. Thank God it was near empty. She couldn't handle seeing anyone she knew right now. They would learn about Dusty, in time. For right now, she just wanted to be by herself. She felt horrible about her encounter with Clayton. Was he mad at her? Sue Ellen just assured herself to give him time. Clayton just lost one of the most precious things in his life. And so did she. What was she going to do without Dusty? What did she have? Ewing Oil was not a part of her life anymore. John Ross was always there, and she loved him more than life itself, but he was grown up. He had Pamela Rebecca and little Megan. And Sue Ellen had no one. She looked toward the bar. It was fully stocked. God, it was tempting. It was so tempting and so easy, just to have a drink. She knew it would make her feel better. But she wouldn't, and she would never again. If for nothing else, then for Dusty. She owed him that. Her thoughts turned to Dusty again, and she knew that everything would be okay. In time.

"Karen, please!" Christopher pleaded to his wife over the phone, but she would not have it.

"Christopher, listen. I do not want to discuss this right now! I've cooled down a bit, but I am still really angry. Just give me some more time. I will call you soon." Karen hung up the phone. She did not know what to do, what to think. Christopher cheated on her, with that stripper. Now the stripper was pregnant! She needed some fresh air. She decided to go for a walk, and headed down to the hotel lobby. Walking into the fresh Dallas air, Karen decided to grab a bite to eat at the café down the street. She got herself a coffee and positioned herself at the stool right near the window, hoping to get some thinking done. A moment later, Eric Stone walked in.

"Karen! How are you? I was just going to visit you at your hotel." Eric looked very concerned. "I'm sorry about the incident at the Oil Baron's the other night. That must have been incredibly embarrassing."

"Hi Eric. I don't care what anyone thought, it's just WHAT was said. I can't believe Christopher! How could he do something like that to me? Sleeping with that stripper….I'd expect that out of John Ross, not Christopher. Perhaps he's more of a Ewing than I thought."

The young man sitting next to Karen lifted his head up from the newspaper at the mention of the word Ewing. He decided to do a little eavesdropping.

"Karen, you look like you could really use a friend. Let me take you out to dinner tonight and give you a shoulder to cry on. Or someone to bitch at. Whatever makes you feel better." Karen seemed to not be fully listening.

"What were you doing with that woman anyway Eric? UGH! Christopher is such a jerk! I thought he was going to be the perfect husband, but I guess I was wrong." The man sitting next to Karen was intrigued—Christopher Ewing? Her husband? This was getting better by the minute.

"Karen," Eric continued, "I'll explain everything at dinner. I'll call you later tonight, ok?"

"Alright, Eric. That would be nice." Eric gave her a smile and left. The man next to Karen got up soon afterward and prepared to leave. He and Karen locked gazes, Karen's unhappy state quite obvious in her gaze.

"Life's a bitch, huh?" He said.

With that, Todd Foster left the café, leaving Karen to think "What an interesting man!"

Janice sat at her desk, with nothing really to do but talk with Judy, J.R.'s secretary. It was while they were talking that Mumarik Akbar walked into the secretaries' area.

"Hi," said Janice, "what can I do for you?"

"I'm looking for John Ross Ewing."

"I'm sorry, he's not in right now."

"Oh? Where is he?" said Akbar in his middle-eastern accent.

Janice laughed upon flashing back to her earlier conversation with Judy, but soon straightened up when she saw Akbar's face. "He's probably at the airport or on his way right now. Going to Hawaii I believe. Did you have a meeting with him?"

"Thank you." Akbar turned and headed for the elevator.

Janice glanced down and she was hit with a thought. "Oh my God, that was Akbar. John Ross told me to direct him to J.R.'s office! I've got to get to him." Janice ran after Akbar.

The phone rang twice before Sue Ellen could pick it up. She took off her earring as she sat down on her hotel bed.

"Hello?"

"Sue Ellen, it's Clayton."

"Clayton. How are you doing?" Sue Ellen was happy to hear from him.

"Not that great, but a lot better than when we last spoke." Clayton paused a took a deep sigh. "Listen, Sue Ellen. I'm sorry that I exploded at you before. That was not right of me."

"Clayton, you do not have to apologize for anything. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"No, Sue Ellen, but thank you. I just need time. I don't know if I'll ever be able to fully come to terms with this. A father is not supposed to outlive his son." Sue Ellen thought about what she would do if she lost John Ross, of the accident that almost took him away from her. She remembered how unbearable it was.

"Sue Ellen, I've told Ellie, and she's here. Time will make things easier, but right now, I just need to deal with it in my own way. I've got Ellie, and I've got the family. There is a lot to keep me going. It will just take time."

"Clayton, please let know if there is anything I can do. I am always there for you."

"I know you are Sue Ellen, and thank you. As I said, I just need time. I'm going to sit a while with Ellie now."

"Clayton, please, if you need anything…"

"Yes, Sue Ellen, I promise I will call you. I'll talk to you soon. Goodbye."

Clayton hung up the phone, and Sue Ellen wiped a tear from her eye.

Lucy ran into John Ward's office out of breath and sat beside her Aunt. "I am very sorry I am late."

"No problem Miss Cooper, shall we begin?"

Afton spoke, not looking at Lucy. "Please, I have sat here long enough let's get this over with shall we?"

Mr. Ward began reading the will. He began with the small items, various pieces of furniture, jewelry, mostly going to Pam and Pamela Rebecca. All four women were surprised that there were even small amounts of money left to certain charities, mostly related to the oil business. Cliff also left several thousand dollars to his maid and some to the secretaries at the office, as well as his former secretary, Jackie.

"Ok ladies, now let's get to why you are here. First of all, there is something that should be brought out into the open. There was an oil company called The Clifford Group, located in Abilene. Some of you may have heard of it." Pam nodded, but the other three women just showed looks of bewilderment. "Cliff owned this company and has owned it for several years. Since 1994."

"What?" said Pam. Lucy's eyes lit up.

"Yes. He owned it, but that was about all. In late 1994, Cliff appointed me as CEO of the Clifford Group. Cliff and I were good friends, which is why he wanted me to carry out his wishes."

Pam spoke up. "But why did he keep it a secret from us? And why didn't he run it himself?"

"Well, there's reasoning behind that. Cliff wanted to keep the company away from J.R. Ewing's grasp. After years of losing to J.R., he wanted to have a respectable company, untouched by J.R. Ewing—one that he could be proud to leave to his children and family after he passed away. He knew that J.R. more than likely wouldn't bother the Clifford Group if he had no interest in it."

"The Clifford Group," said Afton, "clever. Just like Cliff to name it that too. How much is the company worth?"

"Mrs. Barnes…"

"Cooper. It's Miss Cooper," said Afton sharply.

"Yes, Miss Cooper. Cliff's company has several substantial holdings, both in Texas, as well as in the Caribbean and Asia. We'll be doing an audit to get the exact worth of the company, but I've made enough off of my position as CEO to last me for a lifetime. I admit, I'm hesitant to give it up, but Cliff and I had an agreement and contract. My duty as CEO would be over exactly one month after the reading of his will."

Pam looked thoughtful. "Wait. This makes no sense. If Cliff owned this company that he was making money off of as well, then why in the world did he continue to be a part of Ewing Oil? Why did he form NorthStar Oil with Carter McKay?"

The answer to that is simple. "First of all, it had been Cliff's lifelong dream to own Ewing Oil. Once he got it, he was not going to let go. After he sold it to Bobby, Cliff became bored. He was financially secure, with more money than he could ever use, but the boredom was taking its toll. So, when McKay approached him about forming a company, Cliff jumped at the chance. He didn't need the money—Cliff just wanted something to occupy his time."

Once again, Pam spoke. "So Cliff had a virtual gold mine in his possession, but he kept it a secret. I find it a little hard to believe that he didn't flaunt it to J.R., but if what you said was true, then Cliff was afraid to."

"Yes, now back to the will," said Ward. "Pamela Rebecca, your father has left you close to a sum of seven million dollars."

Pamela Rebecca smiled, thinking of all the things she could do with that kind of money. She tried to keep a solemn face though, after all, this was the reading of her father's will.

John Ward continued. "There is also money left for Christopher."

Pam Smiled. "Cliff loved his nephew."

"There is also one strange addition. Cliff left a sum of two million dollars to be given to any children currently not known to the court. He must have thought he another child out there somewhere. It is possible that this was meant for your child Afton, the one you lost. This condition was added a few months ago."

"I doubt it. Although it would not surprise me if there were a child out there somewhere."

"Lucy, Cliff has left you some of his personal belongings, a few paintings, jewelry and his car. He knew how you loved riding in his convertible."

Lucy smiled. "I did love that, the wind in my hair." Lucy smiled at Pam.

"And Afton, Cliff has left you the house, and all its belongings except for those previously given to another party."

"The house...and what else?"

"That is it Afton."

"The little prick! Pamela Rebecca, let's get the hell out of here." Afton rose to leave.

John Ward spoke up, stopping Afton in her tracks. "Oh there is one more thing. There are four letters here, one for each of you."

Afton turned back to John Ward. "Letters?" "Yes, as you may have noticed, Cliff did not leave his company, and holdings to anyone. These letters explain why."

Afton smiled. "The oil company, that must be mine as well, that must be worth hundreds of millions…maybe even billions."

Not quite Afton, the letters state that for a month, The Clifford Group will continue to be run by me, as I mentioned earlier. After the month ends, one of you will take over."

Pamela Rebecca stood beside her mother. "One of us?"

"Ladies, just read the letters."

. Dear Pam,

I love you so much. You were the best sister, the best family. I know you probably have no interest in running my company, but because I know you love our mother as much as I did, I wanted you to have the option. If you want it, it's yours...just say the word, but you cannot have it to sell, or give away, if you take it you must run it. Otherwise, it goes to someone else.

Cliff.

Dear Pamela Rebecca,

I left you a lot of money sweetie. I know we have not had enough time to really know each other, but I do know this. You are happy with the money I left you and really do not have any interest in my business. But...if ever that changes, you can claim a percentage. But...in order to do this you must have a son. A son named Cliff Barnes, someone you can raise to take over my company, keep my memory alive. I do sense this is not going to occur however, so enjoy your money, and think of me whenever you are shopping.

Love Dad

Lucy, my love,

I always wanted to share everything with you, even my business. I know that if you decide to take it on, you will make it continue with success. If you want it, here is what you have to do. End the feud I have had with J.R. once and for all. Lately I have lost interest, but I would like nothing more for you to stick it to him, big time, in my name, one last time. If you are able to do this, the company is yours.

Love Always Cliff.

Afton,

You don't want the company, but you do want the money, so here goes. If you want the company, you have to undo everything you have done over the past year. This boils down to three things. Taking back all the horrible things you said about me, publicly, so that the name Cliff Barnes is respected. Second, be a mother to your daughter. Put her first for once, be there for her. Thirdly, and the most difficult. Find a way to make up to Lucy for all the pain you caused her. She is a wonderful woman, and in a different lifetime, I can see the two of you as friends. I don't hold out much hope you can do these things Afton, but...good luck.

Cliff

Each of the women carefully placed their letters back in the envelopes. Pam smiled at the group. She knew, no matter what happened she could take over the company if she needed too. Pamela Rebecca was still smiling as well, she had millions, but having controlling interest in the Clifford Group would triple, maybe even quadruple that! Lucy too was smiling, wow, just taking over Cliff's company would stick it to ole J.R., but she could do better than that. Lucy Ewing was going to run her own oil company. Afton was not smiling on the inside, but she forced one to blend in with the group. She too intended to take over the company, sell it, and live off the cash, but first she had to suck it in and smile. She put her arm around her daughter, thanked John Ward, and spoke of what a wonderful man Cliff was.... just the beginning.

Ray sat back in his chair as he thought back on the past ten years. He thought about Jenna, how happy they were together. Had it all been a lie? Had she loved Bobby more than him the whole time they were married?

She had talked him into leaving his home and moving to Europe with her and her children, her and Bobby's children. Yes, she had always denied it, but Charlie was Bobby's daughter.

Ray had promised Jenna that he would never tell a soul the truth. He wondered at the time why Jenna denied Bobby and Charlie the relationship that a father and daughter should share, but he understood now. She was mentally unstable. He should have recognized it long ago. For now, Ray would honor Jenna's wishes and keep the secret.

He was thankful for one thing. J.R. and Bobby had always had the only thing that Ray ever wanted--to be accepted as a Ewing, one of Jock's sons. Sure, Jock had accepted him, Bobby had called him brother, but no one had ever thought of him as a true Ewing. But he had one thing, Lucas. He was raising Bobby's son. Bobby's son called him dad. That was comfort at least. Lucas was the only bright spot in Ray's life for a very long time. Ray knew that Lucas loved him at times when he felt no one else did.

Ray also knew that he shouldn't feel like that towards Bobby, but sometimes he just couldn't help it. He picked up the phone to call his younger brother.

"Bob, it's me. Hey, would you life to go out for a drink later and maybe talk some business? Great, see you around four then, Bye."

Ray hung up the phone and felt better. He knew that Bobby cared for him, now it was time to prove to Bobby, to Donna, to Lucas, to JR, to everyone, that he was a real Ewing and he knew damn well how to act like one, like it or not.

Several hours later, Pamela Rebecca had arrived at her apartment and began packing her things. She had told her mother of the trip, so that she would know where she was just in case anything happened that required her attention. The day was turning out very nice. She now owned seven million dollars and a trip to Hawaii was near on the horizon, as well as a future wedding to John Ross Ewing.

"Pamela Rebecca! Come on," said John Ross, glancing down at his watch. He had luggage in both hands and was struggling to carry it all. "Our flight leaves in a half-hour!"

"I'm coming, I had to pack up a few things first."

"Well if you don't hurry, we'll be swimming to Hawaii. I'll be in the car waiting."

"Okay, let's go," said Pamela Rebecca, struggling with almost as much luggage as John Ross was carrying. She smiled when she thought about how she'd soon be able to afford people to carry her luggage for her.

"Alrighty, we're on our way."

"It has not left yet?"

"No it hasn't Mr.…"

Akbar was about to give his name, but thought better of it. "Farris."

"Mr. Farris. It should depart any time now. Are you looking for a seat on the flight?"

"Is there a vacant seat?"

"Yes, I believe we have a few, but they aren't cheap."

Akbar grimaced. "I see. I will take whatever I can get. I want to be on that flight."

"Yes sir. Let's see what I can come up with."

Akbar walked over to the water fountain, bending over to take a sip. "Do not worry Esmerelda my pet. As soon as we get to Hawaii, I will let you out. We will take care of the Ewings'— he will be sorry he ever crossed me."

"What is THAT!" said Pam, walking out to the barn at Southfork, where Bobby had told her to meet him.

Bobby grinned, standing behind his wife as she saw the first gift he bought for their baby. Despite the revelation of Todd being April's son, Bobby had managed to focus on the baby.

"That is a pony, sweetheart. It's a unwritten rule that a Ewing baby has to know how to ride BEFORE it walks." He turned her around to face him, causing Pam to smile at the shine in his eyes.

"Pam, this is the most amazing gift. We're going to be having a baby!" He spun her around and caught sight of the look in Pam's eyes. "Pam?"

"What?"

"You weren't lying to me. Everything is alright with you and the baby?"

Pam nodded. "Oh yes, everything is fine honey. I was just thinking of something else."

Bobby pulled her to him and planted a kiss on her lips. "Wanna tell me Mrs. Ewing?"

Pam smiled. "It's just amazing to me that a year ago, If someone told me that I was home with you, and happy and married AND expecting a baby, I wouldn't have believed." Her eyes grew shadowed. "I couldn't have DARED to believe."

He smiled. "Well it is true. From here on out, no more sadness for you and I sweetheart."

He tightened his grip on her and Pam shut her eyes, praying that the dreams she was having were just that.

"Rockabye Pam's baby, Sweet Ewing heir
With your Aunt Katherine, your mother's life will be hell.
When the bough breaks, your cradle will fall.
Down Ewing Baby, Everything will be mine."

Katherine sang and grimaced as she read the headlines. "Fairytale Couple." "A New Baby."

"This is so absolutely perfect. A new baby at the moment you'll learn about an old baby."

The phone rang and Katherine reached for it. "So, when does their plane land?"

Katherine's china doll features suddenly contorted into a death mask as she slowly hung the phone up.

"YOU BITCH!"

Katherine reached for the china doll on the bed and threw it against the wall. Watching as it shattered into thousands of shards, Katherine resumed her song.

"Down will come Pammy, Baby Ewing and All."

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

Screen freeze on Katherine's face

Next time on Return to Southfork:

"Akbar was a member of a highly secretive terrorist group, but he was expelled after murdering one of the members. He fled, changed his name, and relocated to Saudi Arabia where he formed his oil company, but that soon went under."

"J.R.! Dusty is dead! I had to go be with him in Venice because I knew there was something terribly wrong with him!"

"Good," smiled Lauder, "It's what Kaitlin wanted for you. And I dare say that you'll be the wealthiest, maybe even the most famous twenty year old in Dallas, if not all of Texas."

"Ok, suit yourself Sue Ellen. If you're coming, then hurry up. The sooner we get there, the better."