Pam and Bobby held hands as they walked into the hospital in Paris, France. They stopped by the nurses station to get the number of Katherine's room.

One nurse answered their question and informed them that Katherine Wentworth was on the third floor, in room 303. Bobby thanked her and he and Pam took the elevator.

It stopped on the third floor, the doors slid open, and Pam and Bobby walked out into the hallway. "There it is."

"And they have her under guard," said Pam.

Bobby walked to the door and stood before the guard. "She's the patient's sister. We need to see her."

The guard nodded, not checking ID due to the fact that they weren't trying to prevent anyone from getting in, but Katherine from getting out.

Pam entered the room first. It was painted in cool blue and a stream of sunlight shone through the window and across the bed. Katherine lay on it, her eyes closed.

Pam really didn't know how she felt about Katherine at the moment. Contempt rose inside of her, but at the same time, she felt sadness and guilt for feeling the way she did.

She put her hand on Katherine's shoulder. "Katherine?"

Katherine's eyes fluttered open at the sound of her voice. She appeared startled and disoriented. "Who…who are you?"

Pam and Bobby exchanged surprised glances. "It's Pam. Your sister."

"Pam?"

"Yes."

"What am I doing here? No one will tell me what I'm doing here!"

"You're Katherine Wentworth. You were in an accident," said Pam, feeling as if she were being deceived.

"Katherine," said Bobby, "we're going to talk to the doctors, but we'll be back in a minute."

She nodded and Pam and Bobby went back outside, where Dr. LaSalle was waiting. "Mr. and Mrs. Ewing, I'm Dr. LaSalle, Katherine's doctor. I'm sorry I didn't catch you before you encountered Katherine's situation."

"She's faking it isn't she?" said Pam suddenly.

"Mrs. Ewing, you have to understand that there's no way we can be sure if Katherine has a genuine case of amnesia, but this one seems to be a real case. Why would you even think she was faking?"

"Katherine has quite a history of causing turmoil for my family," said Bobby.

"I see."

"Is she suffering from anything else besides her 'amnesia'?"

"She had a minor concussion, but that appears to be healing up just fine. Other than a few scrapes and bruises and a broken wrist, she's going to be fine."

"I want to have her transported back to Dallas," said Pam.

"But she's wanted by the Paris police," said the doctor.

"She's wanted by the Paris police because I called them. I want you to get her ready to go. I'll take care of the police."

"Very well," said Dr. LaSalle.

Pam strode forcefully out of the hospital and back to the car, with Bobby following close behind.

Ray was hopeful that this morning would be unlike the rest. For once, it seemed that Donna's campaign schedule was light. She didn't even have to be anywhere until one in the afternoon. Ray was hoping to spend the morning with her—have breakfast, take a ride, perhaps just stay in. Margaret and Lucas were both at school, so they had the whole house to themselves. Donna seemed to be looking forward to it as much as Ray, although it was difficult for her to put work out of her mind.

"Well Cowboy, what should we do? We have a whole empty house here." Donna smiled.

Ray pulled her close to him and placed his lips right near hers. "I have a few ideas." He kissed her passionately. Donna responded appropriately, and before they knew it, the two were on the couch. The sudden shriek of the doorbell knocked them back into reality.

Donna was the first to pull away. "I hope that's not something about the campaign," she muttered. Ray knew it was just his luck for it to be some reporter or aide needing a comment or signature. He followed Donna to the door. Both their jaws dropped as they saw Lucas and a police officer standing on their front porch.

"Excuse me, but are you Ray Krebbs?" The officer asked.

Ray was shocked. What happened with his son? "Yes, yes I am. What's going on here? Lucas, what's going on?" Lucas did not utter a word. He didn't even look up.

The officer continued. "Seems this young man was skipping school, and was caught by someone destroying some local property."

"What exactly was damaged?" Donna asked.

"Broke some windows, spray-painted a few walls, tore up some posters. Damage was not too extensive, but it wasn't minimal either. We caught him in the act, though. He has a JV hearing in a few weeks. The court will send you an exact summons. Until then, please keep an eye on him."

Ray thanked the officer, and told him to bill any damages to him. He took Lucas inside. "What the hell was this about Lucas? Why did you do this?!" Ray was trying to control his anger, while Donna remained silent. She felt a little bit of an outsider.

Lucas still did not look up. "I was just having some fun," he muttered quietly.

"Fun! You go to the movies for fun, not destroy property!" He was trying his hardest to control his rage, which was evident to Donna.

"Lucas," Donna spoke, "Is something wrong? Did something happen at school? This isn't like you. You know this isn't like you."

This time Lucas looked up. Directly into Donna's eyes. "How would you know that? You have no right to tell me that! You're not my mother!" He ran upstairs near tears.

Donna put her head in her hands and gave out a long sigh while sitting down. She didn't know what to do. Ever since she and Ray announced their engagement, Lucas had been acting more and more withdrawn. Angry, moody, frustrated. Margaret seemed to be fine, but then again Margaret was a lot different than Lucas. Ray paced around the room angrily.

"Ray, I think we should send him to a counselor." She said.

"Donna, he doesn't need therapy. He's never been like this before. Something's happening at school."

"I don't think that's the case Ray. Lucas has never complained about school before. I think it's our engagement."

Ray didn't seem to hear her last comment. "I must have done something." He muttered to himself.

"Ray, for God's sakes don't say that! What did you do wrong? You've been with that boy since he was born and haven't left his side once!"

Ray ignored her. "I'm such a screw-up."

Donna was starting to get frustrated. "Why do you always do this? Everything isn't always your fault! Every time something goes wrong Ray, you blame yourself!"

Ray looked right at her. "Well I must be doing something wrong Donna! My son's turning into a juvenile delinquent and I didn't even see it coming, and you're hardly around anymore because of this damn campaign!"

"Is that what this is about Ray, the campaign?"

Ray wanted to tell her everything, that he wanted her to quit the campaign, and be with him. That he felt that they were hardly together anymore. But he couldn't. He didn't want to complicate things anymore than they were already. He would deal with the campaign. He was not going to screw things up with Donna this time. "No, no. I'm sorry. I'm just frustrated I guess." He took a long breath. "Listen, I'm going to go talk to the police, and maybe Lucas's school. Maybe there's something else we can find out that will help him." Donna silently nodded, and Ray gave her a kiss on the cheek.

As he started his car, Ray prayed that Donna's foray into politics was not going to be like her other entry into the political realm, thirteen years ago. When they got divorced.

Christopher hung up the phone with his father in Paris. Apparently, Katherine had been found and he and his mother were checking it out. Christopher hoped that everything went well. He was disappointed though when Bobby declined to take ownership of his 21% of West Star stock. Christopher had wanted to sell them, but Kaitlin's provisions when she gave him the percentage had not allowed that. All he knew was that he wanted out of the oil business. It was foolish of him to rush into things. He didn't know what to do now. He thought about whom to sign over the 21% too. Todd? Sue Ellen? Lucy? Christopher trusted them both implicitly. His thought process was interrupted by his secretary buzzing him, telling him that J.R. Ewing was on the phone. Christopher, curious to know what this was about, picked it up.

"Hello?" he said.

"Well Christopher, How're you doing boy?" J.R. asked him. "It's your Uncle J.R. here."

"J.R. What's going on?" Calls from J.R. were certainly not routine.

"Well, being that you are a high level executive over at West Star, I wanted to have lunch with you. Who knows, maybe we can work on some sort of deal between West Star and Ewing Oil. After all, you are a Ewing."

Christopher felt a tinge of guilt. He really never got involved in Ewing Oil. It seemed as if everyone else had at some point: Sue Ellen, his father, Lucy, John Ross. Hell, even Uncle Cliff!

It was almost as if J.R. picked up on this guilt. "After all, you're granddaddy started this company with nothing but the shirt on his back. Now that you've got all this position at West Star, maybe you can help the family business."

Christopher felt even more guilty. He did have all this position, and he had done nothing to help Ewing Oil. J.R. was not his most favorite person in the world, but J.R. was not Ewing Oil. Lucy worked there, and his Uncle Gary had a share of it as well. His grandmother, despite all her frustrations regarding the way J.R. runs it, really cared about that company. He had in his power the opportunity to make Ewing Oil even more of a force to be reckoned with. Shouldn't he do something about that?

As J.R. talked, and Christopher was lost even more in his thoughts, an idea crossed his head. It was outlandish, but it made sense to him. What about giving J.R. the 21%? Christopher reasoned to himself that he wouldn't be selling it to J.R., just letting him control it. Kaitlin could take it away whenever she wanted, but she also made it clear that she would respect anything Christopher did with the shares. Even though she despised J.R., if certain provisions were made clear, it would be OK. If Christopher did sign them over to his uncle, he would make a legal provision that the 21% could only be used for the benefit of Ewing Oil---not a personal gain of J.R. Ewing. That way, Christopher was not helping J.R., he was helping his grandfather's legacy. Christopher thought of Megan. Even though she was living with her mother in Boston, he wanted her to be proud of Ewing Oil.

"J.R." Christopher interrupted. "Let me propose something to you…."

And as Christopher explained, and J.R. smiled, Karen Ewing, in town to visit her husband, waited outside the door. She was not happy with that she was hearing.

Ray looked at the site where Lucas had caused all the damage. The posters that he ripped were campaign posters for Donna. He had spray-painted various obscenities, and various comments against Donna. Ray didn't know what to do. Charlie was a rebellious youth, but she was a little bit older. Her issues were nothing like this. In retrospect, Charlie seemed to be going through normal adolescent adjustment. Lucas was really angry. Ray couldn't help but feel guilty. What must Lucas be thinking? Jenna dies, Ray picks up where he left off with his first wife. Ray realized that he never really got a chance to mourn Jenna. Did Lucas? Did Ray give him a chance? Ray felt overwhelmed. He decided to go to work, in hopes that it would take his mind off of his life for a little while.

Pam collapsed onto the bed of the hotel room she and Bobby had gotten. It had been an exhaustive two hours trying to convince the Paris police to allow Katherine to return to the U.S., but Pam and Bobby had managed it.

"Pam, I still don't know why you're so anxious to get Katherine back to Dallas."

"If I can watch Katherine their, then I'll know for sure if she really has amnesia. She can't fool me when she's living right under my nose."

"What do you mean?"

"Katherine is moving into Southfork with us."

"Oh God Pam, that's insane! She tried to blow up the place and killed people in the process! If she's faking, then her moving into Southfork could have deadly consequences for my family."

"Then I'll move out of Southfork and into my mother's house. No matter what, Katherine is living with me. I have to know if she really has amnesia."

"Karen, lay off!" Christopher screamed.

After hearing his arrangement to sign over his 21% to J.R., Karen stormed right in and let Christopher have it.

"How could you do this Christopher? J.R. is a snake!"

"For God sakes Karen, I'm not giving them to J.R.! They're for Ewing Oil, the family business in case you forgot!"

"Don't be so naïve. You know that J.R. will use them in whatever way benefits him. He doesn't give a crap about Ewing Oil. God, Christopher! Of all the people in the world, you had to sign it over to him! What about your father, or Todd?"

Christopher was getting tired of her lambasting. "Dad wasn't interested, and I thought about Todd. But we're talking about Ewing Oil, Karen. NOT J.R. It was my grandfather's company, and I've done nothing to help it. Now I have a chance. Because I sure as hell am not staying in this business."

"Why?" Karen retorted, "because you made a mistake? They happen! Christopher, did you even consider your aunt? You could have sold to her, but my God, J.R.!"

Sue Ellen entered Christopher's doorway with some West Star paperwork just as Karen mentioned her ex-husband's name. She gleaned enough from the conversation before being noticed to ascertain what was going on.

"Christopher, is this true? You're giving your 21% to J.R.? Why?" Sue Ellen was shocked more than anything else.

Christopher was getting extremely frustrated. "I'm going to explain this one more time, because I'm getting pretty sick of this bickering. I'm signing over my 21% of West Star to J.R. I know that he's not the most trustworthy person in the world, but there is going to be a provision in the papers that allows the 21% to only be used for Ewing Oil's gain. I'm not doing this to make anyone angry. I'm doing this for Ewing Oil. I haven't done anything for that company, and its part of the family as much as anyone else is. I want a legacy to leave my daughter." Karen grew uncomfortable at the mention of Megan, as Christopher turned to Sue Ellen. "Sue Ellen, I've also put in a provision that you are to keep your position at West Star as a member of the board despite not holding a percentage of the company. I just need to get out of this business. It's not for me. Now before either of you go screaming at me, I'm leaving. I'll see you at home." He said shortly, and stormed out of the room.

Left alone in his office, Karen gave a large sigh of frustration while Sue Ellen secretly fumed. J.R. was NOT going to get 21% of West Star Oil. That was the last thing that she needed. She swore that she was going to take Ewing Oil away from him, and that would be extremely difficult with his foot in the door at West Star. She turned to Karen. "We can't let this happen."

Karen responded, "Tell me about it. Christopher is making a huge mistake. He thinks just because he blundered one deal that he's not cut out for the oil business. He needs to give himself more time. Not give his 21% to J.R."

"When is he signing the papers?" Sue Ellen asked.

"They're being drawn up tomorrow I believe, and they are being signed the day after. I believe they are being sent over later today." A short silence filled the room as a determined gaze grew in Karen's eyes. "But that's not going to happen. They won't be signed. I'm going to shred them. I don't care. I'm not letting Christopher make this mistake." Suddenly, an idea struck in Sue Ellen's head. "Karen, I think I have what could turn out to be a wonderful idea. You're right, Christopher is making a mistake and we need to stop him. If shredding the papers is the only way to do it, then so be it. But perhaps J.R. can be educated a bit in the process as well." Sue Ellen smiled as Karen wondered what she was up too. Sue Ellen turned to her. "Don't shred them until I give you the word. I need to set something up." With that, she cryptically stormed off, leaving a curious Karen alone in Christopher's office.

Todd put out his cigarette just as he entered the door of Donna's campaign headquarters and was immediately hit by the craziness of the whole environment. People were running around, phones were ringing, papers were being organized, faxes were being sent. Through the crowd, Todd could see Donna sitting at a desk in a glass office talking on the phone. He looked to his left and saw a woman who looked to be the organizer of the whole space, and figured he should probably talk to her about getting involved in Donna's campaign. Yes, he probably should. He walked straight towards Donna's office. Might as well go to the woman herself, he thought.

Todd did not want to be there. He could personally care less about Donna's campaign. But when it got in the way with his own money, Todd started to care a great deal. And if Donna's threat to J.R. was true, then all his illegal deeds---including getting Todd April Oil and his late mother's millions---might be exposed, and he could lose everything. He had come too far for that to happen.

Donna was hanging up the phone as Todd put on his happiest face and knocked. Donna recognized him, and motioned him in. "Todd Foster, right? What a pleasant surprise."

Todd gave her a huge smile. "Wow, I'm very flattered you remember me Mrs. Krebbs."

"Sure," Donna replied. "We met at the celebratory dinner for the reconstruction of Southfork. I never forget a face." Todd gave a polite laugh. "What can I do for you?" Donna asked.

"Actually, it was what I could do for you that I was wondering." Todd replied. Donna's look of confusion prompted him to continue. "I've got to admit that I've been pretty bored lately. April Oil's not that big, and pretty much runs itself. I've been searching for something to do for the last few weeks, like some organization to volunteer for or something, but so far have had no luck. Coincidentally, I have also been following your campaign. I saw a poster asking for volunteers, so I figured that this would be the perfect thing. I mean, I'm in agreement with you on almost all your platforms. It's actually scary how much we think alike."

Donna was very flattered, but couldn't remember a poster calling for campaign volunteers. Perhaps it was something that Mavis Anderson put out. Todd chitchatted with her for a while about various political issues that were at the forefront of Donna's campaign. He knew his stuff, and did seem to feel exactly as Donna felt. She really liked Todd.

After talking for twenty-five minutes, Todd looked at his watch and said, "Oh God, I'm keeping you. I know you've got a million things to do. If there is anything you need help with, please do not hesitate to give me a call. I'd like to be of help in any way I can." He wrote down his number for her.

Before he could even set it down on her desk, Donna stopped him by placing her hand out. "Actually Todd, I could use you. Things have been crazier around here than I thought, and I do actually need someone to help me get things organized. I don't want to say personal assistant, but someone who kind of can help me get things organized and try to stay sane. I think you'd be perfect. As long as it doesn't interfere with your job at April Oil."

This is exactly what Todd wanted to hear. "Not at all. Mostly they just have me sign papers. I'd be thrilled to do this. Thank you for the offer."

They shook hands, and Donna sent Todd out on his first assignment---to the post office. She had told Todd of the unglamorous aspects of the job and he had smiled and said that what needed to get done, needed to get done.

Outside, Todd shoved the package under his arm and lit up a cigarette as he walked down the street. God, that was hell, he thought. Talking political mumbo-jumbo forever, it seemed like. Todd had done all his research the night before so he knew exactly how Donna felt on every single issue. After taking a long drag on his cigarette, Todd pulled out his cell phone and called J.R.

Out of the office, J.R.'s voice mail picked up. Todd chose not to leave his name or his cell phone number. He simply said, "I'm in."

J.R. was lunching with Michael Candela, the head of Candela Refineries, one of Alaska's largest and most prosperous refineries. Michael had surprised J.R. with his call about an hour after Christopher had called, and asked J.R. out to an early dinner. Curious, J.R. agreed.

The two men were making polite conversation when Michael finally broke the ice. "I wish this were a social call J.R., but it's not. There is some business that I would like to discuss with you. Regarding a possible deal that Candela Refineries can take up with Ewing Oil." J.R. smiled. "Go on."

"Well, as I'm sure you know, we are in search of a new oil supplier. Our contract with West Star is ending shortly, and I'm one for a little variety. We have been satisfied with West Star, but I have heard about your reputation J.R. You get things done quickly, efficiently and with a large profit margin. I'm willing to give Ewing Oil a shot at supplying our oil to refine." J.R. was wondering if this was too good to be true. "Ewing Oil is based in Dallas, Mike. We don't have Alaskan offices like West Star."

"I don't care. To let you in on a little secret, I'm thinking of opening some refineries in Mexico. Everything's cheaper there. I might actually move my whole operation there. It's awfully expensive up north. I'd like to have someone close to the border. Someone I can trust. Not a public company, if you catch my drift. Plus, I have a lot of smaller branches down here your supply can go towards."

J.R. grappled what he was getting at. He also knew that he had to snatch up this opportunity while he could. This was an extremely lucrative deal for Ewing Oil. J.R. was not going to give it up.

"How much oil would we be supplying?" he asked.

"3,000,000 barrels a day. No more, no less. We would handle transportation."

"Is that a fact?" J.R. asked. Ewing Oil could never provide that on its own. With its outstanding contracts with other refineries, it was impossible. Even with the April Oil fields that J.R. recently acquired, it was still two much. Ewing Oil could provide 1,500,000 barrels. That's it. But West Star was another story. J.R. did some quick thinking. With 21% control of West Star, which he would be in control of in less than two days, J.R. would have access to the other million and a half barrels he would need. It really wouldn't be that difficult to set up a dummy corporation that West Star could sell oil too, then have that corporation sell it to Ewing Oil for a cheap price. J.R. had done it at Ewing Oil all the time. He knew the board of directors there. They were all easily manipulated, and NONE had majority control. He could get away with it easily, and would be making a profit. J.R. could smell the money from the deal.

"Mike, you've got yourself a deal."

They shook hands on it.

Lucy Ewing beamed as she looked around her office. She was still having a hard time grasping the fact that she controlled 32.5% of the company. Her life so far had seemed so unfair. Every relationship she had been in had been a mistake, including her last one and possibly the biggest mistake of all. She thought of Cliff, but Lucy knew she would be able to make her way in the world without men. Many women had done it before and she could do it as well.

Lucy wasn't young anymore, her 34th birthday was next month and age became more important to her as her biological clock ticked away. She had never wanted nothing more than to be married and have a child. Now, marriage seemed almost non-existent in her list of wants, but she would still have done anything for a child.

Janice's voice came over the intercom, informing her that Richie Braswell was here to close the deal with Ewing Oil. Lucy jumped from her chair, telling Janice to send him in. She smiled at the man who entered. He was tall and blonde, but Lucy reminded herself that this was business, not a chance for another mistaken relationship.

"Hello Mrs. Ewing," he said, extending his hand.

"Please, call me Lucy. Mind if I call you Richie?"

"No, not at all."

"First of all, just let me say that I'm happy you chose to sell to Ewing Oil. I think you'll be very happy with my offer," said Lucy nervously.

"Yes I am. I brought the papers with me if you'd like to sign."

Lucy didn't want to sound too eager when she said yes. She took the papers from him. "My lawyer has already looked over these, but she hasn't given me a call yet," said Lucy. "If you don't mind, I'd like to check with her first."

"Of course. I'll step outside."

"Thanks," smiled Lucy.

Lucy dialed Meredith Leake, her lawyer, and got an okay for the contract for sale of Braswell Oil. Everything had checked out. She called for Janice to send Richie back in. Five minutes later, Lucy Ewing was the owner of an oil company.

Cliff looked at Afton. It would be the last time they'd spend together for a while now. Her condition was very delicate. She was paralyzed, but fully conscious. However, she couldn't speak due to damage to her vocal chords. Afton looked at him as he spoke.

"Afton, I know I've made some mistakes in the past. I shouldn't have been drunk and I shouldn't have slept with Lucy. You and I had a happy marriage until then. After that, everything just got ugly. I want you to know that I do still love you. Probably now more than ever. That's exactly why I'm sending you to Boston. You can get all the care you need to make you well again, and then we can be together. Pamela Rebecca and Megan will be there too. You won't be alone and I'll be thinking about you all the time. You'll always be in my heart Afton."

Oh Cliff. I wish I could talk. I wish I could move so I could hold you. All this time I really wanted to be with you, but Lucy stood in our way. I may have done some hateful things to you too, but I still love you.

Two orderlies came in with a wheelchair and carefully helped Afton out of bed and into the chair. "Goodbye Afton," said Cliff. "Just remember, we'll be together again someday."

Goodbye Cliff…and yes we will. We'll be together again.

Cliff wiped away a tear as she was taken out of the room. He wished she could talk to him, but now his wife and daughter were gone. What did he have left?

Lucy smiled to herself as she went over the company books with her new consultant, Neil Lancaster. He had come to her by chance when she had met him at the Oil Baron's Club the night before. Neil seemed to know everything there was to know about the oil business and he was exactly what Lucy needed.

The uncapped wells on six fields were currently producing about 500,000 barrels a day. That didn't include four other pieces of property that were still unexplored. Neil informed Lucy that she get a geologist out there immediately to take samples.

Lucy could have gotten away with offering Braswell less, but she wanted to make sure she could snag the deal. She'd make up for the overpayment in just a matter of days.

She hugged Neil ecstatically and told him they'd have to get together to celebrate some time. After he had left, she picked up the phone.

"Hi Betsy!" said Lucy.

"Hey Lucy," came the reply from her younger sister.

"What's up?"

"Nothing much. Bobby's still terrorizing the neighborhood with his driver's license and car."

Lucy laughed. "Is Dad around anywhere?"

"Yeah, he's right here. Hang on a minute."

Lucy waited until Gary picked up the phone. "Hello?"

"Daddy, it's Lucy."

"Hey Honey!"

"Guess what." Lucy didn't wait for a 'what'. "I just bought an oil company to merge with Ewing Oil! It's a good-sized one too. 500,000 barrels a day and some unexplored land to boot."

"Wow, that's great!" said Gary happily. "I knew I could count on you to take care of my shares for me. What does ole J.R. think of that?"

"I haven't told him yet, but I'll be sure to let you know when I do!" said Lucy.

"I can picture it already," he laughed.

"I hate to go so soon, but I've got like a ton of stuff to do around here. Do you know the name of a good geologist in Dallas?" she laughed.

"No, but J.R. knows a lot about the dirt. He spends so much time slithering around like a snake, he can't help but know about it."

The two shared a laugh and then said goodbye.

Lucy leaned back in her chair and folded her hands behind her head, smiling as she thought about what she had just pulled off.

Bobby watched Pam pack up the suitcase that had barely even been opened. Pam was in a hurry and he knew she wouldn't be reasoned with until her mission had been accomplished. All she had to do was pick Katherine up from the hospital and they could all be on their way back to Dallas. Once their, Bobby would return to Southfork and Pam and Katherine would go to the Wentworth Mansion.

"Pammy, please. Let's give up this crazy idea."

"No. Once and for all, I'm going to win. If Katherine is faking amnesia, then I'll turn her over to the police."

"And if she's not?"

Pam was silent, then spoke up. "If she really has amnesia…if she is sweet and kind and caring like a sister should be, then I'll do everything in my power to protect her. If she isn't faking amnesia, then she can NEVER learn the truth of who she was before."

Pam closed up the suitcase and carried it out of the hotel room.

Work on the former Cattleman's Club was progressing nicely. Ray was pleased. Despite everything that was going on with his personal life, and least he could escape here. It seemed like this was the only place he could relax. He could not wait to show Donna, and the whole world, what he did with this former strip joint. He was actually going to accomplish something.

Ray looked over at Jenna, who was helping him to move some minor furniture around. All the other workmen had left. Jenna was there first everyday, and was often the last to leave every night. She reminded Ray so much of Jenna Wade. They looked very similar, acted very similar. Same sense of humor. Same smile. Jenna was such a great support to him. He loved talking to her. It reminded him of the long conversations he used to have with his Jenna.

In the corner, Jenna was struggling with a table. Ray came over to help her. "Having some trouble with that?" he asked. He helped her move it.

"Thanks," Jenna said as she wiped away some sweat from her forehead.

They exchanged gazes. "What about your kid Jenna? You're here all the time? You must have a great babysitter."

Jenna smiled. "I do," she said. "She lives right downstairs from me. She works from home, so she watches Kayla while I'm at work. They get along great. I'm really lucky."

"I'd say I'm lucky."

"Why's that?" Jenna asked.

"Because you have been a huge help to me, Jenna. This place wouldn't be anywhere near being done if it hadn't been for you. I can never thank you enough."

Jenna was touched by his sweetness. It had been a long time since she had known a man this kind or this genuine. She was at a loss for words. Ray could see that, so he continued. "Just wanted to say that. I always feel like whatever goes on at home, I can always come here and now that I can forget about my problems for a while."

"Thank you Ray," Jenna said. "That's very kind."

"Just had to say my peace. But it's getting late, and your son needs to see his mama. I'll see you tomorrow Jenna. Will you lock up?"

"Yes Ray." She smiled at him, and their eyes locked for a moment. Just a moment. But it felt like longer. Ray left a second later.

When she saw his car pull away, Jenna walked over to the phone and quickly dialed a number. After he answered, Jenna just said. "Things are going pretty well. He told me that this is the only place that he feels like he forget about his problems. It's his escape. Just give it a little more time." She hung up a moment later. She felt bad. She liked Ray. But what had to be done had to be done.

Cliff sat in the glow of the outdoor lights of his favorite Chinese restaurant. His table was located on an outdoor terrace, overlooking Main Street and he took a bite of stir fry and thought about all the times Afton used to criticize him and his Chinese food fetish…

" It is a nice change from all of those egg rolls and won-ton soup you are so fond of."

He sipped on his drink and thought about all of the good times they had had together. His whole relationship with Lucy had been a mistake, he knew that now. Faking his death had been a mistake too.

"Is this seat reserved, or can anybody sit down?"

Cliff looked up and his eyes grew wide. "Mandy?"

"Hi Cliff. It's been a while."

"Yes it has. Of course you can sit down. Do you want anything to eat?"

"No thanks," she smiled. "Chinese food never was my forte."

"What are you doing back in town?"

"I work here now. I'm host of a new show called Dallas Dish."

"What? Dallas Dish? That was wife's show."

"You're married to Afton Cooper?"

"I was. We divorced and now she's in Boston recovering from her injury."

"Yes, I heard about that. I'm sorry to hear it, but I didn't know she was your wife! Did you two have any children?"

"Yes, we had a daughter. She lives in Boston with her mother. What about you?"

"Oh, I never married," Mandy paused, "Never had children."

"A beauty such as yourself and you never got married?"

"Nope, never found the right person."

"I see."

"Well Cliff, it was nice to talk to you but I have some things to take care of at home."

"It was good to talk to you again Mandy. Call me sometime?" "Bye."

Cliff checked his watch. It had been more than twenty-four hours since Afton had been taken away. He would need to call Mitch and let him know about her. Why hadn't he thought about that before? Mitch would also have to deal with Arliss and her situation. It would be later in Atlanta, but Mitch needed to know now. It had been put off long enough.

The next day went by fast for many of the Ewings, but for Sue Ellen and Karen, it seemed to drag on.

Karen met Sue Ellen right outside Christopher's office. She told Christopher that she was meeting Todd for dinner so he wouldn't question why he was out so late. She made a mental note to herself to call Todd and to lie and said she and he went out for dinner---Todd would go along with it. The papers had been delivered that morning and were going to be signed by J.R. and Christopher the next day. The following day, J.R. would present himself to the board as majority stockholder.

Sue Ellen used her keys to let Karen into Christopher's outer office, and then took the extra set of keys from his secretary Lenore's desk. She opened the door for Karen.

Karen looked at her, trying to ward off any guilt that she had. "This needs to be done. Christopher will thank me later." It was all she said. She walked over to Christopher's desk, found the documents, and shredded them in the nearby paper shredder. She turned off the lights, and walked out of Christopher's office. Sue Ellen was right behind her, locking the door.

"Sue Ellen, I won't tell anybody of your part in this. I need to talk to Christopher, and he's going to find out that I did it. But I'll keep you out of it."

Sue Ellen smiled in thanks.

"I'll see you at home," Karen said. "Thanks again for all your help."

Karen waved goodbye and left the office, leaving Sue Ellen standing alone. Shredding the papers bought Karen time to convince Christopher not to sign over to J.R. Karen needed to do that, for it was integral to her plan. For earlier that day, J.R. signed the contract between Ewing Oil and Candela Refineries agreeing to supply them with 3,500,000 barrels a day. Sue Ellen smiled as she thought of the wonderful favor her good friend Mike did for her. He had no intention of signing with Ewing Oil when coming to Texas. He was going to sign with West Star, just as he always did in the past. While their connection at West Star was recent, Sue Ellen had known Mike through some peripheral business dealings from back at her days at Ewing Oil. Mike knew what kind of bastard J.R. was, and was all the more willing to help her when she suggested her little plan. Mike offer him a contract---she knew that J.R. would NEVER let that pass by.

Sue Ellen knew how J.R. operated. It was one benefit to being married to him for so long. Knowing he'd have 21% of West Star soon, she knew that J.R. would sign the contract to solidify the deal, with a definite plan to use his 21% to get more oil for Ewing Oil to supply. She probably figured he'd set up a dummy corporation. But Sue Ellen gave a little laugh as she thought about what was going to happen. J.R. was not going to get 21% of West Star Oil, so he wouldn't be able to supply Candela Refineries with its needed supply in two weeks time.

Upon the first failure to supply, the deal would be revoked, and Mike would sign up with West Star, just as they'd discussed. Sue Ellen had made sure Mike put that in the contract. J.R. would be left in a financial hole. He'd have to sell off assets to get himself out of debt. And Sue Ellen would be there waiting to jump all over that.

It was imperative that Karen convince Christopher not to sign. For if she didn't, Sue Ellen's plan would be ruined. She laughed to herself as she turned off the lights to the office and walked toward the elevator.

Credits Roll

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