Sue Ellen had packed up the last of her things and the bellhop was carting it all out to the elevator. She gave the room one last checking to make sure she hadn't left anything behind and then shut the door.

"Hello, Sue Ellen."

Sue Ellen was startled as she reeled around. "J.R. Don't scare me like that."

"Sorry. I just thought I'd drop by and give you a ride back to Southfork."

"During the middle of a work-day J.R.? Surely it must be more than that."

J.R. paused. "Well, I'm going to have to take a sudden trip out of town on some business, but I've got to go back to Southfork to pack up some things."

"I'd like a ride then, if you don't mind." Sue Ellen looked at him with suspicion in her eyes. She knew he was up to something.

"Good. Just follow me. We'll be back at Southfork before you know it."

Todd knocked on the door of the hotel room. Judge Sarah O'Connor quickly opened the door, wearing nothing but a nightie. She grabbed Todd's arm and pulled him into the room before anyone could see her.

"So, you're Todd Foster?" She asked in a flirtatious manner.

Yes. And you must be Judge O'Connor." J.R. had called Todd earlier, and informed him how Sarah would be helping out "their" case. He made it clear to Todd that he would have to perform a certain "favor" for Judge O'Connor in compliance with her judicial help. Todd was not thrilled, but agreed. After all, millions upon millions of dollars were at stake. Todd would have slept with an elephant if he had to.

"Good. We know each other," Sarah pulled Todd over towards the bed. "Now let's get a little more intimate." She pushed Todd onto the bed and fell on top of him, beginning to kiss him.

God, Todd thought, she's more blunt than I am.

Paris in the summer was incredible, but not that Pam's eyes would have even noticed. She was re-reading the notes she had made when speaking with Doctor Desroche, one of the doctors Mark had hired for Alexander.

"Pam?" She turned around and found Ryanne standing in the room.

"Did you find her?"

Ryanne nodded. "Never have been this grateful for learning French as a child as I was today. I found Alexander's Nanny. Pam, she'll meet us later this afternoon in the garden des enfants at 4."

Pam looked away and began to cry, worrying Ryanne. She was reaching for her medical bag as she asked her friend worriedly "Is it the baby?"

Pam shook her head and her hand protectively went to her stomach. "Not THIS baby."

As Ryanne listened, Pam expressed her feelings. "I'm just so confused. I had and lost a child but I have no real memory of him. What do I do?" Ryanne came and sat with her on the bed. "You work through this and in time, you'll get the memories of Alexander back."

Pam smiled. "I just wish I had your optimism. When it comes to Katherine, I've had one too many lessons in watching my back."

Ryanne looked at her watch. "Pam, if we're going to meet Madame Jardine, we have to leave now."

Pam nodded and got up. As her hand ran over her stomach, she remembered something.

"You are so like your daddy. Oh, I love you so much." She brushed her lips against the baby's cheek and smiled. "You're all I've ever wanted and soon you will be all mine."

She stumbled and Ryanne came to her side. "Pam?"

Wide eyed, Pam allowed the memory to take over. "You'll be mine and so will your daddy and ..." Pam stood in the doorway. "And what Katherine?" Her sister turned around. "And nothing Pam, I was just daydreaming of having what you have. A happy life, a beautiful baby and Mark." Pam looked at her. "Just what I had with Bobby before you took it all away?"

Katherine shook her head. "Pam, I've told you that I've changed. I'm just so happy that you have it all now." She laid the baby in his crib and walked out. As she watched Pam scoop up the baby, Katherine smiled. "I'll be even more happier when you LOSE it all."

Eric's doorbell rang, and he immediately sprung up to get it. He knew it was Karen when he saw her car pull into the driveway; he assumed that this meant his plan had worked. His mother was out of town for the weekend, and he had planned to take every advantage of both the empty house and Karen's vulnerability.

"Karen!" Eric opened the door and feigned concern. "Oh, my God, what's wrong!?"

Karen could barely speak through her tears. "Christopher … he just had a test taken …" Eric led her over towards the couch. "He's the father of Carla's baby. It's true!" Karen had managed to calm her hysterics a bit, but was still crying.

"Oh, God." Eric was pretending to be shocked. "Are you sure that it's his?"

"She came over with the test results, Eric! They were all official looking!"

Eric put his arms around her, holding and rocking her. Karen leaned against his shoulder, and hugged him for support. "It's gonna be OK, Karen, it's gonna be OK …"

Eric continued to say this for a few more minutes until Karen had calmed down a bit. She had stopped crying, but was still holding onto him. In the back of her mind, her long simmering attraction to Eric was becoming more and more prominent. She had always thought he was cute, but with all his support in the face of her separation from Christopher, what a wonderful guy he was became more and more apparent.

As he continued to rock her, Eric said, "I can't believe he did that to you. What a jerk! You don't deserve that. You don't deserve that …" He kept repeating it over and over.

Karen let go of Eric and faced him. She looked directly into his eyes. He looked into hers. He moved his face closer to hers, and kissed her. She received the kiss enthusiastically. As Karen's loneliness faded, and a smile formed in Eric's mind, the two began to make love.

Ray had found out from Miss Ellie that Clayton was out at the stables, so that was his next stop. He went inside and saw Clayton grooming one of the horses. "Clayton, have you got a second?"

"Well, howdy Ray. Sure I've got a second." Clayton put down the brush and dusted his hands on his shirt.

"I don't know exactly how to put this without sounding callous," said Ray, "but I know Dusty left his ranch to you in his will."

Clayton looked down. "Yes he did. And you want to buy it?"

"Yeah, that's what I want."

"Ray, as far as I'm concerned, that ranch is yours." Clayton chuckled a bit.

"What is it Clayton?"

"You know, I was just thinking about all the people who have owned that ranch."

"I was thinking that myself. But I know if I do get it back, it's in my hands to stay."

"Then don't say anymore. That ranch is yours."

"How much?"

"Don't worry about it, Ray. I didn't pay for it. You built the place and you shouldn't have to pay for it again."

"Now, Clayton, you know I can't just take it."

"Sure you can. I don't need it."

Ray knew it was hopeless. "Well, since you won't take any money for it, maybe we can arrange another deal."

"Like what?"

"I've got a little project going on. I think you might be interested in helping. It's nothing big. I doubt that it'll even bring in much money."

"Well let's hear it."

"Don't tell anyone yet, but I bought the old Cattleman's Club building. I'm planning on reopening it."

"And that's where you were when you were late for the dinner last night?"

"Yep. I'm really excited about the whole thing. I'm planning on surprising Donna with it when I get the whole thing finished."

"That definitely sounds like an interesting business venture. And you want me to be a part of it?"

"If you want, I'd love to have you."

"I'm not even going to say I have to think about it Ray. I've been going crazy sitting around the hotel all day. Now I'm just sitting around Southfork. I'd be glad to help out."

Ray shook Clayton's hand. "All right then, partner."

"Miss Ellie, I'm worried about Ray."

"Why is that, Donna?"

"He seems so distant lately. He was late for dinner last night and he seemed kind of vague as to why."

Ellie remembered very well one time that Clayton had been like that. It had all started with a painting … "I can't say that I've noticed anything strange about him."

"I think I know what it is," said Donna. "The other day when Margaret and I came back from Washington, I found Ray asleep. He was mumbling something about Jenna. I think he feels guilty about what happened to her."

"That may be it, Donna."

"I'd hate to think that's true, but I can't think of anything else." Donna's face turned somber. "Unless he's seeing another woman."

"That's ridiculous, Donna! Ray loves you very much."

"I pray you're right."

"Donna, are you doing anything this afternoon?"

"No. Why?"

"We're having a Daughters of the Alamo luncheon at Mavis' house. I thought you might like to come along."

Donna smiled. "I'd love to."

"Wonderful. Let's go get dressed and we'll be on our way."

Pam and Ryanne walked in the park. "Are you really alright?" Pam studied faces and nodded with a distant look in her eyes. "To learn that Alexander had the same disease as my baby brother and sister tears my heart apart and reminds me that this baby could very well have it." She explained the family medical history to Ryanne, who gave her friend a hug.

Pam dried her eyes. "But for the first time since we got here, I am more at peace."

She suddenly stopped. "That's her!"

Madame Jardine stood at their approach. "Dr Hancock?"

Ryanne nodded and Pam held out her hand. "Madame, oh, it is so good to see you again."

She took in Pam's gently swelling stomach. "And expecting again. May you have every blessing."

Pam nodded. "Madame Jardine, you were my baby's nanny."

The old woman nodded. "He's a beautiful boy."

Pam's eyes widened. "What did you just say, Madame?"

From the listening device that Katherine had planted on the Nanny, she listened with a smile. "Perfect!"

Todd got back to his hotel room after his "meeting" with the Judge. He had a desire to take a long, hot shower after what turned out to be an afternoon of "extreme calisthenics," none of it, which he initiated. He threw his keys on the bureau as he checked his messages. He was surprised to hear Christopher, sounding desperate, asking Todd to call him back ASAP.

Curious, Todd picked up the phone and dialed Southfork. He asked Teresa for Christopher, who was on moments later.

"Christopher. It's Todd. I just got your message … what's wrong?"

Christopher was still very upset from this afternoon. "It's Karen. Well, actually, it's Karen and Carla. Carla took a paternity test. The baby is mine—the tests proved it. Karen saw them and took off crying. I've tried to call her a million times, but she's nowhere to be found. I'm really scared. I think this could have been the nail that sealed the coffin. I don't know if she'll be able to forgive me for this one."

Todd was sorry and all, but he didn't know exactly what this had to do with him. To him, the whole paternity test issue sounded like a load of crap. Again, too well timed. "Oh, God, Christopher. I'm so sorry. Is there anything that I can do?"

"Actually, that's why I called. Do you remember when we first met? In the hall of Karen's hotel? You said to me that you were suspicious of Eric Stone, and thought that he set me up somehow."

"Yeah?"

"Well, do you think you could get proof? I'm desperate. Anything that will help Karen come back … I can't lose her again."

Todd knew what Christopher was getting at. "Well, Christopher, to be honest it's not going to be easy. I don't have any solid evidence or anything. But I have an idea where to begin. I'd be happy to help. Eric's a louse, anyway. You and Karen belong together."

Christopher sounded relieved. "You don't know how much I appreciate this."

"Don't thank me until I get some results."

"Still. This means a lot to me … and I know to Karen, too."

"Hey, what are friends for?" Todd told Christopher he would speak with him later, and hung up. "What are friends for?" Todd mumbled to himself. 21% of West Star stock, that's what.

J.R. stood outside the large Victorian styled house, gazing up at it. He had taken the Ewing jet to Mystique Point, North Carolina to visit the first name on his list – Angelique LaValley.

She held a large portion of the Clifford Group stock, though her son in Dallas controlled it. He wanted to get to the base of the problem and that meant Ms. LaValley herself. J.R. extended his hand and rang the doorbell. Seconds later a maid opened the door.

"Well, hello," said J.R. in his Texas accent.

The maid frowned a bit. Angelique LaValley wasn't accustomed to many visitors, especially those from out of town. "Hi," said the maid, "who are you here to see?"

"Why Ms. LaValley of course. I'm J.R. Ewing."

"Is she expecting you?"

"No, she isn't expecting me, but it's important that I see her."

"I'll ask if she'll see you," said the maid, shutting the door.

J.R. waited impatiently, but was soon shown into the living room where a red-head in her 50s sat on a red velvet couch. "Well, J.R. Ewing. That name does sound familiar. Could you be one of the infamous Dallas Ewings?"

"I see you've heard of me," laughed J.R. as he took off his hat.

"Yes, my son keeps me posted on all the goings on in the oil business. Though I must say, oil never was—how should I say it—my cup of tea. Roderick, my late husband was into oil. I received his stock after his death, but never had any interest in it, so my son controls it. I was always more into my first husband's line of work."

"And what line of work was that?"

"Banking. William started out with a small bank and eventually built it up to be one of the largest national banks in the world."

"Anything I've heard of?"

"WorldBank."

"Gawd. That's impressive."

"Oh, where are my manners. Have a seat, Mr. Ewing. Ally! Where are your manners. Offer Mr. Ewing something to drink."

"Please, call me J.R."

"Ok, J.R.," smiled Angelique.

"Mr. Ewing, would you like anything to drink?" asked Ally, the maid.

"No thanks. I'm fine."

"J.R.," said Angelique in a seductive tone, "What brings you all the way to the little town of Mystique Point, North Carolina?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just doing a little investigation. How familiar are you with the owner of the Clifford Group?"

"John Ward?"

"That's what I thought," said J.R., stroking his chin. "No, John Ward is not the owner. He is just the acting CEO. The founder and majority stockholder is a longtime enemy of mine. Does the name Cliff Barnes ring any bells?"

"No, I can't say that it does."

"I'll be damned. Barnes was so paranoid he didn't let anyone know he had anything to do with the company."

"I don't understand, J.R."

"Cliff Barnes died and left some very interesting provisions in his will. Those provisions were given to my sister in law, my niece, my future daughter-in-law, and Cliff's ex-wife. One would gain control of the company after three months. However, if none of them fulfilled their provisions, the company would go to my ex-wife, Sue Ellen."

"How does this really involve me?"

"It doesn't really," said J.R. "You keep your shares anyway you slice it. I just wanted to clear up some of this ambiguity, but I think you are just as much in the dark as I am."

"Yes, it appears so," said Angelique, sipping wine.

"I think I'll be going now," said J.R.

"Oh no, don't rush off. It isn't often that I get visitors in this dreadful little town. Why don't you at least stay for dinner. I'm sure Ally can whip something up." Angelique stood and sat beside J.R. on the couch, where she ran her finger across his face.

J.R. smiled and let out a little chuckle. "Well, I'm sure my schedule can be cleared for tonight."

The lovely Lenore Lane entered the executive office suite of the West Star Oil Company. "Wow! That was a quick lunch. I'm surprised you had time to eat anything."

"Yeah, well, Jeremy has really been on edge lately. I just ran downstairs and grabbed a hot dog and diet Pepsi out front. Thanks for covering for me, Margo."

"Anytime, Lenore, anytime. What's been bothering Jeremy, anyway?"

"I really don't know. But he has been very aggravated lately. I know it can't be the price of oil. The price at the pump is going up everyday, and we should be making more money than ever."

"I know what you mean about prices. If they continue to rise, I'm going to ask for a raise!"

"Maybe he's worried about the ARCO/BP Amoco Merger. I read that Texaco and Chevron may be the next companies to be--" Lenore was cut off in mid sentence by the ringing of the telephone.

Margo said "goodbye" as Lenore reached to pick up the ringing telephone.

"Good afternoon, West Star Oil, Jeremy Wendell's office. How may I help you?"

"Good afternoon. Jeremy Wendell please, this is Christopher Ewing."

"I am sorry Mr. Ewing, but Mr. Wendell is not taking calls at this time. May I take a message, please?"

"I am sure Mr. Wendell will want to speak with me. Please put him on the line."

"Just one moment. Please hold, sir."

The buzz of the intercom in Jeremy Wendell's private office interrupted his thoughts.

"Lenore, I thought I told you I was not to be disturbed."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Wendell, but there is a Mr. Christopher Ewing on the phone and he said he was sure you would want to talk to him." She said demurely.

"That's Ok, Lenore. I'm sorry for snapping at you like that. Please give me a few seconds and then put him through."

"Yes, Mr. Wendell."

Lenore waited about a minute, then went back to the phone and said, "Just a moment, Mr. Ewing, and I'll put you through to Mr. Wendell"

"Thank you," said Christopher politely.

The next thing Christopher Ewing heard was the voice of Jeremy Wendell on the other end of the line. "What can I do for you today, Ewing?"

"I assume you have had the opportunity to verify the documents I left you on my last visit, Jeremy?"

"And your point is, Ewing? I have a business to run, you know. I don't have time for your games right now."

"I'm coming over to West Star to meet you tomorrow morning, Wendell."

"My secretary could have made an appointment for you, Ewing." Jeremy said with anger growing in his voice.

"I just wanted to be sure you were there." Christopher responded.

"I am not going anywhere, Ewing. Don't you forget that, ya hear?"

Well, we'll see about that tomorrow, then, won't we, Wendell?"

"Is there anything else, Ewing?"

"No, that will be all until tomorrow. I'll see you around 10:00 in your office."

"Fine" said Jeremy as he hung up the phone. Jeremy Wendell leaned back in his chair, thinking to himself, What is this kid up to?

"Pam, I'm coming there. I don't like this." Bobby put his pen down and listened to his wife. "I know Ryanne is there with you, sweetheart. That's the only reason I let you go in the first place. But now your telling me that the Nanny says Alexander's alive and expect me not to worry about my pregnant wife?" He shook his head. "Pammy, I'm sorry but I can't DO that."

Pam cursed herself for telling him any of this. "Bobby, you can't do anything. I have to go now. Ryanne and I are going back to talk to Alexander's doctor. I need to know if this was an accident, if it was the family disease or if my son's alive."

Bobby shut his eyes. "Pam, I am coming. This child is my step-child and I want to be with you. No matter how it turns out."

"Bobby, please! Just give me one more to sort all this out! Then, you can come over here and bring the entire Texas militia if you want to," Pam pleaded.

Bobby sighed a frustrated sigh and reluctantly agreed.

Miss Ellie and Donna were shown around back where the rest of the women had gathered. "Hello, Ellie! I see you've brought a guest."

"Hi, Mavis. Yes, you remember Donna."

"Of course. Hello, Donna, I'm so glad you could come today."

"Miss Ellie invited me and I was intrigued, so I came along."

"Here, have some refreshments," said Mavis, handing over a tray.

"Oh, Dear. Is that Mary Anne Teasdale?" said Ellie.

"Yes," said Mavis. "I don't care for her too much either."

"Don't care for her?" Ellie laughed. "I can't stand the woman."

Donna looked on with amusement as the two women talked about Mary Anne Teasdale.

"And you won't believe what she's doing. She is running for mayor of Dallas! Imagine that. Mayor Mary Anne Teasdale."

"You're kidding me. Mary Anne is running for mayor? We would all be doomed if she won." Ellie rolled her eyes as Mary Anne walked up to her, wearing her gloves and flowered hat.

"Ellie, good to see you again." Mary Anne wrinkled up her nose as she looked at Ellie's dress. "Ellie, you do need to let me take you shopping some time."

"Well, let's go join the others, shall we?" said Mavis.

"Not yet, Mavis, dear. I'm just getting reacquainted with Ellie. It's been so long since she's been to the meetings. Ellie, I hear your little house got blown up. That is dreadful. Why is it that your family always attracts the psychotic type? How is dear little J.R. doing? What about Ewing Oil? Bobby? I hear Pam came back. Is Sue Ellen still living at the ranch?"

Ellie had almost had enough of this old bag. "Yes, Mavis. Let's go join the others."

Donna stood with amazement. She was beginning to dislike this Mary Anne Teasdale as well. She definitely wasn't the type that Donna would want as mayor of Dallas.

"I'll come with you," said Mary Anne, adjusting her hat. "Ellie and I have so much catching up to do. Is little John Ross still being pulled apart by his parents?"

"Little John Ross hasn't been little for some time, Mary Anne," said Ellie, trying to remain friendly.

"I don't know why it is that your family never could get along, Ellie. We Teasdales were always so peaceful."

"Mary Anne, that's enough."

"Nonsense, Ellie," chattered Mary Anne. "I hear that Ewing Oil isn't the company that it used to be. Poor Jock. He must be turning over wherever he is …"

Ellie turned to Mary Anne and Mary Anne let out a shrill scream as she felt the cold, red punch splash across her face. "I am sure Jock is quite proud of J.R."

Mavis and Donna both began to giggle, but tried to hide it. Mary Anne was in shock. Red punch dripped down the front of her dress. The two women followed Ellie over to the seating area.

"Ooh, that woman really makes me mad," said Ellie. "If I knew the first thing about politics, I'd run for mayor just to keep her from winning!"

"Well, Ellie," laughed Mavis. "You're right. A woman like her does not need power. I'd run myself, but I'm like you. I'm not an experienced politician. I know quite a bit from being head of Daughters of the Alamo, but I wouldn't want all the pressure on me. But, on the other hand, what if we knew someone who was …"

The two older women both looked at Donna and the same idea popped into their heads at exactly the same time. "Oh, no. You're not suggesting I do it, are you?"

"Donna!" said Ellie. "You spent a lot of time as a lobbyist in Washington. You have more experience in your little finger than Mary Anne has in her whole body. You'd be the perfect candidate."

"That's right!" said Mavis. "And think how proud Ray would be if you were to become mayor."

Donna knew that Ray wouldn't be proud. They had had disagreements over her success before. "I don't know."

"It's the perfect thing for you to do, Donna. Defeating Mary Anne Teasdale is just an added bonus," said Mavis. "I even know someone who would make a wonderful campaign manager for you!"

"Who?" said Donna.

"Me!" said Mavis Anderson.

"I still don't know," said Donna. She definitely wanted to do it, but the timing didn't seem right.

"I think you'd be the perfect candidate," said Ellie.

Mary Anne Teasdale walked over to Ellie, wiping her face with a napkin. "Ellie! How dreadful of you! You're going to pay for this." Mary Anne stormed off.

With a smile, Donna spoke. "If I'm going to get any campaigning done, then we'd better get started. We've got a lot of work to do."

Ellie and Mavis smiled. "Then let's begin."

Karen was still sleeping, so Eric crept into the other room to make his call. He quickly dialed Carla's number, and she picked up immediately.

"Hello?" She said?

"Carla. It's Eric. Everything went right to plan. You did an excellent job."

"Thanks. It was kinda fun, actually."

"Well, whatever excites you. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that the plan went superbly … Karen is sleeping in my bed right now."

"Whoa," Carla was shocked. "Fast mover."

"That's the way the game is played."

"So what do we do now?" Carla asked.

"WE don't do anything. I get closer to Karen; you sit back and shut up. And follow my orders."

"Jeez, you don't have to be such a jerk."

"I'm not being a jerk, I'm just being direct. You'll continue to get your checks for your silence. But just lay low. Don't make any more contact with Christopher unless I instruct you to do so."

"Listen, Eric, you've got a really obnoxious attitude. I'm not some kind of employee of yours."

"You take money to perform tasks for me. Hmmm … there are some other 'tasks' that I might like you to perform. For money, of course." Eric gave an obnoxious little laugh.

Carla was fuming. "I'm no whore!"

Eric was in a lighthearted mood. He decided to rip into her a little more. "No, you're just a stripper. You show the world your privates for twenty bucks. Of COURSE, that makes you an upstanding citizen of moral character. Now, I don't have time for this. I'll call you later."

Carla almost started to cry, but she needed to say something. "Eric, we really need to talk about the baby."

"What baby? It's Christopher's remember? The tests say so. Milk the Ewings for money, not me. We'll speak soon." Eric hung up.

Meanwhile, having just awoken, Karen Ewing felt like she had made one of the biggest mistakes of her life.

Todd walked into the bar and saw Carla sitting on a barstool, nursing a drink and looking genuinely depressed. After Christopher had called him, he had learned Carla's address from information and followed her here. He decided that Carla would be the best route in getting any answers about Eric.

Carla ordered another drink. Eric's rude treatment of her had made her feel like trash. She felt like she needed to prove to herself; that she was better than that. She was too depressed to be cooped up all night, anyway. She needed to go out.

Todd approached her. "That drink can't be good for the baby. Let me buy you a more suitable one." He took the drink away from her and ordered a club soda. He ordered himself a rum and coke.

"How did you know I was pregnant?" This man fascinated Carla. He was very handsome and very charming. And he was talking to her!

"How did you know I was pregnant?"

"You're a beautiful woman, but you are showing." Todd smiled at her, hoping it would project an interest in her. Feigned, of course.

Carla was flattered. She didn't think anyone found her attractive in her current state. "What's your name?" She asked.

"Troy … Troy Stevens." No reason to tell the truth, Todd thought. "And yours?"

"Carla Thornton." She stuck out her hand, and Todd shook it. "It's nice to meet you, Troy. Are you from Dallas?"

"No, actually, I'm from out of state. A distant relative of mine died and I'm in town for the week for the funeral and for the settlement of affairs."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"It's OK," Todd lied. "We were never really close. Plus, look at the benefits. I've met you."

Carla was really starting to like this guy. Todd made idle chit chat with her for the next half-hour, flirting with her outrageously the whole time. Carla flirted back. Things were going just as Todd wanted when he decided to broach the subject of the baby's paternity.

"So," he asked, "Are you hitched? I mean, I don't see a ring on your finger."

"Nope. Not married. Don't have a boyfriend either."

"What about the baby's father? If you don't mind my asking."

"He's a royal class A jerk, to put it nicely."

Todd was excited. This was good. He hoped Carla would continue. She seemed to be in a self-pitying mood, and that always contributes to spilling one's guts. He tried to goad her into telling more.

"What did he do? Please tell me he didn't abandon you, because if so, he's not only a jerk, but a fool, too."

"No, he's around. He's using me, though. He doesn't even want to take responsibility for the baby. He's paying me to say it's someone else's."

Whoa, Todd thought. Is Eric the father? Christopher was obviously the "someone else", so it would only make sense if Eric WAS the real dad. Plus, he was a royal class A jerk. Todd stealthily checked his pocket to make sure his tape recorder was getting everything. It was running smoothly. Still, he needed names. What he had so far was good, but he really needed solid proof if he was going to get Christopher off the hook, as well as achieve the second goal that he had in mind.

Todd tried to push Carla to talk more about the baby's true father, but she didn't. "He's too depressing. He gives me cramps," she said.

Todd looked at Carla again. The way she was looking at him, it was very clear: she wanted him. He thought for a moment. He needed her to talk more about Eric, or the baby's father. He could really use some time in her apartment to snoop around.

"Well, this place is depressing," Todd said. "Why don't we go back to yours?"

As everyone finished up their dinner and were about to scatter throughout the house for the evening, Christopher said, "Dad, Aunt Sue Ellen, can I speak to the two of you privately?"

"Sure, son" responded Bobby.

"I'm free, Christopher. Let's go into the study," said Sue Ellen.

When everyone was seated in the study, Bobby asked, "What is it son? Is everything OK? You sound serious."

"Well, Dad, Aunt Sue Ellen, you know that Kaitlin Ryan gave me the West Star stock." Christopher continued, "Well, I've been thinking about that stock a lot lately and I was not sure what to do with it."

"Well, Christopher, I trust your judgement. I'm sure you'll do what's best. You are a very intelligent young man," said Sue Ellen.

"What do you want to do with it, son? You know I'll support whatever you decide."

"Well, Dad, Aunt Sue Ellen, at first I was kind of torn between the family and West Star. I'm sure you both realize that I would never do anything to hurt the family."

"Of course we do, son. But this really has nothing to do with the family."

"I realize that," said Christopher. "Uncle JR, John Ross and Lucy now run Ewing Oil. Dad, you run NorthStar Oil." Christopher paused, "but it wasn't that long ago that you and Aunt Sue Ellen ran Ewing Oil together."

Christopher paused again. Bobby and Sue Ellen looked at each other, neither knowing what would come next.

"Well, since Kaitlin is Aunt Sue Ellen's sister, and you both ran a large oil company together, and since I don't have enough experience to run a company the size of West Star, especially with the turmoil in the industry right now, what I decided kind of involves the both of you, hopefully. I was hoping that you both would help me run West Star Oil."

Bobby and Sue Ellen looked at each other, the shock evident on both of their faces. Sue Ellen was the first to speak. "I can understand Bobby, but why me?" Sue Ellen asked, still in the state of shock.

Before Christopher could respond, Bobby said, "Well, lets think here for a minute … you did a good job with Ewing Oil as I recall, Sue Ellen."

"Yes we did, didn't we? But that seems like it was a long, long time ago," Sue Ellen said as a smile came to her face.

"But son are you sure this is what you want to do?

"Yes, dad, I'm sure. That is, if you two will help me with it."

Bobby and Sue Ellen looked at each other for what seemed like an eternity to Christopher. Finally, Bobby spoke.

"Well, son, I said that I would support whatever you decided to do."

"And I said I would trust your judgement" chimed in Sue Ellen.

"So, it looks like we're in the oil business together then.

"I guess we are, son."

"Me, too," said Sue Ellen, almost giddy. "Great! I was hoping you would both agree," said Christopher. "Oh yeah, there is one more thing," said Christopher.

"What's that?" said Bobby

"Well, I made an appointment with Jeremy Wendell for tomorrow morning at 10:00 in his office."

"You were that confident that we would agree?" Bobby asked.

"No, not at all, but I was hoping you would both agree. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't."

Bobby, Christopher and Sue Ellen all shook hands.

"To West Star Oil," they said in unison.

"Well if we're going to be at West Star in the morning, I better get to bed; it's getting late." Sue Ellen said.

Bobby said, "We all better get to bed. We have a big day in front of us tomorrow."

As the three Ewing's prepared to leave the study, Christopher turned to his father and Sue Ellen and said, "Thanks you, guys. I wouldn't be able to do this without the two of you."

"And your family all lives in one house, too," said Angelique, putting down her fork.

"Yep. It's been that way for as long as I can remember," said J.R. "We Ewings are a close bunch—most of the time, anyway. Where is all of your family?"

"They're all out for the night," smiled Angelique.

"Oh, really," said J.R. with a grin. J.R. knew that if he played his cards just right, he might end up with Angelique's percentage of the Clifford Group. It wasn't much, but it was a start. And right now J.R. was playing with a deck full of high cards. With a seductive smile, Angelique stood and walked over to J.R. where she took his hands in hers.

J.R. followed the red-head upstairs and they shut the door behind them as they entered Angelique's bedroom.

Todd quietly crept out of bed. Carla was sound asleep next to him. Once they had gotten back to her place, he had managed to seduce her in a matter of minutes.

He knew that now was his best opportunity to do some snooping for more evidence to implicate Eric. Based on Carla's earlier words, it looked as if Eric was paying Carla to pretend the baby was Christopher's. This would seem to indicate that he somehow doctored the paternity tests. But how? Todd's conviction grew as he thought about seeing Carla and Eric whispering to each other in the mall, and about Karen recalling how Eric just happened to run into Christopher and Karen with Carla at a restaurant.

Todd snuck out into the living room and started to snoop around some. He looked in drawers, underneath cushions and through the file cabinet that Carla had in the corner. Nothing there, but bills for electricity, tax returns and forms for a car loan. Todd kept searching, but came up with nothing. Then he looked at Carla's answering machine. The number of messages on the machine was astounding … 30! Did she ever erase her messages? He decided to give that a try and press play, making sure to turn the volume down beforehand.

After about seventeen messages full of nothing, Todd struck gold. It was Eric. The message was from a few days earlier. Todd placed his ear next to the machine to make sure to catch every word.

"Carla," the machine droned, "It's Eric. Everything at the hospital went fine. You want to pick up the results from a Doctor Hargrove. H-A-R-G-R-O-V-E. I've talked to him, and he had Christopher listed as the father. When you get this message, go the hospital immediately and pick up the results. Then take them to Southfork. Christopher and Karen are spending the day together there … she called me earlier and told me. I want to make sure that she is there when you show Christopher the test results. Erase this when you get it. We'll talk soon."

Well, Todd thought, very interesting. He thanked God that Carla didn't erase the message. This was perfect. Combined with his earlier recording of Carla at the bar, Todd had more than enough evidence to prove that Eric set Christopher and Karen up. He took the tape out, and replaced it with a blank one that was lying next to the machine. Then he went back to Carla's room, put on his clothes, and left.

"Mark what are you doing here?" Pam stepped away from the door, allowing him to walk in.

Mark shrugged his shoulders. "Doesn't matter how I got here. Alexander was OUR child and is OUR responsibility. You and I brought him into the world and we'll figure this out, together."

Pam shook her head. "Ok, if you feel that way, then you can start by explaining to me properly just how you would LET Katherine stay with our son, knowing that she hated me. He died with neither one of his parents with him!"

She turned around and picked up the photo of the nanny. "And you can also explain just why it is that his nanny is convinced that he's still ALIVE!" Elsewhere:

Katherine approached the elderly woman with a smile. "Bonjour, Madame."

The old woman turned around, in anticipation. "Where's the money you promised me?"

With a grin, Katherine reached into her pocket. "Oh, you'll get all that you deserved and more."

The silencer covered the gunshot and the splash of blood was drowned out by the clock tolling the hour.

"MOTHER!" said Afton as she ran over to the woman standing in the doorway. "Where have you been? I've been worried sick!"

"What? Afton, you must be going crazy. I've been here in this house all week! I just went out to get a bag of groceries," said Arliss, looking down at the paper bag in her hand. She sat it down on the table and walked into the living room, leaving Afton baffled.

"Damn it, Mother! This has gone on long enough. What is with you?"

"Please, Afton, dear. Don't scream at me like that."

"I didn't want to do this, but now it looks like it's the only choice," said Afton, almost hysterical. She grabbed the phone book and picked up the phone. She let out a scream as Arliss lunged for her. Afton easily ducked out of the way and ran into her bedroom where she slammed the door. A memory suddenly hit her …

Cliff took the beer can he was holding and hurled it at Afton, missing her by several yards in his drunken state. He came after her, wielding his fist and Afton ran into the bedroom. She slammed the door shut behind her and locked it. Cliff began to ram the flimsy door and Afton ran to the dresser, opened the top drawer, and pulled out a small handgun. "Oh, God, please don't make me have to use this."

The door suddenly burst forth with Cliff and he fell onto the carpeted floor. For a while Afton thought that he had passed out and she was flooded with an incredible sense of relief. Seconds later, Cliff got up. "You're gonna regret this Afton."

Cliff rushed her and before she knew what was happening, he was upon her. The two struggled and Afton was hit by Cliff. She managed to pull herself free of his grasp. Tears falling from her eyes, she aimed the gun at Cliff. The whole room seemed to spin around her and suddenly she could no longer hear Cliff's voice. Afton pulled the trigger three times and the whole room disappeared as she fell into a world of blackness.

The sound of Arliss beating on the door jolted Afton out of her flashback and she picked up the phone, dialing 911 as she put it to her ear.

"911. What is your emergency?"

"Please," said Afton hysterically. "Send someone quick!" The exhaustion of the past few months finally took its toll and Afton collapsed as the room went black. She dreamed of Cliff and was impervious to the sounds of the insane Arliss Cooper beating at the flimsy bedroom door.

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